you saying?

Christine. Fear not! The spirit of the Lord is with him!

Sexton. Well, I don't know about that, but he's a wonder at preaching.
Old sinner that I am, I couldn't keep from crying where I was sitting in
the organ-loft. I don't understand how it can be possible for a heretic
and an Antichrist to talk like that. That man Luther, I must say,
I--(Cries are heard from the church.) There, there! Now something
dreadful is going to happen again! And to think that the King should be
gone just now!

Mother. Let us get away from here. If the Lord is with him, they can
do him no harm. If it be the Devil--then Thy will be done, O Lord--but
forgive him!

(Cries are heard outside. Exeunt the Mother, Christine, and the Sexton.
For a few moments the stage stands empty and Olof's voice is heard more
clearly than before. It is interrupted by cries and the rattling of
stones thrown at the pulpit. Christine returns alone, locks the door on
the inside, and falls on her knees at a prie-dieu. A number of violent
blows are directed against the door from without, while the tumult in
the church continues to increase. Then silence is restored, as Olof
descends from the pulpit. His forehead is bleeding and he wears a
haggard look.)

Olof (dropping into a chair without perceiving Christine). In vain! They
will not! I take the fetters from the prisoner, and he hits me. I tell
him he is free, and he doesn't believe me. Is that word "free" so big,
then, that it can't be contained in a human brain? Oh, that I had one at
least who believed--but to be alone--a fool whom no one understands--

Christine (coming forward). I believe in you, Olof!

Olof. Christine!

Christine. _You_ are right!

Olof. How do you know?

Christine. I can't tell, but I believe it. I have been listening to you.

Olof. And you do not curse me?

Christine. You are preaching the word of God, are you not?

Olof. I am!

Christine. Why have we not been told these things before? Or why have
they been told us in a language that we do not understand?

Olof. Who has put those words into your mouth, girl?

Christine. Who? I haven't thought of asking.

Olof. Your father?

Christine. He wants me to enter a convent.

Olof. Has it come to that? And what is your own wish?

Christine (catching sight of Olof's bleeding forehead). They have hurt
you, Olof! For heaven's sake, let me help you!

Olof (sitting down again). Have I unsettled your faith, Christine?