What is it that whistles and howls so grimly?
Sira Viliam.
’Tis the storm; it grows fiercer.
Bishop Nicholas.
The storm grows fiercer! Ay truly, I will keep my promise! The storm, say you——? Are they singing in there?
Sira Viliam.
Yes, my lord.
Bishop Nicholas.
Bid them bestir themselves, and chiefly brother Aslak; he always makes such scant prayers; he shirks whenever he can; he skips, the hound! [Strikes the floor with his crozier.] Go in and say to him ’tis the last night I have left; he shall bestir himself, else will I haunt him from the dead!
Sira Viliam.