Modern Icelandic Plays Part 62

_Jorunn._

I don't know what gives you the right to be so heartless. You were tempting G.o.d when you went into the house, but He had mercy on you and spared your life, and the very first thing you do is an act of cruelty.

(_Bursts out sobbing._)

_Sveinungi._

Don't take to crying, wife.

_Jorunn (weeping; sits down on one of the stones that have been torn from the wall by the earthquake)._

I don't see how I am going to live through it if you send her away.

_Sveinungi (stands puzzled for a moment, then goes to her)._

I understand that you take this very much to heart. Do go into the tent now and lie down. We must try to get over this as best we can.

_Jorunn (rising)._

I am sure I have lost my daughter forever. (_Weeps._)

_Sveinungi (takes her hands and kisses her on the cheek)._

I have always said good night to you with a kiss. You have been a good wife to me. I little thought, when you went with me into the house, that you should cry yourself to sleep this very night because of me. (_Jorunn clings to him, weeping. Sveinungi releases himself suddenly._) Listen to what I say. You shall not leave me this way. Now you can go to the young folks and tell them that I give my consent. (_Moves a little away._) But it will be on one strict condition. (_Jorunn wipes her eyes on her ap.r.o.n._) They must promise me that if they have a son, he shall be brought up here with us.

_Jorunn (her face lighting up)._

I believe this thought was sent you by Him who showed mercy upon you this night.

_Sveinungi._

Even if it should be their only child. (_Goes to Jorunn._) And you can tell them that it is only for your sake I yield. Now you won't cry any more?

_Jorunn._

G.o.d bless you! How happy Ljot will be! (_Turns to go._)

_Sveinungi._

You needn't be in such a hurry. I don't care to have the young folks see that you have been crying. And one thing more; Slvi must not come here until I send him word. I want to explain to my old friend how all this has come about.

_Jorunn._

Slvi will understand. (_Sits down, very still, with her hands in her lap, gazing straight before her._) And the boy is to be named Sveinungi.

(_Unconsciously she pa.s.ses her right hand back and forth over the edge of the stones._)

_Sveinungi._

Yes, they can well be used again, the old stones. Now you had better go to Ljot.

_Jorunn (rising, pats his arm)._

Yes, yes, I am going, and I am happy. [_Exit._

(_Sveinungi stands for a moment looking after her, then bends down over the stones, examining them closely. He turns over one stone-- and one more-- _)

[Transcriber's Note:

The following songs were printed with musical notation (melody only).

The HTML version of this e-text includes the songs in three forms: raw lilypond (.ly extension, can be converted to other formats), .pdf (image), and MIDI (sound). Some sites will allow you to download these files individually; if so, look in the "files" directory a.s.sociated with the HTML text. The first "Folk Melody" appears under the name "Lullaby".]

_Kari's Song_

Far in the hills I wandered; softly shone the summer night, And the sun had ne'er a thought of sleeping.

Now will I bring my sweetheart dear the hidden treasure bright, For faithfully my vows I would be keeping.

Heigh, ho! New and fine my stockings are, new and fine my shoes, And not a care in all the world to plague me!

_Icelandic Folk Melody_

Sweetly sleep, my dear young love, Outside rain is falling, Mother safely away will stow Horse and sheep and swan and dove.

Then we'll rest, we two, for night is calling.

_Icelandic Folk Melody_

Have you seen a brave young lad?

'Tis my friend, Dearest friend; 'Mongst all men in byrnie clad The bonniest is he.

I have smiled my teeth all white and shining, I have smiled my teeth all white and shining with glee.

NOTE: _The Editors are responsible for the translation of the lyrics._