WIFE. That's the way it has sounded ever since the King carried off our bells, it seems to me.
MONS. Be quiet! And don't talk behind anybody's back. The King will soon be here himself.
WIFE. Has the King sent word of his visit, as you have put everything in order to receive him?
MONS. Not exactly, but when he sends word that he is coming to Copperberg, it is not to be expected that he will pass by his friend Mons Nilsson, who helped him in the days of trial, and who has stood by him both against Master Knut and Peder the Chancellor, not to speak of the False Sture.[1] And he acted as godfather for my girl besides.
WIFE. That was a good while ago; but when the King's bailiff came here to get the bells two years ago, you helped to kill him.
MONS. That was two years ago, and I guess he was set on having our heads at that time. But just then King Christian broke into the country from Norway. Our own King turned meek as a lamb at once, and when he asked us for help, we Dalecarlians stood by him like one man, and gave him all the help he wanted. So I think we can call it even.
WIFE. So you think, but the King never calls it even except when it is to his own advantage.
MONS. Perhaps not. But as long as Christian still is free, he will not dare to break with us.
WIFE. Well, is Christian still free?
MONS. I have heard nothing to the contrary. Anyhow, the King owes us such a lot of money that, leaving old friendship aside....