XLVII
Whatever he could tell her, her gloomy mood she kept.
Then from the board to tilting many a warrior stepp'd.
The noise of their tourney made all the castle ring.
His guests and their amusements wearied sore the king.
XLVIII
Thought he, 't were softer lying in a marriage bed.
Then, to beguile annoyance, his longing heart he fed
With thought of future pleasure from love of such a bride,
And ever Lady Brunhild tenderly he ey'd.
XLIX
The guests were bid give over the tourney, as was meet.
The king with his fair lady would now to bed retreat.
Before the hall's grand staircase Kriemhild and Brunhild met;
Bitterness or rancor on neither side was yet.
L
Then came th' attendant courtiers; they lingered now for nought;
Chamberlains well-apparel'd the tapers to them brought.
The followers then divided of the rulers twain;
Then might you see with Siegfried go forth a num'rous train.
LI
And now the royal bridegrooms both to their chambers came;
Each thought with fond caresses to woo his gentle dame,
That both might, as befitted, in love's soft bonds agree.
The night to noble Siegfried was sweet as sweet might be.