But if, after all, they should take him alive?—Were I but free, I could overtake the Swedes ere they reach the frontier, and make them deliver him up. [_Goes towards the window in the background and looks out._] Damnation! Guards outside on every hand. Can there be no way of escape? [_Comes quickly forward again; suddenly stops and listens._ What is that? Music and singing. It seems to come from Elina’s chamber. Ay, ’tis she that is singing. Then she is still awake—— [_A thought seems to strike him._ Elina!—Ah, if _that_ could be! Were it possible to—And why should I not? Am I not still myself? Says not the song:— Fair maidens a-many they sigh and they pine: “Ah God, that Nils Lykke were mine, mine, mine.” And she—? ——Elina Gyldenlöve shall set me free! [_Goes quickly but stealthily towards the first door on the left._ ACT FIFTH _The Banquet Hall. It is still night. The hall is but dimly lighted by a branch-candlestick on the table, in front, on the right._ LADY INGER _is sitting by the table, deep in thought._ LADY INGER. [_After a pause._] They call me keen-witted beyond all others in the land. I believe they are right. The keenest-witted—No one knows how I became so. For more than twenty years I have fought to save my child. _That_ is the key to the riddle. Ay, that sharpens the wits! My wits? Where have they flown to-night? What has become of my forethought? There is a ringing and rushing in my ears. I see shapes before me, so lifelike that methinks I could lay hold on them. [_Springs up._ Lord Jesus—what is this? Am I no longer mistress of my reason? Is it to come to that——? [_Presses her clasped hands over her head; sits down again, and says more calmly:_ Nay, ’tis nought. ’Twill pass. There is no fear;—it will pass. How peaceful it is in the hall to-night! No threatening looks from forefathers or kinsfolk. No need to turn their faces to the wall. [_Rises again._ Ay, ’twas well that I took heart at last. We shall conquer;—and then am I at the goal of all my longings. I shall have my child again. [_Takes up the light as if to go, but stops and says musingly:_ At the goal? The goal? To have him back? Is that all?—is there nought further? [_Sets the light down on the table._