s magic spear,
now declares that he has slain his father, Siegmund. Siegfried,
the avenger, boldly draws his gleaming sword, which, instead of
shattering as once before against the divine spear, cuts it to
pieces. In the same instant the Wanderer disappears, amid thunder
and lightning. Siegfried, looking about him to find Brunhilde,
becomes aware of the flickering flames of a great fire, which
rise higher and higher as he rushes joyfully into their very
midst, blowing his horn and singing his merry hunting lay.

The flames, which now invade the whole stage, soon flicker
and die out, and, as the scene becomes visible once more,
Brunhilde is seen fast asleep upon a grassy mound. Siegfried
comes, and, after commenting upon the drowsing steed, draws
nearer still. Then he perceives the sleeping figure in armour,
and bends solicitously over it. Gently he removes the shield
and helmet, cuts open the armour, and starts back in surprise
when he sees a flood of bright golden hair fall rippling all
around the fair form of a sleeping woman:--

'No man it is!
Hallowed rapture
Thrills through my heart;
Fiery anguish
Enfolds my eyes.
My senses wander
And waver.
Whom shall I summon
Hither to help me?
Mother! Mother!
Be mindful of me.'

His head suddenly sinks down upon her bosom, but, as her
immobility continues, he experiences for the first time a faint
sensation of fear. This is born of his love for her, and, in a
frantic endeavour to recall her to life, he bends down and kisses
her passionately. At the magic touch of his lips, Brunhilde
opens her eyes, and, overjoyed at the sight of the rising sun,
greets it with a burst of rapturous song ere she turns to thank
her deliverer. The first glimpse of the hero in his glittering
mail is enough to fill her heart with love, and recognizing in
him Siegfried, the hero whose coming she herself has foretold,
she welcomes him with joy. Siegfried then relates how he found
her, how he delivered her from the fetters of sleep, and,
impetuously declaring his passion, claims her love in return.

The scene between the young lovers, the personifications of
the Sun and of Spring, is one of indescribable passion and
beauty, and when they have joined in a duet of unalterable
love, Brunhilde no longer regrets past glories, but declares
the world well lost for the love she has won.

'Away Walhall's
Lightening world!
In dust with thy seemi