The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Ix Part 65

[_To the women whom he keeps away from the coffin by coming between them and it, while it is being set down._]

Be welcome too, If you are seeking peace as Siegfried is.

[_He holds up the cross before KRIEMHILD._]

Thou turn'st away from this most holy cross?

KRIEMHILD.

I come to ask for justice and for truth.

CHAPLAIN.

Thou seekest vengeance, and the Lord hath said, Vengeance is mine. It is the Lord alone Who sees what's hidden. He alone requites.

KRIEMHILD.

I am a woman, weak, half crushed to earth; No warrior can I strangle with my hair.

What vengeance then is left for me, I pray?

CHAPLAIN.

Why should'st thou search to find thine enemy, Unless thou seek'st on him to take revenge?

His Judge knows all, and is not that enough?

KRIEMHILD.

I do not want to curse the innocent.

CHAPLAIN.

Then curse thou no man, and 'twill not befall!-- Thou poor frail child created but from dust And ashes, with no strength to breast the wind, Thy burden's great, well may'st thou cry to heaven, Yet gaze on Him who bore a greater still!

In humblest guise He came upon the earth, And took upon Himself the sins of men, And suffered for atonement all the griefs That ever there have been throughout all time-- The griefs that follow fallen mortals still.

He suffered in thy sorrow more than thou!

And heavenly power flowed from out His lips And all the angels floated round his head, But Jesus Christ was faithful unto death-- Unto His shameful death upon the cross.

This sacrifice He brought thee in his love, In pity that we may not comprehend.

Wilt thou deny thine offering to Him?

Then let them bury him! And turn thou back!

KRIEMHILD.

Thy work is done, and I will now do mine!

[_She goes and stands at the head of the coffin._]

Approach the bier, the dread ordeal begins!

CHAPLAIN (_goes also to the coffin and stands at the foot.

Three trumpet blasts are heard_).

HAGEN (_to GUNTHER_).

What then has happened?

GUNTHER.

Murder has been done.

HAGEN.

Why stand I here?

GUNTHER.

Suspicion rests on thee.

HAGEN.

My kin are gathered here. Of my fair name I'll question them.--Are ye prepared to swear That Hagen Tronje is no murderer?

ALL EXCEPT GISELHER.

We are prepared.

HAGEN.

Thou'rt silent, Giselher?

Wilt thou not for thine uncle take thine oath That Hagen Tronje is no murderer?

GISELHER (_raising his hand_).

I am prepared.

HAGEN.

Ye need not take the oath.

[_He goes forward to_ KRIEMHILD _in the cathedral._]

Thou see'st, my kin will clear me when I will, 'Tis needless that I now approach the bier, Yet will I stand there and will be the first!

[_He walks slowly to the bier._]

UTE.

Oh Kriemhild, do not look.

KRIEMHILD.