Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/454

 [in breathless suspense].

You mean that?

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!

[almost inaudibly]. If we should fail—! [exulting]. No, in your eyes I see A gleam that surely prophesies our winning! 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.