The poet, yes; for poets all men are Who see, thro’ all their labours, mean or great, In pulpit or in schoolroom, church or state, The Ideal’s lone beacon-splendour flame afar. Yes, upward is my flight; the winged steed Is saddled; I am strung for noble deed. And now, farewell! SVANHILD. Farewell! FALK [_embracing her_]. One kiss! SVANHILD. The last! [_Tears herself free._ Now I can lose thee gladly till life’s past! FALK. Tho’ quenched were all the light of earth and sky,— The thought of light is God, and cannot die. SVANHILD [_withdrawing towards the background_]. Farewell! [_Goes further._ FALK. Farewell—gladly I cry again— [_Waves his hat._ Hurrah for love, God’s glorious gift to men! [_The door opens._ FALK _withdraws to the right; the younger guests come out with merry laughter._ THE YOUNG GIRLS. A lawn dance! A YOUNG GIRL. Dancing’s life! ANOTHER. A garland spread With dewy blossoms fresh on every head! SEVERAL. Yes, to the dance, the dance! ALL. And ne’er to bed! [STIVER _comes out with_ STRAWMAN _arm in arm._ MRS. STRAWMAN _and the children follow._ STIVER. Yes, you and I henceforward are fast friends. STRAWMAN. Allied in battle for our common ends. STIVER. When the twin forces of the State agree— STRAWMAN. They add to all men’s— STIVER [_hastily_]. Gains! STRAWMAN. And gaiety. [MRS. HALM, LIND, ANNA, GULDSTAD, _and_ MISS JAY, _with the other guests, come out. All eyes are turned upon_ FALK _and_ SVANHILD. _General amazement when they are seen standing apart._ MISS JAY [_among the_ AUNTS, _clasping her hands_]. What! Am I awake or dreaming, pray? LIND [_who has noticed nothing_].