The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries - LightNovelsOnl.com
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I swear!
SIEGFRIED.
'Tis well! And I'll prepare the s.h.i.+p!
BRUNHILDA (_while going away addresses_ FRIGGA).
Go now into the trophy hall and drive The nail that will be needed.
(_To the knights_.)
Follow me!
[_Exeunt omnes_.]
ACT II
_Worms. Courtyard of the Castle_.
SCENE I
_Enter_ RUMOLT _and_ GISELHER, _meeting_.
GISELHER.
Now, Rumolt, will a single tree be left?
For weeks now thou hast brought whole forests in And grimly thou provid'st the wedding feast, As if men, dwarfs, and elves were all to come.
RUMOLT.
I make me ready, and if I should find A single kettle that's not full enough, I'll seize the lazy cook and throw him in And use the scullion-boy to stir the stew.
GISELHER.
Art thou so certain what the end will be?
RUMOLT.
I am, for Siegfried woos. The man who takes Two n.o.ble princes captive, sends them home As though they were no more than frightened hares, Will not be daunted by a witch-wife now.
GISELHER.
There thou art right! We have good hostages Since we have Ludegast and Ludeger!
They meant to bring a host of armed men, A greater than e'er Burgundy had seen.
Yet humbly here as prisoners they came, Nor needed any guard upon their way.
So cook, my man, we shall not want for guests!
[GERENOT _enters_.]
And here's the hunter!
GERENOT.
But he brings no game!
I was upon the tower and saw the Rhine All covered o'er with s.h.i.+ps.
RUMOLT.
It is the bride!
I'll send my men to drive the beasts about, That from the noisy turmoil in the court The sound shall reach afar and prove to her The welcome that awaits her!
[_Trumpets are heard_.]
GERENOT.
'Tis too late!
SCENE II
_Enter_ SIEGFRIED, _with retinue_.
SIEGFRIED.
Here am I once again!
GISELHER.
Without my brother?
SIEGFRIED.
Nay, fear not! As his messenger I come!-- And yet I bear the message not for thee!
'Tis for thy Lady Mother, and I hope That I may see thy sister Kriemhild, too.
GISELHER.
Brave knight, that shalt thou, for we owe to thee Our thanks for capturing the n.o.ble Danes.
SIEGFRIED.
I wish that I had never sent them here.
