ERIC. How dreadfully serious that sounds!
JOHAN. It is serious. Our father has new and greater worries to face because disturbances have been reported from the southern provinces, especially from Småland.... And as it is possible that the King may have to leave his capital, he looks to the Heir Apparent for assistance in the administration of the government.
ERIC. Half of which is nothing but lies, of course—and then there are such a lot of people governing already. Go in peace, my brother. I shall come when I come.
JOHAN. My duty is done, and all I regret is being unable to gain more of my brother's ear; of his heart I possess no part at all! [He goes out.
ERIC. [To JORGHEN] Can you make anything out of that boy?
JORGHEN. I can't.
ERIC. I wonder if he believes in his own preachings?
JORGHEN. That is just the worst of it. Ordinary rascals like you and me, who don't believe in anything, can't get words of that kind over their lips; and for that reason we can never deceive anybody.
ERIC. You are a beast, Jorghen.
JORGHEN. Of course, I am.