the time by trying to
imitate the songs of the birds, which he would fain understand
quite clearly. As all his efforts result in failure, Siegfried
soon casts aside the reed with which he had tried to reproduce
their liquid notes, and, winding his horn, boldly summons Fafnir
to come forth and encounter him in single fight.

This challenge immediately brings forth the frightful dragon. To
Siegfried's surprise he can still talk like a man. After a
few of the usual amenities, the fight begins. Mindful of his
boast, Siegfried skilfully parries every blow, evades the fiery
breath, lashing tail, and dangerous claws, and, biding his time,
thrusts his sword up to the very hilt in the giant's heart.

With his dying breath, the monster tells the youth of the
curse which accompanies his hoard, and, rolling over, dies
in terrible convulsions. The young hero, seeing the monster
is dead, withdraws his sword from the wound; but as he does
so a drop of the fiery blood falls upon his naked hand. The
intolerable smarting sensation it produces causes him to put
it to his lips to allay the pain. No sooner has he done so
than he suddenly becomes aware that a miracle has happened,
for he can understand the songs of all the forest birds.

Listening wonderingly, Siegfried soon hears a bird overhead
warning him to possess himself of the tarn-helmet and magic ring,
and proclaiming that the treasure of the Nibelungs is now his
own. He immediately thanks the bird for its advice, and vanishes
into the gaping Neidhole in search of the promised treasures:--

'Hi! Siegfried shall have now
The Nibelungs' hoard,
For here in the hole
It awaits his hand!
Let him not turn from the tarn-helm,
It leads to tasks of delight;
But finds he a ring for his finger,
The world he will rule with his will.'

Alberich and Mime, who have been trembling with fear as long as
the conflict raged, now timidly venture out of their respective
hiding places. Then only they become aware of each other's
intention to hasten into the cave and appropriate the treasure,
and begin a violent quarrel. It is brought to a speedy close,
however, by the reappearance of Siegfried wearing the glittering
helmet, armour, and magic ring.

The mere appearance of this martial young figure causes both
dwarfs to slink back to their hiding places, while the birds
resume their song. They warn Siegfried to distrust Mime,
who is even then approaching with the