{"id":1768,"date":"2013-07-13T01:37:15","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1768"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:37:15","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:15","slug":"05-eric-act-i-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-i-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-05_Eric – Act – I.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

\nA page of
\nVasavadutta<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEric<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

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

<\/p>\n

\n
\nA Dramatic Romance<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

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

\n
\nCharacters<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\nERIC<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSWEGN<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGUNTHAR<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHARDICNUT<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRAGNAR<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHARALD<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nASLAUG<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHERTHA<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

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

\n
\nAct I<\/b><\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\nEric’s Palace at Yara.<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

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

Scene 1<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n
\nE<\/span>RIC<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n
\nEric of Norway, first whom these cold fiords,<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nDeep havens of disunion, from their jagged<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd fissured crevices at last obey,<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nThe monarch of a thousand Vikings! Yes,<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nBut how long shall that monarchy endure<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nWhich only on the swiftness of a sword<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nHas taken its restless seat? Strength’s iron hound<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nPitilessly bright behind his panting prey<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nCan guard for life’s short splendour what it won.<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nBut when the sword is broken or when death<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nProves swifter? All this realm with labour built<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nDissolving like a transitory cloud<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nBecomes the thing it was, cleft, parcelled out<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nBy discord. I have found the way to join,<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nThe warrior’s sword, builder of unity,<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nBut where’s the way to solder? where? O Thor<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd Odin, masters of the northern world,<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nWisdom and force I have; some strength is hidden<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nI have not; I would find it out. Help me,<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nWhatever power thou art who mov’st the world,<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nTo Eric unrevealed. Some sign I ask.<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\n <\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nASLAUG
\n<\/font>(singing, outside<\/i>)<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nLove is the hoop of the gods<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nHearts to combine.<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 533<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\n
\nIron is broken, the sword<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSleeps in the grave of its lord.<\/font><\/p>\n

\nLove is divine.<\/font><\/p>\n

\nLove is the hoop of the gods<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHearts to combine.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nERIC<\/p>\n

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

\nIs that your answer? Freya, mother of heaven,<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThou wast forgotten. The heart! the seat is there.<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor unity is sweet substance of the heart<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd not a chain that binds, not iron, gold,<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNor any helpless thought the reason knows.<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHow shall I seize it? where? give me a net<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBy which the fugitive can be snared. It is<\/font><\/p>\n

\nToo unsubstantial for my iron mind.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nASLAUG<\/font> (singing, outside<\/i>)<\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

When Love desires Love,<\/p>\n

Then Love is born.<\/p>\n

Nor golden gifts compel,<\/p>\n

Nor even beauty’s spell<\/p>\n

Escapes his scorn.<\/p>\n

When Love desires Love,<\/p>\n

Then Love is born.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Who sings outside? Harald! who sings outside?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HARALD<\/font> (entering<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Two dancing-girls from Gothberg. Shall they come?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Admit them.<\/p>\n

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

From light lips and casual thoughts<\/p>\n

The gods speak best as if by chance, nor knows<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 534<\/p>\n

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

\n

The speaker that he is an instrument<\/p>\n

But thinks his mind the mover of his words.<\/p>\n

Harald returns with Aslaug and Hertha.<\/i><\/p>\n

HARALD<\/p>\n

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

King Eric, these are they who sang.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Women,<\/p>\n

Who are you? or what god directed you?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

The god who rules all men, Necessity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

It was thou who sangst!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

My lips at least were used.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Thou sayest. Dost thou know by whom?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

By Fate.<\/p>\n

For she alone is prompter on our stage,<\/p>\n

And all things move by an established doom,<\/p>\n

Not freely. Eric’s sword and Aslaug’s song,<\/p>\n

Music and thunder are the rhythmic chords<\/p>\n

Of one majestic harp. With equal mind<\/p>\n

She breaks the tops that she has built; her thrones<\/p>\n

Are ruins. She treads her way foreseen; our steps<\/p>\n

Are hers, our wills are blinded by her gaze.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

I think the soul is master. Who art thou?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 535<\/p>\n

