{"id":717,"date":"2013-07-13T01:29:56","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:29:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=717"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:29:56","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:29:56","slug":"72-eric-act-five-vol-06-collected-plays-part-i-volume-06","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/01-sabcl\/06-collected-plays-part-i-volume-06\/72-eric-act-five-vol-06-collected-plays-part-i-volume-06","title":{"rendered":"-72_Eric-Act Five.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n
\n

\n
\nAct <\/font>Five<\/font><\/b><\/div>\n

\n

\n\t\t
\n\t\tSCENE I<\/b><\/font><\/span><\/div>\n

\n

\n\t\t <\/div>\n

\n

\n\t\t <\/div>\n

\nEric, Gunthar, Swegn, Aslaug, Hertha.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNot by love only, but by force and love. ‘<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThis man must lower his fierceness to the fierce,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe must be beggared of the thing left, his pride<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd know himself for clay. He could not honour<\/font>\u00b9<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThis unfamiliar movement of my soul<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBut would contemn and think my seated strength<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHad changed to trembling. Sound<\/font>\u00b2<\/font> the audience-gong,<\/font>\u00b3<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHerald. The master of my stars is he<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWho owns no master. Odin, what is this play,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThou playest with thy world, of fall and rise,,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf death, birth, greatness, ruin? The time may come<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhen Eric shall not be remembered! Yes,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBut there’s a script, there are archives that endure.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBefore a throne in some superior world<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBards with undying lips and eyes still young<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAfter the ages sing of all the past<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd the Immortal’s Children hear. Somewhere<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIn this gigantic world of which one grain of dust<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIs all our field, Eternal Memory keeps<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOur great things and our trivial equally<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo whom the peasant’s moans above his dead<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAre tragic as a prince’s fall. Some say<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAtomic Chance has put Eric here, Swegn there,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAslaug between. But I have seen myself,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nO you revealing gods, and know though veiled<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe immortality that thinks in me,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThat plans and reasons.<\/font>4<\/font><\/sup>
\nMasters of Norway, hail!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor all are masters here, not I alone<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\u00b9<\/font>Alternative for two lines: <\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor he will not honour mildness nor revere <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\u00b2<\/font>Strike      <\/font>
\n\u00b3<\/font>bell,     
\n4<\/sup>That loves, that labours. <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nWho am my country’s brain of unity,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nYour oneness. Swegn’s at last in Norway’s hands<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWho shook our fates. And what shall Norway do with Swegn,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOne of her mightiest ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIf his might submits,
\nThen, Eric, let him live. We cannot brook
\nThese disorders always.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNorway cannot brook.
\nTherefore he must submit. Bring him within.
\nWe’ll see if this strong iron can be bent,
\nThis crudeness bear the fire. Swegn Olafson,
\nHast thou considered yet this state ? Hast thou
\nSubmitted to thy gods or must we, Swegn,
\nConsider now thy sentence ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI have seen<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMy dire misfortune. I have seen myself
\nAnd know that I am greater. Do thy will
\nSince what the son of Yarislaf commands,
\nThe son of Olaf bears!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou wilt not yield?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tS<\/font>WEGN<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMy father taught me not the word.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nShall I?
\nThou hast forgotten, Swegn, thy desperate words.
\nOr were they meant only for the free snows,
\nAnd here retracted ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nSon of Yarislaf, they stand.
\nI claim the cross I would have nailed thee on,
\nI claim the flayer’s knife.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThese for thyself.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd for thy wife and sister, Swegn ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAlas!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI think thy father taught thee not the word,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBut I have taught thee. Since thou lovest yet, \u2014<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNo man who says that he will stand alone,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSwegn, can afford to love, \u2014 thou then art mine<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nInevitably. Thou vauntest thy blood,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThy strength ? Thou art much stronger, so thou say’st,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThan thy misfortunes. Art thou stronger, Swegn,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThan theirs ? Can all thy haughty pride of race<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOr thy heart’s mightiness undo my will<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIn whose strong hands thou liest? Swegn Olafson,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe gods are mightier than thy race and blood,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe gods are mightier than thy arrogant heart.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThey will not have one violent man oppose<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHis egoism, his pride and his desire<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAgainst a country’s fate. Thou hast no strength,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor thou and these are only Eric’s slaves<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWho have been his stubborn hinderers. Therefore Fate,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNorway, whose favourite and brother I have grown,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTurned wroth and brought<\/font>\u00b9<\/font> you all into my grasp.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI will that you should live and yield. These yield,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBut thou withstandest wisdom. Fate and love,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAllied against thee, I offer, Swegn, yield to me,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nStand by my side and share thy father’s throne.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\u00b9dragged <\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

