655.
“Then,” quoth the king, “be careful thou yieldest not to love;
She is mine own dear lady! The rest I do approve,—
Do with her what thou choosest;— if thou shouldst take her life
Methinks I would o’erlook it: she is a fearsome wife!”
656.
“I do agree,” cried Siegfried, “and, by my faith, I swear
I will not seek to woo her. Is not thy sister dear
Before all other women I have set eyes on aye?”
Right well believéd Gunther what Siegfried then did say.
657.
The merry games brought gladness and also weariness.
The tilting and the shouting were bidden soon to cease:
For to the hall the ladies were shortly to depart.
The chamberlains commanded the folk to stand apart.
658.
The horses and the people were driven from the court.
Each of the beauteous ladies a bishop did escort,
When they in kingly presence must go to sit at meat.
And many a goodly liegeman them follow’d to their seat.
659.
The king, with hopes encouraged, in joyous humour sat:
What Siegfried had assured him, his mind was full of that!
To him this one day seeméd as long as thirty days.
Upon his lady’s wooing his thoughts were set always.
660.
He scarcely could content him until the meal was done.
Then was the fair Brunhilda at leisure to be gone,
As also was Kriemhilda; both to their rooms would go,
The thanes around them thronging;— ha! ’twas a gallant show!
