THE STUDENTS.
You, Falk! hurrah!
FALK.
Forth to the mountains, come!
As the bee hurries from her winter home!
A twofold music in my breast I bear,
A cither with diversely sounding strings,
One for life's joy, a treble loud and clear,
And one deep note that quivers as it sings.
[To individuals among the STUDENTS.
You have the palette?—You the note-book? Good,
Swarm then, my bees, into the leafy wood,
Till at night-fall with pollen-laden thigh,
Home to our mighty mother-queen we fly!
[Turning to the company, while the STUDENTS depart and
and the Chorus of the First Act is faintly heard outside.
Forgive me my offences great and small, I resent nothing;— [Softly. but remember all.
STRAWMAN [beaming with happiness].
Now fortune's garden once again is green!
My wife has hopes,—a sweet presentiment—
[Draws him whispering apart.
She lately whispered of a glad event—
[Inaudible words intervene.
If all goes well . . . at Michaelmas . . . thirteen!
STIVER [With MISS JAY on his arm, turning to FALK, smiles triumphantly, and says, pointing to STRAWMAN: I'm going to start a household, flush of pelf!
MISS JAY [with an ironical courtesy].
I shall put on my wedding-ring next Yule.
ANNA [similarly, as she takes LIND's arm].
My Lind will stay, the Church can mind itself—
LIND [hiding his embarrassment].
And seek an opening in a ladies' school.
MRS. HALM.
I cultivate my Anna's capabilities—