Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/290



It might chance, my lord King, that the Birchlegs had a mind to meet us first.

They have not ships enough for that, nor men.

But Arnbiörn Jonsson is gathering both men and ships, all round in Viken.

The better for us; we will crush them at one blow, as we did at Låka.

My lord, 'tis not so easy to crush the Birchlegs twice following.

And wherefore not?

Because Norway's saga tells not that the like has ever befallen. Shall I send forth scouts to Hoved-isle?

'Tis needless; the night is dark, and there is a sea-fog to boot.

Well well, the King knows best; but bethink you, my lord, that all men are against you here in Viken. The townsfolk of Oslo hate you, and should the Birchlegs come, they will make common cause with them.