ACT SECOND
By the fjord-side, steep precipices all around. The ancient and tumble-down church stands on a little knoll hard by. A storm is coming on.
The country-folk,—men, women, and children,—are gathered in knots, some on the shore, some on the slopes. TheMayorsits in the midst, on a stone; aClerkis helping him; corn and provisions are being distributed.EinarandAgnesstand surrounded by a crowd, a little apart. Some boats lie on the beach.Brandcomes forward,unnoticed,unnoticed,to the church-knoll.
A Man.[Breaking through the crowd.]
A Man.[Breaking through the crowd.]
A Man.
[Breaking through the crowd.]
Out of the way!
Out of the way!
Out of the way!
Out of the way!
A Woman.
A Woman.
A Woman.
I’m first!
I’m first!
I’m first!
I’m first!
The Man.[Thrusting her aside.]
The Man.[Thrusting her aside.]
The Man.
[Thrusting her aside.]
Get back![Pushing towards the Mayor.]Ho! look you, fill me up my sack!
Get back![Pushing towards the Mayor.]Ho! look you, fill me up my sack!
Get back![Pushing towards the Mayor.]Ho! look you, fill me up my sack!
Get back!
[Pushing towards the Mayor.]
Ho! look you, fill me up my sack!
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
All in good time.
All in good time.
All in good time.
All in good time.
The Man.
The Man.
The Man.
I cannot stay;—I’ve four—five—babes of bread bereft!
I cannot stay;—I’ve four—five—babes of bread bereft!
I cannot stay;—I’ve four—five—babes of bread bereft!
I cannot stay;—
I’ve four—five—babes of bread bereft!
The Mayor.[Facetiously.]
The Mayor.[Facetiously.]
The Mayor.
[Facetiously.]
You don’t know just how many,eh?eh?
You don’t know just how many,eh?eh?
You don’t know just how many,eh?eh?
You don’t know just how many,eh?eh?
The Man.
The Man.
The Man.
One was e’en dying when I left.
One was e’en dying when I left.
One was e’en dying when I left.
One was e’en dying when I left.
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
Hold. You are enter’d, are you not?[Examines his papers.]No. Yes, you are though. Well for you.[To theClerk.]Give Number Twenty-nine his lot.Come, come, good folks, be patient, do!Nils Snemyr?
Hold. You are enter’d, are you not?[Examines his papers.]No. Yes, you are though. Well for you.[To theClerk.]Give Number Twenty-nine his lot.Come, come, good folks, be patient, do!Nils Snemyr?
Hold. You are enter’d, are you not?[Examines his papers.]No. Yes, you are though. Well for you.[To theClerk.]Give Number Twenty-nine his lot.Come, come, good folks, be patient, do!Nils Snemyr?
Hold. You are enter’d, are you not?
[Examines his papers.]
No. Yes, you are though. Well for you.
[To theClerk.]
Give Number Twenty-nine his lot.
Come, come, good folks, be patient, do!
Nils Snemyr?
The Man.
The Man.
The Man.
Ay, ay!
Ay, ay!
Ay, ay!
Ay, ay!
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
We must pareA quarter off your former share.You’re fewer now, you know.
We must pareA quarter off your former share.You’re fewer now, you know.
We must pareA quarter off your former share.You’re fewer now, you know.
We must pare
A quarter off your former share.
You’re fewer now, you know.
The Man.
The Man.
The Man.
Yes, yes,—My Ragnhild died yestreen.
Yes, yes,—My Ragnhild died yestreen.
Yes, yes,—My Ragnhild died yestreen.
Yes, yes,—
My Ragnhild died yestreen.
The Mayor.[Making a note.]
The Mayor.[Making a note.]
The Mayor.
[Making a note.]
One less.Saving is saving, howsoe’er.[To theMan, who is retiring.]But look you, now, you needn’t runAnd marry another on the spot!
One less.Saving is saving, howsoe’er.[To theMan, who is retiring.]But look you, now, you needn’t runAnd marry another on the spot!
One less.Saving is saving, howsoe’er.[To theMan, who is retiring.]But look you, now, you needn’t runAnd marry another on the spot!
One less.
Saving is saving, howsoe’er.
