[She rushes out to the left. THORGJERD gazes
after her thoughtfully. The chorus dies away
in the distance as the curtain falls.]
* * *
* *
[The enclosure on Lady Kirsten’s estate.
To the right is seen the main building with an opening
in the gable; neither windows nor doors are visible.
Further towards the back of the stage on the same
side a small log church and a churchyard. On
the left side a storehouse and other out-buildings.
On both sides in the foreground simple benches of
stone. It is afternoon.]
[LADY KIRSTEN. Servants and Maids occupied with
preparations for the wedding.]
LADY KIRSTEN. Let there be no lack of food or
drink.
LADY KIRSTEN. [To herself.] Hard have I labored
and struggled to bring things to this point; but now
I shall give a feast that shall be heralded far and
wide.
LADY KIRSTEN. [To the servants.] Be sure to see
that on the banquet table—yet no, I shall
attend to that myself. The wine shall be poured
into the silver flagons; the large drinking horns
shall be filled with the Italian cider; the ale is
for the servants only, and likewise the homebrewed
mead;—and listen, be sure to see that there
are enough yellow candles in the church; the bridal
party are not to go to the altar until late in the
evening, and with red lights shall they be escorted
on their way from the banquet hall to the church.
Go now, all of you, and see that you remember, every
one of you, the things I have told you.
[The people go.]
LADY KIRSTEN. God knows this wedding is costing
me more than I well can bear; but Ingeborg brings
with her a good dowry and besides—Oh, well,
Arne I shall no doubt be able to manage and rule as
I see fit, if he is first—
[Looks out to the right.]
LADY KIRSTEN. There comes Olaf! If only
I knew that he—
* * *
* *
[LADY KIRSTEN. OLAF comes from the house in
festive garb; he is pale and thoughtful.]
OLAF. [To himself.] Yesterday and today! There
is but a midsummer night between the two, and yet
it seems to me that both autumn and winter have overtaken
my soul since the time I wandered up there on the
mountain side—with her, with Alfhild!
OLAF. [Notices Lady Kirsten.] Alas, my dear mother,
are you there?
LADY KIRSTEN. Quite so, my son! I like
to see you dressed in gold and in silk. Now
one can see by your dress who it is that is bridegroom
tonight. I see you have rested.
OLAF. I have slept, but little have I rested;
for all the while I was dreaming.
LADY KIRSTEN. A bridegroom must dream,—that
is an ancient custom.
