So they gave those war-denouncers for dwellings their city’s best,
How hateful they were soever, for such was the knightly hest
Of Gunther the noble-hearted—since thus fair honour bade—
Till the friends should be known who would fail not to bring their battle-aid.
Now the King in his heart was bearing a burden of sorrow and fear;
Then the hero, the swift war-helper, beheld him heavy of cheer,
And he marvelled thereat, for he knew not why he went ’neath a load of care.
And he spake, and he prayed King Gunther the cause thereof to declare.
“Exceeding sorely I marvel,” the hero Siegfried said,
“Wherefore thine olden joyance this day is utterly fled,