Then were the knights of Daneland shame-stricken and bitter-souled,
When the tale how their king was a captive that day in their ears was told.
And they bare to his brother the tidings, and the storm of his wrath outbrake
In madness of fury and anguish for his captive brother’s sake.
Now by this had the king of the Danefolk been led from the field of fight
Back to the host of Gunther by Siegfried’s resistless might;
And to Hagen’s hand did he give him: glad were his friends for the word
That the King of the land of Denmark was the spoil of Siegfried’s sword!
Then they cried through the host, “To the spear-staves bind ye the banners on!”
“Forward!” rang Siegfried’s war-cry: “great deeds this day shall be done