Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/175

 he must neither be led nor lured. There is so much to be mended in Norway.

[Goes on writing.

[Softly to ] 'Tis by my counsel he deals thus with Inga, his mother.

I knew your hand in it at once.

But now one good turn deserves another.

Wait. I will keep my promise.

[Gives the parchment to ] Fold it together and bear it to her yourself, with many loving greetings

[Who has glanced at the parchment.] My lord—you write here—"to-day"!

The wind is fair for a southward course.

[Slowly.] Bethink you, my lord King, that she has lain all night on the altar-steps in prayer and fasting.

And she may well be weary after the ordeal.