Page:The Nibelungenlied - tr. Shumway - 1909.pdf/118

60 I came unto this country. Had but my brother Hagen his sword in hand, and I mine, too, then should Brunhild’s men go softly in their overweening pride. This know for sure, they’d guard against it well. And had I sworn a peace with a thousand oaths, before I’d see my dear lord die, the comely maid herself should lose her life.”

“We might leave this land unscathed,” spake then his brother Hagen, “had we the harness which we sorely need and our good swords as well; then would the pride of this strong dame become a deal more soft.”

What the warrior spake the noble maid heard well. Over her shoulders she gazed with smiling mouth. “Now sith he thinketh himself so brave, bring them forth their coats-of-mail; put in the warriors’ hands their sharp-edged swords.”

When they received their weapons as the maiden bade, bold Dankwart blushed for very joy. “Now let them play whatso they list,” spake the doughty man. “Gunther is unconquered, since now we have our arms.”

Mightily now did Brunhild’s strength appear. Into the ring men bare a heavy stone, huge and great, mickle and round. Twelve brave and valiant men-at-arms could scarcely bear it. This she threw at all times, when she had shot the spear. The Burgundians’ fear now grew amain.

“Woe is me,” cried Hagen. “Whom hath King Gunther chosen for a love? Certes she should be the foul fiend’s bride in hell.”

Upon her fair white arm the maid turned back her sleeves; with her hands she grasped the shield and