Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/172

 Ay, 'tis shame; but so it is—you will reap nought but mockery—mockery, because a woman was craftier than you. "Like a cunning fox," men will say, "he crept into Östråt; like a beaten hound he slunk away."—And one thing more: think you not that Peter Kanzler and his friends will forswear your alliance, when 'tis known that I venture not to fight under a standard borne by you?

You speak wisely, lady! Wherefore to secure me from mockery—and not to endanger the alliance with all our dear friends in Sweden—I must needs

[Hastily.] prolong your stay at Östråt.

[Who has been listening.] He is in the trap!

No, my noble lady;—I must needs bring you to terms within this hour.

But what if you should fail?

I shall  fail.