ACT THIRD.
Three years later. A little garden by the Parsonage. A great precipice above, a stone wall round. The fjord, narrow and pent in, appears in the background. The house-door opens upon the garden. Afternoon.
Brandis standing on the steps outside the house.Agnesis sitting on the step at his feet.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
My dearest husband, still your eyeOver the fjord roves anxiously—
My dearest husband, still your eyeOver the fjord roves anxiously—
My dearest husband, still your eyeOver the fjord roves anxiously—
My dearest husband, still your eye
Over the fjord roves anxiously—
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
I wait a summons.
I wait a summons.
I wait a summons.
I wait a summons.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
With brows bent!
With brows bent!
With brows bent!
With brows bent!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
My Mother’s summons. This three yearsI’ve waited between hopes and fearsThe summons that was never sent.To-day ’twas told me, past a doubt,That her life’s span is almost out.
My Mother’s summons. This three yearsI’ve waited between hopes and fearsThe summons that was never sent.To-day ’twas told me, past a doubt,That her life’s span is almost out.
My Mother’s summons. This three yearsI’ve waited between hopes and fearsThe summons that was never sent.To-day ’twas told me, past a doubt,That her life’s span is almost out.
My Mother’s summons. This three years
I’ve waited between hopes and fears
The summons that was never sent.
To-day ’twas told me, past a doubt,
That her life’s span is almost out.
Agnes.[Softly and tenderly.]
Agnes.[Softly and tenderly.]
Agnes.
[Softly and tenderly.]
Brand,withoutsummons you should go?
Brand,withoutsummons you should go?
Brand,withoutsummons you should go?
Brand,withoutsummons you should go?
Brand.[Shakes his head.]
Brand.[Shakes his head.]
Brand.
[Shakes his head.]
Till she of her offence repentI have no comfort to bestow.
Till she of her offence repentI have no comfort to bestow.
Till she of her offence repentI have no comfort to bestow.
Till she of her offence repent
I have no comfort to bestow.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
She is your mother.
She is your mother.
She is your mother.
She is your mother.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
It were sinTo worship idols in my kin.
It were sinTo worship idols in my kin.
It were sinTo worship idols in my kin.
It were sin
To worship idols in my kin.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Brand, you are stern!
Brand, you are stern!
Brand, you are stern!
Brand, you are stern!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
To you?
To you?
To you?
To you?
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Oh no
Oh no
Oh no
Oh no
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
I warn’d you that the way was steep.
I warn’d you that the way was steep.
I warn’d you that the way was steep.
I warn’d you that the way was steep.
Agnes.[Smiling.]
Agnes.[Smiling.]
Agnes.
[Smiling.]
It was not true; you did not keepYour word.
It was not true; you did not keepYour word.
It was not true; you did not keepYour word.
It was not true; you did not keep
Your word.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Yes, here the ice-wind rives;Your cheek has lost its youthful glow,Your tender heart is touch’d with snow.Our home is built where nothing thrives,Amid a barren waste of stone.
Yes, here the ice-wind rives;Your cheek has lost its youthful glow,Your tender heart is touch’d with snow.Our home is built where nothing thrives,Amid a barren waste of stone.
Yes, here the ice-wind rives;Your cheek has lost its youthful glow,Your tender heart is touch’d with snow.Our home is built where nothing thrives,Amid a barren waste of stone.
Yes, here the ice-wind rives;
Your cheek has lost its youthful glow,
Your tender heart is touch’d with snow.
Our home is built where nothing thrives,
Amid a barren waste of stone.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
It lies the safer, then! So proneBeetles yon jutting mountain-wall,That, when the leafy spring is near,The brimming avalanche vaults sheerOver our heads, and we lie clearAs in the hollow of a fall.
It lies the safer, then! So proneBeetles yon jutting mountain-wall,That, when the leafy spring is near,The brimming avalanche vaults sheerOver our heads, and we lie clearAs in the hollow of a fall.
It lies the safer, then! So proneBeetles yon jutting mountain-wall,That, when the leafy spring is near,The brimming avalanche vaults sheerOver our heads, and we lie clearAs in the hollow of a fall.
It lies the safer, then! So prone
Beetles yon jutting mountain-wall,
That, when the leafy spring is near,
The brimming avalanche vaults sheer
Over our heads, and we lie clear
As in the hollow of a fall.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
The sun we never see at all.
The sun we never see at all.
The sun we never see at all.
The sun we never see at all.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Oh, yet he dances warm and brightAtop yon mountain that we face.
Oh, yet he dances warm and brightAtop yon mountain that we face.
Oh, yet he dances warm and brightAtop yon mountain that we face.
Oh, yet he dances warm and bright
Atop yon mountain that we face.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
For three weeks, true,—at summer’s height,—But never struggles to its base!
For three weeks, true,—at summer’s height,—But never struggles to its base!
