Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/240

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The thane cried: “Now our comrades a little fun shall share!

Loose from the leash the setter; yonder I spy a bear;

I’ll see that he goes with us from here unto the camp.

He never can escape us, however fast he tramp!”

They loosed the hound, and swiftly the bear before them hied.

Then thought Kriemhilda’s husband close after him to ride;

But to a ground-rift came he, whereby it could not be;

The sturdy beast made certain ’twas from the huntsmen free.

The proud knight, from his charger, sprang down upon the sward:

And straight began to chase it; the beast was off its guard,

And could not now outrun him: the hero clasp’d it round,

And, in a trice, unwounded, he held it tightly bound.

The man it was not able to scratch or bite one jot!

He bound it to his saddle, then promptly up he got.

Unto the camp he bore it,— a prize of hardihood;

Which all was but a pastime to that knight bold and good.

How noble was his bearing as into camp he rode!

His spear was very mighty, and thereto stout and broad.

Right down unto the rowel a handsome long-sword hung:

And a fair horn around him of ruddy gold was slung.

Of better hunting-habit I never have been told.

In tunic of black velvet there was he to behold;

A riding-cap of sable, handsome enough, he wore;

Ay, and what broider’d fillets he on his quiver bore!