And clever are they too! One need not seek For mandrakes[4] if one has these dwarfs for friends. WULF (_pointing toward the treasure_). He who owns that needs neither of the two. TRUCHS. I love it not. It is an ancient saw That magic gold is thirstier for blood Than ever was the driest sponge for water; And, more than all, the Niblung heroes tell The strangest tales! WULF. Of ravens was the talk. What was it then? I heard it not aright. TRUCHS. A raven flew and lit upon the gold, When it was carried to the ship, and there He croaked till Siegfried, who could understand, At first stopped up his ears and would not hear, And whistled. Then the precious stones he threw To drive the bird, and when it would not fly, At last in desperation cast his spear. WULF. Why, that is strange! For Siegfried is at heart As gentle as he's brave. [_Horns are heard._] They call for us! They're gath'ring! Ho, Brunhilda! TRUCHS. Kriemhild, ho! [_Exeunt. Other warriors, who meanwhile have assembled, join them and repeat the cry. It grows dark gradually._] SCENE VIII _Enter HAGEN and SIEGFRIED._ SIEGFRIED. But Hagen! Why didst thou make signs to me To leave the banquet? I shall nevermore Sit at this table as I sit today. Pray grant me this one day, I only ask A just reward. HAGEN. Your task is not yet done. SIEGFRIED. Let be till morning, for a minute's worth A year today. I still can count the words That I have spoken to my loving bride; Then let me have one evening with my wife. HAGEN. Without good reason I will ne'er disturb A lover or a drunkard. It avails No longer to resist! What Brunhild said Thou'st heard, and now her wedding gayety Thou may'st behold, for at the feast she weeps! SIEGFRIED. And can I dry her tears? HAGEN. She'll keep her word, The threat that she has sworn, there is no doubt; That endless shame would follow may we doubt Still less. Dost thou not understand me now? SIEGFRIED. What follows them HAGEN. That thou must conquer her. [_GUNTHER approaches._] SIEGFRIED. What, I? HAGEN. Now listen! Gunther goes with her Into the chamber.[5] In the Tarnhelm thou Must follow. Quickly he demands a kiss Ere she has raised her veil.--She grants it not. He grapples with her.--She laughs mockingly. He quenches, as by accident, the light-- Exclaims: So much is jest, 'tis earnest now. It will not be on shore as on the ship! Then shalt thou seize her and so master her That she shall beg for mercy and for life. And when thy part is done, then shall the king Demand her oath to be his humblest maid, And thou shalt vanish as thou cam'st. GUNTHER. Wilt thou But do me this one service now, my friend, I vow I'll never ask thee then for more. HAGEN. He must and will. The task he has begun, How should he then not finish? SIEGFRIED.