[_Singing._] Oh, to-day I’m twenty-seven! What delight to rhyme with Heaven! I’m as happy as can be, Here inside the alder-tree. All my life’s a song that flows With the river and the rose, All my life’s a song to me Like the lovely alder-tree. All the years I’ve left behind Are translated in my mind Into something new and free, Like the seed-pod on the tree. All that’s past is unforgotten; I have wrapped it up in cotton, Like the larva that I see In the leaf upon the tree. It will grow and change and gather Knowledge of a mind, its Father; Some morning in its glee It will float above the tree. Oh, to-day I’m twenty-seven! Just a little nearer Heaven Than I ever used to be When I climbed the alder-tree. For I feel at last that I, Like the larva, change and fly Yet a grander, fuller me, On the self-same alder-tree. FINN [_Who has listened with delight to the song._] You’re a very eccentric sort of girl. CLIMBER [_Coming down hastily._] No! Eccentricity I hate! It’s just a name for off the straight; And, if you’ll only pay me more attention, You’ll find it’s almost too far off to mention. [_Finn looks at her doubtfully._] CLIMBER [_Coaxingly._] I wish you’d let me take a share Of that old box you’re carrying there. FINN [_Hastily._] I wouldn’t dream of such a thing! CLIMBER Take care! It needs a stronger piece of string. And if you drop it, that would be a pity; It looks as if the contents were so pretty. What is inside it? May I know? FINN Guess! CLIMBER I can’t. It seems to show All bright about the edge. [_She tries the weight._] I can’t see quite What makes it heavy when it looks so light? FINN Tears of all sorts, and colours to suit each eye. CLIMBER Then why Is it so light when it feels such a weight? FINN Oh! that’s just Fate. A glint of laughter Getting through each tear A little after. CLIMBER [_Clapping her hands._] Oh dear! How beautiful! I’ve guessed it—a rainbow! You’ve got a rainbow there, I knew last night the morning would be fair! FINN [_Astonished._] How did you guess? CLIMBER