Bibliotheca Polyglotta

Olaf Liljekrans

Complete text

ANDEN AKT

(Tunet ved fru Kirstens gård. På tilskuernes højre side ses hovedbygningen med en luge i gavlen; vinduer eller døre er ikke synlige. Længer mod baggrunden på samme side en liden stavkirke med en kirkegård. På venstre side stabur og andre udhusbygninger. På begge sider i forgrunden simple stenbænke – Det er eftermiddag.)

SECOND ACT

[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.]

FØRSTE SCENE.
Fru Kirsten. Karle og piger (beskæftigede med tilberedelser til gildet).

SCENE I
[LADY KIRSTEN. Servants and Maids occupied with preparations for the wedding.]

FRU KIRSTEN.
Lad der nu ikke fattes hverken i fad eller krus. (for sig selv.) Hårdt holdt det og tungt har jeg stridt, før det kom så vidt; men nu vil jeg også gøre et gilde, som skal høres og spørges. (til tyendet.) Se vel efter på bryllupsbordet om – dog nej, det vil jeg selv gøre. Vinen skal hældes i sølvkanderne, de store drikkehorn skal fyldes med den vælske most, øllet er kun for huskarlene, og den hjemmebryggede mjød ligeså, – og hør, se vel til, at der findes nok af gule vokslys i kirken, brudefolkene skal ikke for alteret før sent på kvelden, med røde blus skal de lyses og følges didhen fra gildestuen. Gå nu alle, og tag vare på det, jeg har sat jer til, hver især. (folkene går.) Gud véd, dette bryllup koster mere end jeg vel kan bære; men Ingeborg bringer god medgift og desforuden – o ja, Arne står vel til at styres og rådes, som det bedst lyster mig, når han først – (ser ud til højre.) Der kommer Olaf! Ifald jeg kun vidste, at han – –

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--

ANDEN SCENE.
Fru Kirsten. Olaf (kommer fra huset i højtidsdragt; han er bleg og tankefuld.)

SCENE II
[LADY KIRSTEN. OLAF comes from the house in festive garb; he is pale and thoughtful.]

OLAF
(for sig selv).
Igår og idag! Der ligger kun en midsommernat imellem, og dog bæres det mig for, som både høst og vinter var faldet på mit sind, siden den tid jeg færdedes deroppe i lierne – hos hende, hos Alfhild! (bemærker fru Kirsten.) Ak, kære moder min, er I der!

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?

FRU KIRSTEN.
Retså, min søn! Pyntet med guld og silke, det må jeg vel lide. Nu er det dog at kendes på dig, hvo der er brudgom ikveld. Jeg ser, du har hvilet dig ud.

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.
Sovet har jeg, men lidet hvilet derved; thi jeg drømte imens.

OLAF.
I have slept, but little have I rested; for all the while I was dreaming.

FRU KIRSTEN.
En brudgom må drømme, det er gammel skik.

LADY KIRSTEN.
A bridegroom must dream,--that is an ancient custom.

OLAF.
Min bedste drøm er ude, lad os ikke tænke mere derpå.

OLAF.
My fairest dream is ended; let us not think any longer about that.

FRU KIRSTEN
(afledende samtalen).
Vi får en lystig dag, mener jeg.

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Changing the subject.]
We shall have a merry time today, I think.

OLAF.
Ikke lader det, som min hædersdag huer himlen.

OLAF.
It does not appear that heaven is pleased with my wedding day.

FRU KIRSTEN.
Hvi så?

LADY KIRSTEN.
How so?

OLAF.
Det arter sig til uvejr; ser I, hvor tungt skyerne trækker op i vest.

OLAF.
There are indications of a storm. Do you see how heavily the clouds are gathering in the west?

FRU KIRSTEN.
Desbedre lyser brudeblussene, når du går til kirke ikveld.

LADY KIRSTEN.
The brighter the festive candles will shine when you go to the church tonight.

OLAF
(går nogle gange frem og tilbage; endelig standser han foran sin moder og siger):
Om jeg havde fæstet en fattigmands datter, uden gods og uden slægt, – sig mig, min moder! hvad havde I så gjort?

OLAF.
[Paces back and forth a few times; at length he stops before his mother and says.]
If I had married a poor man’s daughter, without family or wealth,--tell me, mother, what would you have done?

FRU KIRSTEN
(betragter ham skarpt).
Hvi spørger du?

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Looks at him sharply.]
Why do you ask?

OLAF.
Svar mig først. Hvad havde I så gjort?

OLAF.
Answer me first. What would you have done?

FRU KIRSTEN.
Forbandet dig og gået i jorden af sorg! – Men sig mig, hvi spørger du?

LADY KIRSTEN.
Cursed you and gone to my grave in sorrow!--But tell me, why do you ask?

OLAF.
Ej, det var kun skemt, jeg tænkte lidet derved.

OLAF.
Ah, it was only a jest; I little thought of doing so.

FRU KIRSTEN.
Det må jeg vel tro; thi du har altid holdt din æt i agt og ære. Men vær nu lystig og glad; imorgen sidder Ingeborg som din viv derinde, da vil du finde både fred og lykke.

LADY KIRSTEN.
That I can believe; for you have always held your family in high honor. But be merry and gay; tomorrow Ingeborg will sit in there as your wife, and then you will find both peace and happiness.

OLAF.
Fred og lykke. En ting fattes dertil.

OLAF.
Peace and happiness. One thing there is lacking.

FRU KIRSTEN.
Hvad mener du?

LADY KIRSTEN.
What do you mean?

OLAF.
Den fagreste urt, som jeg skulde plukke sønder og drysse ud for alle vinde.

OLAF.
The fairest of flowers which I was to pick asunder and scatter far to the winds.

FRU KIRSTEN.
Den tossede drøm; – tænk ikke mere derpå.

LADY KIRSTEN.
The silly dream;--think no longer about it.

OLAF.
Kanhænde det bådede mig bedst, om jeg kunde det.

OLAF.
Perhaps it would be best for me if I could forget.

FRU KIRSTEN.
I fruerstuen sidder din fæstemø mellem sine piger, lidet har du talt med hende idag. Vil du ikke gå derind?

LADY KIRSTEN.
In the ladies’ room your betrothed sits with all her maids; little have you talked with her today. Do you not want to go in?

OLAF
(i tanker).
Jo, jo! Hvor er hun?

OLAF.
[In thought.]
Yes, yes! Where is she?

FRU KIRSTEN.
I fruerstuen, som jeg sagde dig.

LADY KIRSTEN.
In the ladies’ room, as I said.

OLAF
(livligt).
Intet skal fattes hende efter denne dag. Sølvspændte sko vil jeg skænke hende; hun skal bære søljer og ringe. De visne blomsterkviste skal hun lægge af, jeg vil give hende en gylden kæde at bære.

OLAF.
[Lively.]
Nothing shall be lacking to her from this day. Shoes with silver buckles I shall give her; she shall wear brooches and rings. The withered twigs shall be put away; I shall give her a golden necklace to wear.

FRU KIRSTEN.
Hvem taler du om?

LADY KIRSTEN.
Of whom do you speak?

OLAF.
Om Alfhild!

OLAF.
Of Alfhild!

FRU KIRSTEN.
Jeg talte om Ingeborg, din fæstemø. Olaf! Olaf! Du gør mig angst og bange, så sælsom du er. Næsten kunde jeg fristes til at tro for alvor, at hun havde forhekset dig.

LADY KIRSTEN.
I was speaking of Ingeborg, your betrothed. Olaf! Olaf! You make me anxious and worried,--so strange are you. I could really almost believe that she had bewitched you.

OLAF.
Det har hun! Ja, forsandt, min moder! jeg har været forhekset. Jeg har været i alfekvindernes leg; salig og fro var jeg, sålænge det stod på, men nu –. I lange, lange år vil jeg tynges af kummer og ve, såtidt jeg drages det til minde.

OLAF.
That she has! Yes, forsooth, mother, I have been bewitched. I have been in the elf maidens’ play; happy and gay I was as long as it lasted, but now--. Through long, long years I shall be weighed down with woe as often as I call it to mind.

FRU KIRSTEN.
Var hun en heks, da skulde bål og brand være hende sikkert; men hun er en listig, underfundig kvinde, som har lokket dig med fager tale.

LADY KIRSTEN.
If she were a witch, the stake would surely be hers; but she is a crafty and wily woman who has lured you on with her fair speech.

OLAF.
Hun er ren som Guds moder selv!

OLAF.
She is pure as the mother of God herself!

FRU KIRSTEN.
Ja, ja, se til! Men hvad som er, så kom ihu, at imorgen er du ægteviet; både synd og skændsel vilde det da volde dig, om du agtede mere på hende.

LADY KIRSTEN.
Yes, yes, but beware! Remember, whatever she is, tomorrow you are wed; it would be both sin and shame to you if you longer took notice of her.

OLAF.
Jeg fatter det vel, hel vel, min moder!

OLAF.
I realize it, mother, full well!

FRU KIRSTEN.
Og Ingeborg, som du har trolovet og som har dig kær, ja, Olaf! kær af hjertet – himlens straf vilde ramme dig, ifald –

LADY KIRSTEN.
And Ingeborg, whom you have betrothed and who loves you, yes, Olaf! loves you with all her heart--the punishment of heaven would be visited on you, in case you--

OLAF.
Vel sandt, vel sandt!

OLAF.
True, true!

FRU KIRSTEN.
Ej vil jeg tale om vore egne kår; men vel skal du mærke dig, at Arnes datter kan hjælpe mangt og meget på fode for os; stærkt er det gået tilagters med vor æt, og slår sæden fejl iår, så skulde det lidet undres mig, om vi måtte tage tiggerstaven i hånd.

LADY KIRSTEN.
I will not speak of our own circumstances; but you can easily see that Arne’s daughter can help us greatly in one thing or another; our affairs have been going from bad to worse, and if the harvest should fail this year I should not in the least be surprised if we had to take up the beggar’s staff.

OLAF.
Jeg véd det nok.

OLAF.
Yes, I know it.

FRU KIRSTEN.
Med Arnes penge kan det altsammen bødes på; en hæderlig plads vil du vinde blandt kongens mænd. Tænk dig vel om; har du lovet Alfhild mere end du kan holde – og mig tykkes at mærke noget sligt hos hende, så stille hun end går med det – så tal med hende derom. Sig hende, nu ja, sig hende, hvad du selv vil; tomhændet skal hun ikke gå herfra, det kan du frit love. Se, der kommer hun! Olaf, min søn! tænk på din fæstemø og på din stolte æt, tænk på din gamle moder, som måtte gå i jorden af blussel, ifald – vær mand, Olaf! Nu går jeg ind og ser efter gildebordet.
(går ind i huset.)

LADY KIRSTEN.
With Arne’s money we can mend everything; an honorable place you will win for yourself among the king’s men. Think this carefully over; if you have promised Alfhild more than you can fulfil--and I seem to notice in her something like that in spite of her quiet demeanor--why, speak with her about it. Tell her,--well, tell her anything you please; empty-handed she shall not go away from here,--that you can freely promise. See, here she comes! Olaf, my son! think of your betrothed and your noble race, think of your old mother who would have to go to her grave in shame, in case--be a man, Olaf! Now I go in to look after the banqueting table.
[Goes into the house.]

TREDJE SCENE.
Olaf (alene).

SCENE III
[OLAF alone.]

OLAF
(ser ud til højre).
Hun er så fro som den unge rå,
der den spiller ved hindens side;
snart skal hun vride de hænder små
og trænges af nød og kvide!
Snart må jeg bryde hendes frejdige tro
og vække hende op af drømme,
og så – ja så må vi skilles, vi to.
Arme Alfhild! så bitter en skål må Du tømme.
(grublende.)
Hvad var mig ære, hvad var mig magt,
hvad var mig min æt deroppe hos hende!
I hendes øjne mig tyktes der var lagt
en bedre skat end verden monne kende!
Jeg havde glemt bort både nød og strid,
men alt fra i nat, da jeg atter kom hid,
da jeg sad til højbords i mine fædres stue,
da jeg gik at træde for min moder frem –
(afbrydende.)
Ja, ja, jeg er født og båren af en adelsfrue,
og på fjeldet har den frændeløse Alfhild sit hjem.
For Olaf Liljekrans vilde hun lidet sig skikke.
Jeg må sige hende – nej, nej, jeg kan det ikke!
Og dog – ikveld – ja, forvisst det må ske,
høre må hun, hvad der volder mig den bitreste ve!

