NILS LYKKE. Ay, Lady Inger, he is Count Sture.
LADY INGER (aside, looks at him stealthily). Feature for
feature;—ay, by God,—it is Sten Sture's son!
(Approaches him and says with cold courtesy.)
I bid you welcome under my roof, Count! It rests with you whether
or not we shall bless this meeting a year hence.
NILS STENSSON. With me? Oh, do but tell me what I must do!
Trust me, I have courage and good-will enough——
NILS LYKKE (listens uneasily). What is this noise and uproar, Lady Inger? There are people pressing hitherward. What does this mean?
LADY INGER (in a loud voice). 'Tis the spirits awaking!
(OLAF SKAKTAVL, EINAR HUK, BIORN, FINN, and a number of Peasants and Retainers come in from the back, on the right.)
THE PEASANTS AND RETAINERS. Hail to Lady Inger Gyldenlove!
LADY INGER (to OLAF SKAKTAVL). Have you told them what is in hand?
OLAF SKAKTAVL. I have told them all they need to know.
LADY INGER (to the Crowd). Ay, now, my faithful house-folk and peasants, now must ye arm you as best you can and will. What I forbade you to-night you have now my fullest leave to do. And here I present to you the young Count Sture, the coming ruler of Sweden—and Norway too, if God will it so.