For three weeks, true,—at summer’s height,—But never struggles to its base!
For three weeks, true,—at summer’s height,—
But never struggles to its base!
Agnes.[Looks fixedly at him, rises and says:]
Agnes.[Looks fixedly at him, rises and says:]
Agnes.
[Looks fixedly at him, rises and says:]
Brand, there’sonethought at which you shrink.
Brand, there’sonethought at which you shrink.
Brand, there’sonethought at which you shrink.
Brand, there’sonethought at which you shrink.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
No,you!
No,you!
No,you!
No,you!
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
No, you!
No, you!
No, you!
No, you!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Within you bearA secret terror.
Within you bearA secret terror.
Within you bearA secret terror.
Within you bear
A secret terror.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Which you share!
Which you share!
Which you share!
Which you share!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
You reel as from a dizzy brink!Out with it! speak it out!
You reel as from a dizzy brink!Out with it! speak it out!
You reel as from a dizzy brink!Out with it! speak it out!
You reel as from a dizzy brink!
Out with it! speak it out!
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
’Tis trueI’ve trembled, whiles——[Hesitates
’Tis trueI’ve trembled, whiles——[Hesitates
’Tis trueI’ve trembled, whiles——[Hesitates
’Tis true
I’ve trembled, whiles——
[Hesitates
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Trembled! At what!
Trembled! At what!
Trembled! At what!
Trembled! At what!
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
For Alf.
For Alf.
For Alf.
For Alf.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
For Alf?
For Alf?
For Alf?
For Alf?
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
And so have you!
And so have you!
And so have you!
And so have you!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
At times. But no, God takes him not!God’s merciful! My child shall growTo be a strong man yet, I know.Where is he now?
At times. But no, God takes him not!God’s merciful! My child shall growTo be a strong man yet, I know.Where is he now?
At times. But no, God takes him not!God’s merciful! My child shall growTo be a strong man yet, I know.Where is he now?
At times. But no, God takes him not!
God’s merciful! My child shall grow
To be a strong man yet, I know.
Where is he now?
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
He’s sleeping.
He’s sleeping.
He’s sleeping.
He’s sleeping.
Brand.[Looks in through the door.]
Brand.[Looks in through the door.]
Brand.
[Looks in through the door.]
See;Of pain and grief he dreams not, he;The little hand is plump and round——
See;Of pain and grief he dreams not, he;The little hand is plump and round——
See;Of pain and grief he dreams not, he;The little hand is plump and round——
See;
Of pain and grief he dreams not, he;
The little hand is plump and round——
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Yet pale.
Yet pale.
Yet pale.
Yet pale.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
But that will pass.
But that will pass.
But that will pass.
But that will pass.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
How deep,Restful and quickening is his sleep.
How deep,Restful and quickening is his sleep.
How deep,Restful and quickening is his sleep.
How deep,
Restful and quickening is his sleep.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
God bless thee; in thy sleep grow sound![Shuts the door.]To all my labours you and heHave brought light and tranquillity;Each irksome task, each mournful care,’Twas easy, in your midst, to bear;You near, I never felt dismay,Grew braver by his baby-play.A martyrdom I held my Call,But something has transform’d it all,—Success still follows my footfall.
God bless thee; in thy sleep grow sound![Shuts the door.]To all my labours you and heHave brought light and tranquillity;Each irksome task, each mournful care,’Twas easy, in your midst, to bear;You near, I never felt dismay,Grew braver by his baby-play.A martyrdom I held my Call,But something has transform’d it all,—Success still follows my footfall.
God bless thee; in thy sleep grow sound![Shuts the door.]To all my labours you and heHave brought light and tranquillity;Each irksome task, each mournful care,’Twas easy, in your midst, to bear;You near, I never felt dismay,Grew braver by his baby-play.A martyrdom I held my Call,But something has transform’d it all,—Success still follows my footfall.
God bless thee; in thy sleep grow sound!
[Shuts the door.]
To all my labours you and he
Have brought light and tranquillity;
Each irksome task, each mournful care,
’Twas easy, in your midst, to bear;
You near, I never felt dismay,
Grew braver by his baby-play.
A martyrdom I held my Call,
But something has transform’d it all,—
Success still follows my footfall.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Yes, Brand; but youdeservesuccess.Oh, you have battled, in storm and stress;—Toil’d on through woe and weariness;—But tears of blood you wept, apart——
Yes, Brand; but youdeservesuccess.Oh, you have battled, in storm and stress;—Toil’d on through woe and weariness;—But tears of blood you wept, apart——
Yes, Brand; but youdeservesuccess.Oh, you have battled, in storm and stress;—Toil’d on through woe and weariness;—But tears of blood you wept, apart——
Yes, Brand; but youdeservesuccess.
