MIME, howling.
"Ohé! Ohé!
Oh! Oh!"
ALBERICH
What is there to finish?
MIME [Embarrassed.
Here—and there——
ALBERICH
How here and there?
Hand me the thing!
[He tries to catch hold of his ear again. In his terror Mime drops a piece of metal-work which he has been clutching convulsively. Alberich picks it up hastily and examines it with care.
Rogue, observe!
See how all wrought is
Well finished and feat,
Done as desired!
The simpleton wants
Slyly to trick me
And keep by cunning
The wonderful work,
Though all his skill
Came alone from my craft.
Thou art discovered, thief.
[He puts the Tarnhelm on his head.
The helmet fits the head;
But will the spell prosper too?
[Very softly.
"Night and darkness,
Seen of none!"
[He vanishes, and a pillar of cloud takes his place.