nd possesses so keen an edge
that he cleaves the huge anvil in two with a single stroke.

While Siegfried is thus busily employed, Mime, dreading the
man who knows no fear, and to whom he has been told his head
was forfeit, concocts a poisonous draught. This he intends to
administer to the young hero as soon as the frightful dragon
is slain, for he has artfully incited the youth to go forth and
attack the monster, in hope of learning the peculiar sensation
of fear, which he has never yet known.

In another cave, in the depths of the selfsame dense forest,
is Alberich the dwarf, Mime's brother and former master. He
mounts guard night and day over the Neidhole, where Fafnir,
the giant dragon, gloats over his gold. It is night and the
darkness is so great that the entrance to the Neidhole only dimly
appears. The storm wind rises and sweeps through the woods,
rustling all the forest leaves. It subsides however almost as
soon as it has risen, and Wotan, still disguised as a Wanderer,
appears in the moonlight, to the great alarm of the wily dwarf.
A moment's examination suffices to enable him to recognise his
quondam foe, whom he maliciously taunts with the loss of the
ring, for well he knows the god cannot take back what he has
once given away.

Wotan, however, seems in no wise inclined to resent this taunting
speech, but warns Alberich of the approach of Mime, accompanied
by a youth who knows no fear, and whose keen blade will slay
the monster. He adds that the youth will appropriate the hoard,
ere he rouses Fafnir to foretell the enemy's coming. Then he
disappears with the usual accompaniment of rushing winds and
rumbling thunder.

The warning which Alberich would fain disbelieve is verified,
as soon as the morning breaks, by the appearance of Siegfried and
Mime. The latter is acting as guide, and eagerly points out the
mighty dragon's lair. But even then the youth still refuses to
tremble, and when Mime describes Fafnir's fiery breath, coiling
tail, and impenetrable hide, he good-naturedly declares he will
save his most telling blow until the monster's side is exposed,
and he can plunge Nothung deep into his gigantic breast.

Thus forewarned against the dragon's various modes of attack,
Siegfried advances boldly, while Mime prudently retires to a
place of safety. He is closely watched by Alberich, who crouches
unseen in his cave. Siegfried seats himself on the bank to wait
for the dragon's awakening, and beguiles