ACT FOURTH

Nils Lykke.

——You won not in?

Nils Stensson.

You have hit it. So I said to myself: As you are bidden to be in Östråt to-night, if you have to go through fire and water, you may surely make free to creep through a window.

Nils Lykke.

[Aside.] Ah, if it should be——!

[Moves a step or two nearer.

Was it, then, of the last necessity that you should reach Östråt to-night?

Nils Stensson.

Was it? Ay, faith but it was. I love not to keep folk waiting, I can tell you.

Nils Lykke.

Aha,—then Lady Inger Gyldenlöve looks for your coming?

Nils Stensson.

Lady Inger Gyldenlöve? Nay, that I can scarce say for certain; [with a sly smile] but there might be some one else——

Nils Lykke.

[Smiles in answer.] Ah, so there might be some one else—?

Nils Stensson.

Tell me—are you of the house?

Nils Lykke.

I? Well, in so far that I am Lady Inger’s guest this evening.

Nils Stensson.

A guest?—Is not to-night the third night after Martinmas?

Nils Lykke.

The third night after—? Ay, right enough.—Would you seek the lady of the house at once? I think she is not yet gone to rest. But might notyousit down and rest awhile, dear young Sir? See, here is yet a flagon of wine remaining, and doubtless you will find some food. Come, fall to; you will do wisely to refresh your strength.

Nils Stensson.

You are right, Sir; ’twere not amiss.

[Sits down by the table and eats and drinks.

Both roast meat and sweet cakes! Why, you live like lords here! When one has slept, as I have, on the naked ground, and lived on bread and water for four or five days——

Nils Lykke.

[Looks at him with a smile.] Ay, such a life must be hard for one that is wont to sit at the high-table in noble halls——

Nils Stensson.

Noble halls——?

Nils Lykke.

But now can you take your ease at Östråt, as long as it likes you.

Nils Stensson.

[Pleased.] Ay? Can I truly? Then I am not to begone again so soon?

Nils Lykke.

Nay, that I know not. Sure you yourself can best say that.

Nils Stensson.

[Softly.] Oh, the devil! [Stretches himself in the chair.] Well, you see—’tis not yet certain. I, for my part, were nothing loath to stay quiet here awhile; but——

Nils Lykke.

——But you are not in all points your own master? There be other duties and other affairs——?

Nils Stensson.

Ay, that is just the rub. Were I to choose, I would rest me at Östråt at least the winter through; I have for the most part led a soldier’s life, and——

[Interrupts himself suddenly, fills a goblet, and drinks.

Your health, Sir!

Nils Lykke.

A soldier’s life? H’m!

Nils Stensson.

Nay, what I would have said is this: I have long been eager to see Lady Inger Gyldenlöve, whose fame has spread so wide. She must be a queenly woman,—is’t not so?——The one thing I like not in her, is that she is so cursedly slow to take open action.

Nils Lykke.

Open action?

Nils Stensson.

Ay, ay, you understand me; I mean she is so loath to take a hand in driving the foreign masters out of the land.

Nils Lykke.

Ay, there you are right. But if now you do what you can, you will doubtless move her.

Nils Stensson.

I? God knows ’twould but little serve ifI——

Nils Lykke.

Yet ’tis strange you should seek her here if you have so little hope.

Nils Stensson.

What mean you?—Tell me, know you Lady Inger?

Nils Lykke.

Surely; since I am her guest——

Nils Stensson.

Ay, but it in nowise follows that you know her. I too am her guest, yet have I never seen so much as her shadow.

Nils Lykke.

Yet did you speak of her——

Nils Stensson.

——as all folk speak. Why should I not? And besides, I have often enough heard from Peter Kanzler——

[Stops in confusion, and falls to eating busily.

Nils Lykke.

You would have said——?

Nils Stensson.

[Eating.] I? Nay, ’tis all one.

[Nils Lykke laughs.

Nils Stensson.

Why laugh you, Sir?

Nils Lykke.

At nothing, Sir!

Nils Stensson.

[Drinks.] A pretty vintage ye have in this house.

Nils Lykke.

[Approaches him confidentially.] Listen—were it not time now to throw off the mask?

Nils Stensson.

[Smiling.] The mask? Why, do as seems best to you.

Nils Lykke.

Then off with all disguise. You are known, Count Sture!

Nils Stensson.

[Bursts out laughing.] Count Sture? Do you too take me for Count Sture?

[Rises from the table.

