PRINCE JOHAN goes in the direction previously taken by the KING'S MOTHER-IN-LAW.
The KING enters, holding a letter in his hand. He is accompanied by MASTER OLAVUS PETRI.
KING. [To the QUEEN] Have everything ready for the start. We are lost!
QUEEN. The will of God be done!
KING. That's what seems to be happening. Go and look after your house, child.
The QUEEN goes out.
KING. [To OLAVUS] This is the situation. Dacke answers that he does not care to see "that rebel, and perjurer, and breaker of safe-conducts, Ericsson." He rails me Ericsson, mind you. His people have reached as far north as Södermanland—which means that they are right at our gates! Furthermore, two thousand Dalecarlians are encamped at the North Gate. Their intentions are not known, but can easily be guessed. A fine prophet you are, Olof!
OLAVUS. We have not seen the end yet.
KING. Where do you get your confidence from?
OLAVUS. That's more than I can tell, but I know that everything will end well.
KING. You say that you know? How do you know? I have ceased to believe anything—except in the wrath of God, which has been turned against me. I am now waiting for the axe. Good and well! I have done my service and am now to be discharged. That's why I wish to leave before I am kicked out.—Do you know what day it is to-day? Nobody has thought of it, and I didn't remember until just now.... It is Midsummer Day: my day, which no one celebrates. A generation ago I made my entry into the capital on this day. That was the greatest moment of my life. I thought the work of liberation was done, and I thanked God for it!—But it had not been done, and I am not done with it yet.—The Dalecarlians rose. I subdued them, and thought that I was done, which I was not. Twice more they rose, and each time I gave thanks to God, thinking I had done—which was not the case. The lords of West Gothia rose. I squelched them, and was happy, thinking that I surely must have done by that time—which I had not. And now, Olof?—We are never done until done for—and that's where I am now!