Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/154



Ay, by my soul it does. You have given me a hand of nought but court cards,—queens and knaves

But what of me, that have brought all these good tidings? Have I nought more to do?

You? Ay, that have you. You belong to the game. You are a king—and king of trumps too.

I a king? Oh, now I understand; you are thinking of my exaltation

Your exaltation?

Ay; that which you foretold for me, if King Gustav's men got me in their clutches

True enough;—but let that trouble you no more. It now lies with yourself alone whether within a month you shall have the hempen noose or a chain of gold about your neck.

A chain of gold? And it lies with me?