Oh, holy father, Thou knowest not!

DANKWART.

Princess, thy grief is sacred, But yet unjust and blind. Our warriors here, Our n.o.blest will bear witness--

[_Meanwhile the door has been closed and the body is no longer visible._]

KRIEMHILD (_who observes this_). Halt! Who dares--

[_She hastens to the door._]

UTE.

Stop, stop! He was but gently lifted up As thou thyself would'st wish.

KRIEMHILD.

Oh, give him back!

Else they will rob me, they will bury him Where I shall never find him!

CHAPLAIN.

To the church!

I'll follow him, for now he's G.o.d's alone.

[_Exit._]

SCENE VIII

KRIEMHILD.

So be it! To the church!

(_To GUNTHER._)

'Twas robbers then?

I bid thee gather all thy kindred there To try the test of murder.

GUNTHER.

Be it so.

KRIEMHILD.

But bring them one and all, for now I find That some are missing. Call the absent too!

[_Exeunt omnes; the men and women by different doors._]

SCENE IX

_In the cathedral. Torches. The Chaplain with other priests is at one side before an iron door. At the main entrance of the cathedral about sixty of_ HAGEN's _kindred are a.s.sembled. Finally_ HAGEN, GUNTHER _and the others. Knocking is heard._

CHAPLAIN.

Who knocks

VOICE FROM WITHOUT.

A great king from the Netherlands Whose crowns are as the fingers on his hands.

CHAPLAIN.

I know him not.

[_The knocking is repeated._]

Who knocks?

VOICE FROM WITHOUT.

A warrior brave, Whose trophies are as many as his teeth.

CHAPLAIN.

I know him not.

[_The knocking is repeated._]

Who knocks?

VOICE FROM WITHOUT.

Thy brother Siegfried, Whose sins are as the hairs upon his head.

CHAPLAIN.

Then open!

[_The door is opened and_ SIEGFRIED's _body is brought in on the bier._ KRIEMHILD _and_ UTE _with their maidens follow him._]

CHAPLAIN (_turning toward the bier_).

Thou art welcome, my dead brother, For peace thou seekest here!