The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Ix Part 26

A sudden sleep o'erwhelmed us, that was all.

FRIGGA.

But had it ever happened?

BRUNHILDA.

Not before.

FRIGGA.

Then hark! The old man came and tried to speak.

It almost seems as if I'd seen him stand And grasp thy shoulder; and he threatened me, But heavy was thy sleep. Thou should'st not hear What fate awaits thee if thou dost persist.

So offer sacrifice and then be free.

Oh, had I paid no heed unto the priest, Howe'er he urged me! But the sacred runes I had not read aright.--Come, sacrifice, For danger cometh nigh.

BRUNHILDA.

'Tis nigh?

FRIGGA.

Alas!

Thou knowest that the fiery sea is quenched That flamed around thy castle.

BRUNHILDA. Yet the knight Still lingers who should wield the magic sword And on his war-horse gallop through the flames, When he had won proud Fafner's ill-starred h.o.a.rd.

FRIGGA.

I may have erred. But yet this second sign Cannot deceive me, for I long have known That when the fateful hour shall come to thee, Clear vision doth await thee. Sacrifice!

Mayhap the ancient G.o.ds surround thee now Invisibly, and they will straight appear With the first blood-drops of thine offering.

BRUNHILDA.

I do not fear.

[_Trumpets are heard._]

FRIGGA.

The trumpets!

BRUNHILDA.

Hast thou ne'er Heard them before.

FRIGGA.

Never before with dread.

The time for lopping thistle-heads is past, And iron helms arise before thee now.

BRUNHILDA.

Come hither all! For I will let her see Brunhilda still can conquer! While the sea Of fire still flamed I hastened forth to meet ye, And friendly, as a trusty dog will spring To give his master room, my faithful fire Drew back before me, sank on either hand; The road stands open now, but not my heart.

[_She ascends her throne._]

Now fling the portals wide and let them in!

Whoever here may come, his head is mine!

SCENE II

_The gates are opened. Enter SIEGFRIED, GUNTHER, HAGEN and VOLKER_

BRUNHILDA.

Who cometh seeking death?

(_To SIEGFRIED._)

Ah! Is it thou?

SIEGFRIED.

I am not seeking death, nor will I sue.

And too much honor dost thou yield to me In greeting Gunther's guide before himself, For I am but his helper.

BRUNHILDA (_turning to GUNTHER_).

Then 'tis thou?

And know'st thou what is toward?

GUNTHER.

Full well I know!

SIEGFRIED.

The rumor of thy beauty spreads abroad, But further still the fame of thy hard heart.

And who hath gazed but once in thy deep eyes Will nevermore forget, e'en in his cups, That dreadful death beside thee always stands.

BRUNHILDA.

Tis true! Who cannot conquer, he must die, And all his servants with him. Smilest thou?

Be not so proud! For if thou cam'st to me As thou could'st hold a beaker full of wine On high above thy head and still could'st gaze On me as on a picture, yet I swear That thou shalt fall as any other falls.

(_TO GUNTHER._)

But thee I counsel, if thine ears can hear, List to my maidens! Bid them tell the tale Of heroes that my hand hath laid full low!