Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/243



[From the right.] How goes it, honoured lord!

Master Sigard—sell me three days' life!

I have told you

Yes, yes; but that was in jest; 'twas a little revenge on me. I have been a tedious master to you; therefore you thought to scare me. Fie, that was evil,—nay, nay—'twas no more than I deserved! But, now be good and kind! I will pay you well;—three days' life, Master Sigard, only three days' life!

Though I myself were to die in the same hour as you, yet could I not add three days to your span.

One day, then, only one day! Let it be light, let the sun shine when my soul sets forth! Listen, Sigard! [''Beckons him over, and drags him down upon the couch.''] I have given well-nigh all my gold and silver to the Church, to have high masses sung for me. I will take it back again; you shall have it all! How now, Sigard, shall we two fool them in there? He-he-he! You will be rich, Sigard, and can depart the country; I shall have time to cast about me a little, and make shift with fewer prayers. Come, Sigard, shall we! [ feels his pulse; the