The phial—doth a secret draught contain;
A drop of this in my—enemy's cup,
And his life would sicken and wither up;
The leech's skill would be tried in vain.
[Again a silence.
Were I sure that Gudmund—held me dear—
Then little I'd care for—
[Gudmund enters from the house.
Gudmund.
You, Margit, here?
And alone? I have sought you everywhere.
Margit.
'Tis cool here. I sickened of heat and glare.
See you how yonder the white mists glide
Softly over the marshes wide?
Here it is neither dark nor light,
But midway between them—
[To herself.
—as in my breast.
[Looking at him.
Is't not so—when you wander on such a night
You hear, though but half to yourself confessed,
A stirring of secret life through the hush,
In tree and in leaf, in flower and in rush?
[With a sudden change of tone.
Can you guess what I wish?
Gudmund.
Well?