ACT IV


(A deep gorge viewed from the side, its walls running obliquely
down from right to left. The upper end of the outer edge merges
into the mountain slope, which shuts out the view to the left. It
is foggy. On the left, as the fog lifts, a waterfall glistens in
the distance, like a broad white streak in the air. The sides of
the gorge are abruptly terminated by a cliff, the top of which is
grass-grown. Here, Ingolf and Steindor are sitting. Beside them is
a long rope.)

STEINDOR. Just look how it is drizzling! ... I can write on my
clothes. [Forms letters on his sleeve.]

INGOLF [strokes his finger along his sleeve]. My suit just matches
the drizzle.

STEINDOR [is silent].

INGOLF [is aroused, as from a reverie]. Are you rested?

STEINDOR. Oh, very nearly.

INGOLF. You should have let me pull you up. It is too tiring to
raise oneself.

STEINDOR. I have been lowering myself into this gorge for fourteen
years now, to get angelica, and always without help. This is no