"Nay," she answered always; "I cannot rest because I hear Hunding's hounds who would tear thee in pieces, if they caught thee." At that very moment they heard the blast of Hunding's horn in the distance.
"There he comes with all his kinsmen at his back, and they will surely overwhelm thee," she cried in distress; and fell fainting with fear.
As Siegmund placed her tenderly upon the ground, Brünnhilde came toward them from the cavern, leading her horse.
Scene IV
She regarded Siegmund sorrowfully and said in a troubled voice:
"I have come to call thee hence, Siegmund." The youth stared at her curiously.
"Who art thou?" he asked.
"I am Brünnhilde, the Valkyrie; and whoever I look upon must die."
"Not I," Siegmund answered, incredulously. "I fight with the enchanted sword of Wotan. My life is charmed. I cannot die."
"Alas!" she answered, then paused. Presently she spoke again. "Whoever looks upon me must die, Siegmund," she said earnestly.