Richard Wagner

“ He puts the ring into the sack and tranquilly continues to pack up the rest of the hoard. All the Gods stand horrified. A solemn silence. Wotan Dread indeed I find is the curse’s might.
Loge Unmatched, Wotan, Surely thy luck is! Great thy gain was In getting the ring; But the gain of its loss Is gain greater still: There thy foemen, see, Slaughter thy foes For the gold thou hast let go. ”

“ I almost blush To be of their number; A fancy allures me And wakes in me longing Flaming fire to become:
To waste and burn them Who tamed me of old, Rather than perish, Blind with the blind—— Yes, even if godlike the Gods were——
More wise were it, perhaps! ”

“ Open space on mountain heights. The prospest is veiled by pale mist as at the end of the second scene. Wotan and Loge climb up out of the cavern, bringing with them Alberich bound.
Loge Here, kinsman, Thou canst sit down! Friend, look round thee; There lies the world That was thine for the winning, thou fool! ”

“ The foreground has become quite bright again, the light restoring to the aspect of the Gods its original freshness. The background, however, is still veiled by the mist so that the distant castle remains invisible. Fricka Sweetest of sisters! Lovely delight! Once more for mine have I won thee!
Fasolt
Keeping her off. Hold! Touch her not yet! Freia still is ours. On Riesenheim’s Rampart of rock Resting we stayed. The pledge we held In our hands we used Loyally. With deep regret, I bring her back now In case ye brothers Can ransom her. Wotan Prepared lies the ransom ”

“ He throws the ring on the hoard. The giants release Freia; she hastens joyfully to the Gods, who caress her in turns for a space, with every manifestation of delight. Fasolt
To Fafner. Hold there, greedy one! Grant me my portion! Honest division Best for both is. ”

“ He takes Fricka's hand and walks slowly with her towards the bridge. Froh, Freia, and Donner follow. Loge
Remaining in the foreground and looking after the Gods. They are hasting on to their end,
They who dream they are strong and enduring. ”

“ Fafner Hey! Come hither, And stop me this cranny! Loge Greedy grumblers! Can ye not see The gold is all gone?
Fafner Not the whole, friend! On Wotan’s finger Shines a golden ring still;
Give that to close up the crevice!
Wotan What! Give my ring? Loge Be ye counselled! The Rhine-Maidens Must have the gold; Wotan will give them what theirs is.
Falner
“Hey! ”