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Title: The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie Author: Richard Wagner Illustrator: Arthur Rackham Translator: Margaret Armour Release date: February 9, 2015 [eBook #48214] Most recently updated: April 4, 2024 Language: English Credits: Produced by Madeleine Fournier & Marc D'Hooghe (Images generously made available by the Internet Archive.) *** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RHINEGOLD & THE VALKYRIE *** THE RING OF THE NIBLUNG THE RHINEGOLD: PRELUDE THE VALKYRIE: FIRST DAY OF THE TRILOGY SIEGFRIED: SECOND DAY OF THE TRILOGY THE TWILIGHT OF THE GODS: THIRD DAY OF THE TRILOGY THE RHINEGOLD & THE VALKYRIE BY RICHARD WAGNER WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY ARTHUR RACKHAM TRANSLATED BY MARGARET ARMOUR LONDON WILLIAM HEINEMANN NEW YORK DOUBLEDAY PACE & Co 1910 [Illustration: "Raging, Wotan Rides to the rock! . . . . . . . Like a storm-wind he comes!"] LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS "Raging, Wotan Rides to the rock! . . . . . . . . Like a storm-wind he comes" plate 01 The frolic of the Rhine-Maidens plate 02 The Rhine-Maidens teasing Alberich plate 03 "Mock away! Mock! The Niblung makes for your toy!" plate 04 "Seize the despoiler! Rescue the gold! Help us! Help us! Woe! Woe!" plate 05 Freia, the fair one plate 06 "The Rhine's pure-gleaming children Told me of their sorrow" plate 07 Fasolt suddenly seizes Freia and drags her to one side with Fafner plate 08 The Gods grow wan and aged at the loss of Freia plate 09 MIME, howling. "Ohé! Ohé! Oh! Oh!" plate 10 MIME writhes under the lashes he receives plate 11 Alberich drives in a band of Niblungs laden with gold and silver treasure plate 12 "Ohé! Ohé! Horrible dragon, O swallow me not! Spare the life of poor Loge! plate 13 "Hey! Come hither, And stop me this cranny!" plate 14 "Erda bids thee beware" plate 15 Fafner kills Fasolt plate 16 "To my hammer's swing Hitherward sweep Vapours and fogs! Hovering mists! Donner, your lord, summons his hosts!" plate 17 "The Rhine's fair children, Bewailing their lost gold, weep" plate 18 "This healing and honeyed Draught of mead Deign to accept from me." "Set it first to thy lips" plate 19 Hunding discovers the likeness between Siegmund and Sieglinde plate 20 Sieglinde prepares Hunding's draught for the night plate 21 "Siegmund the Walsung Thou dost see! As bride-gift He brings thee this sword" plate 22 Brünnhilde plate 23 Fricka approaches in anger plate 24 Brünnhilde slowly and silently leads her horse down the path to the cave plate 25 "Father! Father! Tell me what ails thee? With dismay thou art filling thy child!" plate 26 Brünnhilde stands for a long time dazed and alarmed plate 27 Brünnhilde with her horse, at the mouth of the cave plate 28 "I flee for the first time And am pursued: Warfather follows close . . . . . . . He nears, he nears, in fury! Save this woman! Sisters, your help!" plate 29 "There as a dread Dragon he sojourns, And in a cave Keeps watch over Alberich's ring" plate 30 The ride of the Valkyries plate 31 "Appear, flickering fire, Encircle the rock with thy flame! Loge! Loge! Appear!" plate 32 As he moves slowly away, Wotan turns and looks sorrowfully back at Brünnhilde plate 33 The sleep of Brünnhilde plate 34 THE RHINEGOLD CHARACTERS GODS: WOTAN, DONNER, FROH, LOGE NIBELUNGS: ALBERICH, MIME GIANTS: FASOLT, FAFNER GODDESSES: FRICKA, FREIA, ERDA RHINE-MAIDENS: WOGLINDE, WELLGUNDE, FLOSSHILDE SCENES OF ACTION I. AT THE BOTTOM OF THE RHINE II. OPEN SPACE ON A MOUNTAIN HEIGHT NEAR THE RHINE III. THE SUBTERRANEAN CAVERNS OF NIBELHEIM IV. OPEN SPACE AS IN SCENE II. FIRST SCENE _At the bottom of the Rhine_ _A greenish twilight, lighter above than below. The upper part is filled with undulating water, which streams respectively from right to left. Towards the bottom the waves resolve themselves into a mist which grows finer as it descends, so that a space, as high as a mans body from the ground, appears to be quite free from the water, which floats like a train of clouds over the gloomy stretch below. Steep rocky peaks jut up everywhere from the depths, and enclose the entire stage. The ground is a wild confusion of jagged rocks, no part of it being quite level, and on every side deeper fisures are indicated by a still denser gloom. Woglinde circles with graceful swimming movements round the central rock._ WOGLINDE Weia! Waga! Roll, O ye billows, Rock ye our cradle! Wagala weia! Wallala, weiala, weia! WELLGUNDE [_From above._ Woglinde, watchest alone? WOGLINDE If Wellgunde came we were two. WELLGUNDE [_Dives down to the rock_. How keepest thou watch? WOGLINDE [_Swimming off, eludes her_. Wary of thee. [_They playfully tease and chase one another_. FLOSSHILDE [_From above_. Heiaha weia! Ho! ye wild sisters! WELLGUNDE Flosshilde, swim! Woglinde flies: Help me to hinder her flying. FLOSSHILDE [_Dives down between the two at play._ The sleeping gold Badly ye guard; Watch with more zeal The slumberer's bed, Or dear you'll pay for your sport! [_They swim asunder with merry cries. Flosshilde tries to catch first the one, then the other. They elude her, and then combine to chase her, darting like fish from rock to rock with jests and laughter. Meanwhile Alberich climbs out of a dark ravine on to a rock. He pauses, still surrounded by darkness, and watches the frolic of the Rhine-Maidens with increasing pleasure._ ALBERICH Hey, hey! ye nixies! Ye are a lovely, Lovable folk! From Nibelheim's night Fain would I come, Would ye be kind to me. [_The maidens, as soon as they hear Alberich's voice, stop playing._ WOGLINDE Hei! Who is there? WELLGUNDE A voice! It grows dark! FLOSSHILDE Who listens below? [_They dive down and see the Nibelung._ WOGLINDE and WELLGUNDE Fie! the loathsome one! [Illustration: Plate 02, The frolic of the Rhine-Maidens.] FLOSSHILDE [_Swimming up quickly._ Look to the gold! Father warned us Of such a foe. [Both the others follow her, and all three gather quickly round the central rock. ALBERICH You above there! THE THREE RHINE-MAIDENS What wouldst thou below there? ALBERICH Do I spoil sport By standing and gazing here? Dived ye but deeper, Fain the Niblung Would join in your frolic and play. WELLGUNDE He wishes to join us? WOGLINDE Is he in jest? ALBERICH Ye gleam above me So glad and fair! If one would only Glide down, how close in my arms Fondly clasped she would be! FLOSSHILDE I laugh at my fears: The foe is in love. WELLGUNDE The amorous imp! WOGLINDE Let us approach him. [She sinks down to the top of the rock, whose base Alberich has reached. ALBERICH Lo! one of them comes! WOGLINDE Climb up to me here! ALBERICH [_Climbs with gnome-like agility, though with repeated checks, to the summit of the rock. Irritably._ Horrid rock, So slippery, slimy! I slide and slip! My hands and feet vainly Attempt to hold on To the slithery surface! Vapour damp Fills up my nostrils-- Accursed sneezing! [_He has got near Woglinde,_ WOGLINDE [_Laughing._ Sneezing tells That my suitor comes! ALBERICH Be thou my love! Adorable child! [_He tries to embrace her._ WOGLINDE [_Escaping from him._ Here thou must woo, If woo me thou wilt! [_She swims up to another rock._ ALBERICH [_Scratching his head._ Alas! not yet caught? Come but closer! Hard I found What so lightly thou didst. WOGLINDE [_Swims to a third rock lower down._ Deeper descend: Thou'lt certainly seize me! ALBERICH [_Clambers down quickly._ Down there it is better! WOGLINDE [_Darts upwards to a higher rock at the side._ But better still higher! WELLGUNDE AND FLOSSHILDE [_Laughing_ Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ALBERICH How capture this coy, Elusive fish? Wait for me, false one! [_He tries to climb after her in haste._ WELLGUNDE [_Has sunk down to a lower rock on the other side._ Heia! my friend there! Dost thou not hear? ALBERICH [_Turning round._ What? Didst thou call? WELLGUNDE Be counselled by me: Forsake Woglinde, Climb up to me now! ALBERICH [_Climbs hastily over the river-bottom towards Wellgunde._ Thou art more comely Far than that coy one; Her sheen is duller, Her skin too smooth. But thou must deeper Dive to delight me! WELLGUNDE [_Sinking down till she is a little nearer him._ Well, now am I near? ALBERICH Not near enough. Thine arms around me Tenderly throw, That I may fondle Thy neck with my fingers, And closely may cling To thy bosom with love and with longing. WELLGUNDE Art thou in love? For love art thou pining? Approach and show me Thy face and thy form. Fie! thou horrible Hunchback, for shame! Swarthy, horny-skinned Rogue of a dwarf! Find thou a sweetheart Fonder than I? ALBERICH [_Tries to detain her by force_ I may not be fair, But fast I can hold! WELLGUNDE [_Swimming up quickly to the middle rock._ Hold firm, or I will escape! WOGLINDE AND FLOSSHILDE [_Laughing._ Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ALBERICH [_Angrily calling after Wellgunde._ Fickle maid! Bony, cold-blooded fish! Fair if I seem not, Pretty and playful Smooth and sleek-- Hei! if I am so loathsome Give thy love to the eels! FLOSSHILDE What ails thee, dwarf? Daunted so soon? Though two have been wooed, Still a third waits thee, Solace sweet Fain at a word to grant! ALBERICH Soothing song Sounds in my ear! 'Twas well I found Three and not one! The chance is I charm one of many, Whilst, single, no one would choose me! Hither come gliding, And I will believe! FLOSSHILDE [_Dives down to Alberich._ How senseless are ye, Silly sisters, Not to see he is fair! ALBERICH [_Hastening towards her._ I well may deem them Dull and ill-favoured, Seeing how lovely thou art! FLOSSHILDE Sing on! Thy song, So soft and sweet, Entrancing sounds in my ear! ALBERICH [_Caressing her with confidence._ My heart burns And flutters and fails, Flattered by praises so sweet! FLOSSHILDE [_Gently resisting him._ Thy grace and beauty Make glad my eye; And thy smile refreshes My soul like balm [_She draws him tenderly towards her._ Dearest of men! ALBERICH Sweetest of maids! FLOSSHILDE Wert thou but mine! ALBERICH Wert mine for ever! FLOSSHILDE [_Ardently._ To be pierced by thy glance, To be pricked by thy beard, To see and to feel them for aye! Might thy hair hard as bristles Flow ever more Enraptured Flosshilde wreathing! And thy form like a frog's, And the croak of thy voice-- O could I, dumb with amaze, Marvel forever on these! WOGLINDE AND WELLGUNDE [_Dive down close to them and laugh._ Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ALBERICH [_Starting in alarm._ Wretches, dare ye thus scoff? FLOSSHILDE [_Suddenly darting away from him._ A suitable end to the song. [_She swims up quickly with her sisters._ WOGLINDE AND WELLGUNDE [_Laughing._ Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ALBERICH [_In a wailing voice._ Woe's me! Ah, woe's me! Alas! Alas! The third one, so dear, Does she too betray? O sly and shameful Worthless and dissolute wantons! Live ye on lies Alone, O ye false nixie brood? THE THREE RHINE MAIDENS Wallala! Wallala! Lalalelai leialalei! Heia! Heia! ha! ha! Shame on thee goblin, Scolding down yonder! Cease, and do as we bid thee! Faint-hearted wooer, Why couldst not hold The maid, when won, more fast? True are we, And troth we keep With lovers when once caught. Grasp then and hold; Away with all fear! In the waves we scarce can escape. Wallala! Lalaleia! Leialalei! Heia! Heia! Ha hei! [_They swim apart hither and thither, now lower, now higher, to provoke Alberich to give chase._ [Illustration: Plate 03, The Rhine-Maidens teasing Alberich.] ALBERICH Fiercely within me Passionate fires Consume and flame! Love and fury, Wild, resistless, Lash me to frenzy! So laugh and lie your fill-- One of you I desire, And one must yield to my yearning! [_He starts chasing them with desperate energy. He climbs with terrible agility, and, springing from rock to rock, tries to catch one maiden after another. They keep eluding him with mocking laughter. He stumbles and falls into the abyss, and clambers up quickly again and resumes the chase. They sink down a little towards him; he almost reaches them, but falls, back again, and once more tries to catch them. At last he pauses out of breath, and, foaming with rage, stretches his clenched fist up towards the maidens._ ALBERICH If but this fist had one! [_He remains speechless with rage, gazing upwards, when he is suddenly attracted and arrested by the following spectacle. Through the water a light of continually increasing brilliance breaks from above, and, at a point near the top of the middle rock, kindles to a radiant and dazzling golden gleam. A magical light streams from this through the waves._ WOGLINDE Look, sisters! The wakener laughs to the deep. WELLGUNDE Through the billows green The blissful slumberer greets. FLOSSHILDE He kisses the eyelid, Making it open; Bathed in splendour, Behold it smiles, Sending, like a star, Gleaming light through the waves. THE THREE RHINE-MAIDENS [_Swimming gracefully round the cliff together._ Heia jaheia! Heia jaheia! Wallala la la la leia jahei! Rhinegold! Rhinegold! Radiant delight, How glorious and glad thy smile, Over the water Shooting effulgence afar! Heia jahei! Heia jaheia! Waken, friend! Wake in joy! That we may please thee, Merry we'll play, Waters afire, Billows aflame, As, blissfully bathing, Dancing and singing, We dive and encircle thy bed! Rhinegold! Rhinegold! Heia jaheia! Heia jaheia! Wallala la la la heia jahei! [_With increasing mirthful abandonment the maidens swim round the rock. The water is filled with a glimmering golden light._ ALBERICH [_Whose eyes, strongly attracted by the radiance, stare fixedly at the gold._ What is it, sleek ones, That yonder gleams and shines? THE THREE RHINE-MAIDENS Where dost thou hail from, O churl, Of the Rhinegold not to have heard? WELLGUNDE Knows not the elf Of the famed eye golden That wakes and sleeps in turn? WOGLINDE Of the star resplendent Down in the depths Whose light illumines the waves? THE THREE RHINE-MAIDENS [_Together_ See how gaily We glide in the glory! Wouldst thou also Be bathed in brightness, Come, float and frolic with us! Wallala la la leia lalei! Wallala la la leia jahei! ALBERICH Has the gold no value Apart from your games? It were not worth getting! WOGLINDE He would not scoff, Scorning the gold, Did he but know all its wonders! WELLGUNDE That man surely The earth would inherit Who from the Rhinegold Fashioned the ring Which measureless power imparts. FLOSSHILDE Our father told us, And strictly bade us Guard with prudence The precious hoard That no thief from the water might steal it. Be still, then, chattering fools. WELLGUNDE O prudent sister, Why chide and reproach? Hast thou not heard That one alone Can hope to fashion the gold? WOGLINDE Only the man Who love defies, Only the man From love who flies Can learn and master the magic That makes a ring of the gold. WELLGUNDE Secure then are we And free from care: For love is part of living; No one would live without loving. WOGLINDE And least of all he, The languishing elf, With pangs of love Pining away. FLOSSHILDE I fear him not Who should surely know, By his savage lust Almost inflamed. [Illustration: Plate 04 "Mock away! Mock away! The Niblung makes for your toy!"] WELLGUNDE A brimstone brand In the surging waves, In lovesick frenzy Hissing loud. THE THREE RHINE-MAIDENS [_Together._ Wallala! Wallaleia la la! Join in our laughter, Lovable elf! In the golden glory How gallant thy sheen! O come, lovely one, laugh as we laugh! Heia jaheia! Heia jaheia! Wallala la la la leia jahei! [_They swim, laughing, backwards and forwards in the light._ ALBERICH [_His eyes fixed on the gold, has listened attentively to the sisters rapid chatter._ Could I truly The whole earth inherit through thee? If love be beyond me My cunning could compass delight? [_In a terribly loud voice._ Mock away! Mock! The Niblung makes for your toy! [_Raging he springs on to the middle rock, and clambers to the top. The maidens scatter, screaming, and swim upwards on different sides._ THE THREE RHINE MAIDENS Heia! Heia!heia jahei! Save yourselves! The elf is distraught! Swirling waters splash At every leap: The creature's crazy with love! Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ALBERICH [_Reaching the topwith a last spring._ Still undismayed? Go, wanton in darkness. Water-born brood! [_He stretches his hand out towards the gold._ My hand quenches your light; I tear the gold from the rock; Forged be the ring for revenge! Bear witness, ye floods-- I forswear love and curse it! [_He tears the gold from the rock with terrific force, and immediately plunges with it into the depths, where he quickly disappears. Sudden darkness envelops the scene. The maidens dive down after the robber._ THE THREE RHINE MAIDENS Seize the despoiler! Rescue the gold! Help us! Help us! Woe! Woe! [_The water sinks with them. From the lowest depth Alberich's shrill, mocking laughter rings up. The rocks are hidden by impenetrable darkness. The whole stage from top to bottom is filled with black waves, which for some time appear to sink even lower._ [Illustration: plate 05 "Seize the despoiler! Rescue the gold! Help us! Help us! Woe! Woe!"] SECOND SCENE _The waves have gradually changed into clouds which, becoming lighter and lighter by degrees, finally disperse in a fine mist. As the mist vanishes upwards in light little clouds an open space on a mountain height becomes visible in the dim light which precedes dawn. At one side Wotan with Fricka beside him both asleep, lie on a flowery bank. The dawning day illumines with increasing brightness a castle with glittering pinnacles which stands on the summit of a cliff in the background. Between this and the foreground a deep valley is visible through which the Rhine flows._ FRICKA [_Awakes; her gaze falls on the castle, which has become plainly visible; alarmed._ WOTAN [_Continuing to dream._ The happy hall of delight Is guarded by gate and door: Manhood's honour, Power for aye, Rise to my lasting renown! FRICKA [_Shakes him._ Up from deceitful Bliss of a dream! My husband, wake and consider! WOTAN [_Awakes and raises himself slightly. His glance is immediately arrested by the view of the castle._ The walls everlasting are built! On yonder summit The Gods' abode Proudly rears Its radiant strength! As I nursed it in dream And desired it to be, Strong it stands, Fair to behold, Brave and beautiful pile! FRICKA While thou rejoicest, Joyless am I. Thou hast thy hall; My heart fears for Freia. Heedless one, hast thou forgotten The price that was to be paid? The work is finished, And forfeit the pledge: Hast thou then no care for the cost? WOTAN My bargain well I remember With them who built the abode. 