{"collection":"myth-cosmogony","full_text_available":true,"graph_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/api/page/gutenberg_48214/graph","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/page/gutenberg_48214","id":"gutenberg_48214","license":"Public Domain (US)","rights_basis":"gutenberg_metadata_copyright_false","source":"gutenberg","source_url":"https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/48214","summary":null,"tags":["Category: Mythology, Legends & Folklore","Category: Plays/Films/Dramas","Opera","Operas -- Librettos"],"text":"THE RING OF THE NIBLUNG\n\n THE RHINEGOLD: PRELUDE\n THE VALKYRIE: FIRST DAY OF THE TRILOGY\n SIEGFRIED: SECOND DAY OF THE TRILOGY\n THE TWILIGHT OF THE GODS: THIRD\n DAY OF THE TRILOGY\n\n\n\n\n\nTHE RHINEGOLD & THE VALKYRIE\n\nBY RICHARD WAGNER\n\n\nWITH ILLUSTRATIONS\n\nBY ARTHUR RACKHAM\n\n\nTRANSLATED BY MARGARET ARMOUR\n\n\nLONDON WILLIAM HEINEMANN\n\nNEW YORK DOUBLEDAY PACE & Co\n\n\n\n1910\n\n\n\n[Illustration: \"Raging, Wotan\n Rides to the rock!\n . . . . . . .\n Like a storm-wind he comes!\"]\n\n\n\nLIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS\n\n\n\"Raging, Wotan\nRides to the rock!\n . . . . . . . .\nLike a storm-wind he comes\" plate 01\n\nThe frolic of the Rhine-Maidens plate 02\n\nThe Rhine-Maidens teasing Alberich plate 03\n\n \"Mock away! Mock!\nThe Niblung makes for your toy!\" plate 04\n\n\"Seize the despoiler!\nRescue the gold!\nHelp us! Help us!\nWoe! Woe!\" plate 05\n\nFreia, the fair one plate 06\n\n\"The Rhine's pure-gleaming children\nTold me of their sorrow\" plate 07\n\nFasolt suddenly seizes Freia and drags her to one side\nwith Fafner plate 08\n\nThe Gods grow wan and aged at the loss of Freia plate 09\n\nMIME, howling. \"Oh\u00e9! Oh\u00e9!\n Oh! Oh!\" plate 10\n\nMIME writhes under the lashes he receives plate 11\n\nAlberich drives in a band of Niblungs laden with gold\nand silver treasure plate 12\n\n \"Oh\u00e9! Oh\u00e9!\n Horrible dragon,\n O swallow me not!\nSpare the life of poor Loge! plate 13\n\n\"Hey! Come hither,\nAnd stop me this cranny!\" plate 14\n\n\"Erda bids thee beware\" plate 15\n\nFafner kills Fasolt plate 16\n\n \"To my hammer's swing\n Hitherward sweep\n Vapours and fogs!\n Hovering mists!\nDonner, your lord, summons his hosts!\" plate 17\n\n\"The Rhine's fair children,\nBewailing their lost gold, weep\" plate 18\n\n \"This healing and honeyed\n Draught of mead\nDeign to accept from me.\"\n\"Set it first to thy lips\" plate 19\n\nHunding discovers the likeness between Siegmund and\nSieglinde plate 20\n\nSieglinde prepares Hunding's draught for the night plate 21\n\n\"Siegmund the Walsung\nThou dost see!\nAs bride-gift\nHe brings thee this sword\" plate 22\n\nBr\u00fcnnhilde plate 23\n\nFricka approaches in anger plate 24\n\nBr\u00fcnnhilde slowly and silently leads her horse down the\npath to the cave plate 25\n\n \"Father! Father!\n Tell me what ails thee?\nWith dismay thou art filling thy child!\" plate 26\n\nBr\u00fcnnhilde stands for a long time dazed and alarmed plate 27\n\nBr\u00fcnnhilde with her horse, at the mouth of the cave plate 28\n\n \"I flee for the first time\n And am pursued:\nWarfather follows close\n . . . . . . .\nHe nears, he nears, in fury!\n Save this woman!\n Sisters, your help!\" plate 29\n\n \"There as a dread\n Dragon he sojourns,\n And in a cave\nKeeps watch over Alberich's ring\" plate 30\n\nThe ride of the Valkyries plate 31\n\n\"Appear, flickering fire,\nEncircle the rock with thy flame!\nLoge! Loge! Appear!\" plate 32\n\nAs he moves slowly away, Wotan turns and looks\nsorrowfully back at Br\u00fcnnhilde plate 33\n\nThe sleep of Br\u00fcnnhilde plate 34\n\n\n\n\nTHE RHINEGOLD\n\n\nCHARACTERS\n\n GODS: WOTAN, DONNER, FROH, LOGE\n NIBELUNGS: ALBERICH, MIME\n GIANTS: FASOLT, FAFNER\n GODDESSES: FRICKA, FREIA, ERDA\n RHINE-MAIDENS: WOGLINDE, WELLGUNDE, FLOSSHILDE\n\nSCENES OF ACTION\n\n I. AT THE BOTTOM OF THE RHINE\n II. OPEN SPACE ON A MOUNTAIN HEIGHT NEAR THE RHINE\n III. THE SUBTERRANEAN CAVERNS OF NIBELHEIM\n IV. OPEN SPACE AS IN SCENE II.\n\n\n\nFIRST SCENE\n\n\n_At the bottom of the Rhine_\n\n\n_A greenish twilight, lighter above than below. The upper part is filled\nwith undulating water, which streams respectively from right to left.\nTowards the bottom the waves resolve themselves into a mist which\ngrows finer as it descends, so that a space, as high as a mans body\nfrom the ground, appears to be quite free from the water, which\nfloats like a train of clouds over the gloomy stretch below. Steep\nrocky peaks jut up everywhere from the depths, and enclose the entire\nstage. The ground is a wild confusion of jagged rocks, no part of\nit being quite level, and on every side deeper fisures are indicated\nby a still denser gloom. Woglinde circles with graceful swimming\nmovements round the central rock._\n\n\n\nWOGLINDE\n\n Weia! Waga!\n Roll, O ye billows,\n Rock ye our cradle!\n Wagala weia!\n Wallala, weiala, weia!\n\nWELLGUNDE [_From above._\n\n Woglinde, watchest alone?\n\nWOGLINDE\n\n If Wellgunde came we were two.\n\nWELLGUNDE [_Dives down to the rock_.\n\n How keepest thou watch?\n\nWOGLINDE [_Swimming off, eludes her_.\n\n Wary of thee.\n\n [_They playfully tease and chase one another_.\n\nFLOSSHILDE [_From above_.\n\n Heiaha weia!\n Ho! ye wild sisters!\n\nWELLGUNDE\n\n Flosshilde, swim!\n Woglinde flies:\n Help me to hinder her flying.\n\nFLOSSHILDE [_Dives down between the two at play._\n\n The sleeping gold\n Badly ye guard;\n Watch with more zeal\n The slumberer's bed,\n Or dear you'll pay for your sport!\n\n [_They swim asunder with merry cries. Flosshilde\n tries to catch first the one, then the other.\n They elude her, and then combine to chase her,\n darting like fish from rock to rock with jests and\n laughter. Meanwhile Alberich climbs out of a dark\n ravine on to a rock. He pauses, still surrounded\n by darkness, and watches the frolic of the\n Rhine-Maidens with increasing pleasure._\n\nALBERICH\n\n Hey, hey! ye nixies!\n Ye are a lovely,\n Lovable folk!\n From Nibelheim's night\n Fain would I come,\n Would ye be kind to me.\n\n [_The maidens, as soon as they hear Alberich's\n voice, stop playing._\n\nWOGLINDE\n\n Hei! Who is there?\n\nWELLGUNDE\n\n A voice! It grows dark!\n\nFLOSSHILDE\n\n Who listens below?\n\n [_They dive down and see the Nibelung._\n\nWOGLINDE and WELLGUNDE\n\n Fie! the loathsome one!\n\n[Illustration: Plate 02, The frolic of the Rhine-Maidens.]\n\nFLOSSHILDE [_Swimming up quickly._\n\n Look to the gold!\n Father warned us\n Of such a foe.\n\n [Both the others follow her, and all three gather\n quickly round the central rock.\n\nALBERICH\n\n You above there!\n\nTHE THREE RHINE-MAIDENS\n\n What wouldst thou below there?\n\nALBERICH\n\n Do I spoil sport\n By standing and gazing here?\n Dived ye but deeper,\n Fain the Niblung\n Would join in your frolic and play.\n\nWELLGUNDE\n\n He wishes to join us?\n\nWOGLINDE\n\n Is he in jest?\n\nALBERICH\n\n Ye gleam above me\n So glad and fair!\n If one would only\n Glide down, how close in my arms\n Fondly clasped she would be!\n\nFLOSSHILDE\n\n I laugh at my fears:\n The foe is in love.\n\nWELLGUNDE\n\n The amorous imp!\n\nWOGLINDE\n\n Let us approach him.\n\n [She sinks down to the top of the rock, whose base\n Alberich has reached.\n\nALBERICH\n\n Lo! one of them comes!\n\nWOGLINDE\n\n Climb up to me here!\n\nALBERICH\n\n [_Climbs with gnome-like agility, though with\n repeated checks, to the summit of the rock.\n Irritably._\n\n Horrid rock,\n So slippery, slimy!\n I slide and slip!\n My hands and feet vainly\n Attempt to hold on\n To the slithery surface!\n Vapour damp\n Fills up my nostrils--\n Accursed sneezing!\n\n [_He has got near Woglinde,_\n\nWOGLINDE [_Laughing._\n\n Sneezing tells\n That my suitor comes!\n\nALBERICH\n\n Be thou my love!\n Adorable child!\n\n [_He tries to embrace her._\n\nWOGLINDE [_Escaping from him._\n\n Here thou must woo,\n If woo me thou wilt!\n\n [_She swims up to another rock._\n\nALBERICH [_Scratching his head._\n\n Alas! not yet caught?\n Come but closer!\n Hard I found\n What so lightly thou didst.\n\nWOGLINDE [_Swims to a third rock lower down._\n\n Deeper descend:\n Thou'lt certainly seize me!\n\nALBERICH [_Clambers down quickly._\n\n Down there it is better!\n\nWOGLINDE [_Darts upwards to a higher rock at the side._\n\n But better still higher!\n\nWELLGUNDE AND FLOSSHILDE [_Laughing_\n\n Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!\n\nALBERICH\n\n How capture this coy,\n Elusive fish?\n Wait for me, false one!\n\n [_He tries to climb after her in haste._\n\nWELLGUNDE\n\n [_Has sunk down to a lower rock on the other side._\n\n Heia! my friend there!\n Dost thou not hear?\n\nALBERICH [_Turning round._\n\n What? Didst thou call?\n\nWELLGUNDE\n\n Be counselled by me:\n Forsake Woglinde,\n Climb up to me now!\n\nALBERICH\n\n [_Climbs hastily over the river-bottom towards\n Wellgunde._\n\n Thou art more comely\n Far than that coy one;\n Her sheen is duller,\n Her skin too smooth.\n But thou must deeper\n Dive to delight me!\n\nWELLGUNDE\n\n [_Sinking down till she is a little nearer him._\n\n\n Well, now am I near?\n\nALBERICH\n\n Not near enough.\n Thine arms around me\n Tenderly throw,\n That I may fondle\n Thy neck with my fingers,\n And closely may cling\n To thy bosom with love and with longing.\n\nWELLGUNDE\n\n Art thou in love?\n For love art thou pining?\n Approach and show me\n Thy face and thy form.\n Fie! thou horrible\n Hunchback, for shame!\n Swarthy, horny-skinned\n Rogue of a dwarf!\n Find thou a sweetheart\n Fonder than I?\n\nALBERICH\n\n [_Tries to detain her by force_\n\n I may not be fair,\n But fast I can hold!\n\nWELLGUNDE\n\n\n [_Swimming up quickly to the middle rock._\n\n Hold firm, or I will escape!\n\nWOGLINDE AND FLOSSHILDE [_Laughing._\n\n Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!\n\nALBERICH [_Angrily calling after Wellgunde._\n\n Fickle maid!\n Bony, cold-blooded fish!\n Fair if I seem not,\n Pretty and playful\n Smooth and sleek--\n Hei! if I am so loathsome\n Give thy love to the eels!\n\nFLOSSHILDE\n\n What ails thee, dwarf?\n Daunted so soon?\n Though two have been wooed,\n Still a third waits thee,\n Solace sweet\n Fain at a word to grant!\n\nALBERICH\n\n Soothing song\n Sounds in my ear!\n 'Twas well I found\n Three and not one!\n The chance is I charm one of many,\n Whilst, single, no one would choose me!\n Hither come gliding,\n And I will believe!\n\nFLOSSHILDE [_Dives down to Alberich._\n\n How senseless are ye,\n Silly sisters,\n Not to see he is fair!\n\nALBERICH [_Hastening towards her._\n\n I well may deem them\n Dull and ill-favoured,\n Seeing how lovely thou art!\n\nFLOSSHILDE\n\n Sing on! Thy song,\n So soft and sweet,\n Entrancing sounds in my ear!\n\nALBERICH [_Caressing her with confidence._\n\n My heart burns\n And flutters and fails,\n Flattered by praises so sweet!\n\nFLOSSHILDE [_Gently resisting him._\n\n Thy grace and beauty\n Make glad my eye;\n And thy smile refreshes\n My soul like balm\n\n [_She draws him tenderly towards her._\n\n Dearest of men!\n\nALBERICH\n\n Sweetest of maids!\n\nFLOSSHILDE\n\n Wert thou but mine!\n\nALBERICH\n\n Wert mine for ever!\n\nFLOSSHILDE [_Ardently._\n\n To be pierced by thy glance,\n To be pricked by thy beard,\n To see and to feel them for aye!\n Might thy hair hard as bristles\n Flow ever more\n Enraptured Flosshilde wreathing!\n And thy form like a frog's,\n And the croak of thy voice--\n O could I, dumb with amaze,\n Marvel forever on these!\n\nWOGLINDE AND WELLGUNDE\n\n [_Dive down close to them and laugh._\n\n Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!\n\nALBERICH [_Starting in alarm._\n\n Wretches, dare ye thus scoff?\n\nFLOSSHILDE [_Suddenly darting away from him._\n\n A suitable end to the song.\n [_She swims up quickly with her sisters._\n\nWOGLINDE AND WELLGUNDE [_Laughing._\n\n Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!\n\nALBERICH [_In a wailing voice._\n\n Woe's me! Ah, woe's me!\n Alas! Alas!\n The third one, so dear,\n Does she too betray?\n O sly and shameful\n Worthless and dissolute wantons!\n Live ye on lies\n Alone, O ye false nixie brood?\n\nTHE THREE RHINE MAIDENS\n\n Wallala! Wallala!\n Lalalelai leialalei!\n Heia! Heia! ha! ha!\n Shame on thee goblin,\n Scolding down yonder!\n Cease, and do as we bid thee!\n Faint-hearted wooer,\n Why couldst not hold\n The maid, when won, more fast?\n True are we,\n And troth we keep\n With lovers when once caught.\n Grasp then and hold;\n Away with all fear!\n In the waves we scarce can escape.\n Wallala!\n Lalaleia! Leialalei!\n Heia! Heia! Ha hei!\n\n [_They swim apart hither and thither, now lower,\n now higher, to provoke Alberich to give chase._\n\n[Illustration: Plate 03, The Rhine-Maidens teasing Alberich.]\n\nALBERICH\n\n Fiercely within me\n Passionate fires\n Consume and flame!\n Love and fury,\n Wild, resistless,\n Lash me to frenzy!\n So laugh and lie your fill--\n One of you I desire,\n And one must yield to my yearning!\n\n [_He starts chasing them with desperate energy.\n He climbs with terrible agility, and, springing\n from rock to rock, tries to catch one maiden\n after another. They keep eluding him with mocking\n laughter. He stumbles and falls into the abyss, and\n clambers up quickly again and resumes the chase.\n They sink down a little towards him; he almost\n reaches them, but falls, back again, and once\n more tries to catch them. At last he pauses out\n of breath, and, foaming with rage, stretches his\n clenched fist up towards the maidens._\n\nALBERICH\n\n If but this fist had one!\n\n [_He remains speechless with rage, gazing upwards,\n when he is suddenly attracted and arrested by the\n following spectacle. Through the water a light\n of continually increasing brilliance breaks from\n above, and, at a point near the top of the middle\n rock, kindles to a radiant and dazzling golden\n gleam. A magical light streams from this through\n the waves._\n\nWOGLINDE\n\n Look, sisters!\n The wakener laughs to the deep.\n\nWELLGUNDE\n\n Through the billows green\n The blissful slumberer greets.\n\nFLOSSHILDE\n\n He kisses the eyelid,\n Making it open;\n Bathed in splendour,\n Behold it smiles,\n Sending, like a star,\n Gleaming light through the waves.\n\nTHE THREE RHINE-MAIDENS\n\n [_Swimming gracefully round the cliff together._\n\n Heia jaheia!\n Heia jaheia!\n Wallala la la la leia jahei!\n Rhinegold!\n Rhinegold!\n Radiant delight,\n How glorious and glad thy smile,\n Over the water\n Shooting effulgence afar!\n Heia jahei!\n Heia jaheia!\n Waken, friend!\n Wake in joy!\n That we may please thee,\n Merry we'll play,\n Waters afire,\n Billows aflame,\n As, blissfully bathing,\n Dancing and singing,\n We dive and encircle thy bed!\n Rhinegold!\n Rhinegold!\n Heia jaheia!\n Heia jaheia!\n Wallala la la la heia jahei!\n\n [_With increasing mirthful abandonment the maidens\n swim round the rock. The water is filled with a\n glimmering golden light._\n\nALBERICH\n\n [_Whose eyes, strongly attracted by the radiance,\n stare fixedly at the gold._\n\n What is it, sleek ones,\n That yonder gleams and shines?\n\nTHE THREE RHINE-MAIDENS\n\n Where dost thou hail from, O churl,\n Of the Rhinegold not to have heard?\n\nWELLGUNDE\n\n Knows not the elf\n Of the famed eye golden\n That wakes and sleeps in turn?\n\nWOGLINDE\n\n Of the star resplendent\n Down in the depths\n Whose light illumines the waves?\n\nTHE THREE RHINE-MAIDENS [_Together_\n\n See how gaily\n We glide in the glory!\n Wouldst thou also\n Be bathed in brightness,\n Come, float and frolic with us!\n Wallala la la leia lalei!\n Wallala la la leia jahei!\n\nALBERICH\n\n Has the gold no value\n Apart from your games?\n It were not worth getting!\n\nWOGLINDE\n\n He would not scoff,\n Scorning the gold,\n Did he but know all its wonders!\n\nWELLGUNDE\n\n That man surely\n The earth would inherit\n Who from the Rhinegold\n Fashioned the ring\n Which measureless power imparts.\n\nFLOSSHILDE\n\n Our father told us,\n And strictly bade us\n Guard with prudence\n The precious hoard\n That no thief from the water might steal it.\n Be still, then, chattering fools.\n\nWELLGUNDE\n\n O prudent sister,\n Why chide and reproach?\n Hast thou not heard\n That one alone\n Can hope to fashion the gold?\n\nWOGLINDE\n\n Only the man\n Who love defies,\n Only the man\n From love who flies\n Can learn and master the magic\n That makes a ring of the gold.\n\nWELLGUNDE\n\n Secure then are we\n And free from care:\n For love is part of living;\n No one would live without loving.\n\nWOGLINDE\n\n And least of all he,\n The languishing elf,\n With pangs of love\n Pining away.\n\nFLOSSHILDE\n\n I fear him not\n Who should surely know,\n By his savage lust\n Almost inflamed.\n\n[Illustration: Plate 04\n \"Mock away! Mock away!\n The Niblung makes for your toy!\"]\n\nWELLGUNDE\n\n A brimstone brand\n In the surging waves,\n In lovesick frenzy\n Hissing loud.\n\nTHE THREE RHINE-MAIDENS [_Together._\n\n Wallala! Wallaleia la la!\n Join in our laughter,\n Lovable elf!\n In the golden glory\n How gallant thy sheen!\n O come, lovely one, laugh as we laugh!\n Heia jaheia!\n Heia jaheia!\n Wallala la la la leia jahei!\n\n [_They swim, laughing, backwards and forwards in\n the light._\n\nALBERICH\n\n [_His eyes fixed on the gold, has listened\n attentively to the sisters rapid chatter._\n\n Could I truly\n The whole earth inherit through thee?\n If love be beyond me\n My cunning could compass delight?\n\n [_In a terribly loud voice._\n\n Mock away! Mock!\n The Niblung makes for your toy!\n\n [_Raging he springs on to the middle rock,\n and clambers to the top. The maidens scatter,\n screaming, and swim upwards on different sides._\n\nTHE THREE RHINE MAIDENS\n\n Heia! Heia!heia jahei!\n Save yourselves!\n The elf is distraught!\n Swirling waters splash\n At every leap:\n The creature's crazy with love!\n Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!\n\nALBERICH\n\n [_Reaching the topwith a last spring._\n\n Still undismayed?\n Go, wanton in darkness.\n Water-born brood!\n\n [_He stretches his hand out towards the gold._\n\n My hand quenches your light;\n I tear the gold from the rock;\n Forged be the ring for revenge!\n Bear witness, ye floods--\n I forswear love and curse it!\n\n [_He tears the gold from the rock with terrific\n force, and immediately plunges with it into the\n depths, where he quickly disappears. Sudden\n darkness envelops the scene. The maidens dive down\n after the robber._\n\nTHE THREE RHINE MAIDENS\n\n Seize the despoiler!\n Rescue the gold!\n Help us! Help us!\n Woe! Woe!\n\n [_The water sinks with them. From the lowest depth\n Alberich's shrill, mocking laughter rings up. The\n rocks are hidden by impenetrable darkness. The\n whole stage from top to bottom is filled with black\n waves, which for some time appear to sink even\n lower._\n\n\n[Illustration: plate 05\n \"Seize the despoiler!\n Rescue the gold!\n Help us! Help us!\n Woe! Woe!\"]\n\n\n\n\nSECOND SCENE\n\n\n_The waves have gradually changed into clouds which, becoming lighter\nand lighter by degrees, finally disperse in a fine mist. As the mist\nvanishes upwards in light little clouds an open space on a mountain\nheight becomes visible in the dim light which precedes dawn. At one\nside Wotan with Fricka beside him both asleep, lie on a flowery bank.\nThe dawning day illumines with increasing brightness a castle with\nglittering pinnacles which stands on the summit of a cliff in the\nbackground. Between this and the foreground a deep valley is visible\nthrough which the Rhine flows._\n\n\n\nFRICKA\n\n [_Awakes; her gaze falls on the castle, which has\n become plainly visible; alarmed._\n\nWOTAN [_Continuing to dream._\n\n The happy hall of delight\n Is guarded by gate and door:\n Manhood's honour,\n Power for aye,\n Rise to my lasting renown!\n\nFRICKA [_Shakes him._\n\n Up from deceitful\n Bliss of a dream!\n My husband, wake and consider!\n\nWOTAN\n\n [_Awakes and raises himself slightly. His glance is\n immediately arrested by the view of the castle._\n\n The walls everlasting are built!\n On yonder summit\n The Gods' abode\n Proudly rears\n Its radiant strength!\n As I nursed it in dream\n And desired it to be,\n Strong it stands,\n Fair to behold,\n Brave and beautiful pile!\n\nFRICKA\n\n While thou rejoicest,\n Joyless am I.\n Thou hast thy hall;\n My heart fears for Freia.\n Heedless one, hast thou forgotten\n The price that was to be paid?\n The work is finished,\n And forfeit the pledge:\n Hast thou then no care for the cost?\n\nWOTAN\n\n My bargain well I remember\n With them who built the abode.