_Enter_ KRIEMHILD.
KRIEMHILD.
You're going hunting?
SIEGFRIED.
Yes, and pray command
What I shall bring thee.
KRIEMHILD.
Siegfried, stay at home!
SIEGFRIED.
My child, one thing thou canst not learn too soon,
Thou must not beg a man to stay at home,
But beg him: Take me too!
KRIEMHILD.
Then, may I go?
HAGEN.
That may not be!
SIEGFRIED.
Why not? She's not afraid!
And surely she has often gone before.
Bring falcons here! For she shall take the birds,
And we the beasts. There'll be more pleasure so.
HAGEN.
One woman hides her shame within her room--
Her rival rideth gaily to the hunt?
'Twould look like taunting her.
SIEGFRIED.
I had not thought.
Ah well, it may not be.
KRIEMHILD. Then change again
Thy garments!
SIEGFRIED.
Yet again? Thy every wish
I'll follow, not thy fancies.
KRIEMHILD.
Thou'rt severe.
SIEGFRIED.
But let me go! The breeze will change my mood.
Tomorrow night I'll make my peace with thee.
HAGEN.
Then come!
SIEGFRIED.
I will. But now my farewell kiss.
[_He embraces_ KRIEMHILD.]
Thou'lt not deny me? Thou'lt not say, tomorrow,
As I do? Thou art noble.
KRIEMHILD.
Oh, come back!
SIEGFRIED.
But what a strange desire! What's wrong, I pray?
I go a-hunting with my own good friends,
And if the lofty mountains do not fall
And bury us, we cannot suffer harm.
KRIEMHILD.
Alas! That is the very thing I dreamed.
SIEGFRIED.
My child, the hills stand firm.
KRIEMHILD (_throws her arms around him once more_).
Come back! Come back!
[_Exeunt warriors_.]