Her footsteps wheresoe’er her pathway lies;
It is the healing arm of a true friend,
The manly muscle that no burdens bend,
The constancy no length of years decays,
The arm that stoutly lifts and firmly stays.
This, Svanhild, is the contribution I
Bring to your fortune’s fabric: now, reply.
[Svanhild makes an effort to speak; Guldstad lifts his hand to check her.
Consider well before you give your voice!
With clear deliberation make your choice.