PS 3521 .L4 K5 1913 Copy 1 i'liii (IWlJ'^IJ am_y33hu Book L±Ka Copyright N". \')\c COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. KIRS TIN A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS BY ALICE COLE KLEENE BOSTON SHERMAN, FRENCH ^ COMPANY 1913 h \.0< Copyright, 1913 Sherman, French & Company M 16 1914 ^ TO ELISABETH WORK HOOKER A version of the story by Hans Christian Andersen -sisters of Kirstin CHARACTERS BELOW THE SEA Kirstin, a sea-nymph Erik, the deep-sea king Gerda, aged grandmother of Kirstin Thora, a sea-nymph AsTRiD, the enchantress DiSA SiGRID Erlhild GUDRID Ingeborg Sea-nymphs, kings, monsters, and sprites. IN THE WORLD Kirstin OsGOD, a prince Dagmar, a queen, mother of Osgod Inga, a princess People of the court, ancient man, legate, and sailors. ACT I TABLEAU I Grotto at the Bottom of the Sea The scene represents the hall of a sea-kmg^s palace. In the background to the left * of the center, the wall has the vague form of pillars, between which several corridors give entrance to the ballroom. Down * the stage to the right is an entrance to the other rooms of the palace and halfway up the stage to the left a broad archway leads to the sea. Near the footlights to the left is a low seat of rocJc partly sheltered by some branching sea-growth, and beside it, leaning against the wall, the battered figure- head of a ship, showing the head and breast of a woman. To the right and well down the stage, an armchair of porphyry stands at an angle to the wall. Shells and flowers of the sea wrought into garlands hang about the * Right and left mean the right and left of a person on the stage facing the audience. Up and down the stage mean respectively away from and toward the footlights. 1 i^it0tin grotto and are twined in ropes around the pil- lars. The -floor is strewn with sand and over all there streams a soft, unearthly light. The time is evening of the birthday when Kirstin has become old enough to visit the world. The rising curtain discovers Gerda seated in the armchair of porphyry, combing her long hair, white as the foam of the sea. Tiny crea- tures with bodies of gold and silver, and iri- descent wings that pulse like fins, flit through the archway, bringing in the folds of their gauzy garments pearls and pieces of coral which they pour down on the sand to form a lit- tle heap on either side of Gerda. One group clustered about the heap of pearls, and the other around that of corals, begin to string them into two long necklaces. Without is heard a chorus of voices, at first far off, but soon close at hand. Enter on the left the five sisters of Kirstin, laden with rose and purple sea-anemo- nes, which they arrange on the pillars and walls of the grotto, still singing: CHORUS Come, come, come away, For the hours are sweet as a silver bell, And life was made to be merry and gay, Down where the sea-nymphs dwell mimin Fathoms deep in the ocean stream Where the coral branches gently sway, And shells of pearl and opal gleam On the gold and silver-grey. O life was made to be merry and gay ; If the heart be light, then all is well. We have no need to toil or pray, Fathoms deep where the sea-nymphs dwell. For the hours are sweet as a silver bell, And life was made to be merry and gay. Come, come, come away. Come, come, come away. To laugh and sing, to dance and roam Merrily, merrily all the day Over the fields of foam. Climb up to a world all blue and gold. Where the plunging herds of porpoise play, And the old sea lion, wise and bold. Basks in a summer bay. Merrily, merrily all the day With a laugh and song to dance and roam Where the south wind flings the surf and spray Flying over the fields of foam; To laugh and sing, to dance and roam Merrily, merrily all the day. Come, come, come away. The comb has fallen from the hand of Gerda, »ir0tin who has been sitting in a drowsy attitude as if dozing, but the song ended, she starts up and looks about the grotto, then bending forward, peers at the sprites to scrutinize their work. Gerda. Give me those pearls. Sprite. I gathered them myself By the moonlight. Gerda. They are not white enough. I bade you bring me nothing but the whitest For Kirstin's birthday necklace, — such as these Would blush for shame. [Hands them bacJc.l Sprite. Shall I go back and see If there be any whiter? Gerda. Shall you go? Quick, silly sprite. \_Exit Sprite. Enter others, bringing coraL'\ Now, sluggards, to your task. Use but the rosy pieces without flaw, Worthy of darling Kirs tin, who will be The queen of all to-night. SiGRiD. More fair than Thora, Once called the loveliest beneath the sea, Thora, whom never yet could sea-king win, Because of Erik. Erlhild. Erik loves her not. DisA. That garland from the deep sea Erik sent For Kirstin's birthday. mir0tfn Voices. Oh, Oh! GuDRiD. Thora is Most beautiful. DisA. Yes, beautiful, but Kirstin Outshines her now. SiGRiD. And she hath gift of song. Sprites pass in and out, replenishing the heaps of pearl and coral. The group working on the necklace of pearl rise up and bear their string before Gerda, who grimly points to a pearl halfway down. Running back, they pluck this out, and go on working busily. The sis- ters, having disposed their flowers about the grotto, give a last touch to the garlands, and group themselves on the sand. DisA. What makes our Kirstin sad? GuDRiD. Is Kirstin sad.? Ingeborg. Nay, she is very happy. Erlhild. All her years How eagerly has our sweet sister waited The dawning of this birthday. GuDRiD. We are glad That she is old enough to join us now Whene'er we leave the depths and go to range Over the windy waves. Ingeborg. We were not sad At visiting the world, still it is strange When from the sea one suddenly emerges For the first time. 6 mit0tin Erlhild. 'Tis something that she saw Has made our sister sad. SiGRiD. I know what she Saw in the world to-day. Erlhild. When I rose first I ghded up a river and beheld Green coral branches trembling to the blue, And chubby children splashed in the clear stream As we do. SiGRiD. Kirstin saw — DisA. And I remember The feel of moonlight streaming on my head. Beyond, blue smoke rose, and a lofty spire Where loud bells called; and I was heavy- hearted Because I could not follow. GuDRiD. In mid-sea I came upon an island full of gay Petals like these, but fragile, with a smell Strange to a flower. SiGRiD. Sisters, if ye be done. Hear what she saw to-day, our little Kirstin — I know, for while I followed within call, Suddenly from the clouds a storm descended. Shot through with fire till all the water smoked ; And to her arms drifted a drowning prince. She clasped him close, singing a strange, wild lay, lKir0tin And heavily rested his human head Upon her tender breast. Enter sprite with fan-shaped corals of lace- like beauty. The sisters move toward her with cries of admiration, each choosing one for her- self excepting Disa, who lingers thoughtfully by SiGRID. Disa. How fortunate To see a human being! { Without sounds of revelry are heard.^ Gerda. Idle sprites, If you had chattered less, and labored more, The jewels would be strung. Away, away. And dare not show yourselves until you finish That crimson chaplet. [^To sisters^ Do you stay and greet The guests, for I myself will take this fan To Kirstin, and at last the necklaces. Sprites advancing from either side present them to her. She secretes them in the folds of her garments. Exit Gerda. Some of the sprites scoop up the jewels left, and smooth the sand till no trace of their presence remains; others gather up the loose blossoms. They have barely time to escape when from the archway to the left enter with rhythmic motion a company of sea-folk in soft colored, trailing robes with bracelets of jade and amber gleaming on their naked arms. The music to which they keep time 8 mmin is that of their own voices^ accompanied hy the strings of a great shell. CHORUS O life it is for pleasure, sweet pleasure un- alloyed, And let there be no measure until the heart is cloyed. Joy after joy we'll number before the senses tire, And then come blessed slumber to re-create de- sire. How like a thing of malice the human lot ap- pears. So soon to drain life's chalice of all its wine and tears ; Gone youth, gone joy, gone laughter — all that is life indeed — And that to follow after that none may know or need. give me breath and motion, quick pulses throbbing high, The wild delights of ocean and of the spray- white sky. Of years without affliction my thousand give to me, And take who will the fiction of immortality. Clitstin 9 Sisters \^clasping hands with the guests in an interchange of greetings^ Welcome, thrice welcome, daughters of the sea, And sea-kings, come the day to celebrate When she, our youngest one, our best-beloved, Hath visited the world on high. SiGRiD [after a pause] Nay, three Are missing — Erik nowhere have I seen, Thora, nor little Elwyn. Thora comes forward from the company to present herself. Sisters. Welcome, Thora! Hardly has she been greeted, when all turn to the entrance on the right. Hand in hand with Gerda enters Kirstin, clad in pearl-white, wearing the necklace of coral and that of pearl. The guests throng around her to kiss her hand, or if they cannot press near enough, must con- tent themselves with kissing their hands to her. Chorus of Voices. Hail, all hail to Kirstin. Joy be hers for a thousand years. Kirstin. O happy, festal night, O beautiful, wonderful sight. Flowers and music, laughter and mirth — Was there ever so sweet a banquet on earth? Chorus of Voices. All, all in Kirstin's honor We gather here to-night. From the left enter Erik, the deep-sea king. 10 i&it0titt whose arrival is greeted with applause. Gerda, extending her hand, receives him with impressive and cordial manner. Gerda. Far thou journeyest to bring Greeting unto us, great king, Now that she, our little one, Hath the chrism of the sun. Presents him to Kirstin. Erik, King of the Deep Sea. KiRSTiN \^giving him her hand~\ Comest thou to honor me, Erik, King of the Deep Sea? Erik. On this happy natal day It is Kirstin we obey. Bid me whatsoe'er you will. Kirstin. You, whose word the storm can still. In whose palaces profound Is no sunlight, stir, nor sound — Erik, shall this little hand Greatest of all kings command? Erik. Queen of nymphs, what shall it be? Kirstin [after a moment's thought^ Sing a song of the deep sea. The others fall bach to listen, and stand massed to right and left. Kirstin gazes eagerly/ into Erik's face as he sings. Kitstin 11 DEEP-SEA SONG* Fathomless, darkening deep, Far below all unrest. Calm more serene than sleep, Known by the mermen blest. Fathomless all delight: Naught in the shimmering green Reck we of Heaven's blight On the hapless world between. CHORUS Roll on the distant mortal strand, ye waves of Change and Time, While deep, deep, deep in the vastness dim, a thousand years are mine. The whole company take up this verse^ which rises and falls in a mighty volume, like the sound of muny waters. Call of deep unto deep. Thunder of sounding tide. Peril and loss that sweep The path of the wind's wild ride. Pouring the deep sea wine Into the cup of gold, * Written by Elisabeth Work Hooker. 12 fiiimin Pledge me a love like mine, Love that can ne'er grow old. CHORUS Roll on the distant mortal strand, ye waves of Change and Time, While deep, deep, deep in the vastness dim, a thousand years are mine. As the applause dies away, Erik claims Kir- STiN for the dance, and followed by others, they pass to the ballroom through the corridors in the rear. Thora stays behind, Gerda, stand- ing at the entrance to watch the dance, turn- mg, glances over the deserted hall and espies her. Gerda. Are you not dancing, Thora? Then come watch The graceful maze. With you away, the belle Is Kirstin. All the kings and loveliest nymphs Have come. Nay, one is missing. Tell me, why Is Elwyn absent.? Exeunt. Enter two tiny sprites, carrying a wreath of flowers. They tread slowly and cau- tiously. First. Music ! Do you think That I might peep inside? Second. You are moon-mad! chimin is First. I wish that we could have one little glimpse Of Kirstin in her necklaces. Second. I dare Not think of such a thing. First. What will they do With this red chaplet.? Second. Crown the birthday child Queen of the Feast ! They stand resting the crown on its edge^ then with much tugging lift it up to a niclie in the wall, and wiping their brows, sit down to rest. Second. Now we must fly. First. I wish I were a sea-nymph. Second [mischievouslyl Gerda? First. Gerda ! Kirstin. They're coming. Second. Away, away, First. Away. Exeunt sprites to the sea. Enter dancers from rear. Enter other sprites from right hearing little goblets of shells, and to Thora is awarded the honor of placing on Kirstin's brow the chaplet of red flowers and of propos- ing the toast. 14 iSiimin TOAST Kirstin, Kirstin, Queen of Song, Queen of Beauty, from this throng Take the crown of Love and Praise ; Thine be delightful days ! Kirstin, hail to thee, Pearl of the Sea. After the toast is drunk, the sprites hear away the shells that served as cups, and falling back to give Kirstin audience, her guests de- mand a song from the Queen of Song. Flushed with pleasure, she sings SONG OF THE GOLDEN APPLE Far away in the pale-blue bowers Of a silent southern sea. With gold and crimson colored flowers, Grows a wonderful tropic tree. Far to seek and far to find. The silver boughs that hold The apple with the golden rind And core of finest gold. Down in the caves of dream and sleep. From human fingers placed. Only the children of the deep That magic fruit may taste. mmin 15 And having eaten of the tree, Those who but once recline Within its silver shade, shall be Made merry as with wine. We have slept in the pale-blue bowers Of that silent southern sea, We have plucked the crimson flowers Of the wonderful tropic tree. And the brows of us are smooth of care, Our eyes are free from tears. And our hearts shall be as light as air. For a thousand, thousand years. The song finished, all the sea-nymphs except Thora, who stands a little apart, stretch hands toward Kirstin in love and admiration with- out a trace of envy, and the kings draw near. She stands in their midst, radiant. Suddenly a dark shadow falls upon the company, moving slowly across the stage from right to left. The music breaks off, the sea-folk start and shiver at sight of the shadow, hut Kirstin lifts her hands toward it in an impulsive gesture of yearning. A firm voice breaks the tension, Gerda. 'Tis but the moving shadow of a ship. 16 mt^tin KiRSTiN \_ver2/ softly^ A ship and human beings. Music begins again, and for the second time partners pass out to the ballroom. Kirstin, declining to dance, crosses the stage and stands thoughtfully regarding the figurehead of the ship, with her finger tracing the outline of the maiden's head and breast. Turning, she finds herself alone with Gerda, who has been watch- ing her intently. Kirstin. Where is Elw3m That she comes not to-night? Dear to my eyes The hght of hers and dear to me her voice. I wish that she were with us. She tahes Gerda by the hand, and leading her to the armchair of porphyry, sits down at her feet. Gerda. Kirstin, you Go join the merrymakers. Tarry not With one so old and weary. Kirstin [^silencing her with an affectionate gesture] Listen, Gerda, For I have many things to learn of thee. My sisters cannot tell me all I ask, Though they be wise. You are my father's mother. And very, very old. I am so young, iBiir0tin 17 And ignorant of the land above the sea Where men live. Pray what is it to be human? Gerda. What mean you by "What is it to be human?" Can you imagine beings made to miss The joys we sea-folk know? Such is their lot. They may not plunge down through the smooth, green water, Nor sit in grottoes bright with pearl and gold. Drinking the deep-sea wine that fires the heart. KmsTiN. May they not dance upon the golden sands, Nor pluck the purple sea-anemones? But the air of the world is very wide and free ; Surely they live forever there. Gerda. They too Must perish and be seen no more, but we Live for a thousand years, before the joy Of our glad being turns to nothingness Of the sea's foam. KiRSTiN. They do not live so long? Gerda. Not half so long as we. Brief lives and sad Have they. Their babes are born with bitter travail. And all their years they struggle bitterly, Stung by sharp throes of yearning and desire Until their days numbered. KiRSTiN. Is that all? 18 i^ir0tin Gerda. No; finally, 'tis said, their grosser part Falls from them like a garment, and as we Surmount the liquid steep when we desire To reach the world above, so they surmount The steep of air to breast some deep beyond, We know not of. KiRSTiN. Alas, and why should we Not be immortal? Could I swim so high To reach that world sublime, I would exchange My thousand years for but a single day With hope of that strange life. Gerda. My child, my child, Wild are your words. Our lot is truly best, Far happier than that of humankind. KiRSTiN. But we must finally return to foam. Gerda. To foam, indeed, after a thousand years. KiRSTiN. Alas that I must die, dashed like the foam On the sea's face, grown deaf to the sea sounds, Blind to the sun and flowers ! Is there no way To gain what they have.? Gerda {^smiling'] Darling, what would you, A sea-nymph, do with an immortal soul.^^ This coral necklace is a better gift Than soul immortal. mit0tin 19 KiRSTiN [laughing] Little do I know What souls are, but I like my necklaces And shining gown ; why, I can think of nothing That I would rather have. [Fingering the necklaces'] Is there no way To win a soul immortal? Gerda. Ask me not. We're better off without one. Pray what gain Have human beings with their souls ? Are they One half so happy as the free sea-folk Who have no soul, but live a thousand years.? KiRSTiN. And then return to foam. Gerda. A lucky end. It might be worse. It would be far, far worse To toil and suffer for a little span And after that, who knows ? How can there be Sea-people rash enough to take the chance.? KiRSTiN. What chance.? There is a way, then. Gerda. Yes, one way. But only one, and that impossible. KiRSTiN. Wholly impossible? Gerda. Unless you gained That which you cannot gain, child. KiRSTiN. And what is that? Gerda. If thou couldst win a human be- ing's heart, Kirstin, so that he loved thee utterly, ^0 lBiit0tin And if with hand in thine before the priest He vowed to love thee only evermore, Then would this human soul flow into thine, And thou wouldst share his immortality. KiRSTiN. And has a human being never loved The daughter of a sea-king? Gerda. No, for we Are not as they who walk upon the earth. KiRSTiN. Sea-people rash enough to take the chance — Gerda, what did you mean.? Gerda [disturbedl Did I say that? Too long we tarry here. Rises. Enter Thora in agitation. Kir- STiN rises. Thora. Oh, have you heard That Elwyn, fascinated by the spell Of things above the sea, has fled away To Astrid's cave? Kirstin {^taking a step toward Thora] Astrid ? Thora. Know you not Beyond my father's kingdom, and beyond The pastures of the dreadful octopi. Dwells the more dreadful Astrid, who hath power With subtle incantation? In her cave Doth she compound strange simples, amulets, Kit0tin 21 And much by the sea-children is besought, For whatsoe'er she will is brought to pass By means of magic, and it seems that she Hath wrought a spell whereby with dire dis- tress Sea-children may be made as human folk. Gerda stands a little behind Kirstin, front- ing Thora with a look of horror. Enter a pair of dancers, tripping across the stage in the background, singing. O life was made to be merry and gay, If the heart be light, then all is well. We have no need to toil or pray. Fathoms deep, where the sea-folk dwell — Kirstin [a strange light falls upon her up- lifted face as she stands with hands clasped on her breast, murmuring:'] Then would his human soul flow into mine, And I should share his immortality. Passing across the stage, she takes her seat under the sea-palm and gazes before her into the distance. Gerda [draws Thora closer, speaking rap- idly in an undertone] And Kirstin too. [Thora makes an inarticulate exclamation.] Alas, what can be done 22 Mrstin To save my child — it is the very thing I dreaded most. My wits go round and round. \^Puts her hands to her head.~\ O Thora, now the thoughts come clear and plain. A lover — yes, there's nothing else can make A restless-hearted daughter of the sea Cold to the cursed attraction. Enter Erik. Thora [already divining Gerda's intention, takes one look at Erik, and turning, swiftly lays her hand on Gerda's arm.~\ No, no, no. Gerda skilfully detaches Thora's hand and leads her aside, then with a gesture and whis- pered word commits Kirstin to Erik, who nothing loath, moves toward her where she sits, lost in her own thoughts. In the background appears for a moment the face of Gerda wreathed in satisfaction, and that of Thora full of misery. Erik [approaching Kirstin] Dost know me not? Thy look is far away. Thou art dreaming. Kirstin. Yea, thou dost awaken me. Erik. Who am I? Kirstin. Erik, King of the Deep Sea, iSiimin 23 Who sang to me a wonderful deep song Of thy domain, down at the core of calm. Erik [taking a place beside her'] You know me by repute, what coral groves Are mine, what palaces of rose and pearl, So empty now. KiRSTiN [surprised^ None through the ocean roves But knows thy coral groves, Where palaces, pillared and roofed with gold, The sea's deep treasures hold. Thy scepter summons all things in a trice. Do all things not suffice? Erik. No, for the sea withholds from me its pearl. The golden-hearted girl; It is for you, dear heart, the golden throne Waits there beside mine own, For you the scepter and the coral crown, The ring, the golden gown. KiRSTiN. And this, all this you freely offer me, — The kingdom of the sea? Who would not on that wondrous throne sit down, Clad in a golden gown. Or roam through those delightful forest bow- ers, mit0tin Culling the fairest flowers? Erik. Happy shall be our life beyond com- pare, Secure of woe and care — He bends to embrace Iter, and she to yield herself to his embrace. Enter Thora, who stops and stands for an instant, looking at the pair, then turning, passes swiftly through the entrance to the sea. Song is heard. Fathomless all delight. Naught in the shimmering green Reck we of Heaven's blight On the hapless world between. KiRSTiN [drawing back and regarding him in perplexitif] Happy beyond compare, Secure of woe and care? I wish there were a shadow on your brow That I could smooth away. Erik. Beloved, now You speak of that in which we have no part — Shadows upon the brow, or in the heart. A thousand years are ours for joy and pleas- ure. KiRSTiN. A thousand years that soon fill up the measure! ffilimitt 25 Song is heard. Call of deep unto deep, Thunder of sounding tide, Peril and loss that sweep The path of the wind's wild ride. During the song^ Kirstin rises, and going once more to the -figurehead of the wrecked ship, gazes upon the marred face of the human maiden. From the ballroom come sounds of revelry. Erik [recalling her thoughts^ Are they not merry? Kirstin [coming hack to her sedf] I, I too, am gay, Like them till I recall the final day When we must vanish into foam for aye ; Then sad am I, Yearning to things beneath that human sky. Have you felt so? Erik. Too often, little one. When first we see the sun In youth, we are possessed By fancies strange, that come to fill the breast With longing and unrest. I too have known them, but forget your fears. Dreams pass as pass the years. 26 mtstm Almost you love me, but whene'er I lean To clasp you, something seems to rise between And shut me out. Is it another love? KiKSTiN. No, Erik ; but the spell of things above The sea. Within your eyes I cannot find The deep look in the eyes of humankind. Nor is my being swayed before your prayer As something sways me in that wide blue air. Go from me. Erik. O beloved, let me stay And teach you how to love me. KiRSTiN. Erik, nay; Depart you must. Erik. Not till you name the day When summoned to your side I may return. KiRSTiN. Only when for your absent face I yearn ; When over tides of song that rise and fall I hear your deep voice call My name. Erik. Your thoughts, beloved, that now roam Forth to a strange, high world, shall yet turn home To love that changes not. The day shall come. Erik stands for a moment irresolute^ then with an air of determination departs through the archway to the sea. Sounds of revelry mmin 27 grow louder. A dancer passes in the hack- ground, calling Kirstin by name, hut scarcely heeds that she does not respond. Laughter, music, and the tinkling of glasses floats from within, and again a chorus. Pouring the deep-sea wine Into the cup of gold, Pledge me a love like mine, Love that can ne'er grow old. Kirstin [suddenly rising and listening in- tently; the crown of red flowers has fallen to her feet'\ A voice That smites my heart, but not thy voice — O Erik, Deliver me with but a word, a look. Hast thou no power whereby I may escape This painful music, music piercing sweet. Intolerable, — the keen voice of the world? [A group of revellers cross the stage in the background. Here a king is in hot pursuit of a nymph; one is heing pelted with blossoms, another drenched with a shower from a wine cup. Exeunt all. With a passionate gesture she continues'] O, I am utterly alone Beneath the sea. For me henceforth no rest, 28 mir0tin And there is none to aid me in my quest, For those who love me best can only say That idle dreams like mine will fade away. So since none else can succor me or save, Now will I seek the enchantress in her cave. She moves toward the erit ranee to the sea and disappears. CURTAIN ACT II TABLEAU II Cave of Astrid the Enchantress A gloomy grotto^ lower and less spacious than that of the scene preceding, is divided by the footlights into a form roughly semi- circular. An arch-like opening in the right wall up the stage leads to an inner cavern, and another, down the stage, to the witches garden. Near the center of the background is the entrance to the sea, wave-worn and almost hidden by long, hanging weeds. On either side of this entrance the cave is decorated with a conven- tional design done in the skulls and thigh bones of shipwrecked sailors. The rock on the left wall, near the front of the stage, has the shape of shelves at a convenient height, forming a sort of cupboard, crowded with small, mysteri- ous objects. A little farther down the stage standi the sooty cauldron inverted against the wall with three feet projecting, and beside it a long black spoon and a pair of sooty bellows. On the wall of the background to the left of 29 30 mmin ihe entrance a great sword of gold is conspicu- ously/ displayed. A crane for the cauldron stands near the center of the stage and under- neath it hums a green fire. A little to the left of this fire is a pile of rocks in the semblance of a couch, mantled with moss and weeds. The time is midnight of the same day. As the curtain rises, Astrid, the enchantress, is seen half-sitting, half-reclining on the weedy rocks, a repulsive picture of youth and beauty fallen to decay. The features once firm and regular are now collapsing; the nose and chin almost meet. Her shabby raiment, tattered like seaweed, blazes with jewels which are the eyes of living reptiles. The firelight casts a corpse-like pallor on her face, which is partly turned toward the audience, and on that of Tpiora, who suddenly entering in the back- ground, steps from the shadows into the strong light, wild-eyed, and dressed as when she fled from Kirstin's banquet. Astrid, not deigning to regard her, is swaying to and fro, weaving an invisible web with her skinny hands and droning to herself. Astrid [drones'] Sea-king, sea-nymph, hither haste — Who by me hath been embraced Kimin 31 Shall have dainty fare to taste, Amber wine and honey paste. Thora. Woe, woe is me. How horrible a place — That was a serpent's fang that grazed my face. Speak, are you Astrid? AsTRiD. None except the bold Are welcome here. Thora. Often have I been told Of wonders you perform. By subtle skill Do you not bring to pass whate'er you will? [AsTRiD nods.'] Oh, give me quickly, ere it be too late, A magic charm to work on one I hate — For I hate Kirstin. Astrid. What has Kirstin done To make you hate her? Thora. Snared the heart of one Whom I love. Astrid. How ? Thora. By music's wondrous note — Oh, she has magic in her round, white throat To witch the heart out. Astrid. H'm, what it be? Some sleeping-draught for Kirstin? \_Rises and goes to the cupboard.] Only three Drops of this potion — 32 l^ir0tin Thora [^interrupting and shaking her headl^ Something to impair Her spell of song, and make her — not so fair. AsTRiD [soothingl^l Yes, yes, here is the very thing to slake Your hatred surely, safely, but let's make A little compact: if I serve you now, Then must you serve me later. Thora. How? AsTRiD. Somehow, I'll find a way. Thora, shuddering, reaches for the phial, A sound is heard, and she starts and looks toward the entrance in the background. Thora. No one must see me here. AsTRiD [pointing to the door leading to her garden, through which Thora disap- pears^ Sea-king, sea-nymph, hither haste. Who by me hath been embraced Shall have dainty fare to taste, Amber wine and honey paste. [Enter Erik, who swiftly makes his way around the fire and stands before the en- chantress.^ Who Cometh to this cave? The deep-sea king Omnipotent — he hasn't everything Since he seeks Astrid. mmitt 83 Erik. None has ever come Pei-plexed as I am. AsTRiD. Pooh, 'tis but the sum Of every plaint I hear, yet all's the same — Two passions working in the blood like flame, Diverse, yet one — which is it, love or hate. And what shall I procure you.? Erik. Astrid, wait. I come not as a lover in despair, Scorned and rejected. Astrid. Do the happy pair Resort to me — Erik. I almost won her heart, When suddenly she bade me to depart. Astrid. Ha, ha, a rival who must be dis- placed ! ^Turning to her cupboard] I know the very simple. Let her taste Two drops of this. Erik. Not that, for well I know. She hath no other lover. Astrid. Ho, ho, ho. Shy and elusive is the budding maid. Compel, break down her will. Erik. I am afraid All would be lost. She sets me a strange test. Could I be near, my love would warm her breast. But absent must I win her. 34 mitstin AsTRiD [running about~\ H'm, my fire To breed within a maiden's heart desire For absent lover till she doth complain At sound of music, pierced with secret pain, And reach across the darkness arms that yearn To welcome you. Erik [rapidli/~\ Sibyl, how didst thou learn The heart's most hidden secrets to divine, Its innermost desires? To make her mine Strong must you sow in her desire for me To banish visions, fancies. AsTRiD. Ah, I see, — Spell of the world. This philter has the power. Erik. As soon as tasted? AsTRiD. Maybe in an hour, Or it may be a year — one can but guess ; The day will surely come. Erik [taking tJie phial] Now, sorceress. Ask anything you will. AsTRiD. The price? The price The merest trifle. Act on my advice. And when you win your lady, bring her here For Astrid's blessing. Erik. No, it costs too dear. AsTRiD. Too dear, forsooth? Depart and take my curse; So lose your precious treasure. Erik. That were worse. Someone is heard approaching. Erik takes ffiiit0tin 35 the phial which Astrid offers and goes through the entrance to the cavern adjoining. Enter KiRSTiN, still wearing the necklaces of pearl and coral on the white gown, which is now stained and torn. Astrid l^spitefidlijli Saw you my forest, Faint-heart ? KiRSTiN [panting so that she can hardly speak^ Octopi. Astrid. What marked you in the boughs? KiRSTiN. A hundred things Hugged horribly to death — white grinning skulls And chests of sunken treasure. Astrid. Was that all? Why do you shudder? KiRSTiN [closing her eyes^ Everywhere I see Poor little Elwyn's body folded close, With livid eyelids and unhappy hair. Astrid. She shunned not the affectionate caresses Of my fair forest trees, and she is blest. But you — KiRSTiN. I bound my flying tresses high From the dread touch, and with my hands crossed so. Darted between the trees as fishes glide. To tell you — to tell you — [She hesitates and looks wjp.] 36 lBtit0tin AsTRiD. To tell me, to tell me — KiRSTiN. Alas, how can I tell you anything. AsTRiD. Would you be young forever, or be old. Or would you slay some rival at a stroke? Have you some neighbor with too sharp a tongue, Or would you live another thousand years? KiRSTiN. O Astrid, on my birthday comes a change. Sometimes with sudden start I feel from out that arching sky so hollow, The large air of the world blown keen and strange Into my heart, And a voice bid me follow. AsTRiD. Ho, ho, sea-pleasures all Begin to pall. KiRSTiN. Not so, but I recall That we must leave behind Mirth, feasting, music, all Our lives, frailer than foam upon the wind. AsTRiD. Child, 'tis a sore disease, The hardest to control Of anything in all the seas, — You're threatened with a soul, Yet I assure you That I can cure you. KiRSTIN. No. mt^tin 37 AsTRiD. Weren't you happier before? Why darken then my door? KiRSTiN. Yes, happier, for now my peace is gone, Yet would I follow on Where'er it leads my feet. The very pain It brings me is a kind of joy and gain. AsTRiD. O foolish, vain. Deluded sea-shape wish! You'd better stay a fish. Who wants to walk the earth like a human being? [Laughter from Astrid] Who wants to struggle and suffer like a hu- man being? [Shrill laughter'] Who wants to die like a human being? [Horrible laughter] It is my hardest charm, a special spell Whose finest elements are brewed in hell. [She makes a peculiar whistling call, and one after another hideous shapes enter from without into the circle of light, and are dis- patched on various errands. Sullenly and in silence they depart to do her will. Taking her cauldron she hangs it over the crane and into it throws objects from her cupboard and oth- ers zchich they bring, mumbling the while a mo- notonous singsong. Soon the kettle begins to 38 ffiiirstin steam and simmer, and joining hands they dance around the bubbling pot ever faster and faster, singing :'\ CHANT Toss into the brew Freckled herb that rankest poison drew Through its hungry, worm-white rootlets, fed Where Death made his bed. Fling into the pot Fragments of the venom things that rot On the ooze — the viscid entrails stink, Gurgling as they sink. Round and round therein Stir mortality, and stir, stir sin, Pains that rend the heart and joys that sting — Hear the cauldron sing. Stir into the brew Hopes, a rainbow-colored, bubble crew. Bubble dreams that never shall come true Stir into the brew. As the last two lines are being chanted, As- TRiD bends over and scratches her shrivelled breast with her talons till black blood trickles into the mess. Then she stirs it with the long spoon and sips it critically. mir0tin 39 AsTRiD. Your name is — KiRSTiN. Kirstin. AsTRiD [laugliing shnlly^ Kirstin, Kirstin. \^Still laughing to herself^ Astrid hends to her task, watching the mixture, and at last pours some of it from the black spoon into a phial and holds it to the firelight, then close to Kirstin's ei/es.l What do you see? Kirstin. A liquor pure and white. Astrid. This tiny vase of crystal in my hand Holds the quintessence of humanity. You love some human being in the world? Kirstin. Do I love Osgod? I saved him from the sea. Astrid. Who is this Osgod? [Kirstin is silent.'] Tell me. Kirstin. No. Astrid. You must. Kirstin \_after a long pause'] When first into thin air I raised my head, The sun was riding high above the sea In rosy clouds. Beside me stood a ship, With sailors, and one clad with majesty Whom they called Osgod. While I gazed, a storm Darkened the sun, and all the sea was dark, 40 ffiiir0titt Purple the billoAvs broke against the sky ; But when I sang, the troubled waters fell, And past me in the wreckage of the ship Floated a drowning man with Osgod's face. My arms were underneath him, and his head Lay heavy on my breast. With a leap of the heart As when through the dim sea I darted upward Into the world, I seemed to rise again Through that clear deep of air to a world be- yond. And I began to sing. AsTRiD. A deep-sea song? KiRSTiN. No, a new song. AsTRiD. Sing it to me. [KiRSTiN shudders.^ You must. KiRSTiN [reluctantly at first, then forgetting Astrid's presence^ SONG Death came over the sea, Chill and white of breath, Only to veer and flee, Ghostly over the sea. One strong as Death. Out of my world I rise, If this be I, mt^tin 41 For gazing in thine eyes To a new world I rise, Never to die. AsTRiD. And still you bore your burden ? KiRSTiN. When my strength Was almost gone, there was the land at last. I laid him on the sand — a tiny pulse Fluttered within his bosom ; but suddenly The thin air stifled me ; I grew aware Of beings not like us, who bade me backward To mine own element. Veiling my face With foam, I watched at the sea's edge and saw — AsTRiD. What dreadful thing? KiRSTiN. A maiden of their kind. AsTRiD. A human maiden — fearful to be- hold? KiRSTiN. No, she was fairer than aught be- neath the sea. AsTRiD. But fairer how? KiRSTiN. She had a lovely face. All white and rosy color. AsTRiD [asidel So have you. KiRSTiN. And ropes of silken hair as bright as gold. AsTRiD [aside^ Gold hair have you. KiRSTiN. Clad in a long white garment, She came and knelt beside him on the shore — ■ fiiitstitt Then in my heart I felt a spark of fire Blaze up and burn me ; I grew hot with hate, And dashed upon my breast the cold, salt spray. AsTRiD \_leering aside^ She loves this Osgod. KiRSTiN. Other women came, And helping one another bore his body Back where their temple glittered through the green. AsTRiD. And is that all? KiRSTiN. 'Tis all. What must I do? AsTRiD. Depart to Elfrood shore where Os- god dwells. And sip the phial thrice, so shall you sleep. When you awaken, rise and leave the sea. You shall be cleft asunder by a pain More piercing than a knife, and thus be made A child of earth with light and graceful tread. But every footstep that you take shall cost Anguish intolerable and prints of blood As if you trod upon a naked sword. KiRSTiN {^shivering reaches for the phial^ Let me go home and rest before I start Upon my difficult quest. AsTRiD. No. KiRSTiN. See no more My father's mother and my sisters dear? I cannot bear it. lKir0tin 43 [She covers her face with her hands. Enter Gerda, who moving silently to Kirstin, touches her on the shoulder. Kirstin starts up with a little cry and clasps Gerda close. 1^ Gerda. Child, your whole life long Have I lain close beside you in the night, Aware of it if you but stirred or sighed. To-night so weary was I, grown so old, I only woke to find the empty place, And followed after you. Kirstin. Through perils dire, Dear Gerda — AsTRiD. Madam, you have been before My guest. Gerda. Yes, Astrid, years and years ago. You meant to curse me, but the charm you gave I cast away. Astrid [ironically'] To wed a bold merking And tend his children, else yourself had been One with the human beings overhead. Kirstin. So you suspected whither I had come. Gerda. And hurried here to save you from your fate. Sigrid was anxious too, and could not rest. She waits for our return. Kirstin. Sweet sister Sigrid! O Gerda, lead me back, and I'll not flee 44 Clit0tin Your side again. Take breath, dear heart, and rest. Ere we begin our journey. Gerda. Dear, I knew The strange, wild spell would leave you as of yore My little sea-child, dancing merry-hearted To sound of music on the golden sands. KiRSTiN. O how I long once more with my sweet sisters To share that life. AsTRiD [suddenly darting forward'] But, Kirstin, 3^ou with sudden start Shall feel from out that arch of sky so hollow The large air of the world blown keen and strange Into your heart And something bid you follow. Gerda. Child, it shall bring you pain, So shun it. AsTRiD. Shun it not. The very pain It brings you is a kind of joy and gain. Gerda. My child shall have instead sea- pleasures all. AsTRiD. On you shall pleasure pall When you recall That you must leave behind Mirth, feasting, music, all Your life, frailer than foam upon the wind. I^it0tin 45 Gerda. Child, she hath cast on you an evil spell, This horrid hag of hell. KiRSTiN. Nay, Gerda, 'tis the spell of things above The sea. Gerda. O darling Kirstin, if my love, Deep as a mother's love, hath weight with you, Resist this fascination. 'Tis a lure That calls a maiden by cold and lonely ways Forth to a lot barren and comfortless. Here is the love that clings to bind you fast By all sweet ties dear to a woman's heart, My love, the love of — Enter Erik. Kirstin [^turns and sees him'] Erik — Erik. Here am I. Kirstin. I called you not. O Erik, how the world Seems vast and lonely ; like an alien Should I go wandering, and who would reck In that thin air, my immortality. Erik. Then, Kirstin, only place your hand in mine — My love shall be your shelter. Forevermore Nothing can come between us. AsTRiD. Nothing between? Nay, there shall come between Voice of the world so keen. 46 ffilirgtin At night when groom and bride Lie silent, side by side, That call without a word Shall sunder as a sword. She makes a downward gesture. KiRSTiN. But what if I deny That voice and stand with Erik? AsTRiD. You shall hear A voice he hears not, calling like a bell Desires that mock the heart if once denied. KiRSTiN. But even this were better than that cold, High fate to live unloved and comfortless. AsTRiD. Have you forgotten Osgod.^^ Side by side The lover and his bride Shall hear that music high, A bell, calling their spirits to the sky. Erik. Osgod? Gerda. Kirstin, Kirstin. My own, you will not listen to the words Of this foul hag, when one who loves you well — AsTRiD [fiercely^ Silence. Enter Thora. Kirstin. Erik and Gerda, say no more, For now the way is plain. Erik. Nay, in love's name One little word — what can this Osgod give More than the sea-kings.? mir0tin 47 KiRSTiN. An immortal soul. O Gerda, Gerda. [Throwing her arms about Gerda's neck.] AsTRiD [tahhig the phial from Erik, and pouring its contents into the one which she herself holds] Hist, your turn shall come. Thora [pressing forward] But Erik, I— Erik. You ! Thora [taki7ig a step in the direction of KiR- stin] Sea-shape, may your love Be spurned one day as mine is. AsTRiD [taking from Thora the phial which she holds and pouring its contents into the 07i€ which is in her own hand] Patience, this Will take her sweetest song. KiRSTiN. Farewell, farewell. My choice is made. She goes apart from the others, and stands erect with face averted and hands clasped, to avoid the pain of parting. Exit Gerda, then Thora, and finally Erik. AsTRiD [after a long pause] But what if you should fail To win your princeling, Kirstin? 48 ffiiir0tin KiRSTiN [facing about and taking a step for- ward in surprise'] Fail! Should fail To win him? Will a little love avail? AsTRiD. If to win his heart you fail, Nothing, nothing can avail, — His whole heart, grown dearer far Than all other loved ones are. By the priest you must be wed — Should another maid instead Be his choice, upon the morrow Shall you taste of sorrow : When the sky with dawn grows red To your mermaid end you come, Back unto the ocean foam. KiKSTiN [reaching for the phial~\ I would venture. AsTRiD. Hold, my fee. Shouldn't something come to me? I will take — KiRSTiN. Oh, do not speak; I should be defenceless, weak. With song whereby the sea-kings were enrap- tured A man's heart might be captured; I cannot give my voice. AsTRiD. I gave my blood. Where's your grace, your lovely eyes? Surely they can catch a prize. Mtmin 49 Don't be niggardly, your voice Keep, but unto me belongs Now and then one of your songs — Say just one, your sweetest song. KiRSTiN. I do not know Which is my sweetest song. AsTRiD. Then I will choose. KiRSTiN. Is there no other way? AsTRiD. No other way. \^She beckons Kirstin nearer, and after mak- ing a sign upon her lips hands her the phial. Then pointing to the golden sword suspended on the wall, she goes and takes it down.~\ Kirstin, from my precious hoard Take the magic sword. Kirstin. Sword.? I shall not need a sword. AsTRiD. You will need it, on my word. Read the line thereon engraved : [^Offers it to Kirstin] Kirstin [wondering~\ '*With this sword my life I saved." [Hands it bach'l AsTRiD [crossl?/] Farewell, farewell. [Ea^it Kirstin bearing the phial. Astrid, alone, reads again the words on the sword :'\ "With this sword my life I saved." Once I was like to you. A foolish quest Like yours has made me what I am. Farewell. [The last two lilies are repeated with the ef- 50 »ir0tin feet of an echo by the misshapen creatures hid- ing in the shadows outside the circle of firelight. The flame under the cauldron flickers and al- most dies out, then flares up again. The zvitch bursts into horrible laughter.^ Now, Kirs tin, win yourself if win you can, The love of Osgod, and an immortal soul. \_She hobbles to the smoking pot and vin- dictively stirs the contents with the point of her golden sword, chanting:'] Stir into the brew, Hopes, a rainbow-colored bubble crew, Bubble dreams that never shall come true, Stir into the brew, CURTAIN ACT III TABLEAU III Audience Hall of Dagmar's Palace in the World Above The place is lofty and dignified in aspect. About two-thirds of the distance across the stage to the left are three tall pillars, beyond •which lies a terrace with steps leading dotvn to the sea, which is plainly visible. Near the cen- ter of the right wall a wide door gives entrance to the rest of the palace except a tower in which are the apartments of Dagmar and of Os- god. This tower is reached by way of the ter- race, which is continued around the rear of the hall so that a person passing to the tower can be seen through a deep window in the back- ground. The canopy and hangings of the hall, the cushions of benches and throne are of rich velvet, producing an effect of warmth and color in strong contrast with the marble or alabaster of the columns and the cool blue of sea and sky. The time is afternoon, about a month having elapsed since the preceding act. 51 52 ffiiit0tin The Lord High Chamberlain is discovered 'placing a drapery of black on the chair of state. From the shore hurriedly enters a sailor roughly dressed. Sailor [breathless] Audience with her maj- esty I crave. Chamberlain [ironically'] In sorest ur- gency and haste. Sailor. I bring Good tidings that shall make your present toil Useless. Chamberlain. Pray then, reveal them! Sailor. To the queen. Chamberlain. The queen! The queen is inaccessible. Immured within the tower hath she sent Couriers far and wide to scour the sea — Sailor. Who bring? Chamberlain. Mere rumors till the queen refuses. Rumors that still knock at the palace gate. Sailor. No idle tale is mine, but come so straight That all can be attested. My brother sails upon a fishing boat To northern shoals. A month ago the storm That wrecked Prince Osgod in his pleasure boat Disabled them, and he has just returned In time the second tempest to escape. mt^tin 53 Upon a lonely island where they moored, Their rigging to repair, he learned that one Flung by the raging waters on the strand Found shelter in a convent and was now Returning to this kingdom. Chamberlain [^indifferently^ Shipwrecked men Are common, learns our heavy-hearted queen. Knowing too well the sea hath taken toll Of her own flesh and blood. The angry storm That swept the sleeping ocean yestere'en. So hke the first, brings back her first despair — Sailor. Conduct me to her presence. Three notes of the bugle are heard. Chamberlain. More than a month ago the triple horn Summoned the court to speed our blessed prince Upon his pleasure-voyage, and to-night. Our courtiers for the first time reassembled Since that ill-fated hour shall meet to hear Mourning proclaimed throughout the kingdom. Hark, Here comes the queen. Forbear to trouble her. Through the window in the hackground Dag- mar is seen. Exeunt Chamberlain and Sailor. Enter Queen hy terrace. Dagmar [gazing out over the water'] No sail upon the sea, ah God, no sail ! Mine eyes are weary watching for a sail. 54 »ir0tin Last night I lay with casement open wide And saw the swollen sea, moon-lighted, calm, Clean after shipwreck, till I swooned asleep And woke dry-eyed, still watching for a sail, His sail that comes not. Sharper than the throes In time of travail are these bitter pains That bear no fruit. O my beloved son. Dearer to me than mine own flesh and blood, I can contend no more — so many days. So many weary nights have come and gone, As silent as the grave save when I hear Echoes that haunt the chambers of my brain, His footstep and his call — [Seating herself on one of the benches, she covers her eyes with her hands. Tzvo men, the one old, the other young, both shabby and travel-worn, their garments stained with brine, ascend the steps, and entering through the por- tico, stand silently before her. Dagmar listens intently, then uncovers her eyes.~\ Can it indeed Be he I mourn for, not a phantom shape Of mine own thought.? [Rising, she comes nearer and lays her hands upon the youth.'] It is my child, my son Osgod. OsGOD. O mother! mmin 55 Dagmar Not a lineament Is changed. Lo, lip and forehead, brow and eye, The same, almost the same. Enter the Sailor, followed hy the protesting Chamberlain. Sailor. There stands the prince [Chamberlain falls back in astonishment,'] To prove my message not a rumor vain. Were you not cast upon a rocky isle And sheltered in a convent? OsGOD. You speak timth, Sailor, for here am I. This ancient man Is keeper of the convent. Sailor. Your majesty, I did but seek an audience, to bring Tidings to turn your sorrow into joy. My brother, coming from a northern cruise — Each year he journeys to the fishing shoals — Learned that a man flung on a rocky isle Found shelter in a convent and was now Returning here. [Addressing Chamberlain] Was that an idle tale? Keeper. The keeper of the convent, have I come To bring Prince Osgod back. Sailor. The storm last night How did you weather? 56 l^it^tin OsGOD. In a quiet bay Whose arm shut out the sea. Keeper. Upon our strand We found him flung by breakers as one dead. Chamberlain. Your vessel drove upon a hidden reef? OsGOD. No, we were far out when the storm descended — Gone are my gallant mariners, my ship, All, all are gone. Chamberlain. How did you reach the shore ? OsGOD. I know not. From that moment all was dark. Half-stunned, I seemed to sink in perfect peace, Knowing that life was ended, then the sea Had arms beneath and a soft breast that bore me Out of the storm and darkness ; nor should I Be standing here but for the gentle nuns Who nursed me back to life. Dagmar [stripping off jewels from throat and wrist s~\ Take these, and these, To show the nuns my gratitude. Keeper. Our needs Are few, yet do we know of needier. For them I take your gift. I^it0tin 57 Dagmar And to this man Who brought good tidings give a purse of gold. Now bid them be refreshed. In banquet hall Order a feast prepared. Keeper. I must depart Without delay. Sailor. And I. Exeunt old man and Sailor, also Chamber- lain, who removes the drape of mourning from the chair of state. Dagmar. Osgod, my heart, Grown great with sorrow, now gives room to joy Still greater, but those days of bitterness That brought my spirit face to face with death Have shown me too what life means, yours and mine, All human life abiding but a span — I would that we might live a thousand years. With all my mother's heart I yearned for you. Yet in my anguish aye remembering My noble father, how he toiled and wrought To make his people happy, strong, secure. Then to the dust went down, entrusting me To carry on his kingdom, and the years. Gliding away as water from a glass. Are bringing me to the appointed change. Who now shall take the burden from my hands, 58 l^it0tin Lifting the lofty task that I lay down, Who but my son, heir to the ancient throne, The noble spirit? OsGOD. Once would I have found Such sayings dark — to ride, to hunt, to sail, To follow problem-wise affairs of state Was all my care, but now, but now, a veil Has fallen from my vision, and I see Things hid before — the future like a dream Beckons to service for some high emprise. And in my bosom, glowing like a star, I feel the sense of immortality So strong that nothing seems impossible. What must I do? Dagmar [slowlt/, with her eyes on his face~\ First, Osgod, choose your queen. [R ending his look^ Her name, her birthright tell, her mien, her look. Dwelleth she in my kingdom or afar? Osgod [^dreamilyl^ The face, the face I can- not all forget Nor all remember — it was faintly seen O'er distances of dream as through a mist That with its revelation half conceals. Yet longed for as the moon is when a cloud Drifts o'er her loveliness. Dagmau. Ever were you mit0tin 59 A dreamer of strange dreams. You cannot love That which you know so vaguely — some hand or face — OsGOD. I should not know her by the hand or face, Not loving her for these ; but when she sang I felt her spirit throbbing through the words And mine went forth to meet it. Were I dead And turned to dust, I should awake and rise If that voice called me. Dagmar. Know her by the voice? OsGOD. Voice tells the soul. l^Three trumpet notes sound again.J 'Tis the horn That bids the court assemble! Dagmar. You have come To turn our morning to a festival. Join us ere long in the great banquet hall. [OsGOD conducts her to chair of state. Exit to tower by xvay of the terrace. '\ Some mystic being this, born of a dream Delirious. Madness it is — or love. [From the right enter courtiers. 1 Ye noble knights and ladies of my court, Learn how our bitterness gives way to joy — Osgod is saved. [Cheering loud and prolong ed'\ 60 ffiiit^tin His vessel gone, his sailors in the sea — God rest the faithful souls he summoned home; Through all the land shall mass for them be said And never let their households come to want — Heaven has restored him for the kingdom's weal. Osgod is here. [Great excitement and cheeringl As Heaven hath been bountiful to me In giving back my son, so let this hand Be bountiful ; first to the convent where They nursed him back to life. To each and all my nobles do I make A gift of gold and land. If there be one Indebted to the crown, that debt shall be Remitted. Whosoever hath done wrong Against the crown, likewise his penalty Shall be remitted. And since our prince, though flung a castaway Upon a foreign coast, yet did not lack For gentle ministration in his need, Let one cast on our shore, though alien. Fare with us as he fared. Applause, interrupted by the entrance of a courier from the shore, leading hy the hand »ir0tin 61 the timid figure of Kirstin, clothed in wet weeds and grasses, with trailing hair. He ad- vances to tJie dais and with a gesture presents her to the queen. Courier. Your majesty, Behold the gift of the sea. Dagmar. a castaway. Lo, Heaven hath heard the vow I made to- night. And calls me to fulfil the pledge I gave. 'Twas a wild storm that dashed upon our shore This helpless child. Go bid my tiring-women Give her a silken garb and loose her hair As our court damsels do. [The Queen with a gesture has entrusted Kirstin to one of the ladies-in-waiting. Ex- eunt. '\ Whence had she come And where were her companions? Courier. I could learn Nothing save that her kindred suffered death By shipwreck, for she called herself alone In the great world. Voice. What loveliness and grace ! Voice. How innocent a look! Voice. Her beauty moves me Like music o'er the moonlit sea. Voice. My heart Was touched to think of her calamity. 62 l^it0tin She stood there, timid as a child but yet With something of the woman. Voice. Beautiful. Voice. Yes, rarely beautiful, but with a look Such as I never saw, for something lacked, — I know not what. Voice. 'Twas as you often see Faces of children, or of those who lie In tranced sleep. Fanfare of trumpets is heard, and from the shore enters a trumpeter followed by six standard bearers forming a double column. They advance toward the throne and the cour- tiers part to give them place. Their banners bear the device of a raven, black on a field of azure. The double column divides to form an avenue down which advances a legate dressed in black and azure, bearing in his hand a letter with a silver seal. He kneels at the foot of the throne and rising speaks: Legate. Greeting, your majesty. From Solmund whom Dagmar congratulates On Osgod's rescue. Peace and length of days Forevermore be to this noble house. Dagmar. But whence had Solmund tidings of my son.-^ Legate. Inga, of late returning from the north, mmin 63 Brought the glad news of his deliverance. And Solmund, with a greeting to your prince, Osgod, would have him come to celebrate The birthday banquet on next Woden's day When Inga comes of age. To Osgod's hands This missive must I give. Dagmar. Ere you return, Thanks fitting Solmund's royal courtesy Shall be inscribed in letters of fine gold. [Turning to the courier'] Conduct him to the tower and these men Delaying here shall duly be refreshed When Osgod joins us in the banquet hall. [Exit Legate to the tower, conducted hy the courier who led in Kirstin. Through the door to the right, ushered hy serving women, one on either side, enter Kirstin, dressed in white with a golden cord at the waist and her golden hair hound high in a coronet. In her hand she hears a red rose. Mo'cing forward shyly, she hesitates, then throws herself at the feet of the Queen, who commands her to rise.] Child, what shall I call you? Kirstin. My name is Kirstin. Dagmar. Dear little Kirstin, 'tis a cruel fate That brought you hither ; be not anxious, child, For we have welcomed you into our hearts. Among my maids of honor take your place. 64 mimin l^The ladies-in-waiting make room for her in their midst.'] Now shall the hour be given to merrymaking, For we have ample reason to rejoice. Music comes first — yea, a thanksgiving song From our sweet singer. Voice. Daarte, your majesty, Was ill, and could not come. KiRSTiN [rising eagerly] Oh, let me sing. I long to sing before you. [Standing before the Queen she forgets everything hut the power of her speU through song and the desire to please one who has re- ceived her so kindly. The eyes of all are fixed upon her as she begins to sing in a voice of ex~ quisite purity:] IF I MAY NOT HAVE THE ROSE If I may not have the rose That within the garden grows, Human-hearted, perfect, red. What is anything instead? Other beauty though there be. Do not offer it to me — Nothing in the garden grows If I may not have the rose. If I may not have thy love, All I seek below, above, mt^tin 65 In that perfect heart of thine, Oh, what poverty is mine ! To my passion be thou cold, Vain is all the skies enfold. Everything below, above. If I may not have thy love. They stand charmed hy the sweetness of her song. As she takes her seat again, enter Os- GOD and the Legate. At sight of him, the whole court applaud. OsGOD. This life saved from the sea I dedi- cate To welfare of the kingdom, studying The highest good of all. [Applause^ Though I am loath So soon this birthday banquet to attend. Since Solmund was my father's firm ally. Knit fast to him by loyalty and love, I will accept. Legate. To grace her festival Six maids of honor Inga prays you send. Dagmar. Five I appoint in order of their rank. The sixth one shall be Kirstin. One after one they rise in acknowledgment of the honor till Kirstin finally stands. OsGOD [gazing at Kirstin in amazement^ Who is Kirstin.? 66 mt$tin Dagmar. Osgod, to-night in presence of the court I made this vow to Heaven. Since our prince, Though flung a castaway on a strange isle, For kindly ministration did not lack, Let one cast by the tempest on our strand Fare with us as he fared. Scarce had I ceased When from the terrace came a courier Leading this child, the weeds that covered her All dripping from the brine. If I be judge, She is a princess rescued from the storm That stole away her kin. I welcomed her Into our hearts, giving her place among My maids of honor, the noblest of the land. Behold the gift of the sea. [Enter Chamber- lain.] Chamberlain. All is prepared. Dagmar [mm^] Kirstin, attend me to the banquet hall. Kirstin steps toward Dagmar. Osgod, swiftly moving forward, addresses low words to Dagmar, who communicates them to Kir- stin. The latter remains where she is stand- ing while Dagmar and the various personages of her court, accompanied hy the Legate and retinue from the court of Solmund, exeunt to the right. Osgod is left alone with Kirstin, who stands modestly looking down. mt^tin 67 OsGOD. A vision oft appears to me at night, And thou art like that vision. I behold A maiden clothed about with mystery, Smiling upon me faintly as I sleep. 'Tis my beloved standing silently — Her pure face dawning from an angry sky, The voice, the voice that called my spirit back Frustating Death. Child of the sea, art thou The one.^^ Oh, tell me so. KiRSTiN. How wilt thou know That I am thy beloved one.? This hand Dost thou remember.'' Gives him her hand, which he Kisses. OsGOD. Not by her hand or features. Not by her glance or mien. Not by her speech or silence Shall she be known, my queen. But by her lovely spirit. In song, in song outpoured, Whereby my soul escaping From Death, to Heaven soared. Were I asleep, or lying Dead under marble skies. If that dear voice should call me, I would awake and rise. 68 iSiit0tin KiRSTiN. Then song shall be the test? OsGOD. The test be song. He stands gazing at Kirstin, who meets his yearning eyes with a look of joy. Her breast rises and falls hut no sound comes from her lips. After a long pause the silence becomes tense. She covers her face with her hands, and a long shudder passes over her frame. Os- GOD, profoundly disappointed, starts to follow the company to the banquet hall. Alas, she cannot sing! Ea:it Osgod. CURTAIN Curtain, rising, shows Kirstin painfully dragging herself down the steps of the terrace as if she trod upon a naked sword. Unloosing her sandals, she bathes her aching feet in the sea. A sound of singing comes faintly over the water in the twilight, and the golden heads of her sisters are visible. SONG OF THE SEA-NYMPHS Come home, come home. Flee where the laughing water laves A hundred hidden caves. Lightly will we dance and roam mmin 69 Over the purple waves And the moon-paved paths of foam. Softly, softly in our ears Will the deep sea sing with never a word, And the water kiss our faces, As we go gliding, gliding down to the dim, deep places. Away from the pitiless sun and the parching air, Away from the shard and the cruel sword. Come, be washed clean of all desire and pain, Then forth again Over the fields of wind and foam With never a woe or care. To dance and sing for a thousand years. Then melt away and return to foam. Over the purple sea forevermore to roam. Come home, come home. [Now they are close at hand, calling'] Kirstin, Kirstin. KiRSTiN. Sweet sisters, O what joy to hear you speak. Alas, that you have found me wan and weak ! Erlhild. Oh, say that in your heart there is no change — Do you still love us? For your look is strange. Kirstin. Your sister still am I, though not the same As in those happy days before I came 70 mit0tin Where human beings live ; even as they, I struggle, struggle on an upward way. GuDRiD. And is the heart of man beyond your spell? The mighty sea-kings, Kirstin, loved you well. Ever doth deep-sea Erik dwell alone, Waiting for you upon his golden throne With calm, contented heart. Have you no care For constancy? Kirstin. Alas, I cannot share The calm of one who knows a day will come When he must melt into the ocean foam. Nay, on a human bosom let me lean. Urged, if it need be, by compulsion keen To knowledge that is sorrow, so it be The only price of immortality. Ingeborg. But why should thy unhappy sisters know Sorrow as well as thou? Great is the blow Descended on our house. From morn to morn Our father grieves after his youngest born. And none of us may soothe his trouble. She Who tended thee in helpless infancy Is melancholy grown. O sister dear. What ruin hast thou wrought ! Kirstin. Oh, for one tear — But one of the salt drops that bring relief To human hearts o'ercharged with bitter grief! mimitt 71 Would ye could know, my sisters, how I yearn To comfort ye. All. Return to us, return ! KiRSTiN. To-night so near the prize I seemed to stand That I could reach and take it in my hand As one might pluck a flower. SiGRiD. Ah, but the flowers. Or such as grow in these unhappy bowers, Fade in the sun or wither at a touch. The blossoms of our garden are not such. They still bloom on unharmed by frost or heat, Imperishably fair. KiRSTiN. One little, sweet. Quick-fading flower of earth is more to me Than all the scentless blossoms of the sea. Sisters depart^ sorrowfully singing. SONG OF THE SEA-NYMPHS Come home, come home. Away from the pitiless sun and the parching air. Away from the shard and the cruel sword. Come be washed clean of all desire and pain. Then forth again Over the fields of wind and foam With never a woe or care To dance and sing for a thousand years — 72 mir0tin [KiRSTiN adds'] Then melt away and return to foam — [They continue] Over the purple sea forevermore to roam, Come home, come home. KiRSTiN sits listening with howed head as the last notes are lost in the distance. Then 'put- ting on her sandals, with the -firm tread of a being full of conscious energy and will she mounts the steps to the terrace, crosses the stage, and makes her exit to the right. CURTAIN ACT IV TABLEAU IV Pleasure Boat of Osgod The stage represents the forward end of the deck intersected by the footlights, toward which it extends in a slightly oblique direction. Down the stage a little to the right of the cen- ter, spars and rigging divide the space into two promenades, meeting somewhere near the bow, which is suggested in the obscure background. In front of the spars is the royal pavilion of gold and purple, the other apartments lying toward the bow in the direction indicated by the promenades. To the right, up the stage, the shore is reached by a gangway which is not visible. To the left is the deck rail with a low seat extending beneath, and still farther to the left the ocean itself, with the sky above. Several days have elapsed since the events of the act preceding. The time is late evening during the celebration of Inga's birthday. The foreground is well but not brilliantly lighted by lanterns, and later by blight but fit- 73 74 lBiir0tin ful moonlight. Finally the shy begins to red- den and the action closes at daybreak. At the rising of the curtain^ two of the maids of honor frora Dagmar's court are searching for KiRSTIN. First Maid of Honor. Where can she be? Second. Have we not searched the ship From stem to stern? First. She's vanished utterly. Second. There's nowhere to seek further. First. And ashore Has no one seen her. Second. No, she lagged behind, Nor joined us when we reached the banquet hall. Nor sat down at the banquet. First. Osgod sent Myself to bring her. Second. Then appointed me. Scarce could he brook to go alone and greet Solmund the king in his great hall of state. For want of her. 'Tis she has wit to soothe His weariness. First. And she has counsels wise When broods his thought over the kingdom's weal. The favorite is she, by all beloved; Yet none could envy her. mmin 75 They utter startled cries, as a head suddenly appears over the right side of the boat and KiRSTiN lightly vaults upon the deck. She is dressed in some darh fabric, a close, sea-colored garment reaching just below the knee which em- phasizes her slender grace, and a mist-like scarf, vague as an exhalation, flutters backward from her shoulder. She stands before the ladies of the court, a spirit of the sea incarnate, all vital- ity and beauty. Second. Where have you been? First. And why did you desert us.'' KiRSTiN. Chide me not. All day I hungered for the open sea, Pent by the stifling space, the narrow deck. Parched by the hot, bright sunshine and the wind. At twilight, when great stars hung in the tide, I left it all behind me for a plunge Straight down into the ocean silver cool, Singing around as the big bubbles rise. Mile after mile I swam beside the fishes Over the infinite paths of ease and joy, And come back new-made. They stare at her, amazed at her strange words and manner. First. Without weariness.? KiRSTiN [laughingly Weary are they who walk with stumbling feet 76 mtStitt O'er the world's flint. Second. From Osgod am I sent To bid you go ashore and sit with him At Inga's board. First. See, he could not endure This long delay. Enter Osgod, who stops and regards Kirstin in wonder. Exeunt maids of honor. Osgod [putting his hand to his hrow'] Whence comes that memory Of one who plucked me from a raging sea, — And I was borne upon a tender breast Out of the storm and darkness. Kirstin [tremhlingl You remember That night? Osgod. My soul, uplifted by a song, Escaped from bondage to a world more high. The echo of that song again I hear. But all the world is musical to-night, — Oh, listen, Kirstin, life is wonderful ! The thing we will with all our heart and soul And never cease to will, is close at hand When it appears remotest. Kirstin [zmth her hand trying to quiet her struggling hearty Can it he? To-night, this very night? Osgod. To-night. Once, Kirstin, My inmost heart I showed you as a page IRir0tltt 77 To read, how Love and Death came hand in hand, Inspiring me to use in service high Life's earthly years that ever glide away. The call to kingship haunts me and compels, Yet lacking love, how poor my life and cold. But suddenly has Heaven crowned the yearning With revelation of my well-beloved Who saved me from the sea. KiRSTiN moves toward him with face trans- figured. Enter Inga, tall, fair, and queenly, wearing the bridal wreath and veil. Osgod starts forward, and placing Inga's hand on his arm, they stand face to face with Kirstin, who looks from one to the other, Kirstin. The nun, the nun Who found you on the shore! Inga. No, not a nun, But in the convent for a time I tarried. Taught by the sisters who gave gentle care To motherless maidens. Kirstin. And you knew her by — Osgod. This jewelled signet ring upon the hand That smoothed my pillow. — ^We have suffered long Hunger and thirst of the heart, so let this night 78 mtstin Witness love's consummation. Will you go Straight with me to the altar? Inga. I have donned My mother's veil and gown and come to ask That when we stand before the priest to speak Our marriage vows, you who have grown so dear To Osgod, yea, whom I already love Will stand beside me, — sister have I none. KiRSTiN [with effort^ 'Tis a great honor by your side to stand, Too great an honor. Inga. Not for sake of honor, For that is nothing, but we brides would fain Have one we love to do us honor then. One w^ho is knit to us by special ties. As you are knit to me. [KiRSTiN stands white-lipped and silent.'] Refuse me not Upon my wedding night. Strains of music are heard. Kirstin, xvith a gesture of refusal, indicates the garment in which she has just come from the sea. Inga takes from her arm a long trailing cloak of silk which she throws over the shoulders of Kirstin, who is completely enveloped in its folds. With her own will overborne, she is led out hy Inga to the music of the march, which becomes more and more insistent, and Osgod follows. mitstfn 79 Enter the two maids of honor, and three oth- ers from the banquet hall. Fifth Maid of Honor. A wedding march. Third. 'Tis said that to the chapel Osgod goes To wed King Solmund's daughter. Fourth. It was she Who nursed him back to hfe. Fifth. I, sitting near, Beheld his look of wonder, recognition. As when we mark a thing beyond belief. Second. How came she in the convent? Third. Motherless, King Solmund placed her in the sisters' care. Fourth. The music changes to a requiem ; Yea, 'tis death music. Second. Hath one passed from life.? First. The drumbeat weighs heavily on my heart. Third. That mournful cadence comes not from within, 'Tis of the sea, the moaning of the tides. Fourth. An ocean dirge for one departed. [Covering her ears with her hands. '\ Oh, It stifles me. Fifth. And now the strain has changed Once more and all is joyful, light and free. 80 lRir0tin Second. 'Tis a glad day that joins the kingdoms twain. First. Minor again the music alternates. Music, containing at first a mere suggestion of impending doom, continues alternately sad and joyful, rising to triumphant chords. En- ter KiRSTiN, erect, almost stately, in the long silken cloak, but she crosses the deck unstead- ily with trailing foot, and droops into a seat by the deck rail. The others hasten to sup- port her, chafing her hands and unclasping the cloak. Second. Poor child. First. It was that long swim in the sea. Enter Inga and Osgod in a crash of music. Inga, turning, throws flowers into the cheering company. Voices. Long live Inga. Long live Osgod. Long live Kirstin. Inga [to Osgod] To-morrow there will be great merrymaking Through all the land, but we shall be — Osgod. To-morrow, O word mysterious and magical. For does there live a man beneath the sun Who knows what strange or beautiful event The next day hath in store.? mmin 81 KiRSTiN [to herself] To-morrow, to- morrow — Enter sailor, OsGOD [to sailor] Unfurl the sail and swing into the deep [Exit sailor.] That we may cut the world off, you and I, Hasting away from harshness and the din Of earth's too dry and dusty common ways To the great moving waters. 'Tis the hour When the moon bares her beauty to the deep And his heart is full. KiRSTiN [rising as if re-animated] On Osgod's wedding night, A night to be remembered all the years. There should be revelry, the maddest, merriest Of music. Who will join me in the dance In Inga's honor? Maids of Honor [in chorus] I. And I. And I. TheT/ dance together, forming a kaleido- scope of color and motion in the moonlight. One after another drops out. Fourth. I am too weary. Fifth. It is late. KiRSTiN. But I Could dance forever. Eitstin OsGOD [^impatient to he alone with Inga'\ That was beautiful. Inga. I thank you all. OsGOD. And now good-night. KiRSTiN. Good-night. Will you not kiss me both? TheT/ kiss her. Exit Kirstin. OsGOD. Inga, beloved, I long to hear you sing — a song of joy Such as you sang me in the temple white Beside the sea ; 'twas first for your sweet voice That I began to love you. Inga. Osgod, I Sing? Nay, I cannot sing. OsGOD. You cannot sing? It was that song which called me back from death To a new life. Inga. And would you know that song Again ? OsGOD. Were I asleep, yea, were I dead And turned to dust, I should awake and rise If that voice called me. Inga. Dear, it was some spell Of your delirium, and not my voice Who never sang. OsGOD. Your spirit spoke to mine As with a song, but now that I have you I have no need of music nor of words. mimin Pacing down the deck in the moonlight, they disappear in the background. The lanterns are extinguished hy sailors. In the fore- ground KiRSTiN, unable to rest, is heard softly and sorrowfully singing: IF I MAY NOT HAVE THE ROSE If I may not have the rose That within the garden grows, Human-hearted, perfect, red, What is anything instead? Other beauty though there be. Do not offer it to me. Nothing in the garden grows If I may not have the rose. If I may not have thy love, All I seek below, above. In that perfect heart of thine. Oh, what poverty is mine. To my passion be thou cold, Vain is all the skies enfold. Everything below, above. If I may not have thy love. The moon has gone under a cloud so that the figure of Kirstin is lost in the shadows. En- ter OsGOD and Inga. 84 ffilir0tin OsGOD. Once did the starry sky, brooding aboA^e Old ocean's tide, oppress me and o'erwhelm, But now with thee, beloved, at my side, Strong is my sense of immortality. SONG OF IMMORTALITY Ancient roams the sea From hoary shore to shore, But the sea shall be no more. Lights that seons long In yon high dome have hung. Shall vanish like a song. Earth shall fade away From the undaunted soul, And heaven as a scroll. How late and dark — the very sea asleep. It is the hour when night ebbs into day. And life is at its lowest. Thou art weary. Let us to rest. O night so long desired! Exeunt to the royal 'pavilion. KiRSTiN. Oh, weary is the heart When it is nigh to breaking. But they who are immortal need to sleep. Not I who must depart. Ere dawn is on the deep, »ir0tin 85 To sleep that knows no waking. But the utmost pang Of dissolution has no dread for me, Since standing by the priest I heard him vow To love her only, world without an end, For in that moment my astonished heart Closed on itself, anticipating death. And dizzily before my staring eyes. The world swam, a grey bubble. Even now A veil is on my vision when I look At the rare moon, yet as I close mine eyes It all comes back, the unutterable beauty Of cloud and sea, of hill and peopled town With little children in the streets — oh, all That moves us with the strange, sweet spell of things That were before we suffered, and will be When we have ceased to suffer — I am swayed By memories of childhood, and the sense Of motion and of calm: Sea-colors and sea-creatures, and the kind. Protecting hands of little sea-nymph sisters, And frolicsome hours together. O my father, So hoary wise to teach me hidden lore Of shells and flowers, and the strict guardian care Of my father's mother. Do they remember? And will they grieve to knov/ that I, who reached 86 mirstin So far for life immortal, losing that, Am beggared utterly? When I am nothing. Still are they free to roam their thousand years In the fields of wind and foam. She stops and listens to a sound of singing heard faintly in the distance. SONG OF THE SEA-NYMPHS Come home, come home. For life was meant to be merry and free, Come dance in the fields of wind and foam Over the purple sea. Wilt thou leave us blind with pain. Whose eyes were never made for tears? Wilt thou bid us grieve in vain To the end of the thousand years? Flee from the peak so flinty hard, The pitiless sun and the parching air, Flee from the sword and the cruel shard To the liquid spiral stair. Echoes from the coral caves Over the fields of wind and foam, Voices of the little waves. Call, "Come home, come home." mmin 87 The moon has gradually emerged from under the cloud, so that the shining heads of the sea- nymphs are visible as they support a great golden sword whose blade flashes in the moon- light. KiRSTiN [calling] Sigrld, Disa, Erlhild, In- geborg, Gudrid. SiGRiD. Dear little Kirstin, far from the mid-sea Thy pain and peril beckoned us to thee. Kirstin. O sisters .dear, so pale with fear and care, 'Tis you indeed, but shorn of your long hair Bright as the sun. Ingeborg. From Astrid's dreadful cave We bring this magic sword your life to save. She would not yield it up for groan or prayer, But only if we gave our golden hair. Kirstin. Reft of your crown of beauty for my sake — What shall it profit me the sword to take? [Taking the sword.li Disa. Go plunge it in his heart, whose deeds and words Have pierced your heart more cruelly than swords. Kirstin. To slay him, Disa, cannot ease my pain — To foam must I return. 88 lBtir0tin Erlhild. Nay, once again A daughter of the sea, may you fulfil Your thousand years — SiGRiD. If you will only spill His blood upon your feet. Oh, quickly prove Our magic sword of gold. KiRSTiN. How great the love Of mine own kin. GuDRiD. O sister dear, make haste, Precious the moments are that run to waste. So keenly does our father's mother mourn. That sharp distress her ancient locks hath shorn. Gerda appears. KiRSTiN. O Gerda, can it be your beauteous face I see again? Gerda. Child, from this cruel place Return, and once again with linked hands Circle to music on the golden sands. Where with your sisters five you sang of yore; Come be a merry sea-child as before. Ingeborg. The sky begins to redden — thou or he Must die before the dawn. All [departing] We wait for thee. KiRSTiN. What love have I been strong enough to win That shall abide, but love of mine own kin.'^ mir0tin 89 EiiiK [^calling over the sea^ Kirstin, Kir- stin. Behold me, my beloved, come with speed Out of the deep, knowing that you have need Of Erik's love at last. Kirstin. Down on your throne How should you hear me, Erik, making moan? Erik. Far from the crash of tides that rise and fall, It was my heart, dear love, that heard your call. Kirstin. Thora, poor Thora. All that weight of woe On me hath fallen, for the curse I know. Heartbroken, doth she sit from all apart, Grieving ? Erik. Another king hath won her heart. Kirstin. I called you not. Erik. Then had I never come, Down to my deep-sea calm to bear you home. Kirstin. O blessed calm. Erik. Of what avail the strife, Of what avail the pain of human life? Kirstin. Yea, what avail? Erik. Beloved, put it by, The struggle after immortality. And be my bride. Kirstin. Erik, it cannot be. No more am I a daughter of the sea. 90 mit0tin Now that the end draws nigh, to fulfil My thousand years of life. Erik. Dear Kirstin, still A single chance remains — do you not hold In your right hand the magic sword of gold From Astrid's cave? Kirstin. Alas, I cannot slay My well-beloved! Erik. Well-beloved? Nay. Who hath destroyed your soul, your love hath slain. Choose, Kirstin, once again, between us twain. Kirstin. Remember how I spurned your love and strove Only to gain a soul through Osgod's love; Desiring, to your passion deaf and blind, The immortality of humankind. Erik. If through my will, love, you could gain the sky, Lo, I would give you immortality. Down there, from never-resting motion release Waits where loud fury and the wind's havoc cease, At the very core of peace. Kirstin. Ah me, to choose ! I hang as on a brink. Depart and leave me here alone to think. [Exit Erik.] Ah me, to choose! Devotion strong to save I^imin 91 Or love that is more cruel than the grave — Nay, Osgod, lying innocent of blame, Knows not my breath fades as a fading flame; Yet life is sweet and one of us must die Before the dawn — shall it be he or I? [The east is already crimson as she advances toxcard the door of the royal pavilion, holding the sword firmly uplifted.^ Now let the blow on Osgod quickly fall, I love thee not! [The arm suddenly wavers and drops to her side,'] Nay, love thee all in all. [Turning y she flings the sword far out over the waves, and throrvs herself into the sea to he changed to foam, singing:] Death came over the sea, Chill and white of breath. Only to veer and flee Ghostly over the sea One strong as Death. Enter Osgod in the rosy light. Osgod. The song, I hear the song! Oh, it was Kirstin Who saved me from the sea — you, only you Could make my dream reality. Beloved, I need you night and day, in life and death 92 ffiitotin Forevermore. Flee not this earthly place So poor and cold without you. He stretches Ms arms toward her, hut she passes from his reach, rising higher and higher into the flaming sky with a look of joy inex- pressible, still singing: KiRSTIN. Out of my world I rise, If this be I, For gazing in thine eyes To a new world I rise, Never to die. A company of heavenly beings welcome her into their midst with a song which floats down from above. CHORUS Gone is the struggle, Gone the sorrow. Wide swings the portal To the Invisible. Love made thee human — Sacrifice, pain — And have made thee immortal, Tireless and strong. On pinions of love With love the reward. Bridging the worlds. mmin 93 The harmonies of the song grow fainter and fainter, more and more remote, melting into si- lence. CURTAIN 015 y*"