[Illustration:  GUNTHER WINNING HIS BRIDE.—­Keller.]

The warriors all hastened to do her bidding, and escorted their new lord to the castle, whither, under pretext of fitly celebrating her marriage, Brunhild summoned all her retainers from far and near.  This rally roused the secret terror of Gunther, Hagen, and Dankwart, for they suspected some act of treachery on the part of the dark-browed queen.  These fears were also, in a measure, shared by Siegfried; so he stole away, promising to return before long with a force sufficient to overawe Brunhild and quell all attempt at foul play.

Siegfried, having hastily embarked upon the little vessel, swiftly sailed away to the Nibelungen land, where he arrived in an incredibly short space of time, presented himself at the gates of his castle, and forced an entrance by conquering the giant porter, and Alberich, the dwarf guardian of his treasure.  Then making himself known to his followers, the Nibelungs, he chose one thousand of them to accompany him back to Issland to support the Burgundian king.

[Sidenote:  Marriage of Gunther and Brunhild.] The arrival of this unexpected force greatly surprised Brunhild.  She questioned Gunther, and upon receiving the careless reply that they were only a few of his followers, who had come to make merry at his wedding, she gave up all hope of resistance.  When the usual festivities had taken place, and the wonted largesses had been distributed, Gunther bade his bride prepare to follow him back to the Rhine with her personal female attendants, who numbered no less than one hundred and sixty-eight.

Brunhild regretfully left her own country, escorted by the thousand Nibelung warriors; and when they had journeyed nine days, Gunther bade Siegfried spur ahead and announce his safe return to his family and subjects.  Offended by the tone of command Gunther had assumed, Siegfried at first proudly refused to obey; but when the king begged it as a favor, and mentioned Kriemhild’s name, he immediately relented and set out.

“Said he, ’Nay, gentle Siegfried, do but this journey take,
Not for my sake only, but for my sister’s sake;
You’ll oblige fair Kriemhild in this as well as me.’ 
When so implored was Siegfried, ready at once was he.

“’Whate’er you will, command me; let naught be left unsaid;
I will gladly do it for the lovely maid. 
How can I refuse her who my heart has won? 
For her, whate’er your pleasure, tell it, and it is done.’”

          
                                                                    Nibelunglied (Lettsom’s tr.).

Kriemhild received this messenger most graciously, and gave immediate orders for a magnificent reception of the new queen, going down to the river to meet and greet her in the most cordial and affectionate manner.