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

\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

Expelled from Gothberg with displeasure fierce,<\/p>\n

Norwegians by the wrathful Swede constrained,<\/p>\n

To Norway we return.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Why went you forth?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

From a bleak country rich by spoil alone<\/p>\n

Of kinder populations, far too cold,<\/p>\n

Too rough to love the sweetness of a song,<\/p>\n

The rhythm of a dance, with need for spur,<\/p>\n

We fled to an entire and cultured race,<\/p>\n

Whose hearts come apt and liberal from the gods<\/p>\n

Are steel to steel, but flowers to a flower.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

And wherefore war they upon women now?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

By thy aggressions moved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

A nobler choice<\/p>\n

Of vengeance I will give them, though more hard.<\/p>\n

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

Gunthar, thou comest from the front. What news?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GUNTHAR<\/p>\n

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

Swegn, earl of Trondhjem, lifts his outlawed head.<\/p>\n

By desperate churls and broken nobles joined<\/p>\n

He moves towards the Swede.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Let Sigurd’s force<\/p>\n

Cut off from Sweden and his lair the rude<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 536<\/p>\n

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

\n

Revolted lord. He only now resists,<\/p>\n

Champion of discord, remnant like our seas,<\/p>\n

The partisan and pattern of the past.<\/p>\n

They waste their surge of strength in sterile foam,<\/p>\n

Hungry for movement, careless what they break,<\/p>\n

Splendid, disastrous, active for no fruit.<\/p>\n

Such men are better with the gods than here<\/p>\n

To trouble earth. Taken, let him not live.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

Taken! Our words are only an arrogant breath,<\/p>\n

Who all are here, the doomer and the doomed,<\/p>\n

As captives of a greater doom than ours,<\/p>\n

To live or die.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

Be silent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

I silence my heart<\/p>\n

Which has remembered what all men forget,<\/p>\n

That Olaf of the seas was Norway’s head<\/p>\n

And Swegn his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Will you remain with me?<\/p>\n

Though from my act there flowed on you distress,<\/p>\n

Make me be fountain of your better days;<\/p>\n

Your loss shall turn a fall to splendid gains.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

Thy royal bounty shall atone for much.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Nobler atonement’s needed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 537<\/p>\n

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

\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

It is yours.<\/p>\n

Harald, make room for them within my house.<\/p>\n

Gunthar, we will converse some other hour.<\/p>\n

(alone<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Love! If it were this girl with antelope eyes<\/p>\n

And the high head so proudly lifted up<\/p>\n

Upon a neck as white as any swan’s!<\/p>\n

But how to sway men’s hearts rugged and hard<\/p>\n

As Norway’s mountains, as her glaciers cold,<\/p>\n

The houses of their violent desires,<\/p>\n

Whose guests are interest and power and pride?<\/p>\n

Perhaps this stag-eyed woman comes for that,<\/p>\n

To teach me.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 538<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nScene
\n2<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

Hertha, we dance before the man tonight.<\/p>\n

Why not tonight?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

Because I will not act<\/p>\n

Lifting in vain a rash frustrated hand.<\/p>\n

When all is certain, I will strike.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

To near,<\/p>\n

To strike while all posterity applauds!<\/p>\n

For Norway’s poets to the end of time<\/p>\n

Shall sing in phrases noble as the theme<\/p>\n

Of Aslaug’s dance and Aslaug’s dagger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

Yes,<\/p>\n

If we succeed, but who will sing the praise<\/p>\n

Of foiled assassins? Shall we risk defeat?<\/p>\n

While we sleep flung in a dishonoured tomb,<\/p>\n

And Swegn of Norway roams until the end<\/p>\n

The desperate snows and forest silences<\/p>\n

Hopeless, proscribed, alone?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

No more defeat!<\/p>\n

Too often, too deeply have we drunk that cup!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 539<\/p>\n

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

\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

The man we come to slay, \u2014 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

A mighty man!<\/p>\n

He has the face and figure of a god,<\/p>\n

A marble emperor with brilliant eyes.<\/p>\n

How came the usurper by a face like that?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

His father was a son of Odin’s stock.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

