6 James CJiristian Lindbcrg 



Karkcr. Aye, so my master thinks. He searched and searched 

 hefore lie found such a man as I. One knows he has his own 

 wliims. He says, and riglit it is, that a thrall must always h^' 

 ohedient and truthful, never proud, hut strong to argue for his 

 master. 



Grib. In hrief, precisely what one would ask of a dog. 



Karkcr. As soon as Hakon saw me he knew I was just what 

 he wanted ; he noticed my low hroad forehead, he examined my 

 short thick fingers, my flat nose, and my manner, slow and staid, 

 and all. — what more could he wish? Now I live continually at 

 his side, and they are few who know his daily thoughts as well 

 as I. 



Grib. Hush, be still. Again they speak of Olaf Trygveson."' 



Karkcr. And. who may that Olaf be? 



Grib. A noble hero; once a thrall, as I; now he is a son-in- 

 law to the king of Dublin. — indeed a king himself. 



Karkcr. Was born and bred a thrall ? 



Grib. [Sighing.] Not exactly born a thrall ; he was a king's 

 son. 



Karkcr. Indeed, why then "t is nothing to be a king. 



Grib. Quite new in ()laf's case; JDcfore his birth he felt the 

 heavy hand of fate, and since, the world has been a constant foe. 



Karkcr. They leave the talile. Stand up ! There comes the 

 Jarl with all his men. 



[Jarl Hakon^ and Iiis men cross over the stage.] 



Grib. A lordly hero is Hakon Jarl. He towers high as the 

 knotted oak, above the lowly copse. 



Karkcr. He now departs to take his accustomed walk. I 

 must in to clear the tables and keep an eye on the other thralls. 

 Wilt thou come with me ? 



Grib. No. I '11 linger here, here in this vaulted palace which 

 the gods have built for me. as well- as for the greatest hero. 



[Exit among the frees. 



Karkcr. Too proud perhaps. Go suck the empty air while I 

 gather up the crumbs. Let Thor*' then judge between us, which 

 is truly wise. [Exit. 



44 



