Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 3).djvu/105

Brand.

Only through you two. By your hand
That heavenly bridge of love was spann'd;
No single soul can all contain
Except it first have yearn'd for <g>one</g>.
I had to long and yearn in vain,
So my heart harden'd into stone.

Agnes.

And yet—your love is merciless;
You chasten whom you would caress.

Brand.

You, Agnes?

Agnes.

            <g>Me?</g> O nay, dear, nay!
On me a lightsome load you lay.
But many falter at the call
To offer <g>Nothing</g> or else <g>all</g>.

Brand.

What the world calls by that name "Love,
I know not and I reck not of.
God's love I recognise alone,
Which melts not at the piteous plaint,
Which is not moved by dying groan,
And its caress <g>is</g> chastisement.
What answer'd through the olive-trees
God, when the Son in anguish lay,
Praying, "O take this cup away!"
Did He then take it? Nay, child, nay:
He made him drink it to the lees.

Agnes.

By such a measure meted, all
The souls of earth are forfeited