With her uttermost strength the javelin at the mighty and broad new shield

Which braced on his left arm firmly the son of Siegelind bore:

Leapt sparks from the steel, as the wind-blast sweepeth the chaff from a floor.

The fang of the mighty javelin through the shield’s whole thickness crashed;

And it glanced from the warrior’s armour, that the fire from the ring-mail flashed.

Back from the shock went reeling either stalwart thane:—

Except for the Hood of Darkness, of a surety had both been slain!

Yea, from the mouth of Siegfried the valiant burst forth blood;

But he sprang full-height in a moment; then gripped that war-thane good

The selfsame spear which the maiden through the rim of the shield had sped.