Helmaar (to little Ulric). My honest little boy, is that the purse which you found in the wood?
Ulric. Yes, and it’s my own father’s.
Helmaar. And how much money is there in it?
{The child opens the purse, and spreads the money on the floor.}
Ulric (to Mrs. Ulrica). Count you, for I can’t count so much.
Mrs. Ulrica (counts). Eight ducats, five rixdollars, and let me see how many—sixteen carolines{2}:—‘twould have been pity, Catherine, to have lost all this treasure, which Christiern has saved for you.
{Footnote 2: A rixdollar is 4s. 6d. sterling; two rixdollars are equal in value to a ducat; a caroline is 1s. 2d.}
Helmaar. Catherine, I beg that all the money in this purse may be given to these honest peasants. (To Kate) Here, take it to them, my little modest girl. As for you and your children, Catherine, you may depend upon it that I will not neglect to make you easy in the world: your own good conduct, and the excellent manner in which you have brought up these children, would incline me to serve you, even if your husband had not saved my life.
Cath. Christiern, my dear husband, and did you save Count Helmaar’s life?
Mrs. Ulrica. Ay, that he did.