[To theMan, who is retiring.]
But look you, now, you needn’t run
And marry another on the spot!
Clerk.[Sniggering.]
Clerk.[Sniggering.]
Clerk.
[Sniggering.]
Hee, hee!
Hee, hee!
Hee, hee!
Hee, hee!
The Mayor.[Sharply.]
The Mayor.[Sharply.]
The Mayor.
[Sharply.]
You laugh?
You laugh?
You laugh?
You laugh?
Clerk.
Clerk.
Clerk.
Your Worship’s funIs irresistible.
Your Worship’s funIs irresistible.
Your Worship’s funIs irresistible.
Your Worship’s fun
Is irresistible.
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
Have done!This work’s no jesting; but the bestMethod with mourners is a jest.
Have done!This work’s no jesting; but the bestMethod with mourners is a jest.
Have done!This work’s no jesting; but the bestMethod with mourners is a jest.
Have done!
This work’s no jesting; but the best
Method with mourners is a jest.
Einar.[Coming out of the throng withAgnes.]
Einar.[Coming out of the throng withAgnes.]
Einar.
[Coming out of the throng withAgnes.]
Now my last pocket’s clean and bare,Spent every stiver, every note;—A very beggar I go afloat,And pawn my watch to pay my fare!
Now my last pocket’s clean and bare,Spent every stiver, every note;—A very beggar I go afloat,And pawn my watch to pay my fare!
Now my last pocket’s clean and bare,Spent every stiver, every note;—A very beggar I go afloat,And pawn my watch to pay my fare!
Now my last pocket’s clean and bare,
Spent every stiver, every note;—
A very beggar I go afloat,
And pawn my watch to pay my fare!
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
Yes, in good time you came along.What I’ve collected is a song,—By no means answers to the callWhen needy hand and mouth ill-fedMust halve the sharing of shared breadWith those who’ve ne’er a bit at all.[He perceivesBrand, and points up to him.]One more! You’re welcome! If reportOf our drought-flood-and-famine curseHas reach’d you, promptly loose your purse(If yet unloosen’d). Every sortOf contribution meets the case.Our store’s nigh spent. Five fishes scantIn the wide wilderness of WantDon’t make a square meal nowadays.
Yes, in good time you came along.What I’ve collected is a song,—By no means answers to the callWhen needy hand and mouth ill-fedMust halve the sharing of shared breadWith those who’ve ne’er a bit at all.[He perceivesBrand, and points up to him.]One more! You’re welcome! If reportOf our drought-flood-and-famine curseHas reach’d you, promptly loose your purse(If yet unloosen’d). Every sortOf contribution meets the case.Our store’s nigh spent. Five fishes scantIn the wide wilderness of WantDon’t make a square meal nowadays.
Yes, in good time you came along.What I’ve collected is a song,—By no means answers to the callWhen needy hand and mouth ill-fedMust halve the sharing of shared breadWith those who’ve ne’er a bit at all.[He perceivesBrand, and points up to him.]One more! You’re welcome! If reportOf our drought-flood-and-famine curseHas reach’d you, promptly loose your purse(If yet unloosen’d). Every sortOf contribution meets the case.Our store’s nigh spent. Five fishes scantIn the wide wilderness of WantDon’t make a square meal nowadays.
Yes, in good time you came along.
What I’ve collected is a song,—
By no means answers to the call
When needy hand and mouth ill-fed
Must halve the sharing of shared bread
With those who’ve ne’er a bit at all.
[He perceivesBrand, and points up to him.]
One more! You’re welcome! If report
Of our drought-flood-and-famine curse
Has reach’d you, promptly loose your purse
(If yet unloosen’d). Every sort
Of contribution meets the case.
Our store’s nigh spent. Five fishes scant
In the wide wilderness of Want
Don’t make a square meal nowadays.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Myriads, idolatrously given,Would lift the soul no nearer heaven.
Myriads, idolatrously given,Would lift the soul no nearer heaven.
Myriads, idolatrously given,Would lift the soul no nearer heaven.
Myriads, idolatrously given,
Would lift the soul no nearer heaven.
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
It was not words I bade you share:They’re barren when the belly’s bare.
