Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/143

] the street to the schools, and the street to the church; of the third street toward Eleusis and further, you know naught; and still less. Ah!

''The curtain on the right is drawn aside. Two servants in eastern costume bring in a tall, veiled object, which they place in the corner, behind the table. Shortly after, enters by the same door. He is a lean man of middle height, with a bronzed, hawk-like face; his hair and beard are much grizzled, but his thick eyebrows and moustache still retain their pitch-black colour. He wears a pointed cap and a long black robe; in his hand he carries a white wand.''

 goes, without heeding, up to the veiled object, stops, and makes a sign to the servants; they retire noiselessly.

[Softly.] At last! ['' draws the veil away, revealing a bronze lamp on a high tripod; then he takes out a little silver pitcher, and pours oil into the lamp-bowl. The lamp lights of itself, and burns with a strong reddish glare.''

[In eager expectancy.] Is the time come?

[Without looking at him.] Art thou pure in soul and body?