Thither was come Brunhild; / all arméd she did stand
Like as she were to combat / for many a royal land;
Upon her silken tunic / were gold bars many a one,
And glowing 'mid the armor / her flesh of winsome color shone.
Then followed her attendants / and with them thither brought
At once a shield full stately, / of pure red gold 'twas wrought,
With steel-hard bands for facings, / full mickle 'twas and broad,
Wherewith in the contest / would guard herself the lovely maid.
To hold the shield securely / a well-wrought band there was,
Whereon lay precious jewels / green as blade of grass.
Full many a ray their lustre / shot round against the gold.
He were a man full valiant / whom this high dame should worthy hold.
The shield was 'neath the boss-point, / as to us is said,
Good three spans in thickness, / which should bear the maid.
Of steel 'twas wrought so richly / and had of gold such share,
That chamberlain and fellows / three the same scarce could bear.
When the doughty Hagen / the shield saw thither brought,
Spake the knight of Tronje, / and savage was his thought:
"Where art thou now, King Gunther? / Shall we thus lose our life!
Whom here thou seekst for lover, / she is the very Devil's wife."