Earl Skule.
[Softly.] Good. [Takes out a sealed parchment.] Here is the letter. Gregorius Jonsson. [Shaking his head.] Earl, Earl,—is <g>this</g> well bethought? Earl Skule. What? Gregorius Jonsson. It bears the King's seal. Earl Skule. I am acting for the King's good. Gregorius Jonsson. Then let the King himself reject the offer. Earl Skule. That he will not, if he has his own way. His whole heart is bent on cowing the Ribbungs, therefore he is fain to secure himself on other sides. Gregorius Jonsson. Your way may be wise,—but it is dangerous. Earl Skule. Leave that to me. Take the letter, and bid Jostein sail forthwith. Gregorius Jonsson. It shall be as you command. [Goes out to the right, and presently comes in again.
