is nothing but dross!

OLD MAN. Hell-fire! who's been here?

A VOICE. Curse not Christmas!

PEHR. What can this mean? It is so strange here to-night--stranger
than usual. Father, look at me! Why, that's not his face!

OLD MAN. [Kneeling.] My son! Listen to your father--obey the old
man, who wishes you only good; remain within these peaceful walls!

PEHR. It is too late!

OLD MAN. What do I see?--that ring! who gave it to you? [Tries to
take the ring from Pehr.]

PEHR. Who are you? You are not my father!

OLD MAN. Your guilty, your unhappy father, who is bound by the
witchcraft of the Powers! [Old Man is transformed into a big black
cat.]

PEHR. Jesu Maria, help! [Bright rays dart out from Virgin's image;
clock strikes twelve.]

PEHR. The witch! The witch! Away, unclean spirit! [Cat vanishes.]
And now--[opens tower shutters] for life! [Fingers ring.] To the
forest. [Going through window.] _Out_!