And of Love the Overcomer—how glad were their souls for this!

And for Siegfried the arms of the loving were a haven of infinite bliss.

As Siegfried the hero gathered Kriemhild unto his breast,

And poured out his love upon her in the glory of love’s twin-rest,

As a knight all-courteous, his darling became unto him as his life.

Not for a thousand fair ones had he given his belovèd—his wife!

Now no more singeth the minstrel of his joy in that lady bright;

But thereafter the story telleth how Gunther fared that night

In the bride-bower of Queen Brunhild—O me, that gentle thane

By any other woman in easier plight had lain!