Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/220



Where is the messenger?

[Leading the man forward.] Here, my lord King.

What caused the slaying?

That no man knows. The talk fell upon the Finnish tribute, and on a sudden Andres sprang up and gave him his death-wound.

Had there been quarrels between them before?

Ever and anon. Andres would often say that a wise councillor here in the south had written to him that he should be as rock and flint toward Vegard Væradal.

Strange! Ere Vegard set forth he told me that a wise councillor had said he should be as rock and flint toward Andres Skialdarband.

[Spitting.] Shame upon such councillors.

We will not question more closely from what root this wrong has grown. Two faithful souls have I lost this day. I could weep for Vegard, but 'tis no time for weeping; it must be life for life. Sir