It was not words I bade you share:They’re barren when the belly’s bare.
It was not words I bade you share:They’re barren when the belly’s bare.
It was not words I bade you share:
They’re barren when the belly’s bare.
Einar.
Einar.
Einar.
I can’t believe that you recallWhat long and fierce calamitiesThey’ve suffered:—famine, drought, disease.Men die, Brand——
I can’t believe that you recallWhat long and fierce calamitiesThey’ve suffered:—famine, drought, disease.Men die, Brand——
I can’t believe that you recallWhat long and fierce calamitiesThey’ve suffered:—famine, drought, disease.Men die, Brand——
I can’t believe that you recall
What long and fierce calamities
They’ve suffered:—famine, drought, disease.
Men die, Brand——
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
I perceive it all.Each livid-circled eye makes clearWho it is holds assizes here.
I perceive it all.Each livid-circled eye makes clearWho it is holds assizes here.
I perceive it all.Each livid-circled eye makes clearWho it is holds assizes here.
I perceive it all.
Each livid-circled eye makes clear
Who it is holds assizes here.
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
Yet there you stand, a very flint!
Yet there you stand, a very flint!
Yet there you stand, a very flint!
Yet there you stand, a very flint!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
If life here ran its sluggish roundOf common toil and common stint,Pity with me your pangs had found.Who homeward crawls with earth-set eyes,In him the sleeping beast will rise.When days in drowsy calm go by,Like funerals, at walking pace,You well may fear that the Most HighHas struck you from His Book of Grace.But unto you He was more good,He scatter’d terror in your blood,He scourged you with the rods that slay,The gifts He gave, He took away——
If life here ran its sluggish roundOf common toil and common stint,Pity with me your pangs had found.Who homeward crawls with earth-set eyes,In him the sleeping beast will rise.When days in drowsy calm go by,Like funerals, at walking pace,You well may fear that the Most HighHas struck you from His Book of Grace.But unto you He was more good,He scatter’d terror in your blood,He scourged you with the rods that slay,The gifts He gave, He took away——
If life here ran its sluggish roundOf common toil and common stint,Pity with me your pangs had found.Who homeward crawls with earth-set eyes,In him the sleeping beast will rise.When days in drowsy calm go by,Like funerals, at walking pace,You well may fear that the Most HighHas struck you from His Book of Grace.But unto you He was more good,He scatter’d terror in your blood,He scourged you with the rods that slay,The gifts He gave, He took away——
If life here ran its sluggish round
Of common toil and common stint,
Pity with me your pangs had found.
Who homeward crawls with earth-set eyes,
In him the sleeping beast will rise.
When days in drowsy calm go by,
Like funerals, at walking pace,
You well may fear that the Most High
Has struck you from His Book of Grace.
But unto you He was more good,
He scatter’d terror in your blood,
He scourged you with the rods that slay,
The gifts He gave, He took away——
Voices.[Fiercely interrupting him.]
Voices.[Fiercely interrupting him.]
Voices.
[Fiercely interrupting him.]
He mocks us in our bitter need!
He mocks us in our bitter need!
He mocks us in our bitter need!
He mocks us in our bitter need!
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
He rails at us who tend and feed!
He rails at us who tend and feed!
He rails at us who tend and feed!
He rails at us who tend and feed!
Brand.[Shaking his head.]
Brand.[Shaking his head.]
Brand.
[Shaking his head.]
Oh, if the blood of all my heartCould heal you from the hunger-smart,In welling streams it should be shed,Till every vein was a dry bed.But here it were a sin to give!God seeks to pluck you from your bane;—Nations, though poor and sparse, thatlive,Suck might and marrow from their pain.The purblind sight takesfalcon-wingsfalcon-wings,Sees clear into the heart of things,The faltering will stands stout at bay,And sees the triumph through the fray.But men whom misery has not mann’dAre worthless of the saving hand!
Oh, if the blood of all my heartCould heal you from the hunger-smart,In welling streams it should be shed,Till every vein was a dry bed.But here it were a sin to give!God seeks to pluck you from your bane;—Nations, though poor and sparse, thatlive,Suck might and marrow from their pain.The purblind sight takesfalcon-wingsfalcon-wings,Sees clear into the heart of things,The faltering will stands stout at bay,And sees the triumph through the fray.But men whom misery has not mann’dAre worthless of the saving hand!
