OLAF. Up to the valley I had to go before I could find peace....
OLAF. You came to meet me, fair and glowing as in this hour; I seized your hand, I looked you in the eye—heaven and earth, the beauty of all creation, was in your eye!....
OLAF. Then I forgot both kinsmen and friends!....
OLAF. I came there the next night, I embraced you, I pressed you to my bosom,—the glory of heaven was in your embrace....
OLAF. —Then I forgot my Christian name and my forefathers' home....
OLAF. And I came the third night; I had to come; I kissed your red lips; my eyes burned their way into your soul.—More than the glory of creation was therein! I forgot more than God and home, more than heaven and earth. I forgot myself.
[Prostrates himself before her.]
OLAF. Alfhild! Alfhild!
ALFHILD. If it be a drink of forgetfulness which you speak of, then have I also charmed myself with it. I have fared as the minstrel who learned the nixie's songs in order to charm his sweetheart;—he charmed and charmed so long that at length the magic wove itself round his own soul too, and he could never win himself free therefrom.
[Stops and continues standing thoughtfully.]