"A barrier of fire?" said Siegfried, slowly, and rubbing his eyes again. "A barrier of fire?"
"She can only be reached by one who is brave enough to force his way through the flame," continued Gunther; "by one who knows no fear."
"One who knows no fear?" again repeated Siegfried. "I knew such a man once." But he shook his head sadly and gave up trying to think.
"Yes," added the King, "he who knows no fear can alone win Brunhilde for his bride."
Siegfried made no immediate reply. The potion had done its full work, and he had utterly forgotten Brunhilde. Presently he said,
"I know not the maid of whom you speak. But methinks she could not be as fair as your sweet sister."
Gudrun ran hastily from the room at this.
"I would be willing to go far to win her favour," he continued with the frankness of youth.
"Would you be willing to aid King Gunther's wooing?" asked Hagen.
"Right gladly," answered Siegfried. "But how?"