Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/185



''Banquet Hall in the Palace at Bergen. A large bay-window in the middle of the back wall, along which there is a daïs with seats for the ladies. Against the left wall stands the throne, raised some steps above the floor; in the centre of the opposite wall is the great entrance door. Banners, standards, shields and weapons, with many-coloured draperies, hang from the wall-timbers and from the carven rafters. Around the hall stand drinking-tables, with flagons, horns, and beakers.''

 sits upon the daïs, with, , , and many noble ladies. ''stands behind the King's chair. Round the drinking-tables are seated the King's and the Earl's men, with guests. At the foremost table on the right sit, among others,, , and  and  are playing chess at a table on the left. The Earl's house-folk go to and fro, bearing cans of liquor. From an adjoining room, music is heard during the following scene.''

The fifth day now wears on, yet the henchmen are none the less nimble at setting forth the brimming flagons.

It was never the Earl's wont to stint his guests.