Chapter 50

GISELHER (_to_ GUNTHER).

Thou hast returned to thine own loyalty And faithfulness, or else I'd say: this trick Is far beneath a king!

VOLKER.

Thy angry mood Is natural; thou wast thyself deceived.

GISELHER.

That was not why. Yet let us not dispute When all is well again.

VOLKER.

When all is well?

GISELHER.

Is it not well?

VOLKER.

They tell me that the Queen In mourning robes is clad, and food and drink Refuses--even water.

GUNTHER.

True, alas!

VOLKER.

How then is't well? What Hagen said is true. She's not like others; for the breath of time Her wounds can never heal, nor give her peace. And we must face the question: He or she! Thou sayest truly, Siegfried's not to blame That to him clung the girdle like a snake, And was discovered. That is pure mischance; But this mischance is deadly, and thou canst Determine only whom it shall destroy.

GISELHER.

Let that one die who hath no will to live!

GUNTHER.

Oh, fearful choice!

VOLKER.

I warned thee long ago, From starting on this course, but now at last We see the end.

DANKWART.

And is it not our law, That even blunders bring their penalty He who runs through his bosom friend by night Because he bore his lance too carelessly, Can never free himself with all his tears, However hot and bitter they may flow.-- The price is blood.

GUNTHER.

Now I will go to her.

[_Exit_.]