hought flew onward to Norway's leas,
With the milk-white seagulls sailing.
Two voices whispered behind my back;--
I turned--it was he and she;
I knew them well, though the night was black,
But they--they saw not me.
She gazed upon him with sorrowful eyes
And whispered: "Ah, if to southern skies
We could turn the vessel's prow,
And we were alone in the bark, we twain,
My heart, methinks, would find peace again,
Nor would fever burn my brow."
Sir Audun answers; and straight she replies,
In words so fierce, so bold;
Like glittering stars I can see her eyes;
She begged him--
[Breaking off.

My blood ran cold.

MARGIT.

She begged--?

GUDMUND.

I arose, and they vanished apace;
All was silent, fore and aft:--
[Producing a small phial.

But this I found by their resting place.

MARGIT.

And that--?

GUDMUND. [Lowering his voice.]

Holds a secret draught.
A drop of this in your enemy's cup
And his life will sicken and wither up.
No leechcraft helps 'gainst the deadly thing.

MARGIT.

And that--?

GUDMUND.

That draught was meant for the King.

MARGIT.

Great God!

GUDMUND. [Putting up the phial again.]

That I found it was well for them all.
In three days more was our voyage ended;
Then I fled, by my faithful men attended.
For I knew right well, in the royal hall,
That Audun subtly would work my fall,--
Accusing me--

MARGIT.

Aye, but at Solhoug he
Cannot harm you. All as of old will be.

GUDMUND.

All? Nay, Margit--you then were free.

MARGIT.

You mean--?

GUDMUND.

I? Nay, I meant naught. My brain
Is wildered; but ah, I am blithe and fain
To be, as of old, with you sisters twain.
But tell me,--Signe--?

MARGIT. [Points smiling towards the door on the left.]

She comes anon.
To greet her kinsman she needs must don
Her trinkets--a task that takes time, 'tis plain.

GUDMUND.

I must see--I must see if she knows me again.

[He goes out to the left.

MARGIT.

[Following him with her eyes.] How fair and manlike he is! [With
a sigh.] There is little likeness 'twixt him and-- [Begins putting
things in order on the table, but presently stops.] "You then were
free," he said. Yes, then! [A short pause.] 'Twas a strange tale,
that of the Princess who-- She held another dear, and then-- Aye,
those women of far-off land