Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/365



Then is our whole house gathered at Elgesæter to-night.

Ay, gathered after straying long and far.

Håkon Håkonsson alone is wanting.

[Cling about him, in an outburst of sorrow.] My father!—My husband!

[Looking at them, much moved.] Have you loved me so deeply, you two? I sought after happiness abroad, and heeded not the home wherein I might have found it. I pursued after love through sin and guilt, little dreaming that 'twas mine already, in right of God's law and man's.—And you, Ragnhild, my wife, you, against whom I have sinned so deeply, you take me to your warm, soft heart in the hour of my sorest need; you can tremble and be afraid for the life of the man who has never cast a ray of sunshine upon your path.

Have you sinned? Oh, Skule, speak not so; think you I should ever dare accuse you! From the first I was too mean a mate for you, my noble husband; there can rest no guilt on any deed of yours.

Have you believed in me so surely, Ragnhild?