Soon the midday feast was ready, and the men sat down to eat. Some of the game they had caught that morning was roasted and placed before them, and they ate almost greedily, for the sport had given them sufficient excuse for hunger. Presently Gunther said:—
“Is there no wine to accompany our meat? To eat without drinking is but a poor way to feast.”
The attendant to whom he spoke answered,—
“There was no wine provided, my lord.”
“How is that?” demanded the king, angrily.
“It was Prince Hagen’s command,” replied the servant, humbly, and at this Hagen interposed, saying:—
“Why should the king ask for wine when not a hundred rods away is a beautiful stream more clear and sparkling than the finest wine? Let us go there and quench our thirst.”
“Very well,” said Gunther; “and for my part, I am satisfied with the drink you offer. It remains for my guest to declare himself content.”
At this Siegfried rose and exclaimed eagerly:—
“If that fear weighs upon you, let me prove how little you should cherish it. I will go first to the stream, and come and tell you how pure and sweet is its water.”