Volume 9 / Act 2 — SCENE I
Reading edition
Enter RUMOLT and GISELHER, meeting.
GISELHER.
Now, Rumolt, will a single tree be left? For weeks now thou hast brought whole forests in And grimly thou provid'st the wedding feast, As if men, dwarfs, and elves were all to come.
RUMOLT.
I make me ready, and if I should find A single kettle that's not full enough, I'll seize the lazy cook and throw him in And use the scullion-boy to stir the stew.
GISELHER.
Art thou so certain what the end will be?
RUMOLT.
I am, for Siegfried woos. The man who takes Two noble princes captive, sends them home As though they were no more than frightened hares, Will not be daunted by a witch-wife now.
GISELHER.
There thou art right! We have good hostages Since we have Lüdegast and Lüdeger! They meant to bring a host of armèd men, A greater than e'er Burgundy had seen. Yet humbly here as prisoners they came, Nor needed any guard upon their way. So cook, my man, we shall not want for guests!
[GERENOT enters.]
And here's the hunter!
GERENOT.
But he brings no game! I was upon the tower and saw the Rhine All covered o'er with ships.
RUMOLT.
It is the bride! I'll send my men to drive the beasts about, That from the noisy turmoil in the court The sound shall reach afar and prove to her The welcome that awaits her!
[Trumpets are heard.]
GERENOT.
'Tis too late!