Henrik Ibsen - Loves Comedy_8367

ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html &Prefatory Materials HThis is a modified etext created by GutenMarkŠ software. Any comments below about etext preparation refer to the originalô, and not to this modified version of the etext. No individuals named below bear responsibility for changes to the text. ”The Project Gutenberg eBook, Love s Comedy, by Henrik Ibsen, Translated by C. H. Herford €This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or †re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included \with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org *Title: Love s Comedy *Author: Henrik Ibsen VRelease Date: June 22, 2006 [eBook #18657] $Language: English \Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) p***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LOVE S COMEDY*** >E-text prepared by Douglas Levy ZThe Collected Works of Henrik Ibsen, Volume I LOVE S COMEDY 8Translation by C. H. Herford INTRODUCTION* *Koerlighedens Komedie¤ was published at Christiania in 1862. The polite world -so far as such a thing existed at the time in the Northern capital -received it with an outburst of indignation now entirely easy to understand. It has indeed faults enough. The character-drawing is often crude, the action, though full of effective by-play, extremely slight, and the sensational climax has little relation to human nature as exhibited in Norway, or out of it, at that or any other time. But the sting lay in the unflattering veracity of the piece as a whole; in the merciless portrayal of the trivialities of persons, or classes, high in their own esteem; in the unexampled effrontery of bringing a clergyman upon the stage. All these have long since passed in Scandinavia, into the category of the things which people take with their Ibsen as a matter of course, and the play is welcomed with delight by every Scandinavian audience. But in 1862 the matter was serious, and Ibsen meant it to be so. ę For they were years of ferment -those six or seven which intervened between his return to Christiania from Bergen in 1857, and his departure for Italy in 1864. As director of the newly founded Norwegian Theatre, Ibsen was a prominent member of the little knot of brilliant young writers who led the nationalist revolt against Danish literary tradition, then still dominant in well-to-do, and especially in official Christiania. Well-to-do and official Christiania met the revolt with contempt. Under such conditions, the specific literary battle of the Norwegian with the Dane easily developed into the eternal warfare of youthful idealism with respectability and convention. Ibsen had already started work upon the greatest of his Norse Histories - The Pretenders . But history was for him little more than material for the illustration of modern problems; and he turned with zest from the task of breathing his own spirit into the stubborn mould of the thirteenth century, to hold up the satiric mirror to the suburban drawing-rooms of Christiania, and to the varied phenomena current there, -and in suburban drawing-rooms elsewhere, -under the name of Love. Yet Love s ComedyF is much more than a satire, and its exuberant humour has a bitter core; the laughter that rings through it is the harsh, implacable laughter of Carlyle. His criticism of commonplace love-making is at first sight harmless and ordinary enough. The ceremonial formalities of the continental VerlobungĚ, the shrill raptures of aunts and cousins over the engaged pair, the satisfied smile of enterprising Page 1 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html mater - familias& as she reckons up the tale of daughters or of nieces safely married off under her auspices; or, again, the embarrassments incident to a prolonged Brautstand following a hasty wooing, the deadly effect of familiarity upon a shallow affection, and the anxious efforts to save the appearance of romance when its zest has departed -all these things had yielded such comedy as they possess to many others before Ibsen, and an Ibsen was not needed to evoke it. But if we ask what, then, is the right way from which these cosmic personages in their several fashions diverge; what is the condition which will secure courtship from ridicule, and marriage from disillusion, Ibsen abruptly parts company with all his predecessors. Of course, reply the rest in chorus, a deep and sincere love ; together, add some, with prudent good sense. The prudent good sense Ibsen allows; but he couples with it the startling paradox that the first condition of a happy marriage is the absence of love, and the first condition of an enduring love is the absence of marriage. d The student of the latter-day Ibsen is naturally somewhat taken aback to find the grim poet of Doubt, whose task it seems to be to apply a corrosive criticism to modern institutions in general and to marriage in particular, gravely defending the marriage of convenience. And his amazement is not diminished by the sense that the author of this plea for the loveless marriage, which poets have at all times scorned and derided, was himself beyond question happily, married. The truth is that there are two men in Ibsen -an idealist, exalted to the verge of sentimentality, and a critic, hard, inexorable, remorseless, to the verge of cynicism. What we call his social philosophy is a modus vivendi arrived at between them. Both agree in repudiating marriage for love ; but the idealist repudiates it in the name of love, the critic in the name of marriage. Love, for the idealist Ibsen, is a passion which loses its virtue when it reaches its goal, which inspires only while it aspires, and flags bewildered when it attains. Marriage, for the critic Ibsen, is an institution beset with pitfalls into which those are surest to step who enter it blinded with love. In the latter dramas the tragedy of married life is commonly generated by other forms of blindness -the childish innocence of Nora, the maidenly ignorance of Helena Alving, neither of whom married precisely for love ; here it is blind Love alone who, to the jealous eye of the critic, plays the part of the Serpent in the Edens of wedded bliss. There is, it is clear, an element of unsolved contradiction in Ibsen s thought; -Love is at once so precious and so deadly, a possession so glorious that all other things in life are of less worth, and yet capable of producing only disastrously illusive effects upon those who have entered into the relations to which it prompts. But with Ibsen -and it is a grave intellectual defect -there is an absolute antagonism between spirit and form. An institution is always with him, a shackle for the free life of souls, not an organ through which they attain expression; and since the institution of marriage cannot but be, there remains as the only logical solution that which he enjoins -to keep the soul s life out of it. To those about to marry, Ibsen therefore says in effect, Be sure you are not in love! And to those who are in love he says, Part! ¸ It is easy to understand the irony with which a man who thought thus of love contemplated the business of love-making, and the ceremonial discipline of Continental courtship. The whole unnumbered tribe of wooing and plighted lovers were for him unconscious actors in a world-comedy of Love s contriving -naive fools of fancy, passionately weaving the cords that are to strangle passion. Comedy like this cannot be altogether gay; and as each fresh romance decays into routine, and each aspiring passion goes out under the spell of a vulgar environment, or submits to the bitter salvation of a final parting, the ringing laughter grows harsh and hollow, and notes of ineffable sadness escape from the poet s Stoic self-restraint. 0 Ibsen had grown up in a school which cultivated the romantic, piquant, picturesque in style; which ran riot in wit, in vivacious and brilliant Page 2 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html imagery, in resonant rhythms and telling double rhymes. It must be owned that this was not the happiest school for a dramatist, nor can Love s Comedyâ be regarded, in the matter of style, as other than a risky experiment which nothing but the sheer dramatic force of an Ibsen could have carried through. As it is, there are palpable fluctuations, discrepancies of manner; the realism of treatment often provokes a realism of style out of keeping with the lyric afflatus of the verse; and we pass with little warning from the barest colloquial prose to the strains of high-wrought poetic fancy. Nevertheless, the style, with all its inequalities, becomes in Ibsen s hands a singularly plastic medium of dramatic expression. The marble is too richly veined for ideal sculpture, but it takes the print of life. The wit, exuberant as it is, does not coruscate indiscriminately upon all lips; and it has many shades and varieties -caustic, ironical, imaginative, playful, passionate -which take their temper from the speaker s mood. 6 The present version of the play retains the metres of the original, and follows it in general line for line. For a long passage, occupying substantially the first twenty pages, the translator is indebted to the editor of the present work; and two other passages - Falk s tirades on ppš.58 and 100 -result from a fusion of versions made independently by us both. T C. H. H. XCopyright, 1907, by Charles Scribner s Sons. LOVE S COMEDY *PERSONS OF Thé COMEDY Mrs . HalmD, widow of a government official. Svanhild and Anna", her daughters. Falk,, a young author, and LindH, a divinity student, her boarders. Guldstad0, a wholesale merchant. Page 3 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html Stiver , a law-clerk. Miss Jay , his fiancee. Strawman., a country clergyman. Mrs . Strawman , his wife. Students , Page 4 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html guests , married pairs . Thé Strawmans eight and plighted Page 5 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html little girls . Four aunts , A Page 6 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html Porter , domestic servants . s Villa on the Drammensvejen at Christiania. Scenep -Mrs. Halm LOVE S COMEDY $PLAY IN THREE ACTS Z[SVANHILD comes out on to the verandah with a Pflowering rose-tree which she sets down. ACT FIRST The scenel represents a pretty garden irregularly but tastefully t laid out; in the background are seen the fjord and the † islands. To the left is the house, with a verandah and an open ~ dormer window above; to the right in the foreground an open ‚ summer-house with a table and benches. The landscape lies in † bright afternoon sunshine. It is early summer; the fruit-trees $ are in flower. 