KNUT AT ROESKILDE PHILIP MERIVALE ass P^ j 1)5 ^ f> lok L^fe'^KS iiyriglif}] " \ ^ 2; ^ CLQEmiGHT DEPOSm KNUT AT ROESKILDE A TRAGEDY THE CONTEMPORARY SERIES UNIFORM WITH THIS VOLUME Laodice and Danae By Gordon Bottomley Images— Old and New By Richard Aldington Play in One Act Poems Five Men and Pompey Dramatic Portraits By Stephen Vincent Benet Common Men and Women By Harold Gammans Rhythmus [Out of print] Horizons By Robert Alden Sanborn Poems The Marsh Maiden By Felix Gould And Other Plays Omar and the Rabbi Play in One Act By Frederick LeRoy Sargent The Tragedy Play in One Act By Gilbert Moyle [Out of print] The Smile of Mona Lisa By Jacinto Benavente Play in One Act The Lamp of Heaven Play in One Act By Mrs. L. Worthington Smith The Death of Titian A Dramatic Fragment By Hugo von Hofmannsthal The Wind Over the Water Play in One Act By Philip Merivale The English Tongue Poems By Lewis Worthington Smith [Out of print] KNUT AT ROESKILDE A TRAGEDY BY PHILIP MERIVALE Boston THE FOUR SEAS COMPANY 1922 Copyright, 1922, by The Four Seas Company All rights are expressly reserved. For rights of public per- formance, address the publishers, who are the author's agents. 3^^' The Four Seas Press Boston, Mass., U. S. A. AUG -9 "22 iCl.D 61745 TO MY STOUT FRIEND CHARLES FRANCIS ''per quern perire non licet meis nugis quaecumque lusi invenis at puer quondam" PERSONS King Knut Jarl Ulf SVEYN IvAR THE White Gylle ASTRID Six Women that Attend Astrid Warriors and Henchmen KNUT AT ROESKILDE A TRAGEDY SCENE I. The hall of Jarl Ulf's house at Roeskilde. On the right, set high in the wall is a long and narrow window facing south, close under which stands a table on trestles. Further back in the same wall is a doorway leading to the household's quarters, and closed by a heavy curtain, now drawn, of bear-skin. To the right of the back wall is the main door of the house, a heavily barred defence of oak, which is at present open, showing a wide white track, and be- yond this, on the further side of a valley, a dense region of black pine forest. Beside the door post is another window, furnished with a heavy shutter, which is also open. On the left of this window is the guest-chamber of the house. The Left wall is taken up by the broad hearth-stone on which a log- fire is now burning. Before this there stands a heavy square-table, at a sufficient distance [7] to allow room for a man to sit between table and hearth. A wooden stool stands there, and on the right of the table a more magnificent throne of carved oak. Wooden stools also stand by the other table. Among the shadows in the corner beyond the fire stands a harp, whose outline is made mystical, as it grows dusk, by the dancing flame and shadow. It is drawing towards sunset of Michaelmas Eve in the year of grace losj. AsTRiD is seated on the throne by the table. She is a young woman and beautiful. The daughter of SvEYN FoRKBEARD and direct descendant of Gorm of Denmark, she has not yet approved by experience her title to be the mother also of a line of kings, and to divert to the female side the sovereignty of Knut, which by the early death of his sons Harald and Harda-Knut was to perish from the male. A child's voice from outside startles her. SvEYN Mother. ASTRID Sveyn — Sveyn! Is it a sail at last? SvEYN No. Look! Oh, look! ASTRID Come in to me. What is it? [8] SVEYN Oh! He is a warrior. He has curled bull's horns On his helmet, and a spotted head against His ear. [AsTRiD goes to the door and looks out.] ASTRID Who, Sveyn? Why have you left him there? SVEYN [Now partly visible through the window.] He comes from Lymfjord in a Danish ship And he has blood on his sword. ASTRID Why do you stand Half-way between us? He has fought, it may be, Beside your father. Hasten and bring in Your father's comrade to his house. [Sveyn disappears.] I know He will have tidings of the battle of kings. [She piles wood on the fire. Sveyn enters, a hoy of twelve, simply dressed and bare-headed. He leads IvAR THE White by the hand. Ivar is a tall spare man of forty with dark cunning eyes. His hair and long moustache have been bleached by exposure. He zvears a cap of steel, furnished with bull's horns, and a leopard-skin hangs from his shoulders, with the head close under his ear. He carries a long bow, with a quiverful of arrows at his back and a sword at his thigh. Sveyn is excited.] [9] SVEYN He is hot from battle, mother. I have seen Blood on his sword still ! IVAR Hail, daughter of Sveyn. ASTRID You are welcome, stranger. Are you come indeed From the red field ? IVAR Before the birds were met Above the furrow, or the wolves come out, I left it. ASTRID Tell me what you have brought for me, Stranger. IVAR The war is done, blown by one gust From over the dark water. Victory Is with my lord the king. ASTRID There were three kings Met in this battle, sir, and one beside But little less,— IVAR The victory is with Knut, The king of England. ASTRID And the Dane with him ? Jarl Ulf that hastened to my brother Knut— ! Ah, tell me if you are hiding by your speech Some evil that is fallen to ou^ house. [lO] I am no maid to pine for a man's loss, But wife, and mother of a son, to bear A dead man's name and honor after him. Yet — ! Stranger, was not Ulf the Dane at sea Running before this late south-west in time To join his battle-cry with the three kings? IVAR I saw sun-kindled wings of an eagle burn On the wind, tower up, and stoop : and victory Was with our king. ASTRID V What are you hiding? Speak! IVAR The golden wings are free and unstricken yet. ASTRID Then fall my fears stricken, and my bright hope Soars up. IVAR But angered is the eagle's heart. ASTRID He is not hurt ! IVAR I saw no mark on him. The raven's wings are closed by Helge stream: They beak their meat. But wide are the bright wings Spread out for home, and flapping homeward lead The Golden Dragon to their nest. ASTRID The King! [II] IVAR I am come from Lym fjord over the water straight To bid prepare a welcome for the king, Who with your husband sailed for Elsinore To hold the passage of the Northern Seas, Thence purposing to come by land. ASTRID Your voice Strikes with a half-remembered emphasis. I have had speech with you, I know not where. IVAR But I remember well, sister of Knut: In the king's house of England, when I brought From the king's chamber sentence to your lord Of banishment. ASTRID Ivar of Norway. You Are Ivar, called the White! This second time You turn your edge against Olaf, your king. Ivar My king is he that can my will compel Unto his bidding. SVEYN [Getting impatient. ] Mother, he showed me blood On his sword-edge. [He goes to the door and looks out.] Ivar The king will be your guest. The hour I can not tell ; but we were thrown [12] By adverse winds a day out of our course. Will you not hasten to prepare for him? ASTRID We shall be ready. SVEYN [At the door.] Mother, a yellow ship Lies off in the bay, and our own galleys now Come round