To the abysmal ooze of ocean bed
Descend, my dream!—I fling thee in its stead!
[Goes a few steps back, throws the ring into the fjord, and approaches Falk with a transfigured expression.
Now for this earthly life I have foregone thee,—
But for the life eternal I have won thee!
Falk [firmly].
And now to the day’s duties, each, alone.
Our paths no more will mingle. Each must wage
His warfare single-handed, without moan.
We caught the fevered frenzy of the age,