That by word or by deed in secret nothing by them was done.
—Good sooth, it was no soft lying that these on the bride-bed won!
He made as though he were Gunther, Burgundia’s mighty King;
And around that peerless maiden a sudden arm did he fling.
But forth of the couch she hurled him, and against a high-seat dashed,
That his brows against the footstool thereof full heavily crashed.
Then leapt to his feet the hero, and he summoned up all his might
To essay it with better fortune; and these twain closed in a fight
Wherein he strove to tame her, and bitter she made it for him.
—Never, I ween, of woman was made a defence so grim!