\n\tS<\/font>WEGN
\n\t<\/font>(after a silence)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nYes, thou art fierce and subtle! Let them pronounce
\nMy duty’s preferences, if not my heart’s,
\nTo them or Right.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO narrow obstinate heart!
\nHad this been but thy country or a cause
\nMen worship, then it would indeed have been<\/font>\u00b9<\/font>
\nA noble blindness, but thou serv’st thy pride.
\nWilt thou abide by their pronouncement, Swegn?
\nAslaug and Hertha, see your brother and lord,
\nThis mighty captive, royal once, now fallen
\nAnd helpless in my hands. I wish to spare
\nHis mightiness, his race, his royal heart;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBut he prefers the cross instead, prefers
\nYour shame \u2014 thy brother, Aslaug, \u2014 Hertha, he
\nThy spouse consents to utmost shame for both,
\nIf from the ages he can buy this word,
\n"Swegn still was stubborn." That to him is all.
\nHe who forgot to value Norway’s will,
\nForgets to value now your pride, your love.
\nThis was not royal nor like Olaf’s son!
\nCome, will you speak to him, will you persuade ?
\nWalk there aside with him and aim at his heart.
\nHertha, my subject, Aslaug, thou my thrall,
\nSave, if he will, this life. Remember, Swegn,
\nIf Olaf’s children must be shame-crowned slaves,
\n‘Tis thou that makest them so.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n‘Tis thus we meet, \u2014
\nWere not the snows of Norway preferable,
\nDaughter of Olaf?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThey were high, but cold.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\u00b9Men worship, thine would then indeed have been
\n<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nWilt thou not speak to Hertha, Swegn, my lord?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHertha, alas, thy crooked scheming brain
\nThat brought us here.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThe gods use instruments,
\nNot ask their consent. O Swegn, accept the gods
\nAnd their decision.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMust we live always cold?
\nO brother, cast the snows out of thy heart.
\nLet there be summer.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYield, husband, to the sun.
\nThere is no shame in yielding to the gods.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNot to a god, although his room be earth
\nAnd his body mortal. <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThere was an Aslaug once
\nWhose speech had other grandeurs. Can it not find<\/font>\u00b9<\/font>
\nThe argument that can excuse thy fall,
\nO not to me, but to that worshipped self
\nThou wast, my sister?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat argument?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\u00b9<\/font>Alternative to the words starting with "Can it not find…." <\/font><\/p>\n

\nLet me hear <\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhat arguments thou hast to justify<\/font><\/p>\n

\nA thing our father’s spirit cries upon.<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAfter this, Aslaug’s speech begins with "I seek no argument…." See next page: <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nI seek no argument except my heart
\nNor need excuse for what I glory in.
\nBrother, were we not always one ? <\/b> ‘Tis strange
\nThat I must reason with thee.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO, thou knewest.
\nTherefore I fell, therefore, my strength is gone
\nAnd where a god’s magnificence lived once,
\nHere, here, ’tis empty. O inconstant heart, .
\nThou wast my Fate, my courage, and at last
\nThou hast gone over to my enemy,
\nTaking my Fate, my courage. I will hear
\nNo words from such. Thou wouldst betray what’s left,
\nUntil not even Swegn is left to Swegn,
\nBut only a coward’s shadow.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHear me, Swegn.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tS<\/font>WEGN<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAh, Hertha, what hast thou to say to me?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSave me, my lord, from my own punishment,
\nForgetting my deserts.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAlas! thy love,
\nO my beloved, has been great to me,
\nThough great, was never wise! but must it ask
\nSo huge a recompense ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou hadst myself. Thou askest my honour.
\nWill this persuade thee ? I have nothing else.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nO thou hast overcome my strength at last.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThou only and so only couldst prevail.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nKing, thou hast conquered. Not to thee I yield,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBut those I loved are thy allies. From these<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nRecall the wrath, on me instead pronounce<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhat doom thou wilt \u2014 though yielding is doom enough<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor Swegn of Norway.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAbjure rebellion then,
\nReceive my mercy.<\/font>\u00b9<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO fortune! It will out.<\/font>\u00b2<\/font>
\nThe spirit of Olaf will no more sit still
\nWithin me. O though thou slaughter these with pains<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI will not yield. Take, take thy mercy back.<\/font> 
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI take it back. What wouldst thou in its stead ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tS<\/font>WEGN<\/font><\/p>\n

