Love's Comedy

by Henrik Ibsen

SVANHILD [with a subdued smile].
As the bride's sister, true,
I cannot help—

FALK.
Great God! It is not you—?

SVANHILD.
Who win this overplus of bliss? Ah no!

FALK [with almost childish joy].
It is not you! O God be glorified!
What love, what mercy does He not bestow!
I shall not see you as another's bride;—
'Twas but the fire of pain He bade me bear—
[Tries to seize her hand.
O hear me, Svanhild, hear me then—

SVANHILD [pointing quickly to the background].
See there!

[She goes towards the house. At the same moment
MRS. HALM, ANNA, MISS JAY, GULDSTAD, STIVER, and
LIND emerge from the background. During the
previous scene the sun has set; it is now dark.

MRS. HALM [to SVANHILD].
The Strawmans may be momently expected.
Where have you been?

MISS JAY [after glancing at FALK].
Your colour's very high.

SVANHILD.
A little face-ache; it will soon pass by.

MRS. HALM.
And yet you walk at nightfall unprotected?
Arrange the room, and see that tea is ready;
Let everything be nice; I know the lady.
[Svanhild goes in.