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

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 pa.s.sions for love and duty meek.

Whatever pa.s.s'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 n.o.ble ruler, vouchsafe my life to spare; Whatever I've offended, my duty shall repair.

I'll meet thy n.o.ble pa.s.sion; 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 pa.s.sion 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!