'Twas a pact tamed them, The obstinate race, So that this hallowed Hall they have built me. It stands--the strong ones' doing:-- Fret not thou, counting the cost. FRICKA O laughing, insolent lightness! Mirth how cruel and callous! Had I but known of thy pact, The trick had never been played; But far from your counsels Ye men kept the women, That, deaf to us and in peace, Alone ye might deal with the giants. So without shame Ye promised them Freia, Freia, my beautiful sister, Proud of playing the thief. What remains holy Or precious to men Once grown greedy of might? WOTAN [_Calmly._ From such greed Was Fricka then free Herself when the castle she craved? FRICKA I was forced to ponder some means To keep my husband faithful, True to me when his fancy Tempted him far from his home. Halls high and stately, Decked to delight thee, Were to constrain thee To peaceful repose. But thou hadst the work designed Intent on war alone; It was to add More to thy might still, To stir up to tumult still fiercer That built were the towering walls WOTAN Wouldst thou, O Wife! In the castle confine me, To me, the god, must be granted, Faithful at home, The right to wage war And conquer the world from without. Ranging and changing All men love: That sport at least thou must leave me. FRICKA Cold, hard-hearted, Merciless man! For the idle baubles, Empire and sway, Thou stakest in insolent scorn Love and a woman's worth! WOTAN When I went wooing, to win thee I staked ungrudging, Gladly one of my eyes: What folly now then to scold! Women I honour Beyond thy desire! I will not abandon Frei, the fair: Such never was my intent. FRICKA [_ Anxiously looking towards a point not on the stage._ Then succour her now: Defenceless, in fear, Hither she hastens for help! FREIA [_Enters as if flying from someone._ Help me, sister! Shield me, o brother! From yonder mountain Menaces Fasolt: He comes to bear me off captive. WOTAN Let him come! Sawest thou Loge? FRICKA To this tricky deceiver O why wilt thou trust? He always snares thee anew, Though from his snares thou hast suffered. WOTAN I ask for no aid Where simple truth suffices; But to turn the spite Of foes to profit, Craft and cunning alone Can teach, as by Loge employed. He whose advice I obeyed Has promised ransom for Freia: On him my faith I have fixed. FRICKA And art left in the lurch. The giants come. Lo! hither they stride: Where lingers now thine ally? FREIA Where tarry ye, my brothers, When help ye should bring me, Weak and bartered away by my kin? O help me, Donner! Hither! Hither! Rescue Freia, my Froh! FRICKA Now the knaves who plotted and tricked thee Abandon thee in thy need. [_Fasolt and Fafner, both of gigantic stature, enter, armed with stout clubs._ FASOLT Soft sleep Sealed thine eyes While we, both sleepless, Built the castle walls: Working hard Wearied not, Heaping, heaving Heavy stones. Tower steep, Door and gate Keep and guard Thy goodly castle halls. [_Pointing to the castle._ There stands What we builded, Shining fair Beneath the sun. Enter in And pay the price! WOTAN Name, Workers, your wage. What payment will appease you? FASOLT We made the terms That seemed to us meet. Hast thou forgot so soon? Freia, the fair one, Holda, the free one-- The bargain is We bear her away. WOTAN (Quickly.) Ye must be mad To moot such a thing! Ask some other wage; Freia I will not grant. FASOLT _Stands for a space speechless with angry surprise._ What is this? Ha! Wouldest deceive?-- Go back on thy bond? What thy spear wards Are they but sport, All the runes of solemn bargain? FAFNER O trusty brother! Fool, dost now see the trick? FASOLT Son of light, Light, unstable, Hearken! Have a care! In treaties keep thou troth! What thou art Thou art only by treaties, For, built on bonds, There are bounds to thy might. Though cunning thou, More clever than we: Though we once freemen, Are pledged to peace, Cursed be all thy wisdom;-- Peaceful promises perish!-- Wilt thou not open, Honest and frank Stand fast by a bargain once fixed. A stupid giant Tells thee this: O wise one, take it from him! [Illustration: plate 06, Freia, the fair one] WOTAN How sly to judge us serious When plainly we were but jesting! The beautiful Goddess Light and bright-- For churls what charm could she have? FASOLT Jeerest thou? Ha! how unjust! Ye who by beauty rule, Proud and radiant race! How foolish, striving For towers of stone, Woman's love to pledge-- Price of walls and of halls! We dolts, despising ease, Sweating with toil-hardened hands, Have worked, that a woman With gentle delight In our midst might sojourn And ye call the pact a jest? FAFNER Cease thy childish chatter; No gain look we to get. Freia's charms Mean little; But it means much, If from the Gods we remove her. Golden apples Ripen within her garden; She alone Grows the apples and tends them. The goodly fruit Gives to her kinsfolk, Who eat thereof, Youth everlasting. Sick and pale, Their beauty would perish, Old and weak, Wasting away, Were not Freia among them. [_Roughly._ From their midst, therefore, Freia must forth! WOTAN [_Aside._ Loge lingers long! FASOLT We wait for thy word! WOTAN Ask some other wage! FASOLT No other: Freia alone! FAFNER Thou there, follow us! [_Fafner and Fasolt press towards Freia. Froh and Donner enter in haste._ FREIA Help! Help from the harsh ones! FROH To me, Freia! [_Clasping Freia in his arms._ [_To Fafner._ Back, overbold one! Froh shields the fair one! DONNER [_Confronting the giants._ Fasolt and Fafner, Have ye not felt With what weight my hammer falls? FAFNER What means thy threat? FASOLT What wouldst thou here? No strife we desire; We want but our due reward. DONNER Oft I've doled out Giants their due: Come, your reward is here Waiting, full measure and more! [_He swings his hammer._ WOTAN [_Stretching out his spear between the combatants._ Hold, thou fierce one! Nothing by force! All bonds and treaties My spear protects; Spare then thy hammer's haft! FREIA Woe's me! Woe's me! Wotan forsakes me! FRICKA Can such be thy thought, Merciless man? WOTAN [_Turns away and sees Loge coming._ There comes Loge! Hot is thy haste Smoothly to settle Thy sorry, badly-made bargain! LOGE [_Has come up out of the valley in the background._ What is this bargain That I am blamed for?-- The one with the giants That thou thyself didst decide? O'er hill and o'er hollow Drives me my whim; House and hearth I do not crave. Donner and Froh, They dream but of roof and room: Wedding, must have A home in which to dwell, A stately hall, A fortress fast. It was such Wotan wished. Hall and house, Castle, court, The blissful abode Now stands complete and strong. I proved the lordly Pile myself; In fear of flaws, Scanning it close. Fasolt and Fafner Faithful I found; Firm-bedded is each stone. I was not slothful Like many here: Who calls me sluggard, he lies! WOTAN Cunningly Thou wouldst escape! Warned be, and wisely Turn from attempts to deceive. Of all the Gods I alone stood by thee As thy friend, In the gang that trusted thee not. Now speak, and to the point! For when the builders at first As wage Freia demanded, I gave way only, Trusting thy word When thou didst solemnly promise To ransom the noble pledge. LOGE Perplexed to puzzle, Plans to ponder For its redeeming-- That promise I gave; But to discover What cannot be, What none can do, No man can possibly promise. FRICKA See the treacherous Rogue thou didst trust! FROH Named art Loge, But liar I call thee! DONNER Accursèd flame, I will quench thy fire! LOGE From their shame to shelter, Foolish folk flout me. [_Donner threatens to strike Loge._ WOTAN [_Stepping between them._ Forbear and let him alone! Ye wot not Loge's wiles. His advice, Given slowly, gains Both in weight and in worth. FAFNER Do not dally; Promptly pay! FASOLT Long waits our reward. WOTAN _Turns sternly to Loge._ Speak up surly one! Fail me not! How far hast thou ranged and roamed? LOGE Still with reproach Is Loge paid! Concerned but for thee, Thorough and swift, I searched and ransacked To the ends of the earth To find a ransom for Freia Fair to the giants and just. In vain the search, Convincing at last That the world contains Nothing so sweet That a man will take it instead Of woman's love and delight. [_All seem surprised and taken aback._ Where life moves and has being, In water, earth and air I questioned, Asking of all things, Where weak still is strength, And germs only stirring, What men thought dear-- And stronger deemed-- Than woman's love and delight. But where life moves and has being My questions met But with laughter and scorn. In water, earth and air Woman and love Will none forego. [_Varied gestures of amazement._ One man, one only, I met who, renouncing love, Prized ruddy gold Above any woman's grace. The Rhine's pure-gleaming children Told me of their sorrow. The Nibelung, Night-Alberich, Wooed for the favour Of the swimmers in vain, And vengeance took, Stealing the Rhinegold they guard. He thinks it now A thing beyond price, Greater than woman's grace. For their glittering toy Thus torn from the deep The sorrowful maids lamented. They pray, Wotan, Pleading to thee, That thy wrath may fall on the robber The gold too They would have thee grant them To guard in the water for ever. Loge promised The maidens to tell thee, And, keeping faith, he has told. [Illustration: plate 07 "The Rhine's pure-gleaming children Told me of their sorrow"] WOTAN Dull thou must be Or downright knavish! In parlous plight myself, What help have I for others? FASOLT [_Who has been listening attentively, to Fafner._ The Niblung has much annoyed us; I greatly grudge him this Rhinegold; But such his craft and cunning, He has never been caught. FAFNER Other malice Ponders the Niblung; Gains he might from gold Listen, Loge! Tell us the truth. What wondrous gift has the gold, That the dwarf desires it so? LOGE A plaything, In the waves providing Children with laughter and sport, It gives, when to golden Ring it is rounded, Power and might unmatched; It wins its owner the world. WOTAN [_Thoughtfully._ Rumours I have heard Of the Rhinegold; Runes of riches Hide in its ruddy glow; Pelf and power Are by the ring bestowed. FRICKA [_Softly to Loge._ Could this gaud, This gleaming trinket Forged from the gold, Be worn by a woman too? LOGE The wife who wore That glittering charm Never would lose Her husband's love-- That charm which dwarfs are welding, Working in thrall to the ring. FRICKA [_Coaxingly to Wotan._ O could but my husband Come by the ring! WOTAN _As if falling more and more under the influence of a spell._ Methinks it were wisdom, Won I the ring to my service. But say, Loge, How shall I learn To forge and fashion it true? LOGE A magic rune Can round the golden ring. No one knows it, Yet plain the spell to him Who happy love forswears. [_Wotan turns away in annoyance._ That suits thee not; Thou art too late too. Alberich did not delay; Fearless he mastered The potent spell, [_Harshly._ And wrought aright was the ring. DONNER _To Wotan._ We should all be Under the dwarf, Were not the ring from him wrested. WOTAN The ring I must capture! FROH Lightly now, Without cursing love it were won. LOGE Just so: Without guile, as in children's games! WOTAN Then tell us how. LOGE By theft! What a thief stole Steal thou from the thief; How better could object be won? But with baleful arms Battles Alberich. Wary, wise Must be thy scheming, If the thief thou wouldst confound, _With warmth._ And restore the ruddy And golden toy, The Rhinegold, to the maidens. For this they pray and implore. WOTAN The river-maidens? What profit were mine? FRICKA Of that billow-born brood Bring me no tidings, For they have wooed To my woe Full many a man to their caves. _Wotan stands silent, struggling with himself. The other Gods gaze at him in mute suspense. Fafner, meanwhile, has been consulting aside with Fasolt._ FAFNER Worth far more than Freia Were the glittering gold. Eternal youth, too, were his Who could use the charm in its quest. [_Fasolt's gestures indicate that he is being convinced against his will. Fafner and Fasolt approach Wotan again._ FAFNER Hear, Wotan, Our word while we wait; Freia we will restore you, And will take Paltrier payment: The Niblung's red-gleaming gold Will guerdon us giants rude. WOTAN Ye must be mad! With what I possess not How can I, shameless ones, pay you? FAFNER Hard labour Went to those walls; How easy With fraud-aided force (What our malice never achieved) The Niblung to break and bind! [Illustration: Plate 08, Fasolt suddenly seizes Freia and drags her to one side with Fafner] WOTAN [_More quickly._ Why should I make War on the Niblung?-- Fight, your foe to confound? Insolent And greedily grasping Dolts you grow through my debt! FASOLT [_Suddenly seizes Freia and drags her to one side with Fafner._ Maiden, come! We claim thee ours! As pledge thou shalt be held Till the ransom is paid. FREIA [_Screaming_. Woe's me! Woe's me! Woe! FAFNER From your midst We bear her forth! Till evening--mark it well I-- As a pledge she is ours. We will return then. But when we come, If the Rhinegold be not ready, The Rhinegold bright and red-- FASOLT The respite is ended, Freia is forfeit And bides among us for aye! FREIA Sister! Brothers! Save me! Help! [_The giants hasten off, dragging Freia with them._ FROH Up! Follow fast! DONNER Fall now the heavens! [_They look inquiringly at Wotan._ FREIA [_In the distance._ Save me! Help! LOGE [_Looking after the giants._ Downward over stock and stone Striding they go; Through the ford across the Rhine Wade now the robbers. Sad at heart Hangs Freia, Thrown rudely over rough shoulders! Heia! hei! The louts, how they lumber along! Through the Rhine valley they reel. Not till Riesenheim's march Is reached will they rest! [_He turns to the Gods._ How darkly Wotan doth dream! What ails the high, happy Gods? [_A pale mist, gradually increasing in density, fills the stage. Seen through it the Gods look more and more wan and aged. All stand in dismay and apprehension regarding Wotan, whose eyes are fixed broodingly on the ground._ LOGE Does a mist mock me? Tricks me a dream? Dismayed and wan, How swiftly ye fade! Lo! the bloom forsakes your cheeks, And quenched is the light of your eyes! Courage, Froh! Day's but begun! From thy hand, Donner, The hammer is falling! And why frets Fricka? Sees she with sorrow That Wotan's hair, growing grey, Has made him gloomy and old? FRICKA Woe's me! Woe's me! What does it mean? [Illustration: Plate 09, The Gods grow wan and aged at the loss of Freia.] DONNER My hand sinks down. FROH My heart stands still. LOGE I have it: hear what ye lack! Of Freia's fruit Ye have not partaken to-day. The golden apples Within her garden Restored you your strength and your youth, Ate ye thereof each day. The garden's guardian In pledge has been given. On the branches dries And droops the fruit, To drop soon and decay. My loss is lighter, For still did Freia, Stingy to me, Stint the delectable fruit. Not half as godlike Am I, ye high ones, as you! [_Freely, but quickly and harshly._ But ye trusted solely To the fruit that makes young, As well both the giants wist. Your life they played for, Plotted to take; Contrive so that they fail. Lacking the apples, Old and worn, Grey and weary, Wasting, the scoff of the world, The Gods must pine and pass. FRICKA [_Anxiously_ Wotan, alas! Unhappy man! See what thy laughing Lightness has brought us-- Scoff and scorn for all! WOTAN [_Coming to a sudden resolve, starts up._ Up, Loge, And follow me! To Nibelheim hastening downward, I go in search of the gold. LOGE The Rhine-daughters Thy aid invoked: Not vainly they hoped for thy help then? WOTAN [_Angrily._ Fool, be silent! Freia, the fair one-- Freia's ransom we go for. LOGE Where thou wouldst go Gladly I lead. Shall we dive Sheer through the depths of the Rhine? WOTAN Not through the Rhine. LOGE Then swift let us swing Through this smoky chasm. Together, come, creep we in! [_He goes in front and vanijhes at the side through a cleft, from which, immediately afterwards, sulphurous vapour streams forth._ WOTAN Ye others wait Till evening here; The golden ransom When got will again make us young. [_He descends after Loge into the chasm. The sulphurous vapour which rises from it spreads over the whole stage and quickly fills it with thick clouds. Those who remain behind are soon hidden._ DONNER Fare thee well, Wotan! FROH Good luck! Good luck! FRICKA O come back soon To thy sorrowing wife! [_The sulphurous vapour darkens till it becomes a black cloud, which rises upwards from below. This then changes to a dark, rocky cavern which keeps rising, so that the stage seems to sink deeper and deeper into the earth._ THIRD SCENE _From various points in the distance ruddy lights gleam out. An increasing clamour, as of smiths at work, is heard on all sides. The clang of the anvils dies away. A vast subterranean chasm becomes visible which seems to open into narrow gorges on all sides. Alberich drags the screaming Mime out of a side cleft._ ALBERICH Héhé! Héhé! Come here! Come here! Mischievous dwarf! Prettily pinched Promptly thou'lt be Hast thou not ready, Wrought to my wish, The dainty thing I desire! MIME [_Howling._ Ohé! Ohé! Oh! Oh! Let me alone! It is forged; Heeding thy hest I laboured hard Till it was done! Take but thy nails from my ear! ALBERICH Then why this delay To show thy work? MIME I feared that something Might still be wanting. [Illustration: Plate 10 MIME, howling. "Ohé! Ohé! Oh! Oh!"] ALBERICH What is there to finish? MIME [_Embarrassed._ Here--and there---- ALBERICH How here and there? Hand me the thing! [_He tries to catch hold of his ear again. In his terror Mime drops a piece of metal-work which he has been clutching convulsively. Alberich picks it up hastily and examines it with care._ Rogue, observe! See