Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/182



I say that God and St. Olaf watch over their holy church. [Goes into the King's Hall.

[Approaching Margrete.] A wise queen can do great things in the land: I chose you fearlessly, for I know you are wise.

Only that?

What mean you?

Nothing, my lord, nothing.

And you will bear me no grudge if for my sake you have had to forgo fair hopes?

I have forgone no fair hopes for your sake.

And you will stand ever near me, and give me good counsel?

I would fain stand near to you.

And give me good counsel. I thank you for that; a woman's counsel profits every man, and henceforth I have none but you—my mother I had to send away