the point — a boat is at the wharf. ASTRID You said they purposed coming hither afoot ? IVAR No doubt it is the king's will. ASTRID I am glad Of their approach : and for your news, be you Welcome. [She goes out by the right to the inner rooms.] IVAR Jarl Ulf's ships ! [To SvEYN.] Tell me, had you none But women and the old men left at home? SvEYN [Coming to him.] Who else when Ulf my father sets his sail? SvEYN [As SvEYN makes for the door.] Stay, boy ! Where now will the cunning sailors sleep. The fighting men that follow Ulf to war? [13] Here on the height? Or lower down beUke By the wharf side, and round the edge of the bay? SVEYN Oh, by the water side, hard by the ships. Why do you carry bull's horns on your helmet? IVAR First tell me ! Now tonight they will draw up The galleys on the beach? SvEYN Yes, yes. Now tell me! IVAR Because the strength of the bull is in his horns. SvEYN I like the eagle wings my father wears. IvAR Oh, Ulf the Dane would fly into the Sun. SvEYN [Seriously.] He cannot fly with them. IVAR And you have said A wise thing. Let him learn the truth of you ! SvEYN Stranger, you do not know him. [Turns away.] IVAR [Holding him.] Is it his use To strike the tackle and bring oar and sail [14] Out of the long ships at the close of war? Tell me. [ The sound of angry voices comes from outside. \ SVEYN They are at hand. Let go, I say. IVAR Answer me, son of Ulf ! SVEYN I want to go. IVAR If you will tell me, you shall wear my sword: Look! with the blood on it! SvEYN Oh ! Yes, yes, yes ! We will go down together to the sea And watch our sailors. [Figures pass the window.] IVAR [Angrily, not perceiving them.] Tell me now ! SvEYN [Who has seen them.] Oh— father ! [IvAR quickly releases him and retires above the hearth: Sveyn runs up to the door on his cry, but falls back as a man strides in, quickly followed by another. The first man is not much above middle height but of commanding habit and great strength. He wears a corselet of leather covered with plates [IS] of gold and from his shoulders sweeps a scarlet mantle bordered with gold: on his head the helmet is of silver bound round with a golden circlet and crested by a golden dragon. His beard and hair are black, with a streak of white, and his eyes are grey and hard. He strides in and stands masterfully by the throne. The other man remains standing in the great doorway, framed against the sunset. His helmet is of silver surmounted by a towering pair of eagle wings. A huge man, he wears thick and heavy rings of copper and gold upon his bare arms, and a grey wolfskin and head hangs from his mighty shoulders. His hair and beard are red and his eyes deep blue. He looks bloody in the red of the sunset.] The First Man What further would you have of me? The time Is ripe for beggars when a king must supple And bow his back for subject-service done. You were not wont to whine for a sweet word, Ulf, nor to heap the vaunting of your deeds On their performance. You are wrong, I say, To call me thankless. Ulf Was it I who spake? Or have my actions need of vaunting now? Why, in no little matter I have served you And asked no payment for it, but this only, That those with me who put across the sound — To right your folly, king, — should come safe home. And leave your galleys and your men to hold The passage of the straits at Elsinore. And this I have done as I swore to them [i6] The day we launched — upon your mission, king. But at Roeskilde I am host, and here Are men and ships enough to wait on you. * In this I would not yield, having no more But your plain will to govern my obedience. For I am not a dog to run indoors Without a reason given and no grace shown, Because a master of slaves has bidden me. This is not England, king, but on this coast You hear the speech of Danes. Knut Ay — courteous speech ! Will you put off your fealty at once And shed subjection with your mail tonight? Do you ask for service done to be henceforth Exempt from service, duty, and submission? Perchance I rate not at your count the cost Of a few sword-blows and a stroke of the oars. Have I not thanked you? Ulf I will no more say You are thankless, king. I am a thousand times Paid for the little that you have accepted Of me. Knut I have undervalued your approach And sword-play among the ships, you'd say? Ulf How long Since I and mine dragged out your ships and you From Lymfjord creeks? [17] Knut There could have been no end But this to that day's fighting: for the ships Of Onund and of Olaf are but skiffs And wherries to the Golden Dragon's deck. There was less danger there, belike, than here. Ulf I would to God then I had left you there To work your own way out. Knut I know your heart. Ulf Your pardon, king, I should have held my peace. [He goes to the door and shouts.] Draw up the ships above the high-tide mark, And every man return unto his house. [SvEYN runs to his father.] Knut [Without turning his head.] Ivar. [IvAR attends without answering.] At nightfall quietly post the crew Of the Golden Dragon round the house. I have left Too many ships at Elsinore to sleep In safety here. Bid Gylle wait on me. Ulf [Returning.] For that wherein I offended give me pardon, And think that in some sort the fault was yours Who took at my hands such a gift as makes [i8] The noblest blood a beggar to receive, Without a sign of thanks. I'll say no more. [IvAR goes out.] Knut You dwell too much on these same services. Your life is but a tributary, Jarl, To the main flood of mine — and still the more For that of old in England I restored you The life you forfeited by treasons proved. [Gylle enters.] Ulf [Abruptly.] Be welcome here ! [He takes off his helmet and gives it to Sveyn who sets it on the table by the window. The sun goes down behind the pines and it grows grey without: but the room is ruddy and warm from the fire-blaze.] Knut Gylle, remain. Ulf Tonight My son shall be your squire. [Knut turns and sees Sveyn.] Knut Come hither, boy. What is your name? Sveyn I am Sveyn, the son of Ulf Jarl of Roeskilde, king. [i9l Knut You are the heir Of a good heritage. SVEYN Why, I shall be A captain of the deep-sea galleys, king. Knut You have a stout heart, like your sire. SvEYN There's none Greater nor braver in the North. Knut I think There is. SvEYN I know him not. Knut You have yet to learn. You are else no squire for me. Ulf [Sheltering Sveyn's confusion.] The king would say You should regard himself before all men. Even your father, as the stoutest heart That beats in Denmark. Knut Yes, by the eyes of God. Let this be not forgotten in your house, Ulf. [2G] Ulf Sveyn shall learn no less than fits a Dane. Knut Out of your mouth, Jarl, and your hasty speech ? Ulf From my heart's utterance and exemplary — The battles on a hundred beaches, king. This by his mother's tales of me shall teach My son right conduct for this life. .Knut His mother ! Where is the lady Astrid? Did we not Send forward messengers to herald