LVII

"Full bitterly it irks me to have come into this land.

Had but my brother Hagan his weapons in his hand, And I with mine were by him, proud Brunhild's chivalry, For all their overweening, would hold their heads less high.

LVIII

"Ay, by my faith, no longer should their pride be borne; Had I oaths a thousand to peace and friendship sworn, Ere I'd see thus before me my dearest master die, Fair as she is, this maiden a dreary corse should lie."

LIX

"Ay," said his brother Hagan, "we well could quit this land As free as we came hither, were but our arms at hand.

Each with his breast in harness, his good sword by his side, Sure we should lower a little this gentle lady's pride."

LX

Well heard the n.o.ble maiden the warrior's words the while, And looking o'er her shoulder said with a scornful smile, "As he thinks himself so mighty, I'll not deny a guest; Take they their arms and armor, and do as seems them best."

LXI

"Be they naked and defenceless, or sheath'd in armor sheen, To me it nothing matters," said the haughty queen.

"Fear'd yet I never mortal, and, spite of yon stern brow And all the strength of Gunther, I fear as little now."

LXII

Soon as their swords were giv'n them, and arm'd was either knight, The cheek of dauntless Dankwart redden'd with delight.

"Now let them sport as likes them, nothing," said he, "care I; Safe is n.o.ble Gunther with us in armor by."

LXIII

Then was the strength of Brunhild to each beholder shown.

Into the ring by th' effort of panting knights a stone Was borne of weight enormous, ma.s.sy and large and round.

It strain'd twelve brawny champions to heave it to the ground.

LXIV

This would she cast at all times when she had hurl'd the spear; The sight of bold Burgundians fill'd with care and fear.

Quoth Hagan, "She's a darling to lie by Gunther's side.

Better the foul fiend take her to serve him as a bride."

LXV

Her sleeve back turn'd the maiden, and bar'd her arm of snow, Her heavy shield she handled, and brandished to and fro High o'er her head the jav'lin; thus began the strife.

Bold as they were, the strangers each trembled for his life;

LXVI

And had not then to help him come Siegfried to his side, At once by that grim maiden had good King Gunther died.

Unseen up went he to him, unseen he touch'd his hand.

His trains bewilder'd Gunther was slow to understand.

LXVII

"Who was it just now touch'd me?" thought he and star'd around To see who could be near him; not a soul he found.

Said th' other, "I am Siegfried, thy trusty friend and true; Be not in fear a moment for all the queen can do."

LXVIII

Said he, "Off with the buckler and give it me to bear; Now, what I shall advise thee, mark with thy closest care.

Be it thine to make the gestures, and mine the work to do."

Glad man was then King Gunther, when he his helpmate knew.

LXIX

"But all my trains keep secret; thus for us both 'twere best; Else this o'erweening maiden, be sure, will never rest, Till her grudge against thee to full effect she bring.

See where she stands to face thee so sternly in the ring!"

LXX

With all her strength the jav'lin the forceful maiden threw.

It came upon the buckler ma.s.sy, broad and new, That in his hand unshaken, the son of Sieglind bore.

Sparks from the steel came streaming, as if the breeze before.

LXXI

Right through the groaning buckler the spear tempestuous broke; Fire from the mail-links sparkled beneath the thund'ring stroke.

Those two mighty champions stagger'd from side to side; But for the wondrous cloud-cloak both on the spot had died.

LXXII

From the mouth of Siegfried burst the gushing blood; Soon he again sprung forward; straight s.n.a.t.c.h'd the hero good The spear that through his buckler she just had hurl'd amain, And sent it at its mistress in thunder back again.

LXXIII