OLAF.
[Gazes out to the right.]
As merry she is as the youthful roe,
As it plays with no thought of the morrow;
But soon will she wring her small hands in woe,
And suffer in anguish and sorrow!
Soon must I destroy the faith in her heart,
And waken her out of her dreams.
And then--yes, then we forever must part.
Poor Alfhild! So bitter your fate to me seems!

OLAF.
[Brooding.]
What cared I for honor, what cared I for power,
What mattered my race when I wandered with you!
It seemed in your eyes was reflected a flower,
More precious than any the world ever knew!
Forgotten I had both struggle and strife,
But since I again came home to this life,
Since at table I sat in my father’s hall,
Since I went to answer my mother’s call--

OLAF.
[Abruptly.]
’Tis true from a noble race I am born,
And Alfhild lives up in the mountains forlorn.
In her I should find but a constant sorrow.
I must tell her--yet, no, I can’t let her know!
Yet truly--I must--I must ere the morrow,
She must hear what to me is the bitterest woe!

FJERDE SCENE.
Olaf. Alfhild (fra kirken).

SCENE IV
[OLAF. ALFHILD from the church.]

ALFHILD
(iler ham glad imøde).
Olaf! Olaf! Du har ført mig på det land,
der jeg træder mellem blomster, som jeg fordum gik på sand.
Her hos dig er forvisst så vén en ø,
her kan jeg sorgeløs leve og syndeløs dø!
Såmeget gad jeg spørge, så lidet jeg forstår,
alle de underlige gåder må du klare. –
Grønnes altid herude sommer og vår?

ALFHILD.
[Runs eagerly to meet him.]
Olaf! Olaf! You have led me to the land
Where I walk amid flowers, where before I trod on sand.
In truth you have here so pleasant an isle,
O here I can live without worry or guile!
So much I would question, so little I know,
The riddles must you explain as we go.--
Is it green here always in summer and spring?

OLAF.
Ak, Alfhild!

OLAF.
Alfhild!

ALFHILD.
Nej, vent med at svare!
Ser du det hus med spir og fløj?
did gik jeg mig imorges at spille;
herude var leg, her var gammen og støj;
men derinde, o, der var det så stille.
Jeg tren gennem døren, jeg så en sal,
så mild en fred var derinde;
der dæmred en dagning, liflig og sval,
der knæled både mand og kvinde.
Men højt, højt oppe en jomfru stod,
hun sejled på hvide skyer,
hendes hoved skinned som rosenblod,
det skinned som himlen, når dagen gryr.
Hendes ansigt var klart, hendes kjortel var blå,
en fager alf hun bar på sine arme,
og rundt om hende legte de engle små,
de lo tilhobe, der de ned på mig så
oppe fra skyernes karme!

ALFHILD.
Your answer delay!
You see yon house with its spire and wing?
There went I this morning to play;
Without there was joy, there was laughter and mirth;
Within it was still as nowhere on earth.
I stepped through the door, I saw a great hall,
Within was a peace that was fair;
A dawn softly breaking pervaded it all,
And people were kneeling in prayer.
But high from above them a virgin looked down,
She sailed upon clouds of white,
Her head shone forth like a crimson crown,
Like heaven when dawns the light.
Calm was her face, a blue dress she wore,
A beautiful elf in her arms she bore,
And round about her played angels of love,
That laughed when they saw me below in the door
From their place in the heavens above!

OLAF
(afsides).
Ve mig! jeg har øvet et usaligt spil,
jeg må al hendes lykke knuse!

OLAF.
[Aside.]
Alas! I have wrought so woeful a play,
Soon will her sorrow begin!

ALFHILD.
O, sig mig, Olaf! hvo hører til
derinde, hvo har der tilhuse?

ALFHILD.
O, tell me, Olaf! what people are they
Who live in the house I was in?

OLAF.
Hver den, der er god og from som du,
hver den, der er barn i tanker og hu.
Det er kirken, Guds hus, ham hører det til.

OLAF.
Each one who like you is good and kind,
Each one who is child-like in spirit and mind.
’Tis the church, God’s house,--it belongs to him.

ALFHILD.
Den store fader! Ak, skemte du vil!
Hans hus er jo højt over stjernerne små,
hvor den hvide skysvane svømmer,
så højt som intet øje kan nå
uden barnets, der det blunder og drømmer! –
Men kirken, du nævnte! Så er det jo did
vi skal ride i festligt følge,
som brud og brudgom!

ALFHILD.
The mighty father! ’Tis only your whim!
His house is high over the stars in the sky,
Where the white swan sails undefiled,
So high ’tis beyond any mortal eye
Save that of the dreaming child!--
The church that you spoke of! So then it is there
We shall ride in festal procession,
As bridegroom and bride!

OLAF
(afsides).
Nu er det på tid,
ej tør jeg det længer fordølge!

OLAF.
[Aside.]
No longer I dare
Delay my wretched confession!

ALFHILD.
Ak, hvert af dine ord har vel brændt sig ind
så urokkeligt dybt i mit sind!
De fylder mit bryst med fryd og med kvæder;
hvorhelst jeg færdes på tilje og toft,
de skinner på min sti, de lyser, hvor jeg træder,
som guldnaglerne små på nattens loft!
Du sagde, al verden skulde bydes til gæst,
foran skulde ride sanger og præst,
riddere skulde føre min ganger ved hånd,
roser skulde blomstre på alle veje,
hver den lilje på stien skulde bøje sig som en vånd,
alle de urter små skulde sig for bruden neje!

ALFHILD.
Ah, each of your words has burned like a coal,
And deep its mark it has left on my soul!
My bosom is filled with joy and with song;
Wherever I wander in field or at home,
They shine on my path, they light me along,--
Like stars at night in the heavenly dome!
You said the whole world would be asked to the feast,
And foremost should ride the minstrel and priest,
Knights should go forward and guide my steed,
And roses should blossom on every side,
Each lily we met should bow like a weed,
The flowers should curtsy before the bride!

OLAF.
Har jeg sagt –

OLAF.
Have I said--

ALFHILD.
O, du drages det vel til minde!
Se dig om, det er sket på dit bud;
ved kirken grønnes de ranke linde,
alle rosenblommer er sprunget ud
og vugger sig som alfer i højtidsskrud.
Aldrig skinned himlens lysende øje
så lifligt som her fra det høje;
aldrig sang de fugle så vent som idag!
De synger jo brud og brudgom til behag! –
Du, du har voldt mig så livsalig en lyst,
jeg kunde trykke jord og himmel til mit bryst!
Ej findes på marken så fattigt strå,
det jeg evned under fødder at træde,
ej så ringe et kryb i jordens vrå,
at jeg vel må dele dets nød og glæde!
I min barm er al vårens herlighed inde;
det bølger og bruser som en skov i storm!

ALFHILD.
Olaf, you surely recall!
All things have followed your every desire;
The lindens stand yonder so green and so tall;
The roses are decked in their festive attire
And dance like elves at an elfen ball.
Never did heaven’s illumining eye
So radiantly shine as here from the sky;
Never before sang the birds so sweet!
They sing the bride and the bridegroom to greet!--
O, you--you make me so happy and blessed,
Both heaven and earth could I hold to my breast!
Nowhere can so humble a weed be found
Which under my feet I could crush and destroy,
Nowhere a creature so deep in the ground,
But I would share in its sorrow and joy!
My bosom is filled with the glory of spring;
It surges and roars like a wood in a storm!

OLAF
(afsides).
Og snart skal sorgens tærende orm
gnave dig, du unge, dejlige kvinde!

OLAF.
[Aside.]
And soon this youthful and lovely form
Shall writhe beneath sorrow’s tormenting sting!

ALFHILD.
O, herligt er livet!
(knæler med oprakte hænder.)
Du fader, som bor fjernt i himmelen! Havde jeg ord,
havde jeg englenes tunge,
højt jeg skulde din lovsang sjunge;
men jeg kan det ikke; du er for stor,
jeg kan kun bøje mig for dig til jord –
tak, du unævnelige! Lov og ære
for alt, hvad jeg her monne nemme og lære!
(rejser sig.)
Ja, livet er fagert i Olafs hjem,
fast så fagert som at bæres til døden frem!

ALFHILD.
O, glorious life!
[She kneels with upstretched arms.]

ALFHILD.
O father of love,
In the distant heaven! Had I but the power,
The tongues of the angels above,
Thy praise I should sing every hour;
I cannot, for I am of little worth,
I can only bow down before you to the earth--
O thanks, thou unspeakable! Glory and praise
For all I can here understand of thy ways!
[She rises.]

ALFHILD.
Yes, lovely is life in its every breath,
As lovely almost as the journey to death!

OLAF.
Kalder Du det fagert at lægges på båre?

OLAF.
In the grave you think it is pleasant to lie?

ALFHILD.
Jeg véd ej, hvad du mener, men jeg grubled så såre,
og spurgte min fader, hvad døden var,
da sang han mig en vise derom til svar:
     „Når menneskets barn er stedet i kval
     og lyster at vugges i slummer,
     da kommer en alf med hvide vinger
     og frier det ud fra nød og kummer.

     Den liden alf med de hvide vinger
     reder en seng så blød,
     han virker af liljer de lagen små,
     og bolster udaf rosen rød.

     Alt på de bolster han barnet bærer,
     han bærer det på sin arm,
     og kører det hjem til himlen
     på skyernes gyldne karm.

     Og det jeg vil dig sige forsandt,
     i himlen er mange små,
     de drysser alt over det rosenbolster perler,
     både hvide og blå.

     Så vågner det lidet menneskebarn,
     det vågner til himmelens glæde, –
     men al den fryd og megen gammen
     slet ingen véd om hernede.“

ALFHILD.
I know not your meaning, but I brooded long.
And asked of my father “What means it to die?”
In answer thereto he sang me a song:
     “When the child of man is weighted with grief
     And longs to be rocked to rest,
     Then comes there an elf with wings of white
     And frees its spirit oppressed.

     ”The little elf with his wings of white
     Makes ready a downy bed,
     Of lilies he weaves the linen sheets
     And pillows of roses red.

     “Away on the pillows he carries the child,
     He carries it safe on his arm,
     He takes it to heaven aloft on a cloud
     Away from all earthly harm.

     ”And cherubs there are in the heaven above
     [I tell what is true to you];
     They strew the pillows of rosy red
     With pearls of white and of blue.

     “Then wakens the little earthly child,
     It wakens to heavenly mirth,--
     But all that happiness, all that joy
     There’s no one that knows here on earth.”

OLAF.
Alfhild! bedre det var, om dit liv
var rundet i fred deroppe på fjeldet.
Din fryd vil visne som et brækket siv,
din tro vil dødes –

OLAF.
’Twere better, alas! had you never come here,
Had you lived in the mountain your peaceful life.
Your joy like a weed will wither and sear,
Your faith will be killed--

ALFHILD.
Som Olafs viv
er jeg stærk og modig lig fossevældet!
Du står mig jo nær, lad komme hvad vil,
med dig vil jeg frydes, med dig vil jeg lide.
(lyttende.)
Tys, Olaf! hører du det klagelige spil,
det klinger som et kvad om den dybeste kvide!
(udenfor til højre høres dæmpet følgende kor af ligbærere:)

ALFHILD.
But as Olaf’s wife I am strong as the torrent and have no fear! With you by my side let happen what may, With you I will laugh and suffer and languish.

ALFHILD.
[Listening.]
Hush, Olaf! You hear that mournful lay, It sounds like a song of the bitterest anguish!

     Vi bær’ den lille døde
     med sorg til gravens fred,
     vi lægger ormens føde
     alt under muldet ned.
     Tung er den lod at friste:
     med suk og sørgesang
     at bære barnets kiste
     den sidste, tunge gang!

CHORUS OF PALLBEARERS.
[Softly outside to the right.]
     The little child we carry
     With sorrow to the grave,
     Beneath the mould we bury
     What soon the worms will crave.
     Hard is this lot and dreary:
     With mournful dirge and sigh
     To carry sad and weary
     The child where it shall lie!

ALFHILD
(uviss og beklemt).
Hvad er det, Olaf! hvad er det? Sig frem!

ALFHILD.
[Uncertain and anxious.]
What is it, Olaf? What is it, I say?

OLAF.
Et barn, som bæres til dødens hjem
af sin moder og de små søskende fem.

OLAF.
A child that death is bearing away,
A mother and children weep on the way.

ALFHILD.
Til døden! Hvor er da de bolstere røde,
de liljelagen, og hvor er den døde?

