cloak that hight _Tarnkappe_. Then was Siegfried, the terrible man,
master of the hoard. They that had dared the combat lay slain; and he
bade carry the treasure back whence the Nibelungs had brought it forth;
and he made Albric the keeper thereof, after that he had sworn an oath to
serve him as his man, and to do all that he commanded him."

"These are his deeds," said Hagen; "bolder knight there never was. Yet
more I might tell of him. With his hand he slew a dragon, and bathed him
in its blood, that his skin is as horn, and no weapon can cut him, as
hath been proven on him ofttimes."

"Let us welcome the young lord, that we come not in his hate. So fair is
he of his body that one may not look unfriendly thereon; with his
strength he hath done great deeds."

Then spake the great king, "Belike thou sayest sooth. Knightly he
standeth there as for the onset - he and his warriors with him. We will
go down to him and greet him."

"Thou mayest do that with honour," answered Hagen; "for he is of high
birth, even a great king's son. By Christ, there is somewhat in his
bearing that showeth he hath ridden hither on no slight matter."

The king of the land said, "He is right welcome, for I perceive that he
is brave and noble, the which shall profit him in Burgundy."

Gunther went out to Siegfried. The king and his men gave the strangers
courteous welcome, and the valiant man bowed before them because they
greeted him so fair.