merriment; to-morrow we must turn our thoughts again to the Ribbungs and the Earl of Orkney.
Bishop Nicholas.
Ay, he denies to pay tribute, is it not so?
Håkon.
Were I once well rid of the Ribbungs, I would myself fare westward.
[Håkon goes towards the daïs, gives his hand to Margrete, and leads her out to the right; the others gradually follow.
Bishop Nicholas.
[To Ivar Bodde.] Who is the man called Jostein Tamb?
Ivar Bodde.
There is a trader from Orkney who bears that name.
Bishop Nicholas.
From Orkney? So, so! And now he sails home again?
Ivar Bodde.
So I think.
Bishop Nicholas.
[Softly.] With a precious freight, Ivar Bodde.
Ivar Bodde.
Corn and raiment, most like.
Bishop Nicholas.
And a letter from Earl Skule.
Ivar Bodde.
[Starting.] To whom?
