The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Ix Part 49

VOLKER.

Thy angry mood Is natural; thou wast thyself deceived.

GISELHER.

That was not why. Yet let us not dispute When all is well again.

VOLKER.

 

When all is well?

GISELHER.

Is it not well?

VOLKER.

They tell me that the Queen In mourning robes is clad, and food and drink Refuses--even water.

GUNTHER.

True, alas!

VOLKER.

How then is't well? What Hagen said is true.

She's not like others; for the breath of time Her wounds can never heal, nor give her peace.

And we must face the question: He or she!

Thou sayest truly, Siegfried's not to blame That to him clung the girdle like a snake, And was discovered. That is pure mischance; But this mischance is deadly, and thou canst Determine only whom it shall destroy.

GISELHER.

Let that one die who hath no will to live!

GUNTHER.

Oh, fearful choice!

VOLKER.

I warned thee long ago, From starting on this course, but now at last We see the end.

DANKWART.

And is it not our law, That even blunders bring their penalty He who runs through his bosom friend by night Because he bore his lance too carelessly, Can never free himself with all his tears, However hot and bitter they may flow.-- The price is blood.

GUNTHER.

Now I will go to her.

[_Exit_.]

SCENE V

VOLKER.

There comes Kriemhild with Hagen. She's distressed, As he predicted. Let us go.

[_Exeunt omnes_.]

SCENE VI

_Enter_ HAGEN _and_ KRIEMHILD.

HAGEN.

Thou com'st So early to the hall?

KRIEMHILD.

I could not bear To linger in my chamber.

HAGEN.

Saw I not Thy husband parting from thee? He was flushed, And angry were his looks. Is there not peace Between yourself and Siegfried once again?

Is he not kind and gentle with his bride?

Tell me, and I will talk with him.

KRIEMHILD.

Oh, no!

Did nothing else remind me of that day, That evil day, 'twould be a dream that's past.

My lord hath spared me every unkind word.

HAGEN.

I'm glad he is so gentle.

KRIEMHILD.

I could wish That he would blame me, yet perchance he knows I blame myself enough!

HAGEN.

Be not too hars.h.!.+