Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/271



For you 'tis impossible, for you can but work out the old saga afresh; for me, 'tis as easy as for the falcon to cleave the clouds.

[In uneasy agitation.] To unite the whole people—to awaken it so that it shall know itself one! Whence got you so strange a thought? It runs through me like ice and fire. [Vehemently.] It comes from the devil, Håkon; it shall never be carried through while I have strength to buckle on my helm.

'Tis from God the thought comes to me, and never shall I let it slip while I bear St. Olaf's circlet on my brow!

Then must St. Olaf's circlet fall from your brow!

Who will make it fall?

I, if none other.

You, Skule, will be harmless after to-morrow's Assembly.

Håkon! Tempt not God! Drive me not out upon the last ledge of the deep!

[Points to the door.] Go, my lord—and be it