His fable since he rose! A pauper house<\/p>\n

Of one poor vessel and a narrow fiord<\/p>\n

And some bare pine-trees possessor, \u2014  this was he,<\/p>\n

The root he sprang from.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

But from this to tower<\/p>\n

In three swift summers undisputed lord<\/p>\n

Of Norway, before years had put their growth<\/p>\n

Upon his chin! If not of Odin’s race,<\/p>\n

Odin is for him. Are you not afraid,<\/p>\n

You who see Fate even in a sparrow’s flight,<\/p>\n

When Odin is for him?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

Aslaug is against.<\/p>\n

He has a strength, an iron strength, and Thor<\/p>\n

Strikes hammerlike in his uplifted sword.<\/p>\n

But Fate alone decides when all is said,<\/p>\n

Not Thor, nor Odin. I will try my fate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

He is a pure usurper, is he not?<\/p>\n

Norway’s election made him king, men say.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 540<\/p>\n

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

\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

Left Olaf Sigualdson no heirs behind?<\/p>\n

Was his chair vacant?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

Of Trondhjem; but they cried,<\/p>\n

The inland and the north were free to choose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

As rebels are.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

Discord was seated there.<\/p>\n

To the South rejoicing in her golden gains,<\/p>\n

Crying, “I am Norway”, all the rude-lipped North<\/p>\n

Blew bronze refusal and its free stark head<\/p>\n

To breathe cold heaven was lifted like its hills.<\/p>\n

We sought the arbitration of the sword,<\/p>\n

That sharp blind last appeal. The sword has judged<\/p>\n

Against our claim.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

The dagger overrides.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

When it is keen and swift enough! O yet,<\/p>\n

If kindly peace even now were possible!<\/p>\n

The suzerainty? it is his. We fought for it,<\/p>\n

We have lost it. Let it rest where it has fallen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

Better our barren empire of the snows!<\/p>\n

Better with reindeer herding to survive,<\/p>\n

Or else a free and miserable death<\/p>\n

Together!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 541<\/p>\n

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

\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

It is well to be resolved.<\/p>\n

Therefore I flung the doubt before your mind,<\/p>\n

To strike more surely. Aslaug, did you see<\/p>\n

The eyes of Eric on you?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

I am fair.<\/p>\n

Men look upon me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

You see nothing more?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

What is it to me how he looks? He is<\/p>\n

My human obstacle and that is all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

No, Aslaug, there’s much more. Alone with you,<\/p>\n

Absorbed, \u2014  you see it, \u2014  suddenly you strike<\/p>\n

And strike again, swift great exultant blows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

It is too base!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

Unlulled, he could not perish.<\/p>\n

Have you not seen his large and wakeful gaze?<\/p>\n

This is our chance. Must not Swegn mount his throne?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

So that I have not to degrade myself,<\/p>\n

Arrange it as you will. You own a swift,<\/p>\n

Contriving, careful brain I cannot match.<\/p>\n

To dare, to act was always Aslaug’s part.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 542<\/p>\n

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

\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

You will not shrink?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

I sprang not from the earth<\/p>\n

To bound my actions by the common rule.<\/p>\n

I claim my kin with those whom Heaven’s gaze<\/p>\n

Moulded supreme, Swegn’s sister, Olaf’s child,<\/p>\n

Aslaug of Norway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

Then it must be done.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

Hertha, I will not know the plots you weave:<\/p>\n

But when I see your signal, I will strike.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/font> (alone<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Pride violent! loftiness intolerable!<\/p>\n

The grandiose kingdom-breaking blow is hers,<\/p>\n

The baseness, the deception are for me.<\/p>\n

It was this, the assumption, the magnificence,<\/p>\n

Made Swegn her tool. To me his lover, counsellor,<\/p>\n

Wife, worshipper, his ears were coldly deaf.<\/p>\n

But, lioness of Norway, thy loud bruit<\/p>\n

And leap gigantic are ensnared at last<\/p>\n

In my compelling toils. She must be trapped!<\/p>\n

She is the fuel for my husband’s soul<\/p>\n

To burn itself on a disastrous pyre.<\/p>\n

Remove its cause, the flame will sink to rest, \u2014 <\/p>\n

And we in Trondhjem shall live peacefully<\/p>\n

Till Eric dies, as some day die he must,<\/p>\n

In battle or by a revolting sword,<\/p>\n

And leaves the spacious world unoccupied.<\/p>\n

Then other men may feel the sun once more.<\/p>\n

Always she talks of Fate: does she not see,<\/p>\n

This man was born beneath exultant stars,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 543<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nHad gods to rock his cradle? He must possess<\/p>\n

