HAGEN. What do they want?
GER. They don't condescend to tell us that. They simply inform us that the woods are guarded, and that anyone who tries to leave the camp will be shot.
EST. [In fright.] Prince Hagen!
[HAGEN stands motionless.]
GER. [Solemnly.] Hagen, the game is up!
HAGEN. [In deep thought.] Yes. The game is up. [A pause.] Gerald!
GER. Well?
HAGEN. [Points to violin.] Play!
GER. [Startled.] No!
HAGEN. Play!
GER. You will go?
HAGEN. Yes. I will go. But I will come back! Play! [GERALD takes the violin and plays the Nibelung theme.] Louder!
GERALD plays the Nibelung music, which is taken up by the orchestra and mounts to a climax, in the midst of which HAGEN pronounces a sort of incantation.
Mimi! Mimi! Open the gates of wonderland! Bring back the mood of phantasy, and wake us from our evil dream!
Silence. Then answering echoes of the music are heard, faintly, from the fireplace. There are rappings and murmurings underground, rumbling and patter of feet, and all the sounds of Nibelheim. As the music swells louder, the trap doors slide open, and MIMI appears, amid steam and glare of light. ESTELLE sees him, and recoils in terror. A company of Nibelungs emerge one by one. They peer about timidly, recognize
HAGEN, and with much trepidation approach him. MIMI clasps his hand, and they surround him with joyful cries. He moves toward the fireplace, and the steam envelops him.
EST. [Starts toward him, stretching out her arms to him.] Prince
Hagen!
HAGEN. Farewell!
He gradually retires, and disappears with the Nibelungs. The orchestra sounds the motive of Siegfried Triumphant.
CURTAIN