here was
Hagen, his son.

MIMI. Hagen!

GERALD. He killed the hero, Siegfried.

MIMI. Yes, yes!

GERALD. And then there was Mimi.

MIMI. Ah! Mimi!

GERALD. He was a very famous smith.

MIMI. [Eagerly.] You know all about them! Somebody has been there!

GERALD. What do you mean?

MIMI. Would you like to see those Nibelungs?

GERALD. [Laughing.] Why... I wouldn't mind.

MIMI. You would like to see them dancing in the moonlight, and hear the
clatter of their trinkets and shields? You would like to meet old King
Alberich, and Mimi the smith? You would like to see that cavern yawn
open... [points to right] and fire and steam break forth, and all the
Nibelungs come running out? Would you like that? ha?

GERALD. Indeed I would!

MIMI. You wouldn't be afraid?

GERALD. No, I don't think so.

MIMI. But are you sure?

GERALD. Yes... sure!

MIMI. All right! You wear my magic ring! You wait till night comes! Then
you play! [Puts away trinkets.] I must go now.

GERALD. [Perplexed.] What do you want for your ring?

MIMI. It is not for sale. I give it.

GERALD. What!

MIMI. Money could not buy it. [Takes up pack.] I came to you because you
play that music.

GERALD. But I can't... it...

MIMI. It is yours... you are a poet! [Starts left.] Is this the way?

GERALD. Yes. But I don't like to...

MIMI. Keep it! You will see! Good-bye!

GERALD. But wait!

MIMI. It is late. I must go. Good-night.

[Exit left.]

GERALD. Good-night. [Stands staring.] Well, I'll be switched! If that
wasn't a queer old customer! [Looks at ring.] It feels like real gold!
[Peers after MIMI.] What in the world did he mean, anyhow? The magic
ring! I hope he doesn't get lost in those woods to-night. [Turns to
fire.] Confound that fire! It's out for good now! Let it go. [Sits, and
takes music score.] Nibelungs! They are realer than anybody guesses.
People who spend their lives in digging for gold, and know and care
about nothing else. How many of them I've met at mother's dinner
parties! Well, I must get to my work now. [Makes a few notes; then
looks up and stretches.] Ah, me! I don't know what makes me so lazy this
evening. This strange heaviness! There seems to be a spell on me. [Gazes
about.] How beautiful these woods are at sunset! If I were a Nibelung,
I'd come here for certain! [Settles himself, reclining; shadows begin to
fall; music from orchestra.] I'm good for nothing but dreaming... I wish
Estelle were here to sing t