Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/103

IV.]

These warriors’ names I’ll tell you: the first was Lud’ger hight,

Out of the Saxon country, a rich king of great might;

And Ludegast came with him, who was of Denmark king ;—

These twain brought many with them, a princely following.

To Gunther’s land the heralds their ready steps had bent,

Whom those kings, his opponents, had with their message sent.

The unknown men were questioned as to the news they brought,

And, summoned by King Gunther, the royal presence sought.

The king did greet them fairly; “Be welcome here,” quoth he,

“Though who hath sent you hither is yet unknown to me:

That must I hear now of you,” declared the monarch good.

Exceedingly they fearéd King Gunther's angry mood.

“If thou, O king, allowest, the message we’ll reveal

Which we are sent to bring thee, and nothing will conceal,

We’ll name to you the masters who’ve sent us to this strand:

Lud’gast and Lud’ger, namely, who would invade your land.

“Ye have incurred their anger, nor shun we here to state

That both our masters harbour for you the greatest hate.

They mean to come with armies to Worms upon the Rhine:

And many warriors aid them;— so warn we thee and thine.

“Within twelve weeks their journey must here accomplished be,

If you’ve good friends to help you, you’ll seek them speedily

To guard your land and castles, and fight in battlefield.

By them will bere be cloven full many a helm and shield.