She threw the stone, and bounded behind it to the mark; At three games each suitor with sinews stiff and stark Must conquer the fierce maiden whom he sought to wed, Or, if in one successless, straight must lose his head. IV E'en thus for the stern virgin had many a suitor died. This heard a noble warrior who dwelt the Rhine beside, And forthwith resolv'd he to win her for his wife. Thereby full many a hero thereafter lost his life. V Once on a day together sat with his men the king, Talking each with the other, and deeply pondering, What maiden 'twas most fitting for their lord to woo, One who him might comfort, and grace the country too. VI Then spake the lord of Rhineland: "Straight will I hence to sea, And seek the fiery Brunhild howe'er it go with me. For love of the stern maiden I'll frankly risk my life; Ready am I to lose it, if I win her not to wife." VII "That would I fain dissuade you," Sir Siegfried made reply, "Whoe'er would woo fair Brunhild, plays a stake too high; So cruel is her custom, and she so fierce a foe. Take good advice, King Gunther, nor on such a journey go." VIII Then answer'd thus King Gunther: "Ne'er yet was woman born So bold and eke so stalwart, but I should think it scorn Were not this hand sufficient to force a female foe." "Be still," replied Sir Siegfried, "her strength you little know. IX "E'en were you four together, nought could all four devise 'Gainst her remorseless fury; hear then what I advise From true and steadfast friendship, and, as you value life, Tempt not for love of Brunhild a vain, a hopeless strife." X "How strong she be soever, the journey will I take, Whatever chance befall me, for lovely Brunhild's sake; For her unmeasur'd beauty I'll hazard all that's mine. Who knows, but God may bring her to follow me to the Rhine?" XI "Since you're resolv'd," said Hagan, "this would I chief advise; Request of noble Siegfried in this dread enterprise To take his part among us; thus 'twould be best, I ween, For none so well as Siegfried knows this redoubted queen." XII Said Gunther, "Wilt thou help me, Siegfried tried and true? To win the lovely maiden? What I entreat thee, do, And if I only gain her to my wedded wife, For thee I'll gladly venture honor, limb and life." XIII Thereto answer'd Siegfried, Siegmund's matchless son, "Give me but thy sister, and the thing is done. The stately queen fair Kriemhild let me only gain, I ask no other guerdon for whatever toil and pain." XIV "I promise it," said Gunther, "and take in pledge thy hand, And soon as lovely Brunhild shall come into this land, To thee to wife my sister surely will I give, And may you both together long time and happy live." XV