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 _you_ 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 _had_ a son?
EARL SKULE.
I have none.
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
Håkon will have sons.
EARL SKULE.
[_Wringing his hands._] And is king-born!
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
[_Rising._] Earl—if he were not so?
EARL SKULE.
Has he not proved it? The ordeal——
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
And if he were not—in spite of the ordeal?
EARL SKULE.
Do you say that God lied in the issue of the ordeal?
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
What was it Inga of Varteig called upon God to witness?
EARL SKULE.
That the child she bore in the eastland, in Borgasyssel, was the son
of Håkon Sverresson.
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
[_Nods, looks round, and says softly._] And if King Håkon were not
that child?
EARL SKULE.
[_Starts a step backwards._] Great God——! [_Controls himself._] It
is beyond belief.
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
Hearken to me, Earl Skule. I have lived seventy years and six; it
begins to go sharply downhill with me now, and I dare not take this
secret with me over yonder——
EARL SKULE.
Speak, speak! Is he not the son of Håkon Sverresson?
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
Hear me. It was known to none that Inga was with child. Håkon
Sverresson was lately dead, and doubtless she feared Inge Bårdsson,
who was then king, and you, and—well, and the Baglers[32] too
mayhap. She was brought to bed secretly in the house of Trond the
Priest, in Heggen parish, and after nine days she departed
homewards; but the child remained a whole year with the priest, she
not daring to look to it, and none knowing that it breathed saved
Trond and his two sons.
EARL SKULE.
Ay, ay—and then?
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
When the child was a year old, it could scarce be kept hidden
longer. So Inga made the matter known to Erlend of Huseby—an old
Birchleg of Sverre’s days, as you know.
EARL SKULE.
Well?
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
He and other chiefs from the Uplands took the child, bore it over
the mountains in midwinter, and brought it to the King, who was then
at Nidaros.
EARL SKULE.
And yet you can say that——?
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.
EARL SKULE.
_If_ he kept it?
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
Trond the Priest departed the land the same winter that the child
was brought to King Inge. He journeyed to Thomas Beckett’s grave,
and afterwards abode in England till his death.
EARL SKULE.
He departed the land, say you? Then must he have changed the
children and dreaded the vengeance of the Birchlegs.
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
Or he did _not_ change the children, and dreaded _my_ vengeance.
EARL SKULE.
Which surmise hold you for the truth?
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
Either may well be true.
EARL SKULE.
But the priest’s sons of whom you spoke?
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
They went with the crusaders to the Holy Land.
EARL SKULE.
And there have since been no tidings of them?
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
Ay, tidings there have been.
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 _he himself_ believes it, Bishop—_that_ is the heart of his
fortune, _that_ is the girdle of strength! [_Goes to the window._]
See how bravely he sits his horse! None rides as he does. His eyes
are filled with laughing, dancing sunshine; he looks forth into the
day as though he knew himself created to go forward, ever forward.
[_Turns towards the_ BISHOP.] I am a king’s arm, mayhap a king’s
brain as well; but he is the whole King.
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
Yet no king after all, mayhap.
EARL SKULE.
Mayhap no king after all.
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
[_Lays his hand on the Earl’s shoulder._] Hearken to me, Earl
Skule——
EARL SKULE.
[_Still looking out._] There sits the Queen. Håkon speaks gently to
her; she turns red and white with joy. He took her to wife because
it was wise to choose the daughter of the mightiest man in the land.
There was then no thought of love for her in his heart;—but it will
come; Håkon has fortune with him. She will shed light over his
life——[_Stops, and cries out in wonder._] What is _this_?
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
What?
EARL SKULE.
Dagfinn the Peasant bursts violently through the crowd. Now he is
giving the King some tidings.
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
[_Looking out from behind the_ EARL.] Håkon seems angered—does he
not? He clenches his fist——
EARL SKULE.
He looks hitherward—what can it be?
[_About to go._
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
[_Holding him back._] Hearken to me, Earl Skule—there may yet be one
means of winning assurance as to Håkon’s right.
EARL SKULE.
One means, you say?
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
Trond the Priest, ere he died, wrote a letter telling his whole
tale, and took the sacrament in witness of its truth.
EARL SKULE.
And that letter—for God’s pity’s sake—where is it?
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
You must know that——[_Looks towards the door._] Hush!—here comes the
King.
EARL SKULE.
The letter, Bishop—the letter!
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
The King is here.
