Ay, 'tis shame; but so it is—you will reap nought but mockery—mockery, because a woman was craftier than you. "Like a cunning fox," men will say, "he crept into Östråt; like a beaten hound he slunk away."—And one thing more: think you not that Peter Kanzler and his friends will forswear your alliance, when 'tis known that I venture not to fight under a standard borne by you?
Nils Lykke.
You speak wisely, lady! Wherefore to secure me from mockery—and not to endanger the alliance with all our dear friends in Sweden—I must needs
Lady Inger.
[Hastily.] prolong your stay at Östråt.
Olaf Skaktavl.
[Who has been listening.] He is in the trap!
Nils Lykke.
No, my noble lady;—I must needs bring you to terms within this hour.
Lady Inger.
But what if you should fail?
Nils Lykke.
I shall not fail.