You mistake, Sir! I am not Count Sture.

Nils Lykke.

You are not? Then who are you?

Nils Stensson.

My name is Nils Stensson.

Nils Lykke.

[Looks at him with a smile.] H’m! Nils Stensson? But you are not Sten Sture’s son Nils? The name chimes at least.

Nils Stensson.

True enough; but God knows what right I have to bear it. My father I never knew; my mother was a poor peasant-woman, that was robbed and murdered in one of the old feuds. Peter Kanzler chanced to be on the spot; he took me into his care, brought me up, and taught me the trade of arms. As you know, King Gustav has been hunting him this many a year; and I have followed him faithfully, wherever he went.

Nils Lykke.

Peter Kanzler has taught you more than the trade of arms, meseems.——Well, well; then you are not Nils Sture. But at least you come from Sweden. Peter Kanzler has sent you hither to find a stranger, who——

Nils Stensson.

[Nods cunningly.]——who is found already.

Nils Lykke.

[Somewhat uncertain.] And whom you do not know?

Nils Stensson.

As little as you know me; for I swear to you by God himself: I am not Count Sture!

Nils Lykke.

In sober earnest, Sir?

Nils Stensson.

As truly as I live! Wherefore should I deny it, if I were?

Nils Lykke.

But where, then, is Count Sture?

Nils Stensson.

[In a low voice.] Ay,thatis just the secret.

Nils Lykke.

[Whispers.] Which is known to you? Is’t not so?

Nils Stensson.

[Nods.] And which I am to tell you.

Nils Lykke.

To tell me? Well then,—where is he?

[Nils Stenssonpoints upwards.

Nils Lykke.

Up there? Lady Inger holds him hidden in the loft-room?

Nils Stensson.

Nay, nay; you mistake me.

[Looks round cautiously.

Nils Sture is in Heaven!

Nils Lykke.

Dead? And where?

Nils Stensson.

In his mother’s castle,—three weeks since.

Nils Lykke.

Ah, you are deceiving me! ’Tis but five or six days since he crossed the frontier into Norway.

Nils Stensson.

Oh, that was I.

Nils Lykke.

But just before that the Count had appeared in the Dales. The people, who were restless already, broke out openly and would have chosen him for king.

Nils Stensson.

Ha-ha-ha; that was me too!

Nils Lykke.

You?

Nils Stensson.

I will tell you how it came about. One day Peter Kanzler called me to him and gave me toknow that great things were preparing. He bade me set out for Norway and fare to Östråt, where I must be on a certain fixed day——

Nils Lykke.

[Nods.] The third night after Martinmas.

Nils Stensson.

There I was to meet a stranger——

Nils Lykke.

Ay, right; I am he.

Nils Stensson.

From him I should learn what more I had to do. Moreover, I was to let him know that the Count was dead of a sudden, but that as yet ’twas known to no one save to his mother the Countess, together with Peter Kanzler and a few old servants of the Stures.

Nils Lykke.

I understand. The Count was the peasants’ rallying-point. Were the tidings of his death to spread, they would fall asunder,—and ’twould all come to nought.

Nils Stensson.

Ay, maybe so; I know little of such matters.

Nils Lykke.

But how came you to give yourself out for the Count?

Nils Stensson.

How came I to——? Nay, what know I? Many’s the mad prank I have hit on in my day. And yet ’twas not I hit on it neither; for whereever I appeared in the Dales, the people crowded round me and hailed me as Count Sture. Deny it as I pleased, ’twas wasted breath. The Count had been there two years before, they said—and the veriest child knew me again. Well, so be it, thought I; never again will you be a Count in this life; why not try what ’tis like for once?

Nils Lykke.

Well,—and what did you more?

Nils Stensson.

I? I ate and drank and took my ease. The only pity was that I had to take the road again so soon. But when I set forth across the frontier—ha-ha-ha—I promised them I would soon be back with three or four thousand men—I know not how many I said—and then we would lay on in earnest.

Nils Lykke.

And you did not bethink you that you were acting rashly?

Nils Stensson.

Ay, afterwards; but then, to be sure, ’twas too late.

Nils Lykke.

I grieve for you, my young friend; but you will soon come to feel the effects of your folly. Let me tell you that you are pursued. A troop of Swedish men-at-arms is out after you.

Nils Stensson.

After me? Ha-ha-ha! Nay, that is rare! And when they come and think they have Count Sture in their clutches—ha-ha-ha!

Nils Lykke.

