Scene-4 The Castle in Normandy.- The Castle Hall.  
Hugo has returned from his trip. Harold, a mysterious 
Danish Knight, meets the followers of Hugo in the 
castle hall. Harold sings them a song. 


HAROLD

On the current, where the wide
Windings of the river
Eddy to the North Sea tide,
Shall I in my shallop glide,
As I have done at her side?
Never! never! never!

In the forest, where the firs,
Pines and larches quiver
To the northern breeze that stirs,
Shall my lips be press’d to hers,
As they were in by-gone years?
Never! never! never!

In the battle on the plain,
Where the lance-shafts shiver,
And the sword-strokes fall like rain,
Shall I bear her scarf again
As I have done?—not in vain—
Never! never! never!

In a fairer, brighter land,
Where the saints rest ever,
Shall I once more see her stand,
White, amidst a white-robed band,
Harp and palm-branch in her hand?
Never! never! never!
         Adam Lindsay Gordon