8
LADY INGER OF ÖSTRAT.
[ACT I.
Dame Inger sitteth in Östråt fair,
She wraps her in costly furs—
She decks her in velvet and ermine and vair,
Red gold are the beads that she twines in her hair—
But small peace in that soul of hers.
She wraps her in costly furs—
She decks her in velvet and ermine and vair,
Red gold are the beads that she twines in her hair—
But small peace in that soul of hers.
Dame Inger hath sold her to Denmark's lord.
She bringeth her folk 'neath the stranger's yoke—
In guerdon whereof—
She bringeth her folk 'neath the stranger's yoke—
In guerdon whereof—
[Biörn enraged, seizes him by the throat. Elina Gyldenlöve withdraws without having been seen.
Biörn.
I will send you guerdonless to the foul fiend, if you prate of Lady Inger but one unseemly word more.
Finn.
[Breaking from his grasp.] Why—did I make the song?
[The blast of a horn is heard from the right.
Biörn.
Hark—what is that?
Finn.
A horn. Then there come guests to-night.
Biörn.
[At the window.] They are opening the gate. I hear the clatter of hoofs in the courtyard. It must be a knight.