\n 'Twas a pact tamed them,\n The obstinate race,\n So that this hallowed\n Hall they have built me.\n It stands--the strong ones' doing:--\n Fret not thou, counting the cost.\n\nFRICKA\n\n O laughing, insolent lightness!\n Mirth how cruel and callous!\n Had I but known of thy pact,\n The trick had never been played;\n But far from your counsels\n Ye men kept the women,\n That, deaf to us and in peace,\n Alone ye might deal with the giants.\n So without shame\n Ye promised them Freia,\n Freia, my beautiful sister,\n Proud of playing the thief.\n What remains holy\n Or precious to men\n Once grown greedy of might?\n\nWOTAN [_Calmly._\n\n From such greed\n Was Fricka then free\n Herself when the castle she craved?\n\nFRICKA\n\n I was forced to ponder some means\n To keep my husband faithful,\n True to me when his fancy\n Tempted him far from his home.\n Halls high and stately,\n Decked to delight thee,\n Were to constrain thee\n To peaceful repose.\n But thou hadst the work designed\n Intent on war alone;\n It was to add\n More to thy might still,\n To stir up to tumult still fiercer\n That built were the towering walls\n\nWOTAN\n\n Wouldst thou, O Wife!\n In the castle confine me,\n To me, the god, must be granted,\n Faithful at home,\n The right to wage war\n And conquer the world from without.\n Ranging and changing\n All men love:\n That sport at least thou must leave me.\n\nFRICKA\n\n Cold, hard-hearted,\n Merciless man!\n For the idle baubles,\n Empire and sway,\n Thou stakest in insolent scorn\n Love and a woman's worth!\n\nWOTAN\n\n When I went wooing, to win thee\n I staked ungrudging,\n Gladly one of my eyes:\n What folly now then to scold!\n Women I honour\n Beyond thy desire!\n I will not abandon\n Frei, the fair:\n Such never was my intent.\n\nFRICKA\n\n [_ Anxiously looking towards a point not on the\n stage._\n\n Then succour her now:\n Defenceless, in fear,\n Hither she hastens for help!\n\nFREIA\n\n [_Enters as if flying from someone._\n\n Help me, sister!\n Shield me, o brother!\n From yonder mountain\n Menaces Fasolt:\n He comes to bear me off captive.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Let him come!\n Sawest thou Loge?\n\nFRICKA\n\n To this tricky deceiver\n O why wilt thou trust?\n He always snares thee anew,\n Though from his snares thou hast suffered.\n\nWOTAN\n\n I ask for no aid\n Where simple truth suffices;\n But to turn the spite\n Of foes to profit,\n Craft and cunning alone\n Can teach, as by Loge employed.\n He whose advice I obeyed\n Has promised ransom for Freia:\n On him my faith I have fixed.\n\nFRICKA\n\n And art left in the lurch.\n The giants come.\n Lo! hither they stride:\n Where lingers now thine ally?\n\nFREIA\n\n Where tarry ye, my brothers,\n When help ye should bring me,\n Weak and bartered away by my kin?\n O help me, Donner!\n Hither! Hither!\n Rescue Freia, my Froh!\n\nFRICKA\n\n Now the knaves who plotted and tricked thee\n Abandon thee in thy need.\n\n [_Fasolt and Fafner, both of gigantic stature,\n enter, armed with stout clubs._\n\nFASOLT\n\n Soft sleep\n Sealed thine eyes\n While we, both sleepless,\n Built the castle walls:\n Working hard\n Wearied not,\n Heaping, heaving\n Heavy stones.\n Tower steep,\n Door and gate\n Keep and guard\n Thy goodly castle halls.\n\n [_Pointing to the castle._\n\n There stands\n What we builded,\n Shining fair\n Beneath the sun.\n Enter in\n And pay the price!\n\nWOTAN\n\n Name, Workers, your wage.\n What payment will appease you?\n\nFASOLT\n\n We made the terms\n That seemed to us meet.\n Hast thou forgot so soon?\n Freia, the fair one,\n Holda, the free one--\n The bargain is\n We bear her away.\n\nWOTAN (Quickly.)\n\n Ye must be mad\n To moot such a thing!\n Ask some other wage;\n Freia I will not grant.\n\nFASOLT\n\n _Stands for a space speechless with angry surprise._\n\n What is this? Ha!\n Wouldest deceive?--\n Go back on thy bond?\n What thy spear wards\n Are they but sport,\n All the runes of solemn bargain?\n\nFAFNER\n\n O trusty brother!\n Fool, dost now see the trick?\n\nFASOLT\n\n Son of light,\n Light, unstable,\n Hearken! Have a care!\n In treaties keep thou troth!\n What thou art\n Thou art only by treaties,\n For, built on bonds,\n There are bounds to thy might.\n Though cunning thou,\n More clever than we:\n Though we once freemen,\n Are pledged to peace,\n Cursed be all thy wisdom;--\n Peaceful promises perish!--\n Wilt thou not open,\n Honest and frank\n Stand fast by a bargain once fixed.\n A stupid giant\n Tells thee this:\n O wise one, take it from him!\n\n[Illustration: plate 06, Freia, the fair one]\n\nWOTAN\n\n How sly to judge us serious\n When plainly we were but jesting!\n The beautiful Goddess\n Light and bright--\n For churls what charm could she have?\n\nFASOLT\n\n Jeerest thou?\n Ha! how unjust!\n Ye who by beauty rule,\n Proud and radiant race!\n How foolish, striving\n For towers of stone,\n Woman's love to pledge--\n Price of walls and of halls!\n We dolts, despising ease,\n Sweating with toil-hardened hands,\n Have worked, that a woman\n With gentle delight\n In our midst might sojourn\n And ye call the pact a jest?\n\nFAFNER\n\n Cease thy childish chatter;\n No gain look we to get.\n Freia's charms\n Mean little;\n But it means much,\n If from the Gods we remove her.\n Golden apples\n Ripen within her garden;\n She alone\n Grows the apples and tends them.\n The goodly fruit\n Gives to her kinsfolk,\n Who eat thereof,\n Youth everlasting.\n Sick and pale,\n Their beauty would perish,\n Old and weak,\n Wasting away,\n Were not Freia among them.\n\n [_Roughly._\n\n From their midst, therefore, Freia must forth!\n\nWOTAN [_Aside._\n\n Loge lingers long!\n\nFASOLT\n\n We wait for thy word!\n\nWOTAN\n\n Ask some other wage!\n\nFASOLT\n\n No other: Freia alone!\n\nFAFNER\n\n Thou there, follow us!\n\n [_Fafner and Fasolt press towards Freia. Froh and\n Donner enter in haste._\n\nFREIA\n\n Help! Help from the harsh ones!\n\nFROH\n\n To me, Freia!\n\n [_Clasping Freia in his arms._ [_To Fafner._\n\n Back, overbold one!\n Froh shields the fair one!\n\nDONNER [_Confronting the giants._\n\n Fasolt and Fafner,\n Have ye not felt\n With what weight my hammer falls?\n\nFAFNER\n\n What means thy threat?\n\nFASOLT\n\n What wouldst thou here?\n No strife we desire;\n We want but our due reward.\n\nDONNER\n\n Oft I've doled out\n Giants their due:\n Come, your reward is here\n Waiting, full measure and more!\n\n [_He swings his hammer._\n\nWOTAN\n\n [_Stretching out his spear between the combatants._\n\n Hold, thou fierce one!\n Nothing by force!\n All bonds and treaties\n My spear protects;\n Spare then thy hammer's haft!\n\nFREIA\n\n Woe's me! Woe's me!\n Wotan forsakes me!\n\nFRICKA\n\n Can such be thy thought,\n Merciless man?\n\nWOTAN\n\n [_Turns away and sees Loge coming._\n\n\n There comes Loge!\n Hot is thy haste\n Smoothly to settle\n Thy sorry, badly-made bargain!\n\nLOGE\n\n [_Has come up out of the valley in the background._\n\n What is this bargain\n That I am blamed for?--\n The one with the giants\n That thou thyself didst decide?\n O'er hill and o'er hollow\n Drives me my whim;\n House and hearth\n I do not crave.\n Donner and Froh,\n They dream but of roof and room:\n Wedding, must have\n A home in which to dwell,\n A stately hall,\n A fortress fast.\n It was such Wotan wished.\n Hall and house,\n Castle, court,\n The blissful abode\n Now stands complete and strong.\n I proved the lordly\n Pile myself;\n In fear of flaws,\n Scanning it close.\n Fasolt and Fafner\n Faithful I found;\n Firm-bedded is each stone.\n I was not slothful\n Like many here:\n Who calls me sluggard, he lies!\n\nWOTAN\n\n Cunningly\n Thou wouldst escape!\n Warned be, and wisely\n Turn from attempts to deceive.\n Of all the Gods\n I alone stood by thee\n As thy friend,\n In the gang that trusted thee not.\n Now speak, and to the point!\n For when the builders at first\n As wage Freia demanded,\n I gave way only,\n Trusting thy word\n When thou didst solemnly promise\n To ransom the noble pledge.\n\nLOGE\n\n Perplexed to puzzle,\n Plans to ponder\n For its redeeming--\n That promise I gave;\n But to discover\n What cannot be,\n What none can do,\n No man can possibly promise.\n\nFRICKA\n\n See the treacherous\n Rogue thou didst trust!\n\nFROH\n\n Named art Loge,\n But liar I call thee!\n\nDONNER\n\n Accurs\u00e8d flame,\n I will quench thy fire!\n\nLOGE\n\n From their shame to shelter,\n Foolish folk flout me.\n\n [_Donner threatens to strike Loge._\n\nWOTAN\n\n [_Stepping between them._\n\n Forbear and let him alone!\n Ye wot not Loge's wiles.\n His advice,\n Given slowly, gains\n Both in weight and in worth.\n\nFAFNER\n\n Do not dally;\n Promptly pay!\n\nFASOLT\n\n Long waits our reward.\n\nWOTAN\n\n _Turns sternly to Loge._\n\n Speak up surly one!\n Fail me not!\n How far hast thou ranged and roamed?\n\nLOGE\n\n Still with reproach\n Is Loge paid!\n Concerned but for thee,\n Thorough and swift,\n I searched and ransacked\n To the ends of the earth\n To find a ransom for Freia\n Fair to the giants and just.\n In vain the search,\n Convincing at last\n That the world contains\n Nothing so sweet\n That a man will take it instead\n Of woman's love and delight.\n\n [_All seem surprised and taken aback._\n\n Where life moves and has being,\n In water, earth and air\n I questioned,\n Asking of all things,\n Where weak still is strength,\n And germs only stirring,\n What men thought dear--\n And stronger deemed--\n Than woman's love and delight.\n But where life moves and has being\n My questions met\n But with laughter and scorn.\n In water, earth and air\n Woman and love\n Will none forego.\n\n [_Varied gestures of amazement._\n\n One man, one only,\n I met who, renouncing love,\n Prized ruddy gold\n Above any woman's grace.\n The Rhine's pure-gleaming children\n Told me of their sorrow.\n The Nibelung,\n Night-Alberich,\n Wooed for the favour\n Of the swimmers in vain,\n And vengeance took,\n Stealing the Rhinegold they guard.\n He thinks it now\n A thing beyond price,\n Greater than woman's grace.\n For their glittering toy\n Thus torn from the deep\n The sorrowful maids lamented.\n They pray, Wotan,\n Pleading to thee,\n That thy wrath may fall on the robber\n The gold too\n They would have thee grant them\n To guard in the water for ever.\n Loge promised\n The maidens to tell thee,\n And, keeping faith, he has told.\n\n[Illustration: plate 07\n \"The Rhine's pure-gleaming children\n Told me of their sorrow\"]\n\nWOTAN\n\n Dull thou must be\n Or downright knavish!\n In parlous plight myself,\n What help have I for others?\n\nFASOLT\n\n [_Who has been listening attentively, to Fafner._\n\n The Niblung has much annoyed us;\n I greatly grudge him this Rhinegold;\n But such his craft and cunning,\n He has never been caught.\n\nFAFNER\n\n Other malice\n Ponders the Niblung;\n Gains he might from gold\n Listen, Loge!\n Tell us the truth.\n What wondrous gift has the gold,\n That the dwarf desires it so?\n\nLOGE\n\n A plaything,\n In the waves providing\n Children with laughter and sport,\n It gives, when to golden\n Ring it is rounded,\n Power and might unmatched;\n It wins its owner the world.\n\nWOTAN [_Thoughtfully._\n\n Rumours I have heard\n Of the Rhinegold;\n Runes of riches\n Hide in its ruddy glow;\n Pelf and power\n Are by the ring bestowed.\n\nFRICKA [_Softly to Loge._\n\n Could this gaud,\n This gleaming trinket\n Forged from the gold,\n Be worn by a woman too?\n\nLOGE\n\n The wife who wore\n That glittering charm\n Never would lose\n Her husband's love--\n That charm which dwarfs are welding,\n Working in thrall to the ring.\n\nFRICKA [_Coaxingly to Wotan._\n\n O could but my husband\n Come by the ring!\n\nWOTAN\n\n _As if falling more and more under the influence of\n a spell._\n\n Methinks it were wisdom,\n Won I the ring to my service.\n But say, Loge,\n How shall I learn\n To forge and fashion it true?\n\nLOGE\n\n A magic rune\n Can round the golden ring.\n No one knows it,\n Yet plain the spell to him\n Who happy love forswears.\n\n [_Wotan turns away in annoyance._\n\n That suits thee not;\n Thou art too late too.\n Alberich did not delay;\n Fearless he mastered\n The potent spell,\n\n [_Harshly._\n\n And wrought aright was the ring.\n\nDONNER _To Wotan._\n\n We should all be\n Under the dwarf,\n Were not the ring from him wrested.\n\nWOTAN\n\n The ring I must capture!\n\nFROH\n\n Lightly now,\n Without cursing love it were won.\n\nLOGE\n\n Just so:\n Without guile, as in children's games!\n\nWOTAN\n\n Then tell us how.\n\nLOGE\n\n By theft!\n What a thief stole\n Steal thou from the thief;\n How better could object be won?\n But with baleful arms\n Battles Alberich.\n Wary, wise\n Must be thy scheming,\n If the thief thou wouldst confound,\n\n _With warmth._\n\n And restore the ruddy\n And golden toy,\n The Rhinegold, to the maidens.\n For this they pray and implore.\n\nWOTAN\n\n The river-maidens?\n What profit were mine?\n\nFRICKA\n\n Of that billow-born brood\n Bring me no tidings,\n For they have wooed\n To my woe\n Full many a man to their caves.\n\n _Wotan stands silent, struggling with himself. The\n other Gods gaze at him in mute suspense. Fafner,\n meanwhile, has been consulting aside with Fasolt._\n\nFAFNER\n\n Worth far more than Freia\n Were the glittering gold.\n Eternal youth, too, were his\n Who could use the charm in its quest.\n\n [_Fasolt's gestures indicate that he is being\n convinced against his will. Fafner and Fasolt\n approach Wotan again._\n\nFAFNER\n\n Hear, Wotan,\n Our word while we wait;\n Freia we will restore you,\n And will take\n Paltrier payment:\n The Niblung's red-gleaming gold\n Will guerdon us giants rude.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Ye must be mad!\n With what I possess not\n How can I, shameless ones, pay you?\n\nFAFNER\n\n Hard labour\n Went to those walls;\n How easy\n With fraud-aided force\n (What our malice never achieved)\n The Niblung to break and bind!\n\n[Illustration: Plate 08, Fasolt suddenly seizes Freia and drags her to\none side with Fafner]\n\nWOTAN [_More quickly._\n\n Why should I make\n War on the Niblung?--\n Fight, your foe to confound?\n Insolent\n And greedily grasping\n Dolts you grow through my debt!\n\nFASOLT\n\n [_Suddenly seizes Freia and drags her to one side\n with Fafner._\n\n Maiden, come!\n We claim thee ours!\n As pledge thou shalt be held\n Till the ransom is paid.\n\nFREIA [_Screaming_.\n\n Woe's me! Woe's me! Woe!\n\nFAFNER\n\n From your midst\n We bear her forth!\n Till evening--mark it well I--\n As a pledge she is ours.\n We will return then.\n But when we come,\n If the Rhinegold be not ready,\n The Rhinegold bright and red--\n\nFASOLT\n\n The respite is ended,\n Freia is forfeit\n And bides among us for aye!\n\nFREIA\n\n Sister! Brothers!\n Save me! Help!\n\n [_The giants hasten off, dragging Freia with them._\n\nFROH\n\n Up! Follow fast!\n\nDONNER\n\n Fall now the heavens!\n\n [_They look inquiringly at Wotan._\n\nFREIA [_In the distance._\n\n Save me! Help!\n\nLOGE [_Looking after the giants._\n\n Downward over stock and stone\n Striding they go;\n Through the ford across the Rhine\n Wade now the robbers.\n Sad at heart\n Hangs Freia,\n Thrown rudely over rough shoulders!\n Heia! hei!\n The louts, how they lumber along!\n Through the Rhine valley they reel.\n Not till Riesenheim's march\n Is reached will they rest!\n\n [_He turns to the Gods._\n\n\n How darkly Wotan doth dream!\n What ails the high, happy Gods?\n\n [_A pale mist, gradually increasing in density,\n fills the stage. Seen through it the Gods look more\n and more wan and aged. All stand in dismay and\n apprehension regarding Wotan, whose eyes are fixed\n broodingly on the ground._\n\nLOGE\n\n Does a mist mock me?\n Tricks me a dream?\n Dismayed and wan,\n How swiftly ye fade!\n Lo! the bloom forsakes your cheeks,\n And quenched is the light of your eyes!\n Courage, Froh!\n Day's but begun!\n From thy hand, Donner,\n The hammer is falling!\n And why frets Fricka?\n Sees she with sorrow\n That Wotan's hair, growing grey,\n Has made him gloomy and old?\n\nFRICKA\n\n Woe's me! Woe's me!\n What does it mean?\n\n[Illustration: Plate 09, The Gods grow wan and aged at the loss of Freia.]\n\nDONNER\n\n My hand sinks down.\n\nFROH\n\n My heart stands still.\n\nLOGE\n\n I have it: hear what ye lack!\n Of Freia's fruit\n Ye have not partaken to-day.\n The golden apples\n Within her garden\n Restored you your strength and your youth,\n Ate ye thereof each day.\n The garden's guardian\n In pledge has been given.\n On the branches dries\n And droops the fruit,\n To drop soon and decay.\n My loss is lighter,\n For still did Freia,\n Stingy to me,\n Stint the delectable fruit.\n Not half as godlike\n Am I, ye high ones, as you!\n\n [_Freely, but quickly and harshly._\n\n But ye trusted solely\n To the fruit that makes young,\n As well both the giants wist.\n Your life they played for,\n Plotted to take;\n Contrive so that they fail.\n Lacking the apples,\n Old and worn,\n Grey and weary,\n Wasting, the scoff of the world,\n The Gods must pine and pass.\n\nFRICKA [_Anxiously_\n\n Wotan, alas!\n Unhappy man!\n See what thy laughing\n Lightness has brought us--\n Scoff and scorn for all!\n\nWOTAN [_Coming to a sudden resolve, starts up._\n\n Up, Loge,\n And follow me!\n To Nibelheim hastening downward,\n I go in search of the gold.\n\nLOGE\n\n The Rhine-daughters\n Thy aid invoked:\n Not vainly they hoped for thy help then?\n\nWOTAN [_Angrily._\n\n Fool, be silent!\n Freia, the fair one--\n Freia's ransom we go for.\n\nLOGE\n\n Where thou wouldst go\n Gladly I lead.\n Shall we dive\n Sheer through the depths of the Rhine?\n\nWOTAN\n\n Not through the Rhine.\n\nLOGE\n\n Then swift let us swing\n Through this smoky chasm.\n Together, come, creep we in!\n\n [_He goes in front and vanijhes at the side through\n a cleft, from which, immediately afterwards,\n sulphurous vapour streams forth._\n\nWOTAN\n\n Ye others wait\n Till evening here;\n The golden ransom\n When got will again make us young.\n\n [_He descends after Loge into the chasm. The\n sulphurous vapour which rises from it spreads over\n the whole stage and quickly fills it with thick\n clouds. Those who remain behind are soon hidden._\n\nDONNER\n\n Fare thee well, Wotan!\n\nFROH\n\n Good luck! Good luck!\n\nFRICKA\n\n O come back soon\n To thy sorrowing wife!\n\n [_The sulphurous vapour darkens till it becomes a\n black cloud, which rises upwards from below. This\n then changes to a dark, rocky cavern which keeps\n rising, so that the stage seems to sink deeper and\n deeper into the earth._\n\n\n\n\nTHIRD SCENE\n\n\n_From various points in the distance ruddy lights gleam out. An\nincreasing clamour, as of smiths at work, is heard on all sides. The\nclang of the anvils dies away. A vast subterranean chasm becomes\nvisible which seems to open into narrow gorges on all sides. Alberich\ndrags the screaming Mime out of a side cleft._\n\n\n\nALBERICH\n\n H\u00e9h\u00e9! H\u00e9h\u00e9!\n Come here! Come here!\n Mischievous dwarf!\n Prettily pinched\n Promptly thou'lt be\n Hast thou not ready,\n Wrought to my wish,\n The dainty thing I desire!\n\nMIME [_Howling._\n\n Oh\u00e9! Oh\u00e9!\n Oh! Oh!\n Let me alone!\n It is forged;\n Heeding thy hest\n I laboured hard\n Till it was done!\n Take but thy nails from my ear!\n\nALBERICH\n\n Then why this delay\n To show thy work?\n\nMIME\n\n I feared that something\n Might still be wanting.\n\n[Illustration: Plate 10\n MIME, howling.\n \"Oh\u00e9! Oh\u00e9!\n Oh! Oh!\"]\n\nALBERICH\n\n What is there to finish?\n\nMIME [_Embarrassed._\n\n Here--and there----\n\nALBERICH\n\n How here and there?\n Hand me the thing!\n\n [_He tries to catch hold of his ear again. In his\n terror Mime drops a piece of metal-work which he\n has been clutching convulsively. Alberich picks it\n up hastily and examines it with care._\n\n Rogue, observe!\n See how all wrought is\n Well finished and feat,\n Done as desired!\n The simpleton wants\n Slyly to trick me\n And keep by cunning\n The wonderful work,\n Though all his skill\n Came alone from my craft.\n Thou art discovered, thief.\n\n [_He puts the Tarnhelm on his head._\n\n The helmet fits the head;\n But will the spell prosper too?\n\n [_Very softly._\n\n \"Night and darkness,\n Seen of none!\"\n\n [_He vanishes, and a pillar of cloud takes his\n place._\n\n Brother, canst see me?\n\nMIME [_Looks round in amaze._\n\n Where art thou? I see no one.\n\nALBERICH [_Invisible._\n\n Then feel me instead,\n Thou lazy scamp!\n Take that for thy thievish thoughts!\n\nMIME\n\n [_Writhes under the lathes he receives, the sound\n of which is heard without the whip being seen._\n\n Oh\u00e9! Oh\u00e9!\n Oh! Oh! Oh!