Oh, if the blood of all my heartCould heal you from the hunger-smart,In welling streams it should be shed,Till every vein was a dry bed.But here it were a sin to give!God seeks to pluck you from your bane;—Nations, though poor and sparse, thatlive,Suck might and marrow from their pain.The purblind sight takesfalcon-wingsfalcon-wings,Sees clear into the heart of things,The faltering will stands stout at bay,And sees the triumph through the fray.But men whom misery has not mann’dAre worthless of the saving hand!
Oh, if the blood of all my heart
Could heal you from the hunger-smart,
In welling streams it should be shed,
Till every vein was a dry bed.
But here it were a sin to give!
God seeks to pluck you from your bane;—
Nations, though poor and sparse, thatlive,
Suck might and marrow from their pain.
The purblind sight takesfalcon-wingsfalcon-wings,
Sees clear into the heart of things,
The faltering will stands stout at bay,
And sees the triumph through the fray.
But men whom misery has not mann’d
Are worthless of the saving hand!
A Woman.
A Woman.
A Woman.
Yonder a storm breaks on the fjord,As if awaken’d by his word!
Yonder a storm breaks on the fjord,As if awaken’d by his word!
Yonder a storm breaks on the fjord,As if awaken’d by his word!
Yonder a storm breaks on the fjord,
As if awaken’d by his word!
Another Woman.
Another Woman.
Another Woman.
He tempts God! Mark what I foretell.
He tempts God! Mark what I foretell.
He tempts God! Mark what I foretell.
He tempts God! Mark what I foretell.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
YourGod ne’er wrought a miracle!
YourGod ne’er wrought a miracle!
YourGod ne’er wrought a miracle!
YourGod ne’er wrought a miracle!
Women.
Women.
Women.
See, see! the storm!
See, see! the storm!
See, see! the storm!
See, see! the storm!
Voices among the Throng.
Voices among the Throng.
Voices among the Throng.
Stab,—stone him! chaseThe flinty fellow from the place!
Stab,—stone him! chaseThe flinty fellow from the place!
Stab,—stone him! chaseThe flinty fellow from the place!
Stab,—stone him! chase
The flinty fellow from the place!
[The peasants close menacingly roundBrand. TheMayorintervenes.A Woman, wild and dishevelled, comes hurriedly down the slopes.]
The Woman.[Crying out towards the throng.]
The Woman.[Crying out towards the throng.]
The Woman.
[Crying out towards the throng.]
Oh, where is help, for Jesus’ grace!
Oh, where is help, for Jesus’ grace!
Oh, where is help, for Jesus’ grace!
Oh, where is help, for Jesus’ grace!
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
What do you need? Explain your case.
What do you need? Explain your case.
What do you need? Explain your case.
What do you need? Explain your case.
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
Nothing I need; no alms I seek,But oh, the horror, horror——
Nothing I need; no alms I seek,But oh, the horror, horror——
Nothing I need; no alms I seek,But oh, the horror, horror——
Nothing I need; no alms I seek,
But oh, the horror, horror——
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
Speak!
Speak!
Speak!
Speak!
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
I have no voice,—O comfort, aid!Where is the priest?
I have no voice,—O comfort, aid!Where is the priest?
I have no voice,—O comfort, aid!Where is the priest?
I have no voice,—O comfort, aid!
Where is the priest?
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
Here there is none—
Here there is none—
Here there is none—
Here there is none—
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
I am undone! I am undone!Stern wast thou, God, when I was made!
I am undone! I am undone!Stern wast thou, God, when I was made!
I am undone! I am undone!Stern wast thou, God, when I was made!
I am undone! I am undone!
Stern wast thou, God, when I was made!
Brand.[Approaching.]
Brand.[Approaching.]
Brand.
[Approaching.]
Maybe, however, there isone.
Maybe, however, there isone.
Maybe, however, there isone.
Maybe, however, there isone.
The Woman.[Seizing his arm.]
The Woman.[Seizing his arm.]
The Woman.
[Seizing his arm.]
