the conversation. SVANHILD remains cold and silent.

FALK [after a pause of reflection goes over to the summer-house,
then to himself].
With fullest confidence her glances lightened.
Shall I believe, as she does so securely,
That Heaven intends--

GULDSTAD.
No, hang it; don't be frightened!
The powers above would be demented surely
To give effect to orders such as these.
No, my good sir--the cure for your disease
Is exercise for muscle, nerve, and sinew.
Don't lie there wasting all the grit that's in you
In idle dreams; cut wood, if that were all;
And then I'll say the devil's in't indeed
If one brief fortnight does not find you freed
From all your whimsies high-fantastical.

FALK.
Fetter'd by choice, like Burnell's ass, I ponder--
The flesh on this side, and the spirit yonder.
Which were it wiser I should go for first?

GULDSTAD [filling the glasses].
First have some punch--that quenches ire and thirst.

MRS. HALM [looking at her watch].
Ha! Eight o'clock! my watch is either fast, or
It's just the time we may expect the Pastor.
[Rises, and puts things in order on the verandah.

FALK.
What! have we parsons coming?

MISS JAY.
Don't you know?

MRS. HALM.
I told you, just a little while ago--

ANNA.
No, mother--Mr. Falk had not yet come.

MRS. HALM.
Why no, that's true; but pray don't look so glum.
Trust me, you'll be enchanted with his visit.

FALK.
A clerical enchanter; pray who is it?

MRS. HALM.
Why, Pastor Strawman, not unknown to fame.

FALK.
Indeed! Oh, yes, I think I've heard his name,
And read that in the legislative game
He comes to take a hand, with voice and vote.

STIVER.
He speaks superbly.

GULDSTAD.
When he's cleared his throat.

MISS JAY.
He's coming with his wife--

MRS. HALM.
And all their blessings--

FALK.
To give them three or four days' treat, poor dears--
Soon he'll be buried over head and ears
In Swedish muddles and official messings--
I see!

MRS. HALM [to FALK].
Now there's a man for you, in truth!

GULDSTAD.
They say he was a rogue, though, in his youth.

MISS JAY [offended].
There, Mr. Guldstad, I must break a lance!
I've heard as long as I can recollect,
Most worthy people speak with great respect
Of Pastor Strawman and his life's romance.

GULDSTAD [laughing].
Romance?

MISS JAY.
Romance! I call a match romantic