38 James Christian Lindbcrg 



Leif. Yes, Karker, I understand. 



Karkcr. \Angry at being interrupted.] Then let me hear 

 what it is that you understand. 



Leif. You mean that such a hero, waking all the day for Nor- 

 way's men, at night may sleep with Norway's women. 



Karker. Exactly so, correct, thy reasoning is natural and 

 sound. [Exeunt. 



Scene III 



EiNAR Tambeskielver has in the meanwhile entered and seated him- 

 self upon a tree stump in the background, getting his bow in readiness ; 

 when the thralls go out, he arises, and looks in the opposite direction. 



Einar. Who loiters idly down the road ? By Thor, 

 It 's Hakon Jarl, returning from the ships. 

 Let 's see ! I "11 play the Jarl a trick ! They say 

 That nothing ever frightens him. 



[Places an arroiv in the hoiv and shoots out from the scene.] 



Ha, ha! 

 I 've struck the bushy crest from off his helm. 



Hakon. [Runs angrily xiitJi sivord uplifted toivards Einar, 

 sei.ces him at the throat and says:] 

 Ha, purchased hireling ! quick, I say, confess, 

 What have they promised thee for Hakon 's life. 



Einar. [Calmly.] Ah, nothing sir; I never asked for aught. 

 I 'm not a hireling either ; I may boast 

 A noble birth ; thou knowest my parents well. 



Hakon. Who art thou, traitor ? Speak, reveal thy kin. 



Einar. My father's name is Manhood, sir; thou knowest 

 Him well, a crabid fellow, old, but brisk, 

 Alert for all his years ; his beard is thick. 

 His arm is strong; his rugged health he drew 

 From Norway's mountains. 



Hakon. Manhood ? Villain ! Die ! 



Einar. [Holding his arm firmly.] 



May all the gods be praised who gave me strength 

 To master Hakon's arm; or else I "d breathed 

 My last. 



76 



