Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/372



Better than the whole world.

You could endure that he should doom me; but could you also endure that he should let the doom be fulfilled?

Lord of heaven, give me strength!

Could you, Margrete?

[Softly and shuddering.] No, no—we should have to part,—I could never see him more!

You would darken the fairest light of his life and of yours;—be at peace, Margrete,—it shall not be needful.

Flee from the land, Skule; I will follow you whithersoever you will.

[Shaking his head.] With a mocking shade between us?—To-night have I found you for the first time; there must fall no shade between me and you, my silent, faithful wife;—therefore must we not seek to unite our lives on this earth.

My kingly brother! I see you need me not;—I see you know what path to take.