Olof. You get Satan to say prayers for me!—Forgive me, mother—I thank you for your good intention, but—
Mother (on her knees, weeping). Olof! Olof!
Olof. Don't ask me! A mother's plea might tempt the angels of heaven to recant!—Now the hymn is ended: I must go! The people are waiting.
Mother. You'll send me into my grave, Olof!
Olof (passionately). The Lord will resurrect you! (Kissing her hand.) Don't talk to me any more—I don't know what I am saying!
Mother. Listen! Listen! The people are muttering!
Olof. I'm coming! I'm coming! He who protected Daniel in the lions' den will also protect me!
(Olof ascends the stairs leading to the pulpit. Throughout the ensuing scenes a man's voice can be heard speaking with great power, but no words can be distinguished. After a while mutterings are heard, which change into loud cries.)
[Enter Christine.]
Christine. Mother, did you see him?