\n\nALBERICH [_Invisible and laughing._\n\n Ha! ha! ha!\n Ha! ha! ha!\n I thank thee, blockhead;\n Thy work has stood the test.\n Hoho! Hoho!\n Nibelungs all\n Bow now to Alberich!\n For he is everywhere,\n Waiting and watching;\n Peace and rest\n Are past for ever;\n Ye must all serve him,\n Though see him can none;\n Where he cannot be spied\n Look out for his coming;\n None shall escape from his thraldom!\n\n[_Harshly._\n\n Hoho! hoho!\n Hearken, he nears:\n The Nibelung's lord!\n\n [_The pillar of cloud disappears in the background.\n Alberich's scolding voice is heard more and more\n faintly. Mime lies huddled up in pain. Wotan and\n Loge come down through a cleft in the rock._\n\nLOGE\n Nibelheim here.\n Through pale mists gleaming,\n How bright yonder fiery sparks glimmer!\n\nMIME\n Oh! Oh! Oh!\n\nWOTAN\n\n I hear loud groans.\n Who lies on the ground?\n\n[Illustration: Plate 11, Mime writhes under the lashes he receives.]\n\nLOGE [_Bends over Mime._\n\n Why all this whimpering noise?\n\nMIME\n\n Oh\u00e9! Oh\u00e9!\n Oh! Oh!\n\nLOGE\n\n Hei, Mime! Merry dwarf!\n Who beats and bullies thee so?\n\nMIME\n\n Leave me in peace, pray.\n\nLOGE\n\n So much is certain,\n And more still. Hark!\n Help I promise thee, Mime!\n\n [_He raises him with difficulty._\n\nMIME\n\n What help for me?\n To do his bidding\n My brother can force me,\n For I am bound as his slave.\n\nLOGE\n\n But, Mime, how has he\n Thus made thee his thrall?\n\nMIME\n\n By evil arts\n Fashioned Alberich\n A yellow ring,\n From the Rhinegold forged,\n At whose mighty magic\n Trembling we marvel;\n This spell puts in his power\n The Nibelung hosts of night.\n Happy we smiths\n Moulded and hammered,\n Making our women\n Trinkets to wear--\n Exquisite Nibelung toys--\n And lightly laughed at our toil.\n The rogue now compels us\n To creep into caverns,\n For him alone\n To labour unthanked.\n Through the golden ring\n His greed can divine\n Where untouched treasure\n In hidden gorge gleams.\n We still must keep spying,\n Peering and delving:\n Must melt the booty,\n Which, molten, we forge\n Without pause or peace,\n To heap up higher his hoard.\n\nLOGE\n\n Just now, then, an idler\n Roused him to wrath?\n\nMIME\n\n Poor Mime, ah!\n My lot was the hardest.\n I had to work,\n Forging a helmet,\n With strict instructions\n How to contrive it;\n And well I marked\n The wondrous might\n Bestowed by the helm\n That from steel I wrought.\n Hence I had gladly\n Held it as mine,\n And, by its virtue\n Risen at last in revolt:\n Perchance, yes, perchance\n The master himself I had mastered,\n And, he in my power, had wrested\n The ring from him and used it\n That he might serve me, the free man,\n\n [_Harshly_\n\n As now I must serve him, a slave!\n\nLOGE\n\n And wherefore, wise one,\n Sped not the plan?\n\nMIME\n\n Ah! though the helm I fashioned,\n The magic that lurks therein\n I foolishly failed to divine.\n He who set the task\n And seized the fruits--\n From him I have learnt,\n Alas I but too late!\n All the helmet's cunning craft.\n From my sight he vanished,\n But, viciously lashing,\n Swung his arm through unseen.\n\n [_Howling and sobbing._\n\n This, fool that I am,\n Was all my thanks!\n\n [_He rubs his back. Wotan and Loge laugh._\n\nLOGE [_To Wotan._\n\n Confess, our task\n Will call for skill.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Yet the foe will yield,\n Use thou but fraud.\n\nMIME [_Observes the Gods more attentively._\n\n Who are you, ye strangers\n That ask all these questions?\n\nLOGE\n\n Friends to thee,\n Who from their straits\n Will free all the Nibelung folk.\n\nMIME [_Shrinking back in fear when he hears Alberich returning._\n\n Hark! Have a care!\n Alberich comes!\n\n [He runs to and fro in terror.\n\nWOTAN\n\n We'll wait for him here.\n\n [_He sits down calmly on a stone. Alberich, who\n has taken the Tarnhelm from his head and hung it\n on his girdle, is brandishing his scourge and\n driving before him a band of Nibelungs from the\n gorges below. These are laden with gold and silver\n treasure, which, urged on by Alberich, they pile up\n so as to form a large heap._\n\nALBERICH\n\n Hither! Thither!\n H\u00e9h\u00e9! Hoho!\n Lazy herd!\n Haste and heap\n Higher the hoard.\n Up with thee there!\n On with thee here!\n Indolent dolts,\n Down with the treasure!\n Need ye my urging?\n Here with it all!\n\n [_He suddenly perceives Wotan and Loge._\n\n Hey! Who are they\n That thus intrude?\n Mime! Come here!\n Rascally rogue!\n Gossiping art\n With the pilgriming pair?\n Off, thou idler!\n Back to thy bellows and beating!\n\n [_Lashing Mime, he chases him into the crowd of\n Nibelungs._\n\n Hey! to your labour!\n Get ye all hence now!\n Swing ye down swift!\n From the virgin gorges\n Get me the gold!\n This whip will follow,\n Delve ye not fast!\n That labour ye shirk not\n Mime be surety,\n Or surely the lash\n Of my whip will find him;\n That where no one would guess\n I watch and I wander,\n None knows it better than he.\n Loitering still?\n Lingering there?\n\n[Illustration: Plate 12, Alberich drives in a band of Nibelungs laden with gold\nand silver treasure.]\n\n [_He pulls the ring from his finger, kisses it and\n stretches it out in menace._\n\n Fear ye and tremble,\n O fallen host,\n And obey\n The ring's dread lord!\n\n [_Howling and shrieking, the Nibelungs, among them\n Mime, scatter, and creep down into the clefts in\n all directions._\n\nALBERICH\n\n What seek ye here?\n\n [_Looks long and distrustfully at Wotan and Loge._\n\nWOTAN\n\n From Nibelheim's gloomy realm\n Strange tidings have travelled up,\n Tales of wonders\n Worked here by Alberich;\n And, greedy of marvels,\n Hither came we as guests.\n\nALBERICH\n\n By envy urged,\n Hither ye hie.\n Such doughty guests\n I do not mistake.\n\nLOGE\n\n Since I am known,\n Ignorant elf,\n Say then, with growling\n Whom dost thou greet?\n In caverns cold\n Where once thou didst crouch,\n Who gave thee light\n And fire for thy comfort,\n Had Loge not smiled on thee?\n Or what hadst thou fashioned\n Had not I heated thy forge?\n I am thy kinsman\n And once was kind:\n Lukewarm, methinks, are thy thanks!\n\nALBERICH\n\n On light-born elves\n Laughs now Loge,\n The crafty rogue:\n Art thou, false one, their friend\n As my friend thou wert once,\n Haha! I laugh!\n No harm from such need I fear.\n\nLOGE\n\n No cause then for thy distrust.\n\nALBERICH\n\n I can trust thy falsehood,\n Not thy good faith!\n\n [_Taking up a defiant attitude._\n\n Yet I dare you all unflinching.\n\nLOGE\n\n 'Tis thy might\n That makes thee so bold;\n Grimly great\n Groweth thy power.\n\nALBERICH\n\n Seest thou the hoard\n Yonder heaped\n High by my host?\n\nLOGE\n\n A richer one never was seen.\n\nALBERICH\n\n A wretched pile\n Is this to-day, though.\n Boldly mounting,\n 'Twill be bigger henceforward.\n\nWOTAN\n\n But what is gained by the hoard\n In joyless Nibelheim,\n Where wealth finds nothing to buy?\n\nALBERICH\n\n Treasure to gather\n And treasure to garner--\n Thereto Nibelheim serves.\n But with the hoard\n In the caverns upheaped\n Wonders all wonder surpassing\n Will I perform\n And win the whole world and its fairness.\n\nWOTAN\n\n But, my friend, how compass that goal?\n\nALBERICH\n\n Ye who live above and breathe\n The balmy, sweet airs,\n Love and laugh:\n A hand of gold\n Ere long, O ye Gods, will have gripped you!\n As I forswore love, even so\n No one alive\n But shall forswear it;\n By golden songs wooed,\n For gold alone will his greed be.\n On hills of delight\n Your home is, where gladness\n Softly lulls;\n The dark elves\n Ye despise, O deathless carousers!\n Beware!\n Beware!\n For first your men\n Shall bow to my might;\n Then your women fair\n Who my wooing spurned\n The dwarf will force to his will,\n Though frowned on by love.\n\n [_Laughing savagely._\n\n Ha! ha! ha! ha!\n Mark ye my word?\n Beware!\n Beware of the hosts of the night,\n When rise shall the Nibelung hoard\n From silent depths to the day!\n\nWOTAN [_Furiously._\n\n Avaunt, impious fool!\n\nALBERICH\n\n What says he?\n\nLOGE [_Stepping between them._\n\n Cease from thy folly!\n\n [_To Alberich._\n\n Who would gaze not in wonder,\n Beholding Alberich's work?\n If only thy skill can achieve\n Everything hope has promised,\n Almighty I needs must acclaim thee!\n For moon and stars\n And the sun in his glory,\n Forced to do thee obeisance,\n Even they must bow down.\n But what would seem of most moment\n Is that they who serve thee,\n The Nibelung hosts,\n Bow and bear no hate.\n When thy hand held forth a ring\n Thy folk were stricken with fear.\n But in thy sleep\n A thief might slip up\n And steal slyly the ring.\n Say, how wouldst thou save thyself then?\n\nALBERICH\n\n Most shrewd to himself seems Loge;\n Others always\n Figure as fools.\n If I had to ask for\n Advice or aid\n On bitter terms,\n How happy the thief would be!\n This helmet that hides\n I schemed for myself,\n And chose for its smith\n Mime, finest of forgers.\n I am now able\n Swift to assume\n Any form that I fancy,\n Through the helm.\n No one sees me,\n Search as he will;\n Though everywhere hidden,\n I always am there.\n So, fearing nothing,\n Even from thee I am safe,\n Most kind, careful of friends!\n\nLOGE\n\n I have met\n Full many a marvel,\n But one so wondrous\n Have never known.\n Achievement so matchless\n Scarce can I credit.\n Were this possible, truly\n Thy might indeed were eternal.\n\nALBERICH\n\n Dost thou believe\n I lie, as would Loge?\n\nLOGE\n\n Till it is proved\n I must suspect thy word.\n\nALBERICH\n\n Puffed up with wisdom,\n The fool will explode soon:\n Of envy then die!\n Decide to what I shall change;\n In that form I shall stand.\n\nLOGE\n\n Nay, choose for thyself,\n But strike me dumb with amaze.\n\nALBERICH [_Puts the Tarnhelm on his head._\n\n \"Dragon dread,\n Wreathe thou and wriggle!\"\n\n [_He immediately disappears. An enormous serpent\n writhes on the floor in his place. It rears and\n threatens Wotan and Loge with its open jaws._\n\nLOGE [_Pretends to be terrified._\n\n Oh\u00e9!\n\nALBERICH [_Laughing._\n\n Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!\n\nLOGE\n\n Oh\u00e9! Oh\u00e9!\n Horrible dragon,\n O swallow me not!\n Spare the life of poor Loge!\n\nWOTAN\n\n Good, Alberich!\n Well done, rascal!\n How swiftly grew\n The dwarf to the dragon immense!\n\n [_The dragon disappears and, in its stead, Alberich\n is again seen in his own shape._\n\nALBERICH\n\n He he! Ye scoffers,\n Are ye convinced?\n\n[Illustration: Plate 13\n \"Oh\u00e9! Oh\u00e9!\n Horrible dragon,\n O swallow me not!\n Spare the life of poor Loge!\"]\n\nLOGE [_In a trembling voice._\n\n My trembling tells thee how truly.\n A giant snake\n Thou wert in a trice.\n Having beheld,\n I just credit the wonder.\n Couldest thou turn\n To something quite tiny\n As well as bigger?\n Methinks that way were best\n For slyly slipping from foes;\n That, though, I fear were too hard!\n\nALBERICH\n\n For thee, yes;\n Thou art so dull!\n How small shall I be?\n\nLOGE\n\n The most cramped of crannies must hold thee\n That hides the timorous toad.\n\nALBERICH\n\n Nothing simpler!\n Look at me now!\n\n [_He puts the Tarnhelm on his head again._\n\n \"Crooked toad,\n Creep and crawl there!\"\n\n [_He vanishes. The Gods see a toad on the rocks\n creeping towards them._\n\nLOGE [_To Wotan._\n\n Quick and catch it!\n Capture the toad!\n\n [_Wotan sets his foot on the toad. Loge makes a\n dash at its head and holds the Tarnhelm in his\n hand._\n\nALBERICH\n\n [_Is suddenly seen in his own shape writhing under\n Wotan's foot._\n\n Oh\u00e9! I'm caught!\n My curse upon them!\n\nLOGE\n\n Hold him fast\n Till he is bound.\n\n [_Loge binds his hands and feet with a rope._\n\n Now swiftly up!\n Then he is ours.\n\n [_Both seize hold of the prisoner, who struggles\n violently, and drag him towards the shaft by which\n they descended. They disappear mounting upwards._\n\n\n\n\nFOURTH SCENE\n\n\n _The scene has changed as before, only in reverse\n order. Open space on mountain heights. The prospect\n is veiled by pale mist as at the end of the second\n scene. Wotan and Loge climb up out of the cavern,\n bringing with them Alberich bound._\n\n\n\nLOGE\n\n Here, kinsman,\n Thou canst sit down!\n Friend, look round thee;\n There lies the world\n That was thine for the winning, thou fool!\n What corner, say,\n Wilt give to me for my stall?\n\n [_He dances round Alberich, snapping his fingers._\n\nALBERICH\n\n Infamous robber!\n Thou knave! Thou rogue!\n Loosen the rope,\n Set me at large,\n Or dear for this outrage shalt answer!\n\nWOTAN\n\n My captive art thou,\n Caught and in fetters.\n As thou hadst fain\n Subdued the world\n And all that the world containeth,\n Thou liest bound at my feet,\n And, coward, canst not deny it.\n A ransom alone\n Shall loose thee from bondage.\n\nALBERICH\n\n Ah, the dolt,\n The dreamer I was,\n To trust blindly\n The treacherous thief!\n Fearful revenge\n Shall follow this wrong!\n\nLOGE\n\n Vain talk this of vengeance\n Before thy freedom is won.\n To a man in bonds\n No free man expiates outrage.\n If vengeance thou dreamest,\n Dream of the ransom\n First without further delay!\n\n [_He shows him the kind of ransom by snapping his\n fingers._\n\nALBERICH\n\n Declare then your demands.\n\nWOTAN\n\n The hoard and thy gleaming gold.\n\nALBERICH\n\n Pack of unscrupulous thieves!\n\n [_Aside._\n\n If I only can keep the ring,\n The hoard I can lightly let go,\n For anew I could win it\n And add to its worth\n By the powerful spell of the ring.\n If as warning it serves\n To make me more wise,\n The warning will not have been lost,\n Even though lost may be the gold.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Wilt yield up the hoard?\n\nALBERICH\n\n Loosen my hand\n To summon it here.\n\n [_Loge frees his right hand._\n\nALBERICH\n\n [_Touches the ring with his lips and secretly\n murmurs the command._\n\n Behold the Nibelungs\n Hither are called;\n I can hear them coming,\n Bid by their lord,\n With the hoard from the depths to the day.\n Now loosen these burdensome bonds.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Nay, first in full thou must pay.\n\n [_The Nibelungs come up out of the cleft laden with\n the objects of which the hoard is composed._\n\nALBERICH\n\n O bitter disgrace\n That my shrinking bondsmen\n Should see me captive and bound!\n\n [_To the Nibelungs._\n\n Lay it down there,\n As ye are bid!\n In a heap\n Pile up the hoard.\n Must I aid, idlers?\n No spying at me!\n Haste there! Haste!\n Then get ye gone quickly.\n Hence to your work.\n Home to your gorges!\n Let the sluggards beware,\n For I follow hard at your heels!\n\n [_He kisses the ring and holds it out with an air\n of command. As struck with a blow, the Nibelungs\n press terrified and cowering towards the cleft,\n down which they hastily disappear._\n\nALBERICH\n\n The price is paid;\n Let me depart!\n And that helm of mine\n Which Loge still holds,\n That also pray give me again!\n\nLOGE\n\n _Throwing the Tarnhelm on to the heap._\n\n The plunder must pay for the pardon.\n\nALBERICH\n\n Accursed thief!\n But patience! Calm!\n He who moulded the one\n Makes me another;\n Still mine is the might\n That Mime obeys.\n Loath indeed\n Am I to leave\n My cunning defence to the foe!\n Nothing Alberich\n Owns at all now;\n Unbind, ye tyrants, his bonds!\n\nLOGE [_To Wotan._\n\n Ought I to free him?\n Art thou content?\n\nWOTAN\n\n A golden ring\n Girdles thy finger:\n Hearest, elf?\n That also belongs to the hoard.\n\nALBERICH [_Horrified._\n\n The ring?\n\nWOTAN\n\n The ring must also\n Go to the ransom.\n\nALBERICH [_Trembling._\n\n My life--but the ring: not that!\n\nWOTAN [_With greater violence._\n\n The ring I covet;\n For thy life I care not at all.\n\nALBERICH\n\n But if my life I ransom\n The ring I must also rescue\n Hand and head,\n Eye and ear\n Are not mine more truly\n Than mine is the ruddy ring!\n\nWOTAN\n\n The ring thou claimest as thine?\n Impudent elf, thou art raving.\n Tell the truth;\n Whence was gotten the gold\n To fashion the glittering gaud?\n How could that be\n Thine which reft was,\n Thou rogue, from watery deeps?\n To the Rhine's fair daughters\n Down and inquire\n If the gold\n Was as gift to thee given\n That thou didst thieve for the ring!\n\nALBERICH\n\n Vile double-dealing!\n Shameless deceit!\n Wouldst thou, robber,\n Reproach in me\n The sin so sweet to thyself?\n How fain thou hadst\n Bereft the Rhine of its gold,\n If it had been\n As easy to forge as to steal!\n How well for thee,\n Thou unctuous knave,\n That the Nibelung, stung\n By shameful defeat,\n And by fury driven,\n Was fired into winning the spell\n That now alluringly smiles!\n Shall I, bliss debarred,\n Anguish-burdened\n Because of the\n Curse-laden deed,\n My ring as a toy\n Grant to princes for pleasure,\n My ban bringing blessing to thee?\n Have a care,\n Arrogant God!\n My sin was one\n Concerning myself alone:\n But against all that was,\n Is and shall be\n Thou wouldst wantonly sin,\n Eternal one, taking the ring.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Yield the ring!\n Thy foolish talk\n Gives no title to that.\n\n [_He seizes Alberich and draws the ring from his\n finger by force._\n\nALBERICH [_With a frightful cry._\n\n Woe! Defeated! Undone!\n Of wretches the wretchedest slave!\n\nWOTAN [_Contemplating the ring._\n\n I own what makes me supreme,\n The mightiest lord of all lords!\n\n [_He puts on the ring._\n\nLOGE [_To Wotan._\n\n Shall he go free?\n\nWOTAN\n\n Loose his bonds.\n\nLOGE [_Sets Alberich quite free._\n\n Slip away home,\n For no fetter binds thee!\n Fare forth, thou art free!\n\nALBERICH [_Raising himself with furious laughter._\n\n Am I now free,\n Free in truth?\n My freedom's first\n Greeting take, for it is thine!\n As a curse gave me the ring,\n My curse go with the ring!\n As its gold\n Gave measureless might,\n May now its magic\n Deal death evermore!\n No man shall gain\n Gladness therefrom;\n May ill-fortune befall him\n On whom it shines.\n Fretted by care\n Be he who shall hold it,\n And he who doth not,\n By envy be gnawed!\n All shall covet\n And crave its wealth,\n Yet none shall it profit\n Or pay when won.\n Those who guard it nothing shall gain,\n Yet shall murder go where they go.\n The coward, death-doomed,\n By fetters of fear shall be bound;\n His whole life long\n He shall languish to death--\n The ring's proud lord\n And its poorest slave--\n Till again I have\n In my hand the gold I was robbed of.\n So blesses\n The Nibelung\n The ring in bitter despair!\n Hold fast to it!\n\n [Laughing.\n\n Keep it with care;\n\n [Grimly.\n\n From my curse none shall escape!\n\n [_He vanishes quickly through the cleft. The thick\n mist in the foreground gradually clears away._\n\nLOGE\n\n Hadst thou ears\n For his fond farewell?\n\nWOTAN [_Left in contemplation of the ring._\n\n Grudge him not vent to his spleen!\n\n [_It keeps growing lighter._\n\nLOGE [_Looking to the right._\n\n Fasolt and Fafner\n Come from afar\n Bringing Freia again.\n\n [_Through the vanishing mist Donner, Froh, and\n Fricka appear, and hasten towards the foreground._\n\nFROH\n\n The giants return.\n\nDONNER\n\n Be greeted, brother!\n\nFRICKA [_Anxiously to Wotan._\n\n Dost bring joyful tidings?\n\nLOGE [_Pointing to the hoard._\n\n By fraud and by force\n We have prevailed:\n There Freia's ransom lies.\n\nDONNER\n\n From the giant's grasp\n Freed comes the fair one.\n\nFROH\n\n How sweetly the air\n Fans us again!\n Balmy delights\n Steal soft through each sense!\n Sad, forlorn had our lot been,\n For ever severed from her\n Who gives us youth everlasting,\n And bliss triumphant o'er pain.\n\n [_Fasolt and Fafner enter, leading Freia between\n them. Fricka hastens joyfully towards her sister.\n The foreground has become quite bright again, the\n light restoring to the aspect of the Gods its\n original freshnesh. The background, however, is\n still veiled by the mist so that the distant castle\n remains invisible._\n\nFRICKA\n\n Sweetest of sisters!\n Lovely delight!\n Once more for mine have I won thee!\n\nFASOLT [_Keeping her off_\n\n Hold! Touch her not yet!\n Freia still is ours.\n On Riesenheim's\n Rampart of rock\n Resting we stayed.\n The pledge we held\n In our hands we used\n Loyally.\n With deep regret,\n I bring her back now\n In case ye brothers\n Can ransom her.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Prepared lies the ransom;\n Mete out the gold,\n Giving generous measure.\n\nFASOLT\n\n In truth it grieves me\n Greatly the woman to lose;\n And that my heart may forget her\n Ye must heap the hoard,\n Pile it so high\n That it shall hide\n The blossom-sweet maid from mine eyes!