Commanded, as meet she deemed it, that the trial be not delayed;
And she caused them to bring her armour, and array for the contest grim,
Even a golden hauberk and a shield of ample rim.
A silk-lined battle-tunic about her that maiden drew—
Nor point nor edge of weapon in fight might pierce it through—
Of fine-dressed fells of lions from the land of Libya brought,
With broidery round its borders flashing radiant-wrought.
Meanwhile her knights were galling those guests with threat and jeer:
And there stood Dankwart and Hagen exceeding heavy of cheer;
For their souls foreboded the issue that might to their lord betide;