Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/199

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having to stand by and see—— I say no more! But the best of it all is that now Monsen is down he'll drag young Bratsberg after him; and the son will bring the father down——

Stensgård.

Yes, so Lundestad said.

Heire.

But of course there's method even in bankruptcy. You'll see; I am an old hand at prophecy; Monsen will go to prison; young Bratsberg will compound with his creditors; and the Chamberlain will be placed under trustees; that's to say, his creditors will present him with an annuity of a couple of thousand dollars. That's how things go, Mr. Stensgård; I know it, I know it! What says the classic? Fiat justitia, pereat mundus; which means: Fie on what's called justice in this wicked world, sir!

Stensgård.

[Pacing the room.] One after the other! Both ways barred!

Heire.

What the deuce——?

Stensgård.

And now too! Just at this moment!

Aslaksen.

[Enters from the right] I congratulate you, chosen of the people!

Stensgård.

Elected!