(Bertha looks stedfastly at her, then drops her head upon her breast and makes no answer.)
(Berth. then looks more gently on her but is still silent.)
First Lad. Dost thou not speak, thou who canst sing so well?
Dwi. Who taught thee those sweet notes?
Berth. The night was dark: I met spirits on my way:
They sung me sweet songs but they were sorrowful.
Dwi. Ah, woe is me! and dost thou wander, then,
In the dark night alone, no one to tend thee?
Berth. When the moon's dark, I follow the nightbird's cry,
And it doth guide my way.—But he'll return,
So do they tell me, when sweet violets blow
And summer comes again.
Dwi. And who is he?
Berth. List, and the winds will tell thee as they pass:
The stilly air will whisper it. But softly,
Tell it to none again. They must not know
How stern he is, for he was gentle once.
Dwi. A cruel heart had he who could forsake thee!
Ber. (putting her hand eagerly on Dwina's mouth.)
Hush, hush! we'll not offend him. He is great,
And must not be offended.
