Page:MU KPB 001 The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie - Illustrated by Artur Rackham.pdf/170

Fricka	By her shield to-day Be guarded the honour Of thy eternal spouse! Derided by men, Shorn of our power, Perish and pass would the Gods If thy valiant maid Avenged not to-day My sacred and sovereign right. The Wälsung falls for my honour. Does Wotan now pledge me his oath?
Wotan Throwing himself on to a rocky seat in terrible dejection.	Take the oath! [Fricka ſtrides towards the back, where she meets Brünnhilde and halts for a moment before her.
Fricka	Warfather Waits for thee ; He will instruct thee How the lot is decreed! [She drives off quickly.
Brünnhilde Comes forward anxious and wondering to Wotan who leaning back on his rocky seat, is brooding gloomily.	I11 closed The fight, I fear; Fricka laughs at the outcome! Father, what news Hast thou to tell me? Sad thou seemest and troubled.
Wotan Dropping his arm helpleſsly	By self-forged fetters I am bound, I, least free of all living!
and ſinking his head on his breaſt
Brünnhilde	I know thee not thus: What gnaws at thy heart?

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