Bishop Nicholas.
Needless to say, 'twas a dangerous task for a humble priest to rear a king's child. So soon as the child was born, he laid the matter before one of his superiors in the church, and prayed for his counsel. This his superior bade Trond send the true king's son with secrecy to a place of safety, and give Inga another, if she or the Birchlegs should afterwards ask for her child.
Earl Skule.
[Indignantly.] And who was the hound that gave that counsel?
Bishop Nicholas.
It was I.
Earl Skule.
You? Ay, you have ever hated the race of Sverre.
Bishop Nicholas.
I deemed it not safe for the king's son to fall into your hands.
Earl Skule.
But the priest?
Bishop Nicholas.
Promised to do as I bade.
Earl Skule.
[Seizing him by the arm.] And Håkon is the other child?
Bishop Nicholas.
If the priest kept his promise.