0When the Curtain rises, Mrs . Halm , Anna Page 7 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html , and miss Jay are sitting „ on the verandah, the first two engaged in embroidery, the last ^ with a book. In the summer-house are seen Falk , Lind , Guldstad , and Page 8 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html Stiver^: a punch-bowl and glasses are on the table. \ sits alone in the background by the water. FalkJ [rises, lifts his glass, and sings]. B Sun-glad day in garden shady J Was but made for thy delight: H What though promises of May-day L Be annulled by Autumn s blight? J Apple-blossom white and splendid R Drapes thee in its glowing tent, J Let it, then, when day is ended, N Strew the closes storm-besprent. Svanhild Page 9 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html Chorus of gentlemen . L Let it, then, when day is ended, etc . Falk . R Wherefore seek the harvest s guerdon N While the tree is yet in bloom? P Wherefore drudge beneath the burden D Of an unaccomplished doom? P Wherefore let the scarecrow clatter H Day and night upon the tree? R Brothers mine, the sparrows chatter : Has a cheerier melody. Page 10 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html Chorus . V Brothers mine, the sparrow s chatter, Falk . R Happy songster! Wherefore scare him J From our blossom-laden bower? F Rather for his music spare him P All our future, flower by flower; N Trust me, twill be cheaply buying L Present song with future fruit; T List the proverb, Time is flying; H Soon our garden music s mute. etc . Page 11 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html Chorus . . List the proverb, etc . Falk . P I will live in song and gladness, L Then, when every bloom is shed, N Sweep together, scarce in sadness, J All that glory, wan and dead: \ Fling the gates wide! Bruise and batter, N Tear and trample, hoof and tusk; V I have plucked the flower, what matter J Who devours the withered husk! Page 12 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html Chorus . @ I have plucked the flower, etc . N [They clink and empty their glasses. Falk$ [to the ladies]. bThere -that s the song you asked me for; but pray NBe lenient to it -I can t think to-day. Guldstad . `Oh, never mind the sense -the sound s the thing. Miss Jay$ [looking round]. RBut Svanhild, who was eagerest to hear ? NWhen Falk began, she suddenly took wing And vanished Anna< [pointing towards the back]. \ No, for there she sits -I see her. Mrs . Halm [sighing]. nThat child! Heaven knows, she s past my comprehending! Miss Jay . VBut, Mr. Falk, I thought the lyric s ending HWas not so rich in -well, in poetry, LAs others of the stanzas seemed to be. Page 13 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html Stiver . X Why yes, and I am sure it could not tax ` Your powers to get a little more inserted Falk< [clinking glasses with him]. NYou cram it in, like putty into cracks, PTill lean is into streaky fat converted. - Page 14 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html Stiver [unruffled]. LYes, nothing easier -I, too, in my day &Could do the trick. Guldstad . Z Dear me! Wčré you a poet? Miss Jay . My Stiver! Yes! Page 15 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html Stiver . L Oh, in a humble way. Miss Jay$ [to the ladies]. .His nature is romantic. Mrs . Halm . R Yes, we know it. Page 16 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html Stiver . TNot now; it s ages since I turned a rhyme. Falk . TYes varnish and romance go off with time. *But in the old days ? Page 17 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html Stiver . \ Well, you see, twas when I was in love. Falk . N Is that time over, then? THave you slept off the sweet intoxication? Page 18 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html Stiver . TI m now engaged -I hold official station PThat s better than in love, I apprehend! Falk . fQuite so! You re in the right my good old friend. &The worst is past -,vous voila bien avance 8Promoted from mere lover to Page 19 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html fiance . Page 20 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html StiverX [with a smile of complacent recollection]. TIt s strange to think of it -upon my word, FI half suspect my memory of lying J [Turns to Falk . PBut seven years ago -it sounds absurd! HI wasted office hours in versifying. Falk . *What! Office hours ! Page 21 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html Stiver . X Yes, such were my transgressions. Guldstad2 [ringing on his glass]. PSilence for our solicitor s confessions! Page 22 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html Stiver . PBut chiefly after five, when I was free, LI d rattle off whole reams of poetry NTen -fifteen folios ere I went to bed Falk . LI see -you gave your Pegasus his head, "And off he tore - Page 23 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html Stiver . V On stamped or unstamped paper d Twas all the same to him -he d prance and caper Falk . VThe spring of poetry flowed no less flush? \But how, pray, did you teach it first to gush? - Page 24 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html Stiver . TBy aid of love s divining-rod, my friend! ZMiss Jay it was that taught me where to bore, My fiancee8 -she became so in the end $For then she was - Page 25 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. \ Your love and nothing more. *STIVER [continuing]. Z Twas a strange time; I could not read a bit; LI tuned my pen instead of pointing it; VAnd when along the foolscap sheet it raced, TIt twangled music to the words I traced; JAt last by letter I declared my flame To her -to her - Page 26 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. . Whose fiancee you became. STIVER. VIn course of post her answer came to hand TThe motion granted -judgment in my favour! Page 27 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. \And you felt bigger, as you wrote, and braver, `To find you d brought your venture safe to land! STIVER. Of course. Page 28 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. L And you bade the Muse farewell? STIVER. TI ve felt no lyric impulse, truth to tell, ^From that day forth. My vein appeared to peter BEntirely out; and now, if I essay TTo turn a verse or two for New Year s Day, VI make the veriest hash of rhyme and metre, VAnd -I ve no notion what the cause can be DIt turns to law and not to poetry. HGULDSTAD [clinks glasses with him]. `And trust me, you re no whit the worse for that! b [To Falk. \You think the stream of life is flowing solely TTo bear you to the goal you re aiming at JBut here I lodge a protest energetic, ^Say what you will, against its wretched moral. 4A masterly economy and new ZTo let the birds play havoc at their pleasure \Among your fruit-trees, fruitless now for you, \And suffer flocks and herds to trample through hYour garden, and lay waste its springtide treasure! PA pretty prospect, truly, for next year! Page 29 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. hOh, next, next, next! The thought I loathe and fear RThat these four letters timidly express LIt beggars millionaires in happiness! HIf I could be the autocrat of speech ^But for one hour, that hateful word I d banish; PI d send it packing out of mortal reach, RAs B and G from Knudsen s Grammar vanish. STIVER. XWhy should the word of hope enrage you thus? Page 30 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. XBecause it darkens God s fair earth for us. n Next year, next love, next life, -my soul is vext ZTo see this world in thraldom to the next. d Tis this dull forethought, bent on future prizes, TThat millionaires in gladness pauperises. VFar as the eye can reach, it blurs the age; LAll rapture of the moment it destroys; `No one dares taste in peace life s simplest joys NUntil he s struggled on another stage RAnd there arriving, can he there repose? NNo -to a new next off he flies again; NOn, on, unresting to the grave he goes; TAnd God knows if there s any resting then. MISS JAY. XFie, Mr. Falk, such sentiments are shocking. $ANNA [pensively]. NOh, I can understand the feeling quite; LI am sure at bottom Mr. Falk is right. ,MISS JAY [perturbed]. RMy Stiver mustn t listen to his mocking. JHe s rather too eccentric even now. (My dear, I want you. PSTIVER [occupied in cleaning his pipe]. R Presently, my dear. (GULDSTAD [to FALK]. ROne thing at least to me is very clear; JAnd this is that you cannot but allow RSome forethought indispensable. For see, \Suppose that you to-day should write a sonnet, dAnd, scorning forethought, you should lavish on it NYour last reserve, your all, of poetry, LSo that, to-morrow, when you set about jYour next song, you should find yourself cleaned out, lHeavens! how your friends the critics then would crow! Page 31 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. ^D you think they d notice I was bankrupt? No! DOnce beggared of ideas, I and they VWould saunter arm in arm the selfsame way b [Breaking off. bBut Lind! why, what s the matter with you, pray? bYou sit there dumb and dreaming -I suspect you re LDeep in the mysteries of architecture. 6LIND [collecting himself]. DI? What should make you think so? Page 32 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. Z I observe. XYour eyes are glued to the verandah yonder VYou re studying, mayhap, its arches curve, \Or can it be its pillars strength you ponder, ZThe door perhaps, with hammered iron hinges? ^From something there your glances never wander. Page 33 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. ^No, you are wrong -I m just absorbed in being pDrunk with the hour -naught craving, naught foreseeing. VI feel as though I stood, my life complete, \With all earth s riches scattered at my feet. \Thanks for your song of happiness and spring ZFrom out my inmost heart it seemed to spring. n [Lifts his glass and exchanges a glance, unobserved, with ANNA. ZHere s to the blossom in its fragrant pride! RWhat reck we of the fruit of autumn-tide? X [Empties his glass. ZFALK [looks at him with surprise and emotion, > but assumes a light tone]. ^Behold, fair ladies! though you scorn me quite, HHere I have made an easy proselyte. \His hymn-book yesterday was all he cared for XTo-day e en dithyrambics he s prepared for! RWe poets must be born, cries every judge; hBut prose-folks, now and then, like Strasburg geese, FGorge themselves so inhumanly obese ROn rhyming balderdash and rhythmic fudge, dThat, when cleaned out, their very souls are thick HWith lyric lard and greasy rhetoric. V [To LIND. RYour praise, however, I shall not forget; TWe ll sweep the lyre henceforward in duet. MISS JAY. TYou, Mr. Falk, are hard at work, no doubt, RHere in these rural solitudes delightful, ZWhere at your own sweet will you roam about *MRS. HALM [smiling]. XOh, no, his laziness is something frightful. MISS JAY. fWhat! here at Mrs. Halm s! that s most surprising TSurely it s just the place for poetising j [Pointing to the right. XThat summer-house, for instance, in the wood RSequestered, name me any place that could DBe more conducive to poetic mood - Page 34 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. ^Let blindness veil the sunlight from mine eyes, \I ll chant the splendour of the sunlit skies! LJust for a season let me beg or borrow RA great, a crushing, a stupendous sorrow, `And soon you ll hear my hymns of gladness rise! bBut best, Miss Jay, to nerve my wings for flight, PFind me a maid to be my life, my light `For that incitement long to heaven I ve pleaded; VBut hitherto, worse luck, it hasn t heeded. MISS JAY. What levity! MRS. HALM. B Yes, most irreverent! Page 35 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. FPray don t imagine it was my intent bTo live with her on bread and cheese and kisses. VNo! just upon the threshold of our blisses, ^Kind Heaven must snatch away the gift it lent. HI need a little spiritual gymnastic; \The dose in that form surely would be drastic. SVANHILD. h[Has during the talk approached; she stands close to t the table, and says in a determined but whimsical tone: RI ll pray that such may be your destiny. VBut, when it finds you -bear it like a man. DFALK [turning round in surprise]. \Miss Svanhild! -well, I ll do the best I can. HBut think you I may trust implicitly NTo finding your petitions efficacious? `Heaven as you know, to faith alone is gracious ^And though you ve doubtless will enough for two LTo make me bid my peace of mind adieu, ZHave you the faith to carry matters through? *That is the question. 