w you woman's veritable aim;--
A soul like yours, what it has vowed, will keep.
You see the abyss before you, Svanhild, leap!

SVANHILD [almost inaudibly].
If we should fail--?

FALK [exulting].
No, in your eyes I see
A gleam that surely prophesies our winning!

SVANHILD.
Then take me as I am, take all of me!
Now buds the young leaf; now my spring's beginning!

[She flings herself boldly into his arms as the
curtain falls.

ACT THIRD.

Evening. Bright moonlight. Coloured lanterns are hung about the
trees. In the background are covered tables with bottles,
glasses, biscuits, etc. 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.
FALK comes from the right with some books and a portfolio
under his arm. The PORTER follows with a portmanteau and
knapsack.

FALK.
That's all, then?

PORTER.
Yes, sir, all is in the pack,
But just a satchel, and the paletot.

FALK.
Good; when I go, I'll take them on my back.
Now off. See, this is the portfolio.

PORTER.
It's locked, I see.

FALK.
Locked, Peter.

PORTER.
Good, sir.

FALK.
Pray,
Make haste and burn it.

PORTER.
Burn it?

FALK.
Yes, to ash--
[Smiling.
With every draft upon poetic cash;
As for the books, you're welcome to them.

PORTER.
Nay,
Such payment is above a poor man's earning.
But, sir, I'm thinking, if you can bestow
Your books, you must have done with all your learning?

FALK.
Whatever can be learnt from books I know,
And rather more.

PORTER.
More? Nay, that's hard I doubt!

FALK.
Well, now be off; the carriers wait without.
Just help them load the barrow ere you go.
[The PORTER goes out to the left.

FALK [approaching SVANHILD who comes to meet him].
One moment's ours, my Svanhild, in the light
Of God and of the lustrous summer night.
How the stars glitter thro' the leafage, see,
Like bright fruit hanging on the great world-tree.
Now slavery's last manacle I slip,
Now for the last time feel the wealing whip;
Like Israel at the Passover I stand,
Loins girded fo