The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Ix Part 63

The robber's spear was guided by blind chance, So that it struck the spot. In such a way A child may kill a giant.

UTE (_still busying herself with the maidens over KRIEMHILD_).

Rise, Kriemhild!

KRIEMHILD.

Another parting? No, I'll cling to him, And to the grave together will we go, Or you must leave him here. But half my love I gave him living. Now that he is dead I know it. Were it the reverse! His eyes I never yet had kissed! All, all is new!

We thought we'd time before us.

UTE.

Come my child!

We cannot leave him lying in the dust.

KRIEMHILD. Oh that is true! The costliest and rarest Today shall be as naught.

[_She rises._]

Here, take the keys!

[_She throws down keys._]

There'll be no festivals again! The silk, The wondrous golden garments, and the linen-- Bring everything. Be sure to gather flowers-- He loved them so! And you must cut them all, Even the little buds that have not bloomed.

For whom then should they blossom? Lay them all Within his coffin, then my bridal robes, And lay him softly down, and I'll do so,

[_She stretches out her arms._]

And I will be his covering!

GUNTHER (_to his followers_).

Your oath!

Let no one harm her more.

KRIEMHILD (_turns around_).

The murderer's here?

Away, for fear the blood should flow again!

No! No! Come here!

[_She lays hold of DANKWART._]

That Siegfried may bear witness!

[_She wipes her hand on her dress._]

Alas, alas! My right hand nevermore May dare to touch him. Does the blood gush forth?

O Mother, look! I cannot! No? Then these But hide the deed. I seek the murderer.

If Hagen Tronje's here, let him come forth!

He is not guilty--I'll give him my hand.

UTE.

My child--

KRIEMHILD.

Now go and hear Brunhilda laugh.

She's eating too, and drinking.

UTE.

It was robbers--

KRIEMHILD.

I know them well.

[_She takes GISELHER and GERENOT by the hand._]

Thou wast not with them there!

Thou didst not go!

UTE.

But hear me!

RUMOLT.

Through the wood We had been scattered; for it was his wish, And 'tis our custom too. We found him dying At our next meeting place.

KRIEMHILD.

You found him there?

What did he say? A word! His dying word!

I will believe thy tale, if thou canst tell, And if it is no curse. But oh, beware!

For sooner would a rose bloom from thy mouth Than thou imagine what thou didst not hear.

(_As RUMOLT hesitates._)

It is a lie!

CHAPLAIN.

'Tis possible! I've heard A magpie dropped a knife that killed a man Who could not have been reached by human hands.

And what a winged thief by chance could do Because his gleaming booty burdened him, A robber well might do.

KRIEMHILD.