NANNA. Excuse me now; thou knowest
I've--Ah! a miserable friend to comfort.
[She tears herself away from him, gives a friendly look and goes. He
follows her for some time with his eyes.
BALDER. Yet will I hope! Hear, hear ye rocks! that Balder
Ventures to hope!--stern fate is now contented!
Blunted is Surtur's spear, and Nanna wavers!
Oh virtue! which, when blood rag'd high didst triumph,
How sure, how nobly thou reward'st thy lover!
Ye rocks which so lately gave ear to my groans,
Now hear of my hope and my gladness the tones,
And reply ye proud woods that no longer seem drear;
In vain fate and heaven, oh Balder, have cas'd,
With vigour the bosom thou lovest, and placed
In the hand of the hero the sorcerer's spear.
Oh virtue! thou still dost thy servant befriend;
Ye echoes the triumph of true love extend,
And virtue's fair guerdon proclaim far and near.