THE FEAST AT SOLHOUG PLAY IN THREE ACTS ACT FIRST _A stately room, with doors in the back and to both sides. In front, on the right, a bay window with small round panes, set in lead, and near the window a table, on which is a quantity of feminine ornaments. Along the left wall, a longer table with silver goblets, beakers and drinking-horns. The door in the back leads out to a passage-way,[24] through which can be seen a spacious fiord-landscape._ BENGT GAUTESON, MARGIT, KNUT GESLING _and_ ERIK OF HEGGË _are seated around the table on the left. In the background are_ KNUT’S _followers, some seated, some standing; one or two flagons of ale are handed round among them. Far off are heard church bells, ringing to Mass._ ERIK. [_Rising at the table._] In one word, now, what answer have you to make to my wooing on Knut Gesling’s behalf? BENGT. [_Glancing uneasily towards his wife._] Well, I—to me it seems—[_As she remains silent._] H’m, Margit, let us first hear your thought in the matter. MARGIT. [_Rising._] Sir Knut Gesling, I have long known all that Erik of Heggë has told of you. I know full well that you come of a lordly house; you are rich in gold and gear, and you stand in high favour with our royal master. BENGT. [_To_ KNUT.] In high favour—so say I too. MARGIT. And doubtless my sister could choose her no doughtier mate— BENGT. None doughtier; that is what _I_ say too. MARGIT. —if so be that you can win her to think kindly of you. BENGT. [_Anxiously, and half aside._] Nay—nay, my dear wife— KNUT. [_Springing up._] Stands it so, Dame Margit! You think that your sister— BENGT. [_Seeking to calm him._] Nay, nay, Knut Gesling! Have patience, now. You must understand us aright. MARGIT. There is naught in my words to wound you. My sister knows you only by the songs that are made about you—and these songs sound but ill in gentle ears.