{"id":1739,"date":"2013-07-13T01:36:55","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:36:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1739"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:36:55","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:36:55","slug":"05-eric-act-ii-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/03-cwsa\/03-04-collected-plays-and-stories\/05-eric-act-ii-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-05_Eric – Act – II.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n
\nAct II<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t <\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\tA room in Eric’s house.<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\t\t\t<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/font>
\n
\nScene
\n 1<\/a><\/b><\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Hertha, Aslaug.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

See what a keen and fatal glint it has,<\/p>\n

Aslaug.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Hast thou been haunted by a look,<\/p>\n

O Hertha, has a touch bewildered thee,<\/p>\n

Compelling memory?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Then the gods too work?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

A marble statue gloriously designed<\/p>\n

Without that breath our cunning maker gives,<\/p>\n

One feels it pain to break. This statue breathes!<\/p>\n

Out of these eyes there looks an intellect<\/p>\n

That claims us all; this marble holds a heart,<\/p>\n

The heart holds love. To break it all, to lay<\/p>\n

This glory of God’s making in the dust!<\/p>\n

Why do these thoughts besiege me? Have I then \u2014 <\/p>\n

No, it is nothing; it is pity works,<\/p>\n

It is an admiration physical.<\/p>\n

O he is far too great, too beautiful<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 560<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

For a dagger’s penetration. It would turn,<\/p>\n

The point would turn; it would deny itself<\/p>\n

To such a murder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Aslaug, it is love.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/font> (angrily<\/i>)<\/p>\n

What saidst thou?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

When he lays a lingering hand<\/p>\n

Upon thy tresses, \u2014  Aslaug, for he loves, \u2014 <\/p>\n

Canst thou then strike?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

What shakes me? Have I learned<\/p>\n

To pity, to tremble? That were new indeed<\/p>\n

In Olaf’s race. Give me self-knowledge, Gods.<\/p>\n

What are these unaccustomed moods you send<\/p>\n

Into my bosom? They are foreign here.<\/p>\n

Eric enters and regards them. Hertha,<\/i><\/p>\n

seeing him, rises to depart.<\/i><\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Thou art the other dancing-woman come<\/p>\n

From Sweden to King Eric!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

He has eyes<\/p>\n

That look into the soul. What mean his words?<\/p>\n

But they are common. Let me leave you, Aslaug.<\/p>\n

She goes out.<\/i><\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I would have freedom here from thy pursuit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n\t\t\tPage \u2013 561<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Why shouldst thou anywhere be free from me?<\/p>\n

I am full of wrath against thee and myself.<\/p>\n

Come near me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/font> (to herself <\/i>)<\/p>\n

It is too strange \u2014  I am afraid!<\/p>\n

Of what? Of what? Am I not Aslaug still?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Art thou a sorceress or conspirator?<\/p>\n

But thou art both to seize my throne and heart,<\/p>\n

And I will deal with thee, thou dreadful charm,<\/p>\n

As with my enemy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Let him never touch!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I give thee grace no longer; bear thy doom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

My doom is in my hands, not thine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/font> (with a sudden fierceness<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Thou errst,<\/p>\n

And thou hast always erred. Dar’st thou imagine<\/p>\n

That I who have enveloped in three years<\/p>\n

All Norway more rebellious than its storms,<\/p>\n

Can be resisted by a woman’s strength,<\/p>\n

However fierce, however swift and bold?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I have seen thy strength. I cherish mine unseen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

And I thy weakness. Something yet thou fearst.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 562<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Nothing at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Yes! though thy eyes defy me,<\/p>\n

Thy colour changes and thy limbs betray thee.<\/p>\n

All is not lionlike and masculine there<\/p>\n

Within.<\/p>\n

He advances towards her.<\/i><\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Touch me not!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

It is that thou fearst?<\/p>\n

Why dost thou fear it? Is it thine own heart<\/p>\n

Thou tremblest at? Aslaug, is it thy heart?<\/p>\n

He takes her suddenly into his arms<\/i><\/p>\n

and kisses her. Aslaug remains like<\/i><\/p>\n

one stricken and bewildered.<\/i><\/p>\n

Lift up thine eyes; let me behold thy strength!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

