Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/162



I mean that all we Pretenders have the same cause for longing. We have all alike been straitly bound, for none of us has known how far his right might reach.

The Church has been even as unstable as the kingdom; but now must we abide by the sainted King Olaf's law.

[Half aloud.] Fresh subtleties! [ men gather more closely together.

[''With forced calmness, advances a couple of paces towards the'' ] I would fain think I have not rightly taken your meaning. The ordeal has made good my birthright to the kingdom, and therefore, as I deem, the folkmote has nought to do but to confirm my election, made at the Örething six years ago.

No, no! That we deny!

'Twas with no such thought that we agreed to hold the folkmote here. The ordeal has not given you the kingdom; it has but proved your title to come forward to-day, along with the other Pretenders here present, and contend for the right you hold to be yours