Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/194

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Sir Siegfried stepp’d aside then— whilst there the maiden lay—

As though he had bethought him his clothes to put away;

But first, from off her finger a golden ring he drew,

So that the noble maiden naught of it ever knew.

He likewise took her girdle,— a silken cord and good,—

I know not if he took it in arrogance of mood.

Unto his wife he gave it, whence woe he one day had.

Then lay each by the other the king and his fair maid,

He woo’d her as a lover, as was his right to do.

And needs must she her anger and eke her shame forego.

So closely did he court her her cheeks grew somewhat pale:

Ah me! how all her power was made by love to fail!

For now she was no stronger than any other dame,

And all her lovely body his very own became.

If she had tried to spurn him, what profit could it prove?

This was the work of Gunther by virtue of his love.

How full of fond endearments he by the lady lay,

In tender love and kindness until the dawn of day!

Meanwhile, the noble Siegfried had gone again outside,

And was right warmly welcomed by his own winsome bride.

He put aside the questions which did perplex her thought,

And long from her kept hidden what he for her had brought;—

Until, a queen and crownéd, to his own land she went.

What he was doom’d to give her he nowise could prevent!