Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/174

 Fieldbo.

For the Sheriff and the Provost.[1]

Stensgård.

What! Not even for Lundestad?

Fieldbo.

No. And do you know why? Because Lundestad is going to propose you as his successor.

Stensgård.

He dares to do this!

Fieldbo.

Yes, he does. And he added: "If you see Stensgård, you can tell him how I am voting; it will show him on what footing we stand."

Stensgård.

Good; since he will have it so!

Fieldbo.

Take care; it's dangerous to tug at an old tower—it may come down on your head.

Stensgård.

Oh, I have learnt wisdom in these two days.

Fieldbo.

Indeed? You're not so wise but that you let old Lundestad lead you by the nose.

1 "Amtmanden og provsten." The "Amtmand" is the chief magistrate of an "Amt" or county; the "Provst" is an ecclesiastical functionary, perhaps equivalent to a rural dean.