Long time endur'd the contest, nor ever seem'd to slack, Till 'gainst the bed with fury he dash'd the maiden back. How fierce soe'er she struggled, faint and more faint she grew; Then many a shrewd suspicion shot Gunther's bosom through. CIII Still ever as he listen'd, he thought 'twas wondrous long. Just then the hands of Siegfried she squeez'd so fierce and strong, That blood from the nails started; the warrior tingled sore; But soon he brought the damsel to give her frenzy o'er, CIV And change her furious passions for love and duty meek. Whatever pass'd heard Gunther, though daring not to speak Against the bed he drove her, that loud she shriek'd for pain. Cruel was her torture from Siegfried's mastering main. CV Then grasp'd she at her girdle, and strove to bind her foe, When down the warrior hurl'd her with such a forceful throw, That crack'd each bone and sinew; that clos'd at once the strife; The fainting maid submitted to live King Gunther's wife. CVI Said she, "Right noble ruler, vouchsafe my life to spare; Whatever I've offended, my duty shall repair. I'll meet thy noble passion; my love with thine shall vie. That thou canst tame a woman, none better knows than I." CVII Then up arose Sir Siegfried from where Dame Brunhild lay; Upon the floor he left her, and noiseless went his way; But first from her fine finger a golden ring he drew So gently, that the maiden nothing felt or knew. CVIII He took, besides her girdle, with which her lord she tied; I know not if he did so from triumph and from pride; To his wife he gave it, a gift that mischief wrought. Meanwhile the maid and monarch love both together brought. CIX They met with mutual passion as man and wife became; Her stormy rage was soften'd; she was no more the same; Weak she grew and feeble as in his arms she lay; All her former puissance flitted straight away. CX And now was she no stronger than any dame beside. Fearless, unfear'd, her husband caress'd his duteous bride. Why act again the rebel? what boot could thus be won? So much with alter'd Brunhild King Gunther's love had done. CXI How lovingly and fondly he by his lady lay Till the rosy morning led on the laughing day! Sir Siegfried thence departed, and back in silence came, Where tenderly receiv'd him a fair and gentle dame. CXII Her questions he evaded, though much to know she sought; Long time too kept he from her the gifts that he had brought, Till, crown'd, in his own country she reign'd, his royal bride; Of all, he else could grant her, how little he denied! CXIII Far merrier in the morning than he before had been Appear'd the good King Gunther; the change with joy was seen By every faithful vassal, and every foreign guest, Whom he had home invited and feasted with the best. CXIV