“We have truly come hither on a fool’s errand; for whether you win or lose in this contest, we will never be allowed to leave this place alive.”
At this Gunther only laughed and said: “Your gray hairs make you full of fears, O Hagen; and your age makes you blind to the beauty of this wonderful maiden, for whom a man might well risk his life. But fear not for me, as something tells me that I shall win.”
And he went away, leaving Hagen to mutter curses on the whole mad adventure.
When Brunhilde appeared in the courtyard clad in her coat of mail, the four Burgundian warriors approached her, and Siegfried said, “My liege lord has come from far to match strength with you, O Brunhilde, and should he win in the contest, there is none who will give you allegiance as his queen more gladly than the humble and loyal vassal Siegfried.”
To this Brunhilde answered coldly, “Does your lord know the conditions of the contest and the forfeit we demand, should he lose?”
“He does,” replied Siegfried; “but nothing outweighs the chance of possessing Brunhilde for his queen.”
“Then we accept the challenge,” said the maiden, and, turning to one of her attendants she added, “Bring hither my armour, and let the games begin.” The servants then brought her a golden helmet, a corselet of finely wrought silver, and a shield broad and heavy enough for the most powerful warrior. After arming herself with these, her spear was carried in on the shoulders of three strong men. It was very long, and of such tremendous weight that no arm but Brunhilde’s had ever been known to lift it.
While these preparations were going on, the Burgundian heroes were watching with amazement, half mingled with fear, and Hagen muttered aloud, “Shall we stand idly by and see our king slain by a woman’s hand?” But Siegfried whispered in Gunther’s ear, “Take courage and we shall win, only show no sign of fear.” Then he slipped out of the crowd and hurried down to the seashore where the ship lay at anchor. Here he hastily donned his Tarnkappe, and then went back, unseen, to the courtyard, where Gunther had already taken up his shield, and Brunhilde was poising her spear in the air ready to throw.
He took his stand close to the king’s side and whispered, “Fear not, only do as I bid you.”
Though he could see no one, Gunther knew that it was Siegfried who was beside him, so he took courage and grasped his shield more firmly.