Then let him come, and swiftly!
Then let him come, and swiftly!
Then let him come, and swiftly!
Then let him come, and swiftly!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
TellYour need, and he will surely come.
TellYour need, and he will surely come.
TellYour need, and he will surely come.
Tell
Your need, and he will surely come.
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
Across the fjord—my husband——
Across the fjord—my husband——
Across the fjord—my husband——
Across the fjord—my husband——
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Well?
Well?
Well?
Well?
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
Three starving babes, and ne’er a crumb,——Say no,—he is not sent to hell!
Three starving babes, and ne’er a crumb,——Say no,—he is not sent to hell!
Three starving babes, and ne’er a crumb,——Say no,—he is not sent to hell!
Three starving babes, and ne’er a crumb,——
Say no,—he is not sent to hell!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Your story first.
Your story first.
Your story first.
Your story first.
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
My breast was dry;Man sent no help, and God was dumb;My babe was dying in agony;Cut to the heart,—his child he slew!—
My breast was dry;Man sent no help, and God was dumb;My babe was dying in agony;Cut to the heart,—his child he slew!—
My breast was dry;Man sent no help, and God was dumb;My babe was dying in agony;Cut to the heart,—his child he slew!—
My breast was dry;
Man sent no help, and God was dumb;
My babe was dying in agony;
Cut to the heart,—his child he slew!—
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
He slew——!
He slew——!
He slew——!
He slew——!
The Throng.[Shuddering.]
The Throng.[Shuddering.]
The Throng.
[Shuddering.]
His child!
His child!
His child!
His child!
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
The horror of his deed of blood!His grief ran brimming like a flood;He struck himself the death-wound too.Come, save him, save him from perdition,Spite of wild water and wild sky!He cannot live, and dare not die!There lies he, clasping the dead frame,And shrieking on the Devil’s name!
The horror of his deed of blood!His grief ran brimming like a flood;He struck himself the death-wound too.Come, save him, save him from perdition,Spite of wild water and wild sky!He cannot live, and dare not die!There lies he, clasping the dead frame,And shrieking on the Devil’s name!
The horror of his deed of blood!His grief ran brimming like a flood;He struck himself the death-wound too.Come, save him, save him from perdition,Spite of wild water and wild sky!He cannot live, and dare not die!There lies he, clasping the dead frame,And shrieking on the Devil’s name!
The horror of his deed of blood!
His grief ran brimming like a flood;
He struck himself the death-wound too.
Come, save him, save him from perdition,
Spite of wild water and wild sky!
He cannot live, and dare not die!
There lies he, clasping the dead frame,
And shrieking on the Devil’s name!
Brand.[Quietly.]
Brand.[Quietly.]
Brand.
[Quietly.]
Yes,hereis need.
Yes,hereis need.
Yes,hereis need.
Yes,hereis need.
Einar.[Pale.]
Einar.[Pale.]
Einar.
[Pale.]
Great God onhigh!high!
Great God onhigh!high!
Great God onhigh!high!
Great God onhigh!high!
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
He doesn’t live in my Division.
He doesn’t live in my Division.
He doesn’t live in my Division.
He doesn’t live in my Division.
Brand.[Curtly, to the Peasants.]
Brand.[Curtly, to the Peasants.]
Brand.
[Curtly, to the Peasants.]
Unmoor a boat and row me there!
Unmoor a boat and row me there!
Unmoor a boat and row me there!
Unmoor a boat and row me there!
A Man.
A Man.
A Man.
When such a storm isup? Who dare?
When such a storm isup? Who dare?
When such a storm isup? Who dare?
When such a storm isup? Who dare?
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
A path goes round the fjord——
A path goes round the fjord——
A path goes round the fjord——
A path goes round the fjord——
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
Nay, nay,There’s now no practicable way;The footbridge as I came acrossWas broken by the foaming foss.
Nay, nay,There’s now no practicable way;The footbridge as I came acrossWas broken by the foaming foss.
Nay, nay,There’s now no practicable way;The footbridge as I came acrossWas broken by the foaming foss.
Nay, nay,
There’s now no practicable way;
The footbridge as I came across
Was broken by the foaming foss.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Unmoor the boat.
