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." LI Hear yet more of the vesture worn by the haughty dame; From Azagouc resplendent her silken surcoat came Of all-surpassing richness, that from about her shone The eye-bedimming lustre of many a precious stone. LII 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. LIII To form the mighty spear-head a wondrous work was done; Three weights of iron and better were welded into one; The same three men of Brunhild's scarcely along could bring; Whereat deeply ponder'd the stout Burgundian king. LIV 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." LV So thinking luckless Gunther his love repented sore; Forthwith to him only his weapons pages bore, And now stood clad the monarch in arms of mighty cost. Hagan through sheer vexation, his wits had nearly lost. LVI On this Hagan's brother undaunted Dankwart spake, "Would we had ne'er sail'd hither for this fell maiden's sake! Once we pass'd for warriors; sure we have cause to rue, Ingloriously thus dying, and by a woman too; LVII "Full bitterly it irks me to have come into this land. Had but my brother Hagan his weapons in his hand, And I with mine were by him, proud Brunhild's chivalry, For all their overweening, would hold their heads less high. LVIII "Ay, by my faith, no longer should their pride be borne; Had I oaths a thousand to peace and friendship sworn, Ere I'd see thus before me my dearest master die, Fair as she is, this maiden a dreary corse should lie." LIX "Ay," said his brother Hagan, "we well could quit this land As free as we came hither, were but our arms at hand. Each with his breast in harness, his good sword by his side, Sure we should lower a little this gentle lady's pride." LX Well heard the noble maiden the warrior's words the while, And looking o'er her shoulder said with a scornful smile, "As he thinks himself so mighty, I'll not deny a guest; Take they their arms and armor, and do as seems them best." LXI "Be they naked and defenceless, or sheath'd in armor sheen, To me it nothing matters," said the haughty queen. "Fear'd yet I never mortal, and, spite of yon stern brow And all the strength of Gunther, I fear as little now." LXII