Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/104



The foul fiend seize you—I had almost said! And me to boot! Might I not have known that there is guile in all your dealings?

Be sure I shall need all my guile here, if I am to face my foe with even weapons. And let me tell you, 'tis of the utmost moment to me that I acquit me of my mission secretly and well. You must know that when I set forth I was scarce in favour with my lord the King. He held me in suspicion; though I dare swear I have served him as well as any man could, in more than one ticklish charge.

That you may safely boast. God and all men know you for the craftiest devil in all the three kingdoms.

I thank you! Though, after all, 'tis not much to say. But this present errand I count as indeed a crowning test of my powers; for here I have to outwit a woman

Ha-ha-ha! In  art you have long since given crowning proofs of your skill, dear brother. Think you we in Sweden know not the song—