So to the King hath he hied him, and questioneth lovingly:
“How fared with you twain the night-tide? I pray thee tell unto me.”
And the host to the guest made answer: “My portion is scathe and shame!
To mine house a very demon have I brought for wedded dame!
When I thought to embrace her, swiftly my limbs into bonds she flung:
To an iron staple she bare me, and against the wall she hung.
There swung I sore in torment the long night through till the day
Or ever she deigned to unbind me—and she all restfully lay!
Lo, this is my bitter secret—O true friend, pity thou me!”
Made answer Siegfried the mighty: “Of a truth I sorrow for thee.