Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/175

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he must neither be led nor lured. There is so much to be mended in Norway.

[Goes on writing.

Vegard Væradal.

[Softly to Bishop Nicholas.] 'Tis by <g>my</g> counsel he deals thus with Inga, his mother.

Bishop Nicholas.

I knew your hand in it at once.

Vegard Væradal.

But now one good turn deserves another.

Bishop Nicholas.

Wait. I will keep my promise.

Håkon.

[Gives the parchment to Ivar Bodde.] Fold it together and bear it to her yourself, with many loving greetings——

Ivar Bodde.

[Who has glanced at the parchment.] My lord—you write here—"to-day"——!

Håkon.

The wind is fair for a southward course.

Dagfinn.

[Slowly.] Bethink you, my lord King, that she has lain all night on the altar-steps in prayer and fasting.

Ivar Bodde.

And she may well be weary after the ordeal.