Ah! there's a spider! No, I will not fling You off; I lay my hand once more Upon this spot, so you may find again The road you wish to speed so quickly on. How I have changed! I am bewitched indeed! In former days, I could not touch the fruit Within a basket, if upon its edge A spider had been seen. Now in my hand It runs.--Intoxication makes me glad! Why, I could walk along the very edge Of narrow walls, and would not totter--no!-- Could I but fall into the waters deep! In their cool velvet arms I would be well, Sliding in grottoes of bright sapphire hues Playing with wondrous beings of the deep All golden finned, with eyes benignly sad. Yes, if I were immured in the chestnut woods Within some ruined walls, my soul were free. For there the forest's animals would come And tiny birds. The little weasels would Brush up against and touch my naked toes With their soft snouts and lashes of bright eyes While in the moss I lay and ate wild fruit.-- What's rustling? 'Tis the little porcupine Of that first night. What, are you there again, Stepped from the dark? Art going on the hunt? Oh! If my hunter would but come to me! [_Looking up._] Now have the shadows vanished! Gone are all Those of the pines and those of the dolls, The ones that played about the little huts, The large ones from the vineyards and the one Upon the figtree at the crossroads--gone As though the quiet earth had sucked them in! The night has really come! The lamp Is placed upon the table, closely press The sheep together--close within the fold. Within the darkest corners of the eaves Where the dustvine-leaves meet, goblins do crouch, And on the heights from out the clearing step The blessed saints to gaze where churches stand Well pleased at seeing chapels manifold. Now, sweetest plaything, you may also come, Finer than spider's web, stronger than steel. [_She fastens one end of the silk ladder to an iron hook on the floor in the balcony._] Let me now play that it were highest time And dip you deep down, down into my well, To bring this parched one a sparkling draught. [_She pulls the ladder up again._] Night, night has come! And yet how long might be, Endlessly long, the time until he comes. [_She wrings her hands._] Might be! [_With shining eyes._] But must not--yet, it might-- [_She puts up her hair. During this time the nurse has stepped to the front window and waters the red flowers there._] DIANORA [_much frightened_]. Who's there, who's there! Oh, nurse, nurse, is it you? I've ne'er before seen you in here so late. Has ought occurred?-- NURSE. Why nothing, gracious one. Do you not see, I quite forgot my flowers--they've not been watered. On my way from church I suddenly remembered, quickly came. DIANORA. Yes, give the flowers water. But how strange you look, your cheeks are feverish, your eyes are shining--