Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/81



Fear not. All this I have fully weighed; but there is no danger. His errand in Norway is a secret; he has come unknown to Trondhiem, and unknown shall he be our guest at Östråt.

And the name of this Danish lord?

It sounds well, Elina; Denmark has scarce a nobler name.

But what then do you purpose? I cannot yet grasp your meaning.

You will soon understand.—Since we cannot trample on the serpent, we must bind it.

Take heed that it burst not your bonds.

It rests with you to tighten them as you will.

With me?

I have long seen that Östråt is as a cage to you. The young falcon chafes behind the iron bars.