On came that stately rider forth of the forest-glade,
And the liegemen of Gunther beheld him like a king of hunters arrayed;
And they ran to meet him coming, and his bridle held they for him:—
Lo, cast across his saddle a huge bear mighty of limb!
Soon as on earth he lighted, from muzzle and shaggy paw
Loosed he the bands that bound it, and all the bandogs saw
That bear in their midst, and straightway all furiously they bayed.
Then rushed for the forest the monster: ha, many were sore afraid;
For the beast, from the tumult fleeing, through their woodland cooking-hall
Burst—how from the fires did the henchmen leap, and asunder fall!