ARNE. But I, then? And my daughter, whom
Olaf had pledged—Yet, it is true, perhaps
she is no longer alive!
OLAF. Of course she’s alive!
ARNE. She lives! Where is she? Where?
OLAF. That I can not say; but I may say that
we both in all friendliness have broken our pledge.
LADY KIRSTEN. You see, Lord Arne! that I—
ARNE. Well, my daughter shall not be forced
upon any one. Alfhild was fated to marry a knight;
the same may happen to Ingeborg.
ARNE. [With dignity.] Noble lords and honorable
men, hear me! It has come to my ear that many
of you hold me to be little skilled in courtly manners
and customs. I will show you now you are completely
mistaken. In the old chronicles it is frequently
told that when a noble king loses his daughter he promises
her hand and half his kingdom to him who may find
her; he who finds Ingeborg shall receive her hand
in marriage and in addition half of all that I own
and possess. Are you with me on that?
THE YOUNG MEN. Yes, yes!
* * *
* *
[The Preceding. INGEBORG comes hurriedly out
of the hut and pulls HEMMING behind her.]
INGEBORG. Here I am! Hemming has found
me!
ALL. [ASTONISHED] Ingeborg and Hemming! Up
here!
ARNE. [Irritated.] Ah, then shall—
INGEBORG. [Throws herself about his neck.] O father,
father!
It will not avail you; you have given your word!
ARNE. But that did not apply to him! Now
I see it all right; he has taken you away himself.
INGEBORG. No, to the contrary, father!
It was I who took him away!
ARNE. [Frightened.] Will you be silent with such
words! Are you out of your head?
INGEBORG. [Softly.] Then say “yes” right
here on the spot! Otherwise I shall proclaim
to all people that it was I who—
ARNE. Hush, hush! I am saying “yes”!
[Steps between them and looks sternly at HEMMING.]
ARNE. It was you then who stole my dapple-gray
horse with saddle and bridle?
HEMMING. Alas, Lord Arne!—
ARNE. O Hemming! Hemming! You are
a—
[Stops to consider.]
ARNE. Well, you are my daughter’s betrothed;
let it all be forgotten.
HEMMING AND INGEBORG. O, thanks, thanks!
* * *
* *
[The Preceding. THORGJERD with a harp in his
hand has during the foregoing mingled with the people.]
THORGJERD. Aye, see, see! A multitude
of people in the valley today!
THE PEASANTS. Thorgjerd, the fiddler!
ALFHILD. [Throws herself in his arms.] My father!
ALL. Her father!
OLAF. Yes, yes, old man! There are people
and merriment in here today, and hereafter it shall
always be thus. It is your daughter’s
wedding we are celebrating; for love has she chosen
her betrothed, of love have you sung for her,—you
will not stand in our way!
