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Bishop Nicholas.
I say that God and St. Olaf watch over their holy church. [Goes into the King's Hall.
Håkon.
[Approaching Margrete.] A wise queen can do great things in the land: I chose you fearlessly, for I know you are wise.
Margrete.
Only <g>that</g>?
Håkon.
What mean you?
Margrete.
Nothing, my lord, nothing.
Håkon.
And you will bear me no grudge if for my sake you have had to forgo fair hopes?
Margrete.
I have forgone no fair hopes for your sake.
Håkon.
And you will stand ever near me, and give me good counsel?
Margrete.
I would fain stand near to you.
Håkon.
And give me good counsel. I thank you for that; a woman's counsel profits every man, and henceforth I have none but you—my mother I had to send away
