lose her life."

"We might leave this land unscathed," spake then his brother
Hagen, "had we the harness which we sorely need and our good
swords as well; then would the pride of this strong dame become a
deal more soft."

What the warrior spake the noble maid heard well. Over her
shoulders she gazed with smiling mouth. "Now sith he thinketh
himself so brave, bring them forth their coats-of-mail; put in
the warriors' hands their sharp-edged swords."

When they received their weapons as the maiden bade, bold
Dankwart blushed for very joy. "Now let them play whatso they
list," spake the doughty man. "Gunther is unconquered, since now
we have our arms."

Mightily now did Brunhild's strength appear. Into the ring men
bare a heavy stone, huge and great, mickle and round. Twelve
brave and valiant men-at-arms could scarcely bear it. This she
threw at all times, when she had shot the spear. The
Burgundians' fear now grew amain.

"Woe is me," cried Hagen. "Whom hath King Gunther chosen for a
love? Certes she should be the foul fiend's bride in hell."

Upon her fair white arm the maid turned back her sleeves; with
her hands she grasped the shield and poised the spear on high.
Thus the strife began. Gunther and Siegfried feared Brunhild's
hate, and had Siegfried not come to Gunther's aid, she would have