Chapter 29

_Enter_ UTE _and_ KRIEMHILD.

SIEGFRIED.

I pray you!

GISELHER.

What's thy wish?

SIEGFRIED.

I never longed to have my father by, That he might teach me how to bear my arms, But ah! today I need my mother so, That I might ask her how to use my tongue.

GISELHER.

Give me thy hand, since thou art shamefaced too. They call me here "the child." Now let them see A "child" may lead a lion!

[_He leads_ SIEGFRIED _to the women_.]

'Tis the knight From Netherland!

SIEGFRIED.

Fair ladies, do not fear, Because I've come alone.

UTE.

Brave Siegfried, no! We do not fear, for thou art not the man Who's left alone when all but he are dead, To bear his tale, a messenger of woe. Thou comest to announce a daughter dear, And Kriemhild hath a sister.

SIEGFRIED.

So it is, My Queen!

GISELHER.

So is it! Nothing more? And scarce Those few words could he utter! Dost thou grudge The king his bride? Or hast thou lamed thy tongue In battle? That was never known before. But no, for thou could'st use it fast enough To tell me of Brunhilda's dark brown eyes And raven tresses.

SIEGFRIED.

Prithee, say not so!

GISELHER.

How hotly he denies it! See him raise On high three fingers, swearing that he loves Blue eyes--light hair!

UTE.

This is an arrant rogue! He is nor boy nor man, sapling nor tree. And long hath he outgrown his mother's rod, Nor ever hath he felt his father's whip. Ungoverned is he as a yearling colt, That's never known the bridle or the whip. We must forgive or punish him!

SIEGFRIED.

'Twere not So easy as you think! To break a colt Is difficult, and many limp away Ashamed, and cannot mount him!

UTE.

Then once more He 'scapes his punishment!

GISELHER.

As a reward, I'll tell a secret to thee.

KRIEMHILD.

Giselher!

GISELHER.

What hast thou to conceal? Be not afraid! I do not know thy secret, nor will blow The ashes from thy embers.--Never fear!

UTE.

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 noble messenger May not be paid with gifts!

SIEGFRIED.

Indeed he may!

KRIEMHILD (_fastens her bracelet and in so doing drops her handkerchief)_.

SIEGFRIED (_snatches 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 noble Siegfried, yes, 'tis my free gift.

UTE.

I crave thy pardon--it is time to go!

[_Exit, with_ KRIEMHILD.]