Gert. Locked up, of course.

Olof. And you stand here so calmly?

Gert. I am old now. Once I used to rage like you, but it only
tired me out. Rink and Knipperdollink have served as my outposts.
They had to fall, that's plain; now my work begins.

(Drum-beats are heard from the street.)

Olof. What is that?

Gert. The royal drums that keep the captives company to prison.
Come here and see!

Olof (mounting one of the benches and looking out of the window).
What do I see? Women and children are dragged along by the
soldiers!

Gert. Well, they have been throwing stones at the King's guard.
Do you think such things can be allowed?

Olof. But are madmen and sick people to be put into prison?

Gert. There are two kinds of madmen. One kind is sent to the
hospital and treated with pills and cold baths. Those of the
other kind have their heads cut off. It is a radical treatment,
but then, for a fact, they are rather dangerous.

Olof. I'll go to the King. He cannot wish such dreadful things to