Ochlcnschloegcr's Hakon Jarl 59 



Scene II 

 A Byplace in t/ic Woods, at a Peasant's Hut 

 Hakon Jarl and Karker 



Hakon. Hast done thine errand as I bade thee ? 



Karker. Aye, my lord. I told them on board the ships that 

 thon \vert gone to the woods to seek a cool breath among- the 

 trees, because at noon it is so hot on the salt sea ; the reason loe- 

 ing- that the sun shines with so much glimmer on the water, and 

 then from the w'ater up again. This is hard to endure, for on 

 the sea there are always two suns, that is to say, one in the sky 

 and one on the sea. On the land one is plagued by one sun alone 

 and hence thou hadst gone up on the land. 



Hakon. And that T would dine here, this thou hast also told 

 them ? 



Karker. ]My lord, of course I did. When do I forget a meal 

 and what g-oes with the meal ? That is the best of all in this 

 world ; though I fancy that in the other world drinking has its 

 place. Of course I told them : the Jarl will breakfast yonder. 

 On the water the boat jostles up and down and the food is liable 

 to take the wrong channel. What 's the use of that ? 



Hakon. Right, my lad. right. Thou art a famous fellow. 

 Go now and help the cook. Leave me alone, Karker. When 

 Thorer comes, or Thorer's slave, bid him enter immediately. 



Karker. Good, my lord ! It shall all be done. [Exit. 



Hakon. I would I had a host of men like this, 

 I 'd then be safe no matter where I went. 

 A dog is not as true, as faithful ; then 

 Besides, a man can talk. A weapon, tool. 

 Quite indispensable ! I 'd not exchange 



Him for the strongest sword. [Sits do7ii'n.] The other men, 

 With keener eye, and wiser speech, one can't 

 Confide in them. Though Thorer — Thorer ! Ha ! 

 Hast greeted Olaf yet ? Hast sent him forth 

 To meet his gods up yonder in the sky ? 



[Rests his head in his hands and muses. 



97 



