Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/76



Better no child, than one born in shame.

In shame?

Dost thou forget thy father's saying? Egil is the son of a leman; that was his word.

A word spoken in wrath—why wilt thou heed it?

Nay, nay, Örnulf was right; Egil is weak; one can see he is no freeborn child.

Hiördis, how canst thou?

[Unheeding.] Doubt not that shame can be sucked into the blood, like the venom of a snake-*bite. Of another mettle are the freeborn sons of mighty men. I have heard of a queen that took her son and sewed his kirtle fast to his flesh, yet he never blinked an eye. [With an evil look.] Dagny, that will I try with Egil!

[Horrified.] Hiördis, Hiördis!

[Laughing.] Ha-ha-ha! Dost thou think I meant my words? [Changing her tone.] But, believe me or not as thou wilt, there are times