gave order for the sports, and, by his magic, he stole in among them,
that no man was ware of him. The ring was marked out in the presence of
armed knights to the number of seven hundred. These were the umpires,
that should tell truly who won in the sports.

Then came Brunhild. She stood armed, as she had meant to do battle with
all the kings of all the world. The silk was covered with gold spangles
that showed her white skin. Her attendants brought her, for the strife,
a shield of ruddy gold with iron studs, mickle and broad. The maid's
thong was an embroidered band, whereon lay stones green like grass, that
sparkled among the gold. The knight must, certes, be bold that won such
a lady. They say the shield the maiden bore was three spans thick under
the folds, rich with steel and gold, that four of her chamberlains scarce
could carry it.

When stark Hagen saw them drag the shield forward, the hero of Trony was
wroth, and cried, "How now, King Gunther? We be dead men, for thou
wooest the Devil's wife!"

Yet more must ye hear of her vesture. Her coat of mail was covered with
silk from Azagouc, costly and rich, and the stones thereof sparkled on
the queen's body. They brought her the spear, heavy and big and sharp,
that she was wont to throw. Stark and huge it was, mickle and broad, and
made grim wounds with its edges. And hear, now, the marvel of its
heaviness. Three weights and a half of iron were welded for it. Three
of Brunhild's lords scarce could carry it. A woeful man was King
Gunther, and he thought, "Lo! now not the Devil in Hell could escape
her. Were I in Burgundy with my life, she might wait long enough for my
wooing." He stood dismayed. Then they brought him his armour, and he
did it on.