His date, his strong and unresisted time<\/p>\n

When Fate herself runs on his feet. Then comes, \u2014\n<\/p>\n

All things too great end soon, \u2014  death, overthrow,<\/p>\n

The slow revenges of the jealous gods.<\/p>\n

Submitting we shall save ourselves alive<\/p>\n

For a late summer when cold spring is past.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 544<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nScene
\n3<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Come hither.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

Thou hast sent for me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Come hither.<\/p>\n

What art thou?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

What thou knowest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Do I know?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Does he suspect? (aloud<\/i>) I am a dancing-girl.<\/p>\n

My name is Aslaug. That thou knowest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Where<\/p>\n

Did Odin forge thy sweet imperious eyes,<\/p>\n

Thy noble stature and thy lofty look?<\/p>\n

Thou dancest, \u2014  yes, thou hast that motion; song,<\/p>\n

The natural expression of thy soul,<\/p>\n

Comes from thy lips, floats, hovers and returns<\/p>\n

Like a wild bird which wings around its nest.<\/p>\n

This art the princesses of Sweden use,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 545<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nAnd those Norwegian girls who frame themselves<\/p>\n

On Sweden.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

It may be, my birth and past<\/p>\n

Were nobler than my present fortunes are.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Why cam’st thou to me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Does Death admonish him<\/p>\n

Of danger? does he feel the impending stroke?<\/p>\n

Hertha could turn the question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Why soughtst thou out<\/p>\n

Eric of Norway? Wherefore broughtst thou here<\/p>\n

This beauty as compelling as thy song<\/p>\n

No man can gaze on and possess his soul?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

I am a dancing-girl; my song, my face<\/p>\n

Are my best stock. I carried them for gain<\/p>\n

Here to the richest market.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Hast thou so?<\/p>\n

I buy them for a price. Aslaug, thy body too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

Release me! Wilt thou lay thy hands on death?<\/p>\n

(wrenching herself free<\/i>)<\/p>\n

All Norway has not sold itself thy slave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

This was not spoken like a dancing-girl!<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 546<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

What is this siege? I have no dagger with me.<\/p>\n

Will he discover me? will he compel?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Though Norway has not sold itself my slave,<\/p>\n

Thou hast. Remember what thou art, or else<\/p>\n

Thou feignst to be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

I am caught in his snare.<\/p>\n

He is subtle, terrible. I see the thing<\/p>\n

He drives at and admire unwillingly<\/p>\n

The marble tyrant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Better play thy part<\/p>\n

Or leave it.<\/p>\n

If thou wert fashioned nobler than thou feignst,<\/p>\n

Confess that mightier name and lay thyself<\/p>\n

Between my hands. But if a dancing-girl,<\/p>\n

I have bought thee for a hire, thy face, thy song,<\/p>\n

Thy body. I turn not, girl, from any way<\/p>\n

I can possess thee, more than the sea hesitates<\/p>\n

To engulf what it embraces.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

Thou speakest words<\/p>\n

I scorn to answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Or to understand?<\/p>\n

Thou art an enemy who in disguise<\/p>\n

Invad’st my house to spy upon my fate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

What if I were?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 547<\/p>\n

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

\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Thou hast too lightly then<\/p>\n

Devised thy chains and close imprisonment,<\/p>\n

Too thoughtlessly adventured a divine<\/p>\n

And glorious stake, this body, heaven’s hold,<\/p>\n

This face, the earth’s desire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

What canst thou do?<\/p>\n

I do not think I am afraid of death.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Far be death from thee who, if heaven were just,<\/p>\n