ALFHILD.
Death! Then where are the pillows of red,
The lily-white linen, and where is the dead?

OLAF.
Jeg ser ingen bolster, hverken røde eller blå,
men jeg ser vel de sorte fjæle;
der sover den døde på spåner og strå.

OLAF.
I see no pillows of red or of gray,
But only the dark black boards of the bier;
And thereon the dead sleeps on shavings and hay.

ALFHILD.
På spåner og strå?

ALFHILD.
On shavings and hay?

OLAF.
Ja, det er det hele!

OLAF.
That is all there is here!

ALFHILD.
Og hvor er alfen, som bær’ ham på arm,
og kører ham hjem i himmelens karm?

ALFHILD.
And where is the elf who bears on his arm
The child far away from all earthly harm?

OLAF.
Jeg ser kun en moder, hvis hjerte vil briste,
og de småbørn, som følger den sorte kiste.

OLAF.
I see but a mother whose heart will break,
And little children who follow the wake.

ALFHILD.
Og hvor er de perler, hvide og blå,
som englene drysser i himmelhaven?

ALFHILD.
And where are the pearls of blue and of white,
That the angels strew in the heaven of light?

OLAF.
Jeg ser kun de tårer, som søskende små
græder, der de stander ved graven.

OLAF.
I see only this,--they weep many a tear
As they stand at the side of the bier.

ALFHILD.
Og hvor er hjemmet, det dejlige sted,
der den døde drømmer og sover?

ALFHILD.
And where is the home, the house of God,
Where the dead dream only of mirth?

OLAF.
Det ser du. De sænker ham i jorden ned,
og kaster muldet derover.

OLAF.
Behold! Now they place him beneath the sod
And cover him over with earth.

ALFHILD
(stille og tankefuld, efter en pause).
Ej var døden så i min faders kvæde.

ALFHILD.
[Quiet and thoughtful, after a pause.]
Not so was death in the song--not so.

OLAF.
Vel sandt; den megen gammen og glæde
sletingen véd om hernede. –
Har du aldrig hørt om hougkongens skat,
der lyser som røden guld hver nat;
men vil du med hænder tage derpå,
intet du finder uden grus og strå;
og hør mig, Alfhild! det vel sig hænder,
at livet artes på samme sæt;
kom det ikke for nær, det træffer sig let
at fingrene små du brænder.
Vel sandt, det skinner som himmelens stjerne,
men kun naar du ser det fra det fjerne.
(bemærker fru Kirsten udenfor til højre )
Min moder – hun vil sige dig – nu går jeg ind.
Alle engle drysse sin fred i sit sind!
(Han går mod huset, men standses af fru Kirsten. – Himlen overtrækkes af mørke skyer, vinden begynder at suse i trætoppene. – Alfhild staar hensunken i dybe tanker.)

OLAF.
’Tis true; but no such joy and pleasure
Has any one felt here below.--
Have you never heard of the mountain king’s treasure,
Which night after night like gold would glow;
But if you would seize the gold in your hand,
You nothing would find save gravel and sand;
And listen, Alfhild! it often is true
That life turns out in the selfsame way;
Approach not too near, it may happen to you,
That you burn your fingers some day.
’Tis true it may shine like a heavenly star,
But only when seen from afar.
[He becomes aware of Lady Kirsten off the stage to the right.]

OLAF.
My mother--she’ll tell you--I shall depart.
The angels above send their peace to your heart!
[He goes towards the house but is stopped by LADY KIRSTEN.--The sky becomes overcast with dark clouds; the wind begins to howl in the tree-tops.--ALFHILD stands absorbed in deep thought.]

FEMTE SCENE.
De forrige. Fru Kirsten.

SCENE V
[The Preceding. LADY KIRSTEN.]

FRU KIRSTEN
(sagte).
Nu, min søn! ej sandt, du har vel sagt hende –?

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Softly.]
Not so, my son, you have told her--?

OLAF.
Alt hvad jeg mægtede at føre over mine læber, har jeg sagt. Sig nu I hende resten og så, min moder! lad mig aldrig, aldrig møde hende mere.
(kaster et blik på Alfhild og går ud ved huset.)

OLAF.
All I was able to say I have said. Now you tell her the rest, and then, mother, let me never, never see her again.
[He casts a glance at ALFHILD and goes out past the house.]

FRU KIRSTEN.
Den dårskab vil snart brændes ud af ham, hvis – (som om hun pludselig fik et indfald.) Men ifald jeg – – Ha, ha, vilde det lykkes, da var han helbredet, det lover jeg for. Men Alfhild –? Nu ja, ligegodt, det må fristes.

LADY KIRSTEN.
That folly will soon be burned out of his soul, if--

LADY KIRSTEN.
[As if she suddenly has an idea.]
But in case I--Ah, if that could succeed, then would he be cured,--that I can promise. But Alfhild--? Well, nevertheless, it must be attempted.

ALFHILD
(for sig selv).
Så findes herude både nød og klage,
lad så være; ej vil jeg deraf forsage.
Tungt kan ej verden gå mig imod,
Olaf er mig jo huld og god!

ALFHILD.
[To herself.]

So then there is here too anguish and woe;
Well, so let it be; I shall never despair.
The sorrow of earth I never need know,
Still Olaf is good and fair!

FRU KIRSTEN
(nærmer sig).
Det bæres mig for som tunge tanker ligger dig på sinde.

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Approaches.]
It seems to me that gloomy thoughts are weighing upon your mind.

ALFHILD.
Ja, ja, det voldes af de ting, som jeg nys har lært.

ALFHILD.
Yes, yes, the result of things I have recently heard.

FRU KIRSTEN.
Af Olaf?

LADY KIRSTEN.
From Olaf?

ALFHILD.
Javisst af Olaf, han har sagt mig –

ALFHILD.
Certainly from Olaf; he has told me--

FRU KIRSTEN.
Jeg véd det, Alfhild! jeg véd, hvad han har sagt. (afsides.) Han har nævnt sit bryllup for hende, kan jeg skønne. (højt ) Og alt ikveld skal det gå for sig.

LADY KIRSTEN.
I know, Alfhild. I know what he has said.

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Aside.]
He has mentioned to her his wedding, I see.

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Aloud.]
This very night it is to be held.

ALFHILD.
Hvad skal gå for sig?

ALFHILD.
What is to be held?

FRU KIRSTEN.
Brylluppet!

LADY KIRSTEN.
The wedding!

ALFHILD
(livligt).
O ja, det véd jeg!

ALFHILD.
[Eagerly.]
Oh, yes, that I know!

FRU KIRSTEN.
Du véd det og tager det ikke tungere end så?

LADY KIRSTEN.
You know it and do not take it more to your heart than this?

ALFHILD.
Nej, hvi skulde jeg tage det tungt?

ALFHILD.
No. Why should I take it to heart?

FRU KIRSTEN
(afsides).
Der er noget hun pønser på, det skønner jeg grant. (højt.) Nu, såmeget bedre er det for os alle. Men sig mig, når gildet er slut, hvad agter du dig så til?

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Aside.]
There is something she is meditating,--I see that clearly.

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Aloud.]
Well, so much the better for all of us. But tell me, when the wedding is over, what then will you do?

ALFHILD.
Jeg? Det har jeg lidet tænkt på.

ALFHILD.
I? I have little thought of that.

FRU KIRSTEN.
Jeg mener, er du tilsinds at blive her, eller drager du hjem?

LADY KIRSTEN.
I mean, have you in mind to remain here or to go home?

ALFHILD
(ser forundret på hende).
Jeg er tilsinds at blive!

ALFHILD.
[Looks at her, surprised.]
I have in mind to remain!

FRU KIRSTEN
(afsides).
Der har vi det, hun tænker at holde ham i sin snare, selv om han gifter sig. Ja, ja, det skal vi strides om. (højt.) Alfhild! jeg under dig alt godt, og dersom du turde lide på mig –

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Aside.]
There we have it; she thinks to hold him in her wiles even after he is wed. Well, we shall see about that.

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Aloud.]
Alfhild! I wish you every possible good, and if you dared rely on my--

ALFHILD.
Ja, det tør jeg forvisst!

ALFHILD.
Yes, that I certainly dare!

FRU KIRSTEN.
Nu godt, så lader du mig råde for din lykke. Jeg vil tage mig af dig, som jeg bedst kan og véd, og ifald du giver dit minde dertil, så skal du endnu ikveld gå som brud til kirken.

LADY KIRSTEN.
Well and good; then you will let me take upon myself your happiness. I shall take charge of you as best I know how, and if you but give me your word you shall this very night go to the church as a bride.

ALFHILD.
Ja, det véd jeg jo.

ALFHILD.
Yes, I know that.

FRU KIRSTEN
(studsende).
Du véd det! Hvo har da sagt dig?

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Surprised.]
You know that! Who has told you?

ALFHILD.
Det har Olaf selv sagt.

ALFHILD.
Olaf himself said so.

FRU KIRSTEN.
Olaf! (afsides.) Skulde Olaf –? Ja, forsandt, han har havt den samme tanke som jeg, at gifte hende bort for at skille sig af med hende. Eller kanhænde for at – nu, ligegodt, er hun først bortgiftet, og er Olaf ligeledes på sin side bleven ægtemand, så – (højt.) Ja, ja, godt, Alfhild! når Olaf har sagt vor hensigt med dig, så har jo ikke jeg fornødent at – Men skynd dig nu, gå derind i staburet, der hænger min egen bryllupsklædning, den skal du bære!

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Aside.]
Has Olaf--? Yes, forsooth, he has had the same idea that I had, to marry her off in order to be rid of her. Or perhaps in order to--well, no matter,--when she is finally married, when Olaf on his side is a married man, then--

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Aloud.]
Well and good, Alfhild! If Olaf has told you our intention for you, then it is not necessary for me to--But do you now hasten, go in there in the store house; there you will find my own wedding gown; that you shall wear!

ALFHILD
(med barnlig glæde).
Skal jeg! Din egen bryllupsklædning!

ALFHILD.
[With childlike joy.]
Shall I! Your own wedding gown!

FRU KIRSTEN.
Gør som jeg siger. Gå derind og klæd dig på, så prægtigt du lyster.

LADY KIRSTEN.
Do as I say. Go in there and dress yourself as splendidly as you please.

ALFHILD.
Og får jeg også brudekrone?

ALFHILD.
And do I also get a bridal crown?

FRU KIRSTEN.
Javisst! Brudekrone og sølvringe og røde guldbånd. Du vil finde nok deraf i kister og skabe.

LADY KIRSTEN.
Certainly! A bridal crown and silver rings and golden bracelet. You will find plenty of them in the coffers and chests.

ALFHILD.
Sølvringe og røde guldbånd!

ALFHILD.
Silver rings and golden bracelets!

FRU KIRSTEN.
Gå, gå, og rap dig så alt, hvad du kan.

LADY KIRSTEN.
Go, go, and hurry as fast as you can.

ALFHILD.
O, jeg skal ikke være længe derom. (klapper i hænderne.) Jeg får brudekrone og røde guldbånd.
(iler ud til venstre.)

ALFHILD.
O, I shall not be long about it.
[Claps her hands.]

ALFHILD.
I shall have silver rings and golden bracelets!
[She runs out to the left.]

SJETTE SCENE.
Fru Kirsten (alene).

SCENE VI
[LADY KIRSTEN alone.]

FRU KIRSTEN.
Den onde, forbandede kvinde! Så glad og trøstig er hun, skønt hun véd, at Olaf skal for altret med en anden. Men således er det mig ret tilpas; det går lettere end jeg tænkte. Hun ser så skyldfri ud som et barn, og dog kan hun samtykke i at tage til husbond den, jeg først vælger for hende. Og jeg som tænkte, at Olaf var hende isandhed kær; har han endnu ikke fået forvissning om hendes rette sindelag, så skal han snart få det. Han skal kende hende tilbunds, han skal vide, hvi hun har koglet og lokket for ham, og så, ja så er hun ham ikke længer farlig. (smilende.) Se, se! Olaf tænkte dog på den samme frelse som jeg; så snild havde jeg ikke holdt ham for at være. – Men hvor finder vi den svend, som er villig til – Nu, vakker er hun, og på sølv og en liden grund dertil, skal det ikke komme an. Skulde Olaf allerede have talt til nogen derom? Det er ikke tænkeligt! – Nu, så vil jeg sørge for den sag. Jeg har jo huskarle nok på gården og – (ser ud til højre.) Hemming! om jeg prøvede med ham! Men han så dem jo sammen på fjeldet igår, han må vel vide, at der er noget mellem de to. Men ikke desmindre – han er en ringe svend, og derhos fattig og veg af sind – vi får se, vi får se!