\n\nWOTAN\n\n Be Freia's form\n The gauge of the gold.\n\n [_Freia is placed in the middle by the two giants,\n who then stick their staves into the ground in\n front of her so that her height and breadth is\n indicated._\n\nFAFNER\n\n Our staves give the measure\n Of Freia's form;\n Thus high now heap ye the hoard.\n\nWOTAN\n\n On with the work:\n Irksome I find it!\n\nLOGE\n\n Help me, Froh!\n\nFROH\n\n I will end\n Freia's dishonour.\n\n [_Loge and Froh heap up the treasure hastily\n between the staves._\n\nFAFNER\n\n Let the pile\n Less loosely be built;\n Firm and close\n Pack ye the gauge!\n\n [_He presses down the treasure with rude strength;\n he bends down to look for gaps._\n\n I still can see through;\n Come, fill up the crannies!\n\nLOGE\n\n Hands off, rude fellow!\n Touch nothing here!\n\nFAFNER\n\n Come here! This gap must be closed!\n\nWOTAN [_Turning away angrily._\n\n Deep in my breast\n Burns the disgrace!\n\nFRICKA\n\n See how in shame\n Beautiful Freia stands;\n For release she asks,\n Dumb, with sorrowful eyes.\n Heartless man!\n The lovely one owes this to thee!\n\nFAFNER\n\n Still more! Pile on still more.\n\nDONNER\n\n My patience fails;\n Mad is the wrath\n Roused by this insolent rogue!\n Come hither, hound!\n Measure must thou?\n Thy strength then measure with mine!\n\nFAFNER\n\n Softly, Donner!\n Roar where it serves;\n Thy roar is impotent here.\n\nDONNER [_Lunging out at him._\n\n It will crush thee to thy cost, rogue.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Calm thyself!\n Methinks that Freia is hid.\n\nLOGE\n\n The hoard is spent.\n\nFAFNER\n\n [_Measures the hoard carefully with his eye, and\n looks to see if there are any crevices._\n\n Still shines to me Holda's hair.\n Yonder thing, too,\n Throw on the hoard!\n\nLOGE\n\n Even the helm?\n\nFAFNER\n\n Make haste! Here with it!\n\nWOTAN\n\n Let it go also!\n\nLOGE [_Throws the Tarnhelm on the heap._\n\n At last we have finished.\n Have ye enough now?\n\nFASOLT\n\n Freia, the fair,\n Is hidden for aye!\n The price has been paid.\n Ah, have I lost her?\n\n [_He goes up to the hoard and peers through it._\n\n Sadly shine\n Her eyes on me still,\n Like stars they beam\n Softly on me;\n Still through this chink\n I look on their light.\n\n [_Beside himself._\n\n While her sweet eyes I behold thus,\n From the woman how can I part?\n\nFAFNER\n\n Hey! Come hither,\n And stop me this cranny!\n\nLOGE\n\n Greedy grumblers!\n Can ye not see\n The gold is all gone?\n\nFAFNER\n\n Not the whole, friend!\n On Wotan's finger\n Shines a golden ring still;\n Give that to close up the crevice!\n\nWOTAN\n\n What! Give my ring?\n\nLOGE\n\n Be ye counselled!\n The Rhine-Maidens\n Must have the gold;\n Wotan will give them what theirs is.\n\n[Illustration: Plate 14\n FAFNER.\n \"Hey! Come hither,\n And stop me this cranny!\"]\n\nWOTAN\n\n What nonsense is this?\n The ring I won so hardly,\n Undismayed I hold and will keep.\n\nLOGE\n\n Broken then\n Must be the promise\n I gave the maidens who grieved.\n\nWOTAN\n\n By thy promise I am not bound;\n As booty mine is the ring.\n\nFAFNER\n\n Not so. The ring\n Must go with the ransom.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Boldly ask what ye will:\n It shall be granted;\n But not for all\n The world would I give you the ring.\n\nFASOLT [_Furious, pulls Freia from behind the hoard._\n\n All is off!\n The bargain stands:\n Fair Freia ours is for ever!\n\nFREIA\n\n Help me! Help me!\n\nFRICKA\n\n Heartless God,\n Grant it! Give way!\n\nFROH\n\n Keep not the gold back!\n\nDONNER\n\n Give them the ring too!\n\nWOTAN\n\n Let me alone!\n I hold to the ring.\n\n [_Fafner stops Fasolt as he is hastening off. All\n stand dismayed; Wotan turns from them in anger. The\n stage has grown dark again. From a cleft in the\n rock on one side issues a bluish flame in which\n Erda suddenly becomes visible, rising so that her\n upper half is seen._\n\nERDA [_Stretching out a warning hand towards Wotan._\n\n Yield it, Wotan! Yield it!\n Flee the ring's dread curse!\n Awful\n And utter disaster\n It will doom thee to.\n\nWOTAN\n\n What woman woe thus foretells?\n\nERDA\n\n All things that were I know,\n And things that are;\n All things that shall be\n I foresee.\n The endless world's\n Ur-Wala,\n Erda, bids thee beware.\n Ere the earth was,\n Of my womb born\n Were daughters three;\n And my knowledge\n Nightly the Norns tell to Wotan.\n Now summoned by\n Danger most dire,\n I myself come.\n Hearken! Hearken! Hearken!\n All things will end shortly;\n And for the Gods\n Dark days are dawning!\n Be counselled; keep not the ring!\n\n [_Erda sinks slowly as far as the breast, while the\n bluish light grows fainter._\n\nWOTAN\n\n A mystic might\n Rang in thy words.\n Tarry, and tell me further.\n\nERDA [_Disappearing._\n\n Thou hast been warned;\n Enough dost know;\n Weigh my words with fear!\n\n [_She vanishes completely._\n\n[Illustration: Plate 15, \"Erda bids thee beware\"]\n\nWOTAN\n\n If thus doomed to foreboding--\n I must detain thee\n Till all is answered!\n\n [_Wotan is about to follow Erda in order to detain\n her. Froh and Fricka throw themselves in his way\n and prevent him._\n\nFRICKA\n\n What meanest thou, madman?\n\nFROH\n\n Go not, Wotan!\n Fear thou the warner,\n Heed her words well!\n\n [_Wotan gazes thoughtfully before him._\n\nDONNER [_Turning to the giants with a resolute air._\n\n Hark, ye giants!\n Come back and wait still!\n The gold we give you also.\n\nFRICKA\n\n Ah, dare I hope it?\n Deem ye Holda\n Worthy of such a price?\n\n [_All look at Wotan in suspense; he, rousing\n himself from deep thought, grasps his spear and\n swings it in token of having come to a bold\n decision._\n\nWOTAN\n\n To me, Freia,\n For thou art free!\n Bought back for aye,\n Youth everlasting, return!\n Here, giants, take ye the ring!\n\n [He throws the ring on the hoard. The giants\n release Freia; she hastens joyfully to the Gods,\n who caress her in turns for a space, with every\n manifestation of delight.\n\nFASOLT [_To Fafner._\n\n Hold there, greedy one!\n Grant me my portion!\n Honest division\n Best for both is.\n\nFAFNER\n\n More on the maid than the gold\n Thou wert set, love-sick fool,\n And much against\n Thy will the exchange was.\n Sharing not, Freia\n Thou wouldst have wooed for thy bride;\n Sharing the gold,\n It is but just\n That the most of it should be mine.\n\nFASOLT\n\n Infamous thief!\n Taunts? And to me!\n\n [_To the Gods._\n\n Come judge ye between us;\n Halve ye the hoard\n As seems to you just!\n\n [_Wotan turns away in contempt._\n\n Let him have the treasure;\n Hold to what matters: the ring!\n\nFASOLT\n\n [_Falls upon Fafner, who has meanwhile been\n steadily packing up the treasure._\n\n Back, brazen rascal!\n Mine is the ring.\n I lost for it Freia's smile.\n\n [_He snatches haply at the ring._\n\n Off with thy hands!\n The ring is mine.\n\n [_There is a struggle. Fasolt tears the ring from\n Fafner._\n\nFASOLT\n\n I hold it. It is mine now!\n\nFAFNER\n\n Hold fast, lest it should fall!\n\n [_Lunging out with his stave, he fells Fasolt to\n the ground with one blow; from the dying man he\n then hastily tears the ring._\n\n Now feast upon Freia's smile:\n No more shalt thou touch the ring!\n\n [_He puts the ring into the sack and tranquilly\n continues to pack up the rest of the hoard. All the\n Gods stand horrified. A solemn silence._\n\n[Illustration: Plate 16, Fafner kills Fasolt.]\n\nWOTAN\n\n Dread indeed\n I find is the curse's might.\n\nLOGE\n\n Unmatched, Wotan,\n Surely thy luck is!\n Great thy gain was\n In getting the ring;\n But the gain of its loss\n Is gain greater still:\n There thy foemen, see,\n Slaughter thy foes\n For the gold thou hast let go.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Dark forebodings oppress me!\n Care and fear\n Fetter my soul;\n Erda must teach me,\n Tell how to end them:\n To her I must descend.\n\nFRICKA [_Caressing and coaxing him._\n\n Why linger, Wotan?\n Beckon they not,\n The stately walls,\n Waiting to offer\n Welcome kind to their lord?\n\nWOTAN [_Gloomily._\n\n With wage accurst\n Paid was their cost.\n\nDONNER [_Pointing to the background, which is still\n enveloped in mist._\n\n Heavily mists\n Hang in the air;\n Gloomy, wearisome\n Is their weight!\n The wan-visaged clouds\n Charged with their storms I will gather,\n And sweep the blue heavens clean.\n\n [_Donner mounts a high rock on the edge of the\n precipice, and swings his hammer; during what\n follows the mists gather round him._\n\n Hey da! Hey da! Hey do!\n To me, O ye mists!\n Ye vapours, to me!\n Donner, your lord,\n Summons his hosts!\n\n [_He swings his hammer._\n\n To my hammer's swing\n Hitherward sweep\n Vapours and fogs!\n Hovering mists!\n Donner, your lord, summons his hosts!\n Hey da! Hey da! Hey do!\n\n [_Donner disappears completely in a thunder-cloud\n which has been growing darker and denser. The\n stroke of his hammer is heard falling heavily on\n the rock. A vivid flash of lightning comes from the\n cloud, followed by a loud clap of thunder. Froh has\n also disappeared in the cloud._\n\nDONNER [_Invisible._\n\n Brother, to me!\n Show them the way by the bridge!\n\n [_Suddenly the clouds roll away. Donner and Froh\n become visible. A rainbow of dazzling radiance\n stretches from their feet across the valley to\n the castle, which is gleaming in the light of the\n setting sun._\n\nFROH\n\n [_Who, with outstretched hand, indicates to the\n Gods that the bridge is the way across the valley._\n\n Lo, light, yet securely,\n Leads the bridge to your halls.\n Undaunted tread;\n Without danger the road!\n\n [_Wotan and the other Gods stand speechless, lost\n in contemplation of the glorious sight._\n\n[Illustration: Plate 17\n \"To my hammer's swing\n Hitherward sweep\n Vapours and fogs!\n Hovering mists!\n Donner, your lord, summons his hosts!\"]\n\nWOTAN\n\n Smiling at eve\n The sun's eye sparkles;\n The castle ablaze\n Gleams fair in its glow.\n In the light of morning\n Glittering proudly,\n It stood masterless,\n Stately, tempting its lord.\n From dawn until sundown\n No little toil\n And fear have gone to the winning!\n From envious night,\n That now draws nigh\n Shelter it offers us.\n\n [_Very firmly, as if struck by a great thought._\n\n So greet I my home,\n Safe from dismay and dread.\n\n [_He turns solemnly to Fricka._\n\n Follow me, wife!\n In Valhall sojourn with me.\n\nFRICKA\n\n What means the name Valhall?\n I never seem to have heard it.\n\nWOTAN\n\n That which, conquering fear,\n My fortitude brought\n Triumphant to birth--\n Let that explain the word!\n\n [_He takes Fricka's hand and walks slowly with her\n towards the bridge. Froh, Freia, and Donner follow._\n\nLOGE [_Remaining in the foreground and looking\n after the Gods._\n\n They are hasting on to their end,\n They who dream they are strong and\n enduring.\n I almost blush\n To be of their number;\n A fancy allures me\n And wakes in me longing\n Flaming fire to become:\n To waste and burn them\n Who tamed me of old,\n Rather than perish,\n Blind with the blind--\n Yes, even if godlike the Gods were--\n More wise were it, perhaps!\n I must consider:\n The outcome who knows!\n\n [_With a show of carelessness he goes to the Gods._\n\nTHE THREE RHINE-MAIDENS [_From the valley. Invisible._\n\n Rhinegold!\n Rhinegold!\n Rhinegold pure!\n How radiant and clear\n Once thou didst shine on us!\n For thy lost glory\n We are grieving.\n Give us the gold!\n Give us the gold!\n O give us the Rhinegold again!\n\nWOTAN\n\n What wailing sound do I hear?\n\n [_About to set his foot on the bridge, pauses and\n turns round._\n\nLOGE [_Looks down into the valley._\n\n The Rhine's fair children,\n Bewailing their lost gold, weep.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Accurs\u00e8d nixies!\n Bid them tease us no more!\n\nLOGE [_Calling down towards the valley._\n\n Ye in the water,\n Why wail ye to us?\n List to Wotan's decree.\n Ye have seen\n The last of the gold;\n In the Gods' increase of splendour\n Bask and sun yourselves now.\n\n\n[Illustration: Plate 18\n \"The Rhine's fair children,\n Bewailing their lost gold, weep\"]\n\n [_The Gods laugh and cross the bridge during what\n follows._\n\nTHE THREE RHINE-MAIDENS\n\n Rhinegold!\n Rhinegold!\n Rhinegold pure!\n Oh, if in the waves\n There but shone still our treasure pure!\n Down in the deeps\n Can faith be found only:\n Mean and false\n Are all who revel above!\n\n [_As the Gods cross the bridge to the castle the\n curtain falls._\n\n\n * * * * *\n\n\nTHE VALKYRIE\n\n\nCHARACTERS\n\n\n WOTAN HUNDING\n FRICKA SIEGMUND\n SIEGLINDE\n BR\u00dcNNHILDE, Valkyrie\n EIGHT OTHER VALKYRIES:\n Gerhilde, Ortlinde, Waltraute,\n Schwertleite, Helmwige, Siegrune,\n Grimgerde, Rossweisse\n\nSCENES OF ACTION\n\n ACT I. THE INTERIOR OF HUNDING'S DWELLING\n ACT II. A WILD ROCKY MOUNTAIN\n ACT III. ON THE TOP OF A ROCKY MOUNTAIN\n (BR\u00dcNNHILDE'S ROCK)\n\n\n\n\nTHE FIRST ACT\n\n\n_The interior of a dwelling-place built of wood, with the stem of\na mighty ash-tree as its centre; to the right, in the foreground,\nis the hearth, and behind this the store-room. At the back is the\nlarge entrance door; to the left, far back, steps lead up to an inner\nchamber; on the same side, nearer the front, stands a table with a\nbroad bench behind it, fixed to the wall, and with stools in front. The\nstage remains empty for a space. Outside a storm is just subsiding.\nSiegmund opens the entrance door from without, and enters. With his\nhand on the latch he surveys the room. He seems overwhelmed with\nfatigue; his dress and appearance indicate that he is in flight. He\nshuts the door behind him when he sees nobody, walks to the hearth with\nthe final effort of an utterly exhausted man, and throws himself down\non a bearskin rug._\n\n\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n I rest on this hearth,\n Heedless who owns it.\n\n [_He sinks back and remains stretched out\n motionless. Sieglinde enters from the inner\n chamber; she thinks her husband has returned. Her\n grave look changes to one of surprise when she sees\n the stranger stretched out on the hearth._\n\nSIEGLINDE [_Still at the back._\n\n A stranger here!\n He must be questioned.\n\n [_Coming nearer._\n\n What man came in\n And lies on the hearth?\n\n [_As Siegmund does not move, she draws nearer still\n and looks at him._\n\n Way-worn, weary\n He seems and spent.\n Faints he from weariness?\n Can he be sick?\n\n[_She bends over him, and listens._\n\n He breathes still, his eyelids\n Are sealed but in slumber.\n Worthy, valiant his mien,\n Though so worn he rests.\n\nSIEGMUND [_Suddenly raising his head._\n\n A drink! A drink!\n\nSIEGLINDE\n\n I go to fetch it.\n\n[_She takes a drinking-horn and hurries out.\nShe returns with it full, and offers it to\nSiegmund._\n\n Lo, the water\n Thy thirsting lips longed for:\n Water brought at thy wish!\n\n [_Siegmund drinks, and hands her back the horn.\n As he signifies his thanks with a movement of the\n head, he gazes at her with growing interest._\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n Welcome the water!\n Quenched is my thirst.\n My weary load\n Lighter it makes;\n New courage it gives;\n Mine eyes that slept\n Re-open glad on the world.\n Who soothes and comforts me so?\n\nSIEGLINDE\n\n This house and this wife\n Belong to Hunding.\n Stay thou here as his guest;\n Tarry till he comes home.\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n Shelter he surely\n Will grant a worn,\n Wounded, weaponless stranger.\n\nSIEGLINDE [_With anxious haste._\n\nQuick, show me! Where are thy wounds?\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n [_Shakes himself and springs up briskly to a\n sitting posture._\n\n My wounds are slight,\n Scarce worthy remark;\n My limbs are well knit still,\n Whole and unharmed.\n If my spear and shield had but been\n Half so strong as my arm is,\n I had vanquished the foe;\n But in splinters were spear and shield.\n The horde of foemen\n Harassed me sore;\n Through storm and strife\n Spent was my force;\n But, faster than I from foemen,\n All my faintness has fled;\n Darkness fell deep on my lids,\n But now the sun again laughs.\n\nSIEGLINDE\n\n [_Goes to the storeroom, fills a horn with\n mead, and proffers it to Siegmund with friendly\n eagerness._\n\n This healing and honeyed\n Draught of mead\n Deign to accept from me.\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n Set it first to thy lips.\n\n [_Sieglinde sips from the horn and hands it back\n to him. Siegmund takes a long draught, regarding\n Sieglinde with increasing warmth. Still gazing,\n he takes the horn from his lips and lets it sink\n slowly, while his features express strong emotion.\n He sighs deeply, and lowers his gaze gloomily to\n the ground._\n\nSIEGMUND [_In a trembling voice._\n\n Thou hast tended an ill-fated one!\n May all evil\n Be turned from thee!\n\n [_He starts up quickly, and goes towards the the\n back._\n\n I have been solaced\n By sweet repose:\n Onward now I must press.\n\nSIEGLINDE\n\n Who pursues thee so close at thy heels?\n\n [_Turning round quickly._\n\nSIEGMUND [_Stops._\n\n Bad luck pursues me,\n Everywhere follows;\n And where I linger\n Trouble still finds me:\n Be thou preserved from its touch!\n I must not gaze but go.\n\n [_He strides hastily to the door and lifts the\n latch._\n\nSIEGLINDE [_Forgetting herself calls impetuously after him._\n\n Then tarry here!\n Misfortune thou canst not bring\n To those who abide with it!\n\n[Illustration: Plate 19\n SIEGLINDE\n \"This healing and honeyed\n Draught of mead\n Deign to accept from me.\"\n SIEGFRIED\n \"Set it first to thy lips.\"]\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n [_Deeply moved, remains standing; he looks\n searchingly at Sieglinde, who, ashamed and sad,\n lowers her eyes. Returning, he leans against the\n hearth, his gaze fixed on Sieglinde, who continues\n silently embarrassed._\n\n Wehwalt named I myself:\n Hunding here will I wait for.\n\n _Sieglinde starts, listens and hears Hunding\n outside leading his horse to the stable. She\n hurries to the door and opens it. Hunding, armed\n with shield and spear, enters, but, perceiving\n Siegmund, pauses on the threshold. Hunding turns\n with a look of stern inquiry to Sieglinde._\n\nSIEGLINDE [_In answer to Hunding's look._\n\n On the hearth\n Fainting I found\n One whom need drove here.\n\nHUNDING\n\n Hast succoured him?\n\nSIEGLINDE\n\n I gave him, as a guest,\n Welcome and a drink.\n\nSIEGMUND [_Regarding Hunding firmly and calmly._\n\n Drink she gave,\n Shelter too:\n Wouldst therefore chide the woman?\n\nHUNDING\n\n Sacred is my hearth:\n Sacred hold thou my house.\n\n [_To Sieglinde, as he takes off his armour and\n hands it to her._\n\n Set the meal for us men!\n\n [_Sieglinde hangs up the arms on the stem of\n the ash-tree, fetches food and drink from\n the store-room and sets supper on the table.\n Involuntarily she turns her gaze on Siegmund\n again._\n\nHUNDING\n\n [_Examining Siegmund's features keenly and with\n amaze, compares them with Sieglinde's. Aside._\n\n How like to the woman!\n In his eye as well\n Gleams the guile of the serpent.\n\n [_He conceals his surprise, and turns with apparent\n unconcern to Siegmund._\n\n Far, I trow,\n Must thou have fared;\n The man who rests here\n Rode no horse:\n What toilsome journey\n Made thee so tired?\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n Through wood and meadow,\n Thicket and moor,\n Chased by the storm\n And peril sore,\n I ran by I know not what road.\n I know as little\n What goal it led to,\n And I would gladly be told.\n\nHUNDING [_At table, inviting Siegmund to be seated._\n\n 'Tis Hunding owns\n The roof and room\n Which have harboured thee.\n If to the westward\n Thou wert to wend,\n In homesteads rich\n Thou wouldst find kinsmen\n Who guard the honour of Hunding.\n May I ask of my guest\n In return to tell me his name?\n\n [_Siegmund, who has taken his seat at the table,\n looks thoughtfully before him. Sieglinde, who\n has placed herself beside Hunding and opposite\n Siegmund, gazes at him with evident sympathy and\n suspense._\n\n[Illustration: Plate 20, Hunding discovers the likeness between Siegmund\nand Sieglinde.]\n\nHUNDING [_Watching them both._\n\n If thou wilt not\n Trust it to me,\n To this woman tell thy secret:\n See, how eagerly she asks!\n\nSIEGLINDE [_Unembarrassed and interested._\n\n Gladly I'd know\n Who thou art.\n\nSIEGMUND [_Looks up and, gazing into her eyes, begins gravely._\n\n Not for me the name Friedmund;\n Frohwalt fain were I called,\n But forced was I to be Wehwalt.