THORDIS A surprise! I see: a wedding-day surprise for us.

EGIL No, but a lie. I lied to you. Last night I told you I renounced you, but I lied.

THORDIS Egil!

EGIL It was the music, the harp-demon; It blinded and then tempted me; it lured me To obtain my freedom falsely. But to-day, This morning when my body fetterless Roamed in this wood-side, and the little children Climbed over me in laughter, and I too Laughed with them, and all nature laughed and echoed “Thou art emancipated!”—I was healed; Then I was healed and now all’s well again; All’s well; no harm shall come to him.

THORDIS To whom? I do not understand.

EGIL You have no need; I claim your own assurance. Will you trust me?

THORDIS So well that, now you have put your secret by, I will tell mine.

EGIL What secret can you have For me?

THORDIS You have been wicked; so perhaps Have I.

EGIL [Smiling.] You!