us? Ulf The lady Astrid will be justified. Knut I fear we have taken you in unreadiness And thereby marred the welcome you would else Have carefully provided. [Astrid re-enters from the right clothed in white and gold, with a scarlet hood and train sweeping from her shoulders, and a fillet of gold about her head, woven also into her hair. Two women in white dresses hear her train, and four others follow, hear- ing rushes and flag-flowers. Astrid moves like a queen, and her obeisance to the king is majestic] [21] . ASTRID Sire, forgive me! I am not at heart so tardy a hostess, brother, As the quick minutes show me. And I crave Your pardon more for them, being well assured You know my love and gladness to behold My brother's face here in my husband's house. Knut Nay, Sveyn's sweet daughter, kneel not to his son. [He rises, lifts her affectionately, and kisses her. The fault was ours to come so closely on. We had meant to march afoot from Elsinore, But were persuaded by Jarl Ulf to board And make more swiftly by the water home. ASTRID But with more time we had prepared a welcome More royal, Knut. Knut The welcome I accept, Becometh royal by the grace in me ! {He returns to his angry brooding.] ASTRID Will you sup, sire? Knut We have supped upon the ship. ASTRID Yet drink for our love's sake. [22] Knut I am not thirsty. Gylle, pour it ! [Ulf throws his sword violently on the table. It slides from the sheath on to the floor.] SVEYN Oh! Have you broken The hilt? [He runs to pick it up.] Knut Well — is it broken? Ulf Sheathe it, Sveyn. Knut I think it lies too loosely in the scabbard. Ulf None but my folk shall wait upon you here : Astrid, my wife, shall pour the wine for you And Sveyn, my son, be your sole cup-bearer. Knut [Indifferently, seeing Ivar in the doorway.] If you will have it so — ! [Astrid enters the guest-chamber with Sveyn fol- lowed by the women. Ulf goes after them.] Knut [As IvAR comes to his side.] Ulf s men are scattered? Quick ! [23] IVAR As he bade them; and the sailor- folk Draw up the galleys and dismantle them Even now, beside the water. Knut And our men? IVAR Three-score and ten at nightfall will approach And hold the road till day-break. Knut Go you down, Gylle, and bid them have a care tonight That not a hand be raised nor a foot stir Till I give order. For I think the Jarl Is too well wedded with too sweet a wife To be this first night dangerous. [Gylle goes out by the main door and disappears past the window.] Yet he is A mighty warrior in the common mouth Here. IVAR There is many a song in Denmark, kibg, • Was never heard in England. Knut I will make New songs for them, to drive the memory Of the old out of their heads; and of such themes As shall be over the great waters heard: And little names shall not be found in them [24] Of deep sea-thieves and fore-shore-acre-kings. Well, if he has a stout arm — ? IVAR And a heart. I laid no more than treason to his charge. Knut And that was ten years since in England. IVAR Here In Denmark he has nursed his rage ten years. Knut A crown would grace his red hair. IVAR Shall I then Disarm you, king? Knut Think me not feeble grown Or womanish. I am in that mind still Wherein you found me, a ready listener To your Suspicion. But I seemed to hear Relenting in your speech of him, and sought If in your mind were any trace of change. IVAR I am of one niind as of one life, and that To your sole interest bound. [Jarl Ulf re-enters: he carries his wolfskin on his arm, and throws it down on the trestle-table: he stretches his limbs, and seems altogether relaxed.] [25] Knut [Pleasantly.] You are weary, brother? Ulf No more than a good workman that lays down His scythe at sunset to be ready at dawn For the day's reaping. With your leave I'll take Your sword and heavy hauberk from you, king. And be your squire. Knut Did you not promise me Your son to do this office ? Well. Take this — ! [He hands him the helmet which Ulf sets on the table beside him, and then proceeds to unfasten his corse- let. Knut shakes back his long hair and stretches himself while Ulf is engaged.] So for this season we have made an end Of war. The ships will keep the sound for me, And Olaf will not launch a galley again Till the spring comes. I hold our peace secure. [Ulf has removed the corselet and now begins to un- fasten his sword.] No, leave me that. A little while I'll wear My sword. Ulf In peace? Knut A httle while I'll wear My sword. [Gylle enters and comes into the king's line of vision behind Ulf.] [26] Ulf Three hundred swords now barely cool I have in hearing, king. Will you not loose This blade of yours and sleep secure tonight? I pray you. Knut [Having dismissed Gylle with a glance.] Shall I hold myself secure? You will forgive me, Ulf. I know not yet How far the seed of discord and rebellion Have in my absence spread. I have returned This year to no familiar, ancient home, But Denmark is a country strange to me. And all the faces of my countrymen Hard riddles, and no speaking vows. I scan And question all, trust none. [Ulf strides in wrath to the door. Nothing can be seen but the grey road and the deep black of the forest against the dark sky. Astrid re-enters with SvEYN, ijuho carries a cup. The six women, having strewn the rushes on the floor of the bedchamber, go out to the right.] Astrid Have a care, Sveyn. SVEYN [In an awed whisper to her.] Now shall I bear it to my uncle? Knut [To Gylle.] And you — [Turning to Sveyn.] [27] Yes, nephew, bring it hither — that is done I bade you, Gylle? Gylle Yes, sire. Knut Well then, Sveyn. [SvEYN holds out the cup.] Drink of it first. [Knut watches Astrid, whose eyes are untroubled and innocent. Sveyn also looks to his mother for in- struction. ] Astrid Drink, Sveyn, your uncle bids you. [Sveyn drinks. Ulf swings violently down.] Ulf Will you drink now, king? Sveyn [Making a wry face.] Oh! How sour it is. Knut It is no dishonorable office, Jarl, To taste of a king's wine-cup. Let me drink. [Knut drinks. Sveyn retreats to his father and mother, who stand together by the trestle-table.] Astrid Ulf — Ulf, what is amiss? Ulf The pride of Gorm That owes bv Knut a debt to me this day. [28] ASTRID You are unwounded? Ulf Oh, all is well with me. When come you after me to battle, Sveyn? ASTRID Not yet for many a year. Sveyn Why, by the Spring I shall be big enough. ASTRID You are not old enough, My babe. [She caresses him, but he breaks from her.] Sveyn I am old enough. I am no babe. Ulf [Setting him on the table.] Nay ! How he's grown ! Come, draw the long sword now! [Sveyn pulls out the heavy broadsward. Knut sends IvAR across to them. ] Knut Bring the boy hither. Gorm shines out in him. IVAR [To Ulf.] The king would speak with your tall pirate. Come ! [29] SVEYN [As IvAR carries him.] This blade is longer than that knife of yours ! [To Astrid's terror he carries Sveyn, sword in hand, and sets him down before the king, standing over him and excluding the Jarl