[HÅKON _enters, followed by his Guard and many guests. Immediately
afterwards,_ MARGRETE _appears; she seems anxious and alarmed, and
is about to rush up to the King, when she is restrained by_ LADY
RAGNHILD, _who, with other ladies, has followed her._ SIGRID _stands
somewhat apart, towards the back. The_ EARL’S _men appear uneasy,
and gather in a group on the right, where_ SKULE _is standing, but
some way behind him._
HÅKON.
[_In strong but repressed excitement._] Earl Skule, who is king in
this land?
EARL SKULE.
Who is king?
HÅKON.
That was my question. I bear the kingly title, but who holds the
kingly might?
EARL SKULE.
The kingly might should dwell with him who has the kingly right.
HÅKON.
So should it be; but is it so?
EARL SKULE.
Do you summon me to judgment?
HÅKON.
That do I; for that right I have toward every man in the land.
EARL SKULE.
I fear not to answer for my dealings.
HÅKON.
Well for us all if you can. [_Mounts a step of throne-daïs, and
leans upon one arm of the throne._] Here stand I as your king, and
ask. Know you that Jon, Earl of Orkney, has risen against me?
EARL SKULE.
Yes.
HÅKON.
That he denies to pay me tribute?
EARL SKULE.
Yes.
HÅKON.
And is it true that you, Sir Earl, have this day sent him a letter?
EARL SKULE.
Who says so?
IVAR BODDE.
That do I.
DAGFINN.
Jostein Tamb dared not deny to carry it, since it bore the King’s
seal.
HÅKON.
You write to the King’s foes under the King’s seal, although the
King knows nought of what is written?
EARL SKULE.
So have I done for many a year, with your good will.
HÅKON.
Ay, in the days of your regency.
EARL SKULE.
Never have you had aught but good thereby. Earl Jon wrote to me
praying that I would mediate on his behalf; he offered peace, but on
terms dishonourable to the King. The war in Vermeland has weighed
much upon your mind; had this matter been left to you, Earl Jon had
come too lightly off. I can deal better with him.
HÅKON.
’Twas our will to deal with him ourself.—And what answer made you?
EARL SKULE.
Read my letter.
HÅKON.
Give it me!
EARL SKULE.
I deemed you had it.
DAGFINN.
Nay, you know better than that. Gregorius Jonsson was too swift of
foot; when we came on board, the letter was gone.
EARL SKULE.
[_Turns to_ GREGORIUS JONSSON.] Sir Baron, give the King the letter.
GREGORIUS JONSSON.
[_Coming close to him, uneasily._] Hearken Earl——!
EARL SKULE.
What now?
GREGORIUS JONSSON.
[_Softly._] Bethink you, there were sharp words in it concerning the
King.
EARL SKULE.
My words I shall answer for. The letter!
GREGORIUS JONSSON.
I have it not.
EARL SKULE.
You have it not!
GREGORIUS JONSSON.
Dagfinn the Peasant was at our heels. I snatched the letter from
Jostein Tamb, tied a stone to it——
EARL SKULE.
Well?
GREGORIUS JONSSON.
It lies at the bottom of the fiord.
EARL SKULE.
You have done ill—ill.
HÅKON.
I await the letter, Sir Earl.
EARL SKULE.
I cannot give it you.
HÅKON.
You _cannot_!
EARL SKULE.
[_Advancing a step towards the_ KING.] My pride brooks not to be put
to shifts, as you and your men would call it——
HÅKON.
[_Controlling his rising wrath._] And so——?
EARL SKULE.
In one word—I _will_ not give it you!
HÅKON.
Then you defy me!
EARL SKULE.
Since so it must be—yes, I defy you.
IVAR BODDE.
[_Forcibly._] Now, my lord King, I scarce think you or any man can
now need further proof!
DAGFINN.
Nay, now I think we know the Earl’s mind.
HÅKON.
[_Coldly, to the_ EARL.] You will hand the Great Seal to Ivar Bodde.
MARGRETE.
[_Rushes with clasped hands towards the daïs, where the_ KING _is
standing._] Håkon, be a kind and gracious husband to me!
[HÅKON _makes an imperative gesture towards her; she hides
her face in her veil, and goes up towards her mother
again._
EARL SKULE.
[_To_ IVAR BODDE.] Here is the Great Seal.
IVAR BODDE.
This was to be the last evening of the feast. It has ended in a
heavy sorrow for the King; but sooner or later it needs must come,
and methinks every true man must rejoice that it has come.
EARL SKULE.
And I think every true man must feel bitter wrath to see a priest
thus make mischief between us Birchlegs;—ay, Birchlegs, I say; for I
am every whit as good a Birchleg as the King or any of his men. I am
of the same stock, the stock of Sverre, the kingly stock—but you,
Priest, you have built up a wall of distrust around the King, and
shut me out from him; that has been your task this many a year.
