Part 15 (1/2)

But on he went, blowing his horn, until at length the sea of flames slowly sank to earth.

The redness of the sky gave way to blue, and all grew clear and beautiful.

Siegfried looked upon the sleeping figure.

All the world seemed wrapped in silence. Not a leaf moved on the trees.

There was not a sound to mar that perfect sleep.

Siegfried looked in wonder at the s.h.i.+ning coat of mail.

”It is some valiant knight,” he whispered.

”How heavy seems the armor. It should be lifted so that he may rest better.”

Carefully Siegfried lifted the glittering s.h.i.+eld and laid it to one side.

Eagerly he raised the helmet. There fell a ma.s.s of waving golden hair.

”A burst of glorious suns.h.i.+ne,” whispered Siegfried.

Then he sought to loosen the rings that held the coat of mail.

Finding it difficult, he drew his sword and cut them.

The s.h.i.+ning armor fell jingling to the ground.

The soft white folds of her woman's gown fell loosely about her.

Siegfried started back and stared in silence.

He trembled from head to foot.

He pressed his hand to his fast-beating heart.

”At last!” he cried. ”At last! I know what fear is.”

THE AWAKENING

At length Siegfried went softly to Brunhilde's side.

He stood and looked upon her sweet, heroic face, and love came into his heart.

Bending low, he tenderly kissed her.

Brunhilde slowly opened her eyes.

She looked up at the blue sky and the smiling sun, and cried:--