Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/229

XV.]

The king with his advisers were whispering without cease;

Nor would Hagen of Tronjé e’er let him be at peace.

Though many a lord would gladly have given up the plot,

Yet Hagen from his counsel would never swerve a jot.

One day it chanced that Siegfried came on this scheming band;—

And straight began to ask them the Lord of Netherland:

“Why goes the king so sadly, thus brooding with his men?

Hath any done him mischief, I’ll help avenge it then.”

Then up and spake King Gunther: “Cause have I sad to be!

For Ludegast and Lud’ger have straightly challenged me:

The eyes of all shall see them here riding in my land.”

Then cried the gallant hero: “Right soon shall Siegfried’s hand,

“As doth beseem your honour, this business undertake

To break these warriors’ power, as it erewhile I brake:

Their strongholds shall be ruin’d, their land be ravagéd,

Ere I with them have ended: thereon I stake my head!

You may with all your warriors at home stay quietly,

And let me ride to battle with those who came with me.

That willingly I serve you, you very soon shall know:

Your foes by me shall suffer as ne’er before, I trow.”

“This is to me good hearing,” the king in answer said,—

As if he were in earnest well-pleased to have his aid.

Before the knight low bow’d he,— the false and faithless knave!

Then said the noble Siegfried: “No care you need to have!”