Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/215



[Threateningly.] You want to come between us? Between mother and son? You?

I want to free him from your power—your will—your despotism.

[Triumphantly.] You are too late! You had him in your nets all those years—until he was fifteen. But now I have won him again, you see!

Then I will win him back from you! [Hoarsely, half whispering.] We two have fought a life-and-death battle before, Gunhild—for a man's soul!

[Looking at her in triumph.] Yes, and I won the victory.

[With a smile of scorn.] Do you still think that victory was worth the winning?

[Darkly.] No; Heaven knows you are right there.

You need look for no victory worth the winning this time either.