Unmoor the boat.
Unmoor the boat.
Unmoor the boat.
A Man.
A Man.
A Man.
It can’t be done;O’er rock and reef the breakers run.
It can’t be done;O’er rock and reef the breakers run.
It can’t be done;O’er rock and reef the breakers run.
It can’t be done;
O’er rock and reef the breakers run.
Another.
Another.
Another.
Down sweeps a blast! See, at a strokeThe whole fjord vanishes in smoke!
Down sweeps a blast! See, at a strokeThe whole fjord vanishes in smoke!
Down sweeps a blast! See, at a strokeThe whole fjord vanishes in smoke!
Down sweeps a blast! See, at a stroke
The whole fjord vanishes in smoke!
A Third.
A Third.
A Third.
With waves so wild and wind so rough,The Dean would put the service off.
With waves so wild and wind so rough,The Dean would put the service off.
With waves so wild and wind so rough,The Dean would put the service off.
With waves so wild and wind so rough,
The Dean would put the service off.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
A sinful soul that nears its endWaits not until the weather mend!
A sinful soul that nears its endWaits not until the weather mend!
A sinful soul that nears its endWaits not until the weather mend!
A sinful soul that nears its end
Waits not until the weather mend!
[Goes down to a boat and looses the sail.]
You’ll risk the boat?
You’ll risk the boat?
You’ll risk the boat?
You’ll risk the boat?
The Owner.
The Owner.
The Owner.
I will; but stay!
I will; but stay!
I will; but stay!
I will; but stay!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Now, who will risk hislife, I say!
Now, who will risk hislife, I say!
Now, who will risk hislife, I say!
Now, who will risk hislife, I say!
A Man.
A Man.
A Man.
I’ll not go with him.
I’ll not go with him.
I’ll not go with him.
I’ll not go with him.
Another.
Another.
Another.
No, nor I.
No, nor I.
No, nor I.
No, nor I.
Several.
Several.
Several.
It were just putting out to die!
It were just putting out to die!
It were just putting out to die!
It were just putting out to die!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
YourGod helps none across the fjord;Remember, though, thatmine’son board!
YourGod helps none across the fjord;Remember, though, thatmine’son board!
YourGod helps none across the fjord;Remember, though, thatmine’son board!
YourGod helps none across the fjord;
Remember, though, thatmine’son board!
The Woman.[Wringing her hands.]
The Woman.[Wringing her hands.]
The Woman.
[Wringing her hands.]
He’ll die unsaved!
He’ll die unsaved!
He’ll die unsaved!
He’ll die unsaved!
Brand.[Calling from the boat.]
Brand.[Calling from the boat.]
Brand.
[Calling from the boat.]
Onewill availTo bail the leakage, shift the sail;Come, one of you that lately gave;Give now to death and to thegrave.grave.
Onewill availTo bail the leakage, shift the sail;Come, one of you that lately gave;Give now to death and to thegrave.grave.
Onewill availTo bail the leakage, shift the sail;Come, one of you that lately gave;Give now to death and to thegrave.grave.
Onewill avail
To bail the leakage, shift the sail;
Come, one of you that lately gave;
Give now to death and to thegrave.grave.
Several.[Shrinking back.]
Several.[Shrinking back.]
Several.
[Shrinking back.]
Never ask such-like of us!
Never ask such-like of us!
Never ask such-like of us!
Never ask such-like of us!
One.[Menacingly.]
One.[Menacingly.]
One.
[Menacingly.]
Land!’Tis overbold to tempt God’s hand!
Land!’Tis overbold to tempt God’s hand!
Land!’Tis overbold to tempt God’s hand!
Land!
’Tis overbold to tempt God’s hand!
Several Voices.
Several Voices.
Several Voices.
See, the storm thickens!
See, the storm thickens!
See, the storm thickens!
See, the storm thickens!
Others.
Others.
Others.
The ropes break!
The ropes break!
The ropes break!
The ropes break!
Brand.[Holding himself fast with the boat-hook, and calling to the strangeWoman.]
Brand.[Holding himself fast with the boat-hook, and calling to the strangeWoman.]
Brand.
[Holding himself fast with the boat-hook, and calling to the strangeWoman.]