O gods! I love! O loose me!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Thou art taken.<\/p>\n

Whatever was thy purpose, thou art mine,<\/p>\n

Aslaug, thou sweet and violent soul surprised,<\/p>\n

Intended for me when the stars were planned!<\/p>\n

Sweetly, O Aslaug, to thy doom consent,<\/p>\n

The doom to love, the death of hatred. Draw<\/p>\n

No useless curtaining of shamed refusal<\/p>\n

Betwixt our yearnings, passionately take<\/p>\n

The leap of love across the abyss of hate.<\/p>\n

Force not thy soul to anger. Leave veils and falterings<\/p>\n

For meaner hearts. Between us let there be<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n\t\t\tPage \u2013 563<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nA noble daylight.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Let me think awhile!<\/p>\n

Thy arms, thy lips prevent me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Think not! Only feel,<\/p>\n

Love only!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

O Eric, king, usurper, conqueror!<\/p>\n

O robber of men’s hearts and kingdoms! O<\/p>\n

Thou only monarch!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Art thou won at last,<\/p>\n

O woman who disturbst the musing stars<\/p>\n

With passion? Soul of Aslaug, art thou mine?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Thine, Eric? Eric! Whose am I, by whom am held?<\/p>\n

(sinking on a seat<\/i>)<\/p>\n

I cannot think. I have lost myself! My heart<\/p>\n

Desires eternity in an embrace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Wilt thou deny me anything I claim<\/p>\n

Ever, O Aslaug? Art thou mine indeed?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

What have I done? What have I spoken? I love!<\/p>\n

(after a silence, feeling in her bosom<\/i>)<\/p>\n

But what was there concealed within my breast?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC
\n<\/font>(observing her action<\/i>)<\/p>\n

I take not a divided realm, a crown<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 564<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

That’s shared. Thou hadst a purpose in thy heart<\/p>\n

I know not, but divine. Thou lov’st at length;<\/p>\n

But I have knowledge of the human heart,<\/p>\n

What opposite passions wrestle there with gusts<\/p>\n

And treacherous surprises. I trust not then<\/p>\n

Too sudden a change, but if thou canst be calm,<\/p>\n

Yet passionately submit, I will embrace thee<\/p>\n

For ever. Think and speak. Art thou all mine?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I know no longer if I am my own.<\/p>\n

The world swims round me and heaven’s points are changed.<\/p>\n

A purpose! I had one. I had besides<\/p>\n

A brother! Had! What have I now? You Gods,<\/p>\n

How have you rushed upon me! Leave me, King.<\/p>\n

It is not good to trust a sudden heart.<\/p>\n

The blood being quiet, we will speak again<\/p>\n

Like souls that meet in heaven, without disguise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I do not leave thee, for thou art ominous<\/p>\n

Of an abysm uncrossed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Yet that were best.<\/p>\n

For there has been too much between us once<\/p>\n

And now too little. Leave me, King, awhile<\/p>\n

To wrestle with myself and calmly know<\/p>\n

In this strange strife the gods have brought me to,<\/p>\n

Which thing of these in me must live and which<\/p>\n

Be dumb for ever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Something yet resists.<\/p>\n

I will not leave thee till I know it and tame,<\/p>\n

For, Aslaug, thou wast won.<\/p>\n


\n\t\t\tPage \u2013 565<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

King, thou art wise<\/p>\n

In war and counsel, not in women’s hearts.<\/p>\n

Thou hast surprised a secret that my soul<\/p>\n

Kept tremblingly from my own knowledge. Yet,<\/p>\n

If thou art really wise, thou wilt avoid<\/p>\n

To touch with a too rude and sudden hand<\/p>\n

The direr god who made my spirit fear<\/p>\n

To own its weakness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Art thou wise thyself?<\/p>\n

I take thee not for counsellor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Yet beware.<\/p>\n

There was a gulf between my will and heart<\/p>\n

Which is not bridged yet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Break thy will, unless<\/p>\n

