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[Paying no heed to him.] But I would have you take note that had a sword-bearing man spoken to me in such wise—

Nay, but listen, Knut Gesling—you must understand us!

[As before.] Well, briefly, he should have learnt that the axe sits loose in my hand, as you said but now.

[Softly.] There we have it! Margit, Margit, this will never end well.

[To ] You asked for a forthright answer, and that I have given you.

Well, well; I will not reckon too closely with you, Dame Margit. You have more wit than all the rest of us together. Here is my hand;—it may be there was somewhat of reason in the keen-edged words you spoke to me.

This I like well; now are you already on the right way to amendment. Yet one word more—to-day we hold a feast at Solhoug.