Then spake the noble Gunther, "No more of this, I pray; You shall be told the reason on some other day, Wherefore I to Siegfried my sister gave for wife. May she with him ever lead a happy life!" XLV Quoth she, "I sorrow ever for her grace and beauty's sake; Had I a place to fly to, my flight I hence would take, For lie will I never, King Gunther, by your side, Ere I know why Kriemhild is given for Siegfried's bride." XLVI Thereto made answer Gunther, "That will I tell you straight. Know, I have given my sister to no unequal mate: A mighty king is Siegfried, and unto him belong, As to their rightful sovran, broad lands and castles strong." XLVII Whatever he could tell her, her gloomy mood she kept. Then from the board to tilting many a warrior stepp'd. The noise of their tourney made all the castle ring. His guests and their amusements wearied sore the king. XLVIII Thought he, 't were softer lying in a marriage bed. Then, to beguile annoyance, his longing heart he fed With thought of future pleasure from love of such a bride, And ever Lady Brunhild tenderly he ey'd. XLIX The guests were bid give over the tourney, as was meet. The king with his fair lady would now to bed retreat. Before the hall's grand staircase Kriemhild and Brunhild met; Bitterness or rancor on neither side was yet. L Then came th' attendant courtiers; they lingered now for nought; Chamberlains well-apparel'd the tapers to them brought. The followers then divided of the rulers twain; Then might you see with Siegfried go forth a num'rous train. LI And now the royal bridegrooms both to their chambers came; Each thought with fond caresses to woo his gentle dame, That both might, as befitted, in love's soft bonds agree. The night to noble Siegfried was sweet as sweet might be. LII There lay he so delighted by lovely Kriemhild's side, And found such modest graces in his virgin bride, That he came to love her more than his proper life. Well she deserv'd his passion as a virtuous wife. LIII What more ensued between them it needs not here to say. Now you must hear the story, how King Gunther lay By the fair Lady Brunhild. Many a loving swain By his loving helpmate with more content has lain. LIV The crowd had now all vanish'd, that tended them before; Of the marriage chamber fast was made the door. He deem'd he now was shortly to win his lovely mate, But for that happy moment he yet had long to wait. LV In robe of whitest linen to the bed she pass'd; Then thought the noble Gunther, "Now all is mine at last, That I ever long'd for before in all my life." Needs must be blest a husband in such a charming wife. LVI