THORDIS Tell me the truth.
EGIL Again? Another version? Why, listen then: I love you; not in the awful, Serene idea of self-sacrifice, But passion, which of right demands return Of passion, nature’s just and ancient barter. I want you; I demand you—all yourself. I offer all myself.
THORDIS What of your brother?
EGIL I ask you nothing which he does not ask. He offers nothing which I do not offer. There was a difference between us once, Not now.
THORDIS Hath he not made you what you are?
EGIL Yes, he and you.
THORDIS And in requital now You would seduce his bride?
EGIL No, not seduce; Demand. Yes, though I seem to rave, I speak Love and conviction. Judge me, dear my lady. You chose between us brothers when we were Contrasted in our souls as some meek bard Of pity, with a beast. Look on us now Again, before it be too late, and choose Between us now.
THORDIS I have chosen once for all.
EGIL But have you chosen blindly? [Points into the wood.] Do you see, By yonder pine, that wild crab-apple tree?