On came that stately rider forth of the forest-glade

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! Overturned was many a caldron, the brands hurled every way— Woe's me for the goodly victual flung mid the ashes grey! Up from their seats on the greensward did earl and henchman spring: Fiercely the bear snarled fleeing: straightway commanded the King To loose the hound-pack on him, for by this all leashed they lay. Ah, the day had had blithe ending—had that been the end of the day!

With bows and with spears on rushed they, was none that tarried there. Fast followed the swift pursuers on the track of the fleeing bear: Yet no man dared loose arrow, so thronged the hounds at his heels. So loud was the tumult, the forest rang with the echo-peals. The brute from the host of the bandogs fled with his uttermost might: None save the lord of Kriemhild could follow that headlong flight; But he swooped on the maddened quarry, with his sword he smote him and slew; And the shaggy spoil to the camp-fire back the henchmen drew. Then cried they all which beheld it, "Sooth, here is a stalwart lord!" Now bade they the princely hunters to the forest banquet-board. There in a fair green wood-lawn they sat in a great wide ring. Unto these lordly hunters what goodly meats did they bring!