Good; come then you; but speedily!
Good; come then you; but speedily!
Good; come then you; but speedily!
Good; come then you; but speedily!
The Woman.[Shrinking back.]
The Woman.[Shrinking back.]
The Woman.
[Shrinking back.]
I! Where no others——!
I! Where no others——!
I! Where no others——!
I! Where no others——!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Let them be!
Let them be!
Let them be!
Let them be!
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
I cannot!
I cannot!
I cannot!
I cannot!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Cannot?
Cannot?
Cannot?
Cannot?
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
My babes’ sake——!
My babes’ sake——!
My babes’ sake——!
My babes’ sake——!
Brand.[Scornfully laughing.]
Brand.[Scornfully laughing.]
Brand.
[Scornfully laughing.]
You build upon a quaking sand!
You build upon a quaking sand!
You build upon a quaking sand!
You build upon a quaking sand!
Agnes.[Turns with glowing cheeks toEinar, lays her hand on his arm, and says:]
Agnes.[Turns with glowing cheeks toEinar, lays her hand on his arm, and says:]
Agnes.
[Turns with glowing cheeks toEinar, lays her hand on his arm, and says:]
Did you hearall?
Did you hearall?
Did you hearall?
Did you hearall?
Einar.
Einar.
Einar.
A valiant heart.
A valiant heart.
A valiant heart.
A valiant heart.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Thank God, Einar, you see yourpart.part.[Calls toBrand.]
Thank God, Einar, you see yourpart.part.[Calls toBrand.]
Thank God, Einar, you see yourpart.part.[Calls toBrand.]
Thank God, Einar, you see yourpart.part.
[Calls toBrand.]
See,—here is one man, brave and true,To go the saving way with you!
See,—here is one man, brave and true,To go the saving way with you!
See,—here is one man, brave and true,To go the saving way with you!
See,—here is one man, brave and true,
To go the saving way with you!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Come on then!
Come on then!
Come on then!
Come on then!
Einar.[Pale.]
Einar.[Pale.]
Einar.
[Pale.]
I!
I!
I!
I!
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
I give you! Go!Mine eyes are lifted, that were low!
I give you! Go!Mine eyes are lifted, that were low!
I give you! Go!Mine eyes are lifted, that were low!
I give you! Go!
Mine eyes are lifted, that were low!
Einar.
Einar.
Einar.
Ere I found you, with willing feetI would have follow’d where he led——
Ere I found you, with willing feetI would have follow’d where he led——
Ere I found you, with willing feetI would have follow’d where he led——
Ere I found you, with willing feet
I would have follow’d where he led——
Agnes.[Trembling.]
Agnes.[Trembling.]
Agnes.
[Trembling.]
But now——!
But now——!
But now——!
But now——!
Einar.
Einar.
Einar.
My life is new and sweet;—Icannotgo!
My life is new and sweet;—Icannotgo!
My life is new and sweet;—Icannotgo!
My life is new and sweet;—
Icannotgo!
Agnes.[Starting back.]
Agnes.[Starting back.]
Agnes.
[Starting back.]
What have you said!
What have you said!
What have you said!
What have you said!
Einar.
Einar.
Einar.
Idarenot go!
Idarenot go!
Idarenot go!
Idarenot go!
Agnes.[With a cry.]
Agnes.[With a cry.]
Agnes.
[With a cry.]
Now roars a seaOf sweeping flood and surging foamWorld-wide, world-deep, ’twixt you and me![ToBrand.]Iwill go with you!
Now roars a seaOf sweeping flood and surging foamWorld-wide, world-deep, ’twixt you and me![ToBrand.]Iwill go with you!
Now roars a seaOf sweeping flood and surging foamWorld-wide, world-deep, ’twixt you and me![ToBrand.]Iwill go with you!
Now roars a sea
Of sweeping flood and surging foam
World-wide, world-deep, ’twixt you and me!
[ToBrand.]
Iwill go with you!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Good; then come!
Good; then come!
Good; then come!
Good; then come!
Einar.[Clutching desperately after her.]
Einar.[Clutching desperately after her.]
Einar.
[Clutching desperately after her.]
Agnes!
Agnes!
