What is it then?
GISELHER.
I have myself forgotten.
When a man"s sister blushes rosy-red, "Tis natural a brother is surprised And seeks to know the reason.--Never mind!
The secret I"ll recall before I die, And then shall Siegfried learn it.
SIEGFRIED.
Thou may"st jeer, For I forget my message utterly, And ere I"ve given word that you should don Your festal garments, do the trumpets blow, And Gunther and his train bring in the bride!
GISELHER.
Dost thou not see the steward hastening?
Thy very coming told enough to him!
But I will help!
[_He goes to_ RUMOLT.]
KRIEMHILD.
A n.o.ble messenger May not be paid with gifts!
SIEGFRIED.
Indeed he may!
KRIEMHILD (_fastens her bracelet and in so doing drops her handkerchief)_.
SIEGFRIED (_s.n.a.t.c.hes at the handkerchief)_.
This is my gift.
KRIEMHILD.
Pray, no! "Twere all unworthy!
SIEGFRIED.
Jewels I value as another, dust.
And houses can I build of gold and silver, Yet lack I such a kerchief!
KRIEMHILD.
Take it then!
It is my handiwork.
SIEGFRIED.
And thy free gift?
KRIEMHILD.
My n.o.ble Siegfried, yes, "tis my free gift.
UTE.
I crave thy pardon--it is time to go!
[_Exit, with_ KRIEMHILD.]
SCENE IV
SIEGFRIED.
A Roland[2] would have stood as stood I here!
I wonder that the sparrows did not nest Within my hair.
SCENE V
_Enter the_ CHAPLAIN.
CHAPLAIN (_advances_).
Your pardon, n.o.ble sir, Has Brunhild been baptized?
SIEGFRIED.
She is baptized.
CHAPLAIN.
Then "tis a Christian land from which she comes?
SIEGFRIED.
They fear the cross.
CHAPLAIN (_steps back again_).
Perchance "tis there as here!
Where men will place it next to Wotan"s tree Right gladly, for they do not surely know If magic may not dwell there; as we see Devoutest Christians hesitate to break A heathen image, for some remnant still Awakes within them of the olden fear Before those staring eyes.