PAUL FLIDA.
[_Enraged, to the bystanders._] Earl’s men. Shall we abide this
longer?
GREGORIUS JONSSON.
[_Steps forward._] No, we can and will no more abide it. ’Tis time
to say it plainly—none of the Earl’s men can serve the King in full
trust and love, so long as Ivar Bodde comes and goes in the palace,
and makes bad blood between us.
PAUL FLIDA.
Priest! I bid you look to life and limb, wheresoever I meet you—in
the field, on shipboard, or in any unconsecrated house.
MANY EARL’S MEN.
I too! I too! You are an outlaw to us!
IVAR BODDE.
God forbid that I should stand between the King and so many mighty
chieftains.—Håkon, my gracious lord, my soul bears me witness that I
have served you in all faithfulness. True, I have warned you against
the Earl; but if I have ever done him wrong, I pray God forgive me.
Now have I no more to do in the palace; here is your Seal; take it
into your own hands; there it should have rested long ago.
HÅKON.
[_Who has come down from the daïs._] You shall remain!
IVAR BODDE.
I cannot. If I did, my conscience would gnaw and rend me night and
day. Greater evil can no man do in these times than to hold the King
and the Earl asunder.
HÅKON.
Ivar Bodde, I command you to remain!
IVAR BODDE.
If the Holy King Olaf should rise from his silver shrine to bid me
stay, still I needs must go. [_Places the Seal in the_ KING’S
_hand._] Farewell, my noble master! God bless and prosper you in all
your work!
[_Goes out through the crowd, to the right._
HÅKON.
[_Gloomily, to the_ EARL _and his men._] There have I lost a trusty
friend for your sakes; what requital can you offer to make good that
loss?
EARL SKULE.
I offer myself and all my friends.
HÅKON.
I almost fear ’twill not suffice. Now must I gather round me all the
men I can fully trust. Dagfinn the Peasant, let a messenger set out
forthwith for Halogaland; Vegard Væradal must be recalled.
DAGFINN.
[_Who has been standing somewhat towards the back, in conversation
with a man in travelling dress who has entered the hall, approaches
and says with emotion:_] Vegard cannot come, my lord.
HÅKON.
How know you that?
DAGFINN.
I have even now had tidings of him.
HÅKON.
What tidings?
DAGFINN.
That Vegard Væradal is slain.
MANY VOICES.
Slain!
HÅKON.
Who slew him?
DAGFINN.
Andres Skialdarband, the Earl’s friend.
[_A short pause; uneasy whispers pass among the men._
HÅKON.
Where is the messenger?
DAGFINN.
[_Leading the man forward._] Here, my lord King.
HÅKON.
What caused the slaying?
THE MESSENGER.
That no man knows. The talk fell upon the Finnish tribute, and on a
sudden Andres sprang up and gave him his death-wound.
HÅKON.
Had there been quarrels between them before?
THE MESSENGER.
Ever and anon. Andres would often say that a wise councillor here in
the south had written to him that he should be as rock and flint
toward Vegard Væradal.
DAGFINN.
Strange! Ere Vegard set forth he told me that a wise councillor had
said he should be as rock and flint toward Andres Skialdarband.
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
[_Spitting._] Shame upon such councillors.
HÅKON.
We will not question more closely from what root this wrong has
grown. Two faithful souls have I lost this day. I could weep for
Vegard, but ’tis no time for weeping; it must be life for life. Sir
Earl, Andres Skialdarband is your sworn retainer; you offered me all
service in requital for Ivar Bodde. I take you at your word, and
look to you to see that this misdeed be avenged.
EARL SKULE.
Of a truth, bad angels are at work between us to-day. On any other
of my men, I would have suffered you to avenge the murder——
HÅKON.
[_Expectantly._] Well?
EARL SKULE.
But not on Andres Skialdarband.
HÅKON.
[_Flashing out._] Will you shield the murderer?
EARL SKULE.
_This_ murderer I _must_ shield.
HÅKON.
And the reason?
EARL SKULE.
That none but God in heaven may know.
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
[_Softly, to_ DAGFINN.] I know it.
DAGFINN.
And I suspect it.
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
Say nought, good Dagfinn!
HÅKON.
Earl, I will believe as long as I may, that you mean not in good
sooth what you have said to me——
EARL SKULE.
Were it my own father Andres Skialdarband had slain, he should still
go free. Ask me no more.
HÅKON.
Good. Then we ourselves must do justice in the matter!
EARL SKULE.
[_With an expression of alarm._] There will be bloodshed on both
sides, my lord King!
