HEMMING. [Quickly.] But into the forest the bridegroom is fled; O, if he should never come home again!
HEMMING. [Starts to rush out, but stops with a cry.] Olaf! there is he!
[OLAF comes slowly forward between the rocks in the background. He walks dreaming, his head uncovered, and his hands full of flowers which he tears to pieces and scatters on the way; his whole behavior during the following indicates an unsettled mind.]
OLAF. [Without noticing HEMMING.] If only I knew What she meant, could somehow the riddle unravel!
[Starts to go out to the left.]
HEMMING. Lord Olaf! Lord Olaf! O where do you travel? O hear me, Lord Olaf!
OLAF. [Half awakening.] Hemming! Is it you? Stand not in my way!
HEMMING. What is it that weighs On your mind, that you wander in here for three days?
[Observes him more closely.]
HEMMING. And what is the game that here you do play,— Your cheek is white, and your forehead is gray!