Oh, you have battled, in storm and stress;—
Toil’d on through woe and weariness;—
But tears of blood you wept, apart——
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
And yet it seem’d so light a thing;With you, love stole upon my heartLike a glad sunny day in Spring.In me Love never had been lit;No parents’ hand had kindled it,Rather they quench’d the fitful flashesThat gleam’d at moments in the ashes.It was as though the tender SoulThat mute and darkling in me slept,Had, closely garner’d, all been keptTo be my sweet Wife’s aureole.
And yet it seem’d so light a thing;With you, love stole upon my heartLike a glad sunny day in Spring.In me Love never had been lit;No parents’ hand had kindled it,Rather they quench’d the fitful flashesThat gleam’d at moments in the ashes.It was as though the tender SoulThat mute and darkling in me slept,Had, closely garner’d, all been keptTo be my sweet Wife’s aureole.
And yet it seem’d so light a thing;With you, love stole upon my heartLike a glad sunny day in Spring.In me Love never had been lit;No parents’ hand had kindled it,Rather they quench’d the fitful flashesThat gleam’d at moments in the ashes.It was as though the tender SoulThat mute and darkling in me slept,Had, closely garner’d, all been keptTo be my sweet Wife’s aureole.
And yet it seem’d so light a thing;
With you, love stole upon my heart
Like a glad sunny day in Spring.
In me Love never had been lit;
No parents’ hand had kindled it,
Rather they quench’d the fitful flashes
That gleam’d at moments in the ashes.
It was as though the tender Soul
That mute and darkling in me slept,
Had, closely garner’d, all been kept
To be my sweet Wife’s aureole.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Not mine alone: but whosoe’erIn our great Household has a share,Each sorrowing son, each needy brother,Each weeping child, each mourning mother,Of quickening nurture have their part,At the rich banquet of thy heart.
Not mine alone: but whosoe’erIn our great Household has a share,Each sorrowing son, each needy brother,Each weeping child, each mourning mother,Of quickening nurture have their part,At the rich banquet of thy heart.
Not mine alone: but whosoe’erIn our great Household has a share,Each sorrowing son, each needy brother,Each weeping child, each mourning mother,Of quickening nurture have their part,At the rich banquet of thy heart.
Not mine alone: but whosoe’er
In our great Household has a share,
Each sorrowing son, each needy brother,
Each weeping child, each mourning mother,
Of quickening nurture have their part,
At the rich banquet of thy heart.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Only through you two. By your handThat heavenly bridge of love was spann’d;No single soul can all containExcept it first have yearn’d forone.I had to long and yearn in vain,So my heart harden’d into stone.
Only through you two. By your handThat heavenly bridge of love was spann’d;No single soul can all containExcept it first have yearn’d forone.I had to long and yearn in vain,So my heart harden’d into stone.
Only through you two. By your handThat heavenly bridge of love was spann’d;No single soul can all containExcept it first have yearn’d forone.I had to long and yearn in vain,So my heart harden’d into stone.
Only through you two. By your hand
That heavenly bridge of love was spann’d;
No single soul can all contain
Except it first have yearn’d forone.
I had to long and yearn in vain,
So my heart harden’d into stone.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
And yet—your love is merciless;You chasten whom you would caress.
And yet—your love is merciless;You chasten whom you would caress.
And yet—your love is merciless;You chasten whom you would caress.
And yet—your love is merciless;
You chasten whom you would caress.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
You, Agnes?
You, Agnes?
You, Agnes?
You, Agnes?
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Me?O nay, dear, nay!On me a lightsome load you lay.But many falter at the callTo offerNothingor elseall.
Me?O nay, dear, nay!On me a lightsome load you lay.But many falter at the callTo offerNothingor elseall.
Me?O nay, dear, nay!On me a lightsome load you lay.But many falter at the callTo offerNothingor elseall.
Me?O nay, dear, nay!
On me a lightsome load you lay.
But many falter at the call
To offerNothingor elseall.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
What the world calls by that name“Love,”“Love,”I know not and I reck not of.God’s loveIrecognise alone,Which melts not at the piteous plaint,Which is not moved by dying groan,And its caressischastisement.What answer’d through the olive-treesGod, when the Son in anguish lay,Praying, “O take this cup away!”Did He then take it? Nay, child, nay:He made him drink it to the lees.
What the world calls by that name“Love,”“Love,”I know not and I reck not of.God’s loveIrecognise alone,Which melts not at the piteous plaint,Which is not moved by dying groan,And its caressischastisement.What answer’d through the olive-treesGod, when the Son in anguish lay,Praying, “O take this cup away!”Did He then take it? Nay, child, nay:He made him drink it to the lees.
What the world calls by that name“Love,”“Love,”I know not and I reck not of.God’s loveIrecognise alone,Which melts not at the piteous plaint,Which is not moved by dying groan,And its caressischastisement.What answer’d through the olive-treesGod, when the Son in anguish lay,Praying, “O take this cup away!”Did He then take it? Nay, child, nay:He made him drink it to the lees.
