own; ere a moment speeds by,
Deep, deep in the heart love is rooted for aye.

[As he strikes the concluding chords, he goes towards the
back where he lays down his harp.

SIGNE. [Thoughtfully, repeats to herself.]

But swiftly 'tis sown; ere a moment speeds by,
Deep, deep in the heart love is rooted for aye.

MARGIT.

[Absently.] Did you speak to me?--I heard not clearly--?

SIGNE.

I? No, no. I only meant--

[She again becomes absorbed in dreams.

MARGIT. [Half aloud; looking straight before her.]

It grows like the oak tree through slow-rolling years;
'Tis nourished by dreams, and by songs and by tears.

SIGNE.

[Returning to herself.] You said that--?

MARGIT.

[Drawing her hand over her brow.] Nay, 'twas nothing. Come, we
must go meet our guests.

[BENGT enters with many GUESTS, both men and women,
through the passageway.

GUESTS.

With song and harping enter we
The feast-hall opened wide;
Peace to our hostess kind and free,
All happiness to her betide.
O'er Solhoug's roof for ever may
Bright as to-day
The heavens abide.

ACT SECOND

A birch grove adjoining the house, one corner of which is seen to
the left. At the back, a footpath leads up the hillside. To
the right of the footpath a river comes tumbling down a ravine
and loses itself among boulders and stones. It is a light
summer evening. The door leading to the house stands open;
the windows are lighted up. Music is heard from within.

THE GUESTS. [Singing in the Feast Hall.]

Set bow to fiddle! To sound of strings
We'll dance till night shall furl her wings,
Through the long hours glad and golden!
Like blood-red blossom the maiden glows--
Come, bold young wooer and hold the rose
In a soft embrace enfolden.

[KNUT GESLING and ERIK OF HEGGE enter from the house. Sounds
of music, dancing and merriment are heard from
within during what follows.

ERIK.

If only you come not to repent it, Knut.

KNUT.

That is my affair.

ERIK.

Well, say what you will, 'tis a daring move. You are the King's
Sheriff. Commands go forth to you that you shall seize the person
of Gudmund Alfson, wherever you may find him. And now, when you
have him in your grasp, you proffer him your friendship, and let
him go freely, whithersoever he will.

KNUT.

I kno