Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/213



Well for us all if you can. [Mounts a step of throne-daïs, and leans upon one arm of the throne.] Here stand I as your king, and ask. Know you that Jon, Earl of Orkney, has risen against me?

Yes.

That he denies to pay me tribute?

Yes.

And is it true that you, Sir Earl, have this day sent him a letter?

Who says so?

That do I.

Jostein Tamb dared not deny to carry it, since it bore the King's seal.

You write to the King's foes under the King's seal, although the King knows nought of what is written?

So have I done for many a year, with your good will.

Ay, in the days of your regency.