_When the Curtain rises_, MRS. HALM, ANNA, _and_ MISS JAY _are sitting on the verandah, the first two engaged in embroidery, the last with a book. In the summer-house are seen_ FALK, LIND, GULDSTAD, _and_ STIVER: _a punch-bowl and glasses are on the table._ SVANHILD _sits alone in the background by the water._ FALK [_rises, lifts his glass, and sings_]. Sun-glad day in garden shady Was but made for thy delight: What though promises of May-day Be annulled by Autumn’s blight? Apple-blossom white and splendid Drapes thee in its glowing tent,— Let it, then, when day is ended, Strew the closes storm-besprent. CHORUS OF GENTLEMEN. Let it, then, when day is ended, etc. FALK. Wherefore seek the harvest’s guerdon While the tree is yet in bloom? Wherefore drudge beneath the burden Of an unaccomplished doom? Wherefore let the scarecrow clatter Day and night upon the tree? Brothers mine, the sparrows’ chatter Has a cheerier melody. CHORUS. Brothers mine, the sparrow’s chatter, etc. FALK. Happy songster! Wherefore scare him From our blossom-laden bower? Rather for his music spare him All our future, flower by flower; Trust me, ’twill be cheaply buying Present song with future fruit; List the proverb, “Time is flying;—” Soon our garden music’s mute. CHORUS. List the proverb, etc. FALK. I will live in song and gladness,— Then, when every bloom is shed, Sweep together, scarce in sadness, All that glory, wan and dead: Fling the gates wide! Bruise and batter, Tear and trample, hoof and tusk; I have plucked the flower, what matter Who devours the withered husk! CHORUS. I have plucked the flower, etc. [_They clink and empty their glasses._ FALK [_to the ladies_]. There—that’s the song you asked me for; but pray Be lenient to it—I can’t think to-day. GULDSTAD.