Grimly smil'd Sir Hagan, Trony's champion strong, And mutter'd, as he mark'd it trail'd heavily along, "How now, my lord king Gunther? who thinks to scape with life? This love of yours and lady--'faith she's the devil's wife." . . . . . . . . . . . Then to the maid was carried heavily and slow A strong well-sharpen'd jav'lin, which she ever us'd to throw, Huge and of weight enormous, fit for so strong a queen, Cutting deep and deadly with its edges keen. To form the mighty spear-head a wondrous work was done; Three weights of iron and better were welden into one; The same three men of Brunhild's scarcely along could bring; Whereat deeply ponder'd the stout Burgundian king. To himself thus thought he, "What have I not to fear? The devil himself could scarcely 'scape from such danger clear. In sooth, if I were only in safety by the Rhine, Long might remain this maiden free from all suit of mine." . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stanza 464-483. Then was the strength of Brunhild to each beholder shown. Into the ring by th' effort of panting knights a stone Was borne of weight enormous, massy and large and round. It strain'd twelve brawny champions to heave it to the ground. This would she cast at all times when she had hurl'd the spear; The sight the bold Burgundians fill'd with care and fear. Quoth Hagan, "she's a darling to lie by Gunther's side. Better the foul fiend take her to serve him as a bride." Her sleeve back turn'd the maiden, and bar'd her arm of snow, Her heavy shield she handled, and brandished to and fro High o'er her head the jav'lin; thus began the strife. Bold as they were, the strangers each trembled for his life; And had not then to help him come Siegfried to his side, At once by that grim maiden had good King Gunther died. Unseen up went he to him, unseen he touch'd his hand. His trains bewilder'd Gunther was slow to understand. "Who was it just now touch'd me?" thought he and star'd around To see who could be near him; not a soul he found. Said th' other, "I am Siegfried, thy trusty friend and true; Be not in fear a moment for all the queen can do." 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. "But all my trains keep secret; thus for us both 'twere best; Else this o'erweening maiden, be sure, will never rest, Till her grudge against thee to full effect she bring. See where she stands to face thee so sternly in the ring!" With all her strength the jav'lin the forceful maiden threw. It came upon the buckler massy, broad, and new, That in his hand unshaken, the son of Sieglind bore. Sparks from the steel came streaming, as if the breeze before.