\n W\u00f6lfe they called my father;\n And I am one of twins:\n With a sister twin I was born.\n Soon lost were\n Both mother and maid;\n I hardly knew\n Her who gave me my life,\n Nor her with whom I was born.\n Warlike and strong was W\u00f6lfe,\n And never wanting for foes.\n A-hunting oft\n Went the son with the father.\n One day we returned\n Outworn with the chase\n And found the wolf's nest robbed.\n The brave abode\n To ashes was burnt,\n Consumed to dust\n The flourishing oak,\n And dead was the mother,\n Dauntless but slain.\n No trace of the sister\n Was ever found:\n The Neidungs' heartless horde\n Had dealt us this bitter blow.\n My father fled,\n An outlaw with me;\n And the youth\n Lived wild in the forest\n With W\u00f6lfe for many years.\n Sore beset and harried were they,\n But boldly battled the pair of wolves.\n\n [_Turning to Hunding._\n\n A W\u00f6lfing tells thee the tale,\n And a well-known W\u00f6lfing, I trow.\n\nHUNDING\n\n Wondrous and wild the story\n Told by thee, valiant guest:\n Wehwalt--the W\u00f6lfing!\n I think that dark rumours anent\n This doughty pair have reached me,\n Though unknown W\u00f6lfe\n And W\u00f6lfing too.\n\nSIEGLINDE\n\n But tell me further, stranger:\n Where dwells thy father now?\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n The Neidungs, starting anew,\n Hounded and hunted us down;\n But slain by the wolves\n Fell many a hunter;\n They fled through the wood,\n Chased by the game:\n Like chaff we scattered the foe.\n But trace of my father I lost;\n Still his trail grew fainter\n The longer I followed;\n In the wood a wolf-skin\n Was all I found;\n There empty it lay:\n My father I had lost.--\n In the woods I could not stay;\n My heart longed for men and for women.--\n By all I met,\n No matter where,\n If friend I sought,\n Or woman wooed,\n Still I was branded an outlaw;\n Ill-luck clung to me;\n Whatever I did right,\n Others counted it wrong;\n What seemed evil to me\n Won from others applause.\n Grim feuds arose\n Wherever I went;\n Wrath met me\n At every turn;\n Longing for gladness,\n Woe was my lot:\n I called myself Wehwalt therefore,\n For woe was all that was mine.\n\n [_He looks at Sieglinde and marks her sympathetic\n gaze._\n\nHUNDING\n\n Thou wert shown no grace by the Norns\n That cast thy grievous lot;\n No one greets thee as guest\n With gladness in his home.\n\nSIEGLINDE\n\n Only cowards would fear\n A weaponless, lonely man!--\n Tell us, O guest,\n How in the strife\n At last thy weapon was lost!\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n A sorrowful child\n Cried for my help;\n Her kinsmen wanted\n To wed the maiden\n To one whom her heart did not choose.\n To her defence\n Gladly I hied;\n The heartless horde\n Met me in fight:\n Before me foemen fell.\n Fordone and dead lay the brothers.\n The slain were embraced by the maid,\n Her wrongs forgotten in grief.\n She wept wild streams of woe,\n And bathed the dead with her tears;\n For the loss of her brothers slain\n Lamented the ill-fated bride.\n Then the dead men's kinsmen\n Came like a storm,\n Vowing vengeance,\n Frantic to fall on me;\n Foemen on all sides\n Rose and assailed me.\n But from the spot\n Moved not the maid;\n My shield and spear\n Sheltered her long,\n Till spear and shield\n Were hewn from my hand.\n Standing weaponless, wounded,\n I beheld the maid die:\n I fled from the furious host--\n She lay lifeless on the dead.\n\n [_To Sieglinde with a look of fervent sorrow._\n\n The reason now I have told\n Why none may know me as Friedmund.\n\n [_He rises and walks to the hearth. Pale and deeply\n moved, Sieglinde looks on the ground._\n\nHUNDING [_Rises._\n\n I know a wild-blooded breed;\n What others revere\n It flouts unawed:\n All hate it, and I with the rest.\n When forth in haste I was summoned,\n Vengeance to seek\n For my kinsmen's blood,\n I came too late,\n And now return home\n To find the impious wretch\n In haven under my roof.--\n My house holds thee,\n W\u00f6lfing, to-day;\n For the night thou art my guest.\n But wield to-morrow\n Thy trustiest weapon.\n I choose the day for the fight:\n Thy life shall pay for the dead.\n\n [_To Sieglinde, who steps between the two men with\n anxious gestures; harshly._\n\n Forth from the hall!\n Linger not here!\n Prepare my draught for the night,\n And wait until I come.\n\n[_Sieglinde stands for a while undecided and thoughtful. Slowly\nand with hesitating steps she goes towards the store-room,\nThere she pauses again, lost in thought, her face half averted.\nWith quiet resolution she opens the cupboard, fills a\ndrinking-horn, and shakes spices into it out of a box. She then turns\nher eyes on Siegmund, in order to meet his gaze, which he\nnever removes from her. She perceives that Hunding is\nwatching, and proceeds immediately to the bed-chamber. On\nthe steps she turns once more, looks yearningly at Siegmund,\nand indicates with her eyes, persistently and with speaking\nplainness, a particular spot in the stem of the ash-tree.\nHunding starts, and drives her off with a violent gesture.\nWith a last look at Siegmund, she disappears into the\nbed-chamber, and shuts the door behind her._\n\nHUNDING [_Taking his weapons from the tree-stem._\n\n With weapons man should be armed.\n We meet tomorrow then W\u00f6lfing.\n My word thou hast heard;\n Ward thyself well!\n\n [_He goes into bed-chamber. The shooting of the\n bolt is heard from within._\n\n [_Siegmund alone. It has grown quite dark. All the\n light in the hall comes from a dull fire on the\n hearth. Siegmund sinks down on to a couch beside\n the fire and broods forsome time silently in great\n agitation._\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n My father said when most wanted\n A sword I should find and wield.\n Swordless I entered\n My foeman's house,\n As a hostage here\n I remain.\n I saw a fair\n Woman and sweet,\n And bliss and dread\n Consume my heart.\n The woman for whom I long--\n She whose charm both wounds and\n delights--\n In thrall is held by the man\n Who mocks a weaponless foe.\n W\u00e4lse! W\u00e4lse!\n Where is thy sword?--\n The trusty sword\n To be swung in battle,\n When from my bosom should burst\n The fury that fills my heart?\n\n [_The fire collapses. From the flame which leaps up\n a bright light falls on the spot in the ash-tree's\n stem indicated by Sieglinde's look, and on which\n the hilt of a sword is now plainly visible._\n\n[Illustration: Plate 21, Sieglinde prepares Hunding's draught for the night]\n\n What can that be\n That shines so bright?\n What a ray streams\n From the ash-tree's stem!\n My eyes that saw not\n See the bright flash;\n Gay as laughter it gleams.\n How the radiant light\n Illumes my heart!\n Is it the look\n That lingered behind,\n Yonder clinging,\n When forth from the hall\n The lovely woman went?\n\n [_From this point the fire gradually goes out._\n\n Darkly the shadows\n Covered my eyes,\n Till her shining glance\n Over me gleamed,\n Bringing me warmth and day.\n Gay and splendid\n The sun appeared,\n And blissfully circled\n With glory my head--\n Till by the hills it was hid.\n\n [_The fire flickers up faintly again._\n\n But once more, ere it set,\n Bright it shone upon me,\n And the ancient ash-tree's stem\n Was lit by its golden glow.\n The splendour passes,\n The light grows dim,\n Shadowy darkness\n Falls and enshrouds me;\n Deep in my bosom's fastness\n Glimmers still faintly the flame!\n\n [_The fire goes out altogether. Total darkness.\n The door of the bed-chamber opens noiselessly.\n Sieglinde comes out in a white garment and advances\n softly but quickly towards the hearth._\n\nSIEGLINDE\n\n Art asleep?\n\nSIEGMUND [_Joyfully surprised._\n\n Who steals this way?\n\nSIEGLINDE [_With stealthy haste._\n\n 'Tis I: listen to me!\n In sleep profound lies Hunding;\n The draught that I mixed him I drugged.\n Use to good purpose the night!\n\nSIEGMUND [_Ardently interrupting._\n\n Thou here, all is well!\n\nSIEGLINDE\n\n I have come to show thee a weapon;\n O couldst thou make it thine!\n I then might call thee\n First among heroes,\n For only by him\n Can it be won.\n O hearken: heed what I tell thee!\n Here Hunding's kinsmen\n Sat in the hall,\n Assembled to honour his wedding.\n He took as his wife,\n Against her will,\n One who was bartered by thieves.\n Sad I sat there\n Through their carousing.\n A stranger entered the hall,\n An old and grey-coated man.\n So slouched was his hat\n That one of his eyes was hidden;\n But the other flashed\n So that all feared it:\n Overwhelming\n Its menace they found;\n I alone\n Suffered, when looked on,\n Sweet pain, sad delight,\n Sorrow and solace in one.\n On me glancing,\n He scowled at the others,\n As he swung a sword in his hands.\n This sword he plunged\n In the ash-tree's stem,\n To the hilt driving it home.\n The weapon he gains in guerdon\n Who draws it from its place.\n Though sore they struggled,\n Not one of the heroes\n Could win the weapon for his;\n Coming, going,\n The guests essayed it,\n The strongest tugged at the steel;\n Not an inch it stirred in the stem;\n In silence yonder it cleaves.\n I knew then who he was\n That in sorrow greeted me.\n I know too\n Now for whom\n The sword was stuck in the tree.\n O might I to-day\n Find here the friend\n Brought from afar\n By a woman's woe!\n Then all I have suffered\n In sorrow untold,\n All scorn and all shame\n In anger endured--\n All would avenged be,\n Sweetly atoned for--\n Regained fully\n The good I had lost;\n For mine I should win\n All I had wept for,\n Could I but find the dear friend,\n And clasp him close in my arms!\n\nSIEGFRIED [_Embracing Sieglinde with passionate ardour._\n\n Dear woman, that friend\n Holds thee at last,\n Both woman and sword are his.\n Here in my breast\n Burns hot the oath\n That welds us twain into one.\n For all that I sought\n I see now in thee,\n In thee all\n That once failed me I find.\n Thou wert despised,\n My portion was pain;\n I was an outlaw,\n Dishonoured wert thou;\n Sweet revenge beckons,\n Bids us be joyful;\n I laugh\n From sheer fulness of joy,\n Holding thee, love, in my arms thus,\n Feeling the beat of thy heart!\n\n [_The outer door swings open._\n\nSIEGLINDE [_With a start of alarm tears herself away._\n\n Ha, who went? Who entered there?\n\n [_The door remains open. Outside a glorious spring\n night. The full moon shines in, throwing its bright\n light on the pair, so that they can suddenly see\n one another quite plainly._\n\nSIEGMUND [_In soft ecstasy._\n\n No one went--\n But one has come:\n Laughing the spring\n Enters the hall!\n\n [_He draws Sieglinde with tender force on to the\n couch, so that she sits beside him. The moon shines\n more and more brightly._\n\n Winter storms have yielded\n To May's sweet moon,\n And mild and radiant\n Sparkles the spring.\n On balmy breezes\n Light and lovely,\n Weaving wonders,\n Soft she sways.\n Through field and forest\n She is breathing;\n Wide and open\n Laughs her eye;\n When blithe the birds are singing\n Sounds her voice;\n Fragrant odours\n She exhales;\n From her warm blood blossom flowers\n Welcome and joyous.\n Shoot and bud,\n They wax by her aid.\n With tender weapons armed,\n She conquers the world.\n Winter and storm yield\n To the strong attack.\n No wonder that, beaten boldly,\n At last the door should have opened,\n Which, stubborn and stiff,\n Was keeping her out.\n To find her sister\n Hither she came;\n By love has spring been allured;\n Within our bosoms\n Buried she lay;\n Now glad she laughs to the light.\n The bride who is sister\n Is freed by the brother;\n In ruin lies\n What held them apart.\n Loud rejoicing,\n They meet and greet;\n Lo! Love is mated with spring!\n\nSIEGLINDE\n\n Thou art the spring\n That I used to pine for,\n When pinched by the winter frost;\n My heart hailed thee friend\n With bliss and with fear,\n When thy first glance fell on me sweetly\n All I had seen appeared strange;\n Friendless were my surroundings;\n I never seemed to have known\n Any one who came nigh.\n Thee, however,\n Straightway I knew,\n And I saw thou wert mine\n When I beheld thee:\n What I hid in my heart,\n All I am,\n Clear as the day\n Dawned to my sight\n Like tones to the ear\n Echoing back,\n When, upon my frosty desert,\n My eyes first beheld a friend.\n\n [_She hangs enraptured on his neck, and looks him\n close in the face._\n\nSIEGMUND [_Transported._\n\n O rapture most blissful!\n Woman most blest!\n\nSIEGLINDE [_Close to his eyes._\n\n O let me, closer\n And closer clinging,\n Discern more clearly\n The sacred light\n That from thine eyes\n And face shines forth,\n And so sweetly sways every sense!\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n The May-moon's light\n Falls on thy face\n Framed by masses\n Of waving hair.\n What snared my heart\n 'Tis easy to guess:\n My gaze on loveliness feasts.\n\nSIEGLINDE [_Pushing the hair back from his brow,\n regards him with astonishment._\n\n How broad and open\n Is thy brow!\n Blue-branching the veins\n In thy temples entwine.\n I hardly can endure\n My burden of bliss.--\n Of something I am reminded:--\n The man I first saw to-day\n Already I have seen!\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n A dream of love\n I too recall;\n I saw thee there\n And yearned for thee sore!\n\nSIEGLINDE\n\n The stream has shown me\n My imaged face--\n Again I see it before me;\n As in the pool it arose\n It is reflected by thee.\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n Thine is the face\n I hid in my heart.\n\nSIEGLINDE [_Quickly averting her gaze._\n\n O hush! That voice!\n O let me listen!\n These tones as a child\n Surely I heard--\n But no! I heard the sound lately,\n When, calling in the wood,\n My voice re-echoing rang.\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n To sweet and melodious\n Music I listen!\n\nSIEGLINDE [_Gazing into his eyes again._\n\n And ere now thy glowing\n Eye have I seen:\n The old man whose glance\n Solaced my grief,\n When he greeted me had that eye--\n I knew him\n Because of his eye,\n And almost addressed him as father.\n\n [_After a pause._\n\n Art thou Wehwalt in truth?\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n If dear to thee,\n Wehwalt no more;\n My sway is o'er bliss not sorrow!\n\nSIEGLINDE\n\n And Friedmund does not\n Fit with thy fortunes.\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n Choose thou the name\n Thou wouldst have me be known by:\n Thy choice will also be mine!\n\nSIEGLINDE\n\n The name of thy father was W\u00f6lfe?\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n A wolf to the fearful foxes!\n But he whose eye\n Shone with the brightness\n Which, fairest one, shines in thine own,\n Was named--W\u00e4lse of old.\n\nSIEGLINDE [_Beside herself._\n\n Was W\u00e4lse thy father,\n And art thou a W\u00e4lsung?--\n Stuck was for thee\n His sword in the stem?--\n Then let my love call thee\n What it has found thee;\n Siegmund\n Shall be thy name.\n\nSIEGMUND [_Springs up._\n\n Siegmund call me\n For Siegmund am I!\n Be witness this sword\n I grasp without shrinking!\n That I should find it\n In sorest need\n W\u00e4lse foretold.\n I grasp it now!\n Love the most pure\n In utmost need,\n Passionate love,\n Consuming desire\n Burning bright in my breast,\n Drive to deeds and death!\n Nothung! Nothung!\n That, sword, is thy name.\n Nothung! Nothung!\n Conquering steel!\n Show me thy sharp\n And sundering tooth:\n Come forth from thy scabbard to me!\n\n [_He draws the sword with a violent effort from the\n stem of the tree and shows it to the amazed and\n enraptured Sieglinde._\n\n Siegmund the W\u00e4lsung\n Thou dost see!\n As bride-gift\n He brings thee this sword;\n With this he frees\n The woman most blest;\n He bears thee\n From the house of his foe.\n Far from here\n Follow thou him:\n Forth to the laughing\n House of the spring;\n Thy shield be Nothung, the sword,\n When Siegmund is captive to love!\n\n [_He throws his arm round her so as to draw her\n forth with him._\n\nSIEGLINDE [_Delirious with excitement, tears herself\naway and stands before him._\n\n Art thou Siegmund\n Standing before me,\n Sieglinde am I\n Who longed for thee;\n Thy own twin-sister\n As well as the sword thou hast\n won!\n\n [_She throws herself on his breast._\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n Bride and sister\n Be to thy brother--\n So W\u00e4lsungs shall flourish for aye!\n\n [_He draws her to him with fervent passion. The\n curtain falls quickly._\n\n\n\n\n\nTHE SECOND ACT\n\n\n_A wild, mountainous spot. In the background a gorge rises from below to a\nhigh ridge of rocks, from which the ground slopes down again towards\nthe front. Wotan, in full armour, carrying his spear. Before\nhim Br\u00fcnnhilde as a Valkyrie, also fully armed._\n\n\n\nWOTAN\n\n Go bridle thy steed,\n Valorous maid!\n Bitter strife\n Soon will break forth;\n Br\u00fcnnhilde, storm to the fray\n And cause the W\u00e4lsung to win!\n Hunding choose for himself\n Where to bide:\n No place in Walhall has he.\n So up and to horse!\n Haste to the field!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE [_Ascends the height on the right, shouting\nand springing from rock to rock._\n\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n Heiaha! Heiaha!\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n Heiaha! Heiaha!\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n Heiaha! Hojoho!\n\n[Illustration: Plate 22\n \"Siegmund the Walsung\n Thou dost see!\n As bride-gift\n He brings thee this sword\"]\n\n [_She pauses on a high peak, looks down into the\n gorge and calls back to Wotan._\n\n I warn thee, Father,\n See to thyself;\n Stern the strife\n That is in store:\n Here comes Fricka, thy wife,\n Drawn hither in her car by her rams,\n Swinging the golden\n Scourge in her hand!\n The wretched beasts\n Are groaning with fear;\n And how the wheels rattle!\n Hot she hastes to the fray.\n Such strife as this\n No strife is for me,\n Though I love boldly waged\n Strife 'twixt men.\n The battle alone thou must brave;\n I go; thou art left in the lurch!\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n Heiaha! Heiaha!\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n Heiaha! Heiaha!\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n Heiaha! Ha!\n\n [_She disappears behind the mountain peak at the\n side. Fricka, in a car drawn by a pair of rams, has\n driven up the gorge to the mountain ridge, where\n she suddenly stops, alights and strides angrily\n towards Wotan in the foreground._\n\nWOTAN [_Aside, when he sees Fricka approaching._\n\n The usual storm!\n The usual strife!\n But I must act with firmness\n\nFRICKA [_Moderating her pace as she approaches, and\nconfronting Wotan with dignity._\n\n All alone among the hills\n I seek thee, where thou dost hide\n Fearing the eyes\n Of thy wife,\n That help in need thou may'st promise.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Let Fricka tell\n Her trouble in full.\n\nFRICKA\n\n I have heard Hunding's cry,\n For vengeance calling on me;\n As wedlock's guardian\n I gave ear:\n My word passed\n To punish the deed\n Of this impious pair\n Who boldly wrought him the wrong.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Have this pair then\n Done such harm,\n Whom spring united in love?\n 'Twas love's sweet magic\n That lured them on;\n None pays for love's might to me.\n\nFRICKA\n\n How dull and how deaf thou wouldst seem!\n As though thou wert not aware\n That it is wedlock's\n Holy oath\n Profaned so rudely I grieve for.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Unholy\n Hold I the bond\n That binds unloving hearts;\n Nor must thou\n Imagine that I\n Will restrain by force\n What transcends thy power;\n For where bold natures are stirring\n I urge them frankly to strife.\n\n[Illustration: Plate 23, Br\u00fcnnhilde]\n\nFRICKA\n\n Deeming thus laudable\n Wedlock's breach,\n Pray babble more nonsense\n And call it holy\n That shame should blossom forth\n From bond of a twin-born pair!\n I shudder at heart,\n My brain reels and whirls.\n Sister embraced\n As bride by the brother--\n Who has ever heard\n Of brother and sister as lovers?\n\nWOTAN\n\n Thou hearest it now!\n Be taught by this\n That a thing may be\n Which has never befallen before.\n That those two are lovers\n Thou must admit;\n So take advice and be wise!\n Thy blessing surely\n Will bring to thee gladness,\n If thou wilt, laughing on love,\nBless Siegmund and Sieglinde's bond.\n\nFRICKA [_With a burst of deep indignation._\n\n Then nothing to thee\n Are the gods everlasting\n Since the wild W\u00e4lsungs\n Won thee for father?