Wouldst walk immortal! Thou seest no nearer peril?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

None that I tremble at or wish to flee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Let this shake thee that thou art by thy choice<\/p>\n

Caged with the danger of the lion’s mood,<\/p>\n

Helpless hast seen the hunger of his eyes<\/p>\n

And feelst on thee the breath of his desire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

I came not here to spy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Why cam’st thou then?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

To sing, to dance, to earn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Richly then earn.<\/p>\n

Thou hast a brain, and knowest why I looked<\/p>\n

On thee, why I have kept thee in my house.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 548<\/p>\n

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

\n

My house! what fate has brought thy steps within?<\/p>\n

Thou, thou hast found the way to my desire!<\/p>\n

Thinkst thou thy feet have entered to escape<\/p>\n

As lightly as a wild bee from a flower,<\/p>\n

The lair and antre of thy enemy?<\/p>\n

Disguise? Canst thou disguise thy splendid soul?<\/p>\n

Then if thy face and speech more nobly express<\/p>\n

The truth of thee than this vocation can,<\/p>\n

Reveal it and deserve my clemency.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Thy clemency!<\/p>\n

(restraining herself <\/i>)<\/p>\n

I am a dancing-girl;<\/p>\n

I came to earn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Thou art obstinate in pride!<\/p>\n

Choose yet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

I have not any choice to make.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Wilt thou still struggle vainly in the net?<\/p>\n

Because thou hast the lioness in thy mood,<\/p>\n

Thou thoughtst to play with Eric! It is I<\/p>\n

Who play with thee; thou liest in my grasp,<\/p>\n

As surely as if I held thee on my knees.<\/p>\n

I am enamoured of thy golden hair,<\/p>\n

Thy body like the snow, thy antelope eyes,<\/p>\n

This neck that seems to know it carries heaven<\/p>\n

Upon it easily. Thy song, thy speech,<\/p>\n

This gracious rhythmic motion of thy limbs<\/p>\n

Walking or dancing, all the careless pride<\/p>\n

That undulates in every gesture and tone,<\/p>\n

Have seized upon me smiling to possess.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 549<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nBut I have only learned from Fate and strength<\/p>\n

To seize by force, master, enjoy, compel,<\/p>\n

As I will thee. Enemy and prisoner,<\/p>\n

Or dancing-girl and purchased chattel, choose!<\/p>\n

Thou wilt not speak? thou findest no reply?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

Because I am troubled by thy violent words.<\/p>\n

I cannot answer thee, or will not yet.<\/p>\n

(turning away<\/i>)<\/p>\n

How could he see this death? Is he a god<\/p>\n

And knows men’s hearts? This is a terrible<\/p>\n

And iron pressure!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

What was thy design?<\/p>\n

To spy? to slay? For thou art capable<\/p>\n

Even of such daring.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Swiftly, swiftly done<\/p>\n

It might be still! To put him off an hour,<\/p>\n

Some minutes, \u2014  O, to strike!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

What hast thou chosen?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

King, mend thy words and end this comedy.<\/p>\n

I have laughed till now and dallied with thy thoughts,<\/p>\n

A little amazed. Unfearing I stand here,<\/p>\n

Who come with open heart to seek a king,<\/p>\n

Pure of all hostile purpose, innocent<\/p>\n

Of all the guileful thoughts and blood-stained plans<\/p>\n

Thou burdenest thy fierce suspicions with.<\/p>\n

This is the Nemesis of men who rise<\/p>\n

Too suddenly by fraud or violence<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 550<\/p>\n

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

\n

That they suspect all hearts, yes, every word<\/p>\n

Of sheltering some direr violence,<\/p>\n

Some subtler fraud, and they expect their fall<\/p>\n

Sudden and savage as their rise has been.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Thou art my dancing-girl and nothing more?<\/p>\n

Assume this chain, this necklace, for thy life.<\/p>\n

Nor think it even thy price.<\/p>\n

She dashes the necklace to the ground.<\/i><\/p>\n

Thou art not subtle!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

It is not so that women’s hearts are wooed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Yet so I woo thee, so do all men woo<\/p>\n

