The noble knight Sir Siegfried with thirst was sore opprest, So earlier rose from table, and could no longer rest, But straight would to the mountain the running brook to find, And so advanc'd the treason his faithless foes design'd. LVII Meanwhile were slowly lifted on many a groaning wain The beasts in that wild forest by Siegfried's manhood slain. Each witness gave him honor, and loud his praises spoke. Alas! that with him Hagan his faith so foully broke. LVIII Now when to the broad linden they all would take their way, Thus spake the fraudful Hagan, "Full oft have I heard say, That none a match in swiftness for Kriemhild's lord can be, Whene'er to race he pleases; would he grant us this to see?" LIX Then spake the Netherlander, Siegfried with open heart, "Well then! let's make the trial! together we will start From hence to yonder runnel; let us at once begin, And he shall pass for winner who shall be seen to win." LX "Agreed!" said treacherous Hagan, "let us each other try." Thereto rejoin'd stout Siegfried, "And if you pass me by, Down at your feet I'll lay me humbled on the grass." When these words heard Gunther, what joy could his surpass? LXI Then said the fearless champion, "And this I tell you more, I'll carry all th' equipment that in the chase I wore, My spear, my shield, my vesture--leave will I nothing out." His sword then and his quiver he girt him quick about. LXII King Gunther and Sir Hagan to strip were nothing slow; Both for the race stood ready in shirts as white as snow. Long bounds, like two wild panthers, o'er the grass they took, But seen was noble Siegfried before them at the brook. LXIII Whate'er he did, the warrior high o'er his fellows soar'd. Now laid he down his quiver, and quick ungirt his sword. Against the spreading linden he lean'd his mighty spear. So by the brook stood waiting the chief without a peer. LXIV In every lofty virtue none with Sir Siegfried vied. Down he laid his buckler by the water's side. For all the thirst that parch'd him, one drop he never drank Till the king had finish'd; he had full evil thank. LXV Cool was the little runnel, and sparkled clear as glass. O'er the rill King Gunther knelt down upon the grass. When he his draught had taken he rose and stepp'd aside. Full fain alike would Siegfried his thirst have satisfied. LXVI Dear paid he for his courtesy; his bow, his matchless blade, His weapons all, Sir Hagan far from their lord convey'd, Then back sprung to the linden to seize his ashen spear, And to find out the token survey'd his vesture near; LXVII