Agnes!
Agnes!
The whole Throng.[Hurrying towards her.]
The whole Throng.[Hurrying towards her.]
The whole Throng.
[Hurrying towards her.]
Come back! Come back!
Come back! Come back!
Come back! Come back!
Come back! Come back!
Women.[In terror as she springs into the boat.]
Women.[In terror as she springs into the boat.]
Women.
[In terror as she springs into the boat.]
Help, Lord!
Help, Lord!
Help, Lord!
Help, Lord!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Where does the house lie!
Where does the house lie!
Where does the house lie!
Where does the house lie!
Women.[Pointing.]
Women.[Pointing.]
Women.
[Pointing.]
By the fjord,Behind yon black and jutting brink![The boats put out.
By the fjord,Behind yon black and jutting brink![The boats put out.
By the fjord,Behind yon black and jutting brink![The boats put out.
By the fjord,
Behind yon black and jutting brink!
[The boats put out.
Einar.[Calling after them.]
Einar.[Calling after them.]
Einar.
[Calling after them.]
Your home, your mother, Agnes! Think!O save yourself!
Your home, your mother, Agnes! Think!O save yourself!
Your home, your mother, Agnes! Think!O save yourself!
Your home, your mother, Agnes! Think!
O save yourself!
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
We arethreeon board!
We arethreeon board!
We arethreeon board!
We arethreeon board!
[The boat sails. The people crowd together on the slopes, and watch in eager suspense.
[The boat sails. The people crowd together on the slopes, and watch in eager suspense.
A Man.
A Man.
A Man.
He clears the headland!
He clears the headland!
He clears the headland!
He clears the headland!
Another.
Another.
Another.
Nay!
Nay!
Nay!
Nay!
The First.
The First.
The First.
Yes, see,—Astern he has it, and in lee!
Yes, see,—Astern he has it, and in lee!
Yes, see,—Astern he has it, and in lee!
Yes, see,—
Astern he has it, and in lee!
Another.
Another.
Another.
A squall! It’s caught them!
A squall! It’s caught them!
A squall! It’s caught them!
A squall! It’s caught them!
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
The Mayor.
Look at that,—The wind has swept away his hat!
Look at that,—The wind has swept away his hat!
Look at that,—The wind has swept away his hat!
Look at that,—
The wind has swept away his hat!
A Woman.
A Woman.
A Woman.
Black as a rook’s wing, his wet hairStreams backward on the angry air.
Black as a rook’s wing, his wet hairStreams backward on the angry air.
Black as a rook’s wing, his wet hairStreams backward on the angry air.
Black as a rook’s wing, his wet hair
Streams backward on the angry air.
First Man.
First Man.
First Man.
All seethes and surges!
All seethes and surges!
All seethes and surges!
All seethes and surges!
Einar.
Einar.
Einar.
What a yell!Rang through the storm!
What a yell!Rang through the storm!
What a yell!Rang through the storm!
What a yell!
Rang through the storm!
A Woman.
A Woman.
A Woman.
’Twas from the fell.
’Twas from the fell.
’Twas from the fell.
’Twas from the fell.
Another.[Pointing up.]
Another.[Pointing up.]
Another.
[Pointing up.]
See, there stands Gerd upon the cliff,Hallooing at the passing skiff!
See, there stands Gerd upon the cliff,Hallooing at the passing skiff!
See, there stands Gerd upon the cliff,Hallooing at the passing skiff!
See, there stands Gerd upon the cliff,
Hallooing at the passing skiff!
First Woman.
First Woman.
First Woman.
She’s flinging pebbles like witch-corn,And blowing through a twisted horn.
She’s flinging pebbles like witch-corn,And blowing through a twisted horn.
She’s flinging pebbles like witch-corn,And blowing through a twisted horn.
She’s flinging pebbles like witch-corn,
And blowing through a twisted horn.
Second Woman.
Second Woman.
Second Woman.
Now she has slung it like a wand,And pipes upon her hollow’d hand.
Now she has slung it like a wand,And pipes upon her hollow’d hand.
Now she has slung it like a wand,And pipes upon her hollow’d hand.
Now she has slung it like a wand,
And pipes upon her hollow’d hand.