The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries - novelonlinefull.com
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SIEGFRIED (_to GUNTHER_).
Pray look more cheerfully.
I know a way to reconcile thy bride; Brunhilda's kisses shall ere long be thine.
My joy I will forego as long as thou.
HAGEN (_comes back and lays aside his weapons_).
The weapons will impede me when I stoop.
[_Retires again._]
SIEGFRIED.
Before the full a.s.semblage of thy folk, Kriemhild will sue for pardon ere we go.
This pledge was freely given, but she longs To leave and hide her blushes.
HAGEN (_returns_).
Cold as ice!
SIEGFRIED.
Who next?
VOLKER.
First let us eat.
SIEGFRIED.
'Tis well!
[_He goes toward the spring but turns back again._]
Ah yes!
[_He lays aside his weapons. Exit._]
HAGEN (_pointing to the weapons_).
Away with them!
DANKWART (_carries the weapons away_).
HAGEN (_who has taken up his own weapons again and has meanwhile kept his back turned toward_ GUNTHER; _takes a running start and throws his spear_).
SIEGFRIED (_cries out_).
My friends!
HAGEN (_exclaims_).
Not quiet yet?
(_To the others._)
No word with him, whatever he may say!
SIEGFRIED (_crawls forward_).
Murdered--while I was drinking! Gunther, Gunther?
Have I deserved this from thee? In thy need I stood by thee.
HAGEN.
Lop branches from the trees, We need a bier. Quick, choose the strongest limbs, For heavy is a dead man.
SIEGFRIED.
I am slain, But yet not wholly!
[_He springs up._]
Where then is my sword?
They've taken it! Oh, by thy manhood, Hagen, Give the dead man a sword! I challenge thee E'en now to mortal combat!
HAGEN.
In his mouth He has his enemy, yet seeks him still.
SIEGFRIED.
My life drips from me like a candle spent, And e'en my sword this murderer denies, Though granting it would render him less vile.
For shame! Such cowardice! He fears my thumb, For that is all that's left of me.
[_He stumbles over his shield._]
My shield!
My faithful shield, I'll throw thee at the hound!
[_He stoops over the shield, but cannot lift it, and rises unsteadily once more._]
As if 'twere nailed there! E'en for this revenge 'Tis now too late!
HAGEN.
Oh, if this chatterer Would maim his foolish tongue between his teeth Where it has sinned so long all unreproved-- His idle tongue that is not silenced yet!-- Then would he have revenge, for that alone Has brought him to this pa.s.s.
SIEGFRIED.
