it be that the sea-strand was naked then as now? If it was so, I knew it not. 'Twas there I loved to go weaving all my fair romances; my heroes came from afar and sailed again across the sea; I lived in their midst, and set forth with them when they sailed away. [Sinks on a chair.] Now I feel so faint and weary; I can live no longer in my tales. They are only—tales. [Rising, vehemently.] Biörn, know you what has made me sick? A truth; a hateful, hateful truth, that gnaws me day and night.
Biörn.
What mean you?
Elina.
Do you remember how sometimes you would give us good counsel and wise saws? Sister Lucia followed them; but I—ah, well-a-day!
Biörn.
[Consoling her.] Well, well!
Elina.
I know it—I was proud, overweening! In all our games, I would still be the Queen, because I was the tallest, the fairest, the wisest! I know it!
Biörn.
That is true.
Elina.
Once you took me by the hand and looked earnestly at me, and said: "Be not proud of your
