Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/276



Nay, nay, There was reason enough for such a fear. But thanks be to Heaven, that fear is gone; And now no longer I stand alone; My spirit now is as light and free As a child's at play 'neath the greenwood tree.

Ah, where are my wits fled! How could I forget—? Ye saints, I need sorely your succor yet! An outlaw, you said—?

Nay, now I'm at home; Hither the King's men scarce dare come.

Your fall has been sudden. I pray you, tell How you lost the King's favour.

'Twas thus it befell. You know how I journeyed to France of late, When the Chancellor, Audun of Hegranes, Fared thither from Bergen, in royal state, To lead home the King's bride, the fair Princess, With her squires, and maidens, and ducats bright. Sir Audun's a fair and a stately knight, The Princess shone with a beauty rare— Her eyes seemed full of a burning prayer.