Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/273



You must mistake! Go, Dagfinn, and bring me sure tidings.

Ay ay, trust to me. [Goes.

No,—'tis not to be thought of! The Duke dare not rise against me. God will not suffer it—God, who has hitherto guided all things for me so marvellously. I must have peace now, for 'tis now I must set about my work!—I have done so little yet; but I hear the unerring voice of the Lord calling to me: Thou shalt do a great king's-work in Norway!

[Enters from the back.] My lord and King!

Gregorius Jonsson! Come you hither?

I offer myself for your service. Thus far have I followed the Duke; but now I dare follow him no further.

What has befallen?

That which no man will believe, when 'tis rumoured through the land.

Speak, speak!