It burns!—Aha,—I remember! 'T was here
Too dark for my soul—it filled me with fear!
Olaf, before it was you who smiled,
Now it is Alfhild, so gay and so wild!—
In the bridal house there is anguish and gloom,
The bride is burning on the arm of the groom!
[The HOUSE SERVANTS rush in one by one without torches and stand as if turned to stone. OLAF comes into view up in the opening, which he seeks to widen with desperate efforts.]
OLAF.
Alfhild! 'Tis you! So might I have known!
If only from out of this danger you save me,
'T is silver and gold you shall hereafter own!
ALFHILD. [With wild laughter.]
Too well I remember the promise you gave me!
Now ride to the church with minstrel and priest!
Now hold your wedding,—forget all the rest!
Alfhild has honored you as she knew best,—
The torch she has swung at your bridal feast!
[She rushes out at the back. The SERVANTS hasten to lend their help; a part of the roof falls in; OLAF is seen high amidst the flames as the curtain falls.]