[Gravely.]——Then ’tis all over with you.

Nils Stensson.

All over——? But I am not Count Sture.

Nils Lykke.

You have called the people to arms. You have given seditious promises, and raised troubles in the land.

Nils Stensson.

Ay, but ’twas only in jest!

Nils Lykke.

King Gustav will scarce take that view of the affair.

Nils Stensson.

Truly, there is something in what you say. To think I could be so featherwitted——Well, well, I’m not a dead man yet! You will protectme; and besides—-the men-at-arms can scarce be at my heels yet.

Nils Lykke.

But what else have you to tell me?

Nils Stensson.

I? Nothing. When once I have given you the packet——

Nils Lykke.

[Off his guard.] The packet?

Nils Stensson.

Ay, sure you know——

Nils Lykke.

Ah, right, right; the papers from Peter Kanzler——

Nils Stensson.

See, here they all are.

[Takes out a packet from inside his doublet, and hands it toNils Lykke.

Nils Lykke.

[Aside.] Letters and papers for Olaf Skaktavl.[ToNils Stensson.

The packet is open, I see. ’Tis like you know what it contains?

Nils Stensson.

No, good sir; I love not to read writing; and for reason good.

Nils Lykke.

I understand; you have given most care to the trade of arms.

[Sits down by the table on the right, and runs through the papers.

Aha! Here is light enough and to spare on what is brewing.

This small letter tied with a silken thread—[Examines the address.] This too for Olaf Skaktavl. [Opens the letter, and glances through its contents.] From Peter Kanzler. I thought as much. [Reads under his breath.] “I am hard bested, for—”; ay, sure enough; here it stands,—“Young Count Sture has been gathered to his fathers, even at the time fixed for the revolt to break forth”—“—but all may yet be made good—” What now? [Reads on in astonishment.] “You must know, then, Olaf Skaktavl, that the young man who brings you this letter is a son of—” Heaven and earth—can it be so?—Ay, by the cross of Christ, even so ’tis written! [Glances atNils Stensson.] Can he be—? Ah, if it were so! [Reads on.] “I have nurtured him since he was a year old; but up to this day I have ever refused to give him back, trusting to have in him a sure hostage for Inger Gyldenlöve’s faithfulness to us and to our friends. Yet in that respect he has but little availed us. You may marvel that I told you not this secret when you were with me here of late; therefore will I confess freely that I feared you might seize upon him, even as I had done, and to the same intent. But now, when you have seen Lady Inger, and have doubtless assuredyourself how loath she is to have a hand in our undertaking, you will see that ’tis wisest to give her back her own as soon as may be. Well might it come to pass that in her joy and security and thankfulness—” —— “—that is now our last hope.”

[Sits for a while as though struck dumb with surprise; then exclaims in a low voice:

Aha,—what a letter! Gold would not buy it!

Nils Stensson.

’Tis plain I have brought you weighty tidings. Ay, ay,—Peter Kanzler has many irons in the fire, folk say.

Nils Lykke.

[To himself.] What to do with all this? A thousand paths are open to me—What if I were—? No, ’twere to risk too much. But if—ah, if I—? I will venture it!

[Tears the letter across, crumples up the pieces, and hides them inside his doublet; puts back the other papers into the packet, which he thrusts inside his belt; rises and says:

A word, my young friend!

Nils Stensson.

[Approaching him.] Well—your looks say that the game goes bravely.

Nils Lykke.

Ay, by my soul it does. You have given me a hand of nought but court cards,—queens and knaves——

Nils Stensson.

But what of me, that have brought all these good tidings? Have I nought more to do?

Nils Lykke.

You? Ay, that have you. You belong to the game. You are a king—and king of trumps too.

Nils Stensson.

I a king? Oh, now I understand; you are thinking of my exaltation——

Nils Lykke.

Your exaltation?

Nils Stensson.

Ay; that which you foretold for me, if King Gustav’s men got me in their clutches——

[Makes a motion to indicate hanging.

Nils Lykke.

True enough;—but let that trouble you no more. It now lies with yourself alone whether within a month you shall have the hempen noose or a chain of gold about your neck.

Nils Stensson.

A chain of gold? And it lies with me?

[Nils Lykkenods.

Nils Stensson.

Why then, the devil take doubting! Do you but tell me what I am to do.

Nils Lykke.

I will. But first you must swear me a solemn oath that no living creature in the wide world shall know what I confide to you.

Nils Stensson.

