Brother, canst see me?
MIME [Looks round in amaze.
Where art thou? I see no one.
ALBERICH [Invisible.
Then feel me instead,
Thou lazy scamp!
Take that for thy thievish thoughts!
MIME
[Writhes under the lathes he receives, the sound of which is heard without the whip being seen.
Ohé! Ohé!
Oh! Oh! Oh!
ALBERICH [Invisible and laughing.
Ha! ha! ha!
Ha! ha! ha!
I thank thee, blockhead;
Thy work has stood the test.
Hoho! Hoho!
Nibelungs all
Bow now to Alberich!
For he is everywhere,
Waiting and watching;
Peace and rest
Are past for ever;
Ye must all serve him,
Though see him can none;
Where he cannot be spied
Look out for his coming;
None shall escape from his thraldom!
[Harshly.
Hoho! hoho!
Hearken, he nears:
The Nibelung's lord!
[The pillar of cloud disappears in the background. Alberich's scolding voice is heard more and more faintly. Mime lies huddled up in pain. Wotan and Loge come down through a cleft in the rock.
LOGE
Nibelheim here.
Through pale mists gleaming,
How bright yonder fiery sparks glimmer!
MIME
Oh! Oh! Oh!
WOTAN
I hear loud groans.
Who lies on the ground?