“Yea, I will follow thy counsel,” answered the King straightway.
Then sent he all through his kingdom to summon his array.
Soon brought they back with them heroes three thousand, yea, haply more.
Little they thought of the death-snare, of the evil days in store!
So onward they rode high-hearted through King Gunther’s land.
Horses to all and raiment were given by the King’s command
Which were ready to fare with the princes forth to the land of the Huns.
Eager he found for the journey full many valiant ones.
Then at the bidding of Hagen Dankwart his brother rode
With fourscore knights of their war-band unto where Rhine-river flowed.