Sleeping, and clad in bright mail,
A woman lovely and dear.
The hard helmet
I loosened with care,
And waked the maid with my kiss.
Ah, then the burning, sweet embrace
Of Brünnhild's rapturous arms!

GUNTHER

[Springing up in the greatest consternation.

What says he?

[Two ravens fly up out of a bush, circle above Siegfried, and then fly away towards the Rhine.

HAGEN

Didst understand
What the ravens there said?

[Siegfried starts up suddenly, and, turning his back to Hagen, looks after the ravens. Hagen thrusts his spear into Siegfried's back.

HAGEN

Vengeance—that was the word!