\n I speak plainly--\n Is that thy thought?\n The holy and high\n Immortals are worthless;\n And all that once\n Was esteemed is thrown over;\n The bonds thou didst bind\n By thyself now are broken;\n Heaven's hold\n Is loosed with a laugh,\n That this twin-born pair, unimpeded,\n The fruit of thy lawless love,\n May in wantonness flourish and rule!\n But why wail over\n Wedlock and vows,\n Since by thee the first they are scorned!\n The faithful wife\n Betrayed at each turn,\n Lustfully longing\n Wander thy glances;\n Thine eyes scan\n Each hollow and height\n As thy fickle fancy allures thee,\n While grief is gnawing my heart.\n Heavy of soul\n I had to endure it,\n When to the fight\n With the graceless maidens\n Born out of wedlock,\n Forth thou hast fared;\n For, thy wife still holding in awe,\n Thou didst give her as maids\n The Valkyrie band\n To obedience bound,\n Even Br\u00fcnnhilde, bride of thy Wish.\n But now that new names\n Afford thee new pleasure,\n And W\u00e4lse, wolfish, in\n Forests has wandered;\n Now that to bottomless\n Shame thou hast stooped,\n And a pair of mortals\n Hast vilely begotten--\n Now thy wife at the feet\n Of whelps of a wolf thou dost fling!\n Come finish thy work!\n Fill the cup full!\n Mock and trample now the betrayed one!\n\n[Illustration: Plate 24, Fricka approaches in anger.]\n\nWOTAN [_Quietly._\n\n Thou couldst not learn,\n Though I might teach thee;\n To thee there is nothing plain\n Till day has dawned on the deed,\n Wonted things\n Thou alone canst conceive,\n Whereas my spirit broods\n On things not yet brought forth.\n Listen, woman!\n Some one we need,\n A hero gods have not shielded,\n And who is not bound by their law.\n So alone\n Were he fit for the deed\n Which no god can accomplish,\n Yet which must be done for the gods.\n\nFRICKA\n\n With sayings dark\n Thou fain wouldst deceive me!\n What deed by hero\n Could be accomplished\n That was beyond the strength of the gods,\n By whose grace alone he is strong?\n\nWOTAN\n\n Then his own heart's courage\n Counts not at all?\n\nFRICKA\n\n Who breathed their souls into men?\n Who opened their eyes, that they see?\n Behind thy shield\n Strong they appear;\n With thee to goad them,\n Upward they strive;\n Those men that thou praisest,\n 'Tis thou who spurrest them on.\n With falsehoods fresh\n Thou wouldst fain delude me,\n With new devices\n Thou wouldst evade me;\n Thou shalt not shelter\n The W\u00e4lsung from me;\n He lives only through thee,\n And is bold through thee alone.\n\nWOTAN [_With emotion._\n\n He grew unaided\n In grievous distress;\n My shield sheltered him not.\n\nFRICKA\n\n Then shield him not to-day;\n Take back the sword\n That thou hast bestowed.\n\nWOTAN\n\n The sword?\n\nFRICKA\n\n Yes, the sword,\n The magic sword\n Sudden and strong\n That thou gavest to thy son.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Nay, Siegmund won it\n Himself in his need.\n\n [_From here Wotan's whole attitude expresses an\n ever-deepening uneasiness and gloom._\n\nWOTAN [_Continuing passionately._\n\n Both conquering sword\n And the need came from thee.\n Wouldst thou deceive me\n Who, day and night,\n At thy heels follow close?\n For him thou didst strike\n The sword in the stem;\n Thou didst promise him\n The peerless blade.\n Canst thou deny\n That thy cunning it was\n Which led him where it lay hid?\n\n [_Wotan makes a wrathful gesture. Fricka goes\n on more and more confidently as she sees the\n impression produced on him._\n\n The Gods\n Do not battle with bondsmen;\n The free but punish transgressors.\n Against thee, my peer,\n Have I waged war,\n But Siegmund is mine as my slave.\n\n [_Another violent gesture from Wotan, who then\n seems to succumb to the feeling of his own\n powerlessness._\n\n Shall thy eternal\n Consort obey one\n Who calls thee master\n And bows as thy slave?\n What! Shall I be\n Despised by the basest,\n To the lawless a spur,\n A scoff to the free?\n My husband cannot desire me,\n A goddess, to suffer such shame!\n\nWOTAN [_Gloomily._\n\n What then wouldst thou?\n\nFRICKA\n\n Shield not the W\u00e4lsung.\n\nWOTAN [_In a muffled voice._\n\n His way let him go.\n\nFRICKA\n\n Thou wilt grant him no aid,\n When to arms the avenger calls?\n\nWOTAN\n\n I shield him no more.\n\nFRICKA\n\n Seek not to trick me;\n Look in my eyes!\n The Valkyrie turn from him too.\n\nWOTAN\n\n The Valkyrie free shall choose.\n\nFRICKA\n\n Not so; she but acts\n To accomplish thy will;\n Give order that Siegmund die.\n\nWOTAN [_After a violent internal struggle._\n\n Nay, slay him I cannot,\n He found my sword!\n\nFRICKA\n\n Remove thou the magic,\n And shatter the blade:\n Swordless let him be found.\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE [_Is heard calling from the heights._\n\n Heiaha! Heiaha!\n Hojotoho!\n Heiaha! Heiaha!\n Heiohotojo! Hotojoha!\n\nFRICKA\n\n Thy valorous maiden comes;\n Shouting, hither she rides.\n\nWOTAN\n\n For Siegmund I called her to horse.\n\n [_Br\u00fcnnhilde appears with her horse on the rocky\n path to the right. When she sees Fricka she stops\n abruptly and, during the following, slowly and\n silently leads her horse down the path. She then\n puts it in a cave._\n\nFRICKA\n\n By her shield to-day\n Be guarded the honour\n Of thy eternal spouse!\n Derided by men,\n Shorn of our power,\n Perish and pass would the Gods\n If thy valiant maid\n Avenged not to-day\n My sacred and sovereign right.\n The W\u00e4lsung falls for my honour.\n Does Wotan now pledge me his oath?\n\nWOTAN [_Throwing himself on to a rocky seat in terrible dejection._\n\n Take the oath!\n\n [_Fricka strides towards the back, where she meets\n Br\u00fcnnhilde and halts for a moment before her._\n\nFRICKA\n\n Warfather\n Waits for thee;\n He will instruct thee\n How the lot is decreed!\n\n [_She drives off quickly._\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n [_Comes forward anxious and wondering to Wotan,\n who leaning back on his rocky seat, is brooding\n gloomily._\n\n Ill closed\n The fight, I fear;\n Fricka laughs at the outcome!\n Father, what news\n Hast thou to tell me?\n Sad thou seemest and troubled!\n\nWOTAN [_Dropping his arm helplessly and sinking his head on his breast._\n\n By self-forged fetters\n I am bound,\n I, least free of all living!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n I know thee not thus:\n What gnaws at thy heart?\n\nWOTAN\n\n [_His expression and gestures working up, from this\n point, to a fearful outburst._\n\n O sacrilege vile!\n O grievous affront!\n Gods' despair!\n Gods' despair!\n Infinite wrath!\n Woe without end!\n Most sorrowful I of all living!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n [_Alarmed, throws her shield, spear and helmet from\n her and kneels with anxious affection at his feet._\n\n Father! Father!\n Tell me what ails thee?\n With dismay thou art filling thy child!\n Confide in me\n For I am true;\n See, Br\u00fcnnhilde begs it!\n\n [_She lays her head and hands with tender anxiety\n on his knees and breast._\n\nWOTAN\n\n [_Looks long in her eyes, then strokes her hair\n with involuntary tenderness. As if coming out of a\n deep reverie, he at last begins, very softly._\n\n What if, when uttered,\n Weaker it made\n The controlling might of my will?\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE [_Very softly._\n\n To Wotan's will thou speakest\n When thou speakest to me?\n What am I\n If I am not thy will?\n\n[Illustration: Plate 25, Br\u00fcnnhilde slowly and silently leads her horse down the\npath to the cave.]\n\nWOTAN [_Very softly._\n\n What never to any was spoken\n Shall be unspoken now and for ever.\n Myself I speak to,\n Speaking to thee.\n\n [_In a low, muffled voice._\n\n When young love grew\n A waning delight,\n 'Twas power my spirit craved;\n By rash and wild\n Desires driven on,\n I won myself the world.\n Unknown to me\n Dishonest my acts were;\n Bargains I made\n Wherein hid mishap,\n Craftily lured on by Loge,\n Who straightway disappeared.\n Yet I could not leave\n Love altogether;\n When grown mighty still I desired it.\n The child of night,\n The craven Nibelung,\n Alberich, broke from its bond.\n All love he forswore,\n And procured by the curse\n The gleaming gold of the Rhine,\n And with it measureless might.\n The ring that he wrought\n I stole by my cunning,\n But I restored it not\n To the Rhine;\n It paid the price\n Of Walhall's towers:\n The home the giants had built me,\n From which I commanded the world.\n She who knows all\n That ever was,\n Erda, the holy,\n All-knowing Wala,\n Warned me touching the ring:\n Prophesied doom everlasting.\n Of this doom I was fain\n To hear further,\n But silent she vanished from sight.\n Then my gladness of heart was gone,\n The god's one desire was to know.\n To the womb of the earth\n Downward then I went:\n By love's sweet magic\n Vanquished the Wala,\n Troubled her wisdom proud,\n And compelled her tongue to speak.\n Tidings by her I was told;\n And with her I left a fair pledge:\n The world's wisest of women\n Bore me, Br\u00fcnnhilde, thee.\n With eight sisters\n Fostered wert thou,\n That ye Valkyries\n Might avert the doom\n Which the Wala's\n Dread words foretold:\n The gods' ignominious ending.\n That foes might find us\n Strong for the strife,\n Heroes I got ye to gather.\n The beings who served us\n As slaves aforetime,\n The men whose courage\n Aforetime we curbed:\n Who through treacherous bonds\n And devious dealings\n Were bound to the gods\n In blindfold obedience--\n To kindle these men\n To strife was your duty,\n To drive them on\n To savage war,\n That hosts of dauntless heroes\n Might gather in Walhall's hall.\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n And well filled surely thy halls were;\n Many a one I have brought.\n We never were idle,\n So why shouldst thou fear?\n\n[Illustration: Plate 26\n\n \"Father! Father!\n Tell me what ails thee?\n With dismay thou art filling thy child!\"]\n\nWOTAN [_His voice muffled again._\n\n Another ill--\n Mark what I say--\n Was by the Wala foretold!\n Through Alberich's hosts\n Doom may befall us;\n A furious grudge\n Alberich bears me;\n But now that my heroes\n Make victory certain\n I defy the hosts of the night.\n Only if he won\n The ring again from me,\n Walhall were forfeit for ever.\n Used by him alone\n Who love forswore\n Could the runes of the ring\n Bring doom\n To the mighty gods,\n And shame without end.\n My heroes' valour\n He would pervert,\n Would stir to strife\n The bold ones themselves,\n And with their strength\n Wage war upon me.\n So, alarmed, I resolved\n To wrest the ring from the foeman.\n\n [_In a low voice._\n\n I once paid Fafner,\n One of the giants,\n With gold accurst\n For work achieved.\n Fafner guards now the hoard\n For which his own brother he slew.\n The ring I must needs recover\n With which his work I rewarded.\n But I cannot strike one\n By treaties protected;\n Vanquished by him\n My valour would fail.\n These are the bonds\n That bind my power;\n I, who by treaties am lord,\n To my treaties also am slave.\n But what I dare not\n One man may dare--\n A hero never\n Helped by my favour,\n To me unknown\n And granted no grace,\n Unaware,\n Bidden by none,\n Constrained thereto\n By his own distress--\n He could achieve\n What I must not do:\n The deed I never urged,\n Though it was all my desire.\n But, alas! how to find\n One to fight me, the god,\n For my good--\n Most friendly of foes!\n How fashion the free one\n By me unshielded,\n In his proud defiance\n Most precious to me?\n How get me the other\n Who, not through me,\n But of himself\n Will perform my will?\n O woe of the gods!\n Horrible shame!\n Soul-sick am I\n Of seeing myself\n In all I ever created.\n The other whom I so long for,\n That other I never find.\n The free by themselves must be fashioned,\n All that I fashion are slaves!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n But the W\u00e4lsung, Siegmund,\n Works for himself.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Wild I roamed\n In the woodland with him,\n Ever against the gods\n Goading him to rebel.\n\n [_Slowly and bitterly._\n\n Now, when the gods seek vengeance,\n Shield he has none but the sword\n Given to him\n By the grace of a god.\n Why did I try\n To trick myself vainly?\n How easily Fricka\n Found out the fraud!\n She read my inmost\n Heart to my shame.\n I must bend my will to her wishes.\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n Of victory wouldst Siegmund deprive?\n\nWOTAN\n\n I have handled Alberich's ring,\n Loth to let the gold go.\n The curse that I fled\n Is following me:\n I must always lose what I love most,\n Slay what my heart holds dearest,\n Basely betray\n All those who trust.\n\n [_His gestures, at first those of terrible grief\n end by expressing despair._\n\n Pale then and pass\n Glory and pomp,\n Godhead's resplendent,\n Glittering shame!\n In ruins fall\n The fabric I built!\n Ended is my work;\n I wait but one thing more:\n The downfall--\n The downfall!\n\n [_He pauses thoughtfully._\n\n And for the downfall\n Schemes Alberich!\n Now I see\n The sense hidden\n In the strange, wild words of the Wala:\n \"When the gloomy foe of love\n Gets a son in his wrath,\n The high gods' doom\n Shall be at hand!\"\n Not long ago\n A rumour I heard\n That the dwarf had won a woman,\n By gold gaining her grace.\n A woman bears\n Hate's bitter fruit;\n The child of spite\n Grows in her womb;\n This marvel befell\n The man who loved not;\n But I, the loving wooer,\n Have never begotten the free.\n\n [_Rising in bitter wrath._\n\n Accept thou my blessing,\n Nibelung son!\n I leave to thee\n What I loathe with deep loathing:\n The hollow pomp of the gods.\n Consume it with envious greed!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE [_Alarmed._\n\n O say! tell me\n What task is thy child's?\n\nWOTAN [_Bitterly._\n\n Fight, faithful to Fricka;\n Wedlock and vows defend!\n What she desires\n Is also my choice,\n For what does my own will profit,\n Since it cannot fashion a free one?\n For Fricka's slaves\n Do battle henceforth!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n Ah repent,\n And take back thy word!\n Thou lovest,\n And fain, I know,\n Wouldst have me shelter the W\u00e4lsung.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Siegmund thou shalt vanquish,\n And fight so that Hunding prevails.\n Ward thyself well\n And doughtily do,\n Bring all thy boldness\n To bear on the field;\n A strong sword\n Swings Siegmund;\n Undismayed he will fight!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n He whom thou still\n Hast taught me to love,\n He whose courage high\n To thy heart was so precious--\n I will shield him in spite of\n Thy wavering word!\n\nWOTAN\n\n Ha, daring one!\n Floutest thou me?\n Who art thou--who but the choiceless,\n Blind slave of my will?\n I have sunk so low\n By showing my mind,\n That the creature made by me\n Holds me in scorn.\n Dost thou, child, know my wrath?\n If ever its awful\n Lightning struck thee\n Then quail wouldst thou indeed!\n Within my bosom\n Burns enough rage\n To lay waste\n In dread ruin a world\n That once wore nothing but smiles.\n Woe to him whom it strikes!\n Dear the price he would pay!\n So be advised,\n Call it not forth\n But carry out my commands.\n Cut down Siegmund!\n That is the Valkyrie's task.\n\n [_He storms away and disappears among the rocks to\n the left._\n\n[Illustration: Plate 27, Br\u00fcnnhilde stands for a long time dazed\nand alarmed]\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE [_Stands for a long time dazed and alarmed._\n\n Warfather\n Oft have I seen\n Enraged, but never once like this!\n\n [_She stoops down sadly, takes up her armour and\n puts it on again._\n\n How heavy\n My armour feels!\n And it felt so light\n When gladly I fought!\n I fight afraid.\n Evil is my cause!\n\n [_She gazes thoughtfully before her._\n\n Woe! My W\u00e4lsung!\n With sorrow sore\n Must the faithful one falsely forsake thee!\n\n [She turns slowly towards the back.\n\n * * * * *\n\n [_On reaching the rocky pass, Br\u00fcnnhilde, looking\n down into the gorge, perceives Siegmund and\n Sieglinde. She watches them for a moment, then\n turns into the cave where her horse is, so that she\n is completely hidden from the audience. Siegmund\n and Sieglinde appear on the pass, Sieglinde\n hurrying in front. Siegmund tries to stop her._\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n Wait here and rest;\n Tarry a while!\n\nSIEGLINDE\n\n Farther! Farther!\n\nSIEGMUND [_Embraces her with tender force, straining her to him._\n\n No farther now!\n O linger, woman most sweet!\n From bliss when most blissful\n Breaking away,\n In headlong haste\n Far thou hast fled,\n So fleet that I lagged behind:\n Through wood and field,\n Over cliff and scaur,\n Voiceless, silent,\n Speeding along,\n Thy foot stopped for no call.\n\n [_Sieglinde stares wildly before her._\n\n Tarry a while!\n Say but a word,\n Ending this speechless dread!\n See, thy brother\n Holds thee, his bride:\n Siegmund's comrade art thou!\n\nSIEGLINDE\n\n [_Gazes into his eyes with growing rapture, throws\n her arms passionately round his neck and remains so\n for some time. She then starts up in wild terror._\n\n Away! Away!\n Fly the profaned one!\n Unholy\n The clasp of her arm;\n In shame, dishonoured,\n This body died.\n Fling it from thee,\n Flee from the corpse!\n The winds scatter her dust--\n The foul one who loved one so fair!\n When in his loving embrace\n She rested in rapture pure,\n And all the love of the man\n Was hers who loved him alone--\n When on holiest height,\n When bliss was at sweetest,\n And sense and soul\n Were steeped in delight,\n Hatred and loathing\n Of hideous dishonour\n Shook the disgraced one,\n Filled her with fear--\n The thought she once had obeyed.\n Bridegroom unloving, unloved.\n Leave the accurst one,\n Far let her fly!\n An outcast she is,\n Bereft of grace!\n Ah, I must leave\n The purest of heroes;\n I cannot be thine,\n To sully thy glory:\n Scorn to bring on the brother,\n Shame to the rescuing friend!\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n For the shame and dishonour,\n Pay the transgressor's blood!\n No farther, then, flying,\n Here let us wait him;\n Here--here I shall slay him:\n When Nothung's point\n Shall pierce his heart,\n All thy wrongs will be avenged!\n\nSIEGLINDE [_Starts up and listens._\n\n Hark! The bugles!\n Dost thou not hear?\n All around,\n Angry and shrill,\n From wood and vale\n Clamour their calls.\n Hunding has wakened\n From slumber deep;\n Kinsmen and hounds\n He summons together;\n How the dogs howl,\n Urged on hotly,\n Loud-baying to heaven\n Of the vows and the wedlock profaned!\n\n [_Gazes before her as if gone crazed._\n\n Where art thou, Siegmund?\n Art thou still here,\n Fervently loved one,\n Beautiful brother?\n Let thine eyes like stars\n Shine again on me softly;\n Turn not away\n From the outcast woman's kiss!\n\n [_She throws herself sobbing on his breast, and\n presently starts up in terror again._\n\n Hark! O hark!\n That is Hunding's horn!\n With his hounds full force,\n In haste he comes.\n No sword helps\n When the dogs attack:--\n Throw it down, Siegmund!\n Siegmund, where art thou?\n Ha, there! I see thee now!\n Horrible sight!\n Eager-fanged\n Are the bloodhounds for flesh;\n Ah, what to them\n Is thy noble air!\n By the feet they seize thee\n With terrible teeth;\n Alas!\n Thou fallest with splintered sword:--\n The ash-tree sinks--\n The trunk is rent!\n Brother! My brother!\n Siegmund--ha!\n\n [_She falls fainting into his arms._\n\n[Illustration: Plate 28, Br\u00fcnnhilde with her horse, at the mouth of the cave.]\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n Sister! Belov\u00e8d!\n\n [_He listens to her breathing, and, when convinced\n that she still lives, lets her slide down so that,\n as he himself sinks into a sitting posture, her\n head rests upon his knees. In this position both\n remain till the end of the following scene. A long\n silence, during which Siegmund bends over Sieglinde\n with tender concern, and presses a long kiss on her\n brow._\n\n [_Br\u00fcnnhilde, leading her horse, comes out of the\n cave and walks slowly and solemnly towards the\n front. She pauses and watches Siegmund from a\n distance, then advances slowly again and stops when\n she gets nearer. In one hand she carries her shield\n and spear, the other rest on her horse's neck, and\n thus she gravely stands looking at Siegmund._\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n Siegmund!