I looked about--it was a seal seeking
rest; it gazed at me with its moist eyes as if filled with
compassion for me. Now I was no longer alone! I stretched out my
hand to caress its rough body; then it fled and I was doubly alone.
Again I am on the rocks! What do I fear? Yes, loneliness! What is
loneliness? It is I, myself! Who am I then to fear myself? Am I not
Erl Thorfinn, the strong, who has bowed thousands of wills to his?
Who never asked for friendship or love but himself bore his own
sorrows! No! No! I am another! And therefore Thorfinn the strong
fears Thorfinn the weak! Who stole my strength? Who struck me down?
Was it the sea? Have I not vanquished the sea three times ten
voyages? And it, has defeated me but once--but then to the death!
It was the stronger. It was a God. But who subdued the sea that
lately raged? Who? Who? Who? It was the stronger! Who are you then,
the stronger! Oh, answer, that I may believe! He does not answer!--
All is silent!--Again I hear my heart beating. Oh, help, help! I am
cold, I freeze--[Goes to door and calls Valgerd.]
[Enter a thrall.]
THRALL. You called, Master Erl?
THORFINN [Recovering himself]. You were mistaken.
THRALL. Yes, master.
THORFINN. How many men are we?
THRALL. Oh--half three score I think.
THORFINN. Are you afraid to die, thrall?
THRALL. How can I be when I believe that I shall be saved?
[Crosses himself.]
THORFINN. What does that mean?
THRALL. The bishop has taught us to do that.
Pages:
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153