Bishop Nicholas.
Dreams forbode.
Earl Skule.
Ay, and tempt.
Bishop Nicholas.
Not you, surely. In bygone days, that I could understand—but now, when you hold a third part of the kingdom, rule as the first man in the land, and are the Queen's father
Earl Skule.
Now most of all—now most of all.
Bishop Nicholas.
Hide nothing! Confess; for verily I can see a great pain is gnawing you.
Earl Skule.
Now most of all, I say. <g>This</g> is the great curse that lies upon my whole life: to stand so near to the highest,—with an abyss between. One leap, and on the other side are the kingship, and the purple robe, the throne, the might, and all! I have it daily before my eyes—but can <g>never</g> reach it.
Bishop Nicholas.
True, Earl, true.
Earl Skule.
When they made Guthorm Sigurdsson king, I was in the full strength of my youth; It was as though a voice cried aloud within me: Away with the child,—I am the man, the strong man!—
