Page:MU KPB 001 The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie - Illustrated by Artur Rackham.pdf/171

Wotan His expreſsion and geſtures working up, from this point, to a fearful outburst.	O sacrilege vile! O grievous affront! Gods’ despair! Gods’ despair! Infinite wrath! Woe without end! Most sorrowful I of all living!
Brünnhilde Alarmed, throws her ſhield, spear and helmet from her and kneels with anxious affection at his feet.	Father! Father! Tell me what ails thee? With dismay thou art filling thy child! Confide in me For I am true; See, Brünnhilde begs it! [She lays her head and hands with tender anxiety on his knees and breaſt.
Wotan Looks long in her eyes, then	What if, when uttered, Weaker it made The controlling might of my will?
ſrokes her hair with involuntary tenderness. As if coming out of a deep reverie, he at laſ begins, very softly.
Brünnhilde Very softly.	To Wotan’s will thou speakest When thou speakest to me? What am I If I am not thy will?
Wotan Very softly.	What never to any was spoken Shall be unspoken now and for ever. Myself I speak to, Speaking to thee. [In a low, muffled voice. When young love grew A waning delight, ’Twas power my spirit craved; By rash and wild Desires driven on,

110