Easter; and Stories from the Swedish of August Strindberg

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1912 edition. Excerpt: ... EASTER [A sunbeam falls obliquely across room, from left to right, touching one of the chairs at sewing table. On the other chair, which is in shadow, Christina is seated. She is running a tape through a pair of newly laundered draw-curtains. Elis comes in with overcoat unbuttoned and carrying a large bundle of documents, which he lays upon the writing table.'] Elis. Good afternoon, my friend. Christina. Good day, Elis. Elis. [Glancing around.] Storm-windows out-- floor scoured--clean curtains. Yes, spring is here again! They have chopped up the icepavement, and the sallow down by the river is heavy [weighing it in his hand] as if it had absorbed all the winter's hardships--the sweat of anguish and the dust of the schoolroom--Ah! [He hangs up coat on wall, left.] Christina. And now you are having a holiday. Elis. Easter Holiday: Five glorious days in which to revel--to breathe--to forget! See, the sun has come back! It went away in November--I remember the day it disappeared back of the brewery, opposite. Oh, this winter --this long winter! Christina. [With a motion toward kitchen door.] Softly, softly! Elis. I'll be quiet, and I ought to be glad that it is over. Oh, the good sun! [Rubbing his hands as if laving them.] I want to bathe in sunChristina. Softly, softly! Elis. Do you know, I believe that peace is returning and that the misfortunes have exhausted themselves-- Christina. What makes you think so! Elis. Because--when I passed by the Cathedral, a while ago, a white dove came circling down; she lit on the pavement and dropped a branch she carried in her bill, right at my feet. Chbistina. Did you observe what kind of branch it was? Elis. Olive it could hardly have been; but I think it was an emblem of peace, and just now I feel...