2SVANHILD [half in jest]. X Wait till sorrow comes, bAnd all your being s springtide chills and numbs, `Wait till it gnaws and rends you, soon and late, JThen tell me if my faith is adequate. L [She goes across to the ladies. 4MRS. HALM [aside to her]. TCan you two never be at peace? you ve made LPoor Mr. Falk quite angry, I m afraid. r[Continues reprovingly in a low voice. MISS JAY joins in hthe conversation. SVANHILD remains cold and silent. €FALK [after a pause of reflection goes over to the summer-house, , then to himself]. ^With fullest confidence her glances lightened. RShall I believe, as she does so securely, *That Heaven intends GULDSTAD. n No, hang it; don t be frightened! RThe powers above would be demented surely PTo give effect to orders such as these. TNo, my good sir -the cure for your disease TIs exercise for muscle, nerve, and sinew. dDon t lie there wasting all the grit that s in you VIn idle dreams; cut wood, if that were all; RAnd then I ll say the devil s in t indeed \If one brief fortnight does not find you freed PFrom all your whimsies high-fantastical. Page 36 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. dFetter d by choice, like Burnell s ass, I ponder ^The flesh on this side, and the spirit yonder. TWhich were it wiser I should go for first? @GULDSTAD [filling the glasses]. hFirst have some punch -that quenches ire and thirst. DMRS. HALM [looking at her watch]. ^Ha! Eight o clock! my watch is either fast, or XIt s just the time we may expect the Pastor. l [Rises, and puts things in order on the verandah. Page 37 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. :What! have we parsons coming? MISS JAY. Z Don t you know? MRS. HALM. JI told you, just a little while ago - Page 38 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html ANNA. LNo, mother -Mr. Falk had not yet come. MRS. HALM. dWhy no, that s true; but pray don t look so glum. ZTrust me, you ll be enchanted with his visit. Page 39 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. JA clerical enchanter; pray who is it? MRS. HALM. TWhy, Pastor Strawman, not unknown to fame. Page 40 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. \Indeed! Oh, yes, I think I ve heard his name, JAnd read that in the legislative game ZHe comes to take a hand, with voice and vote. STIVER. &He speaks superbly. GULDSTAD. ^ When he s cleared his throat. MISS JAY. 6He s coming with his wife MRS. HALM. h And all their blessings - Page 41 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. hTo give them three or four days treat, poor dears NSoon he ll be buried over head and ears TIn Swedish muddles and official messings - - Page 42 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html I see! *MRS. HALM [to FALK]. T Now there s a man for you, in truth! GULDSTAD. \They say he was a rogue, though, in his youth. *MISS JAY [offended]. VThere, Mr. Guldstad, I must break a lance! LI ve heard as long as I can recollect, VMost worthy people speak with great respect TOf Pastor Strawman and his life s romance. *GULDSTAD [laughing]. Romance? MISS JAY. T Romance! I call a match romantic VAt which mere worldly wisdom looks askance. Page 43 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. >You make my curiosity gigantic. .MISS JAY [continuing]. TBut certain people always grow splenetic XWhy, goodness knows -at everything pathetic, ZAnd scoff it down. We all know how, of late, FAn unfledged, upstart undergraduate VPresumed, with brazen insolence, to declare VThat William Russell"(1)was a poor affair! Page 44 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. ZBut what has this to do with Strawman, pray? DIs he a poem, or a Christian play? DMISS JAY [with tears of emotion]. \No, Falk, -a man, with heart as large as day. XBut when a -so to speak -mere lifeless thing JCan put such venom into envy s sting, RAnd stir up evil passions fierce and fell "Of such a depth 0FALK [sympathetically]. Z And such a length as well MISS JAY. PWhy then, a man of your commanding brain &Can t fail to see - Page 45 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. ` Oh, yes, that s very plain. JBut hitherto I haven t quite made out ZThe nature, style, and plot of this romance. ^It s something quite delightful I ve no doubt LBut just a little inkling in advance STIVER. 4I will abstract, in rapid Page 46 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html resume , &The leading points. MISS JAY. D No, I am more au fait , 2I know the ins and outs MRS. HALM. T I know them too! MISS JAY. LOh Mrs. Halm! now let me tell it, do! ZWell, Mr. Falk, you see -he passed at college RFor quite a miracle of wit and knowledge, PHad admirable taste in books and dress MRS. HALM. RAnd acted -privately -with great success. MISS JAY. ^Yes, wait a bit -he painted, played and wrote MRS. HALM. LAnd don t forget his gift of anecdote. MISS JAY. TDo give me time; I know the whole affair: PHe made some verses, set them to an air, LAlsö his own, -and found a publisher. PO heavens! with what romantic melancholy XHe played and sang his Madrigals to Molly ! MRS. HALM. BHe was a genius, the simple fact. .GULDSTAD [to himself]. RHm! Some were of opinion he was cracked. - Page 47 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. RA gray old stager,(2)whose sagacious head JWas never upon mouldy parchments fed, \Says Love makes Petrarchs, just as many lambs DAnd little occupation, Abrahams. $But who was Molly? MISS JAY. J Molly? His elect, NHis lady-love, whom shortly we expect. ROf a great firm her father was a member GULDSTAD. A timber house. &MISS JAY [curtly]. J I m really not aware. GULDSTAD. XDid a large trade in scantlings, I remember. MISS JAY. NThat is the trivial side of the affair. Page 48 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. A firm? .MISS JAY [continuing]. R Of vast resources, I m informed. PYou can imagine how the suitors swarm d; LGentlemen of the highest reputation. MRS. HALM. @Even a baronet made application. MISS JAY. TBut Molly was not to be made their catch. RShe had met Strawman upon private stages; 8To see him was to love him - Page 49 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. R And despatch VThe wooing gentry home without their wages? MRS. HALM. JWas it not just a too romantic match? MISS JAY. RAnd then there was a terrible old father, XWhose sport was thrusting happy souls apart; JShe had a guardian also, as I gather, XTo add fresh torment to her tortured heart. LBut each of them was loyal to his vow; XA straw-hatched cottage and a snow-white ewe ZThey dream d of, just enough to nourish two MRS. HALM. BOr at the very uttermost a cow, MISS JAY. `In short, I ve heard it from the lips of both, TA beck, a byre, two bosoms, and one troth. - Page 50 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. &Ah yes! And then MISS JAY. b ? She broke with kin and class. Page 51 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. She broke ? MRS. HALM. : Broke with them. Page 52 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. h MISS JAY. >And fled to Strawman There s garret - s a plucky lass! Page 53 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. ^ How? Without @Ahem, the priestly consecration? MISS JAY. N Shame! MRS. HALM. LFy, fy! my late beloved husband s name :Was on the list of sponsors ! ,STIVER [to MISS JAY]. V The one room PNot housing sheep and cattle, I presume. ,MISS JAY [to STIVER]. RO, but you must consider this, my friend; There is no Want> where Love s the guiding star; ZAll s right without if tender Troth s within. f [To Falk. PHe loved her to the notes of the guitar, HAnd she gave lessons on the violin MRS. HALM. ZThen all, of course, on credit they bespoke GULDSTAD. VTill, in a year, the timber merchant broke. MRS. HALM. DThen Strawman had a call to north. MISS JAY. X And there VVowed, in a letter that I saw (as few did), NHe lived but for his duty, and for her. NFALK [as if completing her statement]. dAnd with those words his Life s Romance concluded. (MRS. HALM [rising]. LHow if we should go out upon the lawn, VAnd see if there s no prospect of them yet? DMISS JAY [drawing on her mantle]. $It s cool already. MRS. HALM. R Svanhild, will you get JMy woollen shawl? -Come ladies, pray! TLIND [to ANNA, unobserved by the others]. X Go on! b[SVANHILD goes into the house; the others, except ^FALK, go towards the back and out to the left. TLIND, who has followed, stops and returns. Page 54 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. My friend! Page 55 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. ( Ah, ditto. Page 56 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. \ Falk, your hand! The tide LOf joy s so vehement, it will perforce Break out - Page 57 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. b Hullo there; you must first be tried; VSentence and hanging follow in due course. XNow, what on earth s the matter? To conceal hFrom me, your friend, this treasure of your finding; ZFor you ll confess the inference is binding: ZYou ve come into a prize off Fortune s wheel! Page 58 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. ZI ve snared and taken Fortune s blessed bird! Page 59 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. THow? Living, -and undamaged by the steel? Page 60 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. XPatience; I ll tell the matter in one word. 2I am engaged! Conceive ! FALK [quickly]. F Engaged! Page 61 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. ^ It s true! TTo-day, -with unimagined courage swelling, ZI said, -ahem, it will not bear re-telling; XBut only think, -the sweet young maiden grew RQuite rosy-red, -but not at all enraged! XYou see, Falk, what I ventured for a bride! XShe listened, -and I rather think she cried; 0That, sure, means Yes ? Page 62 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. \ If precedents decide; Page 63 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html Go on. Page 64 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. L And so we really are -engaged? Page 65 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. LI should conclude so; but the only way PTo be quite certain, is to ask Miss Jay. Page 66 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. JO no, I feel so confident, so clear! NSo perfectly assured, and void of fear. d [Radiantly, in a mysterious tone. PHark! I had leave her fingers to caress \When from the coffee-board she drew the cover. NFALK [lifting and emptying his glass]. fWell, flowers of spring your wedding garland dress! .LIND [doing the same]. ^And here I swear by heaven that I will love her DUntil I die, with love as infinite RAs now glows in me, -for she is so sweet! Page 67 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. PEngaged! Aha, so that was why you flung NThe Holy Law and Prophets on the shelf! "LIND [laughing]. VAnd you believed it was the song you sung ! Page 68 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. LA poet believes all things of himself. $LIND [seriously]. TDon t think, however, Falk, that I dismiss LThe theologian from my hour of bliss. LOnly, I find the Book will not suffice BAs Jacob s ladder unto Paradise. ZI must into God s world, and seek Him there. VA boundless kindness in my heart upsprings, ZI love the straw, I love the creeping things; NThey also in my joy shall have a share. Page 69 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. @Yes, only tell me this, though - Page 70 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. d I have told it, bMy precious secret, and our three hearts hold it! Page 71 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. LBut have you thought about the future? Page 72 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. ` Thought? XI? -thought about the future? No, from this VTime forth I live but in the hour that is. RIn home shall all my happiness be sought; fWe hold Fate s reins, we drive her hither, thither, \And neither friend nor mother shall have right RTo say unto my budding blossom: Wither! RFor I am earnest and her eyes are bright, JAnd so it must unfold into the light! Page 73 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. `Yes, Fortune likes you, you will serve her turn! Page 74 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. RMy spirits like wild music glow and burn; JI feel myself a Titan: though a foss LOpened before me -I would leap across! Page 75 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. XYour love, you mean to say, in simple prose, 6Has made a reindeer of you. Page 76 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. T Well, suppose; RBut in my wildest flight, I know the nest ZIn which my heart s dove longs to be at rest! Page 77 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. @Well then, to-morrow it may fly con brio , \You re off into the hills with the quartette. RI ll guarantee you against cold and wet - Page 78 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. PPooh, the quartette may go and climb in trio , NThe lowly dale has mountain air for me; \Here I ve the immeasurable fjord, the flowers, ZHere I have warbling birds and choral bowers, TAnd lady fortune s self, -for here is she! Page 79 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. dAh, lady Fortune by our Northern water caught her! l [With a glance towards the house. Hist -Svanhild - Page 80 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. \ Well; I go, -disclose to none RThe secret that we share alone with one. T Twas good of you to listen; now enfold it bDeep in your heart, -warm, glowing, as I told it. f[He goes out in the background to the others. FALK ^looks after him a moment, and paces up and down Zin the garden, visibly striving to master his ^agitation. Presently SVANHILD comes out with a bshawl on her arm, and is going towards the back. TFALK approaches and gazes at her fixedly. SVANHILD stops. @SVANHILD [after a short pause]. $You gaze at me so! 0FALK [half to himself]. Z Yes, tis there -the same; ZThe shadow in her eyes deep mirror sleeping, RThe roguish elf about her lips a-peeping, It is there. SVANHILD. H What? You frighten me. Page 81 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. \ Your name Is Svanhild? SVANHILD. P Yes, you know it very well. Page 82 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. NBut do you know the name is laughable? LI beg you to discard it from to-night! SVANHILD. ZThat would be far beyond a daughter s right "FALK [laughing]. 6Hm. Svanhild! Svanhild! X [With sudden gravity. R With your earliest breath NHow came you by this prophecy of death? SVANHILD. Is it so grim? - Page 83 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. B No, lovely as a song, ^But for our age too great and stern and strong, HHow can a modern demoiselle fill out LThe ideal that heroic name expresses? ZNo, no, discard it with your outworn dresses. SVANHILD. TYou mean the mythical princess, no doubt - Page 84 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. \Who, guiltless, died beneath the horse s feet. SVANHILD. PBut now such acts are clearly obsolete. dNo, no, I ll mount his saddle! There s my place! RHow often have I dreamt, in pensive ease, ZHe bore me, buoyant, through the world apace, RHis mane a flag of freedom in the breeze! Page 85 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. ^Yes, the old tale. In pensive ease no mortal ^Is stopped by thwarting bar or cullis d portal; VFearless we cleave the ether without bound; \In practice, tho , we shrewdly hug the ground; jFor all love life and, having choice, will choose it; \And no man dares to leap where he may lose it. SVANHILD. ^Yes! show me but the end, I ll spurn the shore; TBut let the end be worth the leaping for! HA Ballarat beyond the desert sands XElse each will stay exactly where he stands. ,FALK [sarcastically]. VI grasp the case; -the due conditions fail. (SVANHILD [eagerly]. TExactly: what s the use of spreading sail RWhen there is not a breath of wind astir? &FALK [ironically]. VYes, what s the use of plying whip and spur FWhen there is not a penny of reward XFor him who tears him from the festal board, \And mounts, and dashes headlong to perdition? ZSuch doing for the deed s sake asks a knight, VAnd knighthood s now an idle superstition. @That was your meaning, possibly? SVANHILD. \ Quite right. ^Look at that fruit tree in the orchard close, RNo blossom on its barren branches blows. fYou should have seen last year with what brave airs VIt staggered underneath its world of pears. $FALK [uncertain]. TNo doubt, but what s the moral you impute? 2SVANHILD [with finesse]. PO, among other things, the bold unreason POf modern Zacharies who seek for fruit. XIf the tree blossom d to excess last season, ZYou must not crave the blossoms back in this. Page 86 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. TI knew you d find your footing in the ways Of old romance. SVANHILD. J Yes, modern virtue is NOf quite another stamp. Who now arrays \Himself to battle for the truth? Who ll stake ^His life and person fearless for truth s sake? $Where is the hero? GULDSTAD [lifting his finger]. dAh, -that s the point, and must not be betrayed! f [Changing his tone. NPray tell me your opinion of Miss Halm. - Page 115 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. RO you re best able to pronounce upon her; XMy voice can neither credit nor dishonour, ^ [Smiling. RBut just take care no mischief-maker blot VThis fine poetic scheme of which you talk. LSuppose I were so shameless as to balk BThe meditated climax of the plot? 6GULDSTAD [good-naturedly]. ZWell, I would cry Amen, and change my plan. Page 116 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. What! GULDSTAD. V Why, you see, you are a letter d man; XHow monstrous were it if your skill d design TWčré ruined by a bungler s hand like mine! \ [Retires to the background. 8FALK [in passing, to LIND]. fYes, you were right; the merchant s really scheming FThe ruin of your new-won happiness. ,LIND [aside to ANNA]. ^Now then you see, my doubting was not dreaming; LWe ll go this very moment and confess. n[They approach MRS. HALM, who is standing with Miss Jay by the house. FGULDSTAD [conversing with STIVER]. ( Tis a fine evening. STIVER. N Véry likely, -when $A man s disposed 0GULDSTAD [facetiously]. ^ What, all not running smooth ,In true love s course? STIVER. P Not that exactly $FALK [coming up]. \ Then *With your engagement? STIVER. Z That s about the truth. Page 117 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. XHurrah! Your spendthrift pocket has a groat NOr two still left, it seems, of poetry. $STIVER [stiffly]. @I cannot see what poetry has got JTo do with my engagement, or with me. Page 118 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. VYou are not meant to see; when lovers prove TWhat love is, all is over with their love. ,GULDSTAD [to STIVER]. TBut if there s matter for adjustment, pray Let s hear it. STIVER. T I ve been pondering all day PWhether the thing is proper to disclose, XBut still the Ayes are balanced by the Noes. Page 119 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. VI ll right you in one sentence. Ever since VAs plighted lover you were first installed, ^You ve felt yourself, if I may say so, galled STIVER. 6And sometimes to the quick. - Page 120 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. \ You ve had to wince LBeneath a crushing load of obligations bThat you d send packing, if good form permitted. 2That s what s the matter. STIVER. b Monstrous accusations! NMy legal debts I ve honestly acquitted; VBut other bonds next month are falling due; d [To GULDSTAD. TWhen a man weds, you see, he gets a wife &FALK [triumphant]. VNow your youth s heaven once again is blue; XThere rang an echo from your old song-life! \That s how it is: I read you thro and thro ; ^Wings, wings were all you wanted, -and a knife! STIVER. A knife? Page 121 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. T Yes, Resolution s knife, to sever ZEach captive bond, and set you free for ever, To soar $STIVER [angrily]. T Nay, now you re insolent beyond NEndurance! Me to charge with violation TOf law, -me, me with plotting to abscond! JIt s libellous, malicious defamation, (Insult and calumny - Page 122 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. L Are you insane? VWhat is all this about? Explain! Explain! BGULDSTAD [laughingly to STIVER]. ZYes, clear your mind of all this balderdash! "What do you want? FSTIVER [pulling himself together]. T A trifling loan in cash. Page 123 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. A loan! @STIVER [hurriedly to GULDSTAD]. R That is, I mean to say, you know, LA voucher for a ten pound note, or so. :MISS JAY [to LIND and ANNA]. VI wish you joy! How lovely, how delicious! FGULDSTAD [going up to the ladies]. .Pray what has happened? Z [To himself.] This was unpropitious. XFALK [throws his arms about STIVER s neck]. VHurrah! the trumpet s dulcet notes proclaim JA brother born to you in Amor s name! Z [Drags him to the others. :MISS JAY [to the gentlemen]. hThink! Lind and Anna -think! -have plighted hearts, "Affianced lovers! FMRS. HALM [with tears of emotion]. T Tis the eighth in order TWho well-provided from this house departs; ` [To FALK. VSeven nieces wedded-always with a boarder n [Is overcome; presses her handkerchief to her eyes. (MISS JAY [to ANNA]. ZWell, there will come a flood of gratulation! b [Caresses her with emotion. 