OLAF.
A memory of long ago,
Which often comes back when I wander with you!
'Tis evil,—it calls from the village below.
LADY KIRSTEN. [Aside, as she enters from the rear of the stage unobserved by the others.] Ah, there! He speaks; could I understand—!
[Approaches listening.]
OLAF. [With increasing vehemence.]
Yes, yes, I come; not alone will I ride!
For ladies and knights shall heed my command,
And come hither with song to greet my bride!
For you shall be saddled my swiftest steed,
The poet and minstrel shall ride in the lead,
Thereafter shall follow the steward and priest,
The people shall all be bid to the feast!
Pages so courtly shall guide your steed,
And beautiful flowers be strewn at your feet,
The peasant shall bow to the ground like a weed,
His wife shall curtsy to you as is meet!
The church bell shall ring to the countryside:
Now rides Olaf Liljekrans home with his bride!
CHORUS OF WEDDING GUESTS. [Animated, yet softly, in the forest to the left.]
Now hasten we all
To the wedding hall!
The foal runneth light and gay!
The hoofs resound
On the grassy ground,
As the merry swains gallop away!
LADY KIRSTEN. [Aside during the chorus.] Heaven he praised then! Hemming has told—!
ALFHILD. [Jubilant.]
They come, they come, their voices I hear!
How sweetly it sounds! O Olaf, behold!
LADY KIRSTEN. Olaf, my son!
[Rushes to him unobserved by ALFHILD, who continues to look out to the left.]
OLAF. God help me! What's here! My mother!