Lars. Have you nothing better to do? Bigger work is waiting for
you.

Olof. I am too young.

Lars. Do not say you are too young.

Olof. No, for there are plenty of others who say it.

Lars (takes out a roll of paper, which he opens; for a while he
stands looking at Olof; then he begins to read) "Then the word of
the Lord came unto Jeremiah: 'Before I formed thee in the belly I
knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I
sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.'

"Then said Jeremiah: 'Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak, for I
am a child.'

"But the Lord said: 'Say not, I am a child; for thou shalt go to
all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou
shalt speak. For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced
city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls against the whole
land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof,
against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.
And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail
against thee; for I am with thee,' saith the Lord, 'to deliver
thee.'"

Olof (leaping to his feet). Did the Lord say that?