For they stood all girt for the journey, seeing all things ready to hand
Had they, their horses, their raiment: so rode they forth of the land.
On to the goal they hasted whereunto their hearts were bent.
Strong escort on that wayfaring to guard them the King had sent.
So it was, on the twelfth day’s dawning they came to the Niblung land,
To the fencèd city, whither they were sent by the King’s command.
Afar on the marches of Norway that hero-thane found they:
And by this were steed and rider forwearied with all the way.
Unto Siegfried and unto Kriemhild were tidings borne with speed
That knights were come to their castle arrayed in suchlike weed