(He starts right, the lines following him.)
In years to come, men, tell your children this:
When God crowned Benedict upon the heights
It was not Benedict but the Church He crowned.
(They go out silent. The scene has become darker and the wind is heard whistling among the white crosses in the churchyard. Back in the church through the open door is seen the beautifully carven Christ with overhead in golden letters the inscription: FORGIVE THEM FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY—. The DO has never been put on.)
SCENE THREE—The mountain side, as in Scene one of the third Act. There is heard a steady roar as of wind over vast forests, and all about are signs of an approaching storm. At intervals an unnatural, ghastly light as from rifted clouds swiftly driving overhead passes across the scene. In a moment the gloom has returned and the trees are racing back into the shadow.
Back upon the ledge, his long yellow hair tossing in the wind, stands Rudolph watching the gathering of the storm.
Rudolph— (To himself.)
Flying on starless wings the Powers of night
Keep back the bird of morning till the Norns
Have traced the lines of guilt and set the snare.
(A moment later Canzler appears coming down the sheep-path.)
Canzler—What was that shouting down the mountain for?
Rudolph— (Turning quickly.)
The whirling of the wheel!