NILS LYKKE (aside). Curse her, will she slip out of the noose?
LADY INGER (hands a goblet to each). And since so it is, I
offer you a cup of welcome to Ostrat. Drink, noble knights!
Pledge me to the last drop!
(Looks from one to the other after they have drunk, and says
gravely:)
But now I must tell you—one goblet held a welcome for my friend;
the other—death for my enemy.
NILS LYKKE (throws down the goblet). Ah, I am poisoned!
OLAF SKAKTAVL (at the same time, clutches his sword). Death and
hell, have you murdered me?
LADY INGER (to OLAF SKAKTAVL, pointing to NILS LYKKE.) You see
the Danes' trust in Inger Gyldenlove——
(To NILS LYKKE, pointing to OLAF SKAKTAVL.)
——and likewise my countrymen's faith in me!
(To both of them.)
And I am to place myself in your power? Gently, noble Sirs—
gently! The Lady of Ostrat is not yet in her dotage.
(ELINA GYLDENLOVE enters by the door on the left.)
ELINA. I heard voices! What is amiss?
LADY INGER (to NILS LYKKE). My daughter Elina.
NILS LYKKE (softly). Elina! I had not pictured her thus.
(ELINA catches sight of NILS LYKKE, and stands still, as in surprise, gazing at him.)