how all wrought is Well finished and feat, Done as desired! The simpleton wants Slyly to trick me And keep by cunning The wonderful work, Though all his skill Came alone from my craft. Thou art discovered, thief. [_He puts the Tarnhelm on his head._ The helmet fits the head; But will the spell prosper too? [_Very softly._ "Night and darkness, Seen of none!" [_He vanishes, and a pillar of cloud takes his place._ Brother, canst see me? MIME [_Looks round in amaze._ Where art thou? I see no one. ALBERICH [_Invisible._ Then feel me instead, Thou lazy scamp! Take that for thy thievish thoughts! MIME [_Writhes under the lathes he receives, the sound of which is heard without the whip being seen._ Ohé! Ohé! Oh! Oh! Oh! ALBERICH [_Invisible and laughing._ Ha! ha! ha! Ha! ha! ha! I thank thee, blockhead; Thy work has stood the test. Hoho! Hoho! Nibelungs all Bow now to Alberich! For he is everywhere, Waiting and watching; Peace and rest Are past for ever; Ye must all serve him, Though see him can none; Where he cannot be spied Look out for his coming; None shall escape from his thraldom! [_Harshly._ Hoho! hoho! Hearken, he nears: The Nibelung's lord! [_The pillar of cloud disappears in the background. Alberich's scolding voice is heard more and more faintly. Mime lies huddled up in pain. Wotan and Loge come down through a cleft in the rock._ LOGE Nibelheim here. Through pale mists gleaming, How bright yonder fiery sparks glimmer! MIME Oh! Oh! Oh! WOTAN I hear loud groans. Who lies on the ground? [Illustration: Plate 11, Mime writhes under the lashes he receives.] LOGE [_Bends over Mime._ Why all this whimpering noise? MIME Ohé! Ohé! Oh! Oh! LOGE Hei, Mime! Merry dwarf! Who beats and bullies thee so? MIME Leave me in peace, pray. LOGE So much is certain, And more still. Hark! Help I promise thee, Mime! [_He raises him with difficulty._ MIME What help for me? To do his bidding My brother can force me, For I am bound as his slave. LOGE But, Mime, how has he Thus made thee his thrall? MIME By evil arts Fashioned Alberich A yellow ring, From the Rhinegold forged, At whose mighty magic Trembling we marvel; This spell puts in his power The Nibelung hosts of night. Happy we smiths Moulded and hammered, Making our women Trinkets to wear-- Exquisite Nibelung toys-- And lightly laughed at our toil. The rogue now compels us To creep into caverns, For him alone To labour unthanked. Through the golden ring His greed can divine Where untouched treasure In hidden gorge gleams. We still must keep spying, Peering and delving: Must melt the booty, Which, molten, we forge Without pause or peace, To heap up higher his hoard. LOGE Just now, then, an idler Roused him to wrath? MIME Poor Mime, ah! My lot was the hardest. I had to work, Forging a helmet, With strict instructions How to contrive it; And well I marked The wondrous might Bestowed by the helm That from steel I wrought. Hence I had gladly Held it as mine, And, by its virtue Risen at last in revolt: Perchance, yes, perchance The master himself I had mastered, And, he in my power, had wrested The ring from him and used it That he might serve me, the free man, [_Harshly_ As now I must serve him, a slave! LOGE And wherefore, wise one, Sped not the plan? MIME Ah! though the helm I fashioned, The magic that lurks therein I foolishly failed to divine. He who set the task And seized the fruits-- From him I have learnt, Alas I but too late! All the helmet's cunning craft. From my sight he vanished, But, viciously lashing, Swung his arm through unseen. [_Howling and sobbing._ This, fool that I am, Was all my thanks! [_He rubs his back. Wotan and Loge laugh._ LOGE [_To Wotan._ Confess, our task Will call for skill. WOTAN Yet the foe will yield, Use thou but fraud. MIME [_Observes the Gods more attentively._ Who are you, ye strangers That ask all these questions? LOGE Friends to thee, Who from their straits Will free all the Nibelung folk. MIME [_Shrinking back in fear when he hears Alberich returning._ Hark! Have a care! Alberich comes! [He runs to and fro in terror. WOTAN We'll wait for him here. [_He sits down calmly on a stone. Alberich, who has taken the Tarnhelm from his head and hung it on his girdle, is brandishing his scourge and driving before him a band of Nibelungs from the gorges below. These are laden with gold and silver treasure, which, urged on by Alberich, they pile up so as to form a large heap._ ALBERICH Hither! Thither! Héhé! Hoho! Lazy herd! Haste and heap Higher the hoard. Up with thee there! On with thee here! Indolent dolts, Down with the treasure! Need ye my urging? Here with it all! [_He suddenly perceives Wotan and Loge._ Hey! Who are they That thus intrude? Mime! Come here! Rascally rogue! Gossiping art With the pilgriming pair? Off, thou idler! Back to thy bellows and beating! [_Lashing Mime, he chases him into the crowd of Nibelungs._ Hey! to your labour! Get ye all hence now! Swing ye down swift! From the virgin gorges Get me the gold! This whip will follow, Delve ye not fast! That labour ye shirk not Mime be surety, Or surely the lash Of my whip will find him; That where no one would guess I watch and I wander, None knows it better than he. Loitering still? Lingering there? [Illustration: Plate 12, Alberich drives in a band of Nibelungs laden with gold and silver treasure.] [_He pulls the ring from his finger, kisses it and stretches it out in menace._ Fear ye and tremble, O fallen host, And obey The ring's dread lord! [_Howling and shrieking, the Nibelungs, among them Mime, scatter, and creep down into the clefts in all directions._ ALBERICH What seek ye here? [_Looks long and distrustfully at Wotan and Loge._ WOTAN From Nibelheim's gloomy realm Strange tidings have travelled up, Tales of wonders Worked here by Alberich; And, greedy of marvels, Hither came we as guests. ALBERICH By envy urged, Hither ye hie. Such doughty guests I do not mistake. LOGE Since I am known, Ignorant elf, Say then, with growling Whom dost thou greet? In caverns cold Where once thou didst crouch, Who gave thee light And fire for thy comfort, Had Loge not smiled on thee? Or what hadst thou fashioned Had not I heated thy forge? I am thy kinsman And once was kind: Lukewarm, methinks, are thy thanks! ALBERICH On light-born elves Laughs now Loge, The crafty rogue: Art thou, false one, their friend As my friend thou wert once, Haha! I laugh! No harm from such need I fear. LOGE No cause then for thy distrust. ALBERICH I can trust thy falsehood, Not thy good faith! [_Taking up a defiant attitude._ Yet I dare you all unflinching. LOGE 'Tis thy might That makes thee so bold; Grimly great Groweth thy power. ALBERICH Seest thou the hoard Yonder heaped High by my host? LOGE A richer one never was seen. ALBERICH A wretched pile Is this to-day, though. Boldly mounting, 'Twill be bigger henceforward. WOTAN But what is gained by the hoard In joyless Nibelheim, Where wealth finds nothing to buy? ALBERICH Treasure to gather And treasure to garner-- Thereto Nibelheim serves. But with the hoard In the caverns upheaped Wonders all wonder surpassing Will I perform And win the whole world and its fairness. WOTAN But, my friend, how compass that goal? ALBERICH Ye who live above and breathe The balmy, sweet airs, Love and laugh: A hand of gold Ere long, O ye Gods, will have gripped you! As I forswore love, even so No one alive But shall forswear it; By golden songs wooed, For gold alone will his greed be. On hills of delight Your home is, where gladness Softly lulls; The dark elves Ye despise, O deathless carousers! Beware! Beware! For first your men Shall bow to my might; Then your women fair Who my wooing spurned The dwarf will force to his will, Though frowned on by love. [_Laughing savagely._ Ha! ha! ha! ha! Mark ye my word? Beware! Beware of the hosts of the night, When rise shall the Nibelung hoard From silent depths to the day! WOTAN [_Furiously._ Avaunt, impious fool! ALBERICH What says he? LOGE [_Stepping between them._ Cease from thy folly! [_To Alberich._ Who would gaze not in wonder, Beholding Alberich's work? If only thy skill can achieve Everything hope has promised, Almighty I needs must acclaim thee! For moon and stars And the sun in his glory, Forced to do thee obeisance, Even they must bow down. But what would seem of most moment Is that they who serve thee, The Nibelung hosts, Bow and bear no hate. When thy hand held forth a ring Thy folk were stricken with fear. But in thy sleep A thief might slip up And steal slyly the ring. Say, how wouldst thou save thyself then? ALBERICH Most shrewd to himself seems Loge; Others always Figure as fools. If I had to ask for Advice or aid On bitter terms, How happy the thief would be! This helmet that hides I schemed for myself, And chose for its smith Mime, finest of forgers. I am now able Swift to assume Any form that I fancy, Through the helm. No one sees me, Search as he will; Though everywhere hidden, I always am there. So, fearing nothing, Even from thee I am safe, Most kind, careful of friends! LOGE I have met Full many a marvel, But one so wondrous Have never known. Achievement so matchless Scarce can I credit. Were this possible, truly Thy might indeed were eternal. ALBERICH Dost thou believe I lie, as would Loge? LOGE Till it is proved I must suspect thy word. ALBERICH Puffed up with wisdom, The fool will explode soon: Of envy then die! Decide to what I shall change; In that form I shall stand. LOGE Nay, choose for thyself, But strike me dumb with amaze. ALBERICH [_Puts the Tarnhelm on his head._ "Dragon dread, Wreathe thou and wriggle!" [_He immediately disappears. An enormous serpent writhes on the floor in his place. It rears and threatens Wotan and Loge with its open jaws._ LOGE [_Pretends to be terrified._ Ohé! ALBERICH [_Laughing._ Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! LOGE Ohé! Ohé! Horrible dragon, O swallow me not! Spare the life of poor Loge! WOTAN Good, Alberich! Well done, rascal! How swiftly grew The dwarf to the dragon immense! [_The dragon disappears and, in its stead, Alberich is again seen in his own shape._ ALBERICH He he! Ye scoffers, Are ye convinced? [Illustration: Plate 13 "Ohé! Ohé! Horrible dragon, O swallow me not! Spare the life of poor Loge!"] LOGE [_In a trembling voice._ My trembling tells thee how truly. A giant snake Thou wert in a trice. Having beheld, I just credit the wonder. Couldest thou turn To something quite tiny As well as bigger? Methinks that way were best For slyly slipping from foes; That, though, I fear were too hard! ALBERICH For thee, yes; Thou art so dull! How small shall I be? LOGE The most cramped of crannies must hold thee That hides the timorous toad. ALBERICH Nothing simpler! Look at me now! [_He puts the Tarnhelm on his head again._ "Crooked toad, Creep and crawl there!" [_He vanishes. The Gods see a toad on the rocks creeping towards them._ LOGE [_To Wotan._ Quick and catch it! Capture the toad! [_Wotan sets his foot on the toad. Loge makes a dash at its head and holds the Tarnhelm in his hand._ ALBERICH [_Is suddenly seen in his own shape writhing under Wotan's foot._ Ohé! I'm caught! My curse upon them! LOGE Hold him fast Till he is bound. [_Loge binds his hands and feet with a rope._ Now swiftly up! Then he is ours. [_Both seize hold of the prisoner, who struggles violently, and drag him towards the shaft by which they descended. They disappear mounting upwards._ FOURTH SCENE _The scene has changed as before, only in reverse order. Open space on mountain heights. The prospect is veiled by pale mist as at the end of the second scene. Wotan and Loge climb up out of the cavern, bringing with them Alberich bound._ LOGE Here, kinsman, Thou canst sit down! Friend, look round thee; There lies the world That was thine for the winning, thou fool! What corner, say, Wilt give to me for my stall? [_He dances round Alberich, snapping his fingers._ ALBERICH Infamous robber! Thou knave! Thou rogue! Loosen the rope, Set me at large, Or dear for this outrage shalt answer! WOTAN My captive art thou, Caught and in fetters. As thou hadst fain Subdued the world And all that the world containeth, Thou liest bound at my feet, And, coward, canst not deny it. A ransom alone Shall loose thee from bondage. ALBERICH Ah, the dolt, The dreamer I was, To trust blindly The treacherous thief! Fearful revenge Shall follow this wrong! LOGE Vain talk this of vengeance Before thy freedom is won. To a man in bonds No free man expiates outrage. If vengeance thou dreamest, Dream of the ransom First without further delay! [_He shows him the kind of ransom by snapping his fingers._ ALBERICH Declare then your demands. WOTAN The hoard and thy gleaming gold. ALBERICH Pack of unscrupulous thieves! [_Aside._ If I only can keep the ring, The hoard I can lightly let go, For anew I could win it And add to its worth By the powerful spell of the ring. If as warning it serves To make me more wise, The warning will not have been lost, Even though lost may be the gold. WOTAN Wilt yield up the hoard? ALBERICH Loosen my hand To summon it here. [_Loge frees his right hand._ ALBERICH [_Touches the ring with his lips and secretly murmurs the command._ Behold the Nibelungs Hither are called; I can hear them coming, Bid by their lord, With the hoard from the depths to the day. Now loosen these burdensome bonds. WOTAN Nay, first in full thou must pay. [_The Nibelungs come up out of the cleft laden with the objects of which the hoard is composed._ ALBERICH O bitter disgrace That my shrinking bondsmen Should see me captive and bound! [_To the Nibelungs._ Lay it down there, As ye are bid! In a heap Pile up the hoard. Must I aid, idlers? No spying at me! Haste there! Haste! Then get ye gone quickly. Hence to your work. Home to your gorges! Let the sluggards beware, For I follow hard at your heels! [_He kisses the ring and holds it out with an air of command. As struck with a blow, the Nibelungs press terrified and cowering towards the cleft, down which they hastily disappear._ ALBERICH The price is paid; Let me depart! And that helm of mine Which Loge still holds, That also pray give me again! LOGE _Throwing the Tarnhelm on to the heap._ The plunder must pay for the pardon. ALBERICH Accursed thief! But patience! Calm! He who moulded the one Makes me another; Still mine is the might That Mime obeys. Loath indeed Am I to leave My cunning defence to the foe! Nothing Alberich Owns at all now; Unbind, ye tyrants, his bonds! LOGE [_To Wotan._ Ought I to free him? Art thou content? WOTAN A golden ring Girdles thy finger: Hearest, elf? That also belongs to the hoard. ALBERICH [_Horrified._ The ring? WOTAN The ring must also Go to the ransom. ALBERICH [_Trembling._ My life--but the ring: not that! WOTAN [_With greater violence._ The ring I covet; For thy life I care not at all. ALBERICH But if my life I ransom The ring I must also rescue Hand and head, Eye and ear Are not mine more truly Than mine is the ruddy ring! WOTAN The ring thou claimest as thine? Impudent elf, thou art raving. Tell the truth; Whence was gotten the gold To fashion the glittering gaud? How could that be Thine which reft was, Thou rogue, from watery deeps? To the Rhine's fair daughters Down and inquire If the gold Was as gift to thee given That thou didst thieve for the ring! ALBERICH Vile double-dealing! Shameless deceit! Wouldst thou, robber, Reproach in me The sin so sweet to thyself? How fain thou hadst Bereft the Rhine of its gold, If it had been As easy to forge as to steal! How well for thee, Thou unctuous knave, That the Nibelung, stung By shameful defeat, And by fury driven, Was fired into winning the spell That now alluringly smiles! Shall I, bliss debarred, Anguish-burdened Because of the Curse-laden deed, My ring as a toy Grant to princes for pleasure, My ban bringing blessing to thee? Have a care, Arrogant God! My sin was one Concerning myself alone: But against all that was, Is and shall be Thou wouldst wantonly sin, Eternal one, taking the ring. WOTAN Yield the ring! Thy foolish talk Gives no title to that. [_He seizes Alberich and draws the ring from his finger by force._ ALBERICH [_With a frightful cry._ Woe! Defeated! Undone! Of wretches the wretchedest slave! WOTAN [_Contemplating the ring._ I own what makes me supreme, The mightiest lord of all lords! [_He puts on the ring._ LOGE [_To Wotan._ Shall he go free? WOTAN Loose his bonds. LOGE [_Sets Alberich quite free._ Slip away home, For no fetter binds thee! Fare forth, thou art free! ALBERICH [_Raising himself with furious laughter._ Am I now free, Free in truth? My freedom's first Greeting take, for it is thine! As a curse gave me the ring, My curse go with the ring! As its gold Gave measureless might, May now its magic Deal death evermore! No man shall gain Gladness therefrom; May ill-fortune befall him On whom it shines. Fretted by care Be he who shall hold it, And he who doth not, By envy be gnawed! All shall covet And crave its wealth, Yet none shall it profit Or pay when won. Those who guard it nothing shall gain, Yet shall murder go where they go. The coward, death-doomed, By fetters of fear shall be bound; His whole life long He shall languish to death-- The ring's proud lord And its poorest slave-- Till again I have In my hand the gold I was robbed of. So blesses The Nibelung The ring in bitter despair! Hold fast to it! [Laughing. Keep it with care; [Grimly. From my curse none shall escape! [_He vanishes quickly through the cleft. The thick mist in the foreground gradually clears away._ LOGE Hadst thou ears For his fond farewell? WOTAN [_Left in contemplation of the ring._ Grudge him not vent to his spleen! [_It keeps growing lighter._ LOGE [_Looking to the right._ Fasolt and Fafner Come from afar Bringing Freia again. [_Through the vanishing mist Donner, Froh, and Fricka appear, and hasten towards the foreground._ FROH The giants return. DONNER Be greeted, brother! FRICKA [_Anxiously to Wotan._ Dost bring joyful tidings? LOGE [_Pointing to the hoard._ By fraud and by force We have prevailed: There Freia's ransom lies. DONNER From the giant's grasp Freed comes the fair one. FROH How sweetly the air Fans us again! Balmy delights Steal soft through each sense! Sad, forlorn had our lot been, For ever severed from her Who gives