Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 3).djvu/158



A beaten man?

As such I stand Before you. When I open'd war, And sought to drive you from the land, The end I augur'd, I confess, For you, was not just—well—success.

Indeed?

But though my cause I boast The better, I'll contend no more.

And why?

Because you have the most.

Have I?

Oh, that you can't ignore: Folks flock to you by sea and shore; And in the whole of my confine A spirit has of late been rife, Which, God's my witness, is not mine; Whence to conclude is only due, That it originates with you. Here is my hand: we'll end the strife!

War such as we wage does not cease, Howe'er the vanquished cry "No more!"