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“Or, if ye will treat with them, so make your offer: then

They will not bring upon you their hosts of arméd men,

All bitter foes unto you, to work you grievous woe,

Destroying your fair knighthood with many a deadly blow.”

“ Now tarry here a little,” replied the monarch good,

“Until I have bethought me,— then shall ye learn my mood.

If I have faithful subjects I must not hide this thing;

This grievous errand must I unto my lieges bring.”

Rich as he was, to Gunther it was a trouble sore;

Within his heart the matter he pondered o’er and o'er.

He sent in quest of Hagen, and others of his men,

And bade them from the palace to fetch King Germot then.

His worthiest came unto him, all that were found to hand.

He spake: “The foeman cometh here into this our land,

Bringing a mighty army; to work you all much woe.”

To which the bold knight Gernot made answer: “Nay, not so,

“Our good swords shall defend us!” undaunted Gernot said;

‘“None but the doomed die, ever,— and they’re as good as dead!

For fear of death, I’ll never forget mine honour dear.

Let the foe come, and welcome! they’ll find us ready here!

Then Hagen spake, of Tronjé: “The thing doth bode no good;

Lud’gast and Lud’ger both are too arrogant of mood.

The time’s too short to gather, and furnish all our men;

Ye must advise with Siegfried.” Thus spake the bold Hagen.