and herself from the group by his back.] Knut Whose is the sword you bear? SvEYN My father's, king. Knut You should not have drawn sword but at my word. Did you not know that? [SvEYN looks up at IvAR who reproves him officiously.] IVAR You must learn respect. Will you not? [SvEYN runs away to Ulf.] Ulf Why, the lad is but a babe. Knut Let him not play with swords then. If he be Too young to draw a blade in the king's battle He is not yet fit to draw for your delight. Ulf King, will you search in every act of mine For symbols of disloyalty? I could twist Out of the noblest utterance blasphemy. In your own mind the evil — [30] ASTRID [Intervening.] Why, it is dark. I will bid them set the torches up — and Sveyn Shall go to bed. [She takes him out to the inner rooms on the right, Knut has already plunged into converse with Ivar. Ulf pulls the main door to, holts and bars it, then sits sullenly in the chair by the trestle table, staring moodily at his winged helmet and at a star that shines through the narrow window.] Knut [To Ivar.] What did she say when first Your tidings broke upon her? Ivar Why, she claimed And hailed the victory as it were a crown For one head only. Knut Ay, for that red hair. But this boy Sveyn has a king's blood in him. Ivar She honored Ulf, her husband, with her lips; But in her heart she crowned him — as I knew By reading her clear eyes. Knut What, fallen so low! She — Sigrid's daughter to crown in her heart Ulf ! I will make him now my mountebank. Go bid the hero sing. [31] IVAR [Going softly to Ulf.] Jarl! Ulf [Starting and reaching for his sword.] Ha! Who is it? IVAR What ! Is the word so sharp, sir, that you leap As if I had thrust white steel between your shoulders? Ulf That thrust had been your last, Ivar of Norway ! IVAR I had not needed more. The king requires you To touch the harp. We know your skill with it. Knut [Seeing Ulf hesitate.] We have remembered your old cunning, Ulf, When in the English winter you would wile A twilight hour with Northern songs away. [Two men enter from the right with torches, which they set in sconces, and go out.] Ulf I am your servant in this house. [He takes the harp from the shadozvs and seats him- self before the king.] Knut What song Most pleased me then? [32] Ulf [Touching the strings.] I'll sing you a new song, king. How Edane out of Ireland turned the heart Of Gudbrand by submission from his lust To pity and love. IVAR He sailed with Tryggveson ! Knut I never heard the queen was subject to him! [Ulf strikes the chords. Gylle is huddled asleep by the fire: Ivar stands motionless behind Knut. Ulf sings. ] Under the pine-branches from dawn to the dusk of day. By the waters of Kaare Edane the fair queen lay, Edane of the Red Wreath that crowned her temples pale, Whom Gudbrand Thordson brought out of Innisfail. On the Autumn winds he brought her, that blow from the island green, To be a slave in Kaare, Edane that was a queen. But alone all day in the pinewood she lay out, watching the sea, And the red sails and the white sails and the gannet sloping free. Knut I'll hear no more of captives brought along In the wake of Olaf Tryggveson, tonight. Was it but yesterday or a hundred years Since we threw down his heir in Lymfjord bays? Ulf [Still playing.] The deeds of mighty men may yet make songs In the mouth of a brave enemy. Hear now ! [33] Now in the islands Westward of England, On a Good Friday, Thus it befell Olaf the Norseman, Bright son of Tryggve. Bright were the broadswords Circling in sunlight; On the wet sea-beach Bright were the dripping prows. Bright the long oars. [He pauses, then crashes out.] By God I would now I had been there. [Knut starts up, and strides to the door of the guest- chamber. Ulf is rapt in his music and goes on dreamily. Knut leans on the curtain of his door and listens as if compelled against his will. Ivar also is fiercely moved by the music] Ulf Stay! I will sing of frightened eyes and soft Ministering hands of women unto men After long viking turned again toward home. These have the brine in their bleached yellow hair, Their eyes are stung with the bitter wind and spray And sore with gazing over the desolate deep. And some have been much wounded, and the blood Is dry upon their mail : and they are sick For home. So now they shall have rest awhile: Until the year change and the season come Betwixt the sowing and the reaping months [34] Or after harvest till the ploughing-dawns, When the wind shall call them out and the waves carry them And to their quickening ears the song of the pine Shall echo in the curved sea-beaten planks. And then the hearts of men grow weary again For the troubled waters and the spaces wide : Their sleep is broken and the arms of women Hold them at home no longer. [At the beginning of this speech, which he utters in a monotonous chant, Astrid re-enters, standing mo- tionless, watching him as the others are watching, in silence: but at this point she folds her arms about his head and clasps it to her breast.] Astrid Ulf ! But you Shall go not for the calling of the winds Or sounding of the waters. Ulf I have that, Sweet wife, here planted in the Danish earth Shall keep me at home, a careful husbandman. Knut Will you not, sister, since by his own word We have lost Jarl Ulf your husband, trust to me Your son to breed in England? [35] ASTRID There's one soil only Sire, for a Dane to grow on. Knut ril not press you Further. ASTRID If you would sleep now, brother, all Is ready. Knut I am not ready yet for sleep. My mind is vigilant. Are you yet awake, Ulf? Ulf Do mine eyes look heavy? Knut Bring the chess And play with me. ASTRID What, brother, will you play So late — and you so weary both ? Ulf Bring hither The board. [She takes the harp to its place and brings the board and chessmen from the same place.] Knut What stake set you in this, Jarl Ulf? [36] Ulf I'll play for no stake with a guest of mine. 