us youth everlasting, And bliss triumphant o'er pain. [_Fasolt and Fafner enter, leading Freia between them. Fricka hastens joyfully towards her sister. The foreground has become quite bright again, the light restoring to the aspect of the Gods its original freshnesh. The background, however, is still veiled by the mist so that the distant castle remains invisible._ FRICKA Sweetest of sisters! Lovely delight! Once more for mine have I won thee! FASOLT [_Keeping her off_ Hold! Touch her not yet! Freia still is ours. On Riesenheim's Rampart of rock Resting we stayed. The pledge we held In our hands we used Loyally. With deep regret, I bring her back now In case ye brothers Can ransom her. WOTAN Prepared lies the ransom; Mete out the gold, Giving generous measure. FASOLT In truth it grieves me Greatly the woman to lose; And that my heart may forget her Ye must heap the hoard, Pile it so high That it shall hide The blossom-sweet maid from mine eyes! WOTAN Be Freia's form The gauge of the gold. [_Freia is placed in the middle by the two giants, who then stick their staves into the ground in front of her so that her height and breadth is indicated._ FAFNER Our staves give the measure Of Freia's form; Thus high now heap ye the hoard. WOTAN On with the work: Irksome I find it! LOGE Help me, Froh! FROH I will end Freia's dishonour. [_Loge and Froh heap up the treasure hastily between the staves._ FAFNER Let the pile Less loosely be built; Firm and close Pack ye the gauge! [_He presses down the treasure with rude strength; he bends down to look for gaps._ I still can see through; Come, fill up the crannies! LOGE Hands off, rude fellow! Touch nothing here! FAFNER Come here! This gap must be closed! WOTAN [_Turning away angrily._ Deep in my breast Burns the disgrace! FRICKA See how in shame Beautiful Freia stands; For release she asks, Dumb, with sorrowful eyes. Heartless man! The lovely one owes this to thee! FAFNER Still more! Pile on still more. DONNER My patience fails; Mad is the wrath Roused by this insolent rogue! Come hither, hound! Measure must thou? Thy strength then measure with mine! FAFNER Softly, Donner! Roar where it serves; Thy roar is impotent here. DONNER [_Lunging out at him._ It will crush thee to thy cost, rogue. WOTAN Calm thyself! Methinks that Freia is hid. LOGE The hoard is spent. FAFNER [_Measures the hoard carefully with his eye, and looks to see if there are any crevices._ Still shines to me Holda's hair. Yonder thing, too, Throw on the hoard! LOGE Even the helm? FAFNER Make haste! Here with it! WOTAN Let it go also! LOGE [_Throws the Tarnhelm on the heap._ At last we have finished. Have ye enough now? FASOLT Freia, the fair, Is hidden for aye! The price has been paid. Ah, have I lost her? [_He goes up to the hoard and peers through it._ Sadly shine Her eyes on me still, Like stars they beam Softly on me; Still through this chink I look on their light. [_Beside himself._ While her sweet eyes I behold thus, From the woman how can I part? FAFNER Hey! Come hither, And stop me this cranny! LOGE Greedy grumblers! Can ye not see The gold is all gone? FAFNER Not the whole, friend! On Wotan's finger Shines a golden ring still; Give that to close up the crevice! WOTAN What! Give my ring? LOGE Be ye counselled! The Rhine-Maidens Must have the gold; Wotan will give them what theirs is. [Illustration: Plate 14 FAFNER. "Hey! Come hither, And stop me this cranny!"] WOTAN What nonsense is this? The ring I won so hardly, Undismayed I hold and will keep. LOGE Broken then Must be the promise I gave the maidens who grieved. WOTAN By thy promise I am not bound; As booty mine is the ring. FAFNER Not so. The ring Must go with the ransom. WOTAN Boldly ask what ye will: It shall be granted; But not for all The world would I give you the ring. FASOLT [_Furious, pulls Freia from behind the hoard._ All is off! The bargain stands: Fair Freia ours is for ever! FREIA Help me! Help me! FRICKA Heartless God, Grant it! Give way! FROH Keep not the gold back! DONNER Give them the ring too! WOTAN Let me alone! I hold to the ring. [_Fafner stops Fasolt as he is hastening off. All stand dismayed; Wotan turns from them in anger. The stage has grown dark again. From a cleft in the rock on one side issues a bluish flame in which Erda suddenly becomes visible, rising so that her upper half is seen._ ERDA [_Stretching out a warning hand towards Wotan._ Yield it, Wotan! Yield it! Flee the ring's dread curse! Awful And utter disaster It will doom thee to. WOTAN What woman woe thus foretells? ERDA All things that were I know, And things that are; All things that shall be I foresee. The endless world's Ur-Wala, Erda, bids thee beware. Ere the earth was, Of my womb born Were daughters three; And my knowledge Nightly the Norns tell to Wotan. Now summoned by Danger most dire, I myself come. Hearken! Hearken! Hearken! All things will end shortly; And for the Gods Dark days are dawning! Be counselled; keep not the ring! [_Erda sinks slowly as far as the breast, while the bluish light grows fainter._ WOTAN A mystic might Rang in thy words. Tarry, and tell me further. ERDA [_Disappearing._ Thou hast been warned; Enough dost know; Weigh my words with fear! [_She vanishes completely._ [Illustration: Plate 15, "Erda bids thee beware"] WOTAN If thus doomed to foreboding-- I must detain thee Till all is answered! [_Wotan is about to follow Erda in order to detain her. Froh and Fricka throw themselves in his way and prevent him._ FRICKA What meanest thou, madman? FROH Go not, Wotan! Fear thou the warner, Heed her words well! [_Wotan gazes thoughtfully before him._ DONNER [_Turning to the giants with a resolute air._ Hark, ye giants! Come back and wait still! The gold we give you also. FRICKA Ah, dare I hope it? Deem ye Holda Worthy of such a price? [_All look at Wotan in suspense; he, rousing himself from deep thought, grasps his spear and swings it in token of having come to a bold decision._ WOTAN To me, Freia, For thou art free! Bought back for aye, Youth everlasting, return! Here, giants, take ye the ring! [He throws the ring on the hoard. The giants release Freia; she hastens joyfully to the Gods, who caress her in turns for a space, with every manifestation of delight. FASOLT [_To Fafner._ Hold there, greedy one! Grant me my portion! Honest division Best for both is. FAFNER More on the maid than the gold Thou wert set, love-sick fool, And much against Thy will the exchange was. Sharing not, Freia Thou wouldst have wooed for thy bride; Sharing the gold, It is but just That the most of it should be mine. FASOLT Infamous thief! Taunts? And to me! [_To the Gods._ Come judge ye between us; Halve ye the hoard As seems to you just! [_Wotan turns away in contempt._ Let him have the treasure; Hold to what matters: the ring! FASOLT [_Falls upon Fafner, who has meanwhile been steadily packing up the treasure._ Back, brazen rascal! Mine is the ring. I lost for it Freia's smile. [_He snatches haply at the ring._ Off with thy hands! The ring is mine. [_There is a struggle. Fasolt tears the ring from Fafner._ FASOLT I hold it. It is mine now! FAFNER Hold fast, lest it should fall! [_Lunging out with his stave, he fells Fasolt to the ground with one blow; from the dying man he then hastily tears the ring._ Now feast upon Freia's smile: No more shalt thou touch the ring! [_He puts the ring into the sack and tranquilly continues to pack up the rest of the hoard. All the Gods stand horrified. A solemn silence._ [Illustration: Plate 16, Fafner kills Fasolt.] WOTAN Dread indeed I find is the curse's might. LOGE Unmatched, Wotan, Surely thy luck is! Great thy gain was In getting the ring; But the gain of its loss Is gain greater still: There thy foemen, see, Slaughter thy foes For the gold thou hast let go. WOTAN Dark forebodings oppress me! Care and fear Fetter my soul; Erda must teach me, Tell how to end them: To her I must descend. FRICKA [_Caressing and coaxing him._ Why linger, Wotan? Beckon they not, The stately walls, Waiting to offer Welcome kind to their lord? WOTAN [_Gloomily._ With wage accurst Paid was their cost. DONNER [_Pointing to the background, which is still enveloped in mist._ Heavily mists Hang in the air; Gloomy, wearisome Is their weight! The wan-visaged clouds Charged with their storms I will gather, And sweep the blue heavens clean. [_Donner mounts a high rock on the edge of the precipice, and swings his hammer; during what follows the mists gather round him._ Hey da! Hey da! Hey do! To me, O ye mists! Ye vapours, to me! Donner, your lord, Summons his hosts! [_He swings his hammer._ To my hammer's swing Hitherward sweep Vapours and fogs! Hovering mists! Donner, your lord, summons his hosts! Hey da! Hey da! Hey do! [_Donner disappears completely in a thunder-cloud which has been growing darker and denser. The stroke of his hammer is heard falling heavily on the rock. A vivid flash of lightning comes from the cloud, followed by a loud clap of thunder. Froh has also disappeared in the cloud._ DONNER [_Invisible._ Brother, to me! Show them the way by the bridge! [_Suddenly the clouds roll away. Donner and Froh become visible. A rainbow of dazzling radiance stretches from their feet across the valley to the castle, which is gleaming in the light of the setting sun._ FROH [_Who, with outstretched hand, indicates to the Gods that the bridge is the way across the valley._ Lo, light, yet securely, Leads the bridge to your halls. Undaunted tread; Without danger the road! [_Wotan and the other Gods stand speechless, lost in contemplation of the glorious sight._ [Illustration: Plate 17 "To my hammer's swing Hitherward sweep Vapours and fogs! Hovering mists! Donner, your lord, summons his hosts!"] WOTAN Smiling at eve The sun's eye sparkles; The castle ablaze Gleams fair in its glow. In the light of morning Glittering proudly, It stood masterless, Stately, tempting its lord. From dawn until sundown No little toil And fear have gone to the winning! From envious night, That now draws nigh Shelter it offers us. [_Very firmly, as if struck by a great thought._ So greet I my home, Safe from dismay and dread. [_He turns solemnly to Fricka._ Follow me, wife! In Valhall sojourn with me. FRICKA What means the name Valhall? I never seem to have heard it. WOTAN That which, conquering fear, My fortitude brought Triumphant to birth-- Let that explain the word! [_He takes Fricka's hand and walks slowly with her towards the bridge. Froh, Freia, and Donner follow._ LOGE [_Remaining in the foreground and looking after the Gods._ They are hasting on to their end, They who dream they are strong and enduring. I almost blush To be of their number; A fancy allures me And wakes in me longing Flaming fire to become: To waste and burn them Who tamed me of old, Rather than perish, Blind with the blind-- Yes, even if godlike the Gods were-- More wise were it, perhaps! I must consider: The outcome who knows! [_With a show of carelessness he goes to the Gods._ THE THREE RHINE-MAIDENS [_From the valley. Invisible._ Rhinegold! Rhinegold! Rhinegold pure! How radiant and clear Once thou didst shine on us! For thy lost glory We are grieving. Give us the gold! Give us the gold! O give us the Rhinegold again! WOTAN What wailing sound do I hear? [_About to set his foot on the bridge, pauses and turns round._ LOGE [_Looks down into the valley._ The Rhine's fair children, Bewailing their lost gold, weep. WOTAN Accursèd nixies! Bid them tease us no more! LOGE [_Calling down towards the valley._ Ye in the water, Why wail ye to us? List to Wotan's decree. Ye have seen The last of the gold; In the Gods' increase of splendour Bask and sun yourselves now. [Illustration: Plate 18 "The Rhine's fair children, Bewailing their lost gold, weep"] [_The Gods laugh and cross the bridge during what follows._ THE THREE RHINE-MAIDENS Rhinegold! Rhinegold! Rhinegold pure! Oh, if in the waves There but shone still our treasure pure! Down in the deeps Can faith be found only: Mean and false Are all who revel above! [_As the Gods cross the bridge to the castle the curtain falls._ * * * * * THE VALKYRIE CHARACTERS WOTAN HUNDING FRICKA SIEGMUND SIEGLINDE BRÜNNHILDE, Valkyrie EIGHT OTHER VALKYRIES: Gerhilde, Ortlinde, Waltraute, Schwertleite, Helmwige, Siegrune, Grimgerde, Rossweisse SCENES OF ACTION ACT I. THE INTERIOR OF HUNDING'S DWELLING ACT II. A WILD ROCKY MOUNTAIN ACT III. ON THE TOP OF A ROCKY MOUNTAIN (BRÜNNHILDE'S ROCK) THE FIRST ACT _The interior of a dwelling-place built of wood, with the stem of a mighty ash-tree as its centre; to the right, in the foreground, is the hearth, and behind this the store-room. At the back is the large entrance door; to the left, far back, steps lead up to an inner chamber; on the same side, nearer the front, stands a table with a broad bench behind it, fixed to the wall, and with stools in front. The stage remains empty for a space. Outside a storm is just subsiding. Siegmund opens the entrance door from without, and enters. With his hand on the latch he surveys the room. He seems overwhelmed with fatigue; his dress and appearance indicate that he is in flight. He shuts the door behind him when he sees nobody, walks to the hearth with the final effort of an utterly exhausted man, and throws himself down on a bearskin rug._ SIEGMUND I rest on this hearth, Heedless who owns it. [_He sinks back and remains stretched out motionless. Sieglinde enters from the inner chamber; she thinks her husband has returned. Her grave look changes to one of surprise when she sees the stranger stretched out on the hearth._ SIEGLINDE [_Still at the back._ A stranger here! He must be questioned. [_Coming nearer._ What man came in And lies on the hearth? [_As Siegmund does not move, she draws nearer still and looks at him._ Way-worn, weary He seems and spent. Faints he from weariness? Can he be sick? [_She bends over him, and listens._ He breathes still, his eyelids Are sealed but in slumber. Worthy, valiant his mien, Though so worn he rests. SIEGMUND [_Suddenly raising his head._ A drink! A drink! SIEGLINDE I go to fetch it. [_She takes a drinking-horn and hurries out. She returns with it full, and offers it to Siegmund._ Lo, the water Thy thirsting lips longed for: Water brought at thy wish! [_Siegmund drinks, and hands her back the horn. As he signifies his thanks with a movement of the head, he gazes at her with growing interest._ SIEGMUND Welcome the water! Quenched is my thirst. My weary load Lighter it makes; New courage it gives; Mine eyes that slept Re-open glad on the world. Who soothes and comforts me so? SIEGLINDE This house and this wife Belong to Hunding. Stay thou here as his guest; Tarry till he comes home. SIEGMUND Shelter he surely Will grant a worn, Wounded, weaponless stranger. SIEGLINDE [_With anxious haste._ Quick, show me! Where are thy wounds? SIEGMUND [_Shakes himself and springs up briskly to a sitting posture._ My wounds are slight, Scarce worthy remark; My limbs are well knit still, Whole and unharmed. If my spear and shield had but been Half so strong as my arm is, I had vanquished the foe; But in splinters were spear and shield. The horde of foemen Harassed me sore; Through storm and strife Spent was my force; But, faster than I from foemen, All my faintness has fled; Darkness fell deep on my lids, But now the sun again laughs. SIEGLINDE [_Goes to the storeroom, fills a horn with mead, and proffers it to Siegmund with friendly eagerness._ This healing and honeyed Draught of mead Deign to accept from me. SIEGMUND Set it first to thy lips. [_Sieglinde sips from the horn and hands it back to him. Siegmund takes a long draught, regarding Sieglinde with increasing warmth. Still gazing, he takes the horn from his lips and lets it sink slowly, while his features express strong emotion. He sighs deeply, and lowers his gaze gloomily to the ground._ SIEGMUND [_In a trembling voice._ Thou hast tended an ill-fated one! May all evil Be turned from thee! [_He starts up quickly, and goes towards the the back._ I have been solaced By sweet repose: Onward now I must press. SIEGLINDE Who pursues thee so close at thy heels? [_Turning round quickly._ SIEGMUND [_Stops._ Bad luck pursues me, Everywhere follows; And where I linger Trouble still finds me: Be thou preserved from its touch! I must not gaze but go. [_He strides hastily to the door and lifts the latch._ SIEGLINDE [_Forgetting herself calls impetuously after him._ Then tarry here! Misfortune thou canst not bring To those who abide with it! [Illustration: Plate 19 SIEGLINDE "This healing and honeyed Draught of mead Deign to accept from me." SIEGFRIED "Set it first to thy lips."] SIEGMUND [_Deeply moved, remains standing; he looks searchingly at Sieglinde, who, ashamed and sad, lowers her eyes. Returning, he leans against the hearth, his gaze fixed on Sieglinde, who continues silently embarrassed._ Wehwalt named I myself: Hunding here will I wait for. _Sieglinde starts, listens and hears Hunding outside leading his horse to the stable. She hurries to the door and opens it. Hunding, armed with shield and spear, enters, but, perceiving Siegmund, pauses on the threshold. Hunding turns with a look of stern inquiry to Sieglinde._ SIEGLINDE [_In answer to Hunding's look._ On the hearth Fainting I found One whom need drove here. HUNDING Hast succoured him? SIEGLINDE I gave him, as a guest, Welcome and a drink. SIEGMUND [_Regarding Hunding firmly and calmly._ Drink she gave, Shelter too: Wouldst therefore chide the woman? HUNDING Sacred is my hearth: Sacred hold thou my house. [_To Sieglinde, as he takes off his armour and hands it to her._ Set the meal for us men! [_Sieglinde hangs up the arms on the stem of the ash-tree, fetches food and drink from the store-room and sets supper on the table. Involuntarily she turns her gaze on Siegmund again._ HUNDING [_Examining Siegmund's features keenly and with amaze, compares them with Sieglinde's. Aside._ How like to the woman! In his eye as well Gleams the guile of the serpent. [_He conceals his surprise, and turns with apparent unconcern to Siegmund._ Far, I trow, Must thou have fared; The man who rests here Rode no horse: What toilsome journey Made thee so tired? SIEGMUND Through wood and meadow, Thicket and moor, Chased by the storm And peril sore, I ran by I know not what road. I know as little What goal it led to, And I would gladly be told. HUNDING [_At table, inviting Siegmund to be seated._ 'Tis Hunding owns The roof and room Which have harboured thee. If to the westward Thou wert to wend, In homesteads rich Thou wouldst find kinsmen Who guard the honour of Hunding. May I ask of my guest In return to tell me his name? [_Siegmund, who has taken his seat at the table, looks thoughtfully before him. Sieglinde, who has placed herself beside Hunding and opposite Siegmund, gazes at him with evident sympathy and suspense._ [Illustration: Plate 20, Hunding discovers the likeness between Siegmund and Sieglinde.] HUNDING [_Watching them both._ If thou wilt not Trust it to me, To this woman tell thy secret: See, how eagerly she asks! SIEGLINDE [_Unembarrassed and interested._ Gladly I'd know Who thou art. SIEGMUND [_Looks up and, gazing into her eyes, begins gravely._ Not for me the name Friedmund; Frohwalt fain were I called, But forced was I to be Wehwalt. Wölfe they called my father; And I am one of twins: With a sister twin I was born. Soon lost were Both mother and maid; I hardly knew Her who gave me my life, Nor her with whom I was born. Warlike and strong was Wölfe, And never wanting for foes. A-hunting oft Went the son with the father. One day we returned Outworn with the chase And found the wolf's nest robbed. The brave abode To ashes was burnt, Consumed to dust The flourishing oak, And dead was the mother, Dauntless but slain. No trace of the sister Was ever found: The Neidungs' heartless horde Had dealt us this bitter blow. My father fled, An outlaw with me; And the youth Lived wild in the forest With Wölfe for many years. Sore beset and harried were they, But boldly battled the pair of wolves. [_Turning to Hunding._ A Wölfing tells thee the tale, And a well-known Wölfing, I trow. HUNDING Wondrous and wild the story Told by thee, valiant guest: Wehwalt--the Wölfing! I think that dark rumours anent This doughty pair have reached me, Though unknown Wölfe And Wölfing too. SIEGLINDE But tell me further, stranger: Where dwells thy father now? SIEGMUND The Neidungs, starting anew, Hounded and hunted us down; But slain by the wolves Fell many a hunter; They fled through the wood, Chased by the game: Like chaff we scattered the foe. But trace of my father I lost; Still his trail grew fainter The longer I followed; In the wood a wolf-skin Was all I found; There empty it lay: My father I had lost.