Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/157



[On the church steps.] God has given judgment! Behold these hands; with them I bore the iron!

They are tender and white as before!

Fairer still!

He is Håkon's son! He is Sverre's grandson!

[Embraces her.] Thanks to thee, thanks to thee, blessed among women!

[In passing, to the ] 'Twas ill done to press for the ordeal.

Nay, my lord Bishop, needs must we pray for God's voice in this matter.

[Deeply moved, holding by the hand.] It is done, then, that which my every fibre cried out against—that which has made my heart shrivel and writhe within me

[Turning towards the multitude.] Ay, look upon this woman and bethink you, all that are gathered here! Who ever doubted her word, until certain folk required that it should be doubted.