Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/395

 You were a coin imported, alien, strange, Here valued at another rate of change, Not passing current in that babel mart Of poetry and butter, cheese and art. Then—while Miss Jay in triumph took the field—

[gravely].

Her knight behind her, like a champion bold, His hat upon his elbow, like a shield—

Your mother nodded to your untouched cup: "Drink, Svanhild dear, before your tea grows cold." And then you drank the vapid liquor up, The mawkish brew beloved of young and old. But that name gripped me with a sudden spell; The grim old Völsungs as they fought and fell, With all their faded æons, seemed to rise In never-ending line before my eyes. In you I saw a Svanhild, like the old, But fashioned to the modern age's mould. Sick of its hollow warfare is the world; Its lying banner it would fain have furled; But when the world does evil, its offence Is blotted in the blood of innocence.

[with gentle irony].

I think, at any rate, the fumes of tea Must answer for that direful fantasy; But 'tis your least achievement, past dispute, To hear the spirit speaking, when 'tis mute.