ever, that before Siegfried claimed
his bride he should go with him to Isenland, and help him win the hand
of Brunhild, the finest woman in the world. Gunther needs Siegfried's
help in his wooing, because Brunhild has vowed to marry only the man
who can throw a spear and stone farther than she and surpass her in
jumping. Siegfried, who apparently possesses some knowledge of this
lady, vainly tries to dissuade Gunther, and, when he decides to
accompany him in his quest, suggests that Hagen and another knight
form their train. Kriemhild provides the travellers with suitable
garments, made by her own hands, and the four embark on a small
vessel, in which they sail down the Rhine and out to sea, reaching
Isenland only twelve days after their start. As they near this land,
Siegfried strictly charges his companions to tell every one he is
Gunther's vassal, and immediately begins to act as if such were indeed
his real station.

_7th Adventure._ Gazing out of her window, Brunhild perceives the
approaching ship, and, recognizing within it Siegfried,--who visited
her realm once before,--her heart beats with joy at the thought that
he has come to woo her. She is, however, amazed to see him hold
Gunther's stirrup when they land, and to learn it is the king of
Burgundy who sues for her hand. In her disappointment Brunhild grimly
warns the new-comer that, unless he prove successful, he and his men
must die.

"He must cast the stone beyond me, and after it must leap,
Then with me shoot the javelin; too quick a pace you keep;
Stop and awhile consider, and reckon well the cost,"
The warrioress made answer, "ere life and fame be lost."

Undeterred by this threat, Gunther volunteers to undergo the test, but
he quails when he sees the heavy spear which Brunhild brandishes and
when he perceives that twelve men stagger beneath the weight she
proposes to throw. He is, however, somewhat reassured when Siegfried
whispers he need but go through the motions, while his friend,
concealed by the Tarncappe,--the cloak of invisibility which endows
the wearer with the strength of twelve men,--will perform the required
feats in his behalf.

Said he, "Off with the buckler and give it me to bear,
Now, what I shall advise thee, mark with thy closest care.
Be it thine to make the gestures, and mine the work to do."
Glad man was then king Gunther, when he his helpmate knew.

In the first test Brunhild casts a spear with such force that