servants.

Brask. As I have waited so long, I think I shall wait a little
longer. (Pause.)

Servant. His Highness!

[Enter Gustaf.]

Gustaf. I bid you welcome, gentlemen. (He takes a seat at a
table.) If you will please step out into the antechamber, I will
receive you one at a time. (All retire except Bishop Brask.) Our
Lord Constable will stay.

Brask. Your Highness!

Gustaf (raising his voice). Sir Lars! (Brask goes out, the
Constable remaining; pause.) Speak! What am I to do?

Constable. Your Highness, the State has lost its prop, and
therefore it is toppling over; the State has an enemy that has
grown too strong for it. Restore the prop, which is the nobility,
and crush the enemy, which is the Church!

Gustaf. I dare not!

Constable. You must, Your Highness!

Gustaf. What's that?