8LIND [seizing FALK s hand]. NMy friend, I walk in rapt intoxication! Page 124 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. RHold! As a plighted man you are a member JOf Rapture s Temperance-association. \Observe it s rules; -no orgies here, remember! ` [Turning to GULDSTAD sympathetically. $Well, my good sir! DGULDSTAD [beaming with pleasure]. P I think this promises .All happiness for both. .FALK [staring at him]. R You seem to stand NThe shock with exemplary self-command. That s well. GULDSTAD. F What do you mean, sir? Page 125 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. \ Only this; JThat inasmuch as you appeared to feed >Fond expectations of your own GULDSTAD. N Indeed? Page 126 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. LAt any rate, you were upon the scent. ZYou named Miss Halm; you stood upon this spot And asked me (GULDSTAD [smiling]. h There are two, though, are there not? Page 127 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. PIt was -the other sister that you meant? GULDSTAD. VThat sister, yes, the other one, -just so. \Judge for yourself, when you have come to know RThat sister better, if she has not in her bMerits which, if they were divined, would win her HA little more regard than we bestow. FALK [coldly]. LHer virtues are of every known variety I m sure. GULDSTAD. T Not quite; the accent of society PShe cannot hit exactly; there she loses. Page 128 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. "A grievous fault. GULDSTAD. V But if her mother chooses ^To spend a winter on her, she ll come out of it and draws down the blind. Page 161 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. dNo, first I ll act. I ve slept too long and late. h [Looks up at SVANHILD s window, and exclaims, as T if seized with a sudden resolution: rGood-night! Good-night! Sweet dreams to-night be thine; XTo-morrow, Svanhild, thou art plighted mine! l [Goes out quickly to the right; from the water the 8 CHORUS is heard again. CHORUS. LMaybe I shall shatter my roaming bark, JBut it s passing sweet to be roaming! l [The boat slowly glides away as the curtain falls. ACT SECOND ‚Sunday afternoon. Well-dressed ladies and gentlemen are drinking ‚ coffee on the verandah. Several of the guests appear through ‚ the open glass door in the garden-room; the following song is , heard from within. CHORUS. FWelcome, welcome, new plighted pair HTo the merry ranks of the plighted! BNow you may revel as free as air, ZCaress without stint and kiss without care, BNo longer of footfall affrighted. LNow you are licensed, wherever you go, BTo rapture of cooing and billing; PNow you have leisure love s seed to sow, NWater, and tend it, and make it grow; NLet us see you ve a talent for tilling! &MISS JAY [within]. NAh Lind, if I only had chanced to hear, 0I would have teased you! "A LADY [within]. \ How vexatious though! >ANOTHER LADY [in the doorway]. BDear Anna, did he ask in writing? AN AUNT. L No! Mine did. 4A LADY [on the verandah]. X How long has it been secret, dear? Z [Runs into the room. MISS JAY. VTo-morrow there will be the ring to choose. $LADIES [eagerly]. .We ll take his measure! MISS JAY. \ Nay; that she must do. jMRS. STRAWMAN [on the verandah, to a lady who is busy > with embroidery]. RWhat kind of knitting-needles do you use? VA SERVANT [in the door with a coffee-pot]. &More coffee, madam? A LADY. T Thanks, a drop or two. (MISS JAY [to ANNA]. RHow fortunate you ve got your new manteau PNext week to go your round of visits in! BAN ELDERLY LADY [at the window]. Page 162 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html RWhen shall we go and order the trousseau? MRS. STRAWMAN. LHow are they selling cotton-bombasine? \A GENTLEMAN [to some ladies on the verandah]. ZJust look at Lind and Anna; what s his sport? a biscuit in the other]. RThe witnesses must not mislead the court; PI here make affidavit, they re in error. &MISS JAY [within]. ZCome forward, Anna; stand before this mirror! .SOME LADIES [calling]. You, too, Lind! MISS JAY. ^ Back to back! A little nearer! LADIES. TCome, let us see by how much she is short. l [All run into the garden-room; laughter and shrill Z talk are heard for a while from within. d [FALK, who during the preceding scene has been h walking about in the garden, advances into the h foreground, stops and looks in until the noise 4 has somewhat abated. Page 163 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. \There love s romance is being done to death. \The butcher once who boggled at the slaughter, PProlonging needlessly the ox s breath, THe got his twenty days of bread and water; ^But these -these butchers yonder -they go free. ^ [Clenches his fist. `I could be tempted -; hold, words have no worth, VI ve sworn it, action only from henceforth! TLIND [coming hastily but cautiously out]. hThank God, they re talking fashions; now s my chance To slip away - Page 164 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. ^ Ha, Lind, you ve drawn the prize POf luck, -congratulations buzz and dance RAll day about you, like a swarm of flies. Page 165 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. VThey re all at heart so kindly and so nice; PBut rather fewer clients would suffice. \Their helping hands begin to gall and fret me; ^I ll get a moment s respite, if they ll let me. ^ [Going out to the right. Page 166 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. Wither away? Page 167 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. J Our den; -it has a lock; VIn case you find the oak is sported, knock. Page 168 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. DBut shall I not fetch Anna to you? Page 169 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. V No VIf she wants anything, she ll let me know. RLast night we were discussing until late; TWe ve settled almost everything of weight; VBesides I think it scarcely goes with piety XTo have too much of one s beloved s society. Page 170 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. TYes, you are right; for daily food we need A simple diet. Page 171 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. P Pray, excuse me, friend. LI want a whiff of reason and the weed; \I haven t smoked for three whole days on end. NMy blood was pulsing in such agitation, NI trembled for rejection all the time - Page 172 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. NYes, you may well desire recuperation - Page 173 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. NAnd won t tobacco s flavour be sublime! h [Goes out to the right. MISS JAY and some other R LADIES come out of the garden-room. (MISS JAY [to FALK]. &That was he surely? Page 174 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. T Yes, your hunted deer. LADIES. (To run away from us! OTHERS. V For shame! For shame! Page 175 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. P Tis a bit shy at present, but, no fear, NA week of servitude will make him tame. 4MISS JAY [looking round]. Where is he hid? Page 176 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. R His present hiding-place NIs in the garden loft, our common lair; \ [Blandly. RBut let me beg you not to seek him there; 4Give him a breathing time! MISS JAY. b Well, good: the grace .Will not be long, tho . Page 177 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. T Nay, be generous! RTen minutes, -then begin the game again. LHe has an English sermon on the brain. MISS JAY. An English ? LADIES. \ O you laugh! You re fooling us! Page 178 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. \I m in grim earnest. Tis his fixed intention JTo take a charge among the emigrants, And therefore 0MISS JAY [with horror]. f Heavens, he had the face to mention >That mad idea? [To the ladies. h O quick -fetch all the aunts! HAnna, her mother, Mrs. Strawman too. &LADIES [agitated]. *This must be stopped! ALL. Z We ll make a great ado! MISS JAY. 4Thank God, they re coming. n[To ANNA, who comes from the garden-room with STRAWMAN, lhis wife and children, STIVER, GULDSTAD, MRS. HALM and "the other guests. MISS JAY. ` Do you know what Lind JHas secretly determined in his mind? *To go as missionary - Page 179 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html ANNA. D Yes, I know. MRS. HALM. &And you ve agreed ! (ANNA [embarrassed]. R That I will also go. ,MISS JAY [indignant]. Was just as inconsolable as you 6When we received our Call STRAWMAN. ` And for like cause HThe fascination of the town -it was; HBut when a little money had come in, ZAnd the first pairs of infants, twin by twin, ,She quite got over it. >FALK [sotto voce to STRAWMAN]. L Bravo, you able Persuader. jSTRAWMAN [nodding to him and turning again to ANNA]. \ Now you ve promised me, be stable. `Shall man renounce his work? Falk says the Call DIs not so very slender after all. $Did you not, Falk? Page 217 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. @ Nay, pastor STRAWMAN. Z To be sure ! ^ [To ANNA. VOf something then at least you are secure. VWhat s gained by giving up, if that is so? BLook back into the ages long ago, VSee, Adam, Eve -the Ark, see, pair by pair, TBirds in the field -the lilies in the air, `The little birds -the little birds -the fishes `[Continues in a lower tone, as he withdraws with ANNA. R[MISS JAY and the AUNTS return with LIND. - Page 218 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. RHurrah! Here come the veterans in array; VThe old guard charging to retrieve the day! MISS JAY. PAh, in exact accordance with out wishes! ^ [Aside. TWe have him, Falk! -Now let us tackle her! \ [Approaches ANNA. LSTRAWMAN [with a deprecating motion]. DShe needs no secular solicitation; ^The Spirit has spoken, what can Earth bestead ? b [Modestly. VIf in some small degree my words have sped, 2Power was vouchsafed me ! MRS. HALM. b Come, no more evasion, (Bring them together! ,AUNTS [with emotion]. N Ah, how exquisite. STRAWMAN. TYes, can there be a heart so dull and dead PAs not to be entranced at such a sight! LIt is so thrilling and so penetrating, >So lacerating, so exhilarating, HTo see an innocent babe devoutly lay :Its offering on Duty s altar. MRS. HALM. D Nay, JHer family have also done their part. MISS JAY. LI and the Aunts -I should imagine so. XYou, Lind, may have the key to Anna s heart, Z [Presses his hand. RBut we possess a picklock, you must know, NAble to open where the key avails not. bAnd if in years to come, cares throng and thwart, VOnly apply to us, our friendship fails not. MRS. HALM. \Yes, we shall hover round you all your life, MISS JAY. ^And shield you from the fiend of wedded strife. STRAWMAN. lEnchanting group! Love, friendship, hour of gladness, RYet so pathetically touched with sadness. ` [Turning to LIND. ZBut now, young man, pray make an end of this. \ [Leading ANNA to him. ZTake thy betrothed -receive her -with a kiss! @LIND [giving his hand to ANNA]. I stay at home! 6ANNA [at the same moment]. I go with you! ANNA [amazed]. 