Part 46 (1/2)

_Helgi._

No, the others will bring it to me. [_Exit to the left._

_Enter Sveinungi._

_Sveinungi._

Are you here? Won't you come in and talk to your father? (_Patting her shoulder._) This is the happiest day in my life since the time I got your mother. [_They go in._

_Enter Jakobina with a plate of chicken-feed in her hand; goes to the door of the smithy._

_Jakobina._

Is Frida there? Can you spare her while she runs over to the chickens for me with their food?

_Einar._

Yes, indeed. [_Frida goes with the chicken-feed._

_Jakobina_ (_sits down on the horse-block_). I had such a queer dream last night. I thought I was standing out there in the yard, and I saw a giant come striding across the _hraun_. I saw him stop right there-- he stood with arms stretched out and bent down over the house.

ACT II

_A gra.s.s-grown yard, some rocks partly sunk in the ground. In the foreground, farthest to the right, a tent. In the background, to the left, the farm-house. In the outskirts of the yard a sheep-house with the roof and part of the walls in ruins. Beyond it, the ”hraun,”

a lava-field stretching for miles, studded with jutting rocks and lava formations._

_It is evening of the same day._

_The Servants_ (_seated, singing_).

G.o.d the power unending Rests with Thee alone.

Cherubim are bending, Low before Thy throne.

From Thy Heaven hear me!

Weak and soiled am I, Wounds and sorrows sear me, Fainting I draw nigh.

Is there then another way?

Sorrow's rising hills may they Not reach up to heaven, pray?

Help me-- lest I die.

(_They cover their eyes in prayer. Silence._)

_Jorunn (uncovers her eyes)._

The peace of G.o.d be with us.