Out here, out here, shall be mirth and jest,
No sigh on the lips and no care in the breast,
When the fiddle is tuned at the dancers' 'hest,
'Neath the birches.
BENGT.
That is well, that is well! So I fain would see it! I am merry,
and my wife likewise; and therefore I pray ye all to be merry
along with us.
ONE OF THE GUESTS.
Aye, now let us have a stave-match.*
*A contest in impromptu verse-making.
MANY.
[Shout.] Yes, yes, a stave-match!
ANOTHER GUEST.
Nay, let that be; it leads but to strife at the feast. [Lowering
his voice.] Bear in mind that Knut Gesling is with us to-night.
SEVERAL.
[Whispering among themselves.] Aye, aye, that is true. Remember
the last time, how he--. Best beware.
AN OLD MAN.
But you, Dame Margit--I know your kind had ever wealth of tales in
store; and you yourself, even as a child, knew many a fair legend.
MARGIT.
Alas! I have forgot them all. But ask Gudmund Alfson, my kinsman;
he knows a tale that is merry enough.
GUDMUND.
[In a low voice, imploringly.] Margit!
MARGIT.
Why, what a pitiful countenance you put on! Be merry, Gudmund!
Be merry! Aye, aye, it comes easy to you, well I wot. [Laughing,
to the GUESTS.] He has seen the huldra to-night. She would fain
have tempted him; but Gudmund is a faithful swain. [Turns again
to GUDMUND.] Aye, but the tale is not finished yet. When you
bear away your lady-love, over hill and through forest, be sure
you turn not round; be sure you never look back--the huldra sits
laughing behind every bush; and when all is done-- [In a low
voice, coming close up to him.
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