Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/155

VII.

When they received their weapons, at the proud maid’s command,

For joy did Dankwart redden to hold his sword in hand:

“Now play your games, and welcome!” shouted the fearless thane,

Gunther need fear no danger, we have our swords again!”

The strength of Queen Brunhilda it was a fearsome thing;

They brought her for the contest a stone into the ring—

A monstrous one and heavy, so mighty, and so round,

Twelve stalwart heroes scarcely could heave it from the ground.

Whene’er she threw the javelin she next would hurl this stone.

Then did the stout Burgundians within their spirit groan:

“God help us!” cried Sir Hagen, “what bride our king hath woo’d!

Hell were her proper sojourn, she’s of the Devil’s brood!”

Around her snow-white arms she began her sleeves to wind,

And on her hand she fastened the buckler to her mind;

Then high she poised her javelin; and so began the fight.

Gunther, and Siegfried likewise, did dread Brunhilda’s spite.

And were it not for Siegfried, who came unto his aid,

The king’s life had been forfeit unto the doughty maid.

The knight, unseen, approach’d him, and twitch’d him by the hand;

But Gunther quail’d: his cunning he did not understand.

“What was it that did touch me?” the bold man thought, and he

Look’d round and sought on all sides, but not a soul could see.

A voice said: “It is Siegfried, ’tis I, your trusty friend,

As to this queen, I pray you, let fear be at an end.”