[Wotan gazes thoughtfully before him.
DONNER [Turning to the giants with a resolute air.
Hark, ye giants!
Come back and wait still!
The gold we give you also.
FRICKA
Ah, dare I hope it?
Deem ye Holda
Worthy of such a price?
[All look at Wotan in suspense; he, rousing himself from deep thought, grasps his spear and swings it in token of having come to a bold decision.
WOTAN
To me, Freia,
For thou art free!
Bought back for aye,
Youth everlasting, return!
Here, giants, take ye the ring!
[He throws the ring on the hoard. The giants release Freia; she hastens joyfully to the Gods, who caress her in turns for a space, with every manifestation of delight.
FASOLT [To Fafner.
Hold there, greedy one!
Grant me my portion!
Honest division
Best for both is.
FAFNER
More on the maid than the gold
Thou wert set, love-sick fool,
And much against
Thy will the exchange was.
Sharing not, Freia
Thou wouldst have wooed for thy bride;
Sharing the gold,
It is but just
That the most of it should be mine.
FASOLT
Infamous thief!
Taunts? And to me!
[To the Gods.
Come judge ye between us;
Halve ye the hoard
As seems to you just!
[Wotan turns away in contempt.
Let him have the treasure;
Hold to what matters: the ring!
FASOLT