A street in Oslo. On each side, low wooden houses, with porches. At the back, St. Hallvard's church-*yard, enclosed by a high wall with a gate. On the left, at the end of the wall, is seen the church, the chief portal of which stands open. It is still night; after a little, the day begins to dawn. The alarm-bell is ringing: far away on the right are heard battle-shouts and confused noises.
King Skule's Hornblower.
<poem> [Enters from the right, blows his horn, and shouts.] To arms! To arms, all King Skule's men! [Blows his horn again, and proceeds on his way; presently he is heard blowing and shouting in the next street.
A Woman.
[Appears at a house door on the right.] Great God of mercy, what is astir?
A Townsman.
[Who has come out, half dressed, from a house on the other side of the street.] The Birchlegs are in the town! Now will Skule have his reward for all his misdeeds.
One of Skule's Men.
[Enters with some others, bearing their cloaks and weapons on their arms, from a side street on the left.] Where are the Birchlegs?
Another of Skule's Men.
[Coming from a house on the right.] I know not!
