Svanhild [in breathless suspense].
You mean <g>that</g>?
Falk.
Yes, by us the world shall see,
Love has an everlasting energy,
That suffers not its splendour to take hurt
From the day's dust, the common highway's dirt.
Last night I showed you the ideal aflame,
Beaconing from a dizzy mountain's brow.
You shuddered, for you were a woman,—now
I show you woman's veritable aim;—
A soul like yours, what it has vowed, will keep.
You see the abyss before you,—Svanhild, leap!
Svanhild [almost inaudibly]. If we should fail—! Falk [exulting]. No, in your eyes I see A gleam that surely prophesies our winning! Svanhild. Then take me as I am, take all of me! Now buds the young leaf; now my spring's beginning!
[She flings herself boldly into his arms as the curtain falls.
