Olof (rising). Nothing! (Pause.) You are a freethinker?
Olof. You don't believe, then, that Balaam's ass could talk?
Lars Andersson. The peace of the Lord be with you, Olof.
Lars. That's why they find it so hard to keep their backs straight.
Olof. In ten minutes I have become so much of a courtier that I know how to be silent when an ass is talking.
(A number of people have begun to gather in the hall.)
Lars. Like an interrogation point followed by several exclamation marks.
[Enter Bishop Brask. All give way before him. The Lord High Constable, who has returned in the meantime, goes to meet him and exchanges greetings with him. Olof salutes the Bishop, who looks surprised.]
Brask (to the Constable). Is this a place for the clerks?
Constable. It ought not to be, but our King is so very gracious.
Brask. The audience is well attended to-day.
Constable. Mostly formal calls occasioned by the happy return of His Highness.
Brask. It is a pleasure, my Lord Constable, to offer His Highness our sincere felicitations on the happy solution of this question.
Constable. It is indeed courteous in Your Grace to incur the trouble of such a long journey--especially at Your Grace's advanced age.
Brask. Unfortunately, my health is not always to be depended upon.
Constable. Is Your Grace not enjoying good health? It is hard to feel one's strength failing, particularly for one who occupies such an exalted and responsible position.
Brask. You look very well, my Lord Constable.
Brask (seating himself). Don't you think there is a draught here, my Lord?
Constable. It seems so. Perhaps we might order the doors to be closed?
Brask. No, thank you, that will not be necessary. (Pause.)
Constable. Perhaps you won't find it worth your while to wait for him.
Constable. With your permission, I will send word to Your Grace's servants.
Brask. As I have waited so long, I think I shall wait a little longer. (Pause.)
Gustaf. I bid you welcome, gentlemen. (He takes a seat at a table.) If you will please step out into the antechamber, I will receive you one at a time. (All retire except Bishop Brask.) Our Lord Constable will stay.
Gustaf (raising his voice). Sir Lars! (Brask goes out, the Constable remaining; pause.) Speak! What am I to do?