[Hands her the letter.] A messenger is come from Trondhiem[[15]] with a letter for you.

Lady Inger.

Let me see! [Opening the letter.] From Trondhiem? What can it be? [Runs through the letter.] O God! From him! and here in Norway——

[Reads on with strong emotion, while the men go on bringing out arms from the hall.

Lady Inger.

[To herself.] He is coming here. He is coming here to-night!—Ay, then ’tis with our wits we must fight, not with the sword.

Einar Huk.

Enough, enough, good fellows; we are well armed now. Set we forth now on our way!

Lady Inger.

[With a sudden change of tone.] No man shall leave my house to-night!