[_Drawing his sword._] Not yet, I hope. [_Whispers to_ MARGIT.] Fear not. No one has drunk from your goblet. MARGIT. Then thanks be to God, who has saved us all! [_She sinks down on a chair to the left._ GUDMUND _hastens towards the door at the back._ ANOTHER HOUSE-CARL. [_Enters, stopping him._] You come too late. Sir Bengt is dead. GUDMUND. Too late, then, too late. HOUSE-CARL. The guests and your men have prevailed against the murderous crew. Knut Gesling and his men are prisoners. Here they come. [GUDMUND’S _men, and a number of_ GUESTS _and_ HOUSE-CARLS, _lead in_ KNUT GESLING, ERIK OF HEGGË, _and several of_ KNUT’S _men, bound_. KNUT. [_Who is pale, says in a low voice._] Manslayer, Gudmund. What say you to that? GUDMUND. Knut, Knut, what have you done? ERIK. ’Twas a mischance, of that I can take my oath. KNUT. He ran at me swinging his axe; I meant but to defend myself, and struck the death-blow unawares. ERIK. Many here saw all that befell. KNUT. Lady Margit, crave what fine you will. I am ready to pay it. MARGIT. I crave naught. God will judge us all. Yet stay—one thing I require. Forgo your evil design upon my sister. KNUT. Never again shall I essay to redeem my baleful pledge. From this day onward I am a better man. Yet would I fain escape dishonourable punishment for my deed. [_To_ GUDMUND.] Should you be restored to favour and place again, say a good word for me to the King! GUDMUND. I? Ere the sun sets, I must have left the country. [_Astonishment amongst the_ GUESTS. ERIK, _in whispers, explains the situation._ MARGIT. [_To_ GUDMUND.] You go? And Signë with you? SIGNË. [_Beseechingly._] Margit! MARGIT. Good fortune follow you both! SIGNË. [_Flinging her arms round_ MARGIT’S _neck._] Dear sister! GUDMUND. Margit, I thank you. And now farewell. [_Listening._] Hush! I hear the tramp of hoofs in the court-yard. SIGNË. [_Apprehensively._] Strangers have arrived.