LXII
How he far'd she reck'd not, while soft herself she lay;
So all night long he dangled perforce till break of day,
When through the chamber window the light began to peep.
That night was Gunther's pleasure as little as his sleep.
LXIII
"Now tell me, good Sir Gunther," began the froward fair,
"Would you like your servants to find you hanging there
The bondsman of a woman? that were a royal view!"
The noble knight made answer, "No credit 'twere to you;
LXIV
"And in good sooth," he added, "'twere honor none to me;
So of your kindness, lady, be pleas'd to set me free;
Since my love's so distasteful, fear neither harm nor hurt.
Not so much as a finger of mine shall touch your skirt."
LXV
With that the maid unbound him; free stood he, but half dead;
Then all aghast and trembling back totter'd to the bed,
And there lay down so distant that her night-dress fair
He seldom touch'd, if ever; e'en that she well could spare.
LXVI
Now in came their attendants; by these in hand were borne
New gaudy robes in plenty to suit the marriage morn.
Downcast he stood and moody amidst the smiling band.
Their mirth seem'd out of season to the monarch of the land.