What the world calls by that name“Love,”“Love,”
I know not and I reck not of.
God’s loveIrecognise alone,
Which melts not at the piteous plaint,
Which is not moved by dying groan,
And its caressischastisement.
What answer’d through the olive-trees
God, when the Son in anguish lay,
Praying, “O take this cup away!”
Did He then take it? Nay, child, nay:
He made him drink it to the lees.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
By such a measure meted, allThe souls of earth are forfeited.
By such a measure meted, allThe souls of earth are forfeited.
By such a measure meted, allThe souls of earth are forfeited.
By such a measure meted, all
The souls of earth are forfeited.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
None knows on whom the doom shall fall;But God in flaming speech hath said:“Be faithful through the hour of strife:Haggling wins not the crown of life!”Anguish’d repentance scales not heaven,The martyr’s doom you must fulfil.That you lack’dstrengthmay be forgiven,—But never that you wantedwill.
None knows on whom the doom shall fall;But God in flaming speech hath said:“Be faithful through the hour of strife:Haggling wins not the crown of life!”Anguish’d repentance scales not heaven,The martyr’s doom you must fulfil.That you lack’dstrengthmay be forgiven,—But never that you wantedwill.
None knows on whom the doom shall fall;But God in flaming speech hath said:“Be faithful through the hour of strife:Haggling wins not the crown of life!”Anguish’d repentance scales not heaven,The martyr’s doom you must fulfil.That you lack’dstrengthmay be forgiven,—But never that you wantedwill.
None knows on whom the doom shall fall;
But God in flaming speech hath said:
“Be faithful through the hour of strife:
Haggling wins not the crown of life!”
Anguish’d repentance scales not heaven,
The martyr’s doom you must fulfil.
That you lack’dstrengthmay be forgiven,—
But never that you wantedwill.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Yes, it shall be as you have said;O lift me to those heights you tread;To your high heaven lead me forth,My spirit is strong, my flesh is frail;Oft, anguish-struck, I faint, I fail,—My clogg’d foot drags upon the earth.
Yes, it shall be as you have said;O lift me to those heights you tread;To your high heaven lead me forth,My spirit is strong, my flesh is frail;Oft, anguish-struck, I faint, I fail,—My clogg’d foot drags upon the earth.
Yes, it shall be as you have said;O lift me to those heights you tread;To your high heaven lead me forth,My spirit is strong, my flesh is frail;Oft, anguish-struck, I faint, I fail,—My clogg’d foot drags upon the earth.
Yes, it shall be as you have said;
O lift me to those heights you tread;
To your high heaven lead me forth,
My spirit is strong, my flesh is frail;
Oft, anguish-struck, I faint, I fail,—
My clogg’d foot drags upon the earth.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
See, child; of all men God makes oneDemand: No coward compromise!Whose work’s half done or falsely done,Condemn’d with God his whole word lies.We must give sanction to this teachingBylivingit and not by preaching.
See, child; of all men God makes oneDemand: No coward compromise!Whose work’s half done or falsely done,Condemn’d with God his whole word lies.We must give sanction to this teachingBylivingit and not by preaching.
See, child; of all men God makes oneDemand: No coward compromise!Whose work’s half done or falsely done,Condemn’d with God his whole word lies.We must give sanction to this teachingBylivingit and not by preaching.
See, child; of all men God makes one
Demand: No coward compromise!
Whose work’s half done or falsely done,
Condemn’d with God his whole word lies.
We must give sanction to this teaching
Bylivingit and not by preaching.
Agnes.[Throws herself on his neck.]
Agnes.[Throws herself on his neck.]
Agnes.
[Throws herself on his neck.]
Lead where you will; I follow you!
Lead where you will; I follow you!
Lead where you will; I follow you!
Lead where you will; I follow you!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
No precipice is too steep fortwo.
No precipice is too steep fortwo.
No precipice is too steep fortwo.
No precipice is too steep fortwo.
Enter theDoctor; he has come down the road, and stops outside the garden fence.
Enter theDoctor; he has come down the road, and stops outside the garden fence.
Enter theDoctor; he has come down the road, and stops outside the garden fence.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
Ha! loving doves at their caressesIn these dark craggy wildernesses?
Ha! loving doves at their caressesIn these dark craggy wildernesses?
Ha! loving doves at their caressesIn these dark craggy wildernesses?
Ha! loving doves at their caresses
In these dark craggy wildernesses?
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
My dear old Doctor, here at last!Come in, come in!
My dear old Doctor, here at last!Come in, come in!
My dear old Doctor, here at last!Come in, come in!
My dear old Doctor, here at last!
Come in, come in!
