GUDMUND.
Signe, my fairest of flowers!
SIGNE.
It seems
That I, too, have lived in a world of dreams.
But the strange deep words you to-night have spoken,
Of the power of love, have my slumber broken.
The heavens seemed never so blue to me,
Never the world so fair;
I can understand, as I roam with thee,
The song of the birds in air.
GUDMUND.
So mighty is love--it stirs in the breast
Thought and longings and happy unrest.
But come, let us both to your sister go.
SIGNE.
Would you tell her--?
GUDMUND.
Everything she must know.
SIGNE.
Then go you alone;--I feel that my cheek
Would be hot with blushes to hear you speak.
GUDMUND.
So be it, I go.
SIGNE.
And here will I bide;
[Listening towards the right.
Or better--down by the riverside,
I hear Knut Gesling, with maidens and men.
GUDMUND.
There will you stay?
SIGNE.
Till you come again
[She goes out to the right. GUDMUND goes into the house.
[MARGIT enters from behind the house on the left.
MARGIT.
In the hall there is gladness and revelry;
The dancers foot it with jest and glee.
The air weighed hot on my brow and breast;
For Gudmund, he was not there.
[She draws a deep breath.
Out here 'tis better: here's quiet and rest.
How sweet is the cool night air!
[A brooding silence.
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