Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/137



Much more. The sea lies between you and Denmark.

[To herself.] The sea? Thought has seagulls' wings. The sea cannot stay it.

[Looks after her awhile; then says:] If I could but spare two days now—or even one—I would have her in my power, even as the others. And yet is there rare stuff in this maiden. She is proud. Might I not after all? No; rather humble her

Verily, I believe she has set my blood afire. Who would have thought it possible after all these years?—Enough of this! I must get out of the tangle I have here thrust myself into.

What is the meaning of it? Both Olaf Skaktavl and Inger Gyldenlöve seem blind to the mistrust 'twill waken, when 'tis rumoured that I am in their league.—Or can Lady Inger have seen through my purpose? Can she have seen that all my promises were but designed to lure Nils Sture forth from his hiding-place?

Damnation! Is it I that have been fooled? 'Tis like enough that Count Sture is not at Östråt at all. It may be the rumour of his flight was but