Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/200

 ASLAKSEN.

Elected by 117 votes, and Lundestad by 53. The rest all nowhere.

Heire.

Your first step on the path of glory, Mr. Stensgård.

Aslaksen.

And it shall cost you a bowl of punch

Heire.

Well, it's the first step that costs, they say.

Aslaksen.

[Goes off to the left, shouting.] Punch, Madam Rundholmen! A bowl of punch! The chosen of the people stands treat!

Lundestad, and after him several Electors, enter from the right.

Heire.

[In a tone of condolence to Lundestad.] Fifty-three! That's the grey-haired patriot's reward!

Lundestad.

[Whispers to Stensgård.] Are you firm in your resolve?

Stensgård.

What's the use of being firm when everything is tumbling about your ears?

Lundestad.

Do you think the game is lost?