Withdrawn were now attendants, / man and also maid;
Not long to lock the chamber / within the king delayed.
He weened to have good pleasure / of that fair lady,
Yet was the time still distant / when that she his wife should be.
In gown of whitest linen / unto the bed she passed.
Then thought the knight full noble: / "Now have I here at last
All that I e'er desired / as long as I can tell."
Perforce her stately beauty / did please the monarch passing well.
That they should shine more dimly / he placed the lights aside,
Then where did lie the lady / the thane full eager hied.
He placed himself a-nigh her, / his joy right great it was,
As in his arms the monarch / the winsome maid did there embrace.
A loving plaisance had he / with vigor there begun
If that the noble lady / had let the same be done.
She then did rage so sorely / that grieved was he thereat;
He weened to find who loved him, / —instead he found him naught but hate.
Spake she: "Good knight and noble, / from this thing give o'er.
That which thou here hast hope of, / it may be nevermore.
A maid I still will keep me / —well mayest thou know that—
Until I learn that story." / Gunther wrathy grew thereat.