Ha—Duke, Duke! Now I see the bent of this meeting!
Duke Skule.
[Vehemently, to the Bishop.] Not a word more of this!
Bishop Nicholas.
[To Håkon.] He will stand against you so long as his head sits fast on his shoulders. Share with him! I will have no peace in my coffin, I will rise again, if you two share not the kingdom! Neither of you shall add the other’s height to his own stature. If that befell, there would be a giant in the land, and here shall no giant be; for I was never a giant!
[Sinks back exhausted on the couch.
Duke Skule.
[Falls on his knees beside the couch and cries to Håkon.] Summon help! For God’s pity’s sake; the Bishop must not die yet!
Bishop Nicholas.
How it waxes dusk before my eyes!—King, for the last time—will you share with the Duke?