GUDMUND.
Margit, hel vel mine ord I forstår.
Engang var I mig begge så blide;
I græd, da jeg skulde fra bygden ride;
vi loved at holde som søskende sammen
i fryd og i ve, i nød og i gammen.
I lyste som en sol mellem jomfruer små;
så viden om land eders ry monne gå; –
fuldt vel er I endnu så fager en kvinde.
Men Solhaugs frue, kan jeg mærke, har glemt
den fattige frænde. Så umildt er I stemt,
I, der engang var så vennesæl til sinde.
GUDMUND.
Nay, Margit, my meaning you read aright!
You were kind to me, both, in those far-away years--
Your eyes, when we parted were wet with tears.
We swore like brother and sister still
To hold together in good hap or ill.
’Mid the other maids like a sun you shone,
Far, far and wide was your beauty known.
You are no less fair than you were, I wot;
But Solhoug’s mistress, I see, has forgot
The penniless kinsman. So hard is your mind
That ever of old was gentle and kind.