\nDo what thou wilt with these and me. I have done!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou cast’st thy die, thou weak and violent man! I will cast mine
\nAnd conquer.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI have endured the worst.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNot so.
\nThou thinkest I will help thee to thy death,
\nAllowing the blind grave to seal thy eyes<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\u00b9<\/font>Receive my boons. <\/font>
\n     \u00b2<\/font> I have said; it is received. <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nTo all that I shall do to thine. Learn, Swegn,
\nI am more cruel! Thou shalt live and see
\nOn them my vengeance. Aslaug, go and return
\nRobed as thou wast upon the night thou knowest
\nWearing thy dagger, wearing too thy ring.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat wilt thou do with her? God! what wilt thou do?
\nO wherefore have I seen and taken back love
\nInto a heart that had shut….<\/font>\u00b9<\/font>
\nBut death and greatness ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI will inflict on them
\nWhat thou canst not endure to gaze upon
\nOr if thou canst then with that hardness live.
\nFor die thou shalt not. I have ways for that.
\nThou thought’s! to take thy refuge in a grave
\nAnd let these bear thy punishment for thee,
\nThy heart being spared. It was no valiant thought,
\nNo worthy escape for Swegn. Aslaug and Hertha,
\nMy thralls, remove your outer robes.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat must I see ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAs dancing-girls the women came to me,
\nAs dancing-girls I keep them. Thou shalt see
\nAslaug of Norway at her trade \u2014 to dance
\nBefore me and my courtiers. That begins,
\nThere’s more behind, unless thou change thy mood.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tS<\/font>WEGN<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThou knowest how to torture.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\u00b9Illegible <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nAnd to break.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAslaug re-enters.
\n<\/i>Thou seest, Swegn. Shall I command the dance ?
\nShall this be the result of Olaf’s house ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nDaughter of Olaf, wilt thou then obey ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYes, since thou lov’st me not, my brother Swegn,
\nWhom else should I obey, save him I love ?
\nBut hadst thou loved me still, I should not need.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nDance.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nStay, Aslaug. Since thou bad’st me love
\nThee, not my glory, as indeed I must
\nTo save the house of Olaf from this shame, \u2014
\nWhose treacherous weakness works for him and thee.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPause not again \u2014 for pause is fatal now.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nKing, I have yielded, I accept thy boons.
\nHeir of a starveling Earl, I bow my head
\nEven to thy mercies. I am Olaf’s son,
\nI shall be faithful to my own disgrace.<\/font>\u00b9<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO fear not. King. I can be great again.
\nWithout conditions hast thou yielded.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\u00b9<\/font>Yet yield \u2014 that name I remember, speak this word. <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nNo.
\nLet these be spared all shame \u2014 for that I yield
\nMy honour has a price \u2014 and it is small.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThat’s given without terms binding.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nOne prayer:<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nGive me a dungeon deep enough, O King,
\nTo hide my face from all these eyes.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSwear then,
\nWhatever prison I assign thee, be it wide
\nOr narrow, to observe its state, its bounds
\nAnd do even there my will.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tS<\/font>WEGN
\n\t<\/font>(with a gesture)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThat too is sworn!
\nLet Thor and Odin witness to my oath.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nFour prisons I assign to Olaf’s son.
\nThy palace first in Trondhjem, Olaf’s roof,
\nThy house in Nara, Eric’s court \u2014 thy country,
\nTo whom thou yieldest, Norway \u2014 and at last
\nMy army’s head when I invade the world.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tS<\/font>WEGN
\n\t<\/font>(amazed and doubtful)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThou hast surprised me, Eric, with an oath
\nAnd circumvented.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHertha, to thy lord
\nReturn unharassed \u2014 thou seest thou wast safe.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nTrondhjem’s and Olaf’s treasures with thee take
\nThe second in the land beneath our throne.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nEric, enough! Have I not yielded ? Here
\nLet thy boons rest.’<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n‘Tis truth. For my next boon<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIs to myself. Look not upon this hand
\nI clasp in mine, although the fairest hand
\nThat God has made. Observe instead
\nThis ring and recognise it.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIt’s Freya’s ring, worn
\nOn Aslaug’s hand. And she who once wears
\n<\/b>it
\n<\/b>Thenceforth sits on Norway’s throne.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPossess thy father’s chair
\nIntended for thee always from the first.
\nNor be amazed that in these dancing-robes
\nI seat her here \u2014 for they increase its beauty
\nMore than imperial purple. Nor think, Swegn,
\nThy sister shamed or false who came to me
\n,…<\/font>\u00b9<\/font> spilling my blood and hers,
\nA violent and mighty purpose \u2014 such
\nAs only noble hearts conceive; and only
\nShe yielded to that noble heart at last
\nBecause ’twas Odin’s purpose.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSo they came.
\nAslaug, thou sought’st my throne, but findst thine own.
\nI grudge it not to thee \u2014 for thy great heart<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\u00b9<\/font>Illegible <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nDeserves it. Eric, thou hast won at last
\nNorway.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI could not shame thy sister, Swegn,
\nSave by my wife’s disgrace and this was none
\nBut only a deceit to prove thy heart
\nAnd thou seest that thou couldst not have rebelled
\nExcept by treason against Olaf’s seed
\nThat must again rule Norway.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nEric, for thy boons
\nThey hurt not now \u2014 take what return thou wilt;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor I am thine, thou hast found out the way
\nTo save from me thy future. It has….<\/font>\u00b9<\/font>
\nWith my heart’s strings.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSwegn, excuse and love
\nThy comrade Hardicnut, for he intended
\nA kind betrayal.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThis is nothing, King.
\nHis act my heart had come to understand
\nAnd yet has pardoned.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nForgive, Swegn,
\nSigurd, thy foe, as I have pardoned first
\nMy father’s slaughterer. This is thy….<\/font>\u00b2<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n‘Tis pardoned, not forgiven. Let him not come
\nToo often in my sight.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\u00b9<\/font>Illegible <\/font>
\n     \u00b2<\/font>Illegible <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

