Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 3).djvu/79

 Deep into many a heart it fell, Like wind and sunshine, cold and hot, Rang through them like a chiming bell,—

[With lowered voice.]

To-morrow, haply, all's forgot, And furl'd the kindling banner bright You just now lifted in our sight.

Duty is not, where power is not.

[Sternly.]

If you cannot be what you ought, Be in good earnest what you may; Be heart and soul a man of clay.

[After gazing on him a moment.]

Woe! you, who quench the lamp you lit; And us, who had a glimpse of it!

[He goes; the others silently follow.

[After long watching them.]

Homewards, one by one, with flagging Spirits, heavily and slow, Foreheads bowed, and weary lagging Footsteps, silently they go. Each with sorrow in his eyes, Walks as from a lifted rod, Walks like Adam spurn'd by God From the gates of Paradise,— Walks like him, with sin-veil'd sight,— Sees, like him, the gathering night, All his gain of knowledge shares, All his loss of blindness bears.