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 both
Gunther and his invisible companion stagger and nearly fall, but, just
as she is about to cry victory, Siegfried sends back the spear
butt-end foremost and brings her to her knees. Veiling her dismay at
this first defeat, Brunhild hurls the stone to a great distance and
lands beside it with a flying leap. In Gunther's place the invisible
Siegfried hurls the same stone much farther than Brunhild, and seizing
Gunther by his belt jumps with him to the spot where it alighted.
Having thus been outdone in all three feats of strength, Brunhild no
longer refuses her hand to Gunther, who appears triumphant, although
his prospective bride looks strangely solemn and angry.