HADDA PADDA. But now if it should slip from you—! If you open your hand a hair's breadth too much, you will lose the rope! [She starts with a shudder.]
INGOLF. I shall let the rope slide over my shoulder—will you be more at ease then?
ACT V
HADDA PADDA. If you tie it around your waist, so that it will be impossible for you to let go of me—then I will be at ease.
INGOLF (gazes intently at her, as if to penetrate the mysterious veil which envelopes her manner, her words, and her actions. Suddenly he grasps the end of the rope and ties it around his waist).
HADDA PADDA [sits down on the edge]. I nearly forgot the spade. I will dig up an angelica, and take it along with me. (Disappears below the edge. The rope slides for a time.)
INGOLF. You can see her, Steindor?
STEINDOR. She is like an expert rope-climber. She is keeping herself from the rock with the spade.
INGOLF. Don't lose sight of her. Tell me how she is getting along.
STEINDOR. I am not anxious about her going down. Now she is about passing the ledge. There, now you can let the rope slide quicker.