Eve, and it was spring, and all was peace. And now--how can the
trees be still, and why is there no darkness in the sky? Put your
hand on my forehead, feel the blood surging! Do not abandon me,
Lars! I see an angel coming towards me with a cup--she is walking
across the evening sky--her path is blood-red, and in her hand
she is carrying a cross--No, it is more than I avail! I will
return to my peaceful valley. Let others fight; I will look on--
No, I will follow in their wake and heal the wounded and whisper
words of peace into the ears of the dying--Peace!--No, I want to
fight with the rest, but in the last ranks--Why should I lead?

Lars. Because you are the boldest.

Olof. Not the strongest?

Lars. The strong will come after you: and the strongest of all is
by your side; it is He who summons you to battle.

Olof. Help me, O Lord! I go.

Lars. Amen!

Olof. And will you come with me?

Lars. You must go alone--with God!

Olof. Why do you turn back?

Lars. I was not born to be a warrior: your armorer is all that I
can be. Your weapon is the pure Word of God, and with that you