d howl;
And if the Fiend come by with jeer and growl,
With horns, and hoofs, and things yet more abhorred,--
Then each man jogs the neighbour at his jowl:
"Off with your hat, man! See, there goes the Lord!"

SVANHILD [after a brief thoughtful silence].
How marvellous a love my steps has led
To this sweet trysting place! My life that sped
In frolic and fantastic visions gay,
Henceforth shall grow one ceaseless working day!
O God! I wandered groping,--all was dim:
Thou gavest me light--and I discovered him!
[Gazing at FALK in love and wonder.
Whence is that strength of thine, thou mighty tree
That stand'st alone, and yet canst shelter me--?

FALK.
God's truth, my Svanhild; that gives fortitude.

SVANHILD [with a shy glance towards the house].
They came like tempters, evilly inclined,
Each spokesman for his half of humankind,
One asking: How can true love reach its goal
When riches' leaden weight subdues the soul?
The other asking: How can true love speed
When life's a battle to the death with Need?
O horrible!--to bid the world receive
That teaching as the truth, and yet to live!

FALK.
How if 'twere meant for us?

SVANHILD.
For us?--What, then?
Can outward fate control the wills of men?
I have already said: if thou'lt stand fast,
I'll dare and suffer by thee to the last.
How light to listen to the gospel's voice,
To leave one's home behind, to weep, rejoice,
And take with God the husband of one's choice!

FALK [embracing her].
Come then, and blow thy worst, thou winter weather!
We stand unshaken, for we stand together!

[MRS. HALM and GULDSTAD come in from the right in
the background.

GULDSTAD [aside].
Observe!

[FALK and SVANHILD remain standing by the summer-house.

MRS. HALM [surprised].
Together!

GULDSTAD.
Do you doubt it now?

MRS. HALM.
This is most singular.

GULDSTAD.
O, I've noted how
His work of late absorb'd his interest.

MRS. HALM [to herself].
Who would have fancied Svanhild so sly?
[Vivaciously to GULDSTAD.
But no--I can't think.

GULDSTAD.
Put it to the test.

MRS. HALM.
Now, on the spot?

GULDSTAD.
Yes, and decisively!

MRS. HALM [giving him her hand].
God's blessing with you!

GULDSTAD [gravely].
Thanks, it may bestead.
[Comes to the front