Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/361

 [doing the same].

And here I swear by heaven that I will love her Until I die, with love as infinite As now glows in me,—for she is so sweet!

Engaged! Aha, so that was why you flung The Holy Law and Prophets on the shelf!

[laughing].

And you believed it was the song you sung—!

A poet believes all things of himself.

[seriously].

Don't think, however, Falk, that I dismiss The theologian from my hour of bliss. Only, I find the Book will not suffice As Jacob's ladder unto Paradise. I must into God's world, and seek Him there. A boundless kindness in my heart upsprings, I love the straw, I love the creeping things; They also in my joy shall have a share.

Yes, only tell me this, though—

I have told it,— My precious secret, and our three hearts hold it!