Bishop Nicholas.
No longer? Not until the very end?
Sira Viliam.
You will not sin to-night, my lord!
Bishop Nicholas.
Who can tell? Take the golden goblet Bishop Absalon left me—give it to the Church— and say seven high masses more.
Sira Viliam.
God will be gracious to you, my lord!
Bishop Nicholas.
Seven more masses, I say—for sins I may commit to-night! Go, go! [Viliam goes; the Bishop turns to Skule.] Duke, if you should come to read Trond the Priest's letter, and it should mayhap prove that Håkon is the rightful king—what would you do then? Duke Skule. In God's name—king he should remain. Bishop Nicholas. Bethink you; much is at stake. Search every fold of your heart; answer as though you stood before your Judge! What will you do, if he be the rightful king? Duke Skule. Bow my head and serve him. Bishop Nicholas. [Mumbles.] So, so: then bide the issue. [To
