Leave had they 'fore the monarch's / presence to appear,
There to give themselves out / for men of Luedeger,
Him erstwhile was conquered / by Siegfried's doughty hand
And brought a royal hostage / bound unto King Gunther's land.
The messengers he greeted / and to seat them gave command.
Then spake one amongst them: / "Allow that yet we stand
Until we tell the tidings / that to thee are sent.
Know thou that warriors many / on thee to wreak their hate are bent.
"Defiance bids thee Luedegast / and eke Luedeger
Who at thy hands full sorely / erstwhile aggrievéd were:
In this thy land with hostile / host they'll soon appear."
To rage begin the monarch / when such tidings he did hear.
Those who did act thus falsely / they bade to lodge the while.
How himself might Siegfried / guard against such guile
As there they planned against him, / he or ever one?
Unto themselves 'twas sorrow / great anon that e'er 'twas done.
With his friends the monarch / secret counsel sought.
Hagen of Tronje / let him tarry not.
Of the king's men yet were many / who fain would peace restore:
But nowise would Hagen / his dark purpose e'er give o'er.