'Tis not my custom. [He seats himself with his back to the fire.] Knut If you doubt your skill Play for good faith. Ulf [Setting out the pieces.] That cannot be redeemed, Being lost. Though I were certain of my skill I should not set mine honour on my wits. Knut You are wise to keep them separate, so you save One part of manhood if the other's lost. Ulf Bid Sveyn be up betimes to go to church, Astrid, with me. Good-night. Knut Sister of mine. Will you not see this match? Astrid Alas ! my lord, I know no move of it. Knut Watch me and learn. Astrid I could not master it in an evening. [37] Knut No? Good-night. I should do wrong to rob you of sleep. ASTRID Sire, may I go? Knut [More kindly; going to her.] Daughter of Sveyn, good-night. Forget not you the tx)nd that joins us still, Though the sea part us and new interest Appear to sever. Go now, and good rest. [AsTRiD goes out, Knut returns to his seat smiling.] How went the games of old we played in England? I beat you mostly, if I remember. Ulf Yes. The White to me. [He opens: they play quickly at first.] Knut [Tossing aside a pawn.] So, I have drawn first blood. Ulf [Taking one of his.] And so; we are equal, king. Knut [Taking another.] By no means, Jarl. [They play on more intently: neither has much advan- tage but the king becomes morose as he finds he cannot win easily, his face with every piece taken [38] from Ulf lighting up fiercely, and darkening as he loses his own. Ulf is engrossed in the game, but Knut's eyes are more constantly on Ulf's face than on the hoard.] Ulf [Moving a knight.] Check. Knut Is it? How? From, whom? Ulf Sire, from this knight. You should have taken him on your last move. [Ulf is studying the hoard in excitement and delight, unaware that Knut is watching him keenly. There is a long pause.] Ulf Your move, sire. Knut There's my king. Ulf And my queen follows. Knut Ah! [ Without deliberation, and with a contemptuous ejacu- lation he takes Ulf's knight with his own.] Well then, now your knight. Ulf [Rapidly taking Knut's knight with his queen.] Check from my queen ! [39] Knut Give me my knight again. Set back the piece. I will not have it so. I'll play it again. Ulf [Losing all control and kicking over the board.] Let it stay there for me. I'll play no more. [He strides furiously to the door of the inner rooms.] Knut Yes. Run away, then, Ulf the Coward. Ulf [ Turning. ] King! Yourself had run further by Helge strand Had I but left you by yourself to battle. You did not call me Ulf the Coward then. Arrived full sail to help you, while the Swedes Were beating you like a dog. [So he strides out of the room. Knut sits very still and cold, watching him out.] Knut Ay, So! March on! Ivar ! — With queen and knight to checkmate king ! I should have taken it on my last move ! Sveyn never should have let his daughter go [IvAR comes before him.] To this Jarl Ulf. Well, did you watch the game? IVAR King — there was no checkmate. l4o] Knut You are rig'ht, Ivar. The game is not concluded. To your place. You'll get no sleep tonigtht, my leopard. Watch. [Ivar lets himself out through the house-door: as he opens it a glimpse is caught of moonlight on a line of rigid spear-heads and helmets. Knut also goes up, and the spears are silently lowered in salute. Then Ivar vanishes, swinging the door behind him, Knut returns to the table in deep thought.] Be it in my own heart — the deep resolve, The unrelenting action, and thereafter Judgment: and no man's hand to sway my course With popular wisdom and a low regard, And ancient readings of an altered sky. [He stirs Gylle with his foot.] Are you asleep, boy ? Wake, Gylle, awake ! [Gylle stretches himself and leaps to his feet.] I am for bed now. Wake me at dawn, and be Yourself dressed then and girded. [Gylle sees the scattered chessmen.] Yes. Tomorrow I'll show you a move I missed tonight. We'll play This game afresh, Jarl Ulf, Astrid, and I. [They go out into the guest-chamber.] [curtain] [41] SCENE II. The same, after sunrise. Sveyn is alone. He is dressed in scarlet and gold, with a fillet of gold in his hair and a golden cross embroidered on his tunic, for it is Michaelmas day. He is trying Knut's helmet on his head. It nearly extinguishes him: AsTRiD enters and finds him so. ASTRID My small boy, put it off. Sveyn Look at me, mother. ASTRID I can scarce see you, funny little boy. Put it away. [Sveyn lays it on the table.] Sveyn When shall I have one, mother, Of my own? ASTRID Not yet for years. Sveyn With a gold band Like this around it? [He rubs his forefinger on the crown.] [42] ASTRID Nay, God guard you, no. SVEYN Why, if my uncle has just such a band, May I not too? ASTRID That is a king's crown, Sveyn, Which only may a king's son carry. You Must wear great golden eagle wings, like those Your father wears. Sveyn But Ivar laughed at them. ASTRID You must not heed the stranger. He knows naught Of us. Sveyn He said my father could not fly Unto the sun with these. Why do you frown? Ivar was kind to me. ASTRID You must not speak — You must not see him again. Ask me not why. These things you yet shall learn of, but not now. Sveyn But I have heard my father say himself That I am sprung of a true line of kings, And Gorm of Denmark was my ancestor. And Sveyn of the Fork-Beard my grandfather. So I will have a crown like this, not wings. [43] ASTRID When did you hear your father say it, boy? Yoti did not hear aright ? Tell me ! SVEYN Oh, yes. Ho ! Ho ! My father came to my bed last night And thought I was asleep : for there he said That I was royal in bearing and in blood. ASTRID Hush — No — . No — Sveyn, my darling, do not think it. You are the son of a king's daughter only And must subject yourself to the king's son. Sveyn I am Ulf's son, and yours. ASTRID And then he stayed How long with you? — till dawn? — Sveyn Oh, no ! ASTRID And did you Answer him? Sveyn Nay, not I. He would have said "Go to sleep, boy," if he had found me awake. So I lay very quiet with my eyes shut To hear if he spoke more. ASTRID What should he say But "goodnight" to you, baby? [44] SVEYN It might be He should have promised me a horse to ride This morning, or a sail in a swift ship. Then, if I heard, I could have held him to it. ASTRID Think, Sveyn, and tell me! Did he say no more? SvEYN No more. ASTRID I am glad. Sveyn Yes — "He is an envious thief," He said, "of honors w^on by better men." ASTRID Who is a thief— ? SvEYN He spoke no name. I know. ASTRID You are a babe. SvEYN My uncle Knut. ASTRID No, no! You must forget all that you heard last night. It was a dream, Sveyn : this you did not hear But dreamt and woke upon. [45] SVEYN I do not like My uncle Knut with his old magpie beard. My father's taller by a head than he. [Ulf enters silently from without and embraces AsTRiD, who starts.] ASTRID Ah, God! Ulf Astrid ! [SvEYN returns to his playing with the helmet, which takes the mischievous form of trying to loosen the rivets of the crown with his little finger-nails.] Astrid Where lay you all last night, Husband ? Ulf We rose so late from play that I Came not to you lest I should spoil your rest. Astrid Why came you not to your rest ? Ulf Oh, my queen. At midnight were you waking? Heard you aught? Astrid I know not if awake I was and heard Sooth, or asleep, and in a dream was ware Of the North-East wailing through trees. [46] Ulf You say As in a dream? ASTRID And it might be anon The rattle of dry branches : which is strange For the trees yet are thick with leaves — gold — red. Ulf You looked not from your window? No? ASTRID I closed Mine eyes, husband, and prayed to hear your step. Ulf Last night his spearmen stood around the house In a double row, like spirits under the moon. I passed amidst them, thinking that almost My breath should scatter them. ASTRID What do you fear ? Ulf [Laughing.] Nothing. Look where the field was strown last night. SVEYN Oh ! I have hurt my finger ! ASTRID Do you fear Nothing? Ulf You will but break your nails in vain Upon the