Modern Icelandic Plays Part 28

_Arnes._

I should like to read your fate all day long.

_Halla._

Then you might tell me things I did not care to hear. But I must get to work.

(_Halla goes into the hut. Arnes looks after her. She comes out bringing wool, a spindle, and a sheep's skin._)

_Halla._

If you are not too tired after the hunt, this skin can stand a little more.

_Arnes._

Give it to me. (_Takes a large ring made of a ram's horn. From the ring hangs a loop of rope, in which he puts his foot. He draws the skin through the ring and keeps pulling it back and forth. Halla sits down, turning her spindle. They are silent._)

_Halla._

It is queer about the sound of the waterfall. Most of the time I don't hear it at all, but if it were to stop, I should miss it. Is it the same with you?

_Arnes._

Yes.

_Halla._

At first I was almost afraid of it. Then I began to love it, and now I should only miss it if it were not there any more. We mortals are strange.

(_They are silent again._)

_Arnes._

Can you tell me why some people should be happier than others?

_Halla._

No, that I cannot.

_Arnes._

Kari has been happy for seven years.

_Halla._

Are you sure of that?

_Arnes._

Why should he not be happy? He has a wife and child.

_Halla._

Was there no one down your way whom you could bring with you up here?

_Arnes._

Who do you think would become an outlaw for my sake?

_Halla._

Wouldn't you dare to carry off a woman? I should try my best to be good to her.

_Arnes._

Do you think Kari would have dared to carry you off against your will?

_Halla._

Ask him.

_Arnes._

Why does he not show it, if he cares so much for you? He forgets about helping you with firewood and carrying water, and if the meat is not cooked the way he likes it, he scolds you. One might think you were his servant girl.

_Halla._

Don't let that worry you.

_Arnes._

And he can't even see the color of your hair.

_Halla._

Do you bear a grudge against Kari, because he caught the swan?

_Arnes._

You had house and home and a good name, and you gave it all up for his sake. He ought to keep that in mind more than he does.

_Halla._

I don't want Kari to be offering up thanks like a meek bondsman.

Besides, I have done nothing for him. I did it all for myself.

_Arnes._

He does not even bother to curry the skins for your bedding. If you did not have me, you would have to do it yourself.