\n Look on me\n Whom thou\n Must follow soon!\n\nSIEGMUND [_Looking up at her._\n\n Who art thou, say,\n That dost stand so fair and so stern?\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n Death-doomed are they\n Who look upon me;\n Who sees me\n Bids farewell to the light of life.\n On the battle-field only\n Heroes view me;\n He whom I greet\n Is chosen and must go.\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n [_Looks into her eyes with a long steadfast and\n searching gaze, then bows his head in thought and\n finally turns resolutely to her again._\n\n When thou dost lead,\n Whither follows the hero?\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n I lead thee\n To Wotan;\n The lot he has cast:\n To Walhall must thou come.\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n In Walhall's hall\n Wotan alone shall I find?\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n A glorious host\n Of heroes slain\n Will greet thee there\n With love holy and high.\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n Say if in Walhall\n Sojourns my father, W\u00e4lse.\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n His father there\n Will the W\u00e4lsung find.\n\nSIEGMUND [_Tenderly._\n\n Will any woman\n Welcome me there?\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n Wishmaidens\n Serve there serene:\n Wotan's daughter\n Wine will bring for thy cup.\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n High art thou\n And holy of aspect,\n O Wotan's child:\n But one thing tell me, divine one!\n The sister and bride,\n Shall she follow the brother?\n Will Siegmund find Sieglinde there?\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n Air of earth\n Still she must breathe here;\n Siegmund will find no Sieglinde there!\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n [_Bends tenderly over Sieglinde, kisses her softly\n on the brow, and turns again quietly to Br\u00fcnnhilde._\n\n Then greet for me Walhall,\n Greet for me Wotan,\n Greet for me W\u00e4lse\n And all the heroes,\n Wishmaidens lovely\n Greet thou also,\n And tell them I will not come!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n Nay, having looked\n On the Valkyrie's face,\n Thou must follow her forth!\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n Where Sieglinde dwells\n In weal or woe,\n There will Siegmund dwell also;\n My face grew not pale\n When I beheld thee:\n Thou canst not force me to go!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n Force thee can none\n While thou dost live;\n Fool, what will force thee is death\n Warning of death\n Is what I bring.\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n What hero to-day\n Shall hew me down?\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n Hunding's hand in the fight.\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n Use threats more baleful\n Than blows from Hunding!\n Lurkest thou here\n Longing for strife,\n Fix on him for thy prey.\n I think it is he who will fall!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n Nay, W\u00e4lsung,\n Doubt not my word;\n Thine is the death decreed.\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n Knowest this sword?\n Who gave the sword\n Gave triumph sure:\n With this sword I laugh at thy threats.\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE [_In a loud voice._\n\n He whose it was\n Now dooms thee to death,\n For the magic spell he withdraws!\n\nSIEGMUND [_Vehemently._\n\n Hush! Alarm not\n The slumberer here!\n\n [_In an outburst of grief he bends tenderly over\n Sieglinde._\n\n Woe! Woe!\n Woman most sweet!\n Most sad and ill-starred of all true ones!\n Against thee rages\n The whole world in arms,\n And I who was all thy defence,\n For whom thou the world hast defied--\n To think I cannot\n Shield thee, but, beaten\n In battle, thy trust must betray!\n O shame on him\n Who bestowed the sword,\n And triumph now turns to scorn!\n If I must fall thus,\n I fare to no Walhall--\n Hella hold me for aye!\n\n [_He bends low over Sieglinde._\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE [_Moved._\n\n So little prizest thou\n Life everlasting?\n\n [_Slowly and with hesitation._\n\n All thy care\n Is thy helpless wife\n Who, sad and weary,\n Heavily hangs in thy arms?\n Precious only is she?\n\nSIEGMUND [_Looking up at her bitterly._\n\n Though young and fair\n Thou shinest to me,\n In my heart I know thee\n Cruel and cold!\n Canst thou do nothing\n But mock me, begone,\n Malicious, merciless maid!\n Or if thou must gloat\n Upon my distress,\n Then gloat and feast thyself full!\n With my woe\n Solace thy envious soul:--\n But of Walhall's loveless raptures\n Nothing more let me hear!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n I see the distress\n That is tearing thy heart;\n The doomed hero's holy\n Sorrow I feel.\n Siegmund, thy wife be my charge,\n Protected safely by me.\n\nSIEGMUND\n\n No other than I\n While my wife is living shall guard her.\n If death be my lot\n I will slay the slumberer first!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE [_With increasing emotion._\n\n W\u00e4lsung! Madman!\n Listen to me!\n Entrust her to me\n For the pledge's sake\n That she carries of thee and thy love!\n\nSIEGMUND [_Drawing his sword._\n\n This sword\n That a true man received from a false--\n This sword\n That fails me when facing the foe;\n Worthless when turned on the foe,\n Will serve me when turned on the friend.\n\n [_He points the sword at Sieglinde._\n\n Two lives now\n Laugh to thee here:\n Take them, Nothung,\n Envious steel!\n Take them with one fell stroke!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE [_With a passionate outburst of sympathy._\n\n Forbear, Walsung!\n Listen to me!\n Sieglinde spare thou,\n And Siegmund too shall be spared!\n 'Tis thus decreed,\n Recast the lot is!\n Thou, Siegmund,\n Shalt be blest and prevail!\n\n[_Horns are heard in the distance._\n\n Hark to the horn!\n Prepare for the fray;\n Trust to the sword\n And strike without fear:\n Thy sword shall prove strong\n Thee the Valkyrie faithfully shields!\n Farewell, Siegmund,\n Hero most blest!\n On the field again I shall find thee.\n\n[_She rushes away and disappears with her horse down\na gorge on the right. Siegmund gazes after her\njoyful and exultant. The stage has gradually grown\ndark. Heavy storm-clouds have gathered in the\nbackground, and hide the cliffs, gorge, and rocky pass\ncompletely from view._\n\nSIEGMUND [_Bending over Sieglinde, listens to her breathing._\n\n Charm\u00e8d slumber\n Softly soothes\n The dear one's pain and grief.\n When the Valkyrie came, perchance\n She brought her this blissful repose;\n Else would the grimly fought fight\n Have terrified one in such woe.\n Lifeless seems she,\n And yet she lives;\n The sad one by smiling\n Dreams is caressed.\n In slumber lie soft\n Till the fight is won\n And peace shall end thy pain!\n\n[_He lays her gently on the rocky seat and\nkisses her brow in farewell. Then, hearing\nHunding's horn sound, he starts up\nwith resolution._\n\n Thou who dost call,\n Arm for the fray;\n Thy dues in full\n Thou shalt have:\n\n [_He draws his sword._\n\n Nothung pays him his debt.\n\n [_He hastens to the back and, on reaching the pass,\n immediately disappears in a dark thunder-cloud,\n from which, the next instant, a flash of lightning\n breaks._\n\nSIEGLINDE [_Begins to move uneasily in her dreams._\n\n Would but my father come back!\n With the boy he still roams in the wood.\n Mother! Mother!\n I am afraid--\n The strangers seem\n So harsh and unfriendly!\n Fumes that stifle--\n Dense and black smoke--\n Fierce are the flames,\n And closer they flare--\n On fire the house!\n O help us, brother!\n Siegmund! Siegmund!\n\n [_She starts up. Violent thunder and lightning._\n\n Siegmund! Ha!\n\n [_She stares about her in growing terror. Almost\n the whole of the stage is veiled by black\n thunder-clouds. Hunding's horn is heard close at\n hand._\n\nHUNDING'S VOICE [_From the mountain pass in the background._\n\n Wehwalt! Wehwalt!\n Stand there and fight,\n Or with the hounds I will hold thee!\n\nSIEGMUND'S VOICE [_From farther back in the gorge._\n\n Where hidest thou,\n That I have missed thee thus?\n Halt, that I may find thee!\n\nSIEGLINDE [_Listening in terrible fear._\n\n Hunding--Siegmund--\n Could I but see them!\n\nHUNDING\n\n Come hither, impious wooer!\n Here by Fricka be slain!\n\nSIEGMUND [_Also from the pass now._\n\n Thou thinkest me weaponless,\n Coward, still.\n Threat not with women!\n Thyself now fight me,\n Lest Fricka fail thee at need!\n For see, from the tree\n That grows by thy hearth\n I drew undaunted the sword;\n Come and try the taste of its steel!\n\nSIEGLINDE [_With all her strength._\n\n Hold your hands, ye men there!\n Strike me dead first!\n\n [_She rushes towards the pass, but is suddenly\n dazzled by a light which flashes forth from above\n the combatants to the right, and staggers aside as\n if blinded._\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE'S VOICE\n\n Strike him, Siegmund!\n Trust to the sword!\n\n [_Br\u00fcnnhilde appears in the glare of light,\n floating above Siegmund, and protecting him with\n her shield. Just as Siegmund is aiming a deadly\n blow at Hunding a glowing red light breaks through\n the clouds from the left, in which Wotan appears,\n standing over Hunding and holding his spear across\n in front of Siegmund._\n\nWOTAN'S VOICE\n\n Back! Back from the spear!\n In splinters the sword!\n\n [_Br\u00fcnnhilde with her shield recoils in terror\n before Wotan; Siegmund's sword breaks in splinters\n on the outstretched spear. Hunding plunges his\n sword into the disarmed man's breast. Siegmund\n falls down dead, and Sieglinde, who has heard his\n death-sigh, sinks to the ground as if lifeless.\n With Siegmund's fall the lights on both sides\n disappear. Dense clouds shroud all but the\n foreground in darkness. Through these Br\u00fcnnhilde is\n dimly seen turning in wild haste to Sieglinde._\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n To horse, that I may save thee!\n\n [_She lifts Sieglinde up quickly on to her horse,\n which is standing near the side ravine, and\n immediately disappears. Thereupon the clouds divide\n in the middle, so that Hunding, who has just drawn\n his sword out of Siegmund's breast, is distinctly\n seen. Wotan, surrounded by clouds, stands on a rock\n behind, leaning on his spear and gazing sorrowfully\n on Siegmund's body._\n\nWOTAN [_To Hunding._\n\n Begone, slave!\n Kneel before Fricka;\n Tell her that Wotan's spear\n Has slain what mocked her might.\n Go! Go!\n\n [_Before the contemptuous wave of his hand Hunding\n falls dead to the ground. Suddenly breaking out in\n terrible anger._\n\n But Br\u00fcnnhilde!\n Woe to the guilty one!\n Woe to her\n As soon as my horse\n Shall overtake her in flight!\n\n [_He vanishes with thunder and lightning. The\n curtain falls quickly._\n\n\n\n\nTHE THIRD ACT\n\n\nOn the top of a rocky mountain\n\n\n_On the right the stage is bounded by a pine-wood. On the left is the entrance\nto a cave, above which the rock rises to its highest point. At the\nback the view is quite open. Rocks of varying heights form the edge\nof the precipice. Clouds fly at intervals past the mountain peak\nas if driven by storm. Gerhilde, Ortlinde, Waltraute, and\nSchwertleite have taken up their position on the rocky peak above\nthe cave. They are in full armour._\n\n\n\nGERHILDE\n\n [_On the highest point, calling towards the\n background, where a dense cloud is passing._\n\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n Heiaha! Heiaha!\n Helmwige! Here!\n Guide hither thy horse!\n\nHELMWIGE'S VOICE [_At the back._\n\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n Heiaha!\n\n [_A flash of lightning comes from the cloud,\n showing a Valkyrie on horseback, on whose saddle\n hangs a slain warrior. The apparition, approaching\n the cliff, passes from left to right._\n\nGERHILDE, WALTRAUTE AND SCHWERTLEITE [_Calling to her as she draws near._\n\n Heiaha! Heiaha!\n\n [_The cloud with the apparition vanishes to the\n right behind the wood._\n\nORTLINDE [_Calling into the wood._\n\n Thy stallion make fast\n By Ortlinde's mare;\n Gladly my grey\n Will graze by thy chestnut!\n\nWALTRAUTE [_Calling towards the wood._\n\n Who hangs at thy saddle?\n\nHELMWIGE [_Coming out of the wood._\n\n Sintolt the Hegeling!\n\nSCHWERTLEITE\n\n Fasten thy chestnut\n Far from the grey then;\n Ortlinde's mare\n Carries Wittig, the Irming!\n\nGERHILDE [_Descending a little towards the others._\n\n And Sintolt and Wittig\n Always were foemen!\n\nORTLINDE [_Springs up and runs to the wood._\n\n Heiaha! Heiaha!\n The horse is kicking my mare!\n\nGERHILDE [_Laughing aloud with HELMWIGE and SCHWERTLEITE._\n\n The heroes' feud\n Makes foes of the horses!\n\nHELMWIGE [_Calling back into the wood._\n\n Quiet, Brownie!\n Pick not a quarrel.\n\nWALTRAUTE\n\n [_On the highest point, where listening towards\n the right she has taken Gerhilde's place as\n watcher, calling towards the right-hand side of the\n background._\n\n Hoioho! Hoioho!\n Siegrune, come!\n What keeps thee so long?\n\nSIEGRUNE'S VOICE [_From the back on the right._\n\n Work to do.\n Are the others all there?\n\nTHE VALKYRIES\n\n [_In answer, their gestures, as well as a bright\n light behind the wood, showing that Siegrune has\n just arrived there._\n\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n Heiaha! Heiaha!\n\nGRIMGERDE's AND ROSSWEISSE'S VOICES [_From the back on the left._\n\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n Heiaha!\n\nWALTRAUTE [_Towards the left._\n\n Grimgerd' and Rossweisse!\n\nGERHILDE\n\n Together they ride.\n\n [_In a cloud which passes across the stage from the\n left, and from which lightning flashes, Rossweisse\n and Grimgerde appear, also on horseback, each\n carrying a slain warrior on her saddle._\n\nHELMWIGE, GERLINDE AND SIEGRUNE\n\n We greet you, valiant ones!\n Rossweiss' and Grimgerde!\n\n [_Have come out of the wood and wave their hands\n from the edge of the precipice to Rossweisse and\n Grimgerde, who disappear behind the wood._\n\nROSSWEISS' AND GRIMGERDE'S VOICES\n\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n Heiaha!\n\nALL THE OTHER VALKYRIES\n\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n Heiaha! Heiaha!\n\nGERHILDE [_Calling into the wood._\n\n Your horses lead into\n The wood to rest!\n\nORTLINDE [_Also calling into the wood._\n\n Lead the mares far off\n One from the other,\n Until our heroes'\n Anger is laid!\n\nHELMWIGE [_The others laughing._\n\n The grey has paid\n For the heroes' anger.\n\nROSSWEISSE AND GRIMGERDE [_Coming out of the wood._\n\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n\nTHE VALKYRIES\n\n Be welcomed! Be welcomed!\n\nSCHWERTLEITE\n\n Went ye twain on one quest?\n\nGRIMGERDE\n\n No, singly we rode,\n And met but to-day.\n\nROSSWEISSE\n\n If we all are assembled\n Why linger longer?\n To Walhall let us away,\n Bringing to Wotan the slain.\n\nHELMWIGE\n\n We are but eight;\n Wanting is one.\n\nGERHILDE\n\n By the brown-eyed W\u00e4lsung\n Br\u00fcnnhilde tarries.\n\nWALTRAUTE\n\n Until she joins us\n Here we must wait;\n Warfather's greeting\n Grim were indeed\n If we returned without her!\n\nSIEGRUNE [_On the look-out, calling towards the back._\n\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n This way! This way!\n\n [_To the others._\n\n In hottest haste riding,\n Hither she comes.\n\nTHE VALKYRIES\n\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n Heiaha!\n Br\u00fcnnhilde, hei!\n\n [_They watch her with growing astonishment._\n\nWALTRAUTE\n\n See, she leads woodward\n Her staggering horse.\n\nGRIMGERDE\n\n From swift riding\n How Grane pants!\n\nROSSWEISSE\n\n No Valkyrie's flight\n Ever so fast was.\n\nORTLINDE\n\n What lies on her saddle?\n\nHELMWIGE\n\n That is no man!\n\nSIEGRUNE\n\n 'Tis a woman, see!\n\nGERHILDE\n\n Where found she the maid?\n\nSCHWERTLEITE\n\n Has she no greeting\n For her sisters?\n\nWALTRAUTE [_Calling down very loudly._\n\n Heiaha! Br\u00fcnnhilde!\n Dost thou not hear?\n\nORTLINDE\n\n From her horse\n Let us help our sister.\n\n [_Helmwige and Gerhilde run to the wood, followed\n by Siegrune and Rossweisse._\n\n Hojotoho! Hojotoho!\n Heiaha!\n\nWALTRAUTE\n\n To earth has sunk\n Grane the strong one!\n\nGRIMGERDE\n\n From the saddle swift\n She snatches the maid.\n\nTHE OTHER VALKYRIES\n\n Sister! Sister!\n What has occurred?\n\n [_The Valkyries all return to the stage; Br\u00fcnnhilde\n accompanies them, leading and supporting Sieglinde._\n\n Turns and looks\n out anxiously,\n then comes back.\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE [_Breathless._\n\n Shield me and help\n In dire distress!\n\nTHE VALKYRIES\n\n Whence rodest thou hither,\n Hasting so hard?\n Thus ride they only who flee.\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n I flee for the first time\n And am pursued:\n Warfather follows close.\n\nTHE VALKYRIES [_Terribly alarmed._\n\n Hast thou gone crazy?\n Speak to us! What?\n Pursued by Warfather?\n Flying from him?\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n O sisters, spy\n From the rocky peak!\n Look north and tell me\n If Warfather nears!\n\n [_Ortlinde and Waltraute spring up the peak to the\n look-out._\n\n Quick! Is he in sight?\n\nORTLINDE\n\n A storm from the north\n Is nearing.\n\nWALTRAUTE\n\n Darkly the clouds\n Congregate there.\n\nTHE VALKYRIES\n\n Warfather, riding\n His sacred steed, comes!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n The wrathful hunter,\n He rides from the north;\n He nears, he nears, in fury!\n Save this woman!\n Sisters your help!\n\n\n[Illustration: Plate 29\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n \"I flee for the first time\n And am pursued:\nWarfather follows close.\n . . . . . . . . .\nHe nears, he nears, in fury\n Save this woman!\n Sisters, your help!\"]\n\nTHE VALKYRIES\n\n What threatens the woman?\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n Hark to me quickly!\n Sieglinde this is,\n Siegmund's sister and bride.\n Wotan his fury\n Against the W\u00e4lsungs has turned.\n He told me\n That to-day I must fail\n The brother in strife;\n But with my shield\n I guarded him safe,\n Daring the God,\n Who slew him himself with his spear.\n Siegmund fell;\n But I fled,\n Bearing his bride.\n To protect her\n And from the stroke\n Of his wrath to hide,\n I hastened, O my sisters, to you!\n\nTHE VALKYRIES [_Full of fear._\n\n O foolish sister,\n How mad thy deed!\n Woe's me! Woe's me!\n Br\u00fcnnhilde, lost one!\n Mocked, disobeyed\n By Br\u00fcnnhilde\n Warfather's holy command!\n\nWALTRAUTE [_On the look-out._\n\n Darkness comes\n From the north like the night.\n\nORTLINDE [_On the look-out._\n\n Hither steering,\n Rages the storm.\n\nROSSWEISSE, GRIMGERDE, and SCHWERTLEITE\n\n Wildly neighs\n Warfather's horse!\n\nHELMWIGE, GERHILDE, and SIEGRUNE\n\n Panting, snorting it comes!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n Woe to the woman\n If here she is found,\n For Wotan has vowed\n The W\u00e4lsungs shall perish!\n The horse that is swiftest\n Which of you lends,\n That forth the woman may fly?\n\nSIEGRUNE\n\n Wouldst have us too\n Madly rebel?\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n Rossweisse, sister,\n Wilt lend me thy racer!\n\nROSSWEISSE\n\n The fleet one from Wotan\n Never yet fled.\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n Helmwige, hear me!\n\nHELMWIGE\n\n I flout not our father.\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n Waltraute! Gerhilde!\n Give me your horse!\n Schwertleite! Siegrune!\n See my distress!\n Stand by me now\n Because of our love:\n Rescue this woman in woe!\n\nSIEGLINDE\n\n [_Who until now has been staring gloomily and\n coldly before her, starts up with a repellent\n gesture as Br\u00fcnnhilde encircles her with a warm,\n protective embrace._\n\n Concern thyself not about me;\n Death is all that I crave.\n From off the field\n Who bade thee thus bear me?\n For there perchance\n By the selfsame weapon\n That struck down Siegmund\n I too had died,\n Made one with him\n In the hour of death.\n Far from Siegmund--\n Siegmund, from thee!\n O cover me, Death,\n From the sorrow!\n Wouldst thou not have me\n Curse thee for flying?\n Thou must hearken, maid, to my prayer:\n Pierce thou my heart with thy sword!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE [_Impressively._\n\n Live for the sake\n Of thy love, O woman!\n Rescue the pledge\n Thou has gotten from him:\n The W\u00e4lsung's child thou shalt bear!\n\nSIEGLINDE\n\n [_Gives a violent start; suddenly her face beams\n with sublime joy._\n\n Save me, ye bold ones!\n Rescue my child!\n Shelter me, maidens,\n And strong be your shield!\n\n [_An ever-darkening thunderstorm nears from the\n back._\n\nWALTRAUTE [_On the look-out._\n\n The storm has drawn nigh.\n\nORTLINDE\n\n Fly, all who fear it!\n\nTHE VALKYRIES\n\n Hence with the woman;\n Here she is lost:\n The Valkyries dare not\n Shield her from doom!\n\nSIEGLINDE [_On her knees before Br\u00fcnnhilde._\n\n Save me, O maid!\n Rescue the mother!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE [_Raising Sieglinde with sudden resolve._\n\n Away then, and swiftly!\n Alone thou shalt fly.\n I--stay in thy stead,\n Victim of Wotan's anger.\n I will hold here\n The God in his wrath,\n Till I know thee past reach of his rage.\n\nSIEGLINDE\n\n Say, whither shall my flight be?\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n Which of you, sisters,\n Eastward has journeyed?\n\nSIEGRUNE\n\n A forest stretches\n Far in the east;\n The Nibelung's hoard\n By Fafner thither was borne.\n\nSCHWERTLEITE\n\n There as a dread\n Dragon he sojourns,\n And in a cave\n Keeps watch over Alberich's ring.\n\nGRIMGERDE\n\n 'Tis uncanny there\n For a woman's home.\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n And yet from Wotan's wrath\n Shelter sure were the wood;\n For he both fears\n And keeps far from the place.\n\n[Illustration: Plate 30\n \"There as a dread\n Dragon he sojourns,\n And in a cave\n Keeps watch over Alberich's ring.\"]\n\nWALTRAUTE [_On the look-out._\n\n Raging, Wotan\n Rides to the rock!\n\nTHE VALKYRIES\n\n Br\u00fcnnhilde, hark!\n Like a storm-wind he comes!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n Flee then swiftly,\n Thy face to the east!\n Boldly enduring,\n Defy every ill--\n Hunger and thirst,\n Briar and stone;\n Laugh, whether gnawed\n By anguish or want!\n For one thing know\n And hold to always--\n The world's most glorious hero\n Hideth, O woman, thy sheltering womb!\n\n [_She takes the pieces of Siegmund's sword from\n under her breast-plate and gives them to Sieglinde._\n\n The splintered sword's pieces\n Guard securely;\n From the field where slain was\n His father I brought them.\n And now I name\n Him who one day\n The sword new-welded shall swing--\n \"Siegfried\" rejoice and prevail!\n\nSIEGLINDE [_Greatly moved._\n\n Sublimest wonder!\n Glorious maid!\n From thee high solace\n I have received!\n For him whom we loved\n I save the beloved one.\n May my thanks one day\n Sweet reward bring!\n Fare thou well!\n Be blest by Sieglind' in woe!\n\n [_She hastens away to the right in front. The\n rocky peak is surrounded by black thunder-clouds.\n A fearful storm rages from the back. A fiery glow\n increases in strength to the right._\n\nWOTAN'S VOICE\n\nStay, Br\u00fcnnhilde!\n\nORTLINDE AND WALTRAUTE [_Coming down from the look-out._\n\n The rock is reached\n By horse and rider!\n\n [_Br\u00fcnnhilde, after following Sieglinde with her\n eyes for a while, goes towards the background,\n looks into the wood, and comes forward again\n fearfully._\n\nTHE VALKYRIES\n\n Woe, Woe! Br\u00fcnnhilde!\n Vengeance he brings!\n\n Ah, sisters, help!\n My courage fails!\n His wrath will crush me\n Unless ye ward off its weight.\n\nTHE VALKYRIES\n\n [_Fly towards the rocky point in fear, drawing\n Br\u00fcnnhilde with them._\n\n This way, then, lost one!\n Hide from his sight!\n Cling closely to us,\n And heed not his call!\n\n [_They hide Br\u00fcnnhilde in their midst and look\n anxiously towards the wood, which is now lit up by\n a bright fiery glow, while in the background it has\n grown quite dark._\n\n Woe! Woe!\n Raging, Wotan\n Swings from his horse!\n Hither hastes\n His foot for revenge!\n\nWOTAN\n\n [_Comes from the wood in a terrible state of wrath\n and excitement and goes towards the Valkyries on\n the height, looking angrily for Br\u00fcnnhilde._\n\n Where is Br\u00fcnnhilde?\n Where is the guilty one?\n Would ye defy me\n And hide the rebel?\n\nTHE VALKYRIES\n\n Fearful and loud thy rage is!\n By what misdeed have thy daughters\n Vexed and provoked thee\n To terrible wrath?\n\nWOTAN\n\n Fools, would ye flout me?\n Have a care, rash ones!\n I know: Br\u00fcnnhilde\n Fain ye would hide.\n Leave her, the lost one\n Cast off for ever,\n Even as she\n Cast off her worth!\n\nTHE VALKYRIES\n\n To us fled the pursued one,\n In her need praying for help,\n Dismayed and fearful,\n Dreading thy wrath.\n For our trembling sister\n Humbly we beg\n That thy first wild rage be calmed.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Weak-hearted\n And womanish brood!\n Is this your valour,\n Given by me?\n For this have I reared you\n Bold for the fight,\n Made you relentless\n And hard of heart\n That ye wild ones might weep and whine\n When my wrath on a faithless one falls?\n Learn, wretched whimperers,\n What was the crime\n Of her for whom\n Ye are shedding those tears.\n No one but she\n Knew what most deeply I brooded;\n No one but she\n Pierced to the source of my being;\n Through her deeds\n All, I wished to be, came to birth.\n This sacred bond\n So completely she broke\n That she defied me,\n Opposing my will,\n Her master's command\n Openly mocked,\n And against me pointed the spear\n That she held from me alone.\n Hearest, Br\u00fcnnhilde?\n Thou who didst hold\n Thy helm and spear,\n Grace and delight,\n Life and name as my gift!\n Hearing my voice thus accusing,\n Dost hide from me in terror,\n A coward who shirks her doom?\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n [_Steps out from the band of Valkyries, and humbly\n but with a firm step descends from the rocky peak\n until within a short distance from Wotan._\n\n Here I am, Father,\n Awaiting thy sentence!\n\nWOTAN\n\n I--sentence thee not;\n Thou hast shaped thy doom for thyself.\n Through my will only\n Wert thou at all,\n Yet against my will thou hast worked;\n Thy part it was\n To fulfil my commands,\n Yet against me thou hast commanded;\n Wish-maid\n Thou wert to me,\n Yet thy wish has dared to cross mine;\n Shield-maid\n Thou wert to me,\n Yet against me raised was thy shield;\n Lot-chooser\n Thou wert to me:\n Against me the lot thou hast chosen;\n Hero-rouser\n Thou wert to me:\n Thou hast roused up heroes against me.\n What once thou wert\n Wotan has told thee:\n What thou art now,\n Demand of thyself!\n Wish-maid thou art no more;\n Valkyrie thou art no longer:--\n What now thou art\n For aye thou shalt be!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE [_Greatly terrified._\n\n Thou dost cast me off?\n Ah, can it be so?\n\nWOTAN\n\n No more shall I send thee from Walhall\n To seek upon fierce\n Fields for the slain;\n With heroes no more\n Shalt thou fill my hall:\n When the high Gods sit at banquet,\n No more shalt thou pour\n The wine in my horn;\n No more shall I kiss\n The mouth of my child.\n Among heaven's hosts\n Numbered no longer,\n Outcast art thou\n From the kinship of Gods;\n Our bond is broken in twain,\n And from my sight henceforth thou now\n art banned.\n\nTHE VALKYRIES\n\n [_Leave their places in the excitement, and come a\n little farther down the rocks._\n\n Woe's me! Woe!\n Sister! O sister!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n All that thou gavest\n Thou dost recall?\n\nWOTAN\n\n Conquering thee, one shall take all!\n For here on the rock\n Bound thou shalt be,\n Defenceless in sleep,\n Charmed and enchained;\n The man who chances this way\n And awakes her, shall master the maid.\n\nTHE VALKYRIES\n\n [_Come down from the height in great excitement,\n and in terrified groups surround Br\u00fcnnhilde, who\n lies half kneeling before Wotan._\n\n O stay, Father!\n The sentence recall.\n Shall the maiden droop\n And be withered by man?\n O dread one, avert thou\n The crying disgrace:\n For as sisters share we her shame.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Have ye not heard\n Wotan's decree?\n From out your band\n Shall your traitorous sister be banished,\n No more to ride\n Through the clouds her swift steed to the\n battle;\n Her maidenhood's flower\n Will fade away;\n Her grace and her favour\n Her husband's will be;\n Her husband will rule her\n And she will obey;\n Beside the hearth she will spin,\n To all mockers a mark for scorn.\n\n[Illustration: Plate 31, The ride of the Valkyries.]\n\n [_Br\u00fcnnhilde sinks with a cry to the ground.\n The Valkyries, horror-stricken, recoil from her\n violently._\n\n Fear ye her fate?\n Then fly from the lost one!\n Swiftly forsake\n And flee from her far!\n Let one but venture\n Near her to linger,\n Seek to befriend her,\n Defying my will--\n The fool shall share the same doom:\n I warn you, ye bold ones, well!\n Up and away!\n Hence, and return not!\n Get ye gone at a gallop,\n Trouble is rife else for you here!\n\nTHE VALKYRIES [_Separate with a wild cry and rush into the wood._\n\n Woe! Woe!\n\n [_Black clouds settle thickly on the cliff; a\n rushing sound is heard in the wood. From the\n clouds breaks a vivid flash of lightning, by which\n the Valkyries are seen packed closely together,\n and riding wildly away with loose bridles. The\n storm soon subsides; the thunder-clouds gradually\n disperse. In the following scene the weather\n becomes fine again and twilight falls, followed at\n the close by night._\n\n [_Wotan and Br\u00fcnnhilde, who lies stretched at his\n feet, remain behind alone. A long solemn silence._\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n [_Begins to raise her head a little, and,\n commencing timidly, gains confidence as she\n proceeds._\n\n Was the offence\n So shameful and foul\n That to such shame the offender should be\n doomed?\n Was what I did\n So base and so vile\n That I must suffer abasement so low?\n Was the dishonour\n Truly so deep\n That it must rob me of honour for aye?\n\n [_She raises herself gradually to a kneeling\n posture._\n\n O speak, Father!\n In my eye looking,\n Calming thy rage,\n Taming thy wrath,\n Explain why so dark\n This deed of mine\n That in thy implacable anger\n It costs thee thy favourite child!\n\nWOTAN [_His attitude unchanged, gravely and gloomily._\n\n Ask of thy deed,\n And that will show thee thy guilt!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n I but fulfilled\n Wotan's command.\n\nWOTAN\n\n By my command\n Didst thou fight for the Walsung?\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n Yea, lord of the lots,\n So ran thy decree.\n\nWOTAN\n\n But I took back\n The order, changed the decree!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n When Fricka had weaned\n Thy will from its purpose;\n In yielding what she desired\n Thou wert a foe to thyself.\n\nWOTAN [_Softly and bitterly._\n\n I thought thou didst understand me,\n And punished thy conscious revolt;\n But coward and fool\n I seemed to thee!\n If I had not treason to punish\n Thou wouldst be unworthy my wrath.\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n I am not wise,\n But I knew well this one thing--\n That thy love was the W\u00e4lsung's;\n I knew that, by discord\n Drawn two ways,\n This one thing thou hadst forgotten.\n The other only\n Couldst thou discern--\n What so bitterly\n Wounded thy heart:\n That Siegmund might not be shielded.\n\nWOTAN\n\n And yet thou didst dare\n To shield him, knowing 'twas so?\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE [_Beginning softly._\n\n Because I the one thing\n Had kept in my eye,\n While by twofold desire\n Divided wert thou,\n Blindly thy back on him turning!\n She who wards thy back\n From the foe in the field,\n She saw alone\n What thou sawest not:--\n Siegmund I beheld.\n Bringing him doom\n I approached;\n I looked in his eyes,\n Gave ear to his words.\n I perceived the hero's\n Bitter distress;\n Loud the lament\n Of the brave one resounded;\n Uttermost love's\n Most terrible pang,\n Saddest of hearts\n Defying all odds---\n With my ear I heard,\n My eye beheld\n That which stirred the heart in my breast\n With trouble holy and strange.\n Shamed, astonished,\n Shrinking I stood.\n Then all my thought\n Was how I could serve him;\n Triumph and death\n To share with Siegmund--\n That seemed, that only,\n The lot I could choose!\n Faithful to him\n Who taught my heart this love,\n And set me\n By the W\u00e4lsung's side as friend--\n Most faithful to him--\n Thy word I disobeyed.\n\nWOTAN\n\n So thou hast done\n What I yearned so greatly to do--\n What a twofold fate\n Withheld from my desire!\n So easy seemed to thee\n Heart's delight in the winning,\n When burning woe\n In my heart flamed fierce,\n When terrible anguish\n Wrung my soul,\n When, to save the world\n That I loved, love's spring\n In my tortured heart I imprisoned?\n Against my own self\n When I turned, to my torment,\n From swooning pain\n Arose in a frenzy,\n When a wild longing\n Burning like fire\n The fearful design in me woke\n In the ruins of my own world\n My unending sorrow to bury,\n\n [_Somewhat freely._\n\n Thy heart was lapped\n In blissful delight.\n Trembling with rapture,\n Drunken with joy,\n Thy lips drank laughing\n The draught of love,\n While I drank of divine woe\n Mixed with wormwood and gall.\n\n [_Dryly and shortly._\n\n By thy lightsome heart\n Henceforth be guided:\n From me thou hast turned away!\n I must renounce thee;\n Together no more\n Shall we two whisper counsel;\n Apart our paths lie,\n Sundered for ever,\n And so long as life lasts\n I, the God, dare nevermore greet thee!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE [_Simply._\n\n Unfit was the foolish\n Maid for thee,\n Who, dazed by thy counsel,\n Grasped not thy mind\n When, to her, one counsel\n Alone appeared plain--\n To love what was loved by thee.\n If I must forth\n Where I shall not find thee,\n If the fast-woven bond\n Must be loosed,\n And half thy being\n Far from thee banished--\n A half once thine and thine only,\n O God, forget not that!--\n Thy other self\n Thou wilt not dishonour,\n Dealing out shame\n That will shame thee too;\n Thine own honour were lowered,\n Were I a target for scorn!\n\nWOTAN\n\n The lure of love\n Thou hast followed fain:\n Follow the man\n Who shall wield its might!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n If I must go from Walhall,\n No more in thy work be a sharer,\n And if as my master\n A man I must serve,\n I braggart base\n Abandon me not!\n Not all unworthy\n Be he who wins!\n\nWOTAN\n\n With Wotan no part hast thou--\n He cannot fashion thy fate.\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n By thee has been founded a race\n Too glorious to bring forth a coward\n One day must a matchless hero\n From Walsung lineage spring.\n\nWOTAN\n\n Name not the W\u00e4lsungs to me!\n Renouncing thee,\n Them too I renounced;\n Through envy they came to naught.\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n She who turned from thee\n Rescued the race;\n\n [_With an air of secrecy._\n\n Sieglinde bears\n Fruit holy and high;\n In pain and woe\n Beyond woe known to woman\n She will bring forth\n What in fear she hides!\n\nWOTAN\n\n No shelter for her\n Seek at my hand,\n Nor for fruit that she may bear.\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n The sword she has kept\n That thou gavest Siegmund.\n\nWOTAN [_Violently._\n\n And that I splintered with my spear.\n Strive not, O maid,\n My spirit to trouble!\n Await thou the lot\n Cast and decreed;\n I cannot choose it or change!\n But now I must forth,\n Fare from thee far;\n Too long I stay by thy side.\n I must turn from thee,\n As thou didst from me;\n I must not even\n Know thy desire;\n Thy doom alone\n I must see fulfilled!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE\n\n And what is the doom\n That I must suffer?\n\nWOTAN\n\n In slumber fast\n Thou shalt be locked;\n Wife thou shalt be to the man\n Who finds and wakes thee from sleep!\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE [_Falls on her knees._\n\n If fettering sleep\n Fast must bind me,\n An easy prey\n To the basest coward,\n This one thing that in deep anguish\n I plead for thou must accord!\n O shield thou the sleeper\n With soul-daunting terrors,\n\n [_Firmly._\n\n That by a dauntless\n Hero alone\n Here on the rock\n I may be found!\n\nWOTAN\n\n Too much thou askest--\n Too big a boon!\n\n[Illustration: Plate 32\n WOTAN.\n \"Appear, flickering fire,\n Encircle the rock with thy flame!\n Loge! Loge! Appear!\"]\n\nBR\u00dcNNHILDE [_Clasping his knees._\n\n This one thing\n Grant me, O grant me!\n The child that is clasping\n Thy knees crush dead;\n Tread down thy dear one\n And shatter the maid;\n Let her body perish,\n Pierced by thy spear,\n But, cruel one, expose her not\n To this crying shame!\n\n [_With wild ecstasy._\n\n O cause a fire\n To burn at thy bidding,\n With flame fiercely flaring\n Girdle the rock,\n And may its tongue lick,\n And may its tooth eat\n The coward who, daring, rashly\n Approaches the terrible spot!\n\nWOTAN\n\n [_Overcome and deeply stirred, turns quickly\n towards Br\u00fcnnhilde, raises her from her knees and\n looks into her eyes with emotion._\n\n Farewell, thou valiant,\n Glorious child!\n Thou the most holy\n Pride of my heart,\n Farewell! Farewell! Farewell!\n\n [_Passionately._\n\n Must we be parted?\n Shall I never more\n Give thee love's greeting?\n Must thou no longer\n Gallop beside me,\n Nor bring me mead at banquet?\n If I must lose thee,\n Whom I have loved so,\n The laughing delight of my eyes,\n For thee there shall burn\n A bridal fire brighter\n Than ever yet burned for a bride!\n Fiercely the flames\n Shall flare round thy bed,\n Flames dreadful, devouring,\n Daunting all cowards;\n Let cravens flee\n From Br\u00fcnnhilde's rock!\n One only shall set the bride free,\n One freer than I, the God!\n\n [_Moved and enraptured, Br\u00fcnnhilde sinks on the\n breast of Wotan, who holds her in a long embrace;\n then she throws back her head again, and, still\n embracing him, gazes into his eyes with emotion and\n awe._\n\n Those eyes so lovely and bright\n That oft with smiles I caressed,\n Thy valour\n With a kiss rewarding\n When, sweetly lisped\n By thy childlike mouth,\n The praise of heroes I heard:\n Those eyes so radiant and fair\n That oft in storm on me shone,\n When hopeless yearning\n My heart was wasting,\n And when the joy\n Of the world I longed for,\n While fears thronged thick around me--\n Once more to-day\n Gladdening me,\n Let them take this kiss\n Of fond farewell!\n On happier mortal\n May they yet shine;\n On me, hapless immortal,\n Must they close, and for ever!\n\n [_He takes her head in both hands._\n\n 'Tis thus that the God\n From thee turns:\n He kisses thy Godhead away!\n\n[Illustration: Plate 33, As he moves slowly away, Wotan turns and looks\nsorrowfully back at Br\u00fcnnhilde.]\n\n[_He kisses her long on the eyes, and with\n these closed she sinks back softly into his\n arms, unconscious. He carries her gently to a\n low mossy mound, and lays her there beneath the\n broad-spreading pine-tree which overshadows it.\n He gazes at her and closes her helmet; his eyes\n then rest on the form of the sleeper, which he\n completely covers with the great steel shield of\n the Valkyries. Having done so, he moves slowly\n away, turning to take one more sorrowful look. Then\n he strides with solemn resolve to the middle of the\n stage, and points his sword towards a large rock._\n\n Loge, hear!\n Hark to my word!\n I who found thee at first\n A fiery flame,\n And from whom thou didst vanish\n In wandering fire,\n I, who once bound,\n Bid thee break forth!\n Appear, flickering fire,\n Encircle the rock with thy flame!\n\n [_He strikes the rock three times with his spea\nr during the following._\n\n Loge! Loge! Appear!\n\n [_A gleam of fire issues from the stone and\n gradually becomes a fiery glow; then flickering\n flames break forth. Soon wild, shooting flames\n surround Wotan, who, with his spear, directs the\n sea of fire to encircle the rock. It spreads\n towards the background, so that the mountain is\n surrounded by flame._\n\n Let none who fears\n The spear of Wotan\n Adventure across this fire!\n\n [_He stretches out his spear as a ban, looks\n sorrowfully back at Br\u00fcnnhilde, then moves slowly\n away, turning his head for a farewell gaze. Finally\n he disappears through the fire. The curtain falls._\n\n\n[Illustration: Plate 34, The sleep of Br\u00fcnnhilde.]","title":"The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie: The Ring of the Niblung, part 1","tradition":"myth-cosmogony","translated_text":null,"word_count":25513}