But spake of them one, and answered: “Lord King, let us stand on our feet
Till we tell out all the tidings wherewith we be sent unto thee.
Of many children of women be ye holden in enmity.
King Lüdegast bids thee defiance, and with him King Lüdeger,
Because at thine hands aforetime despitefully used they were.
They will ride now into thy kingdom with a host for battle arrayed.”
Great semblance of indignation at their message Gunther made.
Then lodged they those feigned heralds, as who would take counsel awhile.
How might it be that Siegfried should beware of such deep guile—
He, yea, or any other, when the snare for his feet was cast?