Wotan's heart ached at the thought of failing this friend he loved so
well.

On Siegmund were centered all his hopes. Yet he feared to refuse his
wife's request.

Quarrels and strife must not come into Valhalla.

He threw himself upon a rocky seat and hung his head and thought in
silence.

At length he said:--

"I promise. From Siegmund I withdraw my aid."


WOTAN AND BRUNHILDE

Now that Wotan's wife had gained his promise, she turned back to
Valhalla.

Wotan buried his face in his hand and cried out in despair:--

"Oh, woe and shame upon the giants! What I love best I must give up. I
lose the friend I hold most dear. All my hopes are vanishing. A short
time and the giants will be no more."

Loudly he moaned: "This is the curse that clutched me when I snatched
the glittering gold."