Chapter II: Part 2

I shall go by law and usage, be sure of that. But now another
matter. [_Pointing to_ KÅRE.] Seest thou yonder man?

GUNNAR.

Kåre! [_To_ ÖRNULF.] Thou knowest, then, that there is a strife
between us?

ÖRNULF.

Thy men have stolen his cattle, and theft must be atoned.

GUNNAR.

Murder no less; he has slain my thrall.

KÅRE.

Because he flouted me.

GUNNAR.

I have offered thee terms of peace.

KÅRE.

But Hiördis had no mind to that, and this morning, whilst thou wert
gone, she fell upon me and now hunts me to my death.

GUNNAR.

[_Angrily._] Sayest thou true? Has she——?

KÅRE.

True, every word.

ÖRNULF.

Therefore the peasant besought me to stand by him, and that will I
do.

GUNNAR.

[_After a moment’s thought._] Thou hast dealt honourably with me,
Örnulf; therefore it is fit that I should yield to thy will. Hear
then, Kåre: I am willing to let the slaying of the thrall and the
wrongs done toward thee quit each other.

KÅRE.

[_Gives_ GUNNAR _his hand._] It is a good offer; I am content.

ÖRNULF.

And he shall have peace for thee and thine?

GUNNAR.

Peace shall he have, both at home and where soever he may go.

SIGURD.

[_Pointing to the right._] See yonder!

GUNNAR.

[_Disturbed_.] It is Hiördis!

ÖRNULF.

With armed men!

KÅRE.

She is seeking me!

HIÖRDIS _enters, with a troop of house-carls. She is clad in black,
wearing a kirtle, cloak, and hood; the men are armed with
swords and axes; she herself carries a light spear._

HIÖRDIS

[_Stops on entering._] We meet here in force, meseems.

DAGNY.

[_Rushes to meet her._] Peace and joy to thee, Hiördis!

HIÖRDIS.

[_Coldly._] I thank thee.—’Twas told me thou wert not far off.
[_Comes forward, looking sharply at those assembled._] Gunnar,
and—Kåre, my foeman—Örnulf and his sons, and——[_As she catches sight
of_ SIGURD, _she starts almost imperceptibly, is silent a moment,
but collects herself and says:_] Many I see here who are known to
me—but little I know who is best minded towards me.

ÖRNULF.

We are all well-minded towards thee.

HIÖRDIS.

If so be, thou wilt not deny to give Kåre into my husband’s hands.

ÖRNULF.

There is no need.

GUNNAR.

There is peace and friendship between us.

HIÖRDIS.

[_With suppressed scorn._] Friendship? Well well, I know thou art a
wise man, Gunnar! Kåre has found mighty friends, and doubtless thou
deem’st it safest——

GUNNAR.

Thy taunts avail not! [_With dignity._] Kåre is at peace for us!

HIÖRDIS.

[_Restraining herself._] Well and good; if thou hast sworn him
peace, the vow must be held.

GUNNAR.

[_Forcibly, but without anger._] It must and it shall.

ÖRNULF.

[_To_ HIÖRDIS.] Another pact had been well-nigh made ere thy coming.

HIÖRDIS.

[_Sharply._] Between thee and Gunnar?

ÖRNULF.

[_Nods._] It had to do with thee.

HIÖRDIS.

Well can I guess what it had to do with; but this I tell thee,
foster-father, never shall it be said that Gunnar let himself be
cowed because thou camest in arms to the isle. Hadst thou come
alone, a single wayfarer, to our hall, the quarrel had more easily
been healed.

GUNNAR.

Örnulf and his sons come in peace.

HIÖRDIS.

Mayhap; but will it sound otherwise in the mouths of men; and thou
thyself, Gunnar, didst show scant trust in the peace yesterday, in
sending our son Egil to the southland so soon as it was told us that
Örnulf’s warship lay in the fiord.

SIGURD.

[_To_ GUNNAR.] Didst thou send thy son to the south?

HIÖRDIS.

Ay, that he might be in safety should Örnulf fall upon us.

ÖRNULF.

Scoff not at that, Hiördis; what Gunnar has done may prove wise in
the end, if so be thou hinder the pact.

HIÖRDIS.

Life must take its chance; come what will, I had liever die than
save my life by a shameful pact.

DAGNY.

Sigurd makes atonement, and will not be deemed the lesser man for
that.

HIÖRDIS.

Sigurd best knows what his own honour can bear.

SIGURD.

On that score shall I never need reminding.

HIÖRDIS.

Sigurd has done famous deeds, but bolder than all was Gunnar’s deed,
when he slew the white bear that guarded my bower.

GUNNAR.

[_With an embarrassed glance at_ SIGURD.] Nay, nay, no more of that!

ÖRNULF.

In truth it was the boldest deed that e’er was seen in Iceland; and
therefore——

SIGURD.

The more easily can Gunnar yield, and ne’er be held faint-hