Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/151

VII.

Then Hagen spake, of Tronjé: “O lady, let us see

This mighty game you play at; before a victory

You score off my lord Gunther, it will go hard enow!

For such a beauteous maiden he’ll count to win, I trow.”

“The stone he must throw boldly, then leap to where it lies;

Then hurt the javelin with me: so be ye not unwise!

Who knows? each may be losing his honour and his head!

You must bethink you therefore,” the winsome fair one said.

On this, the gallant Siegfried unto King Gunther went,

And bade him tell the princess his purpose and intent;

He might be for the issue without anxiety:

“I shall be there to shield you with all my craft,” quoth he.

Then spake the royal Gunther: “Most high and mighty queen!

Declare your task unto me; and had it harder been,

For sake of your fair body I everything would stake:

My very head I’d venture you for my wife to take.”

As soon as Queen Brunhilda his will and meaning knew,

She bade the games be hastened, as seemed to her but due.

And ordered them to bring her her wonted gear for fight,

A ruddy golden breastplate, and buckler round and bright.

A silken fighting-doublet drew over all the maid,

Such as, in closest combat, would turn the sharpest blade;

Of Lybian stuff ’twas woven, and it was deftly done;

A bright embroider’d trimming upon the border shone.