OcJilcnschlaegcr's Hakon Jarl 55 



Thorcr. In search for prey. 



Well, then, this groove, which reaches from the hih, — 

 Thou seest the hilt is hollow, and this spring — 

 Dost understand me ? 



Grib. No, my lord ! 



Thorcr. Ah, trne! 



Onr clumsy north is stranger still, to things 

 So subtile, overnice. I bought this knife 

 In Italy ; I thought, as now proves true. 

 Who knows whereto it may be used ? 



Grib. Just so. 



Thorcr. And now my Grib, hast thou not often known 

 A wounded warrior, who has seen death's door, 

 And still returned to life, full strong and hale ? 



Grib. Yea, often lord. 



Thorer. Therefore, a dagger thrust 



That must be sure, — thou seest thyself, one can't 

 Depend alone upon the strength the arm 

 Affords. 



Grib. I see not yet, — an arm of power — 



Thorcr. What power ? Alas, how frail is human power ! 

 But notice now ; this groove contains a fluid. 

 Which mingles with the blood and curdles it. 



Grib. ria, now I comprehend thy words, it 's poison ! 



Thorcr. Scream not so loud. Here, take the dagger, Grib. 

 And handle it with care, judiciously ; 

 Thou 'rt not accustomed, Grib, to such a tool. 



Grib. [Cradles the ivcapon in his hand.] 



My lord ! I feel a strange desire. Dost know 

 Whereto ? 



Thorcr. No, Grib. Thine eye is all aflame. 

 What is 't ? 



Grib. To plunge this knife into thy breast. 



Thorcr. Thy wits, thy sense — 



Grib. Be calm, my lord, conceive 



I 'm only joking. 



Thorer. Ah, but such a joke! 



93 



