(She goes up the hall, mounts to the loft, and stoops beside
him.)
Oh, they have hurt you—but that is forgot.
Boy, it is bedtime; though I am too changed,
And cannot lift you up and lay you in,
You shall go warm to bed—I'll put you there.
There is no comfort in my breast to-night,
But close your eyes beneath my fingers' touch,
Slip your feet down, and let me smooth your hands:
Then sleep and sleep. Ay, all the world's asleep.
(She rises.)
You had a rare toy when you were awake—
I'll wipe it with my hair…. Nay, keep it so,
The colour on it now has gladdened you.
It shall lie near you.
(She raises the bill: the deep hum follows.)
No; it remembers him,
And other men shall fall by it through Gunnar:
The bill, the bill is singing…. The bill sings!
(She kisses the weapon, then shakes it on high.)
[CURTAIN]
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION IN READING THE PLAYS
1. The Forces in the Play.