[6] An old Swedish custom and superstition, prescribing that every child must be spanked on the date mentioned in order to insure its obedience during the whole ensuing year. That custom still survived when the translator was a child, although for many decades the spanking had been a mere formality serving as an excuse for some little gift or treat.
ACT V
The terrace in front of the Royal Palace, with trimmed hedges, statuary, and a fountain. Chairs, benches, and tables are placed about. The near background shows a balustrade with Tuscan columns, on which are placed flowers in faïence pots. Beyond the balustrade appear tree tops, and over these tower the tops of masts, from which blue and yellow flags are flying. In the far background, a number of church spires.
The MOTHER-IN-LAW of the KING is on the terrace in her Cistercian dress.
QUEEN. [Enters] For the last time I beg you, mother, don't wear that dress!
MOTHER-IN-LAW. It is my festive garb, and I am as proud of it as you of your ermine robe.
QUEEN. What is the use of being proud? The day of disaster is upon us all, and we must hold together.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. Let us do so then, and have peace.
QUEEN. Yes, so you say, but you won't even change dress for the sake of the country's peace.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. I don't change faith as you change clothes, and there is a solemn vow to God connected with this dress. The people are making threats against my life. Let them take it! I have my grave-clothes on.