Modern Icelandic Plays | Page 6

hidden in the hills. I have heard of a
man who lost his way in Surt's Cave. For days he walked underground,
and when at last he came up he had gold sand in his shoes.
Halla.
What would you do if that were really gold in your bag?
Arnes.
Then Arnes would do many things. You should help yourself to all
your hands could hold, and as many times as you have given me shelter,
and Arngrim the leper should also fill his fists. I know of no one else to
whom I care to do good.
Gudfinna.
And should I have nothing?
Arnes.
I would give you new, long ear-locks of gold.
Magnus (laughing).

Some little gift you'd surely have for the bailiff-- no?
Arnes.
For him? Yes, if I could throw the sand into his eyes. (Opens the bag
and takes out a handful of Iceland moss.) They are fine, these lichens,
and taste good when you cook them in milk.
Gudfinna (rising and muttering to herself).
The milk! [Exit.
Arnes (holding up a handful).
See how big they are.
Halla.
Yes, they are fine.
Arnes (patting the bag).
And it is well stuffed, too.
Enter the Boy.
The Boy.
Now you can milk the sheep.
Halla.
You are not through yet, poor boy. You will have to go down along the
creek and look for the cows.
[Exit Oddny.
The Boy.

I hope they're not up to new tricks and begin to stay out nights. [Exit.
Halla (calling after him).
Take a drink of milk in the pantry; the key is in the door. (Magnus rises
slowly.)
Arnes.
Are you going to buy my bag?
Halla.
If you make the price right.
Arnes.
You ought to have it for nothing-- you've given me shelter and good
food so often. (Lifts his foot.) What I need most just now is to get
something on my feet.
Halla.
I don't think we shall quarrel about the price. (To Magnus.) Take it out
into the kitchen.
[Exit Magnus with the bag.
Halla.
Will you not sit down? I'll go and find you a bite to eat. [Exit.
Arnes (following her with his eyes).
That woman has a kind heart. (Sits down.) How long have you been
working here on the farm?
Kari.

This is my second year.
Arnes.
And overseer already? Yes, some folks have luck. (Leans toward him.)
As you may know, I haven't a very good name. I can't settle down very
long at any one place, and it comes hard for me to be anybody's servant.
You must surely have heard me spoken of as a thief?
Kari.
People will say so many things.
Arnes (passing his hand over his ears).
My ears are not marked yet, but somehow it sticks to you like dust--
what people say-- no matter whether it is true or not. Have you ever
been the target for gossipy tales?
Kari (slowly).
Not that I know of.
Arnes.
Then you have it coming to you. Shall I tell you what they are saying
about you in these parts?
Kari.
Is it about me and Halla?
Arnes.
I have heard that too, but this story is about yourself.
Kari.
I would rather be spared listening to gossip.

Arnes.
If I had been quite sure that it was nothing but gossip, I should not have
opened my mouth about it.
Kari (laughing coldly).
You are at least frank.
Arnes (rising).
It is all the same to me, but if you have anything to hide, you had better
keep your eyes and ears open, for you have an enemy, that much I can
tell you.
Kari.
I don't know that I have harmed any one around here.
Arnes.
You live and fill your place. That is enough to make enemies.
Enter Halla with a wooden mug filled with porridge and milk. The lid is
turned back and some meat, dried fish, and butter are placed upon it.
Halla.
You get nothing but skimmed milk. I thought you would rather have
that than wait until the cows had been milked. (Lets down the
table-leaf.)
Arnes (sits down and reaches for the mug).
God bless you, woman! I am used to having it on my knees. (Pulls out
his pocket-knife and eats.)
Halla (stops in front of Kari and looks at him).

You are working hard; there are drops of sweat on your forehead.
Kari.
Are there? (Wipes his forehead; looks up.) Should you like to know
your life beforehand? (Stands up and raises both arms to the ceiling.) I
have lived where I could touch the roof over my head with my clenched
fists, and I have lived where my eyes could not reach it. (Sits down.)
Can you remember how few clothes I had when I came here?
Halla