Oehlenschlaeger's Hakon Jarl 



Thorer. Indeed, 't is nothing strange that Olaf's fame 

 Plath reached thine ear. But why ? It seems the news 

 Concerns thee much, and stirs thy cahiier self. 



Hakon. Give me thy hand in proof that thou art true. 



Thorer. My hand and heart are thine. For all my wealth 

 I am in debt to thee. Thou gavest me ships. 

 To thee, none other, my success is due. 



Hakon. My friend, my Thorer; know, I love thee well. 

 1 longed for thy return ; for thou art shrewd 

 To execute whatever is resolved. 

 And when obstructions unforeseen appear 

 Thou 'rt bold to wield the sword and use the axe 

 As late thou didst thy wit."^" And thus, my friend, 

 It ought to be. 



Thorer. We are endowed by Odin 



With powers quite distinct ; we each employ, 

 Nor slight the one and use the other more. 



Hakon. Each man must feel a reason for his being; 

 Then native bent his native strength evolves. 

 He carves his path as best he may, and lo ! 

 His consummation needs no other aim. 



Thorer. A most ingenious speech, my noble lord ! 



Hakon, My inborn passion ever was to rule. 

 To sit supreme on Norway's ancient throne 

 Has been the keenest passion of my soul. 



Thorer. A worthy goal, my lord ; and what thou 'st craved, 

 Behold, 't is thine. 



Hakon. Not wholly so, my friend. 



In close approximation, nay, almost. 

 The people call me now but Hakon Jarl; 

 But this prerogative my birth bestows, — 

 For this I need not strive. 



Thorer. It rests with thee 



Alone; whene'er thou wilt, the people name 

 Thee king. 



Hakon. I trust that Norway's sons will think 

 It more appropriate a king, and not 



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