\n\tE<\/font>RIC<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSwegn, I too have boons<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo ask of thee.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLet them be difficult then,
\nIf thou wouldst have me grant them.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThe gods have
\n<\/b>won.
\n<\/b>Let this embrace engulf our ended strife,
\nBrother of Aslaug.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHusband of my sister,
\nThou assum’st our blood and it ennobles thee
\nTo the height of thy great victories \u2014 this thy last
\nAnd greatest. Thou hast dealt with me as a King,
\nThen as a brother. Thou adorn’st thy throne.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nRest, brother, from thy hardships and thy wars
\nUntil I need thy sword that matched with mine
\nTo smite my foemen.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAslaug, what thinkest thou?
\nIf thou art satisfied, then all well, nobly done.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou hast the tyrant in thy nature still<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd so I love thee best. What canst thou do but well ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor in thy every act and word I see<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe gods compel thee.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nOr thou hast changed me with thy starry eyes,
\nDaughter of Olaf, and….<\/font>\u00b9<\/font> a man<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\u00b9Illegible <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nWhere was but height and iron, all my roots<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf action, mercy, greatness, enterprise<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSit now transplanted in thy breast, O charm,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nO noble marvel! From thy bosom my strength<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nComes out to me.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThou sangst, Aslaug, once of the golden hoop,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMightier and swifter than the warrior’s sword.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nDost thou remember what thou cam’st to do,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAslaug, from Gothberg?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe gods have spoken since and shown their hand.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThey shut our eyes and drive us, but at last<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOur souls remember when the act is done.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThat it was fated. Now for us, O beloved,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe world begins again, who since the stars were formed<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPlaying the game of games by Odin’s will<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHave met and parted, parted, met again<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor ever.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nCurtain<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 559<\/font><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Act Five SCENE I     Eric, Gunthar, Swegn, Aslaug, Hertha. ERIC Not by love only, but by force and love. ‘ This man must…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-717","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-06-collected-plays-part-i-volume-06","wpcat-15-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/717","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=717"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/717\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=717"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=717"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=717"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}