A birch grove adjoining the house, one corner of which is seen to the left. At the back, a footpath leads up the hillside. To the right of the footpath a river comes tumbling down a ravine and loses itself among boulders and stones. It is a light summer evening. The door leading to the house stands open; the windows are lighted up. Music is heard from within.
The Guests.
[Singing in the Feast Hall.]
Set bow to fiddle! To sound of strings.
We'll dance till night shall furl her wings,
Through the long hours glad and golden!
Like blood-red blossom the maiden glows—
Come, bold young wooer and hold the rose
In a soft embrace enfolden.
[Knut Gesling and Erik of Heggë enter from the house. Sounds of music, dancing and merriment are heard from within during what follows.
Erik.
If only you come not to repent it, Knut.
236