[Runs down and opens the garden gate.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
Ho, not so fast!We’ve first to settle an old score.—What! Tie yourself to this wild moor,Where piercing winds of winter tearLike ice, soul, body to the core——
Ho, not so fast!We’ve first to settle an old score.—What! Tie yourself to this wild moor,Where piercing winds of winter tearLike ice, soul, body to the core——
Ho, not so fast!We’ve first to settle an old score.—What! Tie yourself to this wild moor,Where piercing winds of winter tearLike ice, soul, body to the core——
Ho, not so fast!
We’ve first to settle an old score.—
What! Tie yourself to this wild moor,
Where piercing winds of winter tear
Like ice, soul, body to the core——
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Not soul.
Not soul.
Not soul.
Not soul.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
Not? Well, I must admit,That seems about the truth of it.Your hasty compact has an airOf standing firm, unmoved, erect,Though otherwise, one might expect,By ancient usage, soon to fadeThat which so suddenly was made.
Not? Well, I must admit,That seems about the truth of it.Your hasty compact has an airOf standing firm, unmoved, erect,Though otherwise, one might expect,By ancient usage, soon to fadeThat which so suddenly was made.
Not? Well, I must admit,That seems about the truth of it.Your hasty compact has an airOf standing firm, unmoved, erect,Though otherwise, one might expect,By ancient usage, soon to fadeThat which so suddenly was made.
Not? Well, I must admit,
That seems about the truth of it.
Your hasty compact has an air
Of standing firm, unmoved, erect,
Though otherwise, one might expect,
By ancient usage, soon to fade
That which so suddenly was made.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
A sunbeam’s kiss, a bell’s note, mayAwaken for a summer’s day.
A sunbeam’s kiss, a bell’s note, mayAwaken for a summer’s day.
A sunbeam’s kiss, a bell’s note, mayAwaken for a summer’s day.
A sunbeam’s kiss, a bell’s note, may
Awaken for a summer’s day.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
A patient waits for me. Farewell.
A patient waits for me. Farewell.
A patient waits for me. Farewell.
A patient waits for me. Farewell.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Mymother?
Mymother?
Mymother?
Mymother?
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
Yes. You also go?
Yes. You also go?
Yes. You also go?
Yes. You also go?
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Not now.
Not now.
Not now.
Not now.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
Havebeen, I daresay?
Havebeen, I daresay?
Havebeen, I daresay?
Havebeen, I daresay?
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
No.
No.
No.
No.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
Priest, you are hard. Through mist and snowI’ve trudged across the desolate fell,Well knowing that she is of thoseWho pay like paupers.
Priest, you are hard. Through mist and snowI’ve trudged across the desolate fell,Well knowing that she is of thoseWho pay like paupers.
Priest, you are hard. Through mist and snowI’ve trudged across the desolate fell,Well knowing that she is of thoseWho pay like paupers.
Priest, you are hard. Through mist and snow
I’ve trudged across the desolate fell,
Well knowing that she is of those
Who pay like paupers.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
May God blessYour skill and your unweariedness!Ease, if you can, her bitter throes.
May God blessYour skill and your unweariedness!Ease, if you can, her bitter throes.
May God blessYour skill and your unweariedness!Ease, if you can, her bitter throes.
May God bless
Your skill and your unweariedness!
Ease, if you can, her bitter throes.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
Bless my goodwill! I tarried notA moment when I heard her state.
Bless my goodwill! I tarried notA moment when I heard her state.
Bless my goodwill! I tarried notA moment when I heard her state.
Bless my goodwill! I tarried not
A moment when I heard her state.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
You she has summon’d: I’m forgot,—And sick at heart, I wait, I wait.
You she has summon’d: I’m forgot,—And sick at heart, I wait, I wait.
You she has summon’d: I’m forgot,—And sick at heart, I wait, I wait.
You she has summon’d: I’m forgot,—
And sick at heart, I wait, I wait.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
Come without summons!
Come without summons!
Come without summons!
Come without summons!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Till she calls,I have no place within those walls.
Till she calls,I have no place within those walls.
Till she calls,I have no place within those walls.
Till she calls,
I have no place within those walls.
The Doctor.[ToAgnes.]
The Doctor.[ToAgnes.]
The Doctor.
[ToAgnes.]
You hapless blossom, laid withinThe pitiless grasp of such a lord!
You hapless blossom, laid withinThe pitiless grasp of such a lord!
You hapless blossom, laid withinThe pitiless grasp of such a lord!
You hapless blossom, laid within
The pitiless grasp of such a lord!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
I am not pitiless.
I am not pitiless.
I am not pitiless.
I am not pitiless.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
He had pour’dHis blood, to wash her soul fromsin.sin.
He had pour’dHis blood, to wash her soul fromsin.sin.
He had pour’dHis blood, to wash her soul fromsin.sin.
He had pour’d
His blood, to wash her soul fromsin.sin.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Unask’d, upon myself I tookThe clearance of her debit-book.
