When thou didst solemnly promise
To ransom the noble pledge.
LOGE
Perplexed to puzzle,
Plans to ponder
For its redeeming—
That promise I gave;
But to discover
What cannot be,
What none can do,
No man can possibly promise.
FRICKA
See the treacherous
Rogue thou didst trust!
FROH
Named art Loge,
But liar I call thee!
DONNER
Accursèd flame,
I will quench thy fire!
LOGE
From their shame to shelter,
Foolish folk flout me.
[Donner threatens to strike Loge.
WOTAN
[Stepping between them.
Forbear and let him alone!
Ye wot not Loge's wiles.
His advice,
Given slowly, gains
Both in weight and in worth.
FAFNER
Do not dally;
Promptly pay!
FASOLT
Long waits our reward.
WOTAN
[Turns sternly to Loge.
Speak up surly one!
Fail me not!
How far hast thou ranged and roamed?
LOGE
Still with reproach
Is Loge paid!
Concerned but for thee,
Thorough and swift,
I searched and ransacked
To the ends of the earth
To find a ransom for Freia
Fair to the giants and just.
In vain the search,
Convincing at last
That the world contains
Nothing so sweet
That a man will take it instead
Of woman's love and delight.
[All seem surprised and taken aback.
Where life moves and has being,
In water, earth and air
I questioned,
Asking of all things,
Where weak still is strength,
And germs only stirring,
What men thought dear—
And stronger deemed—
Than woman's love and delight.
But where life moves and has being
My questions met
But with laughter and scorn.
In water, earth and air
Woman and love
Will none forego.
[Varied gestures of amazement.