Page:MU KPB 001 The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie - Illustrated by Artur Rackham.pdf/94

Alberich Touches the ring with his lips and secretly murmurs the command.	Behold the Nibelungs Hither are called; I can hear them coming, Bid by their lord, With the hoard from the depths to the day. Now loosen these burdensome bonds.
Woton	Nay, first in full thou must pay. [The Nibelungs come up out of the cleft laden with the objects of which the hoard is composed.
Alberich	O bitter disgrace That my shrinking bondsmen Should see me captive and bound! [To the Nibelungs. Lay it down there, As ye are bid! In a heap Pile up the hoard. Must I aid, idlers? No spying at me! Haste there! Haste! Then get ye gone quickly. Hence to your work. Home to your gorges! Let the sluggards beware, For I follow hard at your heels! [He kiſses the ring and holds it out with an air of command. As if ſtruck with a blow, the Nibelungs preſs terrified and cowering towards the cleft, down which they haſtily disappear. The price is paid; Let me depart! And that helm of mine Which Loge still holds, That also pray give me again !

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