Thou wouldst have me break it for thee.<\/p>\n

The older Aslaug rises now against the new.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

It rises, rises. Let it rise. Leave me<\/p>\n

My freedom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Aslaug, no, for free thou roamst<\/p>\n

A lioness midst thy passions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/font> (with a gesture<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Do then, O King,<\/p>\n

Whatever Fate commands.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 566<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I am master of my Fate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Too little, who are not masters of ourselves!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Art thou that dancing-woman, Aslaug, yet?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I am the dancing-girl who sought thee, yet,<\/p>\n

Eric.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

It may be still the swiftest way.<\/p>\n

Let then my dancing-woman dance for me<\/p>\n

Tonight in my chambers. I will see the thing<\/p>\n

Her dancing means and tear its mystery out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

If thou demandest it, then Fate demands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Thy god grows sombre and he menaces,<\/p>\n

It seems! For afterwards I can demand<\/p>\n

Whatever soul and body can desire<\/p>\n

Twixt man and woman?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

If thy Fate permits.<\/p>\n

Thy love, it seems, communes not with respect.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

The word exists not between thee and me.<\/p>\n

It is burned up in too immense a fire.<\/p>\n

Wilt thou persist even after thou hast lain<\/p>\n

Upon my bosom? Thou claimest my respect?<\/p>\n


\n\t\t\tPage \u2013 567<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nYet art a dancing-woman, so thou sayst?<\/p>\n

Aslaug, let not the darker gods prevail.<\/p>\n

Put off thy pride and take up truth and love.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/font> (sombre<\/i>)<\/p>\n

I am a dancing-woman, nothing more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

The hate love struck down rises in thy heart.<\/p>\n

But I will have it out, by violence,<\/p>\n

Unmercifully.<\/p>\n

He strides upon her, and she half<\/i><\/p>\n

cowers from him, half defies.<\/i><\/p>\n

(taking her violently into his arms<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Thus blotted into me<\/p>\n

Thou shalt survive the end of Time. Tonight!<\/p>\n

He goes out.<\/i><\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

How did it come? What was it leaped on me<\/p>\n

And overpowered? O torn distracted heart,<\/p>\n

Wilt thou not pause a moment and give leave<\/p>\n

To the more godlike brain to do its work?<\/p>\n

Can the world change within a moment? Can<\/p>\n

Hate suddenly be love? Love is not here.<\/p>\n

I have the dagger still within my heart.<\/p>\n

O he is terrible and fair and swift!<\/p>\n

He is not mortal. Yet be silent, yet<\/p>\n

Give the brain leave. O marble brilliant face!<\/p>\n

O thou art Odin, thou art Thor on earth!<\/p>\n

What is there in a kiss, the touch of lips,<\/p>\n

That it can change creation? There’s a wine<\/p>\n

That turns men mad; have I not drunk of it?<\/p>\n

To be his slave, know nothing but his will!<\/p>\n

Aslaug and Eric! Aslaug, sister of Swegn,<\/p>\n

Who makes his bed on the inclement snow<\/p>\n

And with the reindeer herds, that was a king.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 568<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

