How long is it, commonly, ere a body begins to rot? All the rooms must be aired. 'Tis not wholesome here till that be done.
[Biörn comes in with two lighted branch-candlesticks, which he places on the tables.
Lady Inger.
[Who has set to work at the papers again.] It is well. See you forget not what I have said. Many lights on the table! What are they about now in there?
Biörn.
They are still screwing down the coffin-lid.
Lady Inger.
[Writing.] Are they screwing it down tight?
Biörn.
As tight as need be.
Lady Inger.
Ay, ay—who can tell how tight it needs to be? Do you see that 'tis well done.
[Goes up to him with her hand full of papers, and says mysteriously:
Biörn, you are an old man; but one counsel I will give you. Be on your guard against all men—both those that are dead and those that are still to die.—Now go in—go in and see to it that they screw the lid down tightly.
