Page:MU KPB 001 The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie - Illustrated by Artur Rackham.pdf/118

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
The Rhinegold
Wotan
Smiling at eve
The sun’s eye sparkles;
The castle ablaze

Gleams fair in its glow.

In the light of morning
Glittering proudly,
It stood masterless,

Stately, tempting its lord.

From dawn until sundown
No little toil

And fear have gone to the winning!

From envious night,
That now draws nigh

Shelter it offers us.

[Very firmly, as if ſtruck by a great thought.

So greet I my home,
Safe from dismay and dread.

[He turns solemnly to Fricka.
Follow me, wife!

In Valhall sojourn with me.

Fricka
What means the name Valhall?

I never seem to have heard it.

Wotan

That which, conquering fear,

My fortitude brought
Triumphant to birth——

Let that explain the word!

[He takes Fricka's hand and walks slowly with her towards the bridge. Froh, Freia, and Donner follow.
Loge
Remaining in the foreground and looking after the Gods.

They are hasting on to their end,
They who dream they are strong and enduring.

I almost blush
To be of their number;

71