[Doubtfully.] Do you think I can't?
Never in this world—if you don't let me help you.
[Uneasily.] Why, then come and help me! What else are you here for?
Would you rather I should take you on my back—?
Nonsense!
ULFHEIM. —or carry you in my arms?
Now do stop talking that rubbish!
[With suppressed exasperation.] I once took a young girl—lifted her up from the mire of the streets and carried her in my arms. Next my heart I carried her. So I would have borne her all through life—lest haply she should dash her foot against a stone. For her shoes were worn very thin when I found her—
And yet you took her up and carried her next your heart?
Took her up out of the gutter and carried her as high and as carefully as I could. [With a growling laugh.] And do you know what I got for my reward?