HÅKON.
So be it; none the less shall the deed be avenged.
EARL SKULE.
It shall _not_ be!—It _cannot_ be!
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
Nay, there the Earl is right.
HÅKON.
Say you so, my honoured lord?
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
Andres Skialdarband has taken the Cross.
HÅKON AND EARL SKULE.
Taken the Cross!
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
And has already sailed from the land.
EARL SKULE.
’Tis well for all of us!
HÅKON.
The day wanes; the bridal-feast must now be at an end. I thank you,
Sir Earl, for all the honour that has been shown me in these
days.—You are bound for Nidaros, as I think?
EARL SKULE.
That is my intent.
HÅKON.
And I for Viken.—If you, Margrete, choose rather to abide in Bergen,
then do so.
MARGRETE.
Whither you go, I go, until you forbid.
HÅKON.
Good; then come with me.
SIGRID.
Now is our kindred spread far abroad. [_Kneels to_ HÅKON.] Grant me
a grace, my lord King.
HÅKON.
Rise, Lady Sigrid; whatever you crave shall be granted.
SIGRID.
I cannot go with the Earl to Nidaros. The nunnery at Rein will soon
be consecrated; write to the Archbishop—take order that I be made
Abbess.
EARL SKULE.
You, my sister?
HÅKON.
You will enter a nunnery!
SIGRID.
[_Rising._] Since my wedding-night of blood, when the Baglers came
and hewed down my bridegroom, and many hundreds with him, and fired
Nidaros town at all its corners—since then, it has been as though
the blood and flames had dulled and deadened my sight for the world
around me. But power was given me to catch glimpses of that which
other eyes see not—and one thing I see now: a time of great dread
hanging over this land!
EARL SKULE.
[_Vehemently._] She is sick! Heed her not!
SIGRID.
A plenteous harvest is ripening for him that reaps in the darkness.
Every woman in Norway will have but one task now—to kneel in church
and cloister, and pray both day and night.
HÅKON.
[_Shaken._] Is it prophecy or soul-sickness that speaks thus?
SIGRID.
Farewell, my brother—we shall meet once more.
EARL SKULE.
[_Involuntarily._] When?
SIGRID.
[_Softly._] When you take the crown; in the hour of danger,—when you
are fain of me in your direst need.
[_Goes out to the right, with_ MARGRETE, LADY RAGNHILD, _and
the women._
HÅKON.
[_After a short pause, draws his sword, and says with quiet
determination._] All the Earl’s men shall take the oath of fealty.
EARL SKULE.
[_Vehemently._] Is this your settled purpose? [_Almost
imploringly._] King Håkon, do not so!
HÅKON.
No Earl’s man shall leave Bergen ere he has sworn fealty to the
King.
[_Goes out with his Guard. All except the_ EARL _and the_
BISHOP _follow him._
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
He has dealt hardly with you to-day!
[EARL SKULE _is silent, and looks out after the_ KING, _as though
struck dumb._
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
[_More loudly._] And mayhap not king-born after all.
EARL SKULE.
[_Turns suddenly, in strong excitement, and seizes the_ BISHOP _by
the arm._] Trond the Priest’s confession—where is it?
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
He sent it to me from England ere he died; I know not by whom—and it
never reached me.
EARL SKULE.
But it must be found!
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
I doubt not but it may.
EARL SKULE.
And if you find it, you will give it into my hands?
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
That I promise.
EARL SKULE.
You swear it by your soul’s salvation?
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
I swear it by my soul’s salvation!
EARL SKULE.
Good; till that time I will work against Håkon, wherever it can be
done secretly and unnoted. He must be hindered from growing mightier
than I, ere the struggle begins.
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
But should it prove that he is in truth king-born—what then?
EARL SKULE.
Then I must try to pray—to pray for humbleness, that I may serve him
with all my might, as a faithful chieftain.
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
And if he be not the rightful king?
EARL SKULE.
Then shall he give place to me! The kingly title and the kingly
throne, host and guard, fleet and tribute, towns and strongholds,
all shall be mine!
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
He will betake him to Viken——
EARL SKULE.
I will drive him out of Viken!
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
He will establish himself in Nidaros.
EARL SKULE.
I will storm Nidaros!
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
He will shut himself up in Olaf’s holy church——
EARL SKULE.
I will force the sanctuary——
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
He will fly to the high altar, and cling to Olaf’s shrine——
EARL SKULE.
I will drag him down from the altar, though I drag the shrine along
with him——
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
But the crown will still be on his head, Earl Skule!
EARL SKULE.
I will strike off the crown with my sword!
