LII
There lay he so delighted by lovely Kriemhild's side,
And found such modest graces in his virgin bride,
That he came to love her more than his proper life.
Well she deserv'd his passion as a virtuous wife.
LIII
What more ensued between them it needs not here to say.
Now you must hear the story, how King Gunther lay
By the fair Lady Brunhild. Many a loving swain
By his loving helpmate with more content has lain.
LIV
The crowd had now all vanish'd, that tended them before;
Of the marriage chamber fast was made the door.
He deem'd he now was shortly to win his lovely mate,
But for that happy moment he yet had long to wait.
LV
In robe of whitest linen to the bed she pass'd;
Then thought the noble Gunther, "Now all is mine at last,
That I ever long'd for before in all my life."
Needs must be blest a husband in such a charming wife.
LVI
And now with trembling fingers 'gan he shroud the light,
Then went with glad expectance where lay his lady bright,
And laid him down beside her, nor small the joy he knew,
When his arms around her tenderly he threw.