By force he essayed to embrace her, that her fair white vesture was torn.
Then the proud maid caught at her girdle in her terrible anger and scorn,
Wherewithal was her waist encompassed—it was strong as an iron chain—
Therewith did she deal King Gunther exceeding bitter pain.
For she gripped him, she bound together his feet and his hands withal:
To a staple of iron she bare him, and hung him thence by the wall.
“Thy love shall not trouble my slumber!” she laughed with bitter breath.
Her terrible strength had thrust him well-nigh through the gates of death.
Then fell he to make supplication—he who should be her lord!—
“O noble Queen, I beseech thee, loose from the captive the cord!