Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/310

 Ingeborg! You take not back your word? You give him to me indeed?

Heavy is the sacrifice, and scarce had I strength to make it, but that Bishop Nicholas sent him to me, bearing a letter with tidings of Andres Skialdarband's death. 'Twas the Bishop that laid on me the heavy sacrifice, to atone for all my sin.

Then is the sin blotted out, and henceforth he is mine alone; is it not so, mine alone?

Yes; but one promise I crave of you.

Heaven and earth, crave all you will!

He is pure as a lamb of God, as I now give him into your hands. 'Tis a perilous path that leads up to the throne; let him not take hurt to his soul. Hear you, King Skule: let not my child take hurt to his soul!

That I promise and swear to you!

[Seizes his arm.] From the moment you mark that his soul suffers harm, let him rather die!

Rather die! I promise and swear it!