LADY KIRSTEN.
The evil and cursed woman! Happy and gay she is though she knows that Olaf is to wed another. But that very fact will serve me well; it will go easier than I had thought. She looks as innocent as a child, and yet she can agree to take him as a husband whom I first pick out for her. And I who thought that she truly loved Olaf! If he is still ignorant of her real spirit, he shall soon learn. He shall know her to the core, he shall know how she has bewitched and lured him, and then, well, then she is no longer dangerous.

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Smiling.]
Well, well! Olaf thought of the same way of saving himself that I did; so good-natured I had never imagined him.--But where shall we find the man who is willing to--well, she is pretty, and I shall not mind a little silver and even a bit of land. Has Olaf already spoken to some one? That is hardly thinkable!--Well, then I shall see to that. I have servants enough on the estate and--
[Looks out to the right.]

LADY KIRSTEN.
Hemming! what if I should try him! But he saw them together in the mountain yesterday; he must surely know there is something between the two. But none the less--he is a humble serving-man, and poor besides, and weak of mind--we shall see, we shall see!

SYVENDE SCENE.
Fru Kirsten. Hemming (fra højre).

SCENE VII
[LADY KIRSTEN. HEMMING from the right.]

HEMMING
(for sig selv).
Intet sted er Ingeborg at finde; hun lægger mig i jorden, det er visst. Igår var hun mild mod mig, hun gav mig sin armring; men så tog hun den fra mig igen, og idag vil hun aldrig så meget som glytte til den side jeg går.

HEMMING.
[To himself.]
Nowhere is Ingeborg to be found; she will bring me to my grave,--that is certain. Yesterday she was gracious to me; she gave me her ring; but then she took it away from me again; and today she will not so much as look at me as I pass.

FRU KIRSTEN
(sagte, idet hun nærmer sig).
Lidt varlig får jeg være. (højt.) Se, Hemming, er det dig? Du færdes helst alene, mærker jeg; ternerne og de unge karle holder du dig fra; når jeg fornemmer sligt, så skønner jeg vel, at det ikke sker uden skellig grund.

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Slowly, as she approaches.]
A little cautious I must be.

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Aloud.]
Ah, Hemming, is it you? You prefer to wander alone, I see; you keep yourself away from the servants and maids; when I see such things I realize very well that you do so not without reason.

HEMMING.
Ej, min høje frue! hvad skulde –

HEMMING.
Why, my noble lady! what should--

FRU KIRSTEN.
Jo, Hemming! der er noget, som du går og bærer på iløn; du er ikke frejdig tilsinds!

LADY KIRSTEN.
Yes, Hemming! there is something that you keep all to yourself as you go about; you are not very cheerful!

HEMMING
(truffen).
Ikke frejdig? Jeg?

HEMMING.
[Disconcerted.]
Not cheerful? I?

FRU KIRSTEN
(smilende).
Her er idag en ung og vakker kvinde, som huer dig godt.

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Smiling.]
There is here today a young and beautiful girl whom you fancy very much.

HEMMING.
Alle helgene!

HEMMING.
All saints!

FRU KIRSTEN.
Og hun er dig god igen.

LADY KIRSTEN.
And she in turn has a fancy for you.

HEMMING.
Mig – Hvem? Ikke véd jeg, hvem I mener.

HEMMING.
Me--Whom? I do not know whom you mean.

FRU KIRSTEN.
Ej, Hemming, tal ikke så, for mig skal du lidet blues. Jo, jo, jeg ser grant, kan du tro.

LADY KIRSTEN.
Come, Hemming, do not speak so; before me you need not feel ashamed. Yes, yes, I see clearly, I tell you.

HEMMING
(afsides).
Himmel! hun må have mærket på Ingeborg, at –

HEMMING.
[Aside.]
Heaven! she must have noticed by Ingeborg’s manner that--

FRU KIRSTEN.
Jeg har vel set, at bryllupsgildet volder dig liden gammen. Kirkefærden er dig imod, efterdi du selv gad vandre med som brudgom, men ser ej udvej dertil.

LADY KIRSTEN.
I have seen that the wedding is but little joy to you. The trip to the church you care little about, since you would yourself like to go as a groom, yet cannot see your way clear.

HEMMING
(i højeste bestyrtelse).
Ak, fru Kirsten! min ædle, høje frue! fortørnes ikke.

HEMMING.
[In the greatest agitation.]
Alas, Lady Kirsten! my noble, august lady! be not offended!

FRU KIRSTEN
(forundret).
Jeg? Hvi skulde vel jeg fortørnes?

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Surprised.]
I? And why should I be offended?

HEMMING
(vedblivende).
Jeg har stridt og kæmpet mod denne usalige elskov, sålænge jeg mægtede, og det tror jeg forvisst, at hun har med.

HEMMING.
[Continuing.]
I have struggled and fought against this unhappy love as long as I have been able, and I honestly believe she has done the same.

FRU KIRSTEN.
Hun? Hun har da sagt dig, at hun er dig god?

LADY KIRSTEN.
She? Has she then told you that she cares for you?

HEMMING.
Ja næsten!

HEMMING.
Yes, almost!

FRU KIRSTEN.
Retvel, retvel, så I har talt tilhobe derom?

LADY KIRSTEN.
Well and good; then you talked about it together?

HEMMING.
Ja, – men kun én, kun én eneste gang, det sværger jeg.

HEMMING.
Yes,--but only once, only one single time, I swear.

FRU KIRSTEN.
En eller ti gange, det er mig lige kært. (afsides.) De er da alt enige; stor lykke havde jeg med mig, at jeg traf på Hemming; nu undrer mig ikke, at Alfhild var så villig til at træde for alteret. (højt.) Hemming! jeg står i megen gæld til dig, efterdi du fandt min søn igen og ellers var mig til vilje; nu kan jeg gøre vederlag, jeg vil af al magt stå dig bi i den sag, vi nys talte om.

LADY KIRSTEN.
Once or ten times, it is all the same to me.

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Aside.]
Then they are already agreed; it was certainly a stroke of luck that I came upon Hemming; now I am not at all surprised that Alfhild was so willing to go to the altar.

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Aloud.]
Hemming! I am much indebted to you for finding my son again and for otherwise being of help to me; now I shall make requital,--I shall to the limit of my power stand by you in the matter we just spoke of.

HEMMING
(fortumlet af glæde).
I! Vil I det, fru Kirsten! Ak, Gud og helgene! jeg tør neppe tro derpaa. (standser.) Men herr Olaf, eders søn! hvad mener I, han vil sige?

HEMMING.
[Overcome with joy.]
You! You will! Lady Kirsten! Alas, great God and holy saints! I hardly dare believe it.

FRU KIRSTEN.
Han vil ej lægge dig sten ivejen, det skal jeg vel sørge for.

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Stops.]
But Lord Olaf, your son! What do you think he will say?

LADY KIRSTEN.
He will not interpose any objection,--I shall see to that.

HEMMING
(trohjertig).
Ja, forsandt, han er også bedst tjent dermed, for jeg véd, hun er ham ej god af hjertet.

HEMMING.
[Unsuspecting.]
Yes, truly, it would be best for him too, for I know she cares little for him.

FRU KIRSTEN
(smilende).
Det har jeg vel mærket, Hemming!

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Smiling.]
That I have noticed, Hemming!

HEMMING.
Har I! Ja, I er så klog, fru Kirsten! Og jeg som tænkte, at jeg var den eneste, som havde mærket det. (betænkeligt.) Men mener I, at herr Arne vil give sit minde?

HEMMING.
Have you! Well, you are so clever, Lady Kirsten! And I who thought that I was the only one who had noticed it.

HEMMING.
[Doubtfully.]
Do you think that Lord Arne will give his consent?

FRU KIRSTEN.
Din Husbond? Jeg skal vide at tale ham tilrette, det vil nok lykkes.

LADY KIRSTEN.
Your master? I shall know how to talk him into it,--that will not be so difficult.

HEMMING.
Mener I? Ak, men jeg er jo dog så fattig en svend.

HEMMING.
You think so? Alas, but I am so poor a man.

FRU KIRSTEN.
Det skal nok jeg bøde på, ifald ikke herr Arne selv er rede dertil.

LADY KIRSTEN.
I shall remedy that all right, in case Lord Arne is not prepared to do so.

HEMMING.
Tak, tak, fru Kirsten! Himlen lønne jer for eders gode sind.

HEMMING.
Thanks, thanks, Lady Kirsten! Heaven reward you for your kindness!

FRU KIRSTEN.
Men du tier vel med det, vi her har talt sammen.

LADY KIRSTEN.
But you will keep this that we have been speaking of to yourself.

HEMMING.
Det lover jeg.

HEMMING.
That I promise.

FRU KIRSTEN.
Så hold dig rede, herude samles gæsterne om føje tid, vær så ikke langt fra hånden.
(går op mod staburdøren og spejder efter Alfhild).

LADY KIRSTEN.
Then hold yourself in readiness; the guests will assemble out here in a little while now, and do you be on hand.
[She goes over to the door of the store house and looks for ALFHILD.]

HEMMING
(for sig selv).
Nej, dette her er mig som en forunderlig, gækkende drøm. Ingeborg og jeg, vi skulde få hinanden! Ak, kan det være sandt? Så højt turde jeg aldrig tænke; – det var mig hver morgen, som jeg havde gjort en formastelig gerning, når jeg om natten blot drømte derom. – Hm! jeg véd forresten ret vel, at det ikke er for min skyld, fru Kirsten gør sig al den besvær. Hun har noget isinde; det gælder for hende at bryde forliget med herr Arne, og nu hun har mærket, at Ingeborg er mig god, så vil hun bruge det til påskud. Ja, ja, jeg har så tidt varet min husbond ad, men han vil aldrig tro mig.

HEMMING.
[To himself.]
No, this is to me like a strange illusive dream. Ingeborg and I,--we are to belong to each other! Ah, can it be true? So high I never dared let my thoughts ascend;--it seemed to me in the morning that I had been guilty of the greatest presumption if during the night I had dreamed about it.--Hm! I know very well of course that it is not for my sake that Lady Kirsten goes to all this trouble. She has something up her sleeve; she thinks it necessary to break the agreement with Lord Arne, and now that she has noticed that Ingeborg cares for me she will use that as an excuse. Well, I have so often given my master warning, but he will never believe me.

ARNE
(kalder udenfor til venstre).
Hemming! Hemming!

ARNE.
[Calls outside to the left.]
Hemming! Hemming!

FRU KIRSTEN
(kommer ned i forgrunden).
Din husbond kalder! Gå nu! Siden skal jeg tale med ham; han føjer sig nok. Tro mig, han skal følge sin svend til kirken i samme stund, han fører sin datter did.

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Comes forward.]
Your master calls! Go now! After a while I shall speak to him; he will agree. Believe me, he shall follow his page to the church in the same hour that he leads his daughter thither.

HEMMING.
Tak, tak, fru Kirsten! Forsandt, I gør en god gerning mod os alle.
(går ud til yenstre.)

HEMMING.
Thanks, thanks, Lady Kirsten! Truly, you confer a blessing on us all.
[He goes out to the left.]

FRU KIRSTEN
(for sig selv).
Så ung er hun og dog så underfundig; hun har leflet med Hemming, alt imens hun bildte min søn ind, at – – Godt, han skal snart lære hendes kunster at kende. Men først må jeg have herr Arne fat; han holder meget af Hemming, vil nødig skilles fra ham; det lod også som Hemming frygtede for, at det skulde være til hinder; men de kan jo mageligt blive sammen, om end Hemming gifter sig. – Hemming ser ellers mere grant i tingen, end jeg tænkte mig. Hvad vil Olaf sige dertil, spurgte han; han har da altså mærket, at Alfhild endnu ligger min søn på hjertet. Nu, lad ham det; tager han hende, så tier han også, og er Alfhild først gift – jeg kender Olaf; han har stedse sat høj pris på at stå i agt og ære hos bygdens mænd, og derfor vil han vel – ja, ja, det må, det skal lykkes.
(går ud til højre.)