-- In the woods I could not stay; My heart longed for men and for women.-- By all I met, No matter where, If friend I sought, Or woman wooed, Still I was branded an outlaw; Ill-luck clung to me; Whatever I did right, Others counted it wrong; What seemed evil to me Won from others applause. Grim feuds arose Wherever I went; Wrath met me At every turn; Longing for gladness, Woe was my lot: I called myself Wehwalt therefore, For woe was all that was mine. [_He looks at Sieglinde and marks her sympathetic gaze._ HUNDING Thou wert shown no grace by the Norns That cast thy grievous lot; No one greets thee as guest With gladness in his home. SIEGLINDE Only cowards would fear A weaponless, lonely man!-- Tell us, O guest, How in the strife At last thy weapon was lost! SIEGMUND A sorrowful child Cried for my help; Her kinsmen wanted To wed the maiden To one whom her heart did not choose. To her defence Gladly I hied; The heartless horde Met me in fight: Before me foemen fell. Fordone and dead lay the brothers. The slain were embraced by the maid, Her wrongs forgotten in grief. She wept wild streams of woe, And bathed the dead with her tears; For the loss of her brothers slain Lamented the ill-fated bride. Then the dead men's kinsmen Came like a storm, Vowing vengeance, Frantic to fall on me; Foemen on all sides Rose and assailed me. But from the spot Moved not the maid; My shield and spear Sheltered her long, Till spear and shield Were hewn from my hand. Standing weaponless, wounded, I beheld the maid die: I fled from the furious host-- She lay lifeless on the dead. [_To Sieglinde with a look of fervent sorrow._ The reason now I have told Why none may know me as Friedmund. [_He rises and walks to the hearth. Pale and deeply moved, Sieglinde looks on the ground._ HUNDING [_Rises._ I know a wild-blooded breed; What others revere It flouts unawed: All hate it, and I with the rest. When forth in haste I was summoned, Vengeance to seek For my kinsmen's blood, I came too late, And now return home To find the impious wretch In haven under my roof.-- My house holds thee, Wölfing, to-day; For the night thou art my guest. But wield to-morrow Thy trustiest weapon. I choose the day for the fight: Thy life shall pay for the dead. [_To Sieglinde, who steps between the two men with anxious gestures; harshly._ Forth from the hall! Linger not here! Prepare my draught for the night, And wait until I come. [_Sieglinde stands for a while undecided and thoughtful. Slowly and with hesitating steps she goes towards the store-room, There she pauses again, lost in thought, her face half averted. With quiet resolution she opens the cupboard, fills a drinking-horn, and shakes spices into it out of a box. She then turns her eyes on Siegmund, in order to meet his gaze, which he never removes from her. She perceives that Hunding is watching, and proceeds immediately to the bed-chamber. On the steps she turns once more, looks yearningly at Siegmund, and indicates with her eyes, persistently and with speaking plainness, a particular spot in the stem of the ash-tree. Hunding starts, and drives her off with a violent gesture. With a last look at Siegmund, she disappears into the bed-chamber, and shuts the door behind her._ HUNDING [_Taking his weapons from the tree-stem._ With weapons man should be armed. We meet tomorrow then Wölfing. My word thou hast heard; Ward thyself well! [_He goes into bed-chamber. The shooting of the bolt is heard from within._ [_Siegmund alone. It has grown quite dark. All the light in the hall comes from a dull fire on the hearth. Siegmund sinks down on to a couch beside the fire and broods forsome time silently in great agitation._ SIEGMUND My father said when most wanted A sword I should find and wield. Swordless I entered My foeman's house, As a hostage here I remain. I saw a fair Woman and sweet, And bliss and dread Consume my heart. The woman for whom I long-- She whose charm both wounds and delights-- In thrall is held by the man Who mocks a weaponless foe. Wälse! Wälse! Where is thy sword?-- The trusty sword To be swung in battle, When from my bosom should burst The fury that fills my heart? [_The fire collapses. From the flame which leaps up a bright light falls on the spot in the ash-tree's stem indicated by Sieglinde's look, and on which the hilt of a sword is now plainly visible._ [Illustration: Plate 21, Sieglinde prepares Hunding's draught for the night] What can that be That shines so bright? What a ray streams From the ash-tree's stem! My eyes that saw not See the bright flash; Gay as laughter it gleams. How the radiant light Illumes my heart! Is it the look That lingered behind, Yonder clinging, When forth from the hall The lovely woman went? [_From this point the fire gradually goes out._ Darkly the shadows Covered my eyes, Till her shining glance Over me gleamed, Bringing me warmth and day. Gay and splendid The sun appeared, And blissfully circled With glory my head-- Till by the hills it was hid. [_The fire flickers up faintly again._ But once more, ere it set, Bright it shone upon me, And the ancient ash-tree's stem Was lit by its golden glow. The splendour passes, The light grows dim, Shadowy darkness Falls and enshrouds me; Deep in my bosom's fastness Glimmers still faintly the flame! [_The fire goes out altogether. Total darkness. The door of the bed-chamber opens noiselessly. Sieglinde comes out in a white garment and advances softly but quickly towards the hearth._ SIEGLINDE Art asleep? SIEGMUND [_Joyfully surprised._ Who steals this way? SIEGLINDE [_With stealthy haste._ 'Tis I: listen to me! In sleep profound lies Hunding; The draught that I mixed him I drugged. Use to good purpose the night! SIEGMUND [_Ardently interrupting._ Thou here, all is well! SIEGLINDE I have come to show thee a weapon; O couldst thou make it thine! I then might call thee First among heroes, For only by him Can it be won. O hearken: heed what I tell thee! Here Hunding's kinsmen Sat in the hall, Assembled to honour his wedding. He took as his wife, Against her will, One who was bartered by thieves. Sad I sat there Through their carousing. A stranger entered the hall, An old and grey-coated man. So slouched was his hat That one of his eyes was hidden; But the other flashed So that all feared it: Overwhelming Its menace they found; I alone Suffered, when looked on, Sweet pain, sad delight, Sorrow and solace in one. On me glancing, He scowled at the others, As he swung a sword in his hands. This sword he plunged In the ash-tree's stem, To the hilt driving it home. The weapon he gains in guerdon Who draws it from its place. Though sore they struggled, Not one of the heroes Could win the weapon for his; Coming, going, The guests essayed it, The strongest tugged at the steel; Not an inch it stirred in the stem; In silence yonder it cleaves. I knew then who he was That in sorrow greeted me. I know too Now for whom The sword was stuck in the tree. O might I to-day Find here the friend Brought from afar By a woman's woe! Then all I have suffered In sorrow untold, All scorn and all shame In anger endured-- All would avenged be, Sweetly atoned for-- Regained fully The good I had lost; For mine I should win All I had wept for, Could I but find the dear friend, And clasp him close in my arms! SIEGFRIED [_Embracing Sieglinde with passionate ardour._ Dear woman, that friend Holds thee at last, Both woman and sword are his. Here in my breast Burns hot the oath That welds us twain into one. For all that I sought I see now in thee, In thee all That once failed me I find. Thou wert despised, My portion was pain; I was an outlaw, Dishonoured wert thou; Sweet revenge beckons, Bids us be joyful; I laugh From sheer fulness of joy, Holding thee, love, in my arms thus, Feeling the beat of thy heart! [_The outer door swings open._ SIEGLINDE [_With a start of alarm tears herself away._ Ha, who went? Who entered there? [_The door remains open. Outside a glorious spring night. The full moon shines in, throwing its bright light on the pair, so that they can suddenly see one another quite plainly._ SIEGMUND [_In soft ecstasy._ No one went-- But one has come: Laughing the spring Enters the hall! [_He draws Sieglinde with tender force on to the couch, so that she sits beside him. The moon shines more and more brightly._ Winter storms have yielded To May's sweet moon, And mild and radiant Sparkles the spring. On balmy breezes Light and lovely, Weaving wonders, Soft she sways. Through field and forest She is breathing; Wide and open Laughs her eye; When blithe the birds are singing Sounds her voice; Fragrant odours She exhales; From her warm blood blossom flowers Welcome and joyous. Shoot and bud, They wax by her aid. With tender weapons armed, She conquers the world. Winter and storm yield To the strong attack. No wonder that, beaten boldly, At last the door should have opened, Which, stubborn and stiff, Was keeping her out. To find her sister Hither she came; By love has spring been allured; Within our bosoms Buried she lay; Now glad she laughs to the light. The bride who is sister Is freed by the brother; In ruin lies What held them apart. Loud rejoicing, They meet and greet; Lo! Love is mated with spring! SIEGLINDE Thou art the spring That I used to pine for, When pinched by the winter frost; My heart hailed thee friend With bliss and with fear, When thy first glance fell on me sweetly All I had seen appeared strange; Friendless were my surroundings; I never seemed to have known Any one who came nigh. Thee, however, Straightway I knew, And I saw thou wert mine When I beheld thee: What I hid in my heart, All I am, Clear as the day Dawned to my sight Like tones to the ear Echoing back, When, upon my frosty desert, My eyes first beheld a friend. [_She hangs enraptured on his neck, and looks him close in the face._ SIEGMUND [_Transported._ O rapture most blissful! Woman most blest! SIEGLINDE [_Close to his eyes._ O let me, closer And closer clinging, Discern more clearly The sacred light That from thine eyes And face shines forth, And so sweetly sways every sense! SIEGMUND The May-moon's light Falls on thy face Framed by masses Of waving hair. What snared my heart 'Tis easy to guess: My gaze on loveliness feasts. SIEGLINDE [_Pushing the hair back from his brow, regards him with astonishment._ How broad and open Is thy brow! Blue-branching the veins In thy temples entwine. I hardly can endure My burden of bliss.-- Of something I am reminded:-- The man I first saw to-day Already I have seen! SIEGMUND A dream of love I too recall; I saw thee there And yearned for thee sore! SIEGLINDE The stream has shown me My imaged face-- Again I see it before me; As in the pool it arose It is reflected by thee. SIEGMUND Thine is the face I hid in my heart. SIEGLINDE [_Quickly averting her gaze._ O hush! That voice! O let me listen! These tones as a child Surely I heard-- But no! I heard the sound lately, When, calling in the wood, My voice re-echoing rang. SIEGMUND To sweet and melodious Music I listen! SIEGLINDE [_Gazing into his eyes again._ And ere now thy glowing Eye have I seen: The old man whose glance Solaced my grief, When he greeted me had that eye-- I knew him Because of his eye, And almost addressed him as father. [_After a pause._ Art thou Wehwalt in truth? SIEGMUND If dear to thee, Wehwalt no more; My sway is o'er bliss not sorrow! SIEGLINDE And Friedmund does not Fit with thy fortunes. SIEGMUND Choose thou the name Thou wouldst have me be known by: Thy choice will also be mine! SIEGLINDE The name of thy father was Wölfe? SIEGMUND A wolf to the fearful foxes! But he whose eye Shone with the brightness Which, fairest one, shines in thine own, Was named--Wälse of old. SIEGLINDE [_Beside herself._ Was Wälse thy father, And art thou a Wälsung?-- Stuck was for thee His sword in the stem?-- Then let my love call thee What it has found thee; Siegmund Shall be thy name. SIEGMUND [_Springs up._ Siegmund call me For Siegmund am I! Be witness this sword I grasp without shrinking! That I should find it In sorest need Wälse foretold. I grasp it now! Love the most pure In utmost need, Passionate love, Consuming desire Burning bright in my breast, Drive to deeds and death! Nothung! Nothung! That, sword, is thy name. Nothung! Nothung! Conquering steel! Show me thy sharp And sundering tooth: Come forth from thy scabbard to me! [_He draws the sword with a violent effort from the stem of the tree and shows it to the amazed and enraptured Sieglinde._ Siegmund the Wälsung Thou dost see! As bride-gift He brings thee this sword; With this he frees The woman most blest; He bears thee From the house of his foe. Far from here Follow thou him: Forth to the laughing House of the spring; Thy shield be Nothung, the sword, When Siegmund is captive to love! [_He throws his arm round her so as to draw her forth with him._ SIEGLINDE [_Delirious with excitement, tears herself away and stands before him._ Art thou Siegmund Standing before me, Sieglinde am I Who longed for thee; Thy own twin-sister As well as the sword thou hast won! [_She throws herself on his breast._ SIEGMUND Bride and sister Be to thy brother-- So Wälsungs shall flourish for aye! [_He draws her to him with fervent passion. The curtain falls quickly._ THE SECOND ACT _A wild, mountainous spot. In the background a gorge rises from below to a high ridge of rocks, from which the ground slopes down again towards the front. Wotan, in full armour, carrying his spear. Before him Brünnhilde as a Valkyrie, also fully armed._ WOTAN Go bridle thy steed, Valorous maid! Bitter strife Soon will break forth; Brünnhilde, storm to the fray And cause the Wälsung to win! Hunding choose for himself Where to bide: No place in Walhall has he. So up and to horse! Haste to the field! BRÜNNHILDE [_Ascends the height on the right, shouting and springing from rock to rock._ Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Heiaha! Heiaha! Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Heiaha! Heiaha! Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Heiaha! Hojoho! [Illustration: Plate 22 "Siegmund the Walsung Thou dost see! As bride-gift He brings thee this sword"] [_She pauses on a high peak, looks down into the gorge and calls back to Wotan._ I warn thee, Father, See to thyself; Stern the strife That is in store: Here comes Fricka, thy wife, Drawn hither in her car by her rams, Swinging the golden Scourge in her hand! The wretched beasts Are groaning with fear; And how the wheels rattle! Hot she hastes to the fray. Such strife as this No strife is for me, Though I love boldly waged Strife 'twixt men. The battle alone thou must brave; I go; thou art left in the lurch! Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Heiaha! Heiaha! Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Heiaha! Heiaha! Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Heiaha! Ha! [_She disappears behind the mountain peak at the side. Fricka, in a car drawn by a pair of rams, has driven up the gorge to the mountain ridge, where she suddenly stops, alights and strides angrily towards Wotan in the foreground._ WOTAN [_Aside, when he sees Fricka approaching._ The usual storm! The usual strife! But I must act with firmness FRICKA [_Moderating her pace as she approaches, and confronting Wotan with dignity._ All alone among the hills I seek thee, where thou dost hide Fearing the eyes Of thy wife, That help in need thou may'st promise. WOTAN Let Fricka tell Her trouble in full. FRICKA I have heard Hunding's cry, For vengeance calling on me; As wedlock's guardian I gave ear: My word passed To punish the deed Of this impious pair Who boldly wrought him the wrong. WOTAN Have this pair then Done such harm, Whom spring united in love? 