GUNTHER (to SIEGFRIED).
Hast thou then boasted?
SIEGFRIED (laying his hand on KRIEMHILD's head).
By her life I swear,
I never did.
HAGEN.
No oath is needed here!
He only told the truth.
SIEGFRIED.
And even that
Upon compulsion!
HAGEN. That I do not doubt!
The tale can wait the telling. 'Tis our part
To separate the women, for we know
That serpents' crests may ever rise again
If they too soon gaze in each other's eyes.
SIEGFRIED.
I'm soon departing hence. Come, Kriemhild, come!
KRIEMHILD (to BRUNHILDA).