NILS STENSSON. Oh, Jesus! No, no! I _cannot_--I _will_ not
die.
OLAF SKAKTAVL. A hiding-place, Lady Inger! Is there no corner
where we can hide him?
LADY INGER. But if they search the castle----?
NILS STENSSON. Ay, ay; they will find me! And then to be
dragged to prison, or strung up----! Oh no, Inger Gyldenlove,--
I know full well,--you will never suffer that to be!
OLAF SKAKTAVL (listening). There burst the lock.
LADY INGER (at the window). Many men rush in at the gateway.
NILS STENSSON. And to lose my life _now!_ Now, when my true
life was but beginning! Now, when I have so lately learnt that
I have aught to live for. No, no, no!--Think not I am a coward.
Might I but have time to show----
LADY INGER. I hear them now in the hall below.
(Firmly to OLAF SKAKTAVL.)
He _must_ be saved--cost what it will!
NILS STENSSON (seizes her hand). Oh, I knew it;--you are noble
and good!