0 You stay? &LIND [equally so]. P You go with me? \ANNA [with a helpless glance at the company]. HWhy, then, we are divided as before! Page 219 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. What s this? Thé LADIES. * What now? ,MISS JAY [excitedly]. V Our wills are at war STRAWMAN. RShe gave her solemn word to cross the sea With him! MISS JAY. N And he gave his to stay ashore With her! "FALK [laughing]. PThey both complied; what would you more! STRAWMAN. PThese complications are too much for me. P [Goes toward the background. 0AUNTS [to one another]. NHow in the world came they to disagree? MRS. HALM \[To GULDSTAD and STIVER, who have been walking R in the garden and now approach. ZThe spirit of discord s in possession of her. Z [Talks aside to them. MRS. STRAWMAN P[To MISS JAY, noticing that the table is 2 being laid. (There comes the tea. &MISS JAY [curtly]. D Thank heaven. Page 220 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. d Hurrah! a cheer \For love and friendship, maiden aunts and tea! STIVER. bBut if the case stands thus, the whole proceeding BMay easily be ended with a laugh; DAll turns upon a single paragraph, fWhich bids the wife attend the spouse. No pleading TCan wrest an ordinance so clearly stated MISS JAY. TDoubtless, but does that help us to agree? STRAWMAN. RShe must obey a law that heaven dictated. STIVER. TBut Lind can circumvent that law, you see. \ [To LIND. ZPut off your journey, and then -budge no jot. &AUNTS [delighted]. (Yes, that s the way! MRS HALM. 8 Agreed! MISS JAY. ` That cuts the knot. \[SVANHILD and the maids have meantime laid the htea-table beside the verandah steps. At MRS. HALM s `invitation the ladies sit down. The rest of the bcompany take their places, partly on the verandah ^and in the summer-house, partly in the garden. `FALK sits on the verandah. During the following *scene they drink tea. *MRS. HALM [smiling]. LAnd so our little storm is overblown. ^Such summer showers do good when they are gone; TThe sunshine greets us with a double boon, FAnd promises a cloudless afternoon. MISS JAY. TAh yes, Love s blossom without rainy skies VWould never thrive according to our wishes. Page 221 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. TIn dry land set it, and it forthwith dies; ^For in so far the flowers are like the fishes SVANHILD. ZNay, for Love lives, you know, upon the air MISS JAY. In desolate December as in May. GULDSTAD. ZNo, Iceland moss, dry gathered, -far the best XCure for young ladies with a wounded breast. A GENTLEMAN. PNo, the wild chestnut tree, -high repute XFor household fuel, but with a bitter fruit. SVANHILD. PNo, a camellia; at our balls, tis said, JThe chief adornment of a lady s head. MRS. STRAWMAN. ^No, it is like a flower, O such a bright one; \Stay now -a blue one, no, it was a white one \What is it s name ? Dear me -the one I met -; BWell it is singular how I forget! STIVER. *None of these flower similitudes will run. NThe flowerpot is a likelier candidate. TThere s only room in it, at once, for one; RBut by progressive stages it holds eight. XSTRAWMAN [with his little girls round him]. ^No, love s a pear tree; in the spring like snow TWith myriad blossoms, which in summer grow ^To pearlets; in the parent s sap each shares; dAnd with God s help they ll all alike prove pears. Page 225 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. DSo many heads, so many sentences! XNo, you all grope and blunder off the line. ZEach simile s at fault; I ll tell you mine; ^You re free to turn and wrest it as you please. h [Rises as if to make a speech. XIn the remotest east there grows a plant;(4) XAnd the sun s cousin s garden is its haunt Thé LADIES. .Ah, it s the tea-plant! Page 226 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. 8 Yes. MRS. STRAWMAN. X His voice is so 2Like Strawman s when he STRAWMAN. b Don t disturb his flow. Page 227 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. NIt has its home in fabled lands serene; VThousands of miles of desert lie between; TFill up, Lind! -So. -Now in a tea-oration, XI ll show of tea and Love the true relation. f [The guests cluster round him. JIt has its home in the romantic land; JAlas, Love s home is also in Romance, JOnly the Sun s descendants understand TThe herb s right cultivation and advance. NWith Love it is not otherwise than so. TBlood of the Sun along the veins must flow RIf Love indeed therein is to strike root, JAnd burgeon into blossom, into fruit. MISS JAY. LBut China is an ancient land; you hold JIn consequence that tea is very old STRAWMAN. LPast question antecedent to Jérusalem. Page 228 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. RYes, twas already famous when Methusalem \His picture-books and rattles tore and flung 2MISS JAY [triumphantly]. LAnd love is in its very nature young! PTo find a likeness there is pretty bold. - Page 229 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. JNo; Love, in truth, is also very old; LThat principle we here no more dispute JThan do the folks of Rio or Beyrout. ^Nay, there are those from Cayenne to Caithness, JWho stand upon its everlastingness; LWell, that may be slight exaggeration, HBut old it is beyond all estimation. MISS JAY. JBut Love is all alike; whereas we see XBoth good and bad and middling kinds of tea! MRS. STRAWMAN. JYes, they sell tea of many qualities. Page 230 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html ANNA. `The green spring shoots I count the very first SVANHILD. dThose serve to quench celestial daughter s thirst. A YOUNG LADY. PWitching as ether fumes they say it is ANOTHER. PBalmy as lotus, sweet as almond, clear GULDSTAD. LThat s not an article we deal in here. lFALK [who has meanwhile come down from the verandah]. HAh, ladies, every mortal has a small NPrivate celestial empire in his heart. \There bud such shoots in thousands, kept apart TBy Shyness s soon shatter d Chinese Wall. JBut in her dim fantastic temple bower RThe little Chinese puppet sits and sighs, PA dream of far-off wonders in her eyes NAnd in her hand a golden tulip flower. ZFor her the tender firstling tendrils grew; TRich crop or meagre, what is that to you? DInstead of it we get an after crop dThey kick the tree for, dust and stalk and stem, TAs hemp to silk beside what goes to them GULDSTAD. $That is black tea. FALK [nodding]. \ That s what fills the shop. A GENTLEMAN. fThere s beef tea too, that Holberg says a word of (MISS JAY [sharply]. JTo modern taste entirely out of date. Page 231 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. TAnd a beef love has equally been heard of, RWont -in romances -to brow-beat its mate, XAnd still they say its trace may be detected XAmongst the henpecked of the married state. lIn short there s likeness where twas least expected. TSo, as you know, an ancient proverb tells, NThat something ever passes from the tea POf the bouquet that lodges in its cells, LIf it be carried hither over the sea. TIt must across the desert and the hills, VPay toll to Cossack and to Russian tills; ^It gets their stamp and licence, that s enough, RWe buy it as the true and genuine stuff. ZBut has not Love the self-same path to fare? ^Across Life s desert? How the world would rave RAnd shriek if you or I should boldly bear ROur Love by way of Freedom s ocean wave! \ Good heavens, his moral savour s passed away, TAnd quite dispersed Legality s bouquet! &STRAWMAN [rising]. DYes, happily, -in every moral land JSuch wares continue to be contraband! Page 232 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. bYes, to pass current here, Love must have cross d PThe great Siberian waste of regulations, RFann d by no breath of ocean to its cost; It must produce official attestations ZFrom friend and kindred, devils of relations, RFrom church curators, organist and clerk, HAnd other fine folks -over and above XThe primal licence which God gave to Love. `And then the last great point of likeness; -mark LHow heavily the hand of culture weighs >Upon that far Celestial domain; XIts power is shatter d, and its wall decays, bThe last true Mandarin s strangled; hands profane RAlready are put forth to share the spoil; VSoon the Sun s realm will be a legend vain, BAn idle tale incredible to sense; ^The world is gray in gray -we ve flung the soil `On buried Faery, -then where can Love be found? DAlas, Love also is departed hence! b [Lifts his cup. ZWell let him go, since so the times decree; RA health to Amor, late of Earth, -in tea! b [He drains his cup; indignant murmurs amongst $ the company. MISS JAY. LA very odd expression! Dead indeed! Thé LADIES. 4To say that Love is dead ! STRAWMAN. X Why, here you see VHim sitting, rosy, round and sound, at tea, TIn all conditions! Here in her sable weed The widow MISS JAY. X Here a couple, true and tried, STIVER. DWith many ample pledges fortified. GULDSTAD. TThe Love s light cavalry, of maid and man, :The plighted pairs in order STRAWMAN. P In the van \The veterans, whose troth has laughed to scorn &The tooth of Time BMISS JAY [hastily interrupting]. b And then the babes new-born FThe little novices of yester-morn STRAWMAN. TSpring, summer, autumn, winter, in a word, \Are here; the truth is patent, past all doubt, bIt can be clutched and handled, seen and heard, - Page 233 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. What then? MISS JAY. Z And yet you want to thrust it out! Page 234 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. RMadam, you quite mistake. In all I spoke LI cast no doubt on anything you claim; ZBut I would fain remind you that, from smoke, BWe cannot logically argue flame. TThat men are married, and have children, I @Have no desire whatever to deny; VNor do I dream of doubting that such things XAre in the world as troth and wedding-rings; RThe billets-doux some tender hands indite `And seal with pairs of turtle doves that -fight; \That sweethearts swarm in cottage and in hall, NThat chocolate reward the wedding call; NThat usage and convention have decreed, ZIn every point, how Lovers shall proceed: \But, heavens! We ve majors also by the score, LArsenals heaped with muniments of war, XWith spurs and howitzers and drums and shot, NBut what does that permit us to infer? VThat we have men who dangle swords, but not bThat they will wield the weapons that they wear. bTho all the plain with gleaming tents you crowd, ZDoes that make heroes of the men they shroud? STRAWMAN. HWell, all in moderation; I must own, LIt is not quite conducive to the truth ZThat we should paint the enamourment of