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
But if it sits too tight——?
EARL SKULE.
Then, in God’s name or Satan’s—I will strike off the head along with
it!
[_Goes out to the right._
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
[_Looks out after him, nods slowly, and says:_] Ay—ay—’tis in this
mood I like the Earl!
ACT THIRD.
_A room in the Bishop’s Palace at Oslo._[33] _On the right is the
entrance door. In the back, a small door, standing open, leads
into the Chapel, which is lighted up. A curtained door in the
left wall leads into the Bishop’s sleeping room. In front, on
the same side, stands a cushioned couch. Opposite, on the
right, is a writing-table, with letters, documents, and a
lighted lamp._
_At first the room is empty; behind the curtain on the left, the
singing of monks is heard. Presently_ PAUL FLIDA, _in
travelling dress, enters from the right, stops by the door,
waits, looks around, and then knocks three times with his
staff upon the floor._
SIRA VILIAM.
[_Comes out from the left, and exclaims in a hushed voice._] Paul
Flida! God be praised;—then the Earl is not far off.
PAUL FLIDA.
The ships are already at Hoved-isle; I came on ahead. And how goes
it with the Bishop?
SIRA VILIAM.
He is even now receiving the Extreme Unction.
PAUL FLIDA.
Then there is great danger.
SIRA VILIAM.
Master Sigard of Brabant has said that he cannot outlive the night.
PAUL FLIDA.
Then meseems he has summoned us too late.
SIRA VILIAM.
Nay, nay,—he has his full senses and some strength to boot; every
moment he asks if the Earl comes not soon.
PAUL FLIDA.
You still call him Earl; know you not that the King has granted him
the title of Duke?
SIRA VILIAM.
Ay, ay, we know it; ’tis but old custom. Hist!
[_He and_ PAUL FLIDA _cross themselves and bow their heads.
From the_ BISHOP’S _door issue two acolytes with
candles, then two more with censers; then priests
bearing chalice, paten, and crucifix, and a church
banner; behind them a file of priests and monks;
acolytes with candles and censers close the procession,
which passes slowly into the chapel. The door is shut
behind them._
PAUL FLIDA.
So now the old lord has made up his account with the world.
SIRA VILIAM.
I can tell him that Duke Skule comes so soon as may be?
PAUL FLIDA.
He comes straight from the wharf up here to the Palace. Farewell!
[_Goes._
[_Several priests, among them_ PETER, _with some of the_
BISHOP’S _servants, come out from the left with rugs,
cushions, and a large brazier._
SIRA VILIAM.
Why do you this?
A PRIEST.
[_Arranging the couch._] The Bishop wills to lie out here.
SIRA VILIAM.
But is it prudent?
THE PRIEST.
Master Sigard thinks we may humour him. Here he is.
BISHOP NICHOLAS _enters, supported by_ MASTER SIGARD _and a priest.
He is in his canonicals, but without crozier and mitre._
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
Light more candles. [_He is led to a seat upon the couch, near the
brazier, and is covered with rugs._] Viliam! Now have I been granted
forgiveness for all my sins! They took them all away with
them;—meseems I am so light now.
SIRA VILIAM.
The Duke sends you greeting, my lord; he has already passed
Hoved-isle!
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
’Tis well, very well. Belike the King, too, will soon be here. I
have been a sinful hound in my day, Viliam; I have grievously
trespassed against the King. The priests in there averred that all
my sins should be forgiven me;—well well, it may be so; but ’tis
easy for them to promise; ’tis not against _them_ that I have
trespassed. No no; it is safest to have it from the King’s own
mouth. [_Exclaims impatiently._] Light, I say! ’tis so dark in here.
SIRA VILIAM.
The candles are lighted——
MASTER SIGARD.
[_Stops him by a sign, and approaches the_ BISHOP.] How goes it with
you, my lord?
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
So-so—so-so; my hands and feet are cold.
MASTER SIGARD.
[_Half aloud, as he moves the brazier nearer._] Ha—’tis the
beginning of the end.
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
[_Apprehensively, to_ VILIAM.] I have commanded that eight monks
shall chant and pray for me in the chapel to-night. Have an eye to
them; there are idle fellows among them.
[SIRA VILIAM _points silently towards the chapel, whence
singing is heard, which continues during what follows._
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
So much still undone, and to go and leave it all! So much undone,
Viliam!
SIRA VILIAM.
My lord, think of heavenly things!
BISHOP NICHOLAS.
I have time before me;—till well on in the morning, Master Sigard
thinks——
SIRA VILIAM.
My lord, my lord!
BISHOP NICHOLAS.