back and runs away from his oppressors, then they
call him mad--Let us pray the Lord to give these poor creatures their
reason back!

ACT III

SCENE 1

(A Hall in the Royal Palace at Stockholm. In the background is a gallery
which can be partitioned off by curtains. In elderly servant of the
palace is pacing back and forth in the gallery.)

Enter Olof.

Olof. Is the King receiving to-day?

Servant. Yes.

Olof. Can you tell me why I have been kept waiting here in vain four
days at a stretch?

Servant. No, heavens, I know nothing at all.

Olof. It seems strange that I have not been admitted.

Servant. What is it about?

Olof. That's none of your concern!

Servant. Of course not! I understand that, but I thought I might be able
to give some information, perhaps.

Olof. Have you charge of the King's audiences?

Servant. Oh, heavens, no! But you see, when a man hears as much as I do,
he knows a little of everything. (Pause.)

Olof. Do you think I shall have to wait long? (The servant pretends not
to hear.) Do you know if the King is coming soon?

Servant (with his back turned to Olof). What?

Olof. Do you know to whom you are talking?

Servant. No, I don't.

Olof. I am the King's Secretary.

Servant. Oh, mercy, are you Master Olof? I knew your father, Peter the
Smith, for I am also from Oerebro.

Olof. Well, can't you be civil in spite of that?

Servant. Well, well! That's what happens when one gets on a little in
this world--then one's humble parents are forgotten.

Olof. It is possible that my father actually honored you with his
acquaintance, but I doubt that he put you in a parent's place to me when
he died.

Servant. Well, well! I declare! It must be hard on Dame Christine! [Exit
to the left.]

[Olof is left alone for a while. Then Lars Siggesson, the Lord High
Constable, enters from the right.]

Constable (throwing his cloak to Olof without looking at him). Will the
King be here soon?

Olof (catching the cloak and throwing it on the floor). I do not know!

Constable. Bring me a chair.

Olof. That's not my office.

Constable. I am not familiar with the instructions of the doorkeeper.

Olof. I am no doorkeeper!

Constable. I don't care what you are, and I don't carry with me a list
of the menials, but you will have to be civil! (Olof remains silent.)
Well, what about it? I think the Devil has got into you!

Olof. Pardon me, but it is no part of my duty as secretary to w