_Enter_ GUNTHER _with_ HAGEN _and the others_.
GUNTHER.
It is as I have said,
She reckons on the deed as we believe
That autumn brings us apples. The old nurse
Has tried to rouse her, and has quietly
Bestrewn her chamber all with grains of wheat;
They lie there undisturbed.
GISELHER.
How can it be
That she should venture life for life to stake?
HAGEN.
I marvel at her also.
GUNTHER. And withal
She neither drives nor urges, as with things
Bound up with time and place and human will
'Twere natural to do. She questions not
Nor changes countenance, but sits amazed
That any man should speak and not announce--
The deed is done!
HAGEN.
But I must tell thee this:
His spell is on her, and her very hate
Is rooted deep in love!
GUNTHER.
Believ'st thou so?
HAGEN.
'Tis not such love as binds, a man and wife,
In holy union.
GUNTHER.
How then?
HAGEN.
'Tis a charm,
A magic, that would keep her race alive.
So drives the giantess to seek her mate,
Joyless and choiceless, since they are the last.
GUNTHER.
Is there no hope?
HAGEN.
'Tis death must break the spell.
Her blood congeals when his has ceased to flow.
His destiny it was that he should slay
The dragon and then take the dragon's road.
[_A tumult is heard_.]
GUNTHER.
What may that be?
HAGEN.
'Tis those false messengers.
And Dankwart drives them forth. He does it well.
Lovers will hear it even while they kiss.