Then Siegfried’s strong hand backward swung it above his head.
But he said in his heart: “I will pierce not the maiden sweet to see.”
Backward therefore the deadly point of the lance turned he;
Then hurled he the spear butt-foremost full at the rings of her mail:
Loudly they rang at the smiting of the hand that was strong to prevail.
Flashed out the fire from her hauberk, as flies dust caught by the wind.
Ha, that was a cast most mighty of the son of Siegelind!
For all her strength, she prevailed not against that shock to stand.
In veriest truth, such spear-cast came never from Gunther’s hand!
But the Fairest of fair ones, Brunhild, leapt to her feet forthright:—