] --you will go no further than
she will let you.
[She crosses to the right.
SIGNE.
Oh, God! Oh, God!
BENGT.
[Going around among the GUESTS in high contentment.] Ha, ha, ha!
Dame Margit knows how to set the mirth afoot! When she takes it
in hand, she does it much better than I.
GUDMUND.
[To himself.] She threatens! I must tear the last hope out of
her breast; else will peace never come to her mind. [Turns to the
GUESTS.] I mind me of a little song. If it please you to hear it--
SEVERAL OF THE GUESTS.
Thanks, thanks, Gudmund Alfson!
[They close around him some sitting, others standing. MARGIT
leans against a tree in front on the right. SIGNE stands
on the left, near the house.
GUDMUND.
I rode into the wildwood,
I sailed across the sea,
But 'twas at home I wooed and won
A maiden fair and free.
It was the Queen of Elfland,
She waxed full wroth and grim:
Never, she swore, shall that maiden fair
Ride to the church with him.
Hear me, thou Queen of Elfland,
Vain, vain are threat and spell;
For naught can sunder two true hearts
That love each other well!
AN OLD MAN.
That is a right fair song. See how the young swains cast their
glances thitherward! [Pointing towards the GIRLS.] Aye, aye,
doubtless each has his own.
BENGT.
[Making eyes at MARGIT.] Yes, I have mine, that is sure enough.
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