[Curtly, breaking off.] Then let us go on playing.
Yes, playing, playing—only playing!
[They sit and strew leaves and petals over the brook, where they
float and sail away.
[Up the slope to the left at the back come ULFHEIM and MAIA in
hunting costume. After them comes the SERVANT with the leash
of dogs, with which he goes out to the right.
[Catching sight of them.] Ah! There is little Maia, going out with the bear-hunter.
Your lady, yes.
Or the other's.
[Looks around as she is crossing the upland, sees the two sitting by the brook, and calls out.] Good-night, Professor! Dream of me. Now I am going off on my adventures!
[Calls back to her.] What sort of an adventure is this to be?
[Approaching.] I am going to let life take the place of all the rest.
[Mockingly.] Aha! So you too are going to do that, little Maia?