CII
Long time endur'd the contest, nor ever seem'd to slack,
Till 'gainst the bed with fury he dash'd the maiden back.
How fierce soe'er she struggled, faint and more faint she grew;
Then many a shrewd suspicion shot Gunther's bosom through.
CIII
Still ever as he listen'd, he thought 'twas wondrous long.
Just then the hands of Siegfried she squeez'd so fierce and strong,
That blood from the nails started; the warrior tingled sore;
But soon he brought the damsel to give her frenzy o'er,
CIV
And change her furious passions for love and duty meek.
Whatever pass'd heard Gunther, though daring not to speak
Against the bed he drove her, that loud she shriek'd for pain.
Cruel was her torture from Siegfried's mastering main.
CV
Then grasp'd she at her girdle, and strove to bind her foe,
When down the warrior hurl'd her with such a forceful throw,
That crack'd each bone and sinew; that clos'd at once the strife;
The fainting maid submitted to live King Gunther's wife.
CVI
Said she, "Right noble ruler, vouchsafe my life to spare;
Whatever I've offended, my duty shall repair.
I'll meet thy noble passion; my love with thine shall vie.
That thou canst tame a woman, none better knows than I."