of ruddy gold with iron studs, mickle and broad. The maid's
thong was an embroidered band, whereon lay stones green like grass, that
sparkled among the gold. The knight must, certes, be bold that won such
a lady. They say the shield the maiden bore was three spans thick under
the folds, rich with steel and gold, that four of her chamberlains scarce
could carry it.

When stark Hagen saw them drag the shield forward, the hero of Trony was
wroth, and cried, "How now, King Gunther? We be dead men, for thou
wooest the Devil's wife!"

Yet more must ye hear of her vesture. Her coat of mail was covered with
silk from Azagouc, costly and rich, and the stones thereof sparkled on
the queen's body. They brought her the spear, heavy and big and sharp,
that she was wont to throw. Stark and huge it was, mickle and broad, and
made grim wounds with its edges. And hear, now, the marvel of its
heaviness. Three weights and a half of iron were welded for it. Three
of Brunhild's lords scarce could carry it. A woeful man was King
Gunther, and he thought, "Lo! now not the Devil in Hell could escape
her. Were I in Burgundy with my life, she might wait long enough for my
wooing." He stood dismayed. Then they brought him his armour, and he
did it on.

Hagen came nigh to lose his wits for sorrow, and Dankwart, his brother,
said, "By my troth, I rue this adventure. Once we hight warriors, and
shall we perish in this country by the hand of a woman? Alack! that we
ever came hither! Had my brother Hagen but his sword, and I mine,
Brunhild's men would abate their pride; I ween they would walk softer.
If I had sworn peace with a thousand oaths, that maid should die sooner
than that my lord should lose his life."

"It were easy to quit this land," said Hagen, his brother, "if we had our
harness for the strife, and our good swords. This dame would be milder,
I trow."

The noble maiden heard him plain, and, with smiling mouth, she looked
over her shoulder. "Since he deemeth him so bold, bring his harness, and
give to the heroes their sharp weapons. It is all one to me whether they
be armed or naked. I never feared the might of any man, and doubt not
but I shall overcome this king."

When they had brought the weapons, as the maid commanded, bold Dankwart
grew red with joy. "Now let them drive what sport they like," he said;
"Gunther is safe, since we have our swords."

Brunhild's great strength appeared. They brought her a st