"How heavy seems the armor. It should be lifted so that he may rest
better."

Carefully Siegfried lifted the glittering shield and laid it to one
side.

Eagerly he raised the helmet. There fell a mass of waving golden hair.
"A burst of glorious sunshine," whispered Siegfried.

Then he sought to loosen the rings that held the coat of mail.

Finding it difficult, he drew his sword and cut them.

The shining armor fell jingling to the ground.

The soft white folds of her woman's gown fell loosely about her.

Siegfried started back and stared in silence.

He trembled from head to foot.

He pressed his hand to his fast-beating heart.

"At last!" he cried. "At last! I know what fear is."


THE AWAKENING

At length Siegfried went softly to Brunhilde's side.