LADY KIRSTEN.
[To herself.]
So young she is and yet so cunning; she has been coquetting with Hemming all the while she made my son believe that--Well and good, he shall soon learn to know her arts. But first I must see Lord Arne; he thinks highly of Hemming and would reluctantly part with him; it seemed too that Hemming feared that something like that might stand in the way; but they can easily remain as they are even if Hemming marries.--Hemming sees more clearly in the affair than I had expected. What will Olaf say, he asked; he has evidently noticed that my son still thinks of Alfhild. Well, let him; if he takes her he will say nothing, and when Alfhild is married,--I know Olaf; he has always wanted to stand in high honor among the men of the village, and for that reason he will certainly--yes, yes, it must, it shall succeed.
[She goes out to the right.]

OTTENDE SCENE.
Hemming (kommer fra venstre med en ølbolle skjult under koften). Arne (følger ham forsigtigt og spejdende.)

SCENE VIII
[HEMMING comes from the left with a bowl of ale hidden under his coat. ARNE follows him cautiously, looking about.]

ARNE.
Er der ingen?

ARNE.
Is there anyone?

HEMMING.
Nej, kom I kun, husbond!

HEMMING.
No, come along, master.

ARNE.
Men det tykkedes mig, at jeg hørte fru Kirsten.

ARNE.
But it seemed to me I heard Lady Kirsten.

HEMMING.
Nu er hun gået, kom I kun!

HEMMING.
She is gone now, come along!

ARNE
(sætter sig på bænken tilvenstre).
Hemming! godt og vel er det, at brylluppet skal gå for sig ikveld. Imorgen rejser jeg hjem; ja, det gør jeg. Ikke en dag længere bliver jeg i fru Kirstens hus.

ARNE.
[Sits down on the bench to the left.]
Hemming! it is well that the wedding is to be held tonight. Tomorrow I go home; yes, that I will. Not a day longer will I remain in Lady Kirsten’s house.

HEMMING.
Ej, husbond! er der nu igen ufred mellem jer?

HEMMING.
Why, master! is there enmity again between you?

ARNE.
Er det ikke nok, synes dig, at hun og alle hendes fornemme frænder lader hånt om mig; ved nadverden lo de og skemtede mellem hinanden, efterdi jeg ikke kunde komme mig for at æde af alle de ugudelige udenlandske retter. Og hvad var det så vi fik at drikke dertil? Sød vin og most, som vil ligge mig i maven i otte dage. Nej, da priser jeg mit gode hjemmebryggede øl. (drikker og tilføjer sagte og forbitret.) Af dette har jeg skikket den skarnskvinde tre fulde tønder, og hvad har hun gjort? Slængt det hen for sine huskarle, og her må jeg stjæle mig til en slurk, ja, Hemming! stjæle mig til at drikke mit eget øl, for at de ikke skal skælde mig for en grov bonde, der ikke forstår sig på fornemme drikkevarer.

ARNE.
Is it not enough, do you think, that she and all her superior relatives look down on me; at supper they laughed and jested among themselves because I could not bring myself to eat of all those ungodly, outlandish dishes. And what was it that we got to drink? Sweet wine and cider that will stay in my stomach for eight days. No, the good old homebrewed ale for me.
[Drinks and adds softly and bitterly.]

ARNE.
Of this I had sent the wretched woman three full barrels. And what has she done? Thrown it to her servants, and here I must steal myself a drink,--yes, Hemming! steal myself a drink of my own ale, that they may not revile me as a coarse peasant, who doesn’t understand the more refined drinks.

HEMMING.
Ja, ja, husbond! jeg har jo varet jer ad.

HEMMING.
Well, master! I gave you warning.

ARNE.
Å – varet mig ad! Du er dum, Hemming! mener du ikke, jeg selv har mærket det; men bi kun, bi kun! (opfarende.) At sætte mit gode, kvægsomme øl for huskarlene, som om det ikke var værdigt at komme på et herremandsbord. –

ARNE.
Ah--gave me warning! You are stupid, Hemming! You think I haven’t noticed it myself; but wait, just wait!

ARNE.
[Flaring up.]
To place my good nourishing ale before the house servants, as though it were not worthy to be put on the table of a lord.--

HEMMING.
Ja, fru Kirsten handler ilde med jer, det er visst.

HEMMING.
Yes, Lady Kirsten treats you ill, that is certain.

ARNE
(rækker ham bollen).
Der, sæt dig ned og drik! (Hemming sætter sig.) Hør, Hemming! Jeg vilde ønske, vi vel var hjemme.

ARNE.
[Hands him the bowl.]
Come, sit down and drink!

ARNE.
[HEMMING sits down.]
Listen, Hemming! I could wish we were home again.

HEMMING.
Ja, mig huer det ikke her i bryllupsgården.

HEMMING.
Well, I have no fancy for this festive home.

ARNE.
Nej, da lover jeg min gamle stue på Guldvik; – når vi to sad sammen om kvelden og legede brikkespil og havde ølkruset mellem os –

ARNE.
No, my old room at Guldvik for me;--when we sat there of an evening and played chess with the ale jug between us--

HEMMING.
Medens jomfru Ingeborg sad ved væven og baldyrede roser og alskens blomster i lindugen –

HEMMING.
The while Mistress Ingeborg sat at the loom and embroidered roses and all sorts of flowers in the linen--

ARNE.
Og sang derhos så lifligt, at det bares mig for, som jeg blev ung og rørig igen. Ja, Hemming! når brylluppet er over, vil vi fare fort med vort gamle levesæt.

ARNE.
And sang all the time so merrily that it seemed to me that I became young and active again. Yes, Hemming! when the wedding is over, we shall go back and live our old ways again.

HEMMING.
Men da er der ingen, som slår væven og synger liflige viser dertil.

HEMMING.
But then there will be no one who works the loom and sings merry lays the while.

ARNE.
Nej, det er sandt nok, Ingeborg er da borte. Det vil gå mig hårdt til hjerte; hun er vild og selvrådig, men savne hende vil jeg dog, og det tungt. (tænker sig om.) Imellemstunder kunde jeg vel gæste hende her – – Men nej, det vil jeg ikke! Her ler de af mig, de hvisker bag min ryg, jeg mærker det nok.

ARNE.
No, that is true enough; Ingeborg will then be gone. It will be a little hard on me; she is wild and self-willed, but I shall miss her nevertheless,--miss her greatly.

ARNE.
[Considers.]
Now and then I suppose I could visit her here--But no, that I will not! Here they laugh at me, they whisper behind my back,--I see it well enough.

HEMMING.
Men ifald I vilde, så kunde det jo endnu gøres om.

HEMMING.
But in case you wished, it could still be changed.

ARNE.
Gøres om. Du er dum, Hemming! altid snakker du om at gøre om. (rækker ham bollen.) Der, drik! det har du godt af. Gøres om; nej nej, det skal aldrig gøres om! Det var onde vætter, som blæste den tanke i mig at komme i slægt med fru Kirsten. Men nu er det sket; de fornemme frænder får te sig, som de vil, men mine grander skal ikke spotte over mig, – har jeg givet mit ord, så vil jeg også holde det. (forsagt.) Bare jeg vidste, at Olaf vilde være god mod hende, jeg vil bede ham derom – (heftigt.) Han skal være det, ellers kommer jeg med mine gamle næver og banker ham.

ARNE.
Changed! You are stupid, Hemming! Always you talk about changing.

ARNE.
[Hands him the bowl.]
Come, drink, it will do you good. Changed; no, no, it shall never be changed! It was evil spirits who put into my head the idea of marrying into Lady Kirsten’s family. But now it is done; the superior kinsmen will have to behave as they please, but my own relatives and friends shall not laugh at me,--if I have given my word, I shall keep it too.

ARNE.
[Disheartened.]
If I only knew that Olaf would be kind to her; I shall ask him to--.

ARNE.
[Vehemently.]
He shall be kind, else I shall come and beat him with my old fists.

HEMMING.
Ja vel er det, om I tager vare på hende, for Olaf agter hende ikke stort, det tror jeg visst.

HEMMING.
Yes, it is well that you keep your eye on her, for Olaf cares little for her, I do believe.

ARNE.
Så, mener du det?

ARNE.
So, you think so?

HEMMING.
Mindes I Alfhild, den fattige pige, som fulgte med fra fjeldet igår?

HEMMING.
Do you remember Alfhild, the poor girl, who yesterday followed us down from the mountain?

ARNE.
Javisst gør jeg. Hun er vakker!

ARNE.
Indeed I do. She is pretty!

HEMMING
(rejser sig).
Så tykkes Olaf med.

HEMMING.
[Rises.]
So thinks Olaf, too.

ARNE.
Hvad skal det sige?

ARNE.
What does that mean?

HEMMING.
Olaf har hende kær! Tidt og mange gange gæstede han hende deroppe; – hvad fru Kirsten har snakket jer for, må I aldrig tro.

HEMMING.
Olaf loves her! ’Tis many a time he visited her up there;--what Lady Kirsten has told you, you must never believe.

ARNE.
Og hvad du snakker mig for, tror jeg endnu mindre. Du er ilde sindet mod Ingeborg, fordi hun stundom gækker dig, og derfor under du hende ikke dette anselige gifte; jo, jo, jeg kender dig nok.

ARNE.
And what you blab about I believe still less. You are provoked with Ingeborg because at times she makes fun of you, and therefore you begrudge her this attractive marriage; yes, yes, I know you too well.

HEMMING.
Ej, husbond! kunde I tro, at –

HEMMING.
Why, master! you could believe that--

ARNE.
Bilde mig ind, at Olaf Liljekrans har den tiggerkvinde kær! En anselig, højbyrdig herre som han! Det var jo ligervis som én vilde sige, at Ingeborg, min datter, havde sind til dig.

ARNE.
Make me believe that Olaf Liljekrans loves that beggar woman! A noble, high-born lord such as he! It is almost as if one were to say that Ingeborg, my daughter, had a fancy for you.

HEMMING
(forlegen).
Til mig – hvor kunde I vel falde på –

HEMMING.
[Embarrassed.]
For me--how could you ever imagine--

ARNE.
Nej, jeg falder ikke på! Men det ene er ligeså urimeligt som det andet. Se der, drik! og kom ikke mer med den snak. (rejser sig.) Der har vi fru Kirsten med gæsterne. Hvad skal nu gå for sig?

ARNE.
No, I don’t imagine! But the one is as unreasonable as the other. Come, drink! and don’t talk any more such nonsense.

ARNE.
[Rises.]
There is Lady Kirsten with the guests. What’s going to happen now?

HEMMING.
Herude skal de alle forsamles, så følger de brud og brudgom til højtidsbordet og derfra til kirken.

HEMMING.
They are all to assemble out here; they will then follow the bride and bridegroom to the banquet-table and thence to the church.

ARNE.
Ej, hvilken forbandet skik! Til kirken ved kveldstid; er det nu en mørkets gerning at gifte sig?

ARNE.
Aye, what a cursed custom! To the church at night! Is then marriage a work of darkness?

NIENDE SCENE.
De forrige Fru Kirsten, Olaf, Ingeborg, gæster, samt karle og piger (kommer efterhånden ind fra forskellige sider).

SCENE IX
[The Preceding. LADY KIRSTEN, OLAF, INGEBORG, GUESTS, and SERVANTS and MAIDS enter gradually from the several sides.]

FRU KIRSTEN
(for sig selv).
Jeg har ikke truffet Olaf alene; men når jeg tænker mig om, så er det også bedst, at han intet véd deraf, forinden det går for sig. (sagte til Hemming, der har talt hviskende med Ingeborg.) Nu, Hemming! hvordan mener du din husbond er sindet?

LADY KIRSTEN.
[To herself.]
I have not seen Olaf alone; but when I think it over, it is probably best that he know nothing about it until it is all over.

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Softly, to HEMMING, who has been whispering with INGEBORG.]
Well, Hemming! How do you think your master is disposed?

HEMMING
(sagte).
Ak, fru Kirsten! Jeg har kun ringe fortrøstning, hvis ikke I hjælper til.

HEMMING.
Alas, Lady Kirsten! I have but little hope unless you lend your aid.

FRU KIRSTEN.
Ej, det kommer vi nok ud af.
(blander sig mellem gæsterne.)

LADY KIRSTEN.
Aye, we’ll manage it all right.
[She mingles with the GUESTS.]

INGEBORG
(sagte til Hemming).
Hvad mener du? Hvad er det for et livsaligt håb du taler om?

INGEBORG.
[Softly, to HEMMING.]
What do you mean? What blessed hope is it you are speaking of?

