The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Ix Part 54

And more than that! Behind them is a horde Of savage tribesmen who will never sow, And yet they want to reap.

HAGEN.

Now do you see?

SIEGFRIED.

But you should show no mercy on the wolf Because he has no time to guard himself.

HAGEN.

We surely shall not.

SIEGFRIED.

Come, we'll help the foxes And drive him to his final hiding place, Within the foxes' bellies.

HAGEN.

That we'll do; Yet let us not exert ourselves in vain, And so--Let's hunt today.

GISELHER.

I will not go.

GERENOT.

Nor will I either.

SIEGFRIED.

You are young and brave, Yet follow not the chase, but bide at home?

They would have had to tie me, and the cords I would have gnawed in two. Oh huntsman's joy!

If one could only sing it!

HAGEN.

Wilt thou go?

SIEGFRIED.

Go!--Friend, I am so full of rage and wrath That I could quarrel now with any man, And so I long for bloodshed.

HAGEN.

And I too!

SCENE XI

_Enter_ KRIEMHILD.

KRIEMHILD.

You're going hunting?

SIEGFRIED.

Yes, and pray command What I shall bring thee.

KRIEMHILD.

Siegfried, stay at home!

SIEGFRIED.

My child, one thing thou canst not learn too soon, Thou must not beg a man to stay at home, But beg him: Take me too!

KRIEMHILD.

Then, may I go?

HAGEN.

That may not be!

SIEGFRIED.

Why not? She's not afraid!

And surely she has often gone before.

Bring falcons here! For she shall take the birds, And we the beasts. There'll be more pleasure so.

HAGEN.

One woman hides her shame within her room-- Her rival rideth gaily to the hunt?

'Twould look like taunting her.

SIEGFRIED.

I had not thought.

Ah well, it may not be.

KRIEMHILD. Then change again Thy garments!

SIEGFRIED.

Yet again? Thy every wish I'll follow, not thy fancies.

KRIEMHILD.