crown, Sveyn. [47] ASTRID I beseech you — fear ! Ulf [To SVEYN.] Leave it, and pick up these. [SvEYN sits on the floor and begins a new game, with the chessmen, setting them against each other by color. ] ASTRID What mood is this The king my brother wears? Ulf, I have kept Silence upon a rack of questions. Now I can no longer. What offence of yours Has overlaid our kinsman's face with cloud? Ulf Why, no offence but to have yielded him A gift no sovran bounty can afford At will. His crown, his freedom, and his life I snatched again from Olaf's closing grasp And gave him. For on Lymf jord while he lay Unguarded, Olaf let the rivers down That in their mountain-sources he had dammed : Then, joined with Omund, followed at the heel Of the consuming flood. Thereon came I And dragged Knut out of his disaster. This He'll not forgive me soon. But it may be That in his old age he shall warm his hands By the fire and say — "This spark I owe to Ulf." ASTRID Ah — waste not words! What else befell last night? [48] Ulf He pricked me past endurance. I have not Assumed such service as he'd force me to; And Hke a horse I kicked over the trace. [He laughs.] ASTRID Oh, rash, rash lord ! Ulf Had I not borne enough? ASTRID I am not chiding. But why have you spoken Your anger out in hearing of the boy? Why, if you cared for my rest, did you wake Our son last night from his, Ulf I waked him not. Sveyn — why, what have you there? SVEYN Two armies, father. These white are our men, and the red the king's. They will not fight because 'tis Michael's Mass But cannot join, being red and white you see. Ulf Our men are the king's men too. Forget not that. Come hither. [To ASTRID.] He shall testify of me That I am innocent of seditious speech Before him. Now, Sveyn. Have I said in wrath One word before you since I have come home.-" [49] SVEYN Nothing in wrath. Ulf You hear him? SvEYN But last night You called my uncle Knut an envious thief. Ulf What? — ^^well! You should go earlier to your bed. If you keep men's hours you must hear men's speech. You are too wakeful. Now forget it all. ASTRID How can you teach forgetfulness? Ulf Then be Silent, my son. Your father is not false To any man : nor will be to himself. Go to your game again. [SvEYN returns to the floor.] I will not bear More than a free man may and yet be free. I beat him at the chess. ASTRID Oh, Ulf, my Ulf! What have you staked upon the checker-board? [so] Ulf Nothing. I proved myself his better still. ASTRID If you be so why have you not dissembled Your strength? Ulf Why should I hide the very tree From which he gathers fruit? While he is true My strength is his. Let him rejoice in it. Let him believe my actions, which have still Proclaimed the heart within me. ASTRID You are yet A babe, Ulf. Ulf Nay. I am the master here. This English king of Denmark — or this Dane Who dwells in England — is our guest, 'fore whom I'll not dissemble. Here he will not dare To lay a hand on me. ASTRID If you have listened To that fear, I may something soothe my own. I dread your rashness more than his intent. Ulf I know not that to fear it. [51] ASTRID Ah! You speak Lightly. You cannot laugh yourself to health Nor make yourself by scorn of him secure, Ulf. He's the son of Sveyn of the Forkbeard Who died far distant in a conquered land: He is the son of Sigrid the proud Queen That burned her royal lovers in one house. He is hasty, but of conquering blood; he is not Weak. Will you take no warning? Can you not Subdue your heart this once to harbor fear As a good watchdog over your interest? Ulf I cannot change my life. To the uttermost I have lived it out in truth and open dealing With all men. If we meet as enemies Let victory befall the stronger. ASTRID Which—? Nay — do not knit your brows ! — Which is the stronger? [Ulf laughs confidently.] Ah, God ! I hate your laughter. It hath crept Unto your bosom like a lover, to play The traitor to you. Ulf Wear no mourning looks This bright St. Michael's morn, I am your lord, And living yet. You shall not need to mourn. [A bell begins to ring.] Sveyn ! [52] SVEYN [Leaping up.] Is it time? Ulf Come now to church with me. After, we will attend the kin.^ at breakfast. SvEYN Wear your sword, father. Ulf Ay, of the spirit, Sveyn : That is right armour for the day. Sveyn I trust The shiny sort more. ASTRID Come back quickly to me. I am afraid. Ulf Run you before me, Sveyn. [Sveyn runs out.] You are my brave wife. When the ships have stayed By winter bound or contrary winds, you still Have borne a stout heart under fear : and now I go these paces to the Church you — ASTRID Ulf! Comfort me not with kindness. I must bear What is the forfeit of my high estate — Ulf's wife. If aught there be to fear for you, Forget not that I am no tender dream [S3] That a boy wastes his leisure with, but wife, And mother of a son that is the heir Of honor, high estate, and perilous power. Ulf Well, then, last night, since none prevented me I gathered by the shore a galley's crew And had a ship run out and tackle set. And in the stall a saddled horse is ready : So on a threat from yonder guest, I flee To Norway in a breath, and give my sword To Olaf, who will prize it. Let me go. Or Sveyn will knock at Heaven-gate before me. [The bell stops.] ASTRID Since you have taken order I return To my entreaties and my woman's fears. Come back, and bring our son again to me. Is he not bonny, Ulf? Ulf Fit to be king. ASTRID No, no : but he's well grown. Ulf He is as fair As his fair mother, loyal and frank and brave. If he but have his father's limbs — the rest I'd have yours only. [He kisses her and goes out. With a sigh Astrid turns from the door and begins to gather up the [54] chessmen. Gylle enters from the king's chamber, but hesitates, seeing her.] ASTRID Is your master awake? Gylle The king is stirring now. ASTRID This night I fear Has been but a short season for repose. Was his sleep sound? Gylle The king slept well. [He turns to go out.] ASTRID But now Where go you? Hath my brother sent for me? Gylle Madam, not yet. I am sent to seek the Jarl, Your husband. ASTRID Say the Jarl has gone but now — Gylle Whither? — That I may hasten after him. ASTRID Is it so urgent? Gylle I was sent to bid him Hasten. [55] ASTRID What instant need of haste? Gylle Ah, madam — The king commanded: I can say no more. ASTRID So soon as he returns I will acquaint him With the King's pleasure. But by this he has reached St. Luke's Church. Gylle Is he in church? [Knut enters, dressed in a linen tunic of pure white, with a silver cross on the breast. ] Well, is it done. Knut Gylle? Gylle Sire! Knut Well, what tidings? Gylle Sire, the Jarl Is gone to Church. ASTRID St. Luke's, my brother. Knut What, The loved Physician? Sister, how do you fare? Well, boy, why do you tarry? (56] Gylle [Whispering.] < Sire — in church? Knut Did I not bid you find him? and being found Why do you now delay to bring him hither? Gylle In Church, sire ! Knut [To AsTRiD who has collected the chessmen.] Here last night was fought and lost A bloodless battle, sister. Well, boy, well ! Send Ivar to me then ! [Gylle goes out by the main door.] Why do you start? ASTRID I do not like the Norseman. Knut Why? ASTRID If only Because he hath been ever our enemy. Knut If you deserve no enemy you have No cause to fear one. If you have deserved You make him as liable to fears as you. ASTRID His slander of my husband darkens yet Your thought of us, my brother. [57] Knut Is my thought Dark of you? ASTRID Have you not in every word Sought for a knife concealed? Knut [Looking out of the door.] 