Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/189

 Rosmer.

The President?

Brendel.

Well well—His Excellency then. Ganz nach Belieben.

Rosmer.

Whom do you mean?

Brendel. Peter Mortensgård, of course.

Rosmer. What?

Brendel.

[Mysteriously.] Hush, hush, hush! Peter Mortensgård is the lord and leader of the future. Never have I stood in a more august presence. Peter Mortensgård has the secret of omnipotence. He can do whatever he will.

Rosmer. Oh, don't believe that.

Brendel.

Yes, my boy! For Peter Mortensgård never wills more than he can do. Peter Mortensgård is capable of living his life without ideals. And that, do you see—that is just the mighty secret of action and of victory. It is the sum of the whole world's wisdom. Basta!

Rosmer.

[In a low voice.] Now I understand—why you leave here poorer than you came.