NILS STENSSON. How came I to——? Nay, what know I? Many's the mad prank I've hit on in my day. And yet 'twas not I hit on it neither; wherever I appeared in the Dales, the people crowded round me and greeted me as Count Sture. Deny it as I pleased, —'twas wasted breath. The Count had been there two years before, they said—and the veriest child knew me again. Well, be it so, thought I; never again will you be a Count in this life; why not try what 'tis like for once?
NILS LYKKE. Well,—and what did you more?
NILS STENSSON. I? I ate and drank and took my ease. Pity 'twas that I must away again so soon. But when I set forth across the frontier—ha-ha-ha—I promised them I would soon be back with three or four thousand men—I know not how many I said—and then we would lay on in earnest.
NILS LYKKE. And you did not bethink you that you were acting
rashly?
NILS STENSSON. Ay, afterwards; but then, to be sure, 'twas too
late.
NILS LYKKE. It grieves me for you, my young friend; but you will soon come to feel the effects of your folly. Let me tell you that you are pursued. A troop of Swedish men-at-arms is out after you.
NILS STENSSON. After me? Ha-ha-ha. Nay, that is rare! And when they come and think they have Count Sture in their clutches— ha-ha-ha!
NILS LYKKE (gravely). ——Then farewell to your life.
NILS STENSSON. My——? But I am not Count Sture.
NILS LYKKE. You have called the people to arms. You have given seditious promises, and raised troubles in the land.