strength; [Goes to the window.] See how bravely he sits his horse! None rides as he does. His eyes are filled with laughing, dancing sunshine; he looks forth into the day as though he knew himself created to go forward, ever forward. [Turns towards the Bishop.] I am a king's arm, mayhap a king's brain as well; but he is the whole King.
Bishop Nicholas.
Yet no king after all, mayhap.
Earl Skule
Mayhap no king after all.
Bishop Nicholas.
[Lays his hand on the Earl's shoulder.] Hearken to me, Earl Skule
Earl Skule.
[Still looking out.] There sits the Queen. Håkon speaks gently to her; she turns red and white with joy. He took her to wife because it was wise to choose the daughter of the mightiest man in the land. There was then no thought of love for her in his heart;—but it will come; Håkon has fortune with him. She will shed light over his life[Stops, and cries out in wonder.] What is <g>this</g>?
Bishop Nicholas.
What?
Earl Skule.
Dagfinn the Peasant bursts violently through the crowd. Now he is giving the King some tidings.