Enamoured of what thou hast claimed to be.<\/p>\n

Art thou the dancing-girl of Norway still<\/p>\n

Or some disguised high-reaching nobler soul?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

I am thy dancing-girl, King Eric. Look,<\/p>\n

I lift thy necklace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Take it, yet be free.<\/p>\n

Thou canst not slip out from my hands by this.<\/p>\n

No feigned decision will I let thee make,<\/p>\n

But one which binds us both. I give thee time,<\/p>\n

In hope thy saner mind will yet prevail,<\/p>\n

Not courage most perverse, though ardent, rule.<\/p>\n

Only one way thou hast to save thyself:<\/p>\n

Reveal thy treason, Aslaug, trust thy king.<\/p>\n

Aslaug, alone, lifts the chain, admires<\/i><\/p>\n

it and throws it on a chair.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 551<\/p>\n

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

\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

You are too much like drops of royal blood.<\/p>\n

She lifts it again.<\/i><\/p>\n

A necklace? No, my chain! Or wilt thou prove<\/p>\n

A god’s death-warrant?<\/p>\n

She puts it round her neck.<\/i><\/p>\n

Hertha, Hertha, here!<\/p>\n

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

O counsellor, art thou come?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

I heard thee call.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

I called. Why did I call? See, Hertha, see<\/p>\n

How richly Norway’s Eric buys his doom!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

He gave thee this? It is a kingdom’s price.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

A kingdom’s price! the kingdom of the slain!<\/p>\n

A price to rid the nations of a god.<\/p>\n

O Hertha, what has earth to do with gods,<\/p>\n

Who suffers only human weight? Will she<\/p>\n

Not go too swiftly downward from her base<\/p>\n

If Eric treads her long?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

Sister of Swegn,<\/p>\n

There are new lustres in thy face and eyes.<\/p>\n

What said he to thee?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

What did Eric say,<\/p>\n

Eric to Aslaug, sister of King Swegn?<\/p>\n

A kingdom’s price! Swegn’s kingdom! And for him,<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 552<\/p>\n

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

\n

My marble emperor, my god who loves,<\/p>\n

This mortal Odin? What for him? By force<\/p>\n

Shall he return to his effulgent throne?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

You were not used to a divided mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

Nor am I altered now, nor heart-perplexed.<\/p>\n

But these are thoughts which naturally arise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

He loves you then?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

He loves and he suspects.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

What, Aslaug?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

What we are and we intend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

If he suspects!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

It cannot matter much,<\/p>\n

If we are rapid.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

If we spoil it all!<\/p>\n

I will not torture Swegn with useless tears<\/p>\n

Perishing vainly. I will slay and die.<\/p>\n

He shall remember that he wears his crown<\/p>\n

By our great sacrifice and soothe his grief<\/p>\n

With the strong magnificent circle, or else bear it<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 553<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nA noble duty to the nobly dead.<\/p>\n

(after a moment’s reflection<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Child, you must humour him, you must consent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

To what?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

To all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

Hast thou at all perused<\/p>\n

The infamy which thou advisest?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

Yes.<\/p>\n

I do not bid you yield, but seem to yield.<\/p>\n

Even I who am Swegn’s wife, would do as much.<\/p>\n

But though you talk, you still are less in love,<\/p>\n

Valuing an empty outward purity<\/p>\n

Before your brother’s life, your brother’s crown.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

You know the way to bend me to your will!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

Give freedom, but no licence to his love,<\/p>\n

For when he thinks to embrace, we shall have struck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

And, Hertha, if a swift and violent heart<\/p>\n

Betrayed my will and overturned your plans?<\/p>\n

Is there no danger, Hertha, there?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/p>\n

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

Till now<\/p>\n

I feared not that from Aslaug, sister of Swegn.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 554<\/p>\n

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

\n

But if you fear it!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

No, since I consent.<\/p>\n

You shall not blame again my selfishness,<\/p>\n

Nor my defect of love.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HERTHA<\/font> (alone<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Swegn then might rule!<\/p>\n

