Oehlenschlaeger's Hakoii Jarl 47 



But out upon the deep, he learned from spies, 



That Olaf's fleet outnumbered far the rumor 



Reported him at Hlade. What was he 



To do ? He sought this island, where he found 



My lord, his other-self. The Jarl is not 



Dissuaded from his will with ease. When one 



Scheme fails, another takes its place. ]My lord's 



Proposal was agreed upon. "The need 



Compels me ! the cause concerns the highest gods." 



Such were his words, and yet the cause concerns 



Himself as much, to seize the unbidden guest 



That grapples at his throat. The Jarl's distress 



Is sore ; if once 't is knoun how matters stand, 



That Olaf lives, his presence here, then love, 



The ancient love for Norway's kingly blood. 



Combined with hate toward Hakon's guilt, would make 



The danger for the Jarl more dangerous still. 



What happened then ? He told his men to rear 



The tents ; they little guess the truth, and think 



Tliat they are robbers whom they seek. 



J ostein. And what 



.Are now his plans ? 



Grib. Through many a sleepless night 



Upon my bed of straw, with tear-stained eyes, 

 I 've asked the gods to show me why they 've bound 

 y\y young ambitious life in thralldom chains. 

 1'hanks be to these all-wise and precious gods ! 

 For otherwise, too late, had Thorer's schemes 

 Been known ; for otherwise was Olaf lost, 

 Aye, steeped in 's noble, kingly blood. 



J ostein. Conceal 



No more the substance of thy words ; speak out ! 



Grib. I heard it ; I was present ; I 'm his slave, 

 A wretched, sordid slave, who must attend 

 His master, quite unnoticed, like the trail 

 That fastens to his cloak. And. briefly, what 

 Are his intentions ? Under friendship's guise, 