Who takes his place? Eric and Aslaug rule.<\/p>\n

Eric who doomed him to the death, if seized,<\/p>\n

Aslaug, the tyrant, the usurper’s wife,<\/p>\n

Who by her brother’s murder is secured<\/p>\n

In her possession. Wife! The concubine,<\/p>\n

The slave of Eric, \u2014  that his pride intends.<\/p>\n

What was it seized on me, O heavenly powers?<\/p>\n

I have given myself, my brother’s throne and life,<\/p>\n

My pride, ambition, hope, and grasp, and keep<\/p>\n

Shame only. Tonight! What happens then tonight?<\/p>\n

I dance before him, \u2014  royal Olaf’s child<\/p>\n

Becomes the upstart Eric’s dancing-girl!<\/p>\n

What happens else tonight? One preys upon<\/p>\n

Aslaug of Norway! O, I thank thee, Heaven,<\/p>\n

That thou restorest me to sanity.<\/p>\n

It was his fraudulent and furious siege,<\/p>\n

And something in me proved a traitor. Fraud?<\/p>\n

O beauty of the godlike brilliant eyes!<\/p>\n

O face expressing heaven’s supremacy!<\/p>\n

No, I will put it down, I put it down.<\/p>\n

Help me, you gods, help me against my heart.<\/p>\n

I will strike suddenly, I will not wait.<\/p>\n

‘Tis a deceit, his majesty and might,<\/p>\n

His dreadful beauty, his resistless brain.<\/p>\n

It will be very difficult to strike!<\/p>\n

But I will strike. Swegn strikes, and Norway strikes,<\/p>\n

My honour strikes, the Gods, and all his life<\/p>\n

Offends each moment.<\/p>\n

(to Hertha, who enters<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Hertha, I strike tonight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Why, what has happened?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

That thou shalt not know.<\/p>\n

I strike tonight.<\/p>\n

She goes out.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n\t\t\tPage \u2013 569<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

It is not difficult<\/p>\n

To know what drives her. I must act at once,<\/p>\n

Or this may have too suddenly a tragic close.<\/p>\n

Not blood, but peace, not death, you Gods, but life,<\/p>\n

But tranquil sweetness!<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 570<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font>
\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\nScene
\n 2<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

Eric, Hertha.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I sent for thee to know thy name and birth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

My name is Hertha and my birth too mean<\/p>\n

To utter before Norway’s lord.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Yet speak.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

A Trondhjem peasant and a serving-girl<\/p>\n

Were parents to me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

And from such a stock<\/p>\n

Thy beauty and thy wit and grace were born?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

The Gods prodigiously sometimes reverse<\/p>\n

The common rule of Nature and compel<\/p>\n

Matter with soul. How else should it be guessed<\/p>\n

That Gods exist at all?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Who nurtured thee?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

A dancing-girl of Gothberg by a lord<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n\t\t\tPage \u2013 571<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nOf Norway entertained, to whom a child<\/p>\n

I was delivered. Song and dance were hers;<\/p>\n

I made them mine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Their names? the thrall? the lord?<\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Olaf of Norway, earl of Trondhjem then,<\/p>\n

And Thiordis whom he loved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Thou knowest Swegn,<\/p>\n

The rebel?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Yes, I know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

And lov’st perhaps?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Myself much better.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Yes? He is a man<\/p>\n

Treacherous and rude and ruthless, is he not?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/font> (with a movement<\/i>)<\/p>\n

I would not speak of kings and mighty earls:<\/p>\n

These things exceed my station.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Ah, thou lov’st!<\/p>\n

Thou wilt not blame.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 572<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Thou art mistaken, King.<\/p>\n

He cannot conquer and he will not yield,<\/p>\n

But weakens Norway. This in him I blame.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Thou hast seen that? Thy peasant father got<\/p>\n

A wondrous politician for his child!<\/p>\n

Do I abash thee?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Have made me. But I understand at last;<\/p>\n

Thou thinkst me other than I seem.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Some thought<\/p>\n

Like that I had.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

King Eric, wilt thou hear?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I much desire it, if I hear the truth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Betray me not to Aslaug then.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

That’s just.<\/p>\n

She shall not know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

What if I came, O King,<\/p>\n

For other purpose, not to sing and dance,<\/p>\n

And yet thy friend, the well-wisher, at least,<\/p>\n

Of Norway and her peace?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n\t\t\tPage \u2013 573<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Speak plainly now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

If I can show thee how to conquer Swegn<\/p>\n

Without one stroke of battle, wilt thou grant<\/p>\n

My bitter need?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I would give much.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Wilt thou?<\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

If so I conquer him and thy desire<\/p>\n

Is something I can grant without a hurt<\/p>\n

To Norway or myself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

It is.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Speak then,<\/p>\n

Demand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I have not finished yet. Meantime<\/p>\n

If I avert a danger from thy head<\/p>\n

Now threatening it, do I not earn rewards<\/p>\n

More ample?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

More? On like conditions, then.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

