Then rode they thence, and hasten'd to a wildering forest drear. Many a bold knight, on pastime intent and merry cheer, In the train of Gunther and Siegfried took his way. Stout Gernot and young Giselher at home preferr'd to stay. XII Many a well-laden sumpter before them cross'd the Rhine, That for the fellow-hunters carried bread and wine. And flesh and fish in plenty, with every dainty thing That might become the table of such a mighty king. XIII Their course the noble hunters check'd in an open glade, Where the wild beasts, that haunted the neighboring greenwood shade, Pass'd to and fro by custom; the hunt they here would hold. Thither at length came Siegfried; straight to the king 'twas told. XIV Now every path and outlet the huntsmen had beset, When thus bespake Sir Siegfried the chiefs who there were met. "Ye bold and dauntless warriors! who will the honor claim To enter first the forest, and bring us to the game?" XV "Ere we begin our pastime," Sir Hagan straight replied, "Here in this glade together, 'twere better first divide. We then shall see more clearly, my lords as well as I, Who's the most cunning sportsman of this fair company. XVI "Let us divide among us the huntsmen and the hounds, Then each, where'er he pleases, beat all these woody bounds, And who excels his comrades, shall thanks have from the rest." Not long the hunters linger'd, but started on their quest. XVII Then said the good Sir Siegfried, "I do not need a pack; One well-train'd hound will serve me the lurking beasts to track, And the close scent to follow through every bush and brake. We'll now begin our hunting." So Kriemhild's husband spake. XVIII With that an aged huntsman a watchful limehound took, And shortly brought the champion into a shady nook, Where store of beasts were couching; as each sprung from his lair, The warriors, like good hunters, fell on and caught them there. XIX All, that the limehound started, anon with mighty hand Were slain by noble Siegfried, the Chief of Netherland. No beast could there outrun him, so swift his steed could race; He won from all high praises for mastery in the chase. XX Whatever he attempted, he went the best before. The first beast he encounter'd was a fierce half-bred boar. Him with a mighty death-stroke he stretch'd upon the ground; Just after in a thicket a lion huge he found. XXI Him the limehound started; his bow Sir Siegfried drew; With a keen-headed arrow he shot the lion through. But three faint bounds thereafter the dying monster made. His wond'ring fellow-huntsmen thanks to Sir Siegfried paid. XXII