'Twas love's sweet magic That lured them on; None pays for love's might to me. FRICKA How dull and how deaf thou wouldst seem! As though thou wert not aware That it is wedlock's Holy oath Profaned so rudely I grieve for. WOTAN Unholy Hold I the bond That binds unloving hearts; Nor must thou Imagine that I Will restrain by force What transcends thy power; For where bold natures are stirring I urge them frankly to strife. [Illustration: Plate 23, Brünnhilde] FRICKA Deeming thus laudable Wedlock's breach, Pray babble more nonsense And call it holy That shame should blossom forth From bond of a twin-born pair! I shudder at heart, My brain reels and whirls. Sister embraced As bride by the brother-- Who has ever heard Of brother and sister as lovers? WOTAN Thou hearest it now! Be taught by this That a thing may be Which has never befallen before. That those two are lovers Thou must admit; So take advice and be wise! Thy blessing surely Will bring to thee gladness, If thou wilt, laughing on love, Bless Siegmund and Sieglinde's bond. FRICKA [_With a burst of deep indignation._ Then nothing to thee Are the gods everlasting Since the wild Wälsungs Won thee for father? I speak plainly-- Is that thy thought? The holy and high Immortals are worthless; And all that once Was esteemed is thrown over; The bonds thou didst bind By thyself now are broken; Heaven's hold Is loosed with a laugh, That this twin-born pair, unimpeded, The fruit of thy lawless love, May in wantonness flourish and rule! But why wail over Wedlock and vows, Since by thee the first they are scorned! The faithful wife Betrayed at each turn, Lustfully longing Wander thy glances; Thine eyes scan Each hollow and height As thy fickle fancy allures thee, While grief is gnawing my heart. Heavy of soul I had to endure it, When to the fight With the graceless maidens Born out of wedlock, Forth thou hast fared; For, thy wife still holding in awe, Thou didst give her as maids The Valkyrie band To obedience bound, Even Brünnhilde, bride of thy Wish. But now that new names Afford thee new pleasure, And Wälse, wolfish, in Forests has wandered; Now that to bottomless Shame thou hast stooped, And a pair of mortals Hast vilely begotten-- Now thy wife at the feet Of whelps of a wolf thou dost fling! Come finish thy work! Fill the cup full! Mock and trample now the betrayed one! [Illustration: Plate 24, Fricka approaches in anger.] WOTAN [_Quietly._ Thou couldst not learn, Though I might teach thee; To thee there is nothing plain Till day has dawned on the deed, Wonted things Thou alone canst conceive, Whereas my spirit broods On things not yet brought forth. Listen, woman! Some one we need, A hero gods have not shielded, And who is not bound by their law. So alone Were he fit for the deed Which no god can accomplish, Yet which must be done for the gods. FRICKA With sayings dark Thou fain wouldst deceive me! What deed by hero Could be accomplished That was beyond the strength of the gods, By whose grace alone he is strong? WOTAN Then his own heart's courage Counts not at all? FRICKA Who breathed their souls into men? Who opened their eyes, that they see? Behind thy shield Strong they appear; With thee to goad them, Upward they strive; Those men that thou praisest, 'Tis thou who spurrest them on. With falsehoods fresh Thou wouldst fain delude me, With new devices Thou wouldst evade me; Thou shalt not shelter The Wälsung from me; He lives only through thee, And is bold through thee alone. WOTAN [_With emotion._ He grew unaided In grievous distress; My shield sheltered him not. FRICKA Then shield him not to-day; Take back the sword That thou hast bestowed. WOTAN The sword? FRICKA Yes, the sword, The magic sword Sudden and strong That thou gavest to thy son. WOTAN Nay, Siegmund won it Himself in his need. [_From here Wotan's whole attitude expresses an ever-deepening uneasiness and gloom._ WOTAN [_Continuing passionately._ Both conquering sword And the need came from thee. Wouldst thou deceive me Who, day and night, At thy heels follow close? For him thou didst strike The sword in the stem; Thou didst promise him The peerless blade. Canst thou deny That thy cunning it was Which led him where it lay hid? [_Wotan makes a wrathful gesture. Fricka goes on more and more confidently as she sees the impression produced on him._ The Gods Do not battle with bondsmen; The free but punish transgressors. Against thee, my peer, Have I waged war, But Siegmund is mine as my slave. [_Another violent gesture from Wotan, who then seems to succumb to the feeling of his own powerlessness._ Shall thy eternal Consort obey one Who calls thee master And bows as thy slave? What! Shall I be Despised by the basest, To the lawless a spur, A scoff to the free? My husband cannot desire me, A goddess, to suffer such shame! WOTAN [_Gloomily._ What then wouldst thou? FRICKA Shield not the Wälsung. WOTAN [_In a muffled voice._ His way let him go. FRICKA Thou wilt grant him no aid, When to arms the avenger calls? WOTAN I shield him no more. FRICKA Seek not to trick me; Look in my eyes! The Valkyrie turn from him too. WOTAN The Valkyrie free shall choose. FRICKA Not so; she but acts To accomplish thy will; Give order that Siegmund die. WOTAN [_After a violent internal struggle._ Nay, slay him I cannot, He found my sword! FRICKA Remove thou the magic, And shatter the blade: Swordless let him be found. BRÜNNHILDE [_Is heard calling from the heights._ Heiaha! Heiaha! Hojotoho! Heiaha! Heiaha! Heiohotojo! Hotojoha! FRICKA Thy valorous maiden comes; Shouting, hither she rides. WOTAN For Siegmund I called her to horse. [_Brünnhilde appears with her horse on the rocky path to the right. When she sees Fricka she stops abruptly and, during the following, slowly and silently leads her horse down the path. She then puts it in a cave._ FRICKA By her shield to-day Be guarded the honour Of thy eternal spouse! Derided by men, Shorn of our power, Perish and pass would the Gods If thy valiant maid Avenged not to-day My sacred and sovereign right. The Wälsung falls for my honour. Does Wotan now pledge me his oath? WOTAN [_Throwing himself on to a rocky seat in terrible dejection._ Take the oath! [_Fricka strides towards the back, where she meets Brünnhilde and halts for a moment before her._ FRICKA Warfather Waits for thee; He will instruct thee How the lot is decreed! [_She drives off quickly._ BRÜNNHILDE [_Comes forward anxious and wondering to Wotan, who leaning back on his rocky seat, is brooding gloomily._ Ill closed The fight, I fear; Fricka laughs at the outcome! Father, what news Hast thou to tell me? Sad thou seemest and troubled! WOTAN [_Dropping his arm helplessly and sinking his head on his breast._ By self-forged fetters I am bound, I, least free of all living! BRÜNNHILDE I know thee not thus: What gnaws at thy heart? WOTAN [_His expression and gestures working up, from this point, to a fearful outburst._ O sacrilege vile! O grievous affront! Gods' despair! Gods' despair! Infinite wrath! Woe without end! Most sorrowful I of all living! BRÜNNHILDE [_Alarmed, throws her shield, spear and helmet from her and kneels with anxious affection at his feet._ Father! Father! Tell me what ails thee? With dismay thou art filling thy child! Confide in me For I am true; See, Brünnhilde begs it! [_She lays her head and hands with tender anxiety on his knees and breast._ WOTAN [_Looks long in her eyes, then strokes her hair with involuntary tenderness. As if coming out of a deep reverie, he at last begins, very softly._ What if, when uttered, Weaker it made The controlling might of my will? BRÜNNHILDE [_Very softly._ To Wotan's will thou speakest When thou speakest to me? What am I If I am not thy will? [Illustration: Plate 25, Brünnhilde slowly and silently leads her horse down the path to the cave.] WOTAN [_Very softly._ What never to any was spoken Shall be unspoken now and for ever. Myself I speak to, Speaking to thee. [_In a low, muffled voice._ When young love grew A waning delight, 'Twas power my spirit craved; By rash and wild Desires driven on, I won myself the world. Unknown to me Dishonest my acts were; Bargains I made Wherein hid mishap, Craftily lured on by Loge, Who straightway disappeared. Yet I could not leave Love altogether; When grown mighty still I desired it. The child of night, The craven Nibelung, Alberich, broke from its bond. All love he forswore, And procured by the curse The gleaming gold of the Rhine, And with it measureless might. The ring that he wrought I stole by my cunning, But I restored it not To the Rhine; It paid the price Of Walhall's towers: The home the giants had built me, From which I commanded the world. She who knows all That ever was, Erda, the holy, All-knowing Wala, Warned me touching the ring: Prophesied doom everlasting. Of this doom I was fain To hear further, But silent she vanished from sight. Then my gladness of heart was gone, The god's one desire was to know. To the womb of the earth Downward then I went: By love's sweet magic Vanquished the Wala, Troubled her wisdom proud, And compelled her tongue to speak. Tidings by her I was told; And with her I left a fair pledge: The world's wisest of women Bore me, Brünnhilde, thee. With eight sisters Fostered wert thou, That ye Valkyries Might avert the doom Which the Wala's Dread words foretold: The gods' ignominious ending. That foes might find us Strong for the strife, Heroes I got ye to gather. The beings who served us As slaves aforetime, The men whose courage Aforetime we curbed: Who through treacherous bonds And devious dealings Were bound to the gods In blindfold obedience-- To kindle these men To strife was your duty, To drive them on To savage war, That hosts of dauntless heroes Might gather in Walhall's hall. BRÜNNHILDE And well filled surely thy halls were; Many a one I have brought. We never were idle, So why shouldst thou fear? [Illustration: Plate 26 "Father! Father! Tell me what ails thee? With dismay thou art filling thy child!"] WOTAN [_His voice muffled again._ Another ill-- Mark what I say-- Was by the Wala foretold! Through Alberich's hosts Doom may befall us; A furious grudge Alberich bears me; But now that my heroes Make victory certain I defy the hosts of the night. Only if he won The ring again from me, Walhall were forfeit for ever. Used by him alone Who love forswore Could the runes of the ring Bring doom To the mighty gods, And shame without end. My heroes' valour He would pervert, Would stir to strife The bold ones themselves, And with their strength Wage war upon me. So, alarmed, I resolved To wrest the ring from the foeman. [_In a low voice._ I once paid Fafner, One of the giants, With gold accurst For work achieved. Fafner guards now the hoard For which his own brother he slew. The ring I must needs recover With which his work I rewarded. But I cannot strike one By treaties protected; Vanquished by him My valour would fail. These are the bonds That bind my power; I, who by treaties am lord, To my treaties also am slave. But what I dare not One man may dare-- A hero never Helped by my favour, To me unknown And granted no grace, Unaware, Bidden by none, Constrained thereto By his own distress-- He could achieve What I must not do: The deed I never urged, Though it was all my desire. But, alas! how to find One to fight me, the god, For my good-- Most friendly of foes! How fashion the free one By me unshielded, In his proud defiance Most precious to me? How get me the other Who, not through me, But of himself Will perform my will? O woe of the gods! Horrible shame! Soul-sick am I Of seeing myself In all I ever created. The other whom I so long for, That other I never find. The free by themselves must be fashioned, All that I fashion are slaves! BRÜNNHILDE But the Wälsung, Siegmund, Works for himself. WOTAN Wild I roamed In the woodland with him, Ever against the gods Goading him to rebel. [_Slowly and bitterly._ Now, when the gods seek vengeance, Shield he has none but the sword Given to him By the grace of a god. Why did I try To trick myself vainly? How easily Fricka Found out the fraud! She read my inmost Heart to my shame. I must bend my will to her wishes. BRÜNNHILDE Of victory wouldst Siegmund deprive? WOTAN I have handled Alberich's ring, Loth to let the gold go. The curse that I fled Is following me: I must always lose what I love most, Slay what my heart holds dearest, Basely betray All those who trust. [_His gestures, at first those of terrible grief end by expressing despair._ Pale then and pass Glory and pomp, Godhead's resplendent, Glittering shame! In ruins fall The fabric I built! Ended is my work; I wait but one thing more: The downfall-- The downfall! [_He pauses thoughtfully._ And for the downfall Schemes Alberich! Now I see The sense hidden In the strange, wild words of the Wala: "When the gloomy foe of love Gets a son in his wrath, The high gods' doom Shall be at hand!" Not long ago A rumour I heard That the dwarf had won a woman, By gold gaining her grace. A woman bears Hate's bitter fruit; The child of spite Grows in her womb; This marvel befell The man who loved not; But I, the loving wooer, Have never begotten the free. [_Rising in bitter wrath._ Accept thou my blessing, Nibelung son! I leave to thee What I loathe with deep loathing: The hollow pomp of the gods. Consume it with envious greed! BRÜNNHILDE [_Alarmed._ O say! tell me What task is thy child's? WOTAN [_Bitterly._ Fight, faithful to Fricka; Wedlock and vows defend! What she desires Is also my choice, For what does my own will profit, Since it cannot fashion a free one? For Fricka's slaves Do battle henceforth! BRÜNNHILDE Ah repent, And take back thy word! Thou lovest, And fain, I know, Wouldst have me shelter the Wälsung. WOTAN Siegmund thou shalt vanquish, And fight so that Hunding prevails. Ward thyself well And doughtily do, Bring all thy boldness To bear on the field; A strong sword Swings Siegmund; Undismayed he will fight! BRÜNNHILDE He whom thou still Hast taught me to love, He whose courage high To thy heart was so precious-- I will shield him in spite of Thy wavering word! WOTAN Ha, daring one! Floutest thou me? Who art thou--who but the choiceless, Blind slave of my will? I have sunk so low By showing my mind, That the creature made by me Holds me in scorn. Dost thou, child, know my wrath? If ever its awful Lightning struck thee Then quail wouldst thou indeed! Within my bosom Burns enough rage To lay waste In dread ruin a world That once wore nothing but smiles. Woe to him whom it strikes! Dear the price he would pay! So be advised, Call it not forth But carry out my commands. Cut down Siegmund! That is the Valkyrie's task. [_He storms away and disappears among the rocks to the left._ [Illustration: Plate 27, Brünnhilde stands for a long time dazed and alarmed] BRÜNNHILDE [_Stands for a long time dazed and alarmed._ Warfather Oft have I seen Enraged, but never once like this! [_She stoops down sadly, takes up her armour and puts it on again._ How heavy My armour feels! And it felt so light When gladly I fought! I fight afraid. Evil is my cause! [_She gazes thoughtfully before her._ Woe! My Wälsung! With sorrow sore Must the faithful one falsely forsake thee! [She turns slowly towards the back. * * * * * [_On reaching the rocky pass, Brünnhilde, looking down into the gorge, perceives Siegmund and Sieglinde. She watches them for a moment, then turns into the cave where her horse is, so that she is completely hidden from the audience. Siegmund and Sieglinde appear on the pass, Sieglinde hurrying in front. Siegmund tries to stop her._ SIEGMUND Wait here and rest; Tarry a while! SIEGLINDE Farther! Farther! SIEGMUND [_Embraces her with tender force, straining her to him._ No farther now! O linger, woman most sweet! From bliss when most blissful Breaking away, In headlong haste Far thou hast fled, So fleet that I lagged behind: Through wood and field, Over cliff and scaur, Voiceless, silent, Speeding along, Thy foot stopped for no call. [_Sieglinde stares wildly before her._ Tarry a while! Say but a word, Ending this speechless dread! See, thy brother Holds thee, his bride: Siegmund's comrade art thou! SIEGLINDE [_Gazes into his eyes with growing rapture, throws her arms passionately round his neck and remains so for some time. She then starts up in wild terror._ Away! Away! Fly the profaned one! Unholy The clasp of her arm; In shame, dishonoured, This body died. Fling it from thee, Flee from the corpse! The winds scatter her dust-- The foul one who loved one so fair! When in his loving embrace She rested in rapture pure, And all the love of the man Was hers who loved him alone-- When on holiest height, When bliss was at sweetest, And sense and soul Were steeped in delight, Hatred and loathing Of hideous dishonour Shook the disgraced one, Filled her with fear-- The thought she once had obeyed. Bridegroom unloving, unloved. Leave the accurst one, Far let her fly! An outcast she is, Bereft of grace! Ah, I must leave The purest of heroes; I cannot be thine, To sully thy glory: Scorn to bring on the brother, Shame to the rescuing friend! SIEGMUND For the shame and dishonour, Pay the transgressor's blood! No farther, then, flying, Here let us wait him; Here--here I shall slay him: When Nothung's point Shall pierce his heart, All thy wrongs will be avenged! SIEGLINDE [_Starts up and listens._ Hark! The bugles! Dost thou not hear? All around, Angry and shrill, From wood and vale Clamour their calls. Hunding has wakened From slumber deep; Kinsmen and hounds He summons together; How the dogs howl, Urged on hotly, Loud-baying to heaven Of the vows and the wedlock profaned! [_Gazes before her as if gone crazed._ Where art thou, Siegmund? Art thou still here, Fervently loved one, Beautiful brother? Let thine eyes like stars Shine again on me softly; Turn not away From the outcast woman's kiss! [_She throws herself sobbing on his breast, and presently starts up in terror again._ Hark! O hark! That is Hunding's horn! With his hounds full force, In haste he comes. No sword helps When the dogs attack:-- Throw it down, Siegmund! Siegmund, where art thou? Ha, there! I see thee now! Horrible sight! Eager-fanged Are the bloodhounds for flesh; Ah, what to them Is thy noble air! By the feet they