King [softened]. I will try, thanks to thee! Speak, as thou knowest me: why does this anger and this curse fall daily and hourly over me? My friends, mislike me not for my impatience, for one thing I know right well, that I stand deeply in your debt. And now, speak!
Chancellor. My lord, I speak--not trembling, for long necessity has wonted us to terrors as to daily bread--of the fate which I have long seen approaching, and which now stands thirsting for blood before us. Duke Widwolf--
King [starting]. Duke Widwolf!
Chancellor. Is mustering an army!
King [feigning calmness]. What then?
Chancellor. He makes his boast that when the ice on the northern sea has turned to sheeted foam, he will descend with full a hundred ships and fall upon us like an avenging spirit.
King. The avenging spirit is a worthy part for him to play.
Chancellor. Still thou knowest this once he serves a righteous cause.
King. What sayest thou?
Chancellor. Is not this realm, O King, forfeit to him as a reward of victory?