24 James Christian Lindbcrg 



Or four perhaps, I 've left, — of these clost wish 



To rob me ? Think you Bergthor trembles like 



A slave when thou dost scowl ? All no ! He '11 die 



Beside his sword, but Norway's crown shall ne'er 



Be changed. He wears the crown who worthy is. [Exit. 



ACT n 



Scene I 



The Island Moster 



Woods and mountains. In the background the ocean. Olaf, Tang- 

 brand^ and Warriors approach from the seashore, followed by Thorer 

 Klake, Jostein, and Carlshoved. 



Olaf. Now this is friendship of the truest kind, 

 My Thorer. Sail the seas all night to meet 

 Me here. Thou 'rt right ; an hour's delay and thou 

 Hadst found me gone. Propitiously the winds 

 At midnight changed and urged us to embark. 

 But pray, my Thorer, how wert thou informed 

 That I was here ? 



Thorer. By merest chance, my lord, 



'T was told me yesterday at Hakon's board ; 

 A skipper brought the news. Thy kindly ways, 

 Thy hospitality has all but won 



Stout Norway's heart. King Olaf's kindness came 

 To mind when out on stormy seas my ship 

 Sprung leak. Enchanting was the night, so bright 

 And clear ; the wind was brisk ; unworthy I 

 Thy love, had I not hastened here to greet 

 Thee on our northern soil. Our veering course 

 Was not our greatest care, but rather this : 

 Perhaps the fickle winds that hindered us, 

 Were driving thee from Norway's coast. 



Olaf. 1 trust 



That Hakon Jarl is not displeased because 

 I briefly visit thus my fatherland ? 



62 



