Olaf Liljekrans! Olaf Liljekrans!
Why sleep you so deep and so long?
ALFHILD. Hush, Olaf! do you hear?
OLAF. Did you hear it too?
ALFHILD. What was it?
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!