'Tis a keen morning. These days of Autumn whet your appetite. I am hungry, Astrid, and would break my fast. ASTRID They shall prepare for you. [As she makes for the door on the right she nearly runs into Ivar the White who enters from without. She starts back, then passes by him and out of the hall.] Knut [ Who has seated himself by the hearth-table, speaking without a movement or sign of acknowledgment.] 'Tis a sharp air. How long till winter by your reckoning now? Ivar The leaves are yellow and red upon the tree. The fallen leaf is not yet withered up. Knut You have been through the woods then? Ivar Ay, since dawn I have slept an hour beneath the beeches, king. I58] Knut I would not bid you count the forest leaves : But one leaf hangs too many from the boughs, Which I would have you strip and drop to the Earth. IVAR He shall lie there this day. Knut It is the feast Of Michael. You shall find him worshipping At Luke's Church. He has grown too high of heart, He is too tall by a head. Go. Physic him. You know the path. IVAR I shall well find it, king. Knut [Passionately.] Kill him before he rise from off his knees. I would not have him stand on his feet again With God's peace in his heart. [IvAR goes. Knut rearranges the pieces on the board as they stood at the taking of his knight.] His queen was there ! [AsTRiD re-enters with three maids who carry dishes into the guest-chamber. ] Astrid, why will you go? Remain with me. Come closer; here by me. What, will you kneel? Then lay your arms so in my hands, and look More lovingly. I would not have you make Too base submission, sister. Why, you are grown Wondrously beautiful, my sister Astrid. [59] I never till this hour observed your wide Imperious forehead, fit for a king's crown. ASTRID Am I so altered in a night ? Knut Last night I would have said, "She is no tall woman. My sister!" But today you seem to me Above the rank of women, from the eyes up. ASTRID Are ten years sped since last we spake together? Knut Will you not kiss me? ASTRID Your hands were ever cool. Knut Your face is hot. ASTRID And what great deeds since then They tell of you, my brother! You have made Sveyn's work in England whole. Knut And your son Sveyn Is grown almost to manhood. ASTRID Knut, my brother. Knut Oh, glad king's daughter, what a kinglv son [60] Should this have been had you but matched with a king ! Was there in all the North no king for you When Sveyn our father dowered you for a bride? Astrid ! ASTRID I am*no queen at heart, I think, But only mistress in this house : the wife Of Ulf and mother of his noble child. Knut If I should show you wide dominions now And bid the proudest king of Europe lay His crown and sovranty before your feet ! Yes, this I'll do, — ^if it might make divorce Between the seed of Gorm and — Astrid Brother of mine. We are your subjects, loyal and whole of heart. Both my brave lord, my son, and I myself. Knut Well. I am held by many cares away From this my true dominion: I desire From southward seas to the eternal ice Peace, that the fruits of many wars may grow Ripe : and between us peace, before all other. Since we have been too long estranged. Astrid Yes, Knut. I too desire this peace. Knut It shall be made. [6i] I'll find a pledge that shall ensure it here . When I am gone. ASTRID And then in England rest Shall be with you, your sovranty assured On Danish coasts. Knut Assured in Ulf ? ASTRID In him. There's none in all the North of so great heart And loving loyalty to your line. And then Our son shall grow in reverence and strength 'Of whole subjection to your sovran son, When we are old or dead. So Denmark still Shall be with England ardently conjoined By bonds of blood and true allegiance sworn, Which the wide sea between them shall not wash, Nor sundered interest blow like wind away. Knut Why, simple Astrid, this is but a dream. Are you so young yet ? Astrid You shall teach me more. Knut Have you no knowledge of the need of kings That you speak lightly thus of power conferred? Not in this manner can we keep in sway By brotherly embraces and soft words And recollection of a mother's kiss Turbulent spirits. Whom should a king trust? [62] ASTRID Those of his blood: those proved in battle and storm His servants. Knut I will trust no soul on earth. I must be lonely in mine eminence Above all others, I must not reveal My heart to any, but with a masked face And hidden motive issue my command. Therefore shall none question a king, but make Obedience swift: so is a throne maintained. ASTRID Leaning on loyal hearts. Knut [Rising and breaking from her.] No, by our God! On none but on myself alone, in face Of enmity and hatred, and the courts Of private conscience that in each man's heart Sit in a sterile judgment on the acts Of kings. And in this craft of sovranty Shall prosper none but he that's bred of kings. Kings and the sons of kings, and draws his blood From royal sources. Those soaring eagle-names : Gorm — Harald — Sveyn, that beat with mighty wings Against the winds of time and shall not droop — [She rises.] Of these if he be not descended, none Shall use the title or dispense the power Of king in Denmark — or on land or sea Where I have planted foot or set a sail. [63] ASTRID There's none here seeks to rob you — ■ Knut [Interrupting.] I'll show you now The game we played last night — how the Jarl Ulf Took my knight from me. Thus — ASTRID [Seating herself on the opposite side of the table.] I cannot tell How the game's lost or won. Nor should I know Why you move such a piece. Knut Do you confess You have no skill to follow my intent? You can not warn or praise me in this play? ASTRID No. Knut See, I take this knight. Is it no more Than slaughter in your eyes? ASTRID I see not else Why you have taken it. Knut Now your own lips Forbid the daughters of old kings to breed Kings, save they be themselves in marriage matched With kings. [64] ASTRID Then show me. I will quickly learn. Knut You have not skill, nor that authority To judge the actions of a man. Still more Might you misjudge the motives of a king. ASTRID I say that I shall learn. [IvAR returns with a red sword in his hand. Astrid sees him over Knut's shoulder. Knut reads from her face what has happened: he looks on the hoard and speaks as if musing deeply on the game.] Knut Is it done, Ivar? IVAR