LXXIX "Spare but to act the husband, and do whate'er thy will With my loving helpmate, I shall not take it ill," Replied the angry monarch; "e'en shouldst thou take her life, I should not die of sorrow; sooth she's a fearful wife." LXXX "Trust me in this," said Siegfried, "my word I'll pledge to thee That I'll ne'er seek to woo her; thy sister is to me Beyond all other women that ever met my view." The king with full affiance took Siegfried's words for true. LXXXI The knights were busy tilting with good success or ill; Straight 'twas bidd'n the tourney should all be hush'd and still, For to the hall was coming either royal bride. Then chamberlains advancing bade stand the crowd aside. LXXXII The court was clear'd of horses, the crowd no longer seen; Then forth a reverend bishop led either lofty queen To where the kings were seated, and tables richly stor'd. Them many a man of worship follow'd to the board. LXXXIII There by his stately consort sat Gunther well appaid, Musing upon the promise to him by Siegfried made. That single day to Gunther seem'd thirty days at least. On the love of Brunhild he thought throughout the feast. LXXXIV Scarcely could wait the monarch till from the board they rose; Brunhild and lovely Kriemhild were summon'd to repose, Each in her several chamber; ah! what a crowd was seen Of young and active warriors before each stately queen! LXXXV Siegfried was fondly seated by his gentle bride; Her slender snowy fingers, as leant they side by side With his were softly toying; in midst of her caress Suddenly he vanish'd--how, she could not guess. LXXXVI As with him she was playing, she miss'd him quite and clean. "Ha!" to his wilder'd courtiers cried out the wilder'd queen, "Where's the king? what portent is this? what semblance fine? He was but now beside me--who snatch'd his hand from mine?" LXXXVII She stopp'd in speechless wonder; he quick had slipp'd away To where with lights th' attendants stood ranged in meet array, And straight 'gan dout the tapers held by the pages there; Full well that it was Siegfried was Gunther then aware. LXXXVIII He knew what was to follow, so sent forth every one, Maid and dame, from the chamber; then soon as this was done, With his own hand impatient the king lock'd fast the door, And two strong bolts of iron shot for assurance more. LXXXIX Behind the flowing hangings the lights he huddled all; Forthwith began a pastime (as could not but befall) Betwixt the sinewy Siegfried and the maiden fair. At once with joy and sorrow stood Gunther trembling there. XC Adown Sir Siegfried laid him close by the damsel bright. Said she, "Beware, Sir Gunther, remember yesternight; Be pleas'd not to disturb me; wake not my wrath anew, Or at my hands your folly you bitterly shall rue."