road. A
dainty sword hung downward to his spurs. The lord bare also a fair horn
of ruddy gold. Never heard I tale of better hunting weeds. One saw him
wear a coat of black and silky cloth and a hat of sable: rich enow it
was. Ho, what costly bands he wore upon his quiver! A panther's skin was
drawn over it for its sweet fragrance' (4) sake. He bare a bow, which
any but the hero must needs draw back with a windlass, and he would bend
it. His vesture was befurred with otter skin (5) from head to toe. From
the bright fur shone out on both sides of the bold master of the hunt
many a bar of gold. Balmung (6) he also bare, a good broad sword, that
was so sharp that it never failed when 'twas wielded 'gainst a helmet;
its edge was good. In high spirits was the lordly huntsman. Sith I must
tell you all the tale, his costly quiver was full of goodly darts, the
heads a full hand's breadth, on golden shafts. What he pierced therewith
must needs die soon.

Thus the noble knight rode hence in hunter's garb. Gunther's men espied
him coming and ran out to meet him and took his horse in charge. On his
saddle he carried a large bear and a strong. When he had dismounted, he
loosed the bonds from feet and snout. Those of the pack bayed loudly,
that spied the bear. The beast would to the woods; the serving folk had
fear. Dazed by the din, the bear made for the kitchen. Ho, how he
drove the scullions from the fire! Many a kettle was upset and many a
firebrand scattered. Ho, what good victual men found lying in the ashes!
Then the lordings and their liegemen sprang from their scats. The bear
grew furious and the king bade loose the pack that lay enleashed. Had
all sped well, they would have had a merry day. No longer the doughty
men delayed, but ran for the bear with bows and pikes. There was such
press of dogs that none might shoot, but from the people's shouts the
whole hill rang. The bear began to flee before the dogs; none could
follow him but Kriemhild's husband, who caught and slew him with his
sword. Then they bore the bear again to the fire. Those that saw it,
averred he was a mighty man.

Men bade now the proud hunting fellowship seat them at the tables. Upon
a fair mead there sate a goodly company. Ho, what rich viands they
bare there to the noble huntsmen! The butlers who should bring the wine
delayed; else might never heroes have been better served. Had they not
been so falsely minded, then had the knights been free of every bla