If I yield up great enemies to thy hands<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 500<\/p>\n

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\n

Thou knowst not of, wilt thou reject my price,<\/p>\n

Confusing different debts in one account?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Hast thou yet more to ask? Thou art too shrewd<\/p>\n

A bargainer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Giving Norway needed peace,<\/p>\n

Thyself friends, safety, empire, is my claim<\/p>\n

Excessive then?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I grant thee three demands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

They are all. He asks not more who has enough.<\/p>\n

Thrice shall I ask and thrice shall Eric give<\/p>\n

And never have an enemy again<\/p>\n

In Norway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Speak.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Thy enemies are here,<\/p>\n

No dancing-girls, but Hertha, wife of Swegn,<\/p>\n

And Aslaug, child of Olaf Sigualdson,<\/p>\n

His sister.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

It is well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

The danger lies<\/p>\n

In Aslaug’s hand and dagger which she means<\/p>\n

To strike into thy heart. Tonight she strikes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n\t\t\tPage \u2013 575<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

And Swegn?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Send me to him with perilous word<\/p>\n

Of Aslaug in thy hands; so with her life<\/p>\n

Buy his surrender, afterwards his love<\/p>\n

With kingly generosity and trust.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Freely and frankly hast thou spoken, Queen<\/p>\n

Who wast in Trondhjem: now as freely ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

The life of Swegn; his liberty as well,<\/p>\n

Submitting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

They are thine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

And Aslaug’s life<\/p>\n

And pardon, not her liberty.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

They are given.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

And, last, forgiveness for myself, O King,<\/p>\n

My treason and my plots.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

This too I grant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I have nothing left to ask for.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 576<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Thou hast done?<\/p>\n

Let me consign thee to thy prison then.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

My prison! Wilt thou send me not to Swegn?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I will not. Why, thou subtle, dangerous head,<\/p>\n

Restored to liberty, what perilous schemes<\/p>\n

Might leap into thy thoughts! Shall I give Swegn,<\/p>\n

That fierce and splendid fighter, such a brain<\/p>\n

Of cunning to complete and guide his sword?<\/p>\n

What if he did not yield, rejected peace?<\/p>\n

Wilt thou not tell him Aslaug’s life is safe?<\/p>\n

To prison!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Thou hast promised, King.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I keep<\/p>\n

My promise to thee, Hertha, wife of Swegn.<\/p>\n

For Swegn thou askest life and liberty,<\/p>\n

For Aslaug life and pardon, for thyself<\/p>\n

Forgiveness only. I can be cunning too.<\/p>\n

Hertha, thou art my prisoner and thrall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/font> (after a pause, smiling<\/i>)<\/p>\n

I see. I am content. Thou showest thyself<\/p>\n

Norway’s chief brain as her victorious sword.<\/p>\n

Free or a prisoner, let me do homage<\/p>\n

To Eric, my King and Swegn’s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Thou art content?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n\t\t\tPage \u2013 577<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

This face and noble bearing cannot lie.<\/p>\n

I am content and feel as safe with thee<\/p>\n

As in my husband’s keeping.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/font> (smiling<\/i>)<\/p>\n

So thou art,<\/p>\n

Thou subtle voice, thou close and daring brain.<\/p>\n

I would I felt myself as safe with thee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

King Eric, think me not thy enemy.<\/p>\n

What thou desirest, I desire yet more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Keep to that well; let Aslaug not suspect.<\/p>\n

My way I’ll take with her and thee and Swegn.<\/p>\n

Fear nothing, Hertha; go.<\/p>\n

Hertha goes out.<\/i><\/p>\n

O Freya Queen,<\/p>\n

Thou helpst me even as Thor and Odin did.<\/p>\n

I make my Norway one.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 578<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/font>
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\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/a><\/b><\/font><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Act II   A room in Eric’s house.   Scene 1 Hertha, Aslaug.   HERTHA See what a keen and fatal glint it has,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1739","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","wpcat-39-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1739","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1739"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1739\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1739"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1739"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1739"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}