Page:MU KPB 001 The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie - Illustrated by Artur Rackham.pdf/225

Wotan and Brünnhilde, who lies ſtretched at his feet, remain behind alone. A long solemn ſilence.
Brünnhilde Begins to raise her head a little and, commencing timidly, gains confidence as ſhe proceeds.	Was the offence So shameful and foul That to such shame the offender should be doomed? Was what I did So base and so vile That I must suffer abasement so low? Was the dishonour Truly so deep That it must rob me of honour for aye? [She raises herself gradually to a kneeling poſture. O speak, Father! In my eye looking, Calming thy rage, Taming thy wrath, Explain why so dark This deed of mine That in thy implacable anger It costs thee thy favourite child!
Wotan His attitude	Ask of thy deed, And that will show thee thy guilt!
unchanged, gravely and gloomily.
Brünnhilde	I but fulfilled Wotan’s command.
Wotan	By my command Didst thou fight for the Wälsung?
Brünnhilde	Yea, lord of the lots, So ran thy decree.

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