You, Falk! hurrah! FALK. Forth to the mountains, come! As the bee hurries from her winter home! A twofold music in my breast I bear, A cither with diversely sounding strings, One for life’s joy, a treble loud and clear, And one deep note that quivers as it sings. [_To individuals among the_ STUDENTS. You have the palette?—You the note-book? Good, Swarm then, my bees, into the leafy wood, Till at night-fall with pollen-laden thigh, Home to our mighty mother-queen we fly! [_Turning to the company, while the_ STUDENTS _depart and the Chorus of the First Act is faintly heard outside._ Forgive me my offences great and small, I resent nothing;— [_Softly._ but remember all. STRAWMAN [_beaming with happiness_]. Now fortune’s garden once again is green! My wife has hopes,—a sweet presentiment— [_Draws him whispering apart._ She lately whispered of a glad event— [_Inaudible words intervene._ If all goes well ... at Michaelmas ... thirteen! STIVER [_With_ MISS JAY _on his arm, turning to_ FALK, _smiles triumphantly, and says, pointing to_ STRAWMAN: I’m going to start a household, flush of pelf! MISS JAY [_with an ironical courtesy_]. I shall put on my wedding-ring next Yule. ANNA [_similarly, as she takes_ LIND’S _arm_]. My Lind will stay, the Church can mind itself— LIND [_hiding his embarrassment_]. And seek an opening in a ladies’ school. MRS. HALM. I cultivate my Anna’s capabilities— GULDSTAD [_gravely_]. An unromantic poem I mean to make Of one who only lives for duty’s sake. FALK [_with a smile to the whole company_]. I go to scale the Future’s possibilities! Farewell! [_Softly to_ SVANHILD. God bless thee, bride of my life’s dawn, Where’er I be, to nobler deed thou’lt wake me. [_Waves his hat and follows the_ STUDENTS. SVANHILD. [_Looks after him a moment, then says, softly but firmly:_ Now over is my life, by lea and lawn, The leaves are falling;—now the world may take me.