[They vanish.

HOTHER. There's nought but sorcery upon these mountains!
They've vanished! Do I dream to-day? Where am I?
Sight, feeling, reason are alike enchanted!
But here, ye gods! here in my bosom rages
The magic--Vanfred's poison. Nanna, Nanna!
Shall I mistrust thee, then--shall I, thy Hother?

[He places the two spears against a tree, whereon he hangs his shield.
That which the first VALKYRIER gave him he retains in his hand.

The fire which love enkindles
First warms with bliss the heart,
But soon, ah! soon the traitor
Awaketh burning smart!
Love's flame at first discloses
Pure innocence alone;
But quickly by its splendour
A deed of guilt is shown.
O love! thy bliss is vanish'd,
Thy flame extinguish quite,
For in my bride black falsehood
Now only meets my sight.

NANNA, HOTHER.

NANNA (who has stood at the entrance of the scene, and has heard the
latter part of Hother's song). I overheard thee, weak, ignoble Hother!