Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 3).djvu/92



[Uneasily.]

Twere best I took my homeward way To the deep valley, to the gloom; Such rank and poisonous fancies bloom In this insufferable ray; I'm almost fainting at the fume.

Seek you the shadow; I abide. And if you long for light and sky, And fain would see me ere you die, Call me, and I am by your side.

Yes, with a sermon on my doom!

No, tender both as priest and child I'll shield you from the wind of dread, And singing low beside your bed Lull to repose your anguish wild.

And that with lifted hand you swear?

When you repent I will be there.

[Approaching her.]

But I too make conditions. Hear. Whatever in this world is dear Willingly you must from you rend, And naked to the grave descend.

[Wildly repulsing him.]

Bid fire be sever'd from its heat,