ACT III


(Slope of a valley overgrown with brush and heather and flowers.
Toward the rear on the left, a beautiful cataract rushes down from
a great height between steep cliffs. On the right, a rock shuts
out the bottom of the falls, and part of the river. In the
background is a mountainous landscape. It is an exquisite summer
evening and the sun is playing on the water in ever changing
colours. The stage is empty. From beneath the falls a song is
heard, even before the rise of the curtain.)

(A little before the song ends, Hadda Padda enters from the left,
accompanied by the children. She wears a light summer dress with a
chiffon scarf thrown over her shoulders. The children have come
prepared to gather berries. One has a wooden box, one a coloured
glass bottle half filled with berries, etc. They stop to listen
until the song is finished.)

MAGGA. Who was singing?

HADDA PADDA. The summer guests down at the falls.--Well, children,
hurry now and gather your berries. We'll be going home soon.
[Pointing to the right.] See that hollow? There must be lots of
berries in there. [Sits down on a stone.]

SIGGA. Aren't you coming along with us, Hadda Padda?

HADDA PADDA. No, you bring your berries back to me.