Unask’d, upon myself I tookThe clearance of her debit-book.
Unask’d, upon myself I tookThe clearance of her debit-book.
Unask’d, upon myself I took
The clearance of her debit-book.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
Clear off your own!
Clear off your own!
Clear off your own!
Clear off your own!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Oneman may getHundreds acquitted, in God’s eyes.
Oneman may getHundreds acquitted, in God’s eyes.
Oneman may getHundreds acquitted, in God’s eyes.
Oneman may get
Hundreds acquitted, in God’s eyes.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
Ay; not a Beggar though, who liesHimself o’er head and ears in debt.
Ay; not a Beggar though, who liesHimself o’er head and ears in debt.
Ay; not a Beggar though, who liesHimself o’er head and ears in debt.
Ay; not a Beggar though, who lies
Himself o’er head and ears in debt.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Beggar or rich,—with all my soulIwill;—and that one thing’s thewhole
Beggar or rich,—with all my soulIwill;—and that one thing’s thewhole
Beggar or rich,—with all my soulIwill;—and that one thing’s thewhole
Beggar or rich,—with all my soul
Iwill;—and that one thing’s thewhole
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
The Doctor.
Yes, inyouryourledger, truly, WillHas enough entries and to spare:But, priest, yourLove-account is stillA virgin-chapter, blank and bare.[Goes.
Yes, inyouryourledger, truly, WillHas enough entries and to spare:But, priest, yourLove-account is stillA virgin-chapter, blank and bare.[Goes.
Yes, inyouryourledger, truly, WillHas enough entries and to spare:But, priest, yourLove-account is stillA virgin-chapter, blank and bare.[Goes.
Yes, inyouryourledger, truly, Will
Has enough entries and to spare:
But, priest, yourLove-account is still
A virgin-chapter, blank and bare.
[Goes.
Brand.[Follows him awhile with his eyes.]
Brand.[Follows him awhile with his eyes.]
Brand.
[Follows him awhile with his eyes.]
Never did word so sorely proveThe smirch of lies, as this wordLove:With devilish craft, where will is frail,Men layLoveover, as a veil,And cunningly conceal therebyThat all their life is coquetry.Whose path’s the steep and perilous slope,Let him butlove,—and he may shirk it;If he prefer Sin’s easy circuit,Let him butlove,—he still may hope;If God he seeks, but fears the fray,Let him butlove,—’tis straight his prey;If with wide-open eyes he err,Let him butlove,—there’s safety there!
Never did word so sorely proveThe smirch of lies, as this wordLove:With devilish craft, where will is frail,Men layLoveover, as a veil,And cunningly conceal therebyThat all their life is coquetry.Whose path’s the steep and perilous slope,Let him butlove,—and he may shirk it;If he prefer Sin’s easy circuit,Let him butlove,—he still may hope;If God he seeks, but fears the fray,Let him butlove,—’tis straight his prey;If with wide-open eyes he err,Let him butlove,—there’s safety there!
Never did word so sorely proveThe smirch of lies, as this wordLove:With devilish craft, where will is frail,Men layLoveover, as a veil,And cunningly conceal therebyThat all their life is coquetry.Whose path’s the steep and perilous slope,Let him butlove,—and he may shirk it;If he prefer Sin’s easy circuit,Let him butlove,—he still may hope;If God he seeks, but fears the fray,Let him butlove,—’tis straight his prey;If with wide-open eyes he err,Let him butlove,—there’s safety there!
Never did word so sorely prove
The smirch of lies, as this wordLove:
With devilish craft, where will is frail,
Men layLoveover, as a veil,
And cunningly conceal thereby
That all their life is coquetry.
Whose path’s the steep and perilous slope,
Let him butlove,—and he may shirk it;
If he prefer Sin’s easy circuit,
Let him butlove,—he still may hope;
If God he seeks, but fears the fray,
Let him butlove,—’tis straight his prey;
If with wide-open eyes he err,
Let him butlove,—there’s safety there!
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Yes, it is false: yet still I fallQuestioning: Is it, after all?
Yes, it is false: yet still I fallQuestioning: Is it, after all?
Yes, it is false: yet still I fallQuestioning: Is it, after all?
Yes, it is false: yet still I fall
Questioning: Is it, after all?
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Onepoint’s omitted: First the WillLaw’s thirst for righteousness must still.You mustfirstwill! Not only thingsAttainable, in more or less,Nor only where the action bringsSome hardship and some weariness;No, you must will with flashing eyesYour way through all earth’s agonies.It is not martyrdom to tossIn anguish on the deadly cross:But to havewill’dto perish so,Towillit through each bodily throe,To will it with still-tortured mind,This, only this, redeems mankind.
Onepoint’s omitted: First the WillLaw’s thirst for righteousness must still.You mustfirstwill! Not only thingsAttainable, in more or less,Nor only where the action bringsSome hardship and some weariness;No, you must will with flashing eyesYour way through all earth’s agonies.It is not martyrdom to tossIn anguish on the deadly cross:But to havewill’dto perish so,Towillit through each bodily throe,To will it with still-tortured mind,This, only this, redeems mankind.
Onepoint’s omitted: First the WillLaw’s thirst for righteousness must still.You mustfirstwill! Not only thingsAttainable, in more or less,Nor only where the action bringsSome hardship and some weariness;No, you must will with flashing eyesYour way through all earth’s agonies.It is not martyrdom to tossIn anguish on the deadly cross:But to havewill’dto perish so,Towillit through each bodily throe,To will it with still-tortured mind,This, only this, redeems mankind.
Onepoint’s omitted: First the Will
Law’s thirst for righteousness must still.
You mustfirstwill! Not only things
Attainable, in more or less,
Nor only where the action brings
Some hardship and some weariness;
No, you must will with flashing eyes
Your way through all earth’s agonies.
It is not martyrdom to toss
In anguish on the deadly cross:
But to havewill’dto perish so,
Towillit through each bodily throe,
To will it with still-tortured mind,
This, only this, redeems mankind.
Agnes.[Clinging closely to him.]
Agnes.[Clinging closely to him.]
Agnes.
[Clinging closely to him.]
If at the terrible call I cower,Speak, strong-soul’d husband, in that hour!
If at the terrible call I cower,Speak, strong-soul’d husband, in that hour!
If at the terrible call I cower,Speak, strong-soul’d husband, in that hour!
If at the terrible call I cower,
Speak, strong-soul’d husband, in that hour!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
If Will has conquer’d in that strife,Thencomes at length the hour of Love;Then it descends like a white dove,Bearing the olive-leaf of life:But in this nerveless, slothful state,The true, the sovereign Love is—Hate![In horror.]Hate! Hate! O Titan’s toil, to willThat one brief easy syllable!
If Will has conquer’d in that strife,Thencomes at length the hour of Love;Then it descends like a white dove,Bearing the olive-leaf of life:But in this nerveless, slothful state,The true, the sovereign Love is—Hate![In horror.]Hate! Hate! O Titan’s toil, to willThat one brief easy syllable!
If Will has conquer’d in that strife,Thencomes at length the hour of Love;Then it descends like a white dove,Bearing the olive-leaf of life:But in this nerveless, slothful state,The true, the sovereign Love is—Hate![In horror.]Hate! Hate! O Titan’s toil, to willThat one brief easy syllable!
If Will has conquer’d in that strife,
Thencomes at length the hour of Love;
Then it descends like a white dove,
Bearing the olive-leaf of life:
But in this nerveless, slothful state,
The true, the sovereign Love is—Hate!
[In horror.]
Hate! Hate! O Titan’s toil, to will
That one brief easy syllable!
[Goes hurriedly into the house.
Agnes.[Looking through the open door.]
Agnes.[Looking through the open door.]
Agnes.
[Looking through the open door.]
He kneels beside his little son,And heaves as if with bursts of tears;He clutches close the bed, like oneThat knows no refuge from his fears.—O what a wealth of tender ruthLies hidden in this breast of steel!Alf hedareslove: the baby-heelHas not yet felt Earth’s serpent-tooth.[Cries out in terror.]Ha! he leaps up with ashy brow!Wringing his hands! what sees henow.now.
He kneels beside his little son,And heaves as if with bursts of tears;He clutches close the bed, like oneThat knows no refuge from his fears.—O what a wealth of tender ruthLies hidden in this breast of steel!Alf hedareslove: the baby-heelHas not yet felt Earth’s serpent-tooth.[Cries out in terror.]Ha! he leaps up with ashy brow!Wringing his hands! what sees henow.now.
He kneels beside his little son,And heaves as if with bursts of tears;He clutches close the bed, like oneThat knows no refuge from his fears.—O what a wealth of tender ruthLies hidden in this breast of steel!Alf hedareslove: the baby-heelHas not yet felt Earth’s serpent-tooth.[Cries out in terror.]Ha! he leaps up with ashy brow!Wringing his hands! what sees henow.now.
He kneels beside his little son,
And heaves as if with bursts of tears;
He clutches close the bed, like one
That knows no refuge from his fears.—
O what a wealth of tender ruth
Lies hidden in this breast of steel!
Alf hedareslove: the baby-heel
Has not yet felt Earth’s serpent-tooth.
[Cries out in terror.]
Ha! he leaps up with ashy brow!
Wringing his hands! what sees henow.now.
Brand.[Coming out.]
Brand.[Coming out.]
Brand.
[Coming out.]
A summons came?
A summons came?
A summons came?
A summons came?
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
No summons,no.no.
No summons,no.no.
No summons,no.no.
No summons,no.no.
Brand.[Looking back into the house.]
