Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/223

 How long is it, commonly, ere a body begins to rot? All the rooms must be aired. 'Tis not wholesome here till that be done.

[Who has set to work at the papers again.] It is well. See you forget not what I have said. Many lights on the table! What are they about now in there?

They are still screwing down the coffin-lid.

[Writing.] Are they screwing it down ?

As tight as need be.

Ay, ay—who can tell how tight it needs to be? Do you see that 'tis well done.

Biörn, you are an old man; but  counsel I will give you. Be on your guard against all men—both those that are dead and those that are still to die.—Now go in—go in and see to it that they screw the lid down tightly.