Bishop. I have something more to say. At the time we held that unjust opinion of her, we misled you—for you relied on our opinion then—until you ended by sharing our views and being even more vehement in the matter than we, as young people will. That created a reaction in you, which in the end led to love. If that love had been a sin, we should have been to blame for it.
Hagbart. Is it a sin, then?
Bishop. No. But when you felt that we were inclined to look upon it in that light, that very fact stirred up your sense of justice and increased your love. You have a noble heart.
Hagbart. Ah, how I shall love you after this, uncle!
Bishop. And that is why I wanted you to sit down here just now, Hagbart—to beg your pardon—and hers. And my congregation's, too. It is my duty to guide them, but I was not willing to trust them enough. By far the greater number among them are good people; they would have followed me if I had had the courage to go forward.
Hagbart. Uncle, I admire and revere you more than I have ever done before—more than any one has ever done!
Bishop (getting up). My dear boy!
Hagbart (throwing himself into his arms). Uncle!
Bishop. Is your love strong enough to bear—
Hagbart. Anything!