XCI He breath'd no breath in answer, but still was as could be. Well by the ear knew Gunther, although he could not see, That nothing pass'd between them the jealous to displease. Never in couch or chamber dwelt there so little ease. XCII Like Gunther he demean'd him, false mimic of the true; Around th' unloving damsel his loveless arms he threw. Him from the bed with fury against a bench she flung. His head fell on a footstool so hard, that loud it rung. XCIII With all his might upstarted again th' undaunted man; He'd try his fortune better; a struggle stern began, When he essay'd to quell her; long was his toil and sore; Such strife, I ween, will never be waged by woman more. XCIV As still he would not quit her, up sprung the frenzied fair; "Sir knight, it ill becomes you a lady's dress to tear. These are Burgundian manners! but dear it shall be paid; I'll bring you soon to smart for it," exclaim'd the stormy maid. XCV Her arms around the warrior she scrupled not to fling, And forthwith thought to bind him as though it were the king, That of the bed sole mistress in quiet she might sleep. For her injur'd night-dress took she vengeance deep. XCVI What booted then his manhood well prov'd in many a fight, When that heroic maiden put forth her mastering might? Him by main force she lifted in spite of all he tried, And 'gainst a press she jamm'd him that stood the bed beside. XCVII "Ah!" thought the panting champion, "should I now lose my life By this outrageous damsel, hereafter every wife Will claim at home the mastery, and, scorning meek accord And womanly submission, will lord it o'er her lord." XCVIII The king with fear and trembling heard all that there befell. Shame gave fresh strength to Siegfried; furious he wax'd and fell. He with redoubled puissance once more the maid oppos'd. Fearful was the struggle as he with Brunhild clos'd. XCIX Down still she strove to keep him, but wrath and natural might Combin'd so wrought within him, that soon in her despite His feet the knight recovered; sore was his toil, I trow; In the darken'd chamber they hurtled to and fro. C Ill too at ease was Gunther between the struggling pair. Full oft to shift he needed as strove they here and there. A wonder 'twas (so fiercely wrestled the mighty foes) That either 'scap'd uninjured from that tempestuous close. CI Sore rued his fate the monarch beset with twofold care; Still fear'd he most lest Siegfried should chance to perish there, For now the puissant damsel had all but ta'en his life. Had he but dar'd, he'd gladly have help'd him in the strife. CII