Now no more singeth the minstrel of his joy in that lady bright; But thereafter the story telleth how Gunther fared that night In the bride-bower of Queen Brunhild--O me, that gentle thane By any other woman in easier plight had lain! All folk were gone out from before him, maid and man were gone: Fast shut was the door of the bridal bower; they twain were alone. He looked that in arms fond-clasping he should fold her loveliness-- Ah, not but through weary waiting he won her and bitter stress! Vestured in fair white linen to the couch that Lady passed; And the noble knight to his heart cried--"Now all is mine at last, Even all that mine heart hath longed for my life through unto this hour!" Well might she to him be delightsome for her beauty's priceless dower. {P. 86} Then the hand of the King in a darkling nook set the lamp aside; And he turned him, the valiant warrior, to the bed of the maiden bride, And he laid himself anear her, and the tide of his joy was at flood, As he stretched arms fain of embracing to that glory of womanhood. Upon nought but gentle dalliance the King in that sweet hour thought, Had the noble lady but suffered the will of love to be wrought. But she raged with exceeding fury, that the heart of the King was stung: He looked but for lovingkindness, and hate in his face was flung. For she said to him, "Noble warrior, I say unto thee, refrain! That which thine heart desireth in no wise shalt thou attain. I still will abide a maiden, Sir King, I do thee to wit, Till I know truth touching Siegfried." Then the flame of his wrath was lit. By force he essayed to embrace her, that her fair white vesture was torn. Then the proud maid caught at her girdle in her terrible anger and scorn, Wherewithal was her waist encompassed--it was strong as an iron chain-- Therewith did she deal King Gunther exceeding bitter pain. For she gripped him, she bound together his feet and his hands withal: To a staple of iron she bare him, and hung him thence by the wall. "Thy love shall not trouble my slumber!" she laughed with bitter breath. Her terrible strength had thrust him well-nigh through the gates of death. Then fell he to make supplication--he who should be her lord!-- "O noble Queen, I beseech thee, loose from the captive the cord! Fair Lady, I pledge me never to essay thy will to constrain. Long shall it be of a surety ere I couch me nigh thee again."