Brünnhild'
To her rightful husband belonged.
GUTRUNE
For her husband thou didst pass?
SIEGFRIED
By Gutrune sojourned Siegfried.
GUTRUNE
But 'twas Brünnhild' lay beside thee.
SIEGFRIED [Pointing to his sword.
Far as north from east and west,
So far was Brünnhild' removed.
GUTRUNE
But how got Gunther his wife from thee?
SIEGFRIED
Through the flames of the fire as they faded,
When day dawned, through the mist
She followed me down the hill;
When near the shore,
None observing,
I gave Gunther my place,
And by the Tarnhelm's magic
Wished myself straight to thee.
A strong wind drives the lovers
Merrily down the Rhine;
Prepare to greet them with joy.
GUTRUNE
Siegfried! Such is thy might,
I am afraid of thee!
HAGEN [Calling from the shore.
I can see a sail in the distance.
SIEGFRIED
Now be the envoy thanked!
GUTRUNE
Let us give her gracious greeting,
That glad and gay she here may tarry!
Thou, Hagen, prithee
Summon the men
To the hall here for the wedding,
While blithe maids
To the feast I bid;
Our joy they will merrily share.
[As she goes towards the hall she turns round again.
Wilt thou rest, wicked man?
SIEGFRIED
Helping thee is rest enough.
[He gives her his hand and accompanies her into the hall.
HAGEN
[Has mounted a rock at the back, and starts blowing his cow-horn.
Hoiho! Hoiho! Hoho!
Ye Gibich vassals,
Up and prepare!
Woeful tidings!
Weapons! Weapons!
Arm through the land!
Goodly weapons,
Mighty weapons
Sharp for strife!
Dire the strait!
Woe! Danger! Danger!
Hoiho! Hoiho! Hoho!
[Hagen remains where he is on the rock. Armed men arrive in haste by different paths; first singly, and then in larger and larger groups.
THE VASSALS
Why sounds the horn?
Who calls us to arms?
We come with our arms?
We come with our weapons.
Hagen! Hagen!
Hoiho! Hoiho!
Who hath suffered scathe?