Part 2 (1/2)

”Build it, Fafner,” said Wotan.

That night Wotan and his family lay down upon their mountain to sleep.

Wotan dreamed of a wonderful stone castle with glittering towers.

He dreamed he saw the castle gleaming in the morning sun.

[Ill.u.s.tration: WOTAN]

THE MORNING

It was morning in the beautiful country where the Rhine River flows.

The giants upon the hillside were just awakening from their night's sleep.

During the night Fafner had built the wonderful castle.

Wotan's wife was the first to see it.

”Awake, Wotan! Awake!” she cried.

As Wotan opened his eyes he saw the castle upon the summit of the mountain.

What a great s.h.i.+ning castle it was!

In delight Wotan cried: ”'T is finished! And my glorious dream is true!”

All night long Fafner had toiled hard.

He finished just as the morning dawned.

He was waiting now for Wotan to awaken and to give to him the beautiful Freya.

He would take her and hurry to his own country.

THE PAYMENT

”While you slept I built the castle,” said Fafner. ”Now I am ready for the payment.”

”What payment do you want?” asked Wotan.

”What payment do I want?” shouted Fafner. ”Surely you have not forgotten your promise? The price was Freya, and I shall take her home with me.”

”Oh, that was only in jest,” said Wotan. ”I could not think of letting Freya go. But I shall pay you well for the castle. I shall give you something else that will be just as good for you.”

Fafner grew very angry and screamed:--

”Cease your foolish talk. I built your beautiful stone palace. I drudged and toiled and heaped the ma.s.sive rocks. Each stone lies firm and solid in its place, and I will have my pay!”