Then must he abide the trial, the tests that I ever ordain.
If he stand at the end the victor, I yield myself his wife;
But if I overcome—bethink you, ye all have staked your life.”
Then out spake Hagen of Troneg: “Suffer us, Queen, to see
To what manner of play thou dost challenge. Ere Gunther my lord unto thee
Shall yield up the mastery, surely he shall strive with bitter strain.
A maiden so passing lovely full well to his wife might he gain.”
“He shall cast the massy quoit-stone, and far as it flies shall he leap,
And shall hurl against me the javelin—hold not this trial cheap!
Ye may lose not honour only: your life and limb be at stake.