Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 3).djvu/181



Snares in that dream of thine lie hid; Close it again.

[Pleading.]

Brand!

Close, I say!

Oh, be not harsh, it is not right.

Close, close!

[Drawing it.]

Now all is close and tight; Yet in my heart I scarce can deem God injured if, at sorest need, In the brief respite of a dream I tasted comfort.

No, indeed! He is a feeling Judge and kind, And will indulgently forbear, If in thy service He should find Some idol-worship here and there.

[Bursts into tears.]

Oh, say, when will He cease to crave? My wings are weak—I faint and fall