Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/164



[Exasperated.] To your swords, King's men, let them decide!

[Rushing forward.] Down with the King's enemies!

[Calls to his men.] Slay none! Wound none! Only keep them off.

[Restraining his men.] Up with your blades, all who have drawn them!—Up with your blades, I say! [Calmly.] You make things tenfold worse for me by such doings.

Even so are men flying at each other's throats all the country over. You see now, Håkon Håkonsson; does not this show clearly what you have to do, if you care aught for the country's peace and the lives of men?

[After some reflection.] Yes—I see it. [Takes ''by the hand and turns to one of those standing by him.''] Torkell, you were a trusty man in my father's guard; take this woman to your own abode and see you tend her well; she was very dear to Håkon Sverresson.—God bless you, my mother,—now I must gird me for the folkmote. [ presses his hand, and goes with ''is silent awhile, then steps forward and says with emphasis:''] The law shall decide, and it alone. Ye Birchlegs who, at the Örething, took me for