I shall nerve me, I shall will.

But it is the Feast this eve—

Last year’s how unlike! And wait

We will honour it in state.

I will fetch my treasures forth,

Whereof the uncounted worth

Best a mother can conceive,

To whose spirit they express

All her life-lost happiness.

[She kneels down by the cupboard, and takes various things out of a drawer. At the same moment, Brand opens the door, and is about to speak, when he observes her occupation, checks himself and remains standing. Agnes does not see him.