King, it is finished. On the bay there rides A galley ready set to slip her cable. What order now, king? [Knut makes 710 sign. Ivar wheels and goes out.] Astrid What — is finished, sire? Knut He should have given me my knight again. Astrid Sire, what is finished? Knut Is there anything Irrevocable but the breath of man? [651 ASTRID [Rising.] Knut, tell me — brother! The red sword has done Justice on some offender, but hath severed No bond we spoke of ! Nay, I fear not that. You are my brother and this day have taken My face between your hands and kissed my mouth ? Knut All that was mortal now put out of mind — My love, and all remembrances between us, And listen to a king, daughter of Sveyn. A thistle springing under an oak's shade May linger till some ass snatch off its head. But if another oak spring there, because There is not soil nor light nor air for two The careful gardener cuts the weaker off. For life must take in power at every breath. And, as we breathe continually, without pause Make every hour a well wherein to dip And draw up water of vitality. So this great vein of kingship that's in me, This royal life, demandeth sustenance And careful tending. Think you that for tears And womanish fears, or for my own remorse, I will forego the nurture of this life? [The maids come out of the guest-chamber followed by Gylle bearing a cup. The maids go out to the right. ] Gylle Will you break fast, sire? Knut I shall come anon. [66] [Gylle returns to the guest-room.] Now in these Autumn days the leaves fall off To fertilize the Earth for the new spring. So must life go io quicken and renew Life. And my gardener Ivar hath this day Uprooted from my soil your husband Ulf. [She has foreseen it and remains immovable.] Daughter of Sveyn, doth not the blood of Gorm Leap in your heart with joy that you should learn How a king's life must be refreshed and fed? Now I will go to breakfast. [He goes.] ASTRID Presently I shall remember. [She thinks in agony.] Horse and galley ! Sveyn ! [Swiftly she gathers up Ulf's sword and shield, then goes out of doors and passes to the right. In an instant she has returned with the saddled horse, which she hooks by the bridle to the bolt-staple of the door. Then she looks down the road.] No one in sight — no one in sight — no one — [She breaks off, seeing Sveyn, and returns to the table, taking up the sword and belt. Sveyn rushes in, breathless, speechless. She holds out the belt to gird on him.] Quickly, Sveyn. [67] SVEYN Father ! ASTRID Oh, son! SvEYN Father, father! ASTRID Hush. Let me gird you. SvEYN Oh, my father! ASTRID [Sternly.] Sveyn ! Sveyn ! Sveyn It sHd in between his shoulders — he Fell on his face, and the blade stood up straight. Shaking — oh, mother, mother. [He buries his face in her bosom, sobbing without tears. Ivar appears in the doorway unnoticed with his long bow in his hand.] ASTRID [Holding Sveyn off and almost shaking him.] You are a man. Sveyn, you are made a man by a man's death. Take a man's sword and Hsten. [She buckles it on him.] Can you hear? [68] SVEYN Yes. ASTRID You must ride now to the shore. A ship Will take you on this wind to Sweden. Go, [IvAR strings his bozv.] And bide with Onund till I come to you. Have you heard all? [She rises to her feet. Ivar slips out of sight to the right of the house, drawing an arrow from his quiver as he goes.] SvEYN I must remain with you. ASTRID You shall obey me, Sveyn. Get hence. No word ! I am safe, being his sister — or, if not, You cannot in this peril help me, boy. You must be saved, because to you all lives Must henceforth be devoted. SvEYN [Trying the sword.] It is too long — I cannot draw it. ASTRID [Stripping away the scabbard.] Wear it naked then. And when you need it cut the strings with the edge, And never put it into sheath again. Now mount. I will not kiss you till we meet In Sweden. [69] [As she takes him to the door KnIut enters with his napkin in his hand and watches her.] Ride, Sveyn, ride ! [She strikes the horse with the sword-sheath and it gallops away.] He is safe — he is safe ! Knut Is Sveyn for Norway or for Sweden bound? [IvAR appears with an arrow drawn to the head.] IVAR For hell, king ! — I can hit him yet. ASTRID Shoot — shoot ! I will stake all to stablish him — or lose! Knut Stay your hand, Ivar ! Who hath bidden you kill ? I have already gathered up the strand Of my strong-woven life that was let drop In this house, and I have already drunk The stream of my wide being. Let him go. [IvAR sullenly departs.] Have you no thanks that I have spared his life? ASTRID No. You have nothing spared: but his own life That's in him to be lived — the life of Ulf And me that we have given him — over that You had not power. You have let fall a thread — You have damm'd up one tributary stream [70] That shall break down its banks and flood you out. For he shall yet be crowned and sit, a king, In Denmark here — no son of yours, but he, My Sveyn, — living his own life, — ^bringing naught To yours, while English earth consumes your bones. Knut Cherish your dreams, my sister. Night shall be Less solitary and the days less slow If through the grievous truth you pass in dreams Clad, for perpetual triumph. Here is mine, A stouter witness to the strength in me. [They bring in the body of Jarl Ulf and lay him on the hearth-table, then withdraw.] Do I seem taller by a head? In sooth I am stronger by this strength I have consumed. ASTRID [Turning on him from the body.] To this dead man you owe the life in you. He might have left you under Swedish w^hips Still howling ! Knut Nay, for there is that in me Compelled him to deliver me. His life Had else no purpose. Now it is fulfilled. ASTRID He might have killed you in your sleep last night, And you have murdered him upon his knees. Knut He should not have relented, but to take My strength he should have killed me. I could not [71] spare him. I have mixed no passion in my will But envy and anger purged from my resolve, By midnight thought and gentle morning sleep, Before I swept to it. ASTRID But within my soul They live the more to impel my mind with passion To move to ultimate account with you. Be not too passionless lest you leave naught But withered stocks for sons. For he lives yet. This man whom you have murdered, perfected He lives that was imperfect, in his son. For I henceforth in hatred and suspicion Will breed the boy that hath his father's fault Of honesty and faith and gentleness. For I have that of Sigrid and of Sveyn Which you inherit: and so much more of you I have learnt to teach him. Knut [Wiping Ulf's bloody mouth with his napkin.] He will bleed no more. The fount is dry. The stream can flow not long. ASTRID [As he turns to go back to breakfast.] The stream is flowing for ever and evermore. [He makes no reply, but disappears. Then she, with fierce sobs and dry eyes, bares her breasts and lays the desecrated head upon them, kissing the defiled mouth.] CURTAIN [72] \