Moreover, when the body grows too weak to support the soul, 'tis as well
to escape from it with what speed we may."
"Escape--escape? Where?" asked Lovisa. "From the worm that dieth not?
From the devouring fame that is never quenched? From the torturing
thirst and heat and darkness of hell, who shall escape?"
"Nay, if that is all the comfort thy creed can give thee," said the
_bonde_, with a half-smile, "'tis but a poor staff to lean on!"
Lovisa looked at him mockingly. "And is thine so strong a prop to thy
pride?" she asked disdainfully. "Has Odin so endowed thee that thou
shouldst boast of him? Listen to me, Olaf Gueldmar--I have but little
strength remaining, and I must speak briefly. Thy wife--"
"What of her?" said the _bonde_ hastily. "Thou knewst her not."
"I knew her," said Lovisa steadily, "as the lightning knows the tree it
withers--as the sea knows the frail boat it wrecks for sport on a windy
day. Thou haughty Olaf! I knew her well even as the broken heart knows
its destroyer!"
Gueldmar looked perplexedly at Ulrika.
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