Helmaar. Thanks, my friends, for this kind welcome.
1st Dancer (looking at a black fillet on Helmaar’s head). He has been wounded.
Christina. Yes—severely wounded.
Helmaar. And had it not been for the fidelity of the soldier who carried me from the field of battle, I should never have seen you more, my friends, nor you, my charming Eleonora. (A noise of one singing behind the scenes.)—What disturbance is that without?
Christina. Tis only Aleftson, the fool:—in your absence, brother, he has been the cause of great diversion in the castle:—I love to play upon him, it keeps him in tune;—you can’t think how much good it does him.
Helmaar. And how much good it does you, sister:—from your childhood you had always a lively wit, and loved to exercise it; but do you waste it upon fools?
Christina. I’m sometimes inclined to think this Aleftson is more knave than fool.
Eleon. By your leave, Lady Christina, he is no knave, or I am much mistaken. To my knowledge, he has carried his whole salary, and all the little presents he has received from us, to his brother’s wife and children. I have seen him chuck his money, thus, at those poor children, when they have been at their plays, and then run away, lest their mother should make them give it back.
Enter ALEFTSON, the fool, in a fool’s coat, fool’s cap and bells, singing.
I.