- mightier than any of the ten thousand—earls up
yonder! [Sinks down upon a bench beside the table.
Earl Skule.
[Looks long at him.] Bishop Nicholas, are you something more or something less than a man?
Bishop Nicholas.
[Smiling.] I am in the state of innocence: I know not good from evil.
Earl Skule.
[Half to himself.] Why did they send me into the world, if they meant not to order it better for me? Håkon has so firm and unswerving a faith in himself—all his men have so firm and unswerving a faith in him
Bishop Nicholas.
Let it not be seen that <g>you</g> have no such faith in yourself! Speak as though you had it, swear great oaths that you have it—and all will believe you.
Earl Skule.
Had I a son! Had I but a son, to take all the great heritage after me!
Bishop Nicholas.
[Eagerly.] Earl—if you <g>had</g> a son?
Earl Skule.
I have none.
Bishop Nicholas.
Håkon will have sons.
