Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/241

XVI]

Upon it there was fitted a cap of panther’s hide,

Because of its sweet odour. He carried at his side

A bow, such that it needed,— to draw it to the full,—

A hand-winch, when another save he himself did pull.

And then his nether garments of otter-skin were made.

From head to foot his raiment with tufts was overlaid.

And, ’mid the sleek fur, many a thread of golden twine

Of this bold champion-hunter on either side did shine.

And Balmung bore he also.— a handsome blade and broad,

That was so sharp, moreover, its edge was never scored

When helms by it were dinted; and either edge was keen.

Ne’er had that noble huntsman of gayer spirit been.

Since I have undertaken the story to declare,

I must tell how his quiver was fill’d with arrows rare;

The shafts of them were golden, the points a hand-breadth wide.

Whate’er with them he piercéd, surely and swiftly died.

So rode the noble hero in all his hunting gear;

And Gunther’s men espied him as he to them drew near.

They hurried out to meet him, and led his horse along,

There lay across his saddle the bear so huge and strong,

As soon as he alighted he loosed the binding thong

From off its paws and muzzle; then yelpings loud and long

Of hounds arose, so soon as afoot the bear appear’d.

The brute would to the forest: the folk were fairly scared.