God forbid that I should stand between the King and so many mighty chieftains.—Håkon, my gracious lord, my soul bears me witness that I have served you in all faithfulness. True, I have warned you against the Earl; but if I have ever done him wrong, I pray God forgive me. Now have I no more to do in the palace; here is your Seal; take it into your own hands; there it should have rested long ago.
Håkon.
[Who has come down from the daïs.] You shall remain!
Ivar Bodde.
I cannot. If I did, my conscience would gnaw and rend me night and day. Greater evil can no man do in these times than to hold the King and the Earl asunder.
Håkon.
Ivar Bodde, I command you to remain!
Ivar Bodde.
If the Holy King Olaf should rise from his silver shrine to bid me stay, still I needs must go. [Places the Seal in the King’s hand.] Farewell, my noble master! God bless and prosper you in all your work!
[Goes out through the crowd, to the right.