rry. Sore afraid was Gunther. Well did he wish
him safe in the Burgundian land. "Once back in Rhineland," thought he,
"and I would not stir a foot's distance to win any such war-maid."

But up spake Dankwart, Hagen's valiant brother: "Now is the day come on
which we must bid farewell to our lives. An ill journey has this been,
I trow, for in this land we shall perish at the hands of women. Oh, that
my brother Hagen and I had but our good swords here! Then would these
carles of Brunhild's check their laughter. Without arms a man can do
nothing, but had I a blade in hand even Brunhild herself should die ere
harm came to our dear lord."

This speech heard the warrior-maid. "Now put these heroes' swords into
their hands," she commanded, "and accoutre them in their mail."

Right glad was Dankwart to feel iron in his hand once more and know its
weight upon his limbs. "Now I am ready for such play as they list," he
cried. "Since we have arms, our lord is not yet conquered."

Into the ring of contest mighty men bore a great stone. Twelve of them
it took to carry it, so ponderous it was. Woe were they of Burgundy for
their lord at sight of the same.

Brunhild advanced on Gunther, brandishing her spear. Siegfried was by
his side and touched him lightly to give him confidence, but Gunther
knew not it was he and marvelled, for no one saw him there.

"Who hath touched me?" said he.

"'Tis I, Siegfried," replied his friend. "Be of good cheer and fear
not the maiden. Give me thy shield and mark well what I say. Make thou
motions as if to guard and strike, and I will do the deeds. Above all
hearken to my whispered advice."

Great was Gunther's joy when he knew that Siegfried was by him. But
he had not long to marvel, for Brunhild was on him, her great spear in
hand, the light from its broad blade flashing in his eyes. She hurled
the spear at his shield. It passed through the iron as if it had been
silk and struck on the rings of Gunther's armour. Both Gunther and
Siegfried staggered at the blow. But the latter, although bleeding from
the mouth with the shock of the thrown weapon, seized it, reversing the
point, and cast it at Brunhild with such dreadful might that when it
rang on her armour she was overthrown.

Right angry was Brunhild. But she weened that the blow was Gunther's,
and respected him for his strength. Her anger, however, overcame her
esteem, and seizing the great stone which had been placed in the ring
of combat