my hero, though I knew
it not. Now I understand it all--now know I what it was I felt.
It was a foreboding, a mysterious longing for you, you only one--
for you that were one day to come and glorify my life.

NILS LYKKE (aside, putting down the lantern on the table). How
is it with me? This dizzy fascination---- If this it be to love,
then have I never known it till this hour.--Is there not yet time
----? Oh horror--Lucia!

(Sinks into a chair.)

ELINA. What ails you? So heavy a sigh----

NILS LYKKE. O, 'tis nought,--nought! Elina,--now will I confess
all to you. I have have beguiled many with both words and glances;
I have said to many a one what I whispered to you this night. But
trust me----

ELINA. Hush! No more of that. My love is no exchange for that
you give me. No, no; I love you because your every glance commands
it like a king's decree.
(Lies down at his feet.)
Oh, let me once more stamp that kingly message deep into my soul,
though well I know it stands imprinted there for all time and
eternity.
Dear God--how little I have known myself! 'Twas but to-night I
said to my mother: "My pride is my life." And what is my pride?
Is it to know that my countrymen are free, or that my house is
held in honour throughout the lands? Oh, no, no! My love is my
pride. The little dog is proud when he may sit by his master's
feet and eat bread-crumbs from his hand. Even so am I proud, so
long as I may sit at your feet, while your looks and your words
nourish me with the bread of life. See, therefore, I say to you,
even as I said but now to my mother: "My love is my life;" for
therein lies all my pride, now and evermore.

NILS LYKKE (raises her up on his lap). Nay, nay--not at my feet,
but at my side is your place,--should fate set me never so high.
Ay, Elina--you have led me into a better path; and if it be granted
me some day to atone by a deed of fame for the sins of my reckless
youth, the honour shall be yours as well as mine.

ELINA. Ah, you speak as though I were still the Elina that but
this evening flung down the flowers at your feet.
I have read in my books of the many-coloured life in far-off lands.
To the winding of horns the knight rides forth into the greenwood,
with his falcon on his wrist. Even so do you go your way through
life;--your name rings out before you whithersoever you fare.--All
that I desire of your glory, is to rest like the falcon on your
a