In frolic and fantastic visions gay,
Henceforth shall grow one ceaseless working day!
O God! I wandered groping,—all was dim:
Thou gavest me light—and I discovered <g>him</g>!
[Gazing at Falk in love and wonder.
Whence is that strength of thine, thou mighty tree
That stand'st unshaken in the wind-wrecked wood,
That stand'st alone, and yet canst shelter me—?
Falk.
God's truth, my Svanhild;—that gives fortitude.
Svanhild [with a shy glance towards the
house].
They came like tempters, evilly inclined,
Each spokesman for his half of humankind,
One asking: How can true love reach its goal
When riches' leaden weight subdues the soul?
The other asking: How can true love speed
When life's a battle to the death with Need?
O horrible!—to bid the world receive
That teaching as the truth, and yet to live!
Falk.
How if 'twere meant for us?
Svanhild.
For us?—What, then?
Can outward fate control the wills of men?
