INGA.
[On the church steps.] God has given judgment! Behold these hands; with them I bore the iron!
Voices amongst the Multitude.
They are tender and white as before!
Other Voices.
Fairer still!
The whole Multitude.
He is Håkon's son! He is Sverre's[1] grandson!
Håkon.
[Embraces her.] Thanks to thee, thanks to thee, blessed among women!
Bishop Nicholas.
[In passing, to the Earl.] 'Twas ill done to press for the ordeal.
Earl Skule.
Nay, my lord Bishop, needs must we pray for God's voice in this matter.
Håkon.
[Deeply moved, holding Inga by the hand.] It is done, then, that which my every fibre cried out against—that which has made my heart shrivel and writhe within me
Dagfinn.
[Turning towards the multitude.] Ay, look upon this woman and bethink you, all that are gathered here! Who ever doubted her word, until certain folk required that it should be doubted.
- ↑ Pronounce Sverrë.