seize thee With terrible teeth; Alas! Thou fallest with splintered sword:-- The ash-tree sinks-- The trunk is rent! Brother! My brother! Siegmund--ha! [_She falls fainting into his arms._ [Illustration: Plate 28, Brünnhilde with her horse, at the mouth of the cave.] SIEGMUND Sister! Belovèd! [_He listens to her breathing, and, when convinced that she still lives, lets her slide down so that, as he himself sinks into a sitting posture, her head rests upon his knees. In this position both remain till the end of the following scene. A long silence, during which Siegmund bends over Sieglinde with tender concern, and presses a long kiss on her brow._ [_Brünnhilde, leading her horse, comes out of the cave and walks slowly and solemnly towards the front. She pauses and watches Siegmund from a distance, then advances slowly again and stops when she gets nearer. In one hand she carries her shield and spear, the other rest on her horse's neck, and thus she gravely stands looking at Siegmund._ BRÜNNHILDE Siegmund! Look on me Whom thou Must follow soon! SIEGMUND [_Looking up at her._ Who art thou, say, That dost stand so fair and so stern? BRÜNNHILDE Death-doomed are they Who look upon me; Who sees me Bids farewell to the light of life. On the battle-field only Heroes view me; He whom I greet Is chosen and must go. SIEGMUND [_Looks into her eyes with a long steadfast and searching gaze, then bows his head in thought and finally turns resolutely to her again._ When thou dost lead, Whither follows the hero? BRÜNNHILDE I lead thee To Wotan; The lot he has cast: To Walhall must thou come. SIEGMUND In Walhall's hall Wotan alone shall I find? BRÜNNHILDE A glorious host Of heroes slain Will greet thee there With love holy and high. SIEGMUND Say if in Walhall Sojourns my father, Wälse. BRÜNNHILDE His father there Will the Wälsung find. SIEGMUND [_Tenderly._ Will any woman Welcome me there? BRÜNNHILDE Wishmaidens Serve there serene: Wotan's daughter Wine will bring for thy cup. SIEGMUND High art thou And holy of aspect, O Wotan's child: But one thing tell me, divine one! The sister and bride, Shall she follow the brother? Will Siegmund find Sieglinde there? BRÜNNHILDE Air of earth Still she must breathe here; Siegmund will find no Sieglinde there! SIEGMUND [_Bends tenderly over Sieglinde, kisses her softly on the brow, and turns again quietly to Brünnhilde._ Then greet for me Walhall, Greet for me Wotan, Greet for me Wälse And all the heroes, Wishmaidens lovely Greet thou also, And tell them I will not come! BRÜNNHILDE Nay, having looked On the Valkyrie's face, Thou must follow her forth! SIEGMUND Where Sieglinde dwells In weal or woe, There will Siegmund dwell also; My face grew not pale When I beheld thee: Thou canst not force me to go! BRÜNNHILDE Force thee can none While thou dost live; Fool, what will force thee is death Warning of death Is what I bring. SIEGMUND What hero to-day Shall hew me down? BRÜNNHILDE Hunding's hand in the fight. SIEGMUND Use threats more baleful Than blows from Hunding! Lurkest thou here Longing for strife, Fix on him for thy prey. I think it is he who will fall! BRÜNNHILDE Nay, Wälsung, Doubt not my word; Thine is the death decreed. SIEGMUND Knowest this sword? Who gave the sword Gave triumph sure: With this sword I laugh at thy threats. BRÜNNHILDE [_In a loud voice._ He whose it was Now dooms thee to death, For the magic spell he withdraws! SIEGMUND [_Vehemently._ Hush! Alarm not The slumberer here! [_In an outburst of grief he bends tenderly over Sieglinde._ Woe! Woe! Woman most sweet! Most sad and ill-starred of all true ones! Against thee rages The whole world in arms, And I who was all thy defence, For whom thou the world hast defied-- To think I cannot Shield thee, but, beaten In battle, thy trust must betray! O shame on him Who bestowed the sword, And triumph now turns to scorn! If I must fall thus, I fare to no Walhall-- Hella hold me for aye! [_He bends low over Sieglinde._ BRÜNNHILDE [_Moved._ So little prizest thou Life everlasting? [_Slowly and with hesitation._ All thy care Is thy helpless wife Who, sad and weary, Heavily hangs in thy arms? Precious only is she? SIEGMUND [_Looking up at her bitterly._ Though young and fair Thou shinest to me, In my heart I know thee Cruel and cold! Canst thou do nothing But mock me, begone, Malicious, merciless maid! Or if thou must gloat Upon my distress, Then gloat and feast thyself full! With my woe Solace thy envious soul:-- But of Walhall's loveless raptures Nothing more let me hear! BRÜNNHILDE I see the distress That is tearing thy heart; The doomed hero's holy Sorrow I feel. Siegmund, thy wife be my charge, Protected safely by me. SIEGMUND No other than I While my wife is living shall guard her. If death be my lot I will slay the slumberer first! BRÜNNHILDE [_With increasing emotion._ Wälsung! Madman! Listen to me! Entrust her to me For the pledge's sake That she carries of thee and thy love! SIEGMUND [_Drawing his sword._ This sword That a true man received from a false-- This sword That fails me when facing the foe; Worthless when turned on the foe, Will serve me when turned on the friend. [_He points the sword at Sieglinde._ Two lives now Laugh to thee here: Take them, Nothung, Envious steel! Take them with one fell stroke! BRÜNNHILDE [_With a passionate outburst of sympathy._ Forbear, Walsung! Listen to me! Sieglinde spare thou, And Siegmund too shall be spared! 'Tis thus decreed, Recast the lot is! Thou, Siegmund, Shalt be blest and prevail! [_Horns are heard in the distance._ Hark to the horn! Prepare for the fray; Trust to the sword And strike without fear: Thy sword shall prove strong Thee the Valkyrie faithfully shields! Farewell, Siegmund, Hero most blest! On the field again I shall find thee. [_She rushes away and disappears with her horse down a gorge on the right. Siegmund gazes after her joyful and exultant. The stage has gradually grown dark. Heavy storm-clouds have gathered in the background, and hide the cliffs, gorge, and rocky pass completely from view._ SIEGMUND [_Bending over Sieglinde, listens to her breathing._ Charmèd slumber Softly soothes The dear one's pain and grief. When the Valkyrie came, perchance She brought her this blissful repose; Else would the grimly fought fight Have terrified one in such woe. Lifeless seems she, And yet she lives; The sad one by smiling Dreams is caressed. In slumber lie soft Till the fight is won And peace shall end thy pain! [_He lays her gently on the rocky seat and kisses her brow in farewell. Then, hearing Hunding's horn sound, he starts up with resolution._ Thou who dost call, Arm for the fray; Thy dues in full Thou shalt have: [_He draws his sword._ Nothung pays him his debt. [_He hastens to the back and, on reaching the pass, immediately disappears in a dark thunder-cloud, from which, the next instant, a flash of lightning breaks._ SIEGLINDE [_Begins to move uneasily in her dreams._ Would but my father come back! With the boy he still roams in the wood. Mother! Mother! I am afraid-- The strangers seem So harsh and unfriendly! Fumes that stifle-- Dense and black smoke-- Fierce are the flames, And closer they flare-- On fire the house! O help us, brother! Siegmund! Siegmund! [_She starts up. Violent thunder and lightning._ Siegmund! Ha! [_She stares about her in growing terror. Almost the whole of the stage is veiled by black thunder-clouds. Hunding's horn is heard close at hand._ HUNDING'S VOICE [_From the mountain pass in the background._ Wehwalt! Wehwalt! Stand there and fight, Or with the hounds I will hold thee! SIEGMUND'S VOICE [_From farther back in the gorge._ Where hidest thou, That I have missed thee thus? Halt, that I may find thee! SIEGLINDE [_Listening in terrible fear._ Hunding--Siegmund-- Could I but see them! HUNDING Come hither, impious wooer! Here by Fricka be slain! SIEGMUND [_Also from the pass now._ Thou thinkest me weaponless, Coward, still. Threat not with women! Thyself now fight me, Lest Fricka fail thee at need! For see, from the tree That grows by thy hearth I drew undaunted the sword; Come and try the taste of its steel! SIEGLINDE [_With all her strength._ Hold your hands, ye men there! Strike me dead first! [_She rushes towards the pass, but is suddenly dazzled by a light which flashes forth from above the combatants to the right, and staggers aside as if blinded._ BRÜNNHILDE'S VOICE Strike him, Siegmund! Trust to the sword! [_Brünnhilde appears in the glare of light, floating above Siegmund, and protecting him with her shield. Just as Siegmund is aiming a deadly blow at Hunding a glowing red light breaks through the clouds from the left, in which Wotan appears, standing over Hunding and holding his spear across in front of Siegmund._ WOTAN'S VOICE Back! Back from the spear! In splinters the sword! [_Brünnhilde with her shield recoils in terror before Wotan; Siegmund's sword breaks in splinters on the outstretched spear. Hunding plunges his sword into the disarmed man's breast. Siegmund falls down dead, and Sieglinde, who has heard his death-sigh, sinks to the ground as if lifeless. With Siegmund's fall the lights on both sides disappear. Dense clouds shroud all but the foreground in darkness. Through these Brünnhilde is dimly seen turning in wild haste to Sieglinde._ BRÜNNHILDE To horse, that I may save thee! [_She lifts Sieglinde up quickly on to her horse, which is standing near the side ravine, and immediately disappears. Thereupon the clouds divide in the middle, so that Hunding, who has just drawn his sword out of Siegmund's breast, is distinctly seen. Wotan, surrounded by clouds, stands on a rock behind, leaning on his spear and gazing sorrowfully on Siegmund's body._ WOTAN [_To Hunding._ Begone, slave! Kneel before Fricka; Tell her that Wotan's spear Has slain what mocked her might. Go! Go! [_Before the contemptuous wave of his hand Hunding falls dead to the ground. Suddenly breaking out in terrible anger._ But Brünnhilde! Woe to the guilty one! Woe to her As soon as my horse Shall overtake her in flight! [_He vanishes with thunder and lightning. The curtain falls quickly._ THE THIRD ACT On the top of a rocky mountain _On the right the stage is bounded by a pine-wood. On the left is the entrance to a cave, above which the rock rises to its highest point. At the back the view is quite open. Rocks of varying heights form the edge of the precipice. Clouds fly at intervals past the mountain peak as if driven by storm. Gerhilde, Ortlinde, Waltraute, and Schwertleite have taken up their position on the rocky peak above the cave. They are in full armour._ GERHILDE [_On the highest point, calling towards the background, where a dense cloud is passing._ Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Heiaha! Heiaha! Helmwige! Here! Guide hither thy horse! HELMWIGE'S VOICE [_At the back._ Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Heiaha! [_A flash of lightning comes from the cloud, showing a Valkyrie on horseback, on whose saddle hangs a slain warrior. The apparition, approaching the cliff, passes from left to right._ GERHILDE, WALTRAUTE AND SCHWERTLEITE [_Calling to her as she draws near._ Heiaha! Heiaha! [_The cloud with the apparition vanishes to the right behind the wood._ ORTLINDE [_Calling into the wood._ Thy stallion make fast By Ortlinde's mare; Gladly my grey Will graze by thy chestnut! WALTRAUTE [_Calling towards the wood._ Who hangs at thy saddle? HELMWIGE [_Coming out of the wood._ Sintolt the Hegeling! SCHWERTLEITE Fasten thy chestnut Far from the grey then; Ortlinde's mare Carries Wittig, the Irming! GERHILDE [_Descending a little towards the others._ And Sintolt and Wittig Always were foemen! ORTLINDE [_Springs up and runs to the wood._ Heiaha! Heiaha! The horse is kicking my mare! GERHILDE [_Laughing aloud with HELMWIGE and SCHWERTLEITE._ The heroes' feud Makes foes of the horses! HELMWIGE [_Calling back into the wood._ Quiet, Brownie! Pick not a quarrel. WALTRAUTE [_On the highest point, where listening towards the right she has taken Gerhilde's place as watcher, calling towards the right-hand side of the background._ Hoioho! Hoioho! Siegrune, come! What keeps thee so long? SIEGRUNE'S VOICE [_From the back on the right._ Work to do. Are the others all there? THE VALKYRIES [_In answer, their gestures, as well as a bright light behind the wood, showing that Siegrune has just arrived there._ Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Heiaha! Heiaha! GRIMGERDE's AND ROSSWEISSE'S VOICES [_From the back on the left._ Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Heiaha! WALTRAUTE [_Towards the left._ Grimgerd' and Rossweisse! GERHILDE Together they ride. [_In a cloud which passes across the stage from the left, and from which lightning flashes, Rossweisse and Grimgerde appear, also on horseback, each carrying a slain warrior on her saddle._ HELMWIGE, GERLINDE AND SIEGRUNE We greet you, valiant ones! Rossweiss' and Grimgerde! [_Have come out of the wood and wave their hands from the edge of the precipice to Rossweisse and Grimgerde, who disappear behind the wood._ ROSSWEISS' AND GRIMGERDE'S VOICES Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Heiaha! ALL THE OTHER VALKYRIES Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Heiaha! Heiaha! GERHILDE [_Calling into the wood._ Your horses lead into The wood to rest! ORTLINDE [_Also calling into the wood._ Lead the mares far off One from the other, Until our heroes' Anger is laid! HELMWIGE [_The others laughing._ The grey has paid For the heroes' anger. ROSSWEISSE AND GRIMGERDE [_Coming out of the wood._ Hojotoho! Hojotoho! THE VALKYRIES Be welcomed! Be welcomed! SCHWERTLEITE Went ye twain on one quest? GRIMGERDE No, singly we rode, And met but to-day. ROSSWEISSE If we all are assembled Why linger longer? To Walhall let us away, Bringing to Wotan the slain. HELMWIGE We are but eight; Wanting is one. GERHILDE By the brown-eyed Wälsung Brünnhilde tarries. WALTRAUTE Until she joins us Here we must wait; Warfather's greeting Grim were indeed If we returned without her! SIEGRUNE [_On the look-out, calling towards the back._ Hojotoho! Hojotoho! This way! This way! [_To the others._ In hottest haste riding, Hither she comes. THE VALKYRIES Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Heiaha! Brünnhilde, hei! [_They watch her with growing astonishment._ WALTRAUTE See, she leads woodward Her staggering horse. GRIMGERDE From swift riding How Grane pants! ROSSWEISSE No Valkyrie's flight Ever so fast was. ORTLINDE What lies on her saddle? HELMWIGE That is no man! SIEGRUNE 'Tis a woman, see! GERHILDE Where found she the maid? SCHWERTLEITE Has she no greeting For her sisters? WALTRAUTE [_Calling down very loudly._ Heiaha! Brünnhilde! Dost thou not hear? ORTLINDE From her horse Let us help our sister. [_Helmwige and Gerhilde run to the wood, followed by Siegrune and Rossweisse._ Hojotoho! Hojotoho! Heiaha! WALTRAUTE To earth has sunk Grane the strong one! GRIMGERDE From the saddle swift She snatches the maid. THE OTHER VALKYRIES Sister! Sister! What has occurred? [_The Valkyries all return to the stage; Brünnhilde accompanies them, leading and supporting Sieglinde._ Turns and looks out anxiously, then comes back. BRÜNNHILDE [_Breathless._ Shield me and help In dire distress! THE VALKYRIES Whence rodest thou hither, Hasting so hard? Thus ride they only who flee. BRÜNNHILDE I flee for the first time And am pursued: Warfather follows close. THE VALKYRIES [_Terribly alarmed._ Hast thou gone crazy? Speak to us! What? Pursued by Warfather? Flying from him? BRÜNNHILDE O sisters, spy From the rocky peak! Look north and tell me If Warfather nears! [_Ortlinde and Waltraute spring up the peak to the look-out._ Quick! Is he in sight? ORTLINDE A storm from the north Is nearing. WALTRAUTE Darkly the clouds Congregate there. THE VALKYRIES Warfather, riding His sacred steed, comes! BRÜNNHILDE The wrathful hunter, He rides from the north; He nears, he nears, in fury! Save this woman! Sisters your help! [Illustration: Plate 29 BRÜNNHILDE "I flee for the first time And am pursued: Warfather follows close. . . . . . . . . . He nears, he nears, in fury Save this woman! Sisters, your help!"] THE VALKYRIES What threatens the woman? BRÜNNHILDE Hark to me quickly! Sieglinde this is, Siegmund's sister and bride. Wotan his fury Against the Wälsungs has turned. He told me That to-day I must fail The brother in strife; But with my shield I guarded him safe, Daring the God, Who slew him himself with his spear. Siegmund fell; But I fled, Bearing his bride. To protect her And from the stroke Of his wrath to hide, I hastened, O my sisters, to you! THE VALKYRIES [_Full of fear._ O foolish sister, How mad thy deed! Woe's me! Woe's me! Brünnhilde, lost one! Mocked, disobeyed By Brünnhilde Warfather's holy command! WALTRAUTE [_On the look-out._ Darkness comes From the north like the night. ORTLINDE [_On the look-out._ Hither steering, Rages the storm. ROSSWEISSE, GRIMGERDE, and SCHWERTLEITE Wildly neighs Warfather's horse! HELMWIGE, GERHILDE, and SIEGRUNE Panting, snorting it comes! BRÜNNHILDE Woe to the woman If here she is found, For Wotan has vowed The Wälsungs shall perish! The horse that is swiftest Which of you lends, That forth the woman may fly? SIEGRUNE Wouldst have us too Madly rebel? BRÜNNHILDE Rossweisse, sister, Wilt lend me thy racer! ROSSWEISSE The fleet one from Wotan Never yet fled. BRÜNNHILDE Helmwige, hear me! HELMWIGE I flout not our father. BRÜNNHILDE Waltraute! Gerhilde! Give me your horse! Schwertleite! Siegrune! See my distress! Stand by me now Because of our love: Rescue this woman in woe! SIEGLINDE [_Who until now has been staring gloomily and coldly before her, starts up with a repellent gesture as Brünnhilde encircles her with a warm, protective embrace._ Concern thyself not about me; Death is all that I crave. From off the field Who bade thee thus bear me? For there perchance By the selfsame weapon That struck down Siegmund I too had died, Made one with him In the hour of death. Far from Siegmund-- Siegmund, from thee! O cover me, Death, From the sorrow! Wouldst thou not have me Curse thee for flying? Thou must hearken, maid, to my prayer: Pierce thou my heart with thy sword! BRÜNNHILDE [_Impressively._ Live for the