merrily with their knights.


Ninth Adventure
How Siegfried Was Sent to Worms

When they had journeyed full nine days, Hagen of Trony said, "Hearken to
my word. We have delayed too long to send the news to Worms on the
Rhine. The envoys should have been in Burgundy or now."

King Gunther answered, "Thou sayest sooth. And none were better for this
business than thyself, friend Hagen. Ride now into my land, for thou art
the fittest to tell of our coming."

"Nay, certes, dear master, I am but a bad envoy. Let me stay here at sea
and act the chamberlain. I will look to the women's wardrobe, till we
bring them to Burgundy. Bid Siegfried rather carry the message; by
reason of his great strength he will bear it through well. If he deny
thee, urge him with friendly words, that he do it for thy sister's sake."

So Gunther sent for the knight, who came when they had found him. And
the king said, "We are well night home in my land. It is time I sent a
messenger to tell my dear sister and my mother that we draw near.
Undertake thou the journey, and I will owe thee much thank."

But Siegfried would not do it till that Gunther had begged him and said,
"Ride not for my sake only, but for fair Kriemhild's, that the royal
maiden requite it, even as I." And when Siegfried heard that, he yielded.

"Command what thou wilt, I will not gainsay it. I will do it for the