When in this breastWill the wild waters sink to rest?To rest theymust!
When in this breastWill the wild waters sink to rest?To rest theymust!
When in this breastWill the wild waters sink to rest?To rest theymust!
When in this breast
Will the wild waters sink to rest?
To rest theymust!
Agnes.[To herself.]
Agnes.[To herself.]
Agnes.
[To herself.]
How bright the glowIt seems as though the sundering wallHad sunk; the low room grown a hall,The murky world of ice and snowSudden become a shelter’d nest,Where cosily my child may rest.
How bright the glowIt seems as though the sundering wallHad sunk; the low room grown a hall,The murky world of ice and snowSudden become a shelter’d nest,Where cosily my child may rest.
How bright the glowIt seems as though the sundering wallHad sunk; the low room grown a hall,The murky world of ice and snowSudden become a shelter’d nest,Where cosily my child may rest.
How bright the glow
It seems as though the sundering wall
Had sunk; the low room grown a hall,
The murky world of ice and snow
Sudden become a shelter’d nest,
Where cosily my child may rest.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
What dost thou, Agnes?
What dost thou, Agnes?
What dost thou, Agnes?
What dost thou, Agnes?
Agnes.[To herself.]
Agnes.[To herself.]
Agnes.
[To herself.]
Peace, I pray!
Peace, I pray!
Peace, I pray!
Peace, I pray!
Brand.[Nearer.]
Brand.[Nearer.]
Brand.
[Nearer.]
Why didst thou ope the curtain?
Why didst thou ope the curtain?
Why didst thou ope the curtain?
Why didst thou ope the curtain?
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Nay,I dreamt, and knew not what I did!
Nay,I dreamt, and knew not what I did!
Nay,I dreamt, and knew not what I did!
Nay,
I dreamt, and knew not what I did!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Snares in that dream of thine lie hid;Close it again.
Snares in that dream of thine lie hid;Close it again.
Snares in that dream of thine lie hid;Close it again.
Snares in that dream of thine lie hid;
Close it again.
Agnes.[Pleading.]
Agnes.[Pleading.]
Agnes.
[Pleading.]
Brand!
Brand!
Brand!
Brand!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Close, I say!
Close, I say!
Close, I say!
Close, I say!
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Oh, be not harsh, it is not right.
Oh, be not harsh, it is not right.
Oh, be not harsh, it is not right.
Oh, be not harsh, it is not right.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Close, close!
Close, close!
Close, close!
Close, close!
Agnes.[Drawing it.]
Agnes.[Drawing it.]
Agnes.
[Drawing it.]
Now all is close and tight;Yet in my heart I scarce can deemGod injured if, at sorest need,In the brief respite of a dreamI tasted comfort.
Now all is close and tight;Yet in my heart I scarce can deemGod injured if, at sorest need,In the brief respite of a dreamI tasted comfort.
Now all is close and tight;Yet in my heart I scarce can deemGod injured if, at sorest need,In the brief respite of a dreamI tasted comfort.
Now all is close and tight;
Yet in my heart I scarce can deem
God injured if, at sorest need,
In the brief respite of a dream
I tasted comfort.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
No, indeed!He is a feeling Judge and kind,And will indulgently forbear,If in thy service He should findSome idol-worship here and there.
No, indeed!He is a feeling Judge and kind,And will indulgently forbear,If in thy service He should findSome idol-worship here and there.
No, indeed!He is a feeling Judge and kind,And will indulgently forbear,If in thy service He should findSome idol-worship here and there.
No, indeed!
He is a feeling Judge and kind,
And will indulgently forbear,
If in thy service He should find
Some idol-worship here and there.
Agnes.[Bursts into tears.]
Agnes.[Bursts into tears.]
Agnes.
[Bursts into tears.]
Oh, say,whenwill He cease to crave?My wings are weak—I faint and fall——
Oh, say,whenwill He cease to crave?My wings are weak—I faint and fall——
Oh, say,whenwill He cease to crave?My wings are weak—I faint and fall——
Oh, say,whenwill He cease to crave?
My wings are weak—I faint and fall——
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
He gives to the devouring waveWho in his giving gives notall.
He gives to the devouring waveWho in his giving gives notall.
He gives to the devouring waveWho in his giving gives notall.
He gives to the devouring wave
Who in his giving gives notall.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Ihavegiven all; I have no more.
Ihavegiven all; I have no more.
Ihavegiven all; I have no more.
Ihavegiven all; I have no more.
Brand.[Shakes his head.]
Brand.[Shakes his head.]
Brand.
[Shakes his head.]
Yet other gifts remain behind.
Yet other gifts remain behind.
Yet other gifts remain behind.
Yet other gifts remain behind.
Agnes.[Smiling.]
Agnes.[Smiling.]
Agnes.
[Smiling.]
Ask: I’ve the courage of the poor!
Ask: I’ve the courage of the poor!
Ask: I’ve the courage of the poor!
Ask: I’ve the courage of the poor!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Give!
Give!
Give!
Give!
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Take! Ah, Brand, thou’lt nothingfind.find.
Take! Ah, Brand, thou’lt nothingfind.find.
Take! Ah, Brand, thou’lt nothingfind.find.
Take! Ah, Brand, thou’lt nothingfind.find.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Thy memories and thy moans thou hast,Thy longings and thy sinful sighs——
Thy memories and thy moans thou hast,Thy longings and thy sinful sighs——
Thy memories and thy moans thou hast,Thy longings and thy sinful sighs——
Thy memories and thy moans thou hast,
Thy longings and thy sinful sighs——
Agnes.[Despairingly.]
Agnes.[Despairingly.]
Agnes.
[Despairingly.]
I have my heart of agonies!Tear, tear it from me!
I have my heart of agonies!Tear, tear it from me!
I have my heart of agonies!Tear, tear it from me!
I have my heart of agonies!
Tear, tear it from me!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Thou hast castThy offerings in the yawning deepFor nothing, if thou count them losses.
Thou hast castThy offerings in the yawning deepFor nothing, if thou count them losses.
Thou hast castThy offerings in the yawning deepFor nothing, if thou count them losses.
Thou hast cast
Thy offerings in the yawning deep
For nothing, if thou count them losses.
Agnes.[Shudders.]
Agnes.[Shudders.]
Agnes.
[Shudders.]
Narrow is thy Lord’s way, and steep.
Narrow is thy Lord’s way, and steep.
Narrow is thy Lord’s way, and steep.
Narrow is thy Lord’s way, and steep.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
That wayWillcannot choose but keep.
That wayWillcannot choose but keep.
That wayWillcannot choose but keep.
That wayWillcannot choose but keep.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
And Mercy’s is——
And Mercy’s is——
And Mercy’s is——
And Mercy’s is——
Brand.[Peremptorily.]
Brand.[Peremptorily.]
Brand.
[Peremptorily.]
Beset with crosses.
Beset with crosses.
Beset with crosses.
Beset with crosses.
Agnes.[Gazes before her; then, trembling.]
Agnes.[Gazes before her; then, trembling.]
Agnes.
[Gazes before her; then, trembling.]
Now manifest and open lies,Abysmal as the depths of space,That mystic Word.
Now manifest and open lies,Abysmal as the depths of space,That mystic Word.
Now manifest and open lies,Abysmal as the depths of space,That mystic Word.
Now manifest and open lies,
Abysmal as the depths of space,
That mystic Word.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
What word?
What word?
What word?
What word?
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
He diesWho sees Jehovah face to face.
He diesWho sees Jehovah face to face.
He diesWho sees Jehovah face to face.
He dies
Who sees Jehovah face to face.
Brand.[Throws his arms about her and clasps her close.]
Brand.[Throws his arms about her and clasps her close.]
Brand.
[Throws his arms about her and clasps her close.]
O look not on Him! Close thine eyes!Hide thee, O hide thee!
O look not on Him! Close thine eyes!Hide thee, O hide thee!
O look not on Him! Close thine eyes!Hide thee, O hide thee!
O look not on Him! Close thine eyes!
Hide thee, O hide thee!
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Must I?
Must I?
Must I?
Must I?
Brand.[Lets her go.]
Brand.[Lets her go.]
Brand.
[Lets her go.]
No.
No.
No.
No.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Thou sufferest, Brand.
Thou sufferest, Brand.
Thou sufferest, Brand.
Thou sufferest, Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Thou art so dear.
Thou art so dear.
Thou art so dear.
Thou art so dear.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Thou lov’st me, but thy love I fear.’Tis stern.
Thou lov’st me, but thy love I fear.’Tis stern.
Thou lov’st me, but thy love I fear.’Tis stern.
Thou lov’st me, but thy love I fear.
’Tis stern.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Too stern?
Too stern?
Too stern?
Too stern?
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Ask not; wheresoThou goest, I will also go!
Ask not; wheresoThou goest, I will also go!
Ask not; wheresoThou goest, I will also go!
Ask not; whereso
Thou goest, I will also go!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Think’st thou without design I won theeOut of thy gladsome gay content,Or, half in earnest, laid upon theeThe call to self-abandonment?Woe to us both; too dear we paid,Too vast a sacrifice we made;Thou art my wife: I crave theeallTo live according to our call.
Think’st thou without design I won theeOut of thy gladsome gay content,Or, half in earnest, laid upon theeThe call to self-abandonment?Woe to us both; too dear we paid,Too vast a sacrifice we made;Thou art my wife: I crave theeallTo live according to our call.
Think’st thou without design I won theeOut of thy gladsome gay content,Or, half in earnest, laid upon theeThe call to self-abandonment?Woe to us both; too dear we paid,Too vast a sacrifice we made;Thou art my wife: I crave theeallTo live according to our call.
Think’st thou without design I won thee
Out of thy gladsome gay content,
Or, half in earnest, laid upon thee
The call to self-abandonment?
Woe to us both; too dear we paid,
Too vast a sacrifice we made;
Thou art my wife: I crave theeall
To live according to our call.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Crave; only leave me not.
Crave; only leave me not.
Crave; only leave me not.
Crave; only leave me not.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
IndeedI must; for rest and peace I need.Soon shall the great new Church arise!
IndeedI must; for rest and peace I need.Soon shall the great new Church arise!
IndeedI must; for rest and peace I need.Soon shall the great new Church arise!
Indeed
I must; for rest and peace I need.
Soon shall the great new Church arise!
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
My little Church a ruin lies.
My little Church a ruin lies.
My little Church a ruin lies.
My little Church a ruin lies.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
It was a blessed wind that blewAnd thy heart’s idol overthrew![Clasps her as if in dread.]Peace be upon thee—and, through thee,Peace also upon mine and me![Goes towards the side-door.
It was a blessed wind that blewAnd thy heart’s idol overthrew![Clasps her as if in dread.]Peace be upon thee—and, through thee,Peace also upon mine and me![Goes towards the side-door.
It was a blessed wind that blewAnd thy heart’s idol overthrew![Clasps her as if in dread.]Peace be upon thee—and, through thee,Peace also upon mine and me![Goes towards the side-door.
It was a blessed wind that blew
And thy heart’s idol overthrew!
[Clasps her as if in dread.]
Peace be upon thee—and, through thee,
Peace also upon mine and me!
[Goes towards the side-door.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Brand, may I softly set ajarOne hateful window-barrier,—so?Only a little? May I?
Brand, may I softly set ajarOne hateful window-barrier,—so?Only a little? May I?
Brand, may I softly set ajarOne hateful window-barrier,—so?Only a little? May I?
Brand, may I softly set ajar
One hateful window-barrier,—so?
Only a little? May I?
Brand.[In the doorway.]
Brand.[In the doorway.]
Brand.
[In the doorway.]
No.[Goes into his room.
No.[Goes into his room.
No.[Goes into his room.
No.
[Goes into his room.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Closed, all closed with bolt and bar!Seals on every passion set!Seal’d to sorrow and to sigh,Seal’d the grave and seal’d the sky,Seal’d to feel—and to forget!I will out! I gasp for breathIn this lonely house of death.Out? Oh, whither? Angry eyesGlare upon me from the skies!Can I, flying, high or low,Bear my treasure where I go?Can I from my breast unsphereThe mute vacancy of fear?—[Listens atBrand’sdoor.]Loud he reads, he cannot hear.There’s no comfort! There’s no wayGod is busy; lists to-dayBut to song and praise and blessingOf the happy, child-possessing,Richly-gifted of the earth.Christmas is the feast of mirth.Me Hesees not, nor takes heedOf a lonely mother’s need.—[Goes cautiously to the window.]Shall I draw the curtain back,Till the clear and kindly rayChase the horror of night awayFrom his chamber bare and black?Nay, he is not there at all.Yule’s the children’s festival,He hath got him leave to rise,Haply now he stands, and cries,Stretches little arms in vainTo his mother’s darken’d pane.Was not that a baby’s voice?Alf, I’ve neither will nor choice!All is barr’d and bolted here.’Tis thy father’s bidding, dear!Alf, I may not open now!An obedient child art thou!We ne’er grieved him, thou and I.Oh, fly home then to the sky,There is gladness, there is light,There thy merry comrades stayTill thou come to join their play.Oh, but weep not in their sight,Nor to any soul betrayThat thy father bade me lock,When thy little hand did knock.Years bring sterner, sadder stressThan a little child may guess.Say, he sorrow’d, say, he sigh’d;Say, he wove the garden’s prideAll into a wreath for thee.’Tis his doing! Canst thou see?[Listens, starts, and shakes her head.]Oh, I dream! Not bar and wallOnly from my love divide me.When the purging fire hath tried meIn its anguish, then aloneShall the parting barriers fallAnd the mighty bolts be batter’d,And the vaulted dungeons shatter’d,And the prison hinges groan!Much, oh, much is to be doneEre we parted twain be one.I with silent, toiling handsStill will labour on, to fillThe abyss of his commands;I shall nerve me, I shall will.But it is the Feast this eve—Last year’s how unlike! And waitWe will honour it in state.I will fetch my treasures forth,Whereof the uncounted worthBest a mother can conceive,To whose spirit they expressAll her life-lost happiness.
Closed, all closed with bolt and bar!Seals on every passion set!Seal’d to sorrow and to sigh,Seal’d the grave and seal’d the sky,Seal’d to feel—and to forget!I will out! I gasp for breathIn this lonely house of death.Out? Oh, whither? Angry eyesGlare upon me from the skies!Can I, flying, high or low,Bear my treasure where I go?Can I from my breast unsphereThe mute vacancy of fear?—[Listens atBrand’sdoor.]Loud he reads, he cannot hear.There’s no comfort! There’s no wayGod is busy; lists to-dayBut to song and praise and blessingOf the happy, child-possessing,Richly-gifted of the earth.Christmas is the feast of mirth.Me Hesees not, nor takes heedOf a lonely mother’s need.—[Goes cautiously to the window.]Shall I draw the curtain back,Till the clear and kindly rayChase the horror of night awayFrom his chamber bare and black?Nay, he is not there at all.Yule’s the children’s festival,He hath got him leave to rise,Haply now he stands, and cries,Stretches little arms in vainTo his mother’s darken’d pane.Was not that a baby’s voice?Alf, I’ve neither will nor choice!All is barr’d and bolted here.’Tis thy father’s bidding, dear!Alf, I may not open now!An obedient child art thou!We ne’er grieved him, thou and I.Oh, fly home then to the sky,There is gladness, there is light,There thy merry comrades stayTill thou come to join their play.Oh, but weep not in their sight,Nor to any soul betrayThat thy father bade me lock,When thy little hand did knock.Years bring sterner, sadder stressThan a little child may guess.Say, he sorrow’d, say, he sigh’d;Say, he wove the garden’s prideAll into a wreath for thee.’Tis his doing! Canst thou see?[Listens, starts, and shakes her head.]Oh, I dream! Not bar and wallOnly from my love divide me.When the purging fire hath tried meIn its anguish, then aloneShall the parting barriers fallAnd the mighty bolts be batter’d,And the vaulted dungeons shatter’d,And the prison hinges groan!Much, oh, much is to be doneEre we parted twain be one.I with silent, toiling handsStill will labour on, to fillThe abyss of his commands;I shall nerve me, I shall will.But it is the Feast this eve—Last year’s how unlike! And waitWe will honour it in state.I will fetch my treasures forth,Whereof the uncounted worthBest a mother can conceive,To whose spirit they expressAll her life-lost happiness.
Closed, all closed with bolt and bar!Seals on every passion set!Seal’d to sorrow and to sigh,Seal’d the grave and seal’d the sky,Seal’d to feel—and to forget!I will out! I gasp for breathIn this lonely house of death.Out? Oh, whither? Angry eyesGlare upon me from the skies!Can I, flying, high or low,Bear my treasure where I go?Can I from my breast unsphereThe mute vacancy of fear?—[Listens atBrand’sdoor.]Loud he reads, he cannot hear.There’s no comfort! There’s no wayGod is busy; lists to-dayBut to song and praise and blessingOf the happy, child-possessing,Richly-gifted of the earth.Christmas is the feast of mirth.Me Hesees not, nor takes heedOf a lonely mother’s need.—[Goes cautiously to the window.]Shall I draw the curtain back,Till the clear and kindly rayChase the horror of night awayFrom his chamber bare and black?Nay, he is not there at all.Yule’s the children’s festival,He hath got him leave to rise,Haply now he stands, and cries,Stretches little arms in vainTo his mother’s darken’d pane.Was not that a baby’s voice?Alf, I’ve neither will nor choice!All is barr’d and bolted here.’Tis thy father’s bidding, dear!Alf, I may not open now!An obedient child art thou!We ne’er grieved him, thou and I.Oh, fly home then to the sky,There is gladness, there is light,There thy merry comrades stayTill thou come to join their play.Oh, but weep not in their sight,Nor to any soul betrayThat thy father bade me lock,When thy little hand did knock.Years bring sterner, sadder stressThan a little child may guess.Say, he sorrow’d, say, he sigh’d;Say, he wove the garden’s prideAll into a wreath for thee.’Tis his doing! Canst thou see?[Listens, starts, and shakes her head.]Oh, I dream! Not bar and wallOnly from my love divide me.When the purging fire hath tried meIn its anguish, then aloneShall the parting barriers fallAnd the mighty bolts be batter’d,And the vaulted dungeons shatter’d,And the prison hinges groan!Much, oh, much is to be doneEre we parted twain be one.I with silent, toiling handsStill will labour on, to fillThe abyss of his commands;I shall nerve me, I shall will.But it is the Feast this eve—Last year’s how unlike! And waitWe will honour it in state.I will fetch my treasures forth,Whereof the uncounted worthBest a mother can conceive,To whose spirit they expressAll her life-lost happiness.
Closed, all closed with bolt and bar!
Seals on every passion set!
Seal’d to sorrow and to sigh,
Seal’d the grave and seal’d the sky,
Seal’d to feel—and to forget!
I will out! I gasp for breath
In this lonely house of death.
Out? Oh, whither? Angry eyes
Glare upon me from the skies!
Can I, flying, high or low,
Bear my treasure where I go?
Can I from my breast unsphere
The mute vacancy of fear?—
[Listens atBrand’sdoor.]
Loud he reads, he cannot hear.
There’s no comfort! There’s no way
God is busy; lists to-day
But to song and praise and blessing
Of the happy, child-possessing,
Richly-gifted of the earth.
Christmas is the feast of mirth.
Me Hesees not, nor takes heed
Of a lonely mother’s need.—
[Goes cautiously to the window.]
Shall I draw the curtain back,
Till the clear and kindly ray
Chase the horror of night away
From his chamber bare and black?
Nay, he is not there at all.
Yule’s the children’s festival,
He hath got him leave to rise,
Haply now he stands, and cries,
Stretches little arms in vain
To his mother’s darken’d pane.
Was not that a baby’s voice?
Alf, I’ve neither will nor choice!
All is barr’d and bolted here.
’Tis thy father’s bidding, dear!
Alf, I may not open now!
An obedient child art thou!
We ne’er grieved him, thou and I.
Oh, fly home then to the sky,
There is gladness, there is light,
There thy merry comrades stay
Till thou come to join their play.
Oh, but weep not in their sight,
Nor to any soul betray
That thy father bade me lock,
When thy little hand did knock.
Years bring sterner, sadder stress
Than a little child may guess.
Say, he sorrow’d, say, he sigh’d;
Say, he wove the garden’s pride
All into a wreath for thee.
’Tis his doing! Canst thou see?
[Listens, starts, and shakes her head.]
Oh, I dream! Not bar and wall
Only from my love divide me.
When the purging fire hath tried me
In its anguish, then alone
Shall the parting barriers fall
And the mighty bolts be batter’d,
And the vaulted dungeons shatter’d,
And the prison hinges groan!
Much, oh, much is to be done
Ere we parted twain be one.
I with silent, toiling hands
Still will labour on, to fill
The abyss of his commands;
I shall nerve me, I shall will.
But it is the Feast this eve—
Last year’s how unlike! And wait
We will honour it in state.
I will fetch my treasures forth,
Whereof the uncounted worth
Best a mother can conceive,
To whose spirit they express
All her life-lost happiness.
[She kneels down by the cupboard, and takes various things out of a drawer. At the same moment,Brandopens the door, and is about to speak, when he observes her occupation, checks himself and remains standing.Agnesdoes not see him.
[She kneels down by the cupboard, and takes various things out of a drawer. At the same moment,Brandopens the door, and is about to speak, when he observes her occupation, checks himself and remains standing.Agnesdoes not see him.
Brand.[Softly.]
Brand.[Softly.]
Brand.
[Softly.]
Haunting still the mortal mound,Playing in Death’s garden-ground.
Haunting still the mortal mound,Playing in Death’s garden-ground.
Haunting still the mortal mound,Playing in Death’s garden-ground.
Haunting still the mortal mound,
Playing in Death’s garden-ground.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Lo, the robe, the veil that cladAt the font my little lad.Under it his cloak I’ve laid—[Holds it up, gazes at it, and laughs.]Lord, how brave it looks and bright!Ah, he was a bonny sightIn his festal robes array’d!Here’s the scarf, the cape he woreWhen the keen wind first he bore;Longer was it than was meetThen, but quickly grew too spare—I will lay it with them there.Gloves and stockings—(Oh, what feet!)And his hood of silken foldThat had fenced him from the cold,All unused and clean and sweet.Oh, and there the wrappings warmThat should shield his little formFor the journey, from the stormWhen again I laid them by,Weary unto death was I!
Lo, the robe, the veil that cladAt the font my little lad.Under it his cloak I’ve laid—[Holds it up, gazes at it, and laughs.]Lord, how brave it looks and bright!Ah, he was a bonny sightIn his festal robes array’d!Here’s the scarf, the cape he woreWhen the keen wind first he bore;Longer was it than was meetThen, but quickly grew too spare—I will lay it with them there.Gloves and stockings—(Oh, what feet!)And his hood of silken foldThat had fenced him from the cold,All unused and clean and sweet.Oh, and there the wrappings warmThat should shield his little formFor the journey, from the stormWhen again I laid them by,Weary unto death was I!
Lo, the robe, the veil that cladAt the font my little lad.Under it his cloak I’ve laid—[Holds it up, gazes at it, and laughs.]Lord, how brave it looks and bright!Ah, he was a bonny sightIn his festal robes array’d!Here’s the scarf, the cape he woreWhen the keen wind first he bore;Longer was it than was meetThen, but quickly grew too spare—I will lay it with them there.Gloves and stockings—(Oh, what feet!)And his hood of silken foldThat had fenced him from the cold,All unused and clean and sweet.Oh, and there the wrappings warmThat should shield his little formFor the journey, from the stormWhen again I laid them by,Weary unto death was I!
Lo, the robe, the veil that clad
At the font my little lad.
Under it his cloak I’ve laid—
[Holds it up, gazes at it, and laughs.]
Lord, how brave it looks and bright!
Ah, he was a bonny sight
In his festal robes array’d!
Here’s the scarf, the cape he wore
When the keen wind first he bore;
Longer was it than was meet
Then, but quickly grew too spare—
I will lay it with them there.
Gloves and stockings—(Oh, what feet!)
And his hood of silken fold
That had fenced him from the cold,
All unused and clean and sweet.
Oh, and there the wrappings warm
That should shield his little form
For the journey, from the storm
When again I laid them by,
Weary unto death was I!
Brand.[Clasps his hands in anguish.]
Brand.[Clasps his hands in anguish.]
Brand.
[Clasps his hands in anguish.]
Mercy, God! I strive in vain!Shatter her last idol-shrineBy some other hand than mine!
Mercy, God! I strive in vain!Shatter her last idol-shrineBy some other hand than mine!
Mercy, God! I strive in vain!Shatter her last idol-shrineBy some other hand than mine!
Mercy, God! I strive in vain!
Shatter her last idol-shrine
By some other hand than mine!
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Did I weep? Behold, a stain!Oh, my treasure! Jewell’d prize,Bath’d in floods from aching eyes,Lit with fires of tortured Will,Holy Crowning-vesture, wornBy a child to Death’s font borne,Oh, what riches have I still!
Did I weep? Behold, a stain!Oh, my treasure! Jewell’d prize,Bath’d in floods from aching eyes,Lit with fires of tortured Will,Holy Crowning-vesture, wornBy a child to Death’s font borne,Oh, what riches have I still!
Did I weep? Behold, a stain!Oh, my treasure! Jewell’d prize,Bath’d in floods from aching eyes,Lit with fires of tortured Will,Holy Crowning-vesture, wornBy a child to Death’s font borne,Oh, what riches have I still!
Did I weep? Behold, a stain!
Oh, my treasure! Jewell’d prize,
Bath’d in floods from aching eyes,
Lit with fires of tortured Will,
Holy Crowning-vesture, worn
By a child to Death’s font borne,
Oh, what riches have I still!
A sharp knock at the outer door;Agnesturns with a cry, and at the same moment seesBrand.The door is burst open, and aWoman, raggedly dressed, enters hastily, with a child in her arms.
The Woman.[Looking at the child’s clothes, calls toAgnes.]
The Woman.[Looking at the child’s clothes, calls toAgnes.]
The Woman.
[Looking at the child’s clothes, calls toAgnes.]
Thou rich mother, share with me!
Thou rich mother, share with me!
Thou rich mother, share with me!
Thou rich mother, share with me!
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Thou art richer far!
Thou art richer far!
Thou art richer far!
Thou art richer far!
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
I see,Thou art of the common breed,Cramm’d with words, and void of deed.
I see,Thou art of the common breed,Cramm’d with words, and void of deed.
I see,Thou art of the common breed,Cramm’d with words, and void of deed.
I see,
Thou art of the common breed,
Cramm’d with words, and void of deed.
Brand.[Approaching her.]
Brand.[Approaching her.]
Brand.
[Approaching her.]
Tell me what thou seekest.
Tell me what thou seekest.
Tell me what thou seekest.
Tell me what thou seekest.
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
Thee,Troth, I do not seek, at least!Rather to the wind and rainWill I hurry out again,Than be sermon’d by a priest;Rather to the wild sea fly,Drown and rot beneath the sky,Than I’ll hear the black man tellHow I’m on my way to hell;Can I help—the devil take me—Being what God chose to make me?
Thee,Troth, I do not seek, at least!Rather to the wind and rainWill I hurry out again,Than be sermon’d by a priest;Rather to the wild sea fly,Drown and rot beneath the sky,Than I’ll hear the black man tellHow I’m on my way to hell;Can I help—the devil take me—Being what God chose to make me?
Thee,Troth, I do not seek, at least!Rather to the wind and rainWill I hurry out again,Than be sermon’d by a priest;Rather to the wild sea fly,Drown and rot beneath the sky,Than I’ll hear the black man tellHow I’m on my way to hell;Can I help—the devil take me—Being what God chose to make me?
Thee,
Troth, I do not seek, at least!
Rather to the wind and rain
Will I hurry out again,
Than be sermon’d by a priest;
Rather to the wild sea fly,
Drown and rot beneath the sky,
Than I’ll hear the black man tell
How I’m on my way to hell;
Can I help—the devil take me—
Being what God chose to make me?
Brand.[To himself.]
Brand.[To himself.]
Brand.
[To himself.]
Voice and feature pierce me stillWith a dim and icy dread.
Voice and feature pierce me stillWith a dim and icy dread.
Voice and feature pierce me stillWith a dim and icy dread.
Voice and feature pierce me still
With a dim and icy dread.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Thou shalt warm thee, if thou’rt chill;And thy hungry child be fed.
Thou shalt warm thee, if thou’rt chill;And thy hungry child be fed.
Thou shalt warm thee, if thou’rt chill;And thy hungry child be fed.
Thou shalt warm thee, if thou’rt chill;
And thy hungry child be fed.
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
Where there’s warmth and where there’s lightBrats of gipsies may not stay;We must haunt the lone highway,Hill and forest, heath and height;We must wander, we must roam,Leave to others house and home.I must swiftly from this place.Dogs of justice are behind me,Mayor, bailiff, all in chase,Hungering to catch and bind me!
Where there’s warmth and where there’s lightBrats of gipsies may not stay;We must haunt the lone highway,Hill and forest, heath and height;We must wander, we must roam,Leave to others house and home.I must swiftly from this place.Dogs of justice are behind me,Mayor, bailiff, all in chase,Hungering to catch and bind me!
Where there’s warmth and where there’s lightBrats of gipsies may not stay;We must haunt the lone highway,Hill and forest, heath and height;We must wander, we must roam,Leave to others house and home.I must swiftly from this place.Dogs of justice are behind me,Mayor, bailiff, all in chase,Hungering to catch and bind me!
Where there’s warmth and where there’s light
Brats of gipsies may not stay;
We must haunt the lone highway,
Hill and forest, heath and height;
We must wander, we must roam,
Leave to others house and home.
I must swiftly from this place.
Dogs of justice are behind me,
Mayor, bailiff, all in chase,
Hungering to catch and bind me!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Here thou shalt have shelter.
Here thou shalt have shelter.
Here thou shalt have shelter.
Here thou shalt have shelter.
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
Here!Roof’d above and wall’d about?No! The winter night is clear,And the breezes blithe without.But a rag to wrap the child!That were something! Sooth, its wildRascal brother fled, and boreWith him all the clouts it wore.Look, it lies half naked—blue,Stiff and stark and frozen through,By the storm-wind’s icy breath.
Here!Roof’d above and wall’d about?No! The winter night is clear,And the breezes blithe without.But a rag to wrap the child!That were something! Sooth, its wildRascal brother fled, and boreWith him all the clouts it wore.Look, it lies half naked—blue,Stiff and stark and frozen through,By the storm-wind’s icy breath.
Here!Roof’d above and wall’d about?No! The winter night is clear,And the breezes blithe without.But a rag to wrap the child!That were something! Sooth, its wildRascal brother fled, and boreWith him all the clouts it wore.Look, it lies half naked—blue,Stiff and stark and frozen through,By the storm-wind’s icy breath.
Here!
Roof’d above and wall’d about?
No! The winter night is clear,
And the breezes blithe without.
But a rag to wrap the child!
That were something! Sooth, its wild
Rascal brother fled, and bore
With him all the clouts it wore.
Look, it lies half naked—blue,
Stiff and stark and frozen through,
By the storm-wind’s icy breath.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Woman, on the road to death,Free thy infant from thy doom;Free him from thy grief and gloomOf his birth I’ll blot the brand.
Woman, on the road to death,Free thy infant from thy doom;Free him from thy grief and gloomOf his birth I’ll blot the brand.
Woman, on the road to death,Free thy infant from thy doom;Free him from thy grief and gloomOf his birth I’ll blot the brand.
Woman, on the road to death,
Free thy infant from thy doom;
Free him from thy grief and gloom
Of his birth I’ll blot the brand.
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
Much, sooth,thoudost understand!Such a wonder none on earthCan, nor shall do, though he can!War on you that set the ban,—Wot ye where it was, that birth?In a ditch-side, on the ground,Gamblers drank and shouted round—Christen’d in the sleety slime,Cross’d with charcoal-ashes’ grime,Suckled with a spirit-flask;—When his mother bore him firstThere were some stood by and cursed,Who could they be, do you ask?Bless you! Why, the baby’s father,Or,—the baby’s fathers rather!
Much, sooth,thoudost understand!Such a wonder none on earthCan, nor shall do, though he can!War on you that set the ban,—Wot ye where it was, that birth?In a ditch-side, on the ground,Gamblers drank and shouted round—Christen’d in the sleety slime,Cross’d with charcoal-ashes’ grime,Suckled with a spirit-flask;—When his mother bore him firstThere were some stood by and cursed,Who could they be, do you ask?Bless you! Why, the baby’s father,Or,—the baby’s fathers rather!
Much, sooth,thoudost understand!Such a wonder none on earthCan, nor shall do, though he can!War on you that set the ban,—Wot ye where it was, that birth?In a ditch-side, on the ground,Gamblers drank and shouted round—Christen’d in the sleety slime,Cross’d with charcoal-ashes’ grime,Suckled with a spirit-flask;—When his mother bore him firstThere were some stood by and cursed,Who could they be, do you ask?Bless you! Why, the baby’s father,Or,—the baby’s fathers rather!
Much, sooth,thoudost understand!
Such a wonder none on earth
Can, nor shall do, though he can!
War on you that set the ban,—
Wot ye where it was, that birth?
In a ditch-side, on the ground,
Gamblers drank and shouted round—
Christen’d in the sleety slime,
Cross’d with charcoal-ashes’ grime,
Suckled with a spirit-flask;—
When his mother bore him first
There were some stood by and cursed,
Who could they be, do you ask?
Bless you! Why, the baby’s father,
Or,—the baby’s fathers rather!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Agnes?
Agnes?
Agnes?
Agnes?
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Thy duty’s clear.
Thy duty’s clear.
Thy duty’s clear.
Thy duty’s clear.
Agnes.[Shuddering.]
Agnes.[Shuddering.]
Agnes.
[Shuddering.]
Never! never! Brand, to her!
Never! never! Brand, to her!
Never! never! Brand, to her!
Never! never! Brand, to her!
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
Give me, give me! Give me all!Silk and broider’d jacket small!Nought’s too good, and nought too bad,If ’twill warm my starving lad.He’ll be going by-and-by.Thaw his body ere he die!
Give me, give me! Give me all!Silk and broider’d jacket small!Nought’s too good, and nought too bad,If ’twill warm my starving lad.He’ll be going by-and-by.Thaw his body ere he die!
Give me, give me! Give me all!Silk and broider’d jacket small!Nought’s too good, and nought too bad,If ’twill warm my starving lad.He’ll be going by-and-by.Thaw his body ere he die!
Give me, give me! Give me all!
Silk and broider’d jacket small!
Nought’s too good, and nought too bad,
If ’twill warm my starving lad.
He’ll be going by-and-by.
Thaw his body ere he die!
Brand.[ToAgnes.]
Brand.[ToAgnes.]
Brand.
[ToAgnes.]
Choice is calling! Hear’st thou now?
Choice is calling! Hear’st thou now?
Choice is calling! Hear’st thou now?
Choice is calling! Hear’st thou now?
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
Store enough of clothes hast thouFor thy dead child: hast thou noneFor my death-doom’d living one?
Store enough of clothes hast thouFor thy dead child: hast thou noneFor my death-doom’d living one?
Store enough of clothes hast thouFor thy dead child: hast thou noneFor my death-doom’d living one?
Store enough of clothes hast thou
For thy dead child: hast thou none
For my death-doom’d living one?
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Is not this a warning cryImportuning bodefully?
Is not this a warning cryImportuning bodefully?
Is not this a warning cryImportuning bodefully?
Is not this a warning cry
Importuning bodefully?
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
Give!
Give!
Give!
Give!
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
’Tis sacrilege blood-redDesecration of the dead!
’Tis sacrilege blood-redDesecration of the dead!
’Tis sacrilege blood-redDesecration of the dead!
’Tis sacrilege blood-red
Desecration of the dead!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Vainly given to death he wasIf thou at the threshold pause.
Vainly given to death he wasIf thou at the threshold pause.
Vainly given to death he wasIf thou at the threshold pause.
Vainly given to death he was
If thou at the threshold pause.
Agnes.[Crushed.]
Agnes.[Crushed.]
Agnes.
[Crushed.]
I obey. My heart’s quick rootI will trample under foot.Woman, come thou and receive,I will share it with thee.
I obey. My heart’s quick rootI will trample under foot.Woman, come thou and receive,I will share it with thee.
I obey. My heart’s quick rootI will trample under foot.Woman, come thou and receive,I will share it with thee.
I obey. My heart’s quick root
I will trample under foot.
Woman, come thou and receive,
I will share it with thee.
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
Give!
Give!
Give!
Give!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Shareit, say’st thou?—Agnes;shareit?
Shareit, say’st thou?—Agnes;shareit?
Shareit, say’st thou?—Agnes;shareit?
Shareit, say’st thou?—Agnes;shareit?
Agnes.[Wildly.]
Agnes.[Wildly.]
Agnes.
[Wildly.]
I will rather die than spare itAll! See, inch by inch I’ve bentTo thy will; my force is spent!Half’s enough; she needs no more!
I will rather die than spare itAll! See, inch by inch I’ve bentTo thy will; my force is spent!Half’s enough; she needs no more!
I will rather die than spare itAll! See, inch by inch I’ve bentTo thy will; my force is spent!Half’s enough; she needs no more!
I will rather die than spare it
All! See, inch by inch I’ve bent
To thy will; my force is spent!
Half’s enough; she needs no more!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Was the whole too much before,When forthychild it was meant?
Was the whole too much before,When forthychild it was meant?
Was the whole too much before,When forthychild it was meant?
Was the whole too much before,
When forthychild it was meant?
Agnes.[Gives.]
Agnes.[Gives.]
Agnes.
[Gives.]
Woman, take; in this was cladAt the font my little lad.Here the scarf, cloak, mantle, goodFor the night-air, here the hoodWarm for winter; take this last——
Woman, take; in this was cladAt the font my little lad.Here the scarf, cloak, mantle, goodFor the night-air, here the hoodWarm for winter; take this last——
Woman, take; in this was cladAt the font my little lad.Here the scarf, cloak, mantle, goodFor the night-air, here the hoodWarm for winter; take this last——
Woman, take; in this was clad
At the font my little lad.
Here the scarf, cloak, mantle, good
For the night-air, here the hood
Warm for winter; take this last——
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
Give me!
Give me!
Give me!
Give me!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Is this all thou hast?
Is this all thou hast?
Is this all thou hast?
Is this all thou hast?
Agnes.[Gives again.]
Agnes.[Gives again.]
Agnes.
[Gives again.]
Take the crowning vesture worn,By the child to Death’sFont.Font.
Take the crowning vesture worn,By the child to Death’sFont.Font.
Take the crowning vesture worn,By the child to Death’sFont.Font.
Take the crowning vesture worn,
By the child to Death’sFont.Font.
The Woman.
The Woman.
The Woman.
So! I see there’s nothing more.I’ll clear out without delay,Dress my baby at the door—Then with all my pack away![Goes.
So! I see there’s nothing more.I’ll clear out without delay,Dress my baby at the door—Then with all my pack away![Goes.
So! I see there’s nothing more.I’ll clear out without delay,Dress my baby at the door—Then with all my pack away![Goes.
So! I see there’s nothing more.
I’ll clear out without delay,
Dress my baby at the door—
Then with all my pack away!
[Goes.
Agnes.[In violent inner conflict; at length asks.]
Agnes.[In violent inner conflict; at length asks.]
Agnes.
[In violent inner conflict; at length asks.]
Is it reason, Brand, to layFurther bidding on me?
Is it reason, Brand, to layFurther bidding on me?
Is it reason, Brand, to layFurther bidding on me?
Is it reason, Brand, to lay
Further bidding on me?
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Say,Didst thou with a glad heart goTo thy task of giving?
Say,Didst thou with a glad heart goTo thy task of giving?
Say,Didst thou with a glad heart goTo thy task of giving?
Say,
Didst thou with a glad heart go
To thy task of giving?
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
No.
No.
No.
No.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Then thy gift is vainly will’dAnd His bidding unfulfill’d.[Going.
Then thy gift is vainly will’dAnd His bidding unfulfill’d.[Going.
Then thy gift is vainly will’dAnd His bidding unfulfill’d.[Going.
Then thy gift is vainly will’d
And His bidding unfulfill’d.
[Going.
Agnes.[Remains silent until he is near the door, then calls.]
Agnes.[Remains silent until he is near the door, then calls.]
Agnes.
[Remains silent until he is near the door, then calls.]
Brand!
Brand!
Brand!
Brand!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
What wilt thou?
What wilt thou?
What wilt thou?
What wilt thou?
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
I have lied—See, I’m humbled, I am grieved.Never knew’st thou nor believed,Anything was left beside.
I have lied—See, I’m humbled, I am grieved.Never knew’st thou nor believed,Anything was left beside.
I have lied—See, I’m humbled, I am grieved.Never knew’st thou nor believed,Anything was left beside.
I have lied—
See, I’m humbled, I am grieved.
Never knew’st thou nor believed,
Anything was left beside.
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Well?
Well?
Well?
Well?
Agnes.[Takes a folded child’s cap from her bosom.]
Agnes.[Takes a folded child’s cap from her bosom.]
Agnes.
[Takes a folded child’s cap from her bosom.]
See,oneI thought to hide—One!
See,oneI thought to hide—One!
See,oneI thought to hide—One!
See,oneI thought to hide—
One!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
Thecap?
Thecap?
Thecap?
Thecap?
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Yes, tear-bewet,Clammy with his mortal sweat,There in my beating bosom set!
Yes, tear-bewet,Clammy with his mortal sweat,There in my beating bosom set!
Yes, tear-bewet,Clammy with his mortal sweat,There in my beating bosom set!
Yes, tear-bewet,
Clammy with his mortal sweat,
There in my beating bosom set!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
In thy idol-bonds abide.[Going.
In thy idol-bonds abide.[Going.
In thy idol-bonds abide.[Going.
In thy idol-bonds abide.
[Going.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Hold!
Hold!
Hold!
Hold!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
What wilt thou?
What wilt thou?
What wilt thou?
What wilt thou?
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Thou dost know.[Holds out the cap to him.
Thou dost know.[Holds out the cap to him.
Thou dost know.[Holds out the cap to him.
Thou dost know.
[Holds out the cap to him.
Brand.[Approaches and asks, without taking it.]
Brand.[Approaches and asks, without taking it.]
Brand.
[Approaches and asks, without taking it.]
Gladly given?
Gladly given?
Gladly given?
Gladly given?
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Gladly!
Gladly!
Gladly!
Gladly!
Brand.
Brand.
Brand.
So.At the door she lingers yet.[Goes.
So.At the door she lingers yet.[Goes.
So.At the door she lingers yet.[Goes.
So.
At the door she lingers yet.
[Goes.
Agnes.
Agnes.
Agnes.