Mårten (sprinkling her with holy water). The stains of sin are by your God washed off!
Mother. Amen!--Mårten, I am passing away--The godlessness of the King makes it impossible for me by earthly gifts to strengthen the Holy Church in her power of saving souls. You are a pious man--take my property and pray for me and for my children. Pray that the Almighty may turn their hearts away from all lies, so that some time we may meet again in heaven.
Mårten (taking the bag of money she hands him). Goodwife, your sacrifice is acceptable to the Lord, and for your sake my prayers will be heard by God.
Mother. I want to sleep awhile in order to be strong enough to receive the last sacrament.
Mårten. No one shall disturb your final moments--not even those who were your children once.
Mother. It seems cruel, Father Mårten, but it's the will of God. (She falls asleep; Mårten and Nils withdraw from the bed.)
Mårten (opening the bag and kissing the gold coins). What stores of pleasure lie hidden beneath the hardness of this gold--Ah!
Mårten. Oh, we might, as our errand here is done, but I think it would be a pity to let the old woman die unsaved.
Mårten. It's hard to know what one is to believe nowadays. One dies happily in this faith, and another in that. All assert that they have found the truth.
Nils. And if you were to die now, Mårten?
Mårten. Then I suppose I should go to heaven like the rest. But I should prefer to settle a small account with Master Olof first. You see, there is one pleasure that surpasses all the rest, and that's the pleasure of revenge.
Mårten. He has dared to see through me; he has exposed me; he can read what I am thinking--Oh!
Mårten. Isn't that enough? (Somebody is heard knocking on the door leading to the street.) Somebody is coming! Read, damn you!
(Nils begins to drone out the same verse as before. The sound of a key being inserted in the lock is heard. The door is opened from the outside.)
Olof (goes to the bed). Here is your son, mother! Why didn't you let me know that you were sick?
Mother. Farewell, Olof! I forgive you all the evil you have done to me, if you will not disturb the few moments I need to prepare myself for heaven. Father Mårten! Bring here the sacred ointment, so that I may die in peace.