The king about went whisp'ring with the friends he loved the best.
Hagan, the knight of Trony, never let him rest.
Many of the king's companions to stop the treason tried,
But Hagan from his counsel not once would turn aside.
VII
One day it fell that Siegfried close whisp'ring found the band,
When thus began to ask them the Knight of Netherland,
"Why creep the king and chieftains so sorrowful along?
I'll help you to revenge it, if you have suffer'd wrong."
VIII
"Good cause have I for sorrow," Gunther straight replied,
"Ludegast and Ludeger both have me defied.
With open force they threaten to ravage all my land."
Then spake the dauntless champion, "Their pride shall Siegfried's hand,
IX
"Both to your boot and honor, bring lower, and once more
I'll do unto those boasters e'en as I did before.
Ere I end, o'er castles, o'er lands, o'er all I'll spread
Wide waste and desolation, or fortfeit else my head.
X
"Do you and your good warriors sit by the chimney side;
With my knights here about me thither let me ride.
How willingly I serve you, my acts and deeds shall show,
And every one shall feel it who boasts himself your foe."