FALK
(med udbrud).
Grunden? Jo, fordi jeg hader
at gå omkring med frækt udringet sjæl,
lig godtfolks kærlighed i alle gader, –
at gå omkring med blottet hjertevarme,
som unge kvinder går med nøgne arme!
De var den eneste, – De, Svanhild, De –
så tænkte jeg, – nå, den ting er forbi –
(vender sig efter hende, idet hun går over mod lysthuset og ser ud.)
De lytter –?
FALK
[losing self-control].
Why, why? Because I hate to go about
With soul bared boldly to the vulgar eye,
As Jock and Jennie hang their passions out;
To wear my glowing heart upon my sleeve,
Like women in low dresses. You, alone,
Svanhild, you only,--you, I did believe,--
Well, it is past, that dream, for ever flown.--
[She goes to the summer-house and looks out; he follows.]
You listen--?