The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Ix Part 51

I fear the Valkyries, for I have heard They always choose the n.o.blest warriors; If they direct the dart, it ne'er can miss.

HAGEN.

But then he only needs a trusty squire.

Who shall protect his back. Think'st thou not so?

KRIEMHILD.

 

I think I should sleep sounder.

HAGEN.

Mark my words!

If he--thou know'st it almost happened once-- Should fall from out his skiff and in the Rhine Should sink because his weapons drew him down To feed the greedy fishes, I would plunge To save our Siegfried, or else I myself Would die with him.

KRIEMHILD.

And is thy thought so n.o.ble?

HAGEN.

So I think! And if the red c.o.c.k lit In darkest night upon his castle roof, And he, half smothered and but half awake, Should fail to find the way that leads to life, I'd bear him from the flames in my own arms, And should I not succeed, with him I'd die.

KRIEMHILD (_turns about to embrace him_).

Then must I--

HAGEN (_refusing the caress_).

Do not! But I swear, I'd do it.

Though only lately had I sworn that oath.

KRIEMHILD.

Thy kinsman he became but recently!

And dost thou really mean it? That thou would'st Thyself?--

HAGEN.

I mean it, for he'll fight for me, And no least one of all the thousand wonders His sword can do, has he refused to me; And so I'll shelter him!

KRIEMHILD.

I had not dared To hope for that!

HAGEN.

But I must know the spot, And thou must show it to me.

KRIEMHILD.

That is true!

Between his shoulders is it, half across.

HAGEN.

'Tis target height!

KRIEMHILD.

Oh uncle, you will not Avenge on him the crime that's mine alone?

HAGEN.

What dost thou dream of?

KRIEMHILD. It was jealousy That blinded me, or else her boastfulness Would not have roused my anger.

HAGEN.

Jealousy!

KRIEMHILD.

I am ashamed! But even if that night The blows were all, and that I will believe, I grudge Brunhilda even blows from him.

HAGEN.

Be patient! She'll forget it.

KRIEMHILD.

Is it true That she'll not eat or drink?

HAGEN.

She always fasts This time of year, for 'tis the Norns' own week, And still in Iceland 'tis a sacred time.

KRIEMHILD.

Three days have now pa.s.sed by!

HAGEN.

What's that to us?

But hus.h.!.+ They're coming.

KRIEMHILD.