In the presence of knights of Brunhild, that the trial all might see,
Bold warriors full seven hundred; and their weapons of war all bare;
And whoso prevailed in the contest, the truth should these declare.
Now in the lists stood Brunhild, in her mail of the adamant rings,
As though she would straight do battle for the land of all earth’s kings.
And all her silken vesture was with gold bands lapped about;
But thereunder the lilies and roses of her lovely flesh shone out.
Now came to the lists her henchmen, and unto her hands they brought
A goodly shield of battle: of the ruddy gold was it wrought
With bands of steel hard-welded, a thing for a giant to sway: