OLAF.
Gennem lien red jeg, dybt dernede hvor elven løber, – det var nat, sælsomt lød sange og klagende kvæder rundt om mig – – – –
Forvildet blev mig min sti, jeg kom langt, langt ind mellem bergene, jeg fandt den dejlige dal, hvor ingen fod har trådt, hvor intet øje har forlystet sig før mit – – – –
Tungt faldt en slummer på mig derinde, men alfekvinderne legte imens, og de drog mig ind i legen – – – –
Men da jeg vågned, var der bedrøvelse i mit sind; hjemad red jeg, men dernede kunde jeg ikke trives mere; det bares mig for, som jeg havde glemt efter mig det rigeste og bedste i livet, som om en herlig skat var mig beskåret, ifald jeg kun søgte og fandt den – – – –
Til dalen måtte jeg op, før var der ikke fred for mig – – – –
Du kom mig imøde, fager og varm som i denne stund; jeg greb din hånd, jeg så dig ind i øjet – himmel og jord, alverdens dejlighed var i dit øje! – – – –
Da glemte jeg venner og frænder! – – – –
Jeg kom der næste nat, jeg favnede din midje, jeg krystede dig til mit bryst, himlens herlighed var i dit favntag – – – – –
Da glemte jeg mit kristen-navn og mine fædres hjem. – – – –
Og jeg kom den tredje nat, jeg måtte komme, jeg kyssed dine røde læber, mine øjne åd sig ind i din sjæl. – Mere end alverdens herlighed var deri! Jeg glemte mere end Gud og hjem, mere end himmel og jord, jeg glemte mig selv! (styrter ned for hende.) Alfhild! Afhild!
OLAF.
Through the meadow I rode, below where the river runs,--it was night and the songs and the plaintive lays echoed strangely around me....
OLAF.
Bewildered I grew and lost my path; I wandered far, far in among the mountains; I discovered the beautiful valley, where no foot has trod, where no eye has feasted ere mine....
OLAF.
A heavy slumber fell upon me in there; the elf maidens played in the meantime, and they drew me into their play....
OLAF.
But when I awoke, there was affliction in my soul; homeward I rode, but down there I could no more be content; it seemed as if I had left behind me the richest and best in life, as if a wonderful treasure were held in store for me, if only I sought and found it....
OLAF.
Up to the valley I had to go before I could find peace....
OLAF.
You came to meet me, fair and glowing as in this hour; I seized your hand, I looked you in the eye--heaven and earth, the beauty of all creation, was in your eye!....
OLAF.
Then I forgot both kinsmen and friends!....
OLAF.
I came there the next night, I embraced you, I pressed you to my bosom,--the glory of heaven was in your embrace....
OLAF.
--Then I forgot my Christian name and my forefathers’ home....
OLAF.
And I came the third night; I had to come; I kissed your red lips; my eyes burned their way into your soul.--More than the glory of creation was therein! I forgot more than God and home, more than heaven and earth. I forgot myself.
[Prostrates himself before her.]
OLAF.
Alfhild! Alfhild!