sake Of thy love, O woman! Rescue the pledge Thou has gotten from him: The Wälsung's child thou shalt bear! SIEGLINDE [_Gives a violent start; suddenly her face beams with sublime joy._ Save me, ye bold ones! Rescue my child! Shelter me, maidens, And strong be your shield! [_An ever-darkening thunderstorm nears from the back._ WALTRAUTE [_On the look-out._ The storm has drawn nigh. ORTLINDE Fly, all who fear it! THE VALKYRIES Hence with the woman; Here she is lost: The Valkyries dare not Shield her from doom! SIEGLINDE [_On her knees before Brünnhilde._ Save me, O maid! Rescue the mother! BRÜNNHILDE [_Raising Sieglinde with sudden resolve._ Away then, and swiftly! Alone thou shalt fly. I--stay in thy stead, Victim of Wotan's anger. I will hold here The God in his wrath, Till I know thee past reach of his rage. SIEGLINDE Say, whither shall my flight be? BRÜNNHILDE Which of you, sisters, Eastward has journeyed? SIEGRUNE A forest stretches Far in the east; The Nibelung's hoard By Fafner thither was borne. SCHWERTLEITE There as a dread Dragon he sojourns, And in a cave Keeps watch over Alberich's ring. GRIMGERDE 'Tis uncanny there For a woman's home. BRÜNNHILDE And yet from Wotan's wrath Shelter sure were the wood; For he both fears And keeps far from the place. [Illustration: Plate 30 "There as a dread Dragon he sojourns, And in a cave Keeps watch over Alberich's ring."] WALTRAUTE [_On the look-out._ Raging, Wotan Rides to the rock! THE VALKYRIES Brünnhilde, hark! Like a storm-wind he comes! BRÜNNHILDE Flee then swiftly, Thy face to the east! Boldly enduring, Defy every ill-- Hunger and thirst, Briar and stone; Laugh, whether gnawed By anguish or want! For one thing know And hold to always-- The world's most glorious hero Hideth, O woman, thy sheltering womb! [_She takes the pieces of Siegmund's sword from under her breast-plate and gives them to Sieglinde._ The splintered sword's pieces Guard securely; From the field where slain was His father I brought them. And now I name Him who one day The sword new-welded shall swing-- "Siegfried" rejoice and prevail! SIEGLINDE [_Greatly moved._ Sublimest wonder! Glorious maid! From thee high solace I have received! For him whom we loved I save the beloved one. May my thanks one day Sweet reward bring! Fare thou well! Be blest by Sieglind' in woe! [_She hastens away to the right in front. The rocky peak is surrounded by black thunder-clouds. A fearful storm rages from the back. A fiery glow increases in strength to the right._ WOTAN'S VOICE Stay, Brünnhilde! ORTLINDE AND WALTRAUTE [_Coming down from the look-out._ The rock is reached By horse and rider! [_Brünnhilde, after following Sieglinde with her eyes for a while, goes towards the background, looks into the wood, and comes forward again fearfully._ THE VALKYRIES Woe, Woe! Brünnhilde! Vengeance he brings! Ah, sisters, help! My courage fails! His wrath will crush me Unless ye ward off its weight. THE VALKYRIES [_Fly towards the rocky point in fear, drawing Brünnhilde with them._ This way, then, lost one! Hide from his sight! Cling closely to us, And heed not his call! [_They hide Brünnhilde in their midst and look anxiously towards the wood, which is now lit up by a bright fiery glow, while in the background it has grown quite dark._ Woe! Woe! Raging, Wotan Swings from his horse! Hither hastes His foot for revenge! WOTAN [_Comes from the wood in a terrible state of wrath and excitement and goes towards the Valkyries on the height, looking angrily for Brünnhilde._ Where is Brünnhilde? Where is the guilty one? Would ye defy me And hide the rebel? THE VALKYRIES Fearful and loud thy rage is! By what misdeed have thy daughters Vexed and provoked thee To terrible wrath? WOTAN Fools, would ye flout me? Have a care, rash ones! I know: Brünnhilde Fain ye would hide. Leave her, the lost one Cast off for ever, Even as she Cast off her worth! THE VALKYRIES To us fled the pursued one, In her need praying for help, Dismayed and fearful, Dreading thy wrath. For our trembling sister Humbly we beg That thy first wild rage be calmed. WOTAN Weak-hearted And womanish brood! Is this your valour, Given by me? For this have I reared you Bold for the fight, Made you relentless And hard of heart That ye wild ones might weep and whine When my wrath on a faithless one falls? Learn, wretched whimperers, What was the crime Of her for whom Ye are shedding those tears. No one but she Knew what most deeply I brooded; No one but she Pierced to the source of my being; Through her deeds All, I wished to be, came to birth. This sacred bond So completely she broke That she defied me, Opposing my will, Her master's command Openly mocked, And against me pointed the spear That she held from me alone. Hearest, Brünnhilde? Thou who didst hold Thy helm and spear, Grace and delight, Life and name as my gift! Hearing my voice thus accusing, Dost hide from me in terror, A coward who shirks her doom? BRÜNNHILDE [_Steps out from the band of Valkyries, and humbly but with a firm step descends from the rocky peak until within a short distance from Wotan._ Here I am, Father, Awaiting thy sentence! WOTAN I--sentence thee not; Thou hast shaped thy doom for thyself. Through my will only Wert thou at all, Yet against my will thou hast worked; Thy part it was To fulfil my commands, Yet against me thou hast commanded; Wish-maid Thou wert to me, Yet thy wish has dared to cross mine; Shield-maid Thou wert to me, Yet against me raised was thy shield; Lot-chooser Thou wert to me: Against me the lot thou hast chosen; Hero-rouser Thou wert to me: Thou hast roused up heroes against me. What once thou wert Wotan has told thee: What thou art now, Demand of thyself! Wish-maid thou art no more; Valkyrie thou art no longer:-- What now thou art For aye thou shalt be! BRÜNNHILDE [_Greatly terrified._ Thou dost cast me off? Ah, can it be so? WOTAN No more shall I send thee from Walhall To seek upon fierce Fields for the slain; With heroes no more Shalt thou fill my hall: When the high Gods sit at banquet, No more shalt thou pour The wine in my horn; No more shall I kiss The mouth of my child. Among heaven's hosts Numbered no longer, Outcast art thou From the kinship of Gods; Our bond is broken in twain, And from my sight henceforth thou now art banned. THE VALKYRIES [_Leave their places in the excitement, and come a little farther down the rocks._ Woe's me! Woe! Sister! O sister! BRÜNNHILDE All that thou gavest Thou dost recall? WOTAN Conquering thee, one shall take all! For here on the rock Bound thou shalt be, Defenceless in sleep, Charmed and enchained; The man who chances this way And awakes her, shall master the maid. THE VALKYRIES [_Come down from the height in great excitement, and in terrified groups surround Brünnhilde, who lies half kneeling before Wotan._ O stay, Father! The sentence recall. Shall the maiden droop And be withered by man? O dread one, avert thou The crying disgrace: For as sisters share we her shame. WOTAN Have ye not heard Wotan's decree? From out your band Shall your traitorous sister be banished, No more to ride Through the clouds her swift steed to the battle; Her maidenhood's flower Will fade away; Her grace and her favour Her husband's will be; Her husband will rule her And she will obey; Beside the hearth she will spin, To all mockers a mark for scorn. [Illustration: Plate 31, The ride of the Valkyries.] [_Brünnhilde sinks with a cry to the ground. The Valkyries, horror-stricken, recoil from her violently._ Fear ye her fate? Then fly from the lost one! Swiftly forsake And flee from her far! Let one but venture Near her to linger, Seek to befriend her, Defying my will-- The fool shall share the same doom: I warn you, ye bold ones, well! Up and away! Hence, and return not! Get ye gone at a gallop, Trouble is rife else for you here! THE VALKYRIES [_Separate with a wild cry and rush into the wood._ Woe! Woe! [_Black clouds settle thickly on the cliff; a rushing sound is heard in the wood. From the clouds breaks a vivid flash of lightning, by which the Valkyries are seen packed closely together, and riding wildly away with loose bridles. The storm soon subsides; the thunder-clouds gradually disperse. In the following scene the weather becomes fine again and twilight falls, followed at the close by night._ [_Wotan and Brünnhilde, who lies stretched at his feet, remain behind alone. A long solemn silence._ BRÜNNHILDE [_Begins to raise her head a little, and, commencing timidly, gains confidence as she proceeds._ Was the offence So shameful and foul That to such shame the offender should be doomed? Was what I did So base and so vile That I must suffer abasement so low? Was the dishonour Truly so deep That it must rob me of honour for aye? [_She raises herself gradually to a kneeling posture._ O speak, Father! In my eye looking, Calming thy rage, Taming thy wrath, Explain why so dark This deed of mine That in thy implacable anger It costs thee thy favourite child! WOTAN [_His attitude unchanged, gravely and gloomily._ Ask of thy deed, And that will show thee thy guilt! BRÜNNHILDE I but fulfilled Wotan's command. WOTAN By my command Didst thou fight for the Walsung? BRÜNNHILDE Yea, lord of the lots, So ran thy decree. WOTAN But I took back The order, changed the decree! BRÜNNHILDE When Fricka had weaned Thy will from its purpose; In yielding what she desired Thou wert a foe to thyself. WOTAN [_Softly and bitterly._ I thought thou didst understand me, And punished thy conscious revolt; But coward and fool I seemed to thee! If I had not treason to punish Thou wouldst be unworthy my wrath. BRÜNNHILDE I am not wise, But I knew well this one thing-- That thy love was the Wälsung's; I knew that, by discord Drawn two ways, This one thing thou hadst forgotten. The other only Couldst thou discern-- What so bitterly Wounded thy heart: That Siegmund might not be shielded. WOTAN And yet thou didst dare To shield him, knowing 'twas so? BRÜNNHILDE [_Beginning softly._ Because I the one thing Had kept in my eye, While by twofold desire Divided wert thou, Blindly thy back on him turning! She who wards thy back From the foe in the field, She saw alone What thou sawest not:-- Siegmund I beheld. Bringing him doom I approached; I looked in his eyes, Gave ear to his words. I perceived the hero's Bitter distress; Loud the lament Of the brave one resounded; Uttermost love's Most terrible pang, Saddest of hearts Defying all odds--- With my ear I heard, My eye beheld That which stirred the heart in my breast With trouble holy and strange. Shamed, astonished, Shrinking I stood. Then all my thought Was how I could serve him; Triumph and death To share with Siegmund-- That seemed, that only, The lot I could choose! Faithful to him Who taught my heart this love, And set me By the Wälsung's side as friend-- Most faithful to him-- Thy word I disobeyed. WOTAN So thou hast done What I yearned so greatly to do-- What a twofold fate Withheld from my desire! So easy seemed to thee Heart's delight in the winning, When burning woe In my heart flamed fierce, When terrible anguish Wrung my soul, When, to save the world That I loved, love's spring In my tortured heart I imprisoned? Against my own self When I turned, to my torment, From swooning pain Arose in a frenzy, When a wild longing Burning like fire The fearful design in me woke In the ruins of my own world My unending sorrow to bury, [_Somewhat freely._ Thy heart was lapped In blissful delight. Trembling with rapture, Drunken with joy, Thy lips drank laughing The draught of love, While I drank of divine woe Mixed with wormwood and gall. [_Dryly and shortly._ By thy lightsome heart Henceforth be guided: From me thou hast turned away! I must renounce thee; Together no more Shall we two whisper counsel; Apart our paths lie, Sundered for ever, And so long as life lasts I, the God, dare nevermore greet thee! BRÜNNHILDE [_Simply._ Unfit was the foolish Maid for thee, Who, dazed by thy counsel, Grasped not thy mind When, to her, one counsel Alone appeared plain-- To love what was loved by thee. If I must forth Where I shall not find thee, If the fast-woven bond Must be loosed, And half thy being Far from thee banished-- A half once thine and thine only, O God, forget not that!-- Thy other self Thou wilt not dishonour, Dealing out shame That will shame thee too; Thine own honour were lowered, Were I a target for scorn! WOTAN The lure of love Thou hast followed fain: Follow the man Who shall wield its might! BRÜNNHILDE If I must go from Walhall, No more in thy work be a sharer, And if as my master A man I must serve, I braggart base Abandon me not! Not all unworthy Be he who wins! WOTAN With Wotan no part hast thou-- He cannot fashion thy fate. BRÜNNHILDE By thee has been founded a race Too glorious to bring forth a coward One day must a matchless hero From Walsung lineage spring. WOTAN Name not the Wälsungs to me! Renouncing thee, Them too I renounced; Through envy they came to naught. BRÜNNHILDE She who turned from thee Rescued the race; [_With an air of secrecy._ Sieglinde bears Fruit holy and high; In pain and woe Beyond woe known to woman She will bring forth What in fear she hides! WOTAN No shelter for her Seek at my hand, Nor for fruit that she may bear. BRÜNNHILDE The sword she has kept That thou gavest Siegmund. WOTAN [_Violently._ And that I splintered with my spear. Strive not, O maid, My spirit to trouble! Await thou the lot Cast and decreed; I cannot choose it or change! But now I must forth, Fare from thee far; Too long I stay by thy side. I must turn from thee, As thou didst from me; I must not even Know thy desire; Thy doom alone I must see fulfilled! BRÜNNHILDE And what is the doom That I must suffer? WOTAN In slumber fast Thou shalt be locked; Wife thou shalt be to the man Who finds and wakes thee from sleep! BRÜNNHILDE [_Falls on her knees._ If fettering sleep Fast must bind me, An easy prey To the basest coward, This one thing that in deep anguish I plead for thou must accord! O shield thou the sleeper With soul-daunting terrors, [_Firmly._ That by a dauntless Hero alone Here on the rock I may be found! WOTAN Too much thou askest-- Too big a boon! [Illustration: Plate 32 WOTAN. "Appear, flickering fire, Encircle the rock with thy flame! Loge! Loge! Appear!"] BRÜNNHILDE [_Clasping his knees._ This one thing Grant me, O grant me! The child that is clasping Thy knees crush dead; Tread down thy dear one And shatter the maid; Let her body perish, Pierced by thy spear, But, cruel one, expose her not To this crying shame! [_With wild ecstasy._ O cause a fire To burn at thy bidding, With flame fiercely flaring Girdle the rock, And may its tongue lick, And may its tooth eat The coward who, daring, rashly Approaches the terrible spot! WOTAN [_Overcome and deeply stirred, turns quickly towards Brünnhilde, raises her from her knees and looks into her eyes with emotion._ Farewell, thou valiant, Glorious child! Thou the most holy Pride of my heart, Farewell! Farewell! Farewell! [_Passionately._ Must we be parted? Shall I never more Give thee love's greeting? Must thou no longer Gallop beside me, Nor bring me mead at banquet? If I must lose thee, Whom I have loved so, The laughing delight of my eyes, For thee there shall burn A bridal fire brighter Than ever yet burned for a bride! Fiercely the flames Shall flare round thy bed, Flames dreadful, devouring, Daunting all cowards; Let cravens flee From Brünnhilde's rock! One only shall set the bride free, One freer than I, the God! [_Moved and enraptured, Brünnhilde sinks on the breast of Wotan, who holds her in a long embrace; then she throws back her head again, and, still embracing him, gazes into his eyes with emotion and awe._ Those eyes so lovely and bright That oft with smiles I caressed, Thy valour With a kiss rewarding When, sweetly lisped By thy childlike mouth, The praise of heroes I heard: Those eyes so radiant and fair That oft in storm on me shone, When hopeless yearning My heart was wasting, And when the joy Of the world I longed for, While fears thronged thick around me-- Once more to-day Gladdening me, Let them take this kiss Of fond farewell! On happier mortal May they yet shine; On me, hapless immortal, Must they close, and for ever! [_He takes her head in both hands._ 'Tis thus that the God From thee turns: He kisses thy Godhead away! [Illustration: Plate 33, As he moves slowly away, Wotan turns and looks sorrowfully back at Brünnhilde.] [_He kisses her long on the eyes, and with these closed she sinks back softly into his arms, unconscious. He carries her gently to a low mossy mound, and lays her there beneath the broad-spreading pine-tree which overshadows it. He gazes at her and closes her helmet; his eyes then rest on the form of the sleeper, which he completely covers with the great steel shield of the Valkyries. Having done so, he moves slowly away, turning to take one more sorrowful look. Then he strides with solemn resolve to the middle of the stage, and points his sword towards a large rock._ Loge, hear! Hark to my word! I who found thee at first A fiery flame, And from whom thou didst vanish In wandering fire, I, who once bound, Bid thee break forth! Appear, flickering fire, Encircle the rock with thy flame! [_He strikes the rock three times with his spea r during the following._ Loge! Loge! Appear! [_A gleam of fire issues from the stone and gradually becomes a fiery glow; then flickering flames break forth. Soon wild, shooting flames surround Wotan, who, with his spear, directs the sea of fire to encircle the rock. It spreads towards the background, so that the mountain is surrounded by flame._ Let none who fears The spear of Wotan Adventure across this fire! [_He stretches out his spear as a ban, looks sorrowfully back at Brünnhilde, then moves slowly away, turning his head for a farewell gaze. Finally he disappears through the fire. The curtain falls._ [Illustration: Plate 34, The sleep of Brünnhilde.] End of Project Gutenberg's The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie, by Richard Wagner *** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RHINEGOLD & THE VALKYRIE *** Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will be renamed. 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