Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/80

 of that, so long as we are not united? And were we ever less united in this land than we are even now?—No, if aught is to be accomplished, it must be secretly and in silence. Even as I said, we must have time to draw breath. In the South, a good part of the nobles are for the Dane; but here in the North they are still in doubt. Therefore has King Frederick sent hither one of his most trusted councillors, to assure himself with his own eyes how we stand affected.

[In suspense.] Well—and then?

He is the guest I look for to-night.

He comes hither? And to-night?

A trading ship brought him to Trondhiem yesterday. News has just reached me of his approach; he may be here within the hour.

And you do not bethink you, my mother, how 'twill endanger your fame thus to receive the Danish envoy? Do not the people already look on you with distrustful eyes? How can you hope that, when the time comes, they will let you rule and guide them, if it be known that