Hagen came nigh to lose his wits for sorrow, and Dankwart, his brother,
said, "By my troth, I rue this adventure. Once we hight warriors, and
shall we perish in this country by the hand of a woman? Alack! that we
ever came hither! Had my brother Hagen but his sword, and I mine,
Brunhild's men would abate their pride; I ween they would walk softer.
If I had sworn peace with a thousand oaths, that maid should die sooner
than that my lord should lose his life."

"It were easy to quit this land," said Hagen, his brother, "if we had our
harness for the strife, and our good swords. This dame would be milder,
I trow."

The noble maiden heard him plain, and, with smiling mouth, she looked
over her shoulder. "Since he deemeth him so bold, bring his harness, and
give to the heroes their sharp weapons. It is all one to me whether they
be armed or naked. I never feared the might of any man, and doubt not
but I shall overcome this king."

When they had brought the weapons, as the maid commanded, bold Dankwart
grew red with joy. "Now let them drive what sport they like," he said;
"Gunther is safe, since we have our swords."

Brunhild's great strength appeared. They brought her a stone into the
circle, heavy and huge, round also, and broad. Twelve strong knights
scarce sufficed thereto. And this she threw when she had hurled the
spear. Whereat the Burgundians were sore troubled, and Hagen cried, "Who
is this that Gunther wooeth? Would she were the Devil's bride in Hell!"

Then she turned back the sleeves from her white arms, and seized the