[Siegfried in his travels, on one of the new adventures his muse Bruennhilde inspired him to undertake, having heard Gunther’s reputation on the Rhine, has rowed his boat upstream to present himself at Gunther’s Court, Gibichung Hall:]
“([[ #155 ]]: At Gunther’s invitation, Siegfried advances into the hall.)
Gunther: [[ #155 Loose Vari >>> ]] Greet gladly, o hero, my father’s hall; wherever you tread, whatever you see, now treat it as your own: yours are my birthright, lands and men – by my body I swear this oath! [[ #155 ]]; #71 vari “Hero” or #92c?) Myself I give you as liegeman! [[ #155 Vari ]]
Siegfried: I can offer you neither lands nor men, (#152?) nor a father’s house and court: (#71) I only inherited this body of mine; (#141) living, I waste it away. (#120 counter-melody; #109/#41) I’ve only a sword which I forged myself – [[ #155 ]] by that sword I swear this oath! With myself I present it as part of the bond.
Hagen: (Having returned [from putting Siegfried’s reluctant horse, Bruennhilde’s Grane, in the stable], now standing behind Siegfried: #151/#46/#41 >>) But the tale names you Lord of the Nibelung Hoard.
Siegfried: (Turning to Hagen: #117?; #5 Vari; #41) I’d almost forgotten the treasure, so little I treasure its barren worth. (#117?) I left it lying inside a cave (#48) where a dragon used to guard it.
Hagen: (#41) And did you take nothing from it? (#40 Vari; #117?)
Siegfried: (#41; #13, #15, &/or #16?) This metalwork piece, not knowing its power.
Hagen: (#41 Vari) I recognize the Tarnhelm, the Nibelungs’ artful device: (#42) when it covers your head, it serves to change you to any shape; (#43) if you want to go to the farthest spot, it transports you there in a trice. – (#41) You took nothing else from the hoard?
Siegfried: (#17>#19 Vari) A Ring.
Hagen: (#150?; #37 Fragment?) You’re keeping it safe? (#150)
Siegfried: (Tenderly) A glorious woman is keeping it safe. (#149?)
Hagen: (Aside: #41 Vari) Bruennhild’!
Gunther: [[ #155 Vari >> ]] I want nothing, Siegfried, by way of exchange; I would give mere dross for your jewels if you took all my wealth [“Gut”] in return! I serve you gladly without reward.
(Hagen has gone over to Gutrune’s door and now opens it. Gutrune comes out, carrying a filled drinking horn, which she takes over to Siegfried.)