Brand.[Looking back into the house.]
Brand.
[Looking back into the house.]
His parch’d skin burns in fever-glow;His temples throb, his pulses race——!Oh fear not, Agnes!
His parch’d skin burns in fever-glow;His temples throb, his pulses race——!Oh fear not, Agnes!
His parch’d skin burns in fever-glow;His temples throb, his pulses race——!Oh fear not, Agnes!
His parch’d skin burns in fever-glow;
His temples throb, his pulses race——!
Oh fear not, Agnes!
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
God of grace——
God of grace——
God of grace——
God of grace——
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Nay, have no fear——[Calls out over the road.]The summons, see.
Nay, have no fear——[Calls out over the road.]The summons, see.
Nay, have no fear——[Calls out over the road.]The summons, see.
Nay, have no fear——
[Calls out over the road.]
The summons, see.
A Man.[Through the garden-gate.]
A Man.[Through the garden-gate.]
A Man.
[Through the garden-gate.]
You must comenow, priest!
You must comenow, priest!
You must comenow, priest!
You must comenow, priest!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Instantly!What message?
Instantly!What message?
Instantly!What message?
Instantly!
What message?
The Man.
The Man.
The Man.
A mysterious one.Sitting in bed she forward bent,And said: “Get the priest here: begone!My half-goods for the sacrament.”
A mysterious one.Sitting in bed she forward bent,And said: “Get the priest here: begone!My half-goods for the sacrament.”
A mysterious one.Sitting in bed she forward bent,And said: “Get the priest here: begone!My half-goods for the sacrament.”
A mysterious one.
Sitting in bed she forward bent,
And said: “Get the priest here: begone!
My half-goods for the sacrament.”
Brand.[Starts back.]
Brand.[Starts back.]
Brand.
[Starts back.]
Herhalf-goods! No! Say no!
Herhalf-goods! No! Say no!
Herhalf-goods! No! Say no!
Herhalf-goods! No! Say no!
The Man.[Shakes his head.]
The Man.[Shakes his head.]
The Man.
[Shakes his head.]
My wordWould then not utter what I heard.
My wordWould then not utter what I heard.
My wordWould then not utter what I heard.
My word
Would then not utter what I heard.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Half! Half!It was thewholeshe meant!
Half! Half!It was thewholeshe meant!
Half! Half!It was thewholeshe meant!
Half! Half!It was thewholeshe meant!
The Man.
The Man.
The Man.
Maybe; but she spoke loud and high;And I don’t easily forget.
Maybe; but she spoke loud and high;And I don’t easily forget.
Maybe; but she spoke loud and high;And I don’t easily forget.
Maybe; but she spoke loud and high;
And I don’t easily forget.
Brand.[Seizes his arm.]
Brand.[Seizes his arm.]
Brand.
[Seizes his arm.]
Before God’s Judgment, will you yetDare to attest she spoke it?
Before God’s Judgment, will you yetDare to attest she spoke it?
Before God’s Judgment, will you yetDare to attest she spoke it?
Before God’s Judgment, will you yet
Dare to attest she spoke it?
The Man.
The Man.
The Man.
Ay.
Ay.
Ay.
Ay.
Brand.[Firmly.]
Brand.[Firmly.]
Brand.
[Firmly.]
Go, tell her, this reply was sent:“Nor priest shall come, nor sacrament.”
Go, tell her, this reply was sent:“Nor priest shall come, nor sacrament.”
Go, tell her, this reply was sent:“Nor priest shall come, nor sacrament.”
Go, tell her, this reply was sent:
“Nor priest shall come, nor sacrament.”
The Man.[Looking at him doubtfully.]
The Man.[Looking at him doubtfully.]
The Man.
[Looking at him doubtfully.]
You surely have not understoodIt is your Mother that appeals.
You surely have not understoodIt is your Mother that appeals.
You surely have not understoodIt is your Mother that appeals.
You surely have not understood
It is your Mother that appeals.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
I know no law that sternlier dealsWith strangers than with kindred blood.
I know no law that sternlier dealsWith strangers than with kindred blood.
I know no law that sternlier dealsWith strangers than with kindred blood.
I know no law that sternlier deals
With strangers than with kindred blood.
The Man.
The Man.
The Man.
A hard word, that.
A hard word, that.
A hard word, that.
A hard word, that.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
She knows the call,—To offerNothing, or else all.
She knows the call,—To offerNothing, or else all.
She knows the call,—To offerNothing, or else all.
She knows the call,—
To offerNothing, or else all.
The Man.
The Man.
The Man.
Priest!
Priest!
Priest!
Priest!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Dock the gold-calf as she will,Say, it remains an idol still.
Dock the gold-calf as she will,Say, it remains an idol still.
Dock the gold-calf as she will,Say, it remains an idol still.
Dock the gold-calf as she will,
Say, it remains an idol still.