NANNA. Woe's me! he will destroy himself.
BALDER. By Odin!
He shall not! Be composed! believe, I've power
To hinder it! Believe thy Balder, Nanna!
NANNA (she takes with fervour his hand and bends herself for some time
over it). I do believe thee, noble one, I know thee!
I feel all thy exaltedness. Thy virtues
I hold in reverence. Oh! that all my friendship,
That these hot tears were able to reward thee!
BALDER (casts himself upon his knees before her). Oh glimpse! Oh wave
of hope, in which I'm drowning!
NANNA (agitated). What hopest thou?
BALDER. Let not thy lips, oh Nanna
Awaken Balder from his dream of rapture;
Let him enjoy it; let him read his destiny,
His hope, his life, in yonder precious tear-drops.
NANNA. Ah, what avails it 'gainst one's fate to struggle?
My heart can ne'er of Balder be deserving.