youth PSo bright, as if -ahem -it stood alone. RLove-making still a frail foundation is. BOnly the snuggery of wedded bliss RProvides a rock where Love may builded be 2In unassailable security. MISS JAY. JThere I entirely differ. In my view, TA free accord of lovers, heart with heart, PWho hold together, having leave to part, ^Gives the best warrant that their love is true. ANNA [warmly]. ZO no -Love s bound when it is fresh and young XIs of a stuff more precious and more strong. *LIND [thoughtfully]. FPossibly the ideal flower may blow, VEven as that snowdrop, -hidden by the snow. >FALK [with a sudden outburst]. RYou fallen Adam! There a heart was cleft LWith longing for the Eden it has left! Page 235 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. What stuff! NMRS. HALM [offended, to FALK, rising]. R Tis not a very friendly act XTo stir a quarrel where we ve made a peace. ^As for your friend s good fortune, be at ease SOME LADIES. (Nay that s assured OTHERS. T A very certain fact. MRS. HALM. XThe cooking-class at school, I must confess, ^She did not take; but she shall learn it still. MISS JAY. `With her own hands she s trimming her own dress. >AN AUNT [patting ANNA s hand]. BAnd growing exquisitely sensible. .FALK [laughing aloud]. NO parody of sense, that rives and rends RIn mania dance upon the lips of friends! NWas it good sense he wanted? Or a sheDProfessor of the lore of Cookery? PA joyous son of springtime he came here, XFor the wild rosebud on the bush he burned. ZYou reared the rosebud for him; he returned LAnd for his rose found what? The hip! *MISS JAY [offended]. b You jeer! Page 236 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. XA useful household condiment, heaven knows! PBut yet the hip was not his bridal rose. MRS. HALM. NO, if it is a ball-room queen he wants, VI m very sorry; these are not their haunts. Page 237 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. BO yes, I know the pretty coquetry DThey carry on with Domesticity. DIt is a suckling of the mighty Lie bThat, like hop-tendrils, spreads itself on high. BI, madam, reverently bare my head TTo the ball queen; a child of beauty she And the ideal s Page 238 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html golden woof is spread JIn ball-rooms, hardly in the nursery. PMRS. HALM [with suppressed bitterness]. LYour conduct, sir is easily explained; HA plighted lover cannot be a friend; NThat is the kernel of the whole affair; JI have a very large experience there. Page 239 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. VNo doubt, -with seven nieces, each a wife MRS. HALM. .And each a happy wife ,FALK [with emphasis]. N Ah, do we know? GULDSTAD. How! MISS JAY. Mr. Falk! - Page 240 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. P Are you resolved to sow Dissension? &FALK [vehemently]. ` Yes, war, discord, turmoil, strife! STIVER. NWhat you, a lay, profane outsider here! Page 241 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. XNo matter, still the battle-flag I ll rear! RYes, it is war I mean with nail and tooth PAgainst the Lie with the tenacious root, TThe lie that you have fostered into fruit, XFor all its strutting in the guise of truth! STIVER. VAgainst these groundless charges I protest, 6Reserving right of action MISS JAY. T Do be still! Page 242 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. LSo then it is Love s ever-running rill ^That tells the widow what she once possess d, ^Out of her language blotted moan and sigh ! ZSo then it is Love s brimming tide that rolls RAlong the placid veins of wedded souls, RThat very Love that faced the iron sleet, LTrampling inane Convention under feet, NAnd scoffing at the impotent discreet! RSo then it is Love s beauty-kindled flame \That keeps the plighted from the taint of time NYear after year! Ah yes, the very same ^That made our young bureaucrat blaze in rhyme! ^So it is Love s young bliss that will not brave JThe voyage over vaulted Ocean s wave, PBut asks a sacrifice when, like the sun, ZIts face should fill with glory, making one! LAh no, you vulgar prophets of the Lie, ^Give things the names we ought to know them by; ZCall widows passion -wanting what they miss, PAnd wedlock s habit -call it what it is! STRAWMAN. XYoung man, this insolence has gone too far! XIn every word there s scoffing and defiance. d [Goes close up to FALK. JNow I ll gird up my aged loins to war VFor hallowed custom against modern science! Page 243 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. DI go to battle as it were a feast! STRAWMAN. ZGood! For your bullets I will be a beacon: \ [Nearer. LA wedded pair is holy, like a priest >STIVER [at FALK s other side]. "And a betrothed - Page 244 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. ^ Half-holy, like the deacon. STRAWMAN. bBehold these children; -see, -this little throng! Io triumphe. may for them be sung! PHow was it possible -how practicable -: XThe words of truth are strong, inexorable -; RHe has no hearing whom they cannot move. VSee, -every one of them s a child of Love ! ` [Stops in confusion. XThat is -you understand -I would have said ! dMISS JAY [fanning herself with her handkerchief]. @This is a very mystical oration! Page 245 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. ^There you yourself provide the demonstration, fA good old Norse one, sound, true-born, home-bred. VYou draw distinction between wedded pledges ^And those of Love: your Logic s without flaw. \They are distinguished just as roast from raw, \As hothouse bloom from wilding of the hedges! JLove is with us a science and an art; ^It long ago since ceased to animate the heart. NLove is with us a trade, a special line VOf business, with its union, code and sign; XIt is a guild of married folks and plighted, JPast-masters with apprentices united; PFor they cohere compact as jelly-fishes, \A singing-club their single want and wish is GULDSTAD. And a gazette! Page 246 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. P A good suggestion, yes! PWe too must have our organ in the press, VLike ladies, athletes, boys, and devotees. ^Don t ask the price at present, if you please. JThere I ll parade each amatory fetter PThat John and Thomas to our town unites, XThere publish every pink and perfumed letter PThat William to his tender Jane indites; dThere you shall read, among Distressing Scenes :Instead of murders and burnt crinolines , XThe broken matches that the week s afforded; fThere under goods for sale you ll find what firms TWill furnish cast-off rings on easy terms; ZThere double, treble births will be recorded; LNo wedding, but our rallying rub-a-dub VShall drum to the performance all the club; PNo suit rejected, but we ll set it down, VIn letters large, with other news of weight PThus: Amor-Moloch, we regret to state, RHas claimed another victim in our town. fYou ll see, we ll catch subscribers: once in sight POf the propitious season when they bite, \By way of throwing them the bait they ll brook TI ll stick a nice young man upon my hook. TYes, you will see me battle for our cause, NWith tiger s, nay with editorial, claws Rending them GULDSTAD. \ And the paper s name will be ? Page 247 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. DAmor s Norse Chronicle of Archery. .STIVER [going nearer]. VYou re not in earnest, you will never stake VYour name and fame for such a fancy s sake! Page 248 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. NI m in grim earnest. We are often told XMen cannot live on love; I ll show that this 6Is an untenable hypothesis; TFor Love will prove to be a mine of gold: DParticularly if Miss Jay, perhaps, XWill Mr. Strawman s Life s Romance unfold, As appetising feuilleton , in scraps. ,STRAWMAN [in terror]. fMerciful heaven! My life s romance! What, what! RWhen was my life romantic, if you please? MISS JAY. I never said so. STIVER. H Witness disagrees. STRAWMAN. JThat I have ever swerved a single jot VFrom social prescript, -is a monstrous lie. Page 249 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. Good. Z [Clapping STIVER on the shoulder. \ Here s a friend who will not put me by. TWe ll start with Stiver s lyric ecstasies. ^STIVER [after a glance of horror at STRAWMAN]. \Are you quite mad! Nay then I must be heard! >You dare accuse me for a poet MISS JAY. N How ! Page 250 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. DYour office has averred it anyhow. 8STIVER [in towering anger]. LSir, by our office nothing is averred. Page 251 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. XWell, leave me then, you also: I have by me ROne comrade yet whose loyalty will last. Z A true heart s story Lind will not deny me, ZWhose troth s too tender for the ocean blast, NWho for his mistress makes surrender of THis fellow-men -pure quintessence of Love! MRS. HALM. PMy patience, Mr. Falk, is now worn out. TThe same abode no longer can receive us: PI beg of you this very day to leave us rFALK [with a bow as MRS. HALM and the company withdraw]. RThat this would come I never had a doubt! STRAWMAN. ZBetween us two there s a battle to the death; \You ve slandered me, my wife, my little flock, TFrom Molly down to Millie, in one breath. $Crow on, crow on - Émancipation s cock, ^ [Goes in followed by his wife and children. Page 252 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. JAnd go you on observing Peter s faith \To Love your lord -who, thanks to your advice, \Was thrice denied before the cock crew thrice! 4MISS JAY [turning faint]. LAttend me, Stiver! help me get unlaced ZMy corset -this way, this way -do make haste! vSTIVER [to FALK as he withdraws with MISS JAY on his arm]. @I here renounce your friendship. Page 253 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. Z $FALK [seriously]. "You too, my Lind? I likewise. Page 254 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. 8 Farewell. Page 255 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. \ You were my nearest one - Page 256 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html LIND. \No help, it is the pleasure of my dearest one. f[He goes in: SVANHILD has remained standing on the verandah steps. Page 257 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. ^So, now I ve made a clearance, have free course $In all directions! SVANHILD. X Falk, one word with you! NFALK [pointing politely to the house]. dThat way, Miss Halm; -that way, with all the force ROf aunts and inmates, Mrs. Halm withdrew. .SVANHILD [nearer him]. \Let them withdraw; their ways and mine divide; TI will not swell the number of their band. Page 258 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. You ll stay? SVANHILD. \ If you make war on lies, I stand HA trusty armour-bearer by your side. Page 259 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. 