The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Ix Part 53

HAGEN.

I marvel at her also.

GUNTHER. And withal She neither drives nor urges, as with things Bound up with time and place and human will 'Twere natural to do. She questions not Nor changes countenance, but sits amazed That any man should speak and not announce-- The deed is done!

HAGEN.

But I must tell thee this: His spell is on her, and her very hate Is rooted deep in love!

GUNTHER.

Believ'st thou so?

HAGEN.

'Tis not such love as binds, a man and wife, In holy union.

GUNTHER.

How then?

HAGEN.

'Tis a charm, A magic, that would keep her race alive.

So drives the giantess to seek her mate, Joyless and choiceless, since they are the last.

GUNTHER.

Is there no hope?

HAGEN.

'Tis death must break the spell.

Her blood congeals when his has ceased to flow.

His destiny it was that he should slay The dragon and then take the dragon's road.

[_A tumult is heard_.]

GUNTHER.

What may that be?

HAGEN.

'Tis those false messengers.

And Dankwart drives them forth. He does it well.

Lovers will hear it even while they kiss.

SCENE X

_Enter_ SIEGFRIED; _as_ HAGEN _notices hint_.

HAGEN.

By all the fiends of h.e.l.l! No! ten times no!

It were disgrace for us, and Siegfried thinks a.s.suredly as I do. Here he comes!

Now speak, thou may'st decide it.--

(_As_ DANKWART _enters_.)

Though thy word Can alter nothing more. The answer's gone.

(_To_ DANKWART.)

Thou surely hast not spared to scourge them well

(_To_ SIEGFRIED.)

Yet set thy seal upon it even so!

SIEGFRIED.

What's this?

HAGEN.

The dogs have come again to sue For peace. I ordered that the worthless knaves With scourges should be driven from the court Before they gave their message.

SIEGFRIED.

'Twas well done!

HAGEN.

The King indeed reproves me, for he thinks We know not what has happened.

SIEGFRIED.

What? Not know?

I know! For when a wolf is chased along, He harms not those before him!

HAGEN.

That is true!

SIEGFRIED.