Olof. Mother, what do I hear? It can't be possible!

Mother (takes Olof by the hand and leads him over to the left,
close to the wall). Listen! Do you hear? He is praying for you
now in the chapel next to this room.

Olof. So that was the murmur I heard! Who is he?

Mother. You know him--Brother Marten, of the Dominicans--

Olof. You get Satan to say prayers for me!--Forgive me, mother--
I thank you for your good intention, but--

Mother (on her knees, weeping). Olof! Olof!

Olof. Don't ask me! A mother's plea might tempt the angels of
heaven to recant!--Now the hymn is ended: I must go! The people
are waiting.

Mother. You'll send me into my grave, Olof!

Olof (passionately). The Lord will resurrect you! (Kissing her
hand.) Don't talk to me any more--I don't know what I am saying!

Mother. Listen! Listen! The people are muttering!

Olof. I'm coming! I'm coming! He who protected Daniel in the
lions' den will also protect me!

(Olof ascends the stairs leading to the pulpit. Throughout the