Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/221

 the great cause. A new king,—regent first, and then king

Who will be chosen in the dead man's place?—A king's mother—? 'Tis a fair word. It has but one blemish—the hateful likeness to another word.—King's  and—king's. —King's murderer—one that takes a king's life. King's mother—one that gives a king life.

Well, then; I will make good what I have taken.—My son shall be a king!

There is ever an eerie feeling in a house where lies a corpse. 'Tis therefore my mood is so strange. [Turns her head to one side as if speaking to some one.] Not therefore? Why else should it be?

Is there such a great gulf, then, between openly striking down a foe and slaying one—thus? Knut Alfson had cleft many a brow with his sword; yet was his own as peaceful as a child's. Why then do I ever see this—[makes a motion as though striking with a knife]—this stab in the heart—and the gush of red blood after?