[Hastily.] Enough, Einar Huk, enough! [To herself.] Ah, my dearest hope!
[Turns to the Peasants and Retainers.
I have warned you, now, as well as I can. I have told you how great is the risk you run. But if you are fixed in your purpose, ’twere folly in me to forbid what I have no power to prevent.
Einar Huk.
Then we have your leave to——?
Lady Inger.
You have your own firm will; take counsel with that. If it be as you say, that you are daily harassed and oppressed——I know but little of these matters. I will not know more! What can I, a lonely woman—? Even if you were to plunder the Banquet Hall—and there’s many a good weapon on the walls—you are the masters at Östråt to-night. You must do as seems good to you. Good-night!
[Loud cries of joy from the multitude. Candles are lighted; the Retainers bring out weapons of different kinds from the hall.
Biörn.
[Seizes Lady Inger’s hand as she is going.] Thanks, my noble and high-souled mistress! I, that have known you from childhood up—I have never doubted you.