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X.]

He thought how sweet would rest be, by that fair woman’s side!

His heart was never free from this longing for his bride.

He from her wifely duties much love must surely win:

Then tenderly Brunhilda to eye did he begin.

The guests of knightly pastimes were bid to make an end;

The king unto his chamber would with his spouse ascend.

Before the great hall-stairway Kriemhild and Brunhild met:

They look’d upon each other with nought but kindness yet.

Then came their court-attendants; there was no lingering;

The chamberlains rich-suited the taper-lights did bring.

The warriors were divided,— to either king his men:

’Twas plainly seen how many did follow Siegfried then.

Unto their wedding chambers thus both the heroes came.

And each of them was thinking how he by love would tame

His lovely lady’s scruples, and tender was his mood.

To Siegfried was his pastime beyond all measure good.

For when the lordly hero held Kriemhild to his heart,

And comforted the maiden with every loving art,

Amid his noble wooing she seem’d his very life:

Not for a thousand others had he foregone his wife.

Of how he woo’d his lady I nothing more will tell.

But hearken to this story, to Gunther what befell

Along with Dame Brunhilda. Methinks the comely thane,

On many a softer pillow with other dames had lain!