THE CHILDREN Heigh! hold him fast. Troll! troll!
EGIL Help, gentle greenwood! Am I but now escaped men’s prison walls To fall into this ambush of thine elves! Save me, you wrens and warblers! Fetch me wings!
THE CHILDREN [Taking hands, dance about him, singing.] Thrice, thrice, Thrice around thee! Star-wise Our steps surround thee; Now yield thee, yield thee, proud Sir Troll! Body and soul Our spells have bound thee.
EGIL Thrice, thrice, Thrice around me! Star-wise Your steps surround me. Now yield I me and pay my toll— Body and soul As ye have bound me. [He lies down, pretending death; each child places his foot upon him, with a shout. At this he springs up, laughing, seizes a little boy and girl, and, seating himself on a log, places them on his knees. The others cluster about him.] Ha, sirrah! is this maid thy sister?
THE LITTLE BOY Yes, She’s mine.
EGIL What wouldst thou do if I should steal her?
THE LITTLE BOY I’d kill you.
EGIL Ha! wouldst let him?
THE LITTLE GIRL Oh, of course; He is my brother.
EGIL ’Tis a brother’s right To kill, I see.