Nils Stensson.

True enough; but God knows what right I have to bear it. My father I never knew; my mother was a poor peasant-woman, that was robbed and murdered in one of the old feuds. Peter Kanzler chanced to be on the spot; he took me into his care, brought me up, and taught me the trade of arms. As you know, King Gustav has been hunting him this many a year; and I have followed him faithfully, wherever he went.

Nils Lykke.

Peter Kanzler has taught you more than the trade of arms, meseems.——Well, well; then you are not Nils Sture. But at least you come from Sweden. Peter Kanzler has sent you hither to find a stranger, who——

Nils Stensson.

[Nods cunningly.]——who is found already.

Nils Lykke.

[Somewhat uncertain.] And whom you do not know?

Nils Stensson.

As little as you know me; for I swear to you by God himself: I am not Count Sture!