Earl Skule.
[Aloud.] Take him; a pawn is of small account. [Makes a move.
Dagfinn.
Ay; that the Icelander found to his cost, when Sigurd Ribbung escaped to Vermeland.
[Suppressed laughter amongst the King's men; the conversation is continued in a low tone; presently a man comes in and whispers to Gregorius Jonsson.
Bishop Nicholas.
Then I move here, and you have lost.
Earl Skule.
So it would seem.
Bishop Nicholas.
[Leaning back in his chair.] You did not guard the king well at the last.
Earl Skule.
[Strews the pieces topsy-turvy and rises.] I have long been weary of guarding kings.
Gregorius Jonsson.
[Approaches and says in a low tone.] Sir Earl, Jostein[1] Tamb sends word that the ship now lies ready for sea.
- [Footnote: "Bauer." Thus in this speech and the next the Bishop and the
Earl are girding at Dagfinn the Peasant. [Our own word "pawn" comes from the Spanish peon = a foot-soldier or day-labourer.]]
- ↑ Pronounce Yostein.