(with a laugh<\/i>)<\/p>\n

I had almost forgotten Fate between<\/p>\n

Smiling, alert, and his too partial gods.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 555<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nScene
\n4<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

They say the anarchy of love disturbs<\/p>\n

Gods even: shaken are the marble natures,<\/p>\n

The deathless hearts are melted to the pang<\/p>\n

And rapture. I would be, O Odin, still<\/p>\n

Monarch of my calm royalty within,<\/p>\n

My thoughts my subjects. Do I hear her come?<\/p>\n

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

Thou com’st? thou art resolved? thou hast made thy choice?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

I choose, if there is anything to choose,<\/p>\n

The truth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Who art thou?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

Aslaug, who am now<\/p>\n

A dancing-woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

And afterwards? Hast thou then<\/p>\n

Understood nothing?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

What should I understand?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

What I shall do with thee. This earthly heaven<\/p>\n

In which thou liv’st shall not be thine at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 556<\/p>\n

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

\n

It was not fashioned for thy joy but mine<\/p>\n

And only made for my immense desire.<\/p>\n

This hast thou understood?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/font> (pale and troubled<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Thou triest me still.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

I saw thee shake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

It is not easily<\/p>\n

A woman’s heart sinks prostrate in such absolute<\/p>\n

Surrender.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Thy heart? Is it thy heart that yields?<\/p>\n

O thou unparalleled enchanting frame<\/p>\n

For housing of a strong immortal guest,<\/p>\n

If man could seize the heart as palpably,<\/p>\n

The form, the limbs, the substance of this soul!<\/p>\n

That, that we ask for; all else can be seized<\/p>\n

So vainly! Walled from ours are other hearts:<\/p>\n

For if life’s barriers twixt our souls were broken,<\/p>\n

Men would be free and one, earth paradise<\/p>\n

And the gods live neglected.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

This heart of mine?<\/p>\n

Purchase it richly, for it is for sale.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Yes, speak.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

With love; I meant no more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 557<\/p>\n

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

\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

With love?<\/p>\n

Thou namest lightly a tremendous word.<\/p>\n

If thou hadst known this mightiest thing on earth<\/p>\n

And named it, should it not have upon thy lips<\/p>\n

So moving an impulsion for a man<\/p>\n

That he would barter worlds to hear it once?<\/p>\n

Words are but ghosts unless they speak the heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

I have yielded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Then tonight. Thou shak’st?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

There is<\/p>\n

A trouble in my blood. I do not shake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Thou heardst me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

Not tonight. Thou art too swift,<\/p>\n

Too sudden.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Thou hast had leisure to consult<\/p>\n

Thy comrade smaller, subtler than thyself?<\/p>\n

Better hadst thou chosen candour and thy frank soul<\/p>\n

Consulted, not a guile by others breathed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

What guile, who give all for an equal price?<\/p>\n

Thou giv’st thy blood of rubies; I my life.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 558<\/p>\n

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

\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Thou hast not chosen then to understand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ASLAUG<\/p>\n

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

Because I sell myself, yet keep my pride?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

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

Thou shalt keep nothing that I choose to take.<\/p>\n

I see a tyranny I will delight in<\/p>\n

And force a oneness; I will violently<\/p>\n

Compel the goddess that thou art. But I know<\/p>\n

What soul is lodged within thee, thou as yet<\/p>\n

Ignorest mine. I still hold in my strength,<\/p>\n

Though it hungers like a lion for the leap,<\/p>\n

And give thee time once more; misuse it not.<\/p>\n

Beware, provoke not the fierce god too much;<\/p>\n

Have dread of his flame round thee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Odin and Freya, you have snares! But see,<\/p>\n

I have not thrown the dagger from my heart,<\/p>\n

But clutch it still. How strange that look and tone,<\/p>\n

That things of a corporeal potency<\/p>\n

Not only travel coursing through the nerves<\/p>\n

But seem to touch the seated soul within!<\/p>\n

It was a moment’s wave, for it has passed<\/p>\n

And the high purpose in my soul lives on<\/p>\n

Unconquerably intending to fulfil.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 559<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/font><\/span><\/span><\/td>\n

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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

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