KERSTI. There is.
MOTHER. Are you pledged?
KERSTI. I am.
MOTHER. And the crown? [KERSTI does not reply] Have you lost it?
KERSTI. [Walking back and forth restlessly] You know, it was foretold that I should wear a crown.
MOTHER. Stuff and nonsense! A virgin's crown is more beautiful than a queen's. And happy is she who wears it with honour!
KERSTI. Oh!
MOTHER. And oh, indeed!—Little we had. Wrong we suffered. Badly we fared. Alas the day!
KERSTI. Little we had, but shall have plenty! Luck is near!
MOTHER. Race against race, hating and hated; fire and water: now it's coming to a boil.