Act Fifth

(The Banquet Hall. It is still night. The hall is but dimly lighted by a branch-candlestick on the table, in front, on the right.)

(LADY INGER is sitting by the table, deep in thought.)

LADY INGER (after a pause). They call me keen-witted beyond all others in the land. I believe they are right. The keenest- witted---- No one knows how I became so. For more than twenty years I have fought to save my child. That is the key to the riddle. Ay, that sharpens the wits!

My wits? Where have they flown to-night? What has become of my forethought? There is a ringing and rushing in my ears. I see shapes before me, so life-like that methinks I could lay hold on them.

(Springs up.)

Lord Jesus--what is this? Am I no longer mistress of my reason? Is it to come to that----?

(Presses her clasped hands over her head; sits down again, and says more calmly:)

Nay, 'tis nought. It will pass. There is no fear;--it will pass. How peaceful it is in the hall to-night! No threatening looks from forefathers or kinsfolk. No need to turn their faces to the wall.

(Rises again.)

Ay, 'twas well that I took heart at last. We shall conquer;--and then I am at the end of my longings. I shall have my child again.

(Takes up the light as if to go, but stops and says musingly:)

At the end? The end? To get him back? Is that all?--is there nought further?

(Sets the light down on the table.)

That heedless word that Nils Lykke threw forth at random---- How could he see my unborn thought?

(More softly.)

A king's mother? A king's mother, he said----Why not? Have not my forefathers ruled as kings, even though they bore not the kingly name? Has not my son as good a title as the other to the rights of the house of Sture? In the sight of God he has--if so be there is justice in Heaven.

And in an hour of terror I have signed away his rights. I have recklessly squandered them, as a ransom for his freedom. If they could be recovered?--Would Heaven be angered, if I----? Would it call down fresh troubles on my head if I were to----? Who knows; who knows! It may be safest to refrain. (Takes up the light again.) I shall have my child again. That must suffice me. I will try to rest. All these desperate thoughts,--I will sleep them away.

(Goes towards the back, but stops in the middle of the hall, and says broodingly:)

A king's mother!

(Goes slowly out at the back, to the left.)

(After a short pause, NILS LYKKE and ELINA GYLDENLOVE enter noiselessly by the first door on the left. NILS LYKKE has a small lantern in his hand.)

NILS LYKKE. (throws the light from his lantern around, so as to search the room). All is still. I must begone.

ELINA. Oh, let me look but once more into your eyes, before you leave me.

NILS LYKKE (embraces her). Elina!

ELINA