[_A_ HOUSE-CARL _appears in the doorway at the back._ HOUSE-CARL. The King’s men are without. They seek Gudmund Alfson. SIGNË. Oh God! MARGIT. [_In great alarm._] The King’s men! GUDMUND. All is at an end, then. Oh Signë, to lose you now—could there be a harder fate? KNUT. Nay, Gudmund; sell your life dearly, man! Unbind us; we are ready to fight for you, one and all. ERIK. [_Looks out._] ’Twould be in vain; they are too many for us. SIGNË. Here they come. Oh Gudmund, Gudmund! [_The_ KING’S MESSENGER _enters from the back, with his escort._ MESSENGER. In the King’s name I seek you, Gudmund Alfson, and bring you his behests. GUDMUND. Be it so. Yet am I guiltless; I swear it by all that is holy! MESSENGER. We know it. GUDMUND. What say you? [_Agitation amongst those present._ MESSENGER. I am ordered to bid you as a guest to the King’s house. His friendship is yours as it was before, and along with it he bestows on you rich fiefs. GUDMUND. Signë! SIGNË. Gudmund! GUDMUND. But tell me—? MESSENGER. Your enemy, the Chancellor Audun Hugleikson, has fallen. GUDMUND. The Chancellor! GUESTS. [_To each other, in a half-whisper._] Fallen! MESSENGER. Three days ago he was beheaded at Bergen. [_Lowering his voice._] His offence was against Norway’s Queen. MARGIT. [_Placing herself between_ GUDMUND _and_ SIGNË.] Thus punishment treads on the heels of crime! Protecting angels, loving and bright, Have looked down in mercy on me to-night, And come to my rescue while yet it was time. Now know I that life’s most precious treasure Is nor worldly wealth nor earthly pleasure, I have felt the remorse, the terror I know, Of those who wantonly peril their soul, To St. Sunniva’s cloister forthwith I go.— [_Before_ GUDMUND _and_ SIGNË _can speak._ Nay: think not to move me or control. [_Places_ SIGNË’S _hand in_ GUDMUND’S.