[ALFHILD sinks down to the ground in such a way that
she rests prostrate against the stone bench at the
left. A flash of lightning illuminates the scene
and the thunder rolls; during the following to the
close of the act the darkness and the storm increase.]
OLAF. See, see! That I like; now do the
powers above join in! Right now will I ride to
the church with my bride! Come, Mistress Ingeborg!
But first will we drink,—yes, drink, drink!
Bring here the beaker and horn,—not in there—!
Light the candles in the church! Let the organ
resound; prepare for a dance—not mournful
psalms—fie, fie, no, a dance!
[Thunder and lightning.]
OLAF. Ah, it is rumored in heaven that Olaf
Liljekrans is celebrating his wedding!
[Rushes out to the right.]
ARNE. Christ save me! his reason is gone!
LADY KIRSTEN. Ah, have no fear; it will soon
pass,—I know him.
[Draws ARNE aside with her.]
ARNE. [Gently threatening HEMMING in passing.] O,
Hemming,
Hemming! You are a sly dog!
[The GUESTS go quietly and gloomily out to the right;
the SERVANTS to the left.]
INGEBORG. [Detains HEMMING.] Hemming! I will
not go to church with Olaf Liljekrans!
HEMMING. Alas, what will prevent it?
INGEBORG. If it comes to that, I shall say no,—no
before the very altar itself, in the presence of all!
HEMMING. Ingeborg!
INGEBORG. Hold my horse saddled and ready!
HEMMING. What! You will—!
INGEBORG. I will! Now I know for the first
time how dear you are to me,—now when I
stand in danger of losing you. Go,—do
as I say, and let me know when it is time.
[She goes out to the right.]
HEMMING. Yes, now am I strong; now I dare venture
whatever it be!
[He goes out to the left.]
* * *
* *
[ALFHILD. Later HEMMING, INGEBORG, and others
at various times.]
ALFHILD. [Remains lying motionless for a long time
with her face
concealed in her hands. At length she half raises
herself, looks
about bewildered, rises, and speaks with quiet broken
laughter.]
One falcon the heavens with plenty may bless,
Another must suffer great want and distress!
One bird wears a coat of feathers so gay,
Another must live contented with gray!
I have known that tears are a balm to the soul,
When the world is nothing but gall;
But now I have suffered such sorrow and dole,
I could laugh myself dead at the thought of it all!
[It is now quite dark. The windows of the church
are being lighted up. ALFHILD goes over to the
house and listens while the following song is heard
faintly within.]
CHORUS OF WEDDING GUESTS.
Hail to the bridegroom and hail to the bride!
There’s feasting and joy everywhere.
Lord Olaf, all hail! a knight who can ride,
And Ingeborg a lady so fair!
