I know it—I was proud, overweening! In all our games, I would still be the Queen, because I was the tallest, the fairest, the wisest! I know it! BIÖRN. That is true. ELINA. Once you took me by the hand and looked earnestly at me, and said: “Be not proud of your fairness, or your wisdom; but be proud as the mountain eagle as often as you think: I am Inger Gyldenlöve’s daughter!” BIÖRN. And was it not matter enough for pride? ELINA. You told me so often enough, Biörn! Oh, you told me many a tale in those days. [_Presses his hand._] Thanks for them all!—Now, tell me one more; it might make me light of heart again, as of old. BIÖRN. You are a child no longer. ELINA. Nay, indeed! But let me dream that I am.—Come, tell on! [_Throws herself into a chair._ BIÖRN _sits on the edge of the high hearth._ BIÖRN. Once upon a time there was a high-born knight—— ELINA. [_Who has been listening restlessly in the direction of the hall, seizes his arm and breaks out in a vehement whisper._] Hush! No need to shout so loud; I can hear well! BIÖRN. [_More softly._] Once upon a time there was a high-born knight, of whom there went the strange report—— [ELINA _half rises, and listens in anxious suspense in the direction of the hall._ BIÖRN. Mistress Elina,—what ails you? ELINA. [_Sits down again._] Me? Nothing. Go on. BIÖRN. Well, as I was saying—did this knight but look straight in a woman’s eyes, never could she forget it after; her thoughts must follow him wherever he went, and she must waste away with sorrow. ELINA. I have heard that tale.—Moreover, ’tis no tale you are telling, for the knight you speak of is Nils Lykke, who sits even now in the Council of Denmark—— BIÖRN. May be so. ELINA. Well, let it pass—go on! BIÖRN. Now it happened once on a time—— ELINA. [_Rises suddenly._] Hush; be still! BIÖRN. What now? What is the matter? ELINA. [_Listening._] Do you hear? BIÖRN.