MATS. It's well done, but—we're a sorry couple for all that, and a sorry wedding we're having.
KERSTI. Let the Lord look into our minds and hearts, and if they hold no evil—what matters the rest? Have you brought the Book?
MATS. I have. But are you sure, dear, that what we mean to do is not sinful?
KERSTI. Why should it be? Don't you know that the midwife can baptise in case of need?
MATS. Well, that's the midwife!
KERSTI. [Putting the wreath on her head] Let us begin!
MATS. In the name of the Lord! And may we never come to regret it! [They kneel on the carpet, facing each other; MATS takes out a ring, which they hold between them while he is reading out of the prayer-book] "I, Mats Anders Larsson, take you, Kersti Margaret Hansdaughter, to be my wedded wife, whom I will love in good days and bad, and in token thereof I give you this ring."
KERSTI. "I, Kersti Margaret Hansdaughter, take you, Mats Anders Larsson, to be my wedded husband, whom I will love in good days and bad, and in token thereof I give you this ring."
They pray in silence for a while; then they rise and take hold of each other's hands, but they do not kiss each other.
MATS. Now you are mine in the sight of God, dear, and after this we won't mind what people may say.