0You, Svanhild, you who SVANHILD. ^ I, who -yesterday ZWčré you yourself, Falk, yesterday the same? NYou bade me be a sallow, for your play. ? Page 260 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. NAnd a sweet sallow sang me into shame. RNo, you are right: I was a child to ask; PBut you have fired me to a nobler task. ^Right in the midst of men the Church is founded ^Where Truth s appealing clarion must be sounded XWe are not called, like demigods, to gaze on ZThe battle from the far-off mountain s crest, VBut in our hearts to bear our fiery blazon, NAn Olaf s cross upon a mailed breast, RTo look afar across the fields of flight, TTho pent within the mazes of its might, PBeyond the mirk descry one glimmer still ROf glory -that s the Call we must fulfil. SVANHILD. ZAnd you ll fulfil it when you break from men, (Stand free, alone, - Page 261 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. ` Did I frequent them then? `And there lies duty. No, that time s gone by, DMy solitary compact with the sky. HMy four-wall-chamber poetry is done; VMy verse shall live in forest and in field, XI ll fight under the splendour of the sun; NI or the Lie -one of us two must yield! SVANHILD. ^Then forth with God from Verse to Derring-doe! VI did you wrong: you have a feeling heart; \Forgive me, -and as good friends let us part - Page 262 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. RNay, in my future there is room for two! VWe part not. Svanhild, if you dare decide, LWe ll battle on together side by side. SVANHILD. We battle? Page 263 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. V See, I have no friend, no mate, JBy all abandoned, I make war on all: VAt me they aim the piercing shafts of hate; VSay, do you dare with me to stand or fall? VHenceforth along the beaten walks I ll move NHeedful of each constraining etiquette; ^Spread, like the rest of men, my board, and set BThe ring upon the finger of love! d [Takes a ring from his finger and holds it up. FSVANHILD [in breathless suspense]. You mean that? Page 264 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. \ Yes, by us the world will see, >Love has an everlasting energy, VThat suffers not its splendour to take hurt `From the day s dust, the common highway s dirt. RLast night I showed you the ideal aflame, PBeaconing from a dizzy mountain s brow. RYou shuddered, for you were a woman, -now FI show you woman s veritable aim; bA soul like yours, what it has vowed, will keep. ZYou see the abyss before you, Svanhild, leap! :SVANHILD [almost inaudibly]. &If we should fail ? "FALK [exulting]. X No, in your eyes I see VA gleam that surely prophesies our winning! SVANHILD. LThen take me as I am, take all of me! fNow buds the young leaf; now my spring s beginning! ^[She flings herself boldly into his arms as the curtain falls. ‚SVANHILD [Looks after him a moment, then says softly but firmly: JNow over is my life, by lea and lawn, fThe leaves are falling; -now the world may take me. b[At this moment the piano strikes up a dance, and ^champagne corks explode in the background. The ^gentlemen hurry to and fro with their ladies on Ztheir arms. GULDSTAD approaches SVANHILD and Xbows: she starts momentarily, then collects \herself and gives him her hand. MRS. HALM and fher family, who have watched the scene in suspense, \throng about them with expressions of rapture, Twhich are overpowered by the music and the Nmerriment of the dancers in the garden. h [But from the country the following chorus rings ^ loud and defiant through the dance music: @CHORUS OF FALK AND Thé STUDENTS. PAnd what if I shattered my roaming bark, FIt was passing sweet to be roaming! *MOST OF Thé COMPANY. Hurrah! X [Dance and merriment; the curtain falls. l[Turning to the company, while the STUDENTS depart and rand the Chorus of the First Act is faintly heard outside. T[They go across in conversation; MRS. HALM 2approaches with SVANHILD. ACT THIRD. ‚Evening. Bright moonlight. Coloured lanterns are hung about the | trees. In the background are covered tables with bottles, . glasses, biscuits, etcF. From the house, which is lighted | up from top to bottom, subdued music and singing are heard „ during the following scene. SVANHILD stands on the verandah. z FALK comes from the right with some books and a portfolio z under his arm. The PORTER follows with a portmanteau and knapsack. Page 265 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. "That s all, then? PORTER. ^ Yes, sir, all is in the pack, HBut just a satchel, and the paletot. Page 266 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. XGood; when I go, I ll take them on my back. JNow off. See, this is the portfolio. PORTER. &It s locked, I see. Page 267 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. D PORTER. Z Locked, Peter. Good, sir. Page 268 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. f .Make haste and burn it. PORTER. @ Burn it? Pray, Page 269 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. \ Yes, to ash f [Smiling. DWith every draft upon poetic cash; RAs for the books, you re welcome to them. PORTER. \ Nay, XSuch payment is above a poor man s earning. RBut, sir, I m thinking, if you can bestow lYour books, you must have done with all your learning? Page 270 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. RWhatever can be learnt from books I know, And rather more. PORTER. b More? Nay, that s hard I doubt! Page 271 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. ZWell, now be off; the carriers wait without. TJust help them load the barrow ere you go. \ [The PORTER goes out to the left. fFALK [approaching SVANHILD who comes to meet him]. XOne moment s ours, my Svanhild, in the light ROf God and of the lustrous summer night. ZHow the stars glitter thro the leafage, see, fLike bright fruit hanging on the great world-tree. DNow slavery s last manacle I slip, XNow for the last time feel the wealing whip; HLike Israel at the Passover I stand, XLoins girded for the desert, staff in hand. PDull generation, from whose sight is hid XThe Promised Land beyond that desert flight, lThrall tricked with knighthood, never the more knight, NTomb thyself kinglike in the Pyramid, LI cross the barren desert to be free. RMy ship strides on despite an ebbing sea; ZBut there the Legion Lie shall find its doom, ZAnd glut one deep, dark, hollow-vaulted tomb. p [A short pause; he looks at her and takes her hand. "You are so still! SVANHILD. N So happy! Suffer me, NO suffer me in silence still to dream. hSpeak you for me; my budding thoughts, grown strong, JOne after one will burgeon into song, NLike lilies in the bosom of the stream. Page 272 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. RO say it once again, in truth s pure tone \Beyond the fear of doubt, that thou art mine! 2O say it, Svanhild, say RSVANHILD [throwing herself on his neck]. T Yes, I am thine! Page 273 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. RThou singing-bird God sent me for my own! SVANHILD. THomeless within my mother s house I dwelt, NLonely in all I thought, in all I felt, RA guest unbidden at the feast of mirth, ZAccounted nothing -less than nothing -worth. \Then you appeared! For the first time I heard RMy own thought uttered in another s word; XTo my lame visions you gave wings and feet HYou young unmasker of the Obsolete! ^Half with your caustic keenness you alarmed me, `Half with your radiant eloquence you charmed me, VAs sea-girt forests summon with their spell TThe sea their flinty beaches still repel. PNow I have read the bottom of your soul, LNow you have won me, undivided, whole; VDear forest, where my tossing billows beat, TMy tide s at flood and never will retreat! Page 274 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. PAnd I thank God that in the bath of Pain ^He purged my love. What strong compulsion drew FMe on I knew not, till I saw in you VThe treasure I had blindly sought in vain. TI praise Him, who our love has lifted thus JTo noble rank by sorrow, -licensed us LTo a triumphal progress, bade us sweep PThro fen and forest to our castle-keep, BA noble pair, astride on Pegasus! DSVANHILD [pointing to the house]. `The whole house, see, is making feast to-night. XThere, in their honour, every room s alight, ZThere cheerful talk and joyous song ring out; NOn the highroad no passer-by will doubt RThat men are happy where they are so gay. b [With compassion. ZPoor sister! -happy in the great world s way! Page 275 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. . Poor sister, say you? SVANHILD. V Has she not divided VWith kith and kin the treasure of her soul, HHer capital to fifty hands confided, RSo that not one is debtor for the whole? TFrom no one has she all things to receive, HFor no one has she utterly to live. PO beside my wealth hers is little worth; LI have but one possession upon earth. ZMy heart was lordless when with trumpet blare TAnd multitudinous song you came, its king, VThe banners of my thought your ensign bear, \You fill my soul with glory, like the spring. ZYes, I must needs thank God, when it is past, TThat I was lonely till I found out thee, NThat I lay dead until the trumpet blast LWaken d me from the world s frivolity. Page 276 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. \Yes we, who have no friends on earth, we twain XOwn the true wealth, the golden fortune, -we TWho stand without, beside the starlit sea, VAnd watch the indoor revel thro the pane. TLet the lamp glitter and the song resound, VLet the dance madly eddy round and round; VLook up, my Svanhild, into yon deep blue, \There glitter little lamps in thousands, too SVANHILD. ^And hark, beloved, thro the limes there floats PThis balmy eve a chorus of sweet notes - Page 277 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. RIt is for us that fretted vault s aglow SVANHILD. HIt is for us the vale is loud below! - Page 278 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. NI feel myself like God s lost prodigal; XI left Him for the world s delusive charms. TWith mild reproof He wooed me to His arms; XAnd when I come, He lights the vaulted hall, PPrepares a banquet for the son restored, TAnd makes His noblest creature my reward. fFrom this time forth I ll never leave that Light, TBut stand its armed defender in the fight; ^Nothing shall part us, and our life shall prove FA song of glory to triumphant love! SVANHILD. HAnd see how easy triumph is for two, "When He s a man - - Page 279 ABC Amber Sony Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcsonylrf.html FALK. ^ She, woman thro and thro ; DIt is impossible for such to fall! SVANHILD. ZThen up, and to the war with want and sorrow; JThis very hour I will declare it all! Z [Pointing to FALK s ring on her finger. FALK [hastily]. bNo, Svanhild, not to-night, wait till to-morrow! ZTo-night we gather our young love s red rose; X Twere sacrilege to smirch it with the prose Of common day. Z [The door into the garden-room opens. V Your mother s coming! Hide! ZNo eye this night shall see thee as my bride! d[They go out among the trees by the summer-house. ^MRS. HALM and GULDSTAD come out on the balcony. MRS. HALM. $He s really going? GULDSTAD. J Seems so, I admit. "STIVER [coming]. $He s going, madam! MRS. HALM. J We re aware of it! STIVER.