ACT FIRST


A stately room, with doors in the back and to both sides. In front
on the right, a bay window with small round panes, set in lead,
and near the window a table, on which is a quantity of feminine
ornaments. Along the left wall, a longer table with silver
goblets and drinking-horns. The door in the back leads out
to a passage-way,* through which can be seen a spacious
fiord-landscape.

BENGT GAUTESON, MARGIT, KNUT GESLING and ERIK OF HEGGE are seated
around the table on the left. In the background are KNUT's
followers, some seated, some standing; one or two flagons of
ale are handed round among them. Far off are heard church
bells, ringing to Mass.

*This no doubt means a sort of arcaded veranda running along the
outer wall of the house.



ERIK.

[Rising at the table.] In one word, now, what answer have you
to make to my wooing on Knut Gesling's behalf?