Ljot. It matters little whom I care for. I have given my word.
Sølvi. You think it is your duty to keep your word, but there is another duty that is far greater, and that is to open your arms to happiness when it comes. There is no greater duty. It is the meaning of our existence. You must feel that, you who have grown like a flower out of the earth!
Ljot. It is not only that I have given my word. If I had neither father nor mother, I should break my promise, but I know that it would grieve my parents. This morning father said to me that it was the happiest day of his life since he got my mother, and I know it was true.
Sølvi. You must tell your parents that you cannot keep your word. You must do it for my sake. (Kneeling.) You are the only one I care for in all the world.
Ljot. I can't deal such a blow to my father. No other living being has been so good to me as my father.
Sølvi (rising). You do not care for me at all.
Ljot. You think it is easy for me! (With tears in her eyes) I own a spring—I cleanse it every Saturday. I have told it your name. (Goes to the tent.)
Sølvi. You are going! (Turns away from Ljot, sits down on one of the rocks, covers his face.)
Ljot (stands silent for a long time, then goes over to him and takes his hands from his face). I love you.
(Sølvi takes her face between his hands and kisses her.)