Ochlciisc/ilacger's Hakon Jaii 97 



Am spokesman for the farmer-folk of Throndhiem, 



Because the eldest. Welcome to our land ! 



With thee we fought 'gainst Hakon yesterday, 



But see thee first today. Xo time to look 



About in battle, liach of Norway's sons 



Hath longed for thee. With joy we choose thee now 



To be our King, whereto with honor thou 



Art born. See here, my King, I bring this crown ; 



Jarl Hakoil bade me forge it for himself. 



I fitted it about an iron ring, 



A measure used for Halfdan Svarte's crown. 



For Hakon's head it proved a sheer misfit, — 



It blinded both his eyes. Now let us see 



If thy head fits the crown. 



[Olaf places the crozeii on his head.] 



Ha, look ! It sits 

 -\s were it forged' about his brow. Now strike 

 Upon your shields, my men, and choose him King. 



[Clashing of anus. 



The Peasantry. Hail Olaf Trygveson ! Hail, hail, our King! 

 We swear allegiance, vouchsafe loyalty 

 To thee our King. We swear aloud by Odin, 

 By all the gods ! 



Olaf. One God is ciuite enough, 



My gallant Norway's men ; yea, swear liy One 

 Alone, the living God, who sees, who hears, 

 Who knows us all, from yonder heights in Heaven. 



The Peasantry. By Olaf's God, by Olaf's God! We swear! 



[Clashing of arms, and cries of joy. A noise is lieard outside 



the place.'] 



Olaf. What tumult yonder? 



Einar. Sir, the sun has pierced 



The lowering thunder clouds : the storm is passed. 

 Upon his shield they bring thee Hakon's corpse. 

 His former love, the Lady Thora, hath, 



135 



