Curtain.
[1] Philippa of England, who died in 1430, was the queen of Eric of Pomerania, who succeeded the great Queen Margaret on the united thrones of the three Scandinavian kingdoms. She was as sweet and fine as he was stupid and worthless, and to this day her memory survives among the people.
[2] The Folkungs were the descendants of the puissant Earl Birger of Håtuna, who, as an uncrowned king, ruled Sweden in very much the same spirit as King Gustavus himself. The Folkung dynasty reigned from 1250 to 1389—and spent much of that time in fighting among themselves. King Waldemar II gained the name of "Conqueror" by adding Esthonia and other Baltic districts to Denmark.
ACT IV
FIRST SCENE
A square at the foot of Brunkeberg, A fountain stands in the centre. The Hansa House appears at the right. It is built of red bricks, with windows in Gothic style. The windows are barred outside and have shutters within. The gates are fastened with heavy wooden beams. Above the gateway appear the flag and coat of arms of Luebeck.
At the left is a tavern with a sign-board bearing the inscription: "The Golden Apple." There are trees in front of it, and under these tables and benches. Next the foreground is a bower with a table and benches within it.
The hillside of Brunkeberg forms the background. It contains a number of gallows, wheels, and similar paraphernalia.
There is a bench in front of the Hanseatic office.
AGDA and KARIN are standing at the fountain when the curtain rises. AGDA carries a water-jar, while KARIN has a basket full of flowers and wreaths.
AGDA. You ask what that big red house is? It used to be the Convent of St. Clara. Now it is the Hanseatic office.