[ACT II.
THE FEAST AT SOLHOUG.
245
Gudmund.
I thought it might be
At need a friend that should set me free
Should the King's men chance to lay hands on me.
But from to-night it has lost its worth;
Now will I fight all the kings of earth,
Gather my kinsfolk and friends to the strife,
And battle right stoutly for freedom and life.
[Is about to throw the phial against a rock.
Margit.
[Seizing his arm.]
Nay, hold! Let me have it—
Gudmund.
First tell me why?
Margit.
I'd fain fling it down to the neckan hard by,
Who so often has made my dull hours fleet
With his harping and songs, so strange and sweet.
Give it me!
[Takes the phial from his hand.
There!
[Feigns to throw it into the river.
Gudmund.
[Goes to the right, and looks down into the ravine.]
Have you thrown it away?
