Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/152

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Meantime the stranger-warriors were eyed somewhat askance,

And Dankwart and Sir Hagen ill brooked this arrogance.

And how the king would fare, too, did weigh upon their mood.

They thought: “unto us warriors our journey bodes no good.”

The while these things were doing, Siegfried, the crafty one,

Had, unperceived of any, back to the vessel gone,

And found his hoed of darkness, where hidden it had lain,

And swiftly slipped it on him: thus he became unseen.

Then back again he hastened to where the queen he found

Her fateful game arranging, with many knights around.

Invisibly he joined them: so cunningly ’twas done

That, midst the whole assembly, he was discern’d by none.

The ring was marked out clearly wherein the games should be;

In presence of bold warriors, who came the sport to see.

Seven hundred men and over one saw, who weapons bare:

Which of the two was winner the heroes must declare.

Ere long appeared Brunhilda in all her warlike gear,

As if she meant to conquer all kingdoms far and near.

Above her silken vestment was twisted golden twine:

One saw thereunder ever her lovely colour shine.

And then came her attendants; who in their hands did hold

A, mighty round-rimmed buckler, all wrought of ruddy gold,

With steel-like clasps upon it, many, and broad, and bright;

And underneath its shelter the lovely maid would fight.