Thy breast is noble;
But him, the wretch! who breathest poison in it,
(Full well I know he's near) him shalt thou punish.

[ROTA disappears.

HOTHER, and presently LOKE.

HOTHER. Now, now! is all a dream? Yet, I've the weapon!
How welcome death! my noble foe no longer
Shall hide thee from me, nor of thee deprive me;
Now can I keep what I have sworn! O Nanna!
I bring a noble offering to thy virtue!

[He is going, but LOKE meets him at the entrance.

LOKE. Whither? thou Fortune's fav'rite!

HOTHER (sharply). Ha! to Haelheim.

LOKE. Hother, I scoff thy wise determination.

HOTHER (incensed). Thou scoffest?

LOKE. Yes, thou holdest thy foeman's life,
And thou wilt die.

HOTHER. What foeman's?

LOKE. Whose, if not Balder's?

HOTHER. Ah, my life he gave me!
And though I hold the gift in little value,
I took it still. And shall his lofty spirit
His downfall prove? Shall I, shall Hother punish
The pity I craved not?

LOKE. By Hael! he's coming!
Waste not the moments in these foolish visions.

HOTHER. What wouldst thou?

LOKE. Stand behind that pine, and kill him!

HOTHER. Ha! dastard slave!

[He strikes LOKE on the head with the spear, and he instantly sinks
howling into the earth. He is no sooner out of sight than everything
becomes quiet. The sun rises in its full majesty. After HOTHER has for
some time looked on all this with astonishment, he says:

Like thee fall every traitor
Who breatheth wickedness in the Skiolding's bosom!
Ha, Balder! [He goes somewhat aside.

HOTHER. BALDER.

BALDER (without perceiving HOTHER). Gloomy was this night and horrid!
Around about me angry gods consulted.
What seek they? To affright the soul of Balder?
Now all is still.

HOTHER. Now unconcern'd and haughty
Walks the high demigod! Ah, little thinks he
Each breath he draweth is the gift of Hother.

BALDER. Who utter'd Hother's name? I heard it utter'd,
But all is hushed as death. I know not wherefore
That name affects me more than any other,
And why within mine ear 'tis ever buzzing.
Ah! can I more than pity him, poor mortal!
Who now his life and feebleness bewaileth,
And trembles weaponless at his own shadow.

HOTHER. Ha, now! for that is worthy of the Skoldung;
I'll be as proud as thou, and fly thy presence! [He goes.

BALDER. Who's speaking here? Who dares disturb my musings?
But, know I not that Finnish fiends are swarming
Upon the rocks! The sun approach'd the oce