HEMMING.
Ak, jeg tør ikke selv tro derpå; men fru Kirsten mener det vel med os. Hun vil snart vise jer, at –

HEMMING.
Alas, I hardly dare believe it myself; but Lady Kirsten means well by us. She will soon show you that--

INGEBORG.
Tys! der nærmer de sig.

INGEBORG.
Hush! they are approaching.

OLAF
(dæmpet).
Sig mig, min moder! hvor går det hende?

OLAF.
[In an undertone.]
Tell me, mother! how goes it with her?

FRU KIRSTEN.
Vel nok, som jeg forud vidste.

LADY KIRSTEN.
Well enough, as I knew before.

OLAF.
Hun véd da at trøste sig?

OLAF.
Then she knows how to comfort herself?

FRU KIRSTEN
(smilende).
Det lader så. Vent kun lidt! Endnu ikveld skal du få visshed derfor.

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Smiling.]
It seems so. Only wait! This very evening you shall know for certain.

OLAF.
Hvad mener I?

OLAF.
What do you mean?

FRU KIRSTEN.
Jeg mener, at hun er en listig heks. Alle hendes fagre ord har været svig og bedrag.

LADY KIRSTEN.
I mean that she is a sly witch. All her fair words have been deceitful wiles.

OLAF.
Nej, nej, min moder!

OLAF.
No, no, mother!

FRU KIRSTEN.
Det får vi nu at se! Alfhild er fro og glad, såmeget véd jeg.

LADY KIRSTEN.
That we shall see! Alfhild is happy and gay,--so much I know.

OLAF.
Vel mig, om så var!

OLAF.
It were well for me if she were!

FRU KIRSTEN
(højt og afmålt).
Herr Arne fra Guldvik! Nu er da omsider den time kommen, som jeg mener vi alle har stundet efter.

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Loudly and clearly.]
Lord Arne of Guldvik! Now is the hour come at length which we have all, I imagine, been looking forward to.

HEMMING
(afsides).
Der bryder det løs!

HEMMING.
[Aside.]
Now it begins!

FRU KIRSTEN.
Snart skal kirken lyse sin fred over vore børn og knytte dem sammen til et langt og kærligt samliv.

LADY KIRSTEN.
Soon will the church bestow its blessing on our children and unite them in a long and loving union.

HEMMING
(afsides, studsende).
Hvad nu?

HEMMING.
[Aside, startled.]
What now?

FRU KIRSTEN.
Vilkårene er vi jo enige om. Men jeg tænker, vi her endnu engang besegler dem med hånd og mund.

LADY KIRSTEN.
The terms we have already agreed upon. But I suggest that we here once again seal them with hand and word.

HEMMING
(som før).
Himmel og jord! Vil hun svige mig?

HEMMING.
[As before.]
Heaven and earth! Is she trying to deceive me?

ARNE.
Ej er det fornødent; jeg står ved mit ord som en ærlig mand.

ARNE.
That is not necessary; I stand by my word like an honorable man.

FRU KIRSTEN.
Det véd jeg vel, herr Arne! men det er snart gjort. Først skal til evindelige tider hver splid og ufred mellem vore slægter være forbi, – og den ugavn og skade, som de gamle tvistigheder har voldt på både sider, skal ingen kræve fyldest for; det må bæres, som enhver bedst véd og kan. Ej sandt, det lover vi?

LADY KIRSTEN.
That I well know, Lord Arne! but it will take but a moment. First of all, there shall be an end for all time to every quarrel and dispute between our families,--and as for the damages and injuries which our old disagreements have caused on either side, no one shall demand compensation for them; each must manage them as best he knows how. We promise that, do we not?

ALLE.
Det lover vi!
(gensidige håndtag mellem brudeparrets slægtninge.)

ARNE.
That we promise!
[General shaking of hands among the relatives of the bridal couple.]

HEMMING
(sagte).
Få du skam, så forbandet du løj for mig!

HEMMING.
[Softly.]
Curses upon you; you lied to me shamefully!

FRU KIRSTEN.
Dernæst er at nævne, hvad vi alt er enige om, at grænseskellet mellem herr Arnes enemærker og mine skal flyttes så langt ind på hans grund, som gode og uvillige mænd har skønnet at være ret og billigt.

LADY KIRSTEN.
Then we mention again, what we are already agreed upon, that the boundary line between Lord Arne’s domains and mine shall be moved as far in upon his land as good and impartial men may judge to be fitting and just.

ARNE.
Ja, ja, det får vel så være!

ARNE.
Yes, yes, I suppose it must be so!

FRU KIRSTEN.
Det lover vi da?

LADY KIRSTEN.
That we promise, then?

GÆSTERNE.
Det lover vi!
(håndtag som før.)

THE GUESTS.
That we promise!
[Shaking of hands as before.]

FRU KIRSTEN.
Endelig giver herr Arne sin datter til medgift så meget af sølv, linklæder og andet bohave, som nævnt og opsat er ved fæstensøllet, og bør det sig alt tilhobe at være her tilstede på gården, fra den dag jomfru Ingeborg er flyttet herind som min søns ægtehustru, hvilket sker ikveld. Derom er vi jo enige?

LADY KIRSTEN.
Finally, Lord Arne shall give in the form of a dowry to his daughter as much silver, linen, and other furnishings as were named and agreed upon at the betrothal feast, all of which shall here be placed in my home from the day Mistress Ingeborg moves herein as my son’s lawful wife, which is tonight. On that we are agreed?

GÆSTERNE.
Det lover og vidner vi!
(håndslag.)

THE GUESTS.
That we solemnly promise!
[Shaking of hands.]

FRU KIRSTEN.
Så række da brud og brudgom hinanden hænder for at gå til gildesbordet og derfra til kirken.

LADY KIRSTEN.
Then let the bride and bridegroom clasp hands and go to the banquet-table and thence to the church.

ARNE
(afsides).
Ha, ha, nu kan Hemming se til, om fru Kirsten sviger mig.

ARNE.
[Aside.]
Ah, Hemming can now see whether Lady Kirsten deceives me.

HEMMING
(sagte).
O, så er det da forbi med mig; en dåre var jeg, at jeg stolede på hende.

HEMMING.
[Softly.]
O, then it is all over for me; a fool I was to depend on her.

FRU KIRSTEN.
Men på denne frydelige dag bør det sig os at glæde så mange som ske kan. Og derfor har jeg en bøn til eder, herr Arne!

LADY KIRSTEN.
But on this joyful day it is fitting that we make as many as possible happy. And therefore I have a request to make, Lord Arne!

ARNE.
Sig frem! Kan jeg føje jer, så sker det gerne.

ARNE.
Speak forth! If I can I shall gladly comply.

HEMMING
(afsides).
Hvad agter hun sig nu til?

HEMMING.
[Aside.]
What does she purpose now?

FRU KIRSTEN.
Der er endnu et par unge folk, som gerne gad følges til brudeskamlen ikveld; de er indbyrdes enige, efter hvad jeg hører. Bruden skal jeg sørge for, men brudgommen må I hjælpe tilrette; det er Hemming, eders svend, og Alfhild!

LADY KIRSTEN.
There is still a young couple who would like to go to the altar this evening; from what I hear, they are agreed between themselves. The bride I shall take care of, but the bridegroom you must assist; it is Hemming, your page, and Alfhild!

INGEBORG
(med et udråb).
Hemming!

INGEBORG.
[With a cry.]
Hemming!

OLAF
(ligeså).
Alfhild!

OLAF.
[Likewise.]
Alfhild!

HEMMING.
O, ve! ve! nu forstår jeg –

HEMMING.
O, woe is me! Now I understand--

GÆSTERNE
(på samme tid).
Hemming og Alfhild! Fjeldjenten!
(latter og hvisken.)

THE GUESTS.
[At the same time.]
Hemming and Alfhild! The mountain girl!
[Laughter and whispering.]

OLAF.
Alfhild! I vil gifte hende bort med – Nej, nej, det skal ikke ske! Aldrig, aldrig!

OLAF.
Alfhild! You will marry her off to--No, no, it shall not be! Never, never!

FRU KIRSTEN.
Stille! – Olaf, min Søn! vær stille! jeg beder dig.

LADY KIRSTEN.
Be still!--Olaf, my son; be still, I beg you!

ARNE
(for sig selv).
Hvad nu! Ja, forsandt, Hemming havde ret, der er noget mellem Olaf og Alfhild. (hviskende.) Ej, fru Kirsten! jeg skønner eders færd. Nu véd jeg, hvi Olaf var tre døgn på fjeldet, og nu skal Hemming skille jer af med hende. Ha, ha!

ARNE.
[To himself.]
What’s this! Yes, truly, then Hemming was right; there is something between Olaf and Alfhild.

ARNE.
[Whispering.]
Aye, Lady Kirsten! I see your scheme. Now I know why Olaf wandered three days in the mountain, and now you intend to make use of Hemming to be rid of her. Ha, ha!

FRU KIRSTEN
(med tvungen fatning).
Herr Arne! hvor kan I tro sligt?

LADY KIRSTEN.
[With forced composure.]
Lord Arne! how can you believe such a thing?

ARNE
(dæmpet).
O, jeg ser grant! Nu skulde jeg vel mene, jeg har skellig grund til at bryde forliget.

ARNE.
[In a low tone.]
O, I see clearly! Now I should think I had very good reason to break the agreement.

FRU KIRSTEN
(sagte og forskrækket).
Bryde forliget! Jeg beder jer! Vil I beskæmme os alle?
(de taler sagte sammen.)

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Softly and frightened.]
Break the agreement! I beg of you! Will you put us all to shame?
[They talk together softly.]

HEMMING
(til Ingeborg, med hvem han imidlertid har hvisket).
Så hænger det sammen, det sværger jeg eder til! Fru Kirsten og jeg har ikke forstået hinanden.

HEMMING.
[To INGEBORG, with whom he has in the meantime been whispering.]
That is all there is to it, I swear. Lady Kirsten and I have not understood each other.

INGEBORG.
Men så sig fra! Du skal! Jeg byder dig.

INGEBORG.
Well, then decline! You shall! I command you.

HEMMING.
Nej, nej! det tør jeg ikke; hun vil da mærke, at det var eder, jeg tænkte på.

HEMMING.
No, no! I dare not; she will then see that it was you I was thinking of.

INGEBORG.
Godt, så vil jeg. (højt.) Hemming skal ikke for alteret med Alfhild; – han er for god til at ægte anden mands frille!

INGEBORG.
Good; then I shall.

INGEBORG.
[Aloud.]
Hemming shall not go to the altar with Alfhild;--he is too good to marry another man’s darling!

OLAF
(med et udråb).
Beskæmmet!

OLAF.
[With a cry.]
For shame!

GÆSTERNE.
Frille!

THE GUESTS.
Darling!

ARNE
(til Ingeborg).
Hvad siger du?

ARNE.
[To INGEBORG.]
What are you saying?

FRU KIRSTEN.
Himlen stå os bi!

LADY KIRSTEN.
Heaven protect us!

OLAF.
Forbandelse over mig! Beskæmmet er hun!

OLAF.
Cursed be my soul! She is put to shame!

INGEBORG.
Ja, højt nævner jeg ordet: Hun er anden mands frille! Lad den modsige mig, som tør.

INGEBORG.
Yes, loudly I proclaim it: she is another man’s darling. Let him gainsay it who dares.

ARNE.
Ingeborg! (afsides.) Hvad går der af hende?

ARNE.
Ingeborg!

ARNE.
[Aside.]
What is the matter with her?

FRU KIRSTEN
(sagte).
Sådan er det fat! Hende, hende er det, som har Hemming kær! (sagte og bestemt til Arne.) Agter I nu længere at bryde forliget? Der ser I selv på jer datters færd, hvad årsag jeg havde til at få Hemming gift!

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Softly.]
So that’s the way it is! She then,--she it is who cares for Hemming!

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Softly and clearly, to ARNE.]
Do you now intend to break the agreement? You can now see for yourself from your daughter’s conduct what reason I had to get Hemming married!

ARNE
(forbløffet).
Min datter! Kunde I tænke jer, at hun –

ARNE.
[Disconcerted.]
My daughter! Could you imagine that she--

FRU KIRSTEN.
Stil jer kun ikke slig an! Ingeborg har sind til eders huskarl; nu skulde jeg mene, at jeg har skellig grund til at bryde vort forlig!

LADY KIRSTEN.
You need not pretend! Ingeborg has a fancy for your house-carl; now I should think I had good reason to break our agreement.

ARNE.
Bryde, bryde –! Hvad tænker I på! At volde mig slig tort!

ARNE.
Break, break--! What are you thinking of! To bring on me such disgrace!

FRU KIRSTEN
(spottende).
Ja, for ellers vilde jo I gøre det!

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Mocking.]
Yes,--otherwise you would do it!

ARNE
(hurtigt).
Nej, nej, jeg har betænkt mig; det er bedst, vi tier, begge to!

ARNE.
[Quickly.]
No, no, I have reconsidered; it is best we both keep still!

FRU KIRSTEN
(for sig selv).
Se så, nu har jeg vundet! Jeg kender Olaf; en forhånet kvinde vil ikke friste ham!

LADY KIRSTEN.
[To herself.]
See, now have I won! I know Olaf; a woman so scorned will never tempt him!

TIENDE SCENE.
De forrige. Alfhild (kommer ubemærket ud fra staburet i glimrende brudedragt med krone og udslået hår).

SCENE X
[The Preceding. ALFHILD comes unnoticed out of the storehouse in glittering bridal dress with a crown on her head and her hair flowing.]

ARNE
(afsides).
Dette har været mig en forbandet dag! O, det er dog en listig hund, den Hemming! han vidste, at Ingeborg havde sind til ham, derfor var det ham så lidet tilpas, at Olaf fik hende.

ARNE.
[Aside.]
This has been a cursed day for me! O, he is a cunning dog, this Hemming! He knew that Ingeborg had a fancy for him; it was therefore so galling to him that Olaf should have her.

FRU KIRSTEN
(der imidlertid har genvundet sin fatning).
Og nu til gildesalen! Hemming kan vi siden tænke på. – Olaf, tag bruden ved hånd!

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Who has in the meantime regained her composure.]
And now to the festive hall! Hemming we can think of later.--Olaf, take your bride by the hand!

ARNE
(uvillig, da han ser Ingeborg hviske til Hemming).
Hvor er bruden? Træd frem, træd frem!

ARNE.
[Reluctantly, as he sees INGEBORG whisper to HEMMING.]
Where is the bride? Come, come!

ALFHILD OG INGEBORG
(på engang, idet hver af dem griber en af Olafs hænder).
Her er jeg!

ALFHILD AND INGEBORG.
[At the same time, as they each seize one of OLAF’s hands.]
Here I am!

GÆSTERNE.
Hvordan, hun tager Olaf?
(almindelig forbauselse.)

THE GUESTS.
How,--she takes Olaf?
[General amazement.]

FRU KIRSTEN
(afsides).
Så vidt har han da drevet det! (højt til Alfhild.) Du fejler! Det er ikke din brudgom!

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Aside.]
So far has he gone, then!

LADY KIRSTEN.
[Aloud, to ALFHILD.]
You are mistaken! That is not your bridegroom!

ALFHILD.
Jovisst, det er jo Olaf!

ALFHILD.
Why, certainly, it is Olaf!

INGEBORG
(slipper hans hånd).
Han har da lovet hende –!

INGEBORG.
[Lets go his hand.]
If then he has promised her--!

FRU KIRSTEN
(i stærkt oprør).
Olaf er ikke din brudgom, siger jeg. Sig hende det selv, min søn!

LADY KIRSTEN.
[In great agitation.]
Olaf is not your bridegroom, I say! Tell her it yourself, my son!

OLAF
(tier).
(Fru Kirstens frænder ser forlegne på hinanden. Arnes slægtninge nærmer sig mørke og truende.)

[OLAF is silent. LADY KIRSTEN’s Kinsmen look at each other embarrassed. ARNE’s Relatives draw nearer, angry and threatening.]

FRU KIRSTEN
(med hævet stemme).
Olaf Liljekrans! Svar højt og lydt! Det kræves med rette af dig.

LADY KIRSTEN.
[With raised voice.]
Olaf Liljekrans! Answer loudly and clearly! You owe it to yourself and to us.

OLAF
(fortvilet, kæmpende med sig selv).
Det ske da, som I vil, min moder! Ja, ved alle helgene! jeg skal svare. Alfhild! du fejler! Jeg er ikke din brudgom. (pegende på Ingeborg.) Der – der står min brud!

OLAF.
[In despair, struggling with himself.]
Let it be as you wish then, mother! Yes, by all the saints! I shall answer. Alfhild! you are mistaken! I am not your bridegroom.

OLAF.
[Pointing to INGEBORG.]
There--there stands my bride!

ALFHILD
(træder som forstenet et skridt tilbage og stirrer på ham).
Hun! Din – –

ALFHILD.
[Withdraws a step or two dumfounded and stares at him.]
She--your--

OLAF
(med stigende ophidselse).
Alfhild! gå bort herfra? Gå, gå, langt ind på fjeldet igen; det tjener dig bedst. Jeg har været syg og forvildet i sind, da jeg gik deroppe! Hvad jeg har sagt dig, mindes jeg lidet af! Jeg véd det ikke, og jeg vil ikke vide det! Hører du, jeg vil ikke! – Guldkronen kan du beholde! Behold alt, både sølv og guld, som du der er klædt i. Mere, ja tifold mere skal du få. – Nu! hvi ser du sådan på mig?

OLAF.
[With rising irritation.]
Alfhild! go hence! Go, go, far into the mountain again; ’twill be best for you. I was sick and bewildered in mind when I wandered up there! What I have told you I little remember! I do not know and I do not want to know! Do you hear,--I do not want to!--The golden crown you can keep! Keep all, both the silver and gold, that you there stand dressed in. More,--yea, tenfold more you shall have.--Well! why do you stare at me so?

ALFHILD
(tager kronen og de øvrige smykker af og lægger dem for Olafs fødder, idet hun vedbliver ufravendt at stirre på ham).

[ALFHILD takes off the crown and the other adornments and places them at OLAF’s feet as she continues uninterruptedly to stare at him.]

OLAF.
Kanhænde jeg bildte dig ind, at du skulde være min brud ikveld, kanhænde du troede mig! Kanhænde du tænkte, at Olaf Liljekrans vilde ægte en – en – hvordan var det, I kaldte hende? (stammed foden.) Se ikke sådan på mig, siger jeg! Jeg kender dig nok, du har forhekset mig. Jeg glemte, hvad slægt jeg var af; jeg glemte min brud, min fæstemø! hun, som der står. (griber Alfhild med heftighed i armen.) Se på hende, Alfhild! Ha, ha, ha! hende er det, jeg har kær!

OLAF.
Perhaps I pretended to you that you were to be my bride tonight, perhaps you believed me! Perhaps you thought that Olaf Liljekrans would marry a--a--what was it you called her?

OLAF.
[Stamps with his foot.]
Do not stare at me so, I say! I know you well enough; you have bewitched me. I forgot my family; I forgot my bride, my betrothed, she who stands there.

OLAF.
[Seizes ALFHILD violently by the arm.]
Look at her, Alfhild! Aha, it is she that I love!

ALFHILD
(synker på knæ og bedækker ansigtet med sine hænder).

[ALFHILD sinks down on her knees and covers her face with her hands.]

OLAF.
Rejs dig, Alfhild! rejs dig, siger jeg! Dersom du tør sørge så, da slår jeg dig ihjel! – Hvi er du ikke glad? Vær lystig og vild som jeg! – Og I andre! Hvi står I der så tause og ser på hinanden? Ler, ler dog, så det kan runge i gården! – Alfhild! hvi svarer du ikke? Har jeg ikke sagt dig nok endnu! Ha, ha! så sig hende et ord, I andre med! Læg også I et ord med i laget; fru Kirsten vil det! Le dog ad hende, forhån hende, træd hende under fødder! (med skingrende latter.) Ha, ha, ha! Hun er jo Olafs frille!

OLAF.
Rise, Alfhild! rise, I say! If you dare to grieve in this way, I shall kill you!--Why are you not happy? Be merry and wild as I am!--And the rest of you! Why do you stand so silently, looking at one another? Laugh,--laugh loudly, so that it may echo around!--Alfhild! Why don’t you answer? Have I not told you enough! Aha! Then add, you others, a word to what I have said! Come, say something, you too; Lady Kirsten would like it! Laugh at her, mock her, trample her under your feet!

OLAF.
[With ringing laughter.]
Ha, ha, ha! She is Olaf’s darling!

ALFHILD
(synker mod jorden således, at hun kommer til at hvile i en liggende stilling ved stenbænken til venstre. Et stærkt lyn oplyser scenen, tordenen ruller; under det følgende tiltager mørket og uvejret mere og mere, indtil aktens slutning).

[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.
Se, se! Det må jeg lide; nu stemmer de i med derovenfra! Ret nu vil jeg til kirken med min brud! Kom, jomfru Ingeborg! Men først vil vi drikke, ja drikke, drikke! Hid med krus og horn – nej derinde –! Tænd lys i kirken! Orgelet skal spille op til dans – ikke klagelige salmer – fy, fy, nej, dans! (lyn og torden.) Ha, ha! Det spørges i himlen, at Olaf Liljekrans holder brudefærd!
(styrter ud til højre.)

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.
Krist fri mig! hans forstand er borte!

ARNE.
Christ save me! his reason is gone!

FRU KIRSTEN.
Ej, vær kun trøstig; det er snart forbi, – jeg kender ham.
(trækker Arne med sig.)

LADY KIRSTEN.
Ah, have no fear; it will soon pass,--I know him.
[Draws ARNE aside with her.]

ARNE
(truer sagte til Hemming i forbigående).
O, Hemming, Hemming! Du er en listig hund!

ARNE.
[Gently threatening HEMMING in passing.]
O, Hemming, Hemming! You are a sly dog!

GÆSTERNE
(går stille og forstemte ud til højre; tyendet til venstre).

[The GUESTS go quietly and gloomily out to the right; the SERVANTS to the left.]

INGEBORG
(holder Hemming tilbage).
Hemming! jeg går ikke til kirken med Olaf Liljekrans!

INGEBORG.
[Detains HEMMING.]
Hemming! I will not go to church with Olaf Liljekrans!

HEMMING.
Ak, hvordan skal det hindres?

HEMMING.
Alas, what will prevent it?

INGEBORG.
Kommer det derpå an, så siger jeg nej, nej for alteret selv, i alles påsyn!

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 min hest sadlet og rede!

INGEBORG.
Hold my horse saddled and ready!

HEMMING.
Hvad! I vil –!

HEMMING.
What! You will--!

INGEBORG.
Jeg vil! Nu véd jeg først, hvor kær du er mig, nu jeg står fare for at miste dig. Gå, gør som jeg siger og var mig ad, når tid er.
(går ud til højre.)

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.
Ja, nu er jeg stærk; nu tør jeg friste, hvad det skal være!
(går ud til venstre.)

HEMMING.
Yes, now am I strong; now I dare venture whatever it be!
[He goes out to the left.]

ELLEVTE SCENE.
Alfhild. Senere Hemming, Ingeborg og flere til forskellige tider.

SCENE XI
[ALFHILD. Later HEMMING, INGEBORG, and others at various times.]

ALFHILD
(bliver en tid lang ubevægelig liggende med ansigtet skjult i hænderne. Endelig hæver hun sig halvt i vejret; ser sig forvildet om, rejser sig og siger med stille, afbrudt latter:)
Én falk kan hvile sig på dronningens arm,
en anden må lide stor nød og harm!
Én fugl fik fjære både røde og blå,
en anden må nøjes med hammen grå!
Jeg har vidst, at tårernes varme flod
husvaler, når verden går tungt imod;
men nu har jeg fristet så vild en ve,
at jeg kunde mig derover tildøde le!
(Det er nu ganske mørkt. Kirkens vinduer bliver oplyste. Alfhild går hen til huset og lytter, medens det følgende kor høres dæmpet indenfor.)

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.]

KOR AF BRYLLUPSGÆSTER.
     Hil og sæl både brudgom og brud,
     de sidder i lyst og gammen herinde.
     Herr Olaf er sig en ridder prud,
     skøn Ingeborg så ven en kvinde!

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!

HEMMING
(lister sig under koret ind fra venstre).
Hesten står opsadlet! Nu et lønligt tegn til Ingeborg og så afsted!
(går ud til højre bag huset.)

HEMMING.
[Steals in from the left during the song.]
The horse stands saddled and ready! Now a secret sign to Ingeborg and then away!
[He goes out to the right to the rear of the house.]

ALFHILD.
De drikker ham til af sølverne krus,
bruden er bænket højt ved hans side;
på alteret tændes op de gule vokslys,
snart skal de til kirken udride!
Derinde de sidder ved gildebord
og taler så mangt et skemteligt ord!
Jeg må færdes alene i uvejr og nat,
ak, har mig da alle forstødt og forladt!
Olaf! Stormen slider i mit hår!
Olaf! Regnen mig pisker og slår!
Olaf, Olaf! Kan du se mig lide
al den unævnelige angst og kvide!
(ler.)
Regn og storm, det er ringe ting,
lidet at agte mod det hvasse sting
her i min venstre side. –
Mit hjem, min fader, alt gav jeg hen
for at følge Olaf, min hjertensven!
Han svor mig til, du skal vorde min brud!
og jeg kom – Guds kærlighed var i mit hjerte;
men han jog mig fra sig, han stødte mig ud;
så højt han lo, da jeg vred mig i smerte!
Lig en hund må jeg sidde ved gildehusets port
i uvejrsnatten. Jeg vil bort, jeg vil bort!
(vil gå, men standser.)
Nej, jeg mægter det ikke; jeg kan ikke gå,
her må jeg våndes, her må jeg blive!
Så lidet markens urter formå
selver sig med rod oprive!
hos Olaf har jeg vokset mig fast med rod,
enten han er mig falsk eller god!
(Pause. – Huskarlene kommer fra venstre med fakler.)

ALFHILD.
His health from the silvery cup they drink,
The bride sits proudly enthroned at his side;
The candles of wax on the altar now wink,
Soon out to the church they will ride!
Within at the banquet sit host and guest
And laugh as they bandy the merry jest!
But here I must wander alone in the night,
Alas, they have all forsaken me quite!
Olaf! The storm is rending my hair!
The rain beats against me wherever I fare!
Olaf, Olaf! Can you see me thus languish
Beneath this unspeakable torture and anguish?
[She laughs.]

ALFHILD.
But rain or storm is a trifling thing,
’Tis as nothing beside the poignant sting
I suffer within my breast.--
My home and my father and all the rest
I left for Olaf, the friend I loved best!
He swore to me then I should be his bride!
And I came--God’s love I felt in my soul;
But he drove me away, he thrust me aside;
So loudly he laughed when I writhed in dole!
While they banquet within, like a dog I must stay
Out here in the storm. Hence,--hence I will go!
[Starts to go, but stops.]

ALFHILD.
But I have not the power, I cannot go away;
Here must I stay and suffer my woe!
’Tis little the flowers out there in the wood
Can tear themselves up from the ground!
And Olaf, whether he be false or good,--
About him my roots I have wound.
[Pause.--The HOUSE SERVANTS come with torches from the left.]

ALFHILD
(ligesom greben af en ængstelig anelse).
Hvorhen går I? Hvorhen, hvorhen? Hvad skal der ske?

ALFHILD.
[As if seized by an uneasy presentiment.]
Whither do you go? Whither, whither? What is going to happen?

EN KARL.
Ej, se, se! Det er jo Alfhild; hun er her endnu!

A SERVANT.
Why, see, see! It is Alfhild; she is still here!

ALFHILD.
O, sig mig det! Hvad skal ske, hvad skal gå for sig?

ALFHILD.
O, tell me this! What is going to happen,--why all these preparations?

KARLEN.
Vielsen! Har du ikke lyst til at se derpå?

THE SERVANT.
The wedding! Wouldn’t you care to see it?

ALFHILD
(i feberagtig angst).
Vielsen! O, nej, nej! vent dermed, kun til imorgen! Er vielsen holdt, da er alting forbi for mig, jeg véd det!

ALFHILD.
[In feverish anxiety.]
The wedding! O, no, no! Put it off, only till tomorrow! If the wedding is held, then is everything over with me, I well know!

KARLEN.
Vente! Nej, Alfhild! det er nok hverken efter brudgommens eller brudens sind.

THE SERVANT.
Postpone it! No, Alfhild! ’Tis not, I’m afraid, the wish of bridegroom or bride!

EN ANDEN.
Tænk dig om! Ifald du selv var bruden, så gad du nok ikke vente.
(latter.)

ANOTHER.
Think for a moment! Were you yourself but the bride, you surely would not want to wait.
[Laughter.]

FØRSTE KARL.
Nu skal vi ned til kirkeporten og lyse med de røde brudeblus, når følget rider fra gården.

THE FIRST SERVANT.
Now we go down to the gate at the church to light the way with red bridal lights when the procession starts from the house.

ANDEN KARL.
Kom og vær med, Alfhild! Du skal også få et blus at bære!

THE SECOND SERVANT.
Come along with us, Alfhild! You shall also have a torch to carry!

FLERE.
Ja, ja, det må du! Det er jo herr Olafs hædersdag!
(latter.)

SEVERAL.
Yes, yes, you must come! It is Lord Olaf’s day of glory!
[Laughter.]

ALFHILD
(tager en af faklerne).
Ja, ja, jeg vil! Som den ringeste i rækken vil jeg stå dernede, og så, når han ser mig, når jeg beder ham derom, når jeg minder ham om alt, hvad han har lovet og svoret, – o, sig mig, sig mig, tror I da ikke, han vil blive mig god igen! Tror I det? O, sig ja, sig ja! Sig, at I tror det!

ALFHILD.
[Takes one of the torches.]
Yes, yes, I will! As the most humble in the row I shall stand down there, and then, when he sees me, when I ask of him, when I remind him of everything he has promised and sworn,--O, tell me, tell me, do you not think that he will be kind to me again? Do you think so? O, tell me you do! Say that you think so!

KARLENE.
Ha, ha, ha! Det vil han visst, kom nu!
(de går ud til højre bag huset.)

THE SERVANTS.
Aha,--for certain he will; now come!
[They go out to the right to the rear of the house.]

ALFHILD
(med frembrydende tårer.)
De håner mig alle, – hver og en!
så hård er end ikke fjeldkammens sten;
den lader dog mosset trives derpå;
mig er ingen så god! Jeg – jeg må forgå!
(lyn og torden.)
Himlen selv er mig ond og gram,
den øser sin vrede over mit hoved;
men den har ej et lyn for at knuse ham,
der listeligt sveg, hvad han loved!
(orgeltoner høres fra kirken.)
O, hør! Der synger Guds engle små!
de maner Olaf til det hellige alter!
og jeg skal udenfor kirkedøren stå
og våndes i gyldne pjalter!
(svinger faklen højt i vejret.)
Nej, nej, du deroppe! jeg gør det ej!
frist mig ikke længer, ellers sviger jeg dig!
(holder inde og lytter til orgelsangen.)
Guds engle synger! Af gravens muld
mægted de at synge den døde!
O, min barm er så bristende fuld!
(knæler og vender sig mod kirken.)
Hold op med de toner bløde!
hold op med sangen, så mild og lind!
ellers lokker I Olaf for alteret ind!
(hviskende og i den højeste angst.)
Vær stille! o, vær stille! kun så liden en stund!
nu er han dysset i glemselsblund!
o, vækker ham ikke, ellers vil han ride
til kirken – og da må jeg døden lide!
(orgelet lyder stærkere gennem stormen. Alfhild springer op fortvilet og ude af sig selv.)
Nej, alle Guds engle har mig forladt!
de håner mig i min jammer!
de maner ham ud; – nu har de ham fat!
Haha! Skal jeg færdes i sorten nat,
lyst skal der være i dit brudekammer!
(kaster faklen ind igennem den åbne luge i gavlen og styrter til jorden. – Ingeborg og Hemming kommer hurtig frem bag ved huset.)

ALFHILD.
[Bursts into tears.]
They mock at me, laugh at me,--one and all!
So harsh is not even the mountain wall;
The moss thereon is permitted to grow;
There’s no one so kind to me here! I--I must go!
[Thunder and lightning.]

ALFHILD.
Ah, heaven itself is angry and grim,
It pours out its wrath on my wretched head;
But flash there is none to annihilate him
Who craftily tricked me in all that he said!
[The tones of the organ are heard from within the church.]

ALFHILD.
O, listen! I hear God’s angel choir!
’Tis Olaf to the altar they call!
And I must stand here in my ragged attire
And suffer outside the church-hall!
[She swings the torch high in the air.]

ALFHILD.
No, no, that I will not, thou all-highest God!
O, tempt me no longer, forswear thee I may!
[She is silent and listens to the organ music.]

ALFHILD.
God’s angels are singing! From under the sod
The dead they were able to carol away!
O, my bosom is bursting with woe!
[She kneels and faces the church.]

ALFHILD.
Cease, cease your melodies tender and sweet!
O, cease your singing; be kind, I entreat!
Or Olaf to the altar will go!
[Whispering and in the greatest apprehension.]

ALFHILD.
Be still! O, be still! For a little while yet!
He is lulled in a sleep that will make him forget!
O, waken him not, else straight he will hie
To the church--and then, alas, I must die!
[The organ grows louder through the storm. ALFHILD springs up, beside herself with despair.]
The angels of God have forsaken me quite!
They mock at my anguish and woe!
They conjure him forth;--he is now in their might!
Ah, if here in the dark, dark night I must go,
Your bridal chamber at least shall be light!
[She throws the torch in through the opening in the gable and falls down on the ground.--INGEBORG and HEMMING come hurriedly from behind the house.]

HEMMING.
Nu er det tid! Hesten står sadlet bag ved staburet.

HEMMING.
Now it is time. The horse stands saddled behind the store house.

INGEBORG.
Og alle karlene er nede ved kirkedøren, ej så?

INGEBORG.
And all the servants are down at the church, are they not?

HEMMING.
Jo, jo, vær ganske tryg; og i gildehuset har jeg stængt både døre og luger; der er tykke jernringe for, ingen kan slippe ud!

HEMMING.
Aye, rest you assured; and in the banquet house I have barred every shutter and door with heavy iron rings; no one can get out!

INGEBORG.
Afsted da! Op til dalen, som Alfhild har talt om!

INGEBORG.
Away, then! Up to the valley which Alfhild has told of!

HEMMING.
Ja, didop! Der vil ingen søge os!
(de iler ud til venstre. – Alfhild bliver en tid lang ubevægelig liggende. Pludselig høres støj og skrig i brudehuset; luerne slaar ud igennem taget.)

HEMMING.
Yes, up there! There no one will seek us!
[They rush out to the left.--ALFHILD continues to lie motionless for some time. Suddenly cries and commotion are hear in the bridal house; the flames break out through the roof.]

ALFHILD
(springer fortvilet op).
Det brænder! – Haha! Jeg kommer ihu!
her var mig for mørkt – det voldte mig gru!
ha, Olaf! før var det dig, som lo,
nu ler Alfhild, så vild og fro! –
I brudehuset er nød og harm,
bruden brænder på brudgommens arm!
(Huskarlene styrter efterhånden ind uden fakler og bliver som forstenet stående. Olaf kommer tilsyne oppe i lugen, som han med fortvilet kraft søger at udvide.)

ALFHILD.
[Jumps up in despair.]
It burns!--Aha,--I remember! ’T was here
Too dark for my soul--it filled me with fear!
Olaf, before it was you who smiled,
Now it is Alfhild, so gay and so wild!--
In the bridal house there is anguish and gloom,
The bride is burning on the arm of the groom!
[The HOUSE SERVANTS rush in one by one without torches and stand as if turned to stone. OLAF comes into view up in the opening, which he seeks to widen with desperate efforts.]

OLAF.
Alfhild! Dig er det! Det måtte jeg vide!
Guld og mård skal du herefter slide,
ifald du mig frelser af vånden stor!

OLAF.
Alfhild! ’Tis you! So might I have known!
If only from out of this danger you save me,
’T is silver and gold you shall hereafter own!

ALFHILD
(med vild latter).
Ja, jeg véd, du holder så vel dit ord!
rid nu til kirken med spillemand og præst!
hold nu dit bryllup og glem din frille!
Alfhild har hædret dig, som hun kunde bedst, –
hun har svunget brudeblusset ved dit gilde!
(hun styrter ud i baggrunden. Karlene iler til for at hjælpe; en del af taget styrter sammen, Olaf ses højt oppe, omringet af luerne, idet tæppet falder.)

ALFHILD.
[With wild laughter.]
Too well I remember the promise you gave me!
Now ride to the church with minstrel and priest!
Now hold your wedding,--forget all the rest!
Alfhild has honored you as she knew best,--
The torch she has swung at your bridal feast!
[She rushes out at the back. The SERVANTS hasten to lend their help; a part of the roof falls in; OLAF is seen high amidst the flames as the curtain falls.]

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