Is that all? You shall have ten oaths, if you will.

Nils Lykke.

Not so lightly, young Sir! ’Tis no jesting matter.

Nils Stensson.

Well, well; I am grave enough.

Nils Lykke.

In the Dales you called yourself a Count’s son;—is’t not so?

Nils Stensson.

Nay—begin you now onthatagain? Have I not made free confession——

Nils Lykke.

You mistake me. What you said in the Dales was the truth.

Nils Stensson.

The truth? What mean you by that? Tell me but——!

Nils Lykke.

First your oath! The holiest, the most inviolable you can swear.

Nils Stensson.

That you shall have. Yonder on the wall hangs the picture of the Holy Virgin——

Nils Lykke.

The Holy Virgin has grown infirm of late. Know you not what the monk of Wittenberg maintains?

Nils Stensson.

Fie! how can you heed the monk of Wittenberg? Peter Kanzler says he is a heretic.

Nils Lykke.

Well, let us not dispute the matter. Here can I show you a saint will serve full well to make oath by.

[Points to a picture hanging on one of the panels.

Come hither,—swear that you will be silent till I myself release your tongue—silent, as you hope for Heaven’s salvation for yourself and for the man whose picture hangs there.

Nils Stensson.

[Approaching the picture.] I swear it—so help me God’s holy word!

[Falls back a step in amazement.

But—Christ save me——!

Nils Lykke.

What now?

Nils Stensson.

The picture—! Sure ’tis I myself!

Nils Lykke.

’Tis old Sten Sture, even as he lived and moved in his youthful years.

Nils Stensson.

Sten Sture!—And the likeness—? And—said you not I spoke the truth, when I called myself a Count’s son? Was’t not so?

Nils Lykke.

So it was.

Nils Stensson.

Ah, I have it, I have it! I am——

Nils Lykke.

You are Sten Sture’s son, good Sir!

Nils Stensson.

[With the quiet of amazement.]ISten Sture’s son!

Nils Lykke.

On the mother’s side too your blood is noble. Peter Kanzler spoke not the truth, if he said that a poor peasant woman was your mother.

Nils Stensson.

Oh strange! oh marvellous!—But can I believe——?

Nils Lykke.

You may believe all that I tell you. But remember, all this will be merely your ruin, if you should forget what you swore to me by your father’s salvation.

Nils Stensson.

Forget it? Nay,thatyou may be sure I never shall.—But you, to whom I have given my word,—tell me—who are you?

Nils Lykke.

My name is Nils Lykke.

Nils Stensson.

[Surprised.] Nils Lykke? Surely not the Danish Councillor?

Nils Lykke.

Even so.

Nils Stensson.

And it was you—? ’Tis strange. How come you——?

Nils Lykke.

——to be receiving missives from Peter Kanzler? You marvel at that?

Nils Stensson.

I cannot deny it. He has ever named you as our bitterest foe——

Nils Lykke.

And therefore you mistrust me?

Nils Stensson.

Nay, not wholly that; but—well, the devil take musing!

Nils Lykke.

Well said. Go but your own way, and you are as sure of the halter as you are of a Count’s title and a chain of gold if you trust to me.

Nils Stensson.

That will I. My hand upon it, dear Sir! Do you but help me with good counsel as long as there is need; when counsel gives place to blows, I shall look to myself.

Nils Lykke.

’Tis well. Come with me now into yonder chamber, and I will tell you how all these matters stand, and what you have still to do.

[Goes out to the right.

Nils Stensson.

[With a glance at the picture.]ISten Sture’s son! Oh, marvellous as a dream——!

[Goes out afterNils Lykke.

ACT FOURTH

The Banquet Hall, as before, but without the supper-table.

Biörn,the majordomo, enters carrying a lighted branch-candlestick, and lighting inLady IngerandOlaf Skaktavlby the second door on the left.Lady Ingerhas a bundle of papers in her hand.

Lady Inger.

[ToBiörn.] And you are sure my daughter had speech with the knight, here in the hall?

Biörn.

[Putting down the branch-candlestick on the table on the left.] Sure as may be. I met her even as she stepped into the passage.

Lady Inger.

And she seemed greatly moved? Said you not so?

Biörn.

She looked all pale and disturbed. I asked if she were sick; she answered not, but said: “Go to my mother and tell her the knight sets forth from here ere daybreak; if she have lettersor messages for him, beg her not to delay him needlessly.” And then she added somewhat that I heard not rightly.

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