The hand of the King in a darkling nook set the lamp aside.
Now a trial of strength beginneth which of sore need must betide
Of strong hero and lovely maiden, a strife of bitter strain;
And the same was for King Gunther full fraught with joy and pain.
For now to the couch stole Siegfried, and laid him down by the Queen;
And she said, “Refrain thee, Gunther—ay, though thy longing be keen!—
Lest thou get to thyself sore anguish, even as yesternight.”
—Of a truth, ere all was ended, he was oft in desperate plight.
He locked his lips from speaking, he uttered never a word;
And, albeit he said nought, Gunther full keenly hearkened and heard