Lyrics: Richard Wagner/Andrew Porter
Music: Richard Wagner
Wearisome labour!
Work till I drop!
The strongest sword
I struggle to make,
an amazing weapon,
fit for a giant:
but when I have made it,
that insolent Siegfried
just laughs and snaps it in two,
as though I’d made him a toy!
I know one sword
that could not be shattered:
Notung’s fragments
he never would break,
if only I could forge
those pieces,
if but my skill
could achieve that deed!
If I could forge those fragments,
all my shame would change into joy!
Fafner, the mighty dragon,
lies there within these woods
and protects with his monstrous bulk
the Niblung gold,
guarding it well.
Siegfried’s conquering strength
could quickly lay Fafner low:
the Niblung’s ring
would then come to me.
And one sword’s all that I need,
and Notung only will serve,
when Siegfried deals him the blow:
and I cannot forge it,
Notung, the sword!
Wearisome labour!
Work till I drop!
The strongest sword
that ever I make
will prove too weak
for that one mighty deed!
I tinker and tap away
because Siegfried commands:
he laughs and snaps it in two,
and scolds me, if I don’t work!