Your enemy, the Chancellor Audun Hugleikson, has fallen.
GUDMUND.
The Chancellor!
GUESTS.
[To each other, in half-whisper.] Fallen!
MESSENGER.
Three days ago he was beheaded at Bergen. [Lowering his voice.]
His offence was against Norway's Queen.
MARGIT. [Placing herself between GUDMUND and SIGNE.]
Thus punishment treads on the heels of crime!
Protecting angels, loving and bright,
Have looked down in mercy on me to-night,
And come to my rescue while yet it was time.
Now know I that life's most precious treasure
Is nor worldly wealth nor earthly pleasure,
I have felt the remorse, the terror I know,
Of those who wantonly peril their soul,
To St. Sunniva's cloister forthwith I go.—
[Before GUDMUND and SIGNE can speak.
Nay: think not to move me or control.
[Places SIGNE's hand in GUDMUND's.