And not a thousand others had he then ta'en for her alone.
I'll tell you now no further how he the lady plied,
But list ye first the story what Gunther did betide
By Lady Brunhild lying. In sooth the noble thane
By side of other ladies a deal more happily had lain.
Withdrawn were now attendants, man and also maid;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
