Earl Skule.
Where are they?
Bishop Nicholas.
They were drowned in the Greek Sea on the journey forth.
Earl Skule.
And Inga?
Bishop Nicholas.
Knows nought, either of the priest's confession or of my counsel.
Earl Skule.
Her child was but nine days old when she left it, you said?
Bishop Nicholas.
Ay, and the child she next saw was over a year
Earl Skule.
Then no living creature can here bring light! [Paces rapidly to and fro.] Almighty God, can this be true? Håkon—the King—he who holds sway over all this land, not born of royal blood!—And why should it not be like enough? Has not all fortune miraculously followed him?—Why not this also, to be taken as a child from a poor cottar's hut and laid in a king's cradle?
Bishop Nicholas.
Whilst the whole people believes that he is the king's son
Earl Skule.
Whilst <g>he himself</g> believes it, Bishop—<g>that</g> is the heart of his fortune, <g>that</g> is the girdle of
