Olof (going to the window). What has set the people shouting?
Gert. The King is providing them with a maypole and music outside North Gate.
Olof. And are they not aware that he will chasten them with swords instead of rods?
Gert. Aware? If they were!
Olof. Poor children! They dance to his piping and follow his drums to their death! Must all die, then, in order that one may live?
Gert. No, one shall die that all may live!
(Olof makes a gesture dismay and repugnance.)
ACT IV
(A Room in the House of Olof's Mother. At the right stands a bedstead with four posts, in which the Mother is lying sick. Christine is asleep on a chair. Lars Pedersson is renewing the oil of the night-lamp and turning the hour glass.)
Lars (speaking to himself). Midnight—Now comes the critical time. (He goes to the bed and listens. At that moment Christine moans in her sleep. He crosses the room and wakens her.) Christine! (She wakes with a start.) Go to bed, child; I will watch.