Early Plays - Catiline, the Warrior's Barrow, Olaf Liljekrans - novelonlinefull.com
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GANDALF. I thought to hide it from you,--hence I went To call my people to the ship again And sail away; you never should have known,-- The trumpet warns me that it is too late,-- That they are coming.
BLANKA. Who are coming?
GANDALF. Then know,-- The strangers who once harried on the isle Were vikings like myself.
BLANKA. From Norway?
GANDALF. Yes.
My father, who was chief among them, fell,-- Hence must he be avenged.
BLANKA. Avenged?
GANDALF. Such is The custom.
BLANKA. Ah, I see now!
GANDALF. Here they come!
Stand close behind me!
BLANKA. Man of blood,--away!
SCENE VI
[The Preceding.]
[ASGAUT, HEMMING and the VIKINGS, who lead RODERIK between them.]
ASGAUT. [To GANDALF.] A meagre find, yet something, to be sure.
BLANKA. My father!
[She throws herself in his arms.]
RODERIK. Blanka! O, my child!
JOSTEJN. A woman!
He will have company.
ASGAUT. Yes, straight to h.e.l.l!
BLANKA. O father, wherefore have you never told me--
RODERIK. Hush! Hush! my child!
[Points to GANDALF.]
RODERIK. Is this your chieftain?
ASGAUT. Yes.
ASGAUT. [To GANDALF.]
This man can tell you how your father died; For he was in the thick of it, he says, The only one to get away alive.
GANDALF. Hush! I will nothing hear.
ASGAUT. Good; let us then Begin the task.
BLANKA. O G.o.d! what will they do?
GANDALF. [In an undertone.] I cannot, Asgaut!
ASGAUT. [Likewise.] Is our king afraid?
Has woman's flattering tongue beguiled his mind?
GANDALF. No matter,--I have said--
ASGAUT. Bethink yourself,-- Your standing with your warriors is at stake.
Your word you pledged Valhalla's mighty G.o.ds, And if you fail a dastard you'll be judged.
Do not forget our faith is insecure-- And wavering; one blow can strike its root, And if the blow comes from the king above, It will have had a mortal wound.
GANDALF. Ah me!
That was a most unhappy oath I swore.
ASGAUT. [To the VIKINGS.] Now ready, warriors!
BLANKA. Will you murder him, An old, defenseless man?
ASGAUT. Down with them both!
BLANKA. O G.o.d!
HROLLOUG. The woman is too fair! Let her Return with us.
JOSTEJN. [Laughing.] Yes, as a warrior maid.
GANDALF. Stand back!
RODERIK. O spare,--O spare at least my child!
The slayer of your chieftain I will bring you, If you will only spare her!
GANDALF. [Quickly.] Bring him here, And she is free. What say you?
THE VIKINGS. She is free!
BLANKA. [To RODERIK.] You promise that?
