The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Ix Part 35

And for Brunhild I.

TRUCHS.

And why, if thou wilt tell me?

WULF.

Where would be The play of rival lances, if we all Should wear one color?

TRUCHS.

Why, I grant thee that!

The reason is sufficient, otherwise It were mere madness.

WULF.

Say it not so loud, For many heroes swear by Brunhild now.

TRUCHS.

They are as different as day and night.

WULF.

Who says they're not? Yet many love the night.

[_Points to the dwarfs_.]

What are they bringing?

TRUCHS.

It must be the h.o.a.rd, The treasure of the Niblungs Siegfried won.

He's called the dwarfs for escort duty here, And bade them bring the treasure, and I'm told It is the marriage portion for his bride.

WULF.

Uncanny are these dwarfs, with hollow backs!

But turn one over--there's a kneading trough!

TRUCHS.

And ever with the dragons is their home Within the earth and in the mountain caves.-- First cousins to the moles they are.

WULF.

But strong!

TRUCHS.

And clever are they too! One need not seek For mandrakes[4] if one has these dwarfs for friends.

WULF (_pointing toward the treasure_).

He who owns that needs neither of the two.

TRUCHS.

I love it not. It is an ancient saw That magic gold is thirstier for blood Than ever was the driest sponge for water; And, more than all, the Niblung heroes tell The strangest tales!

WULF.

Of ravens was the talk.

What was it then? I heard it not aright.

TRUCHS.

A raven flew and lit upon the gold, When it was carried to the s.h.i.+p, and there He croaked till Siegfried, who could understand, At first stopped up his ears and would not hear, And whistled. Then the precious stones he threw To drive the bird, and when it would not fly, At last in desperation cast his spear.

WULF.

Why, that is strange! For Siegfried is at heart As gentle as he's brave.

[_Horns are heard._]

They call for us!

They're gath'ring! Ho, Brunhilda!

TRUCHS.

Kriemhild, ho!

[_Exeunt. Other warriors, who meanwhile have a.s.sembled, join them and repeat the cry. It grows dark gradually._]

SCENE VIII

_Enter HAGEN and SIEGFRIED._

SIEGFRIED.

But Hagen! Why didst thou make signs to me To leave the banquet? I shall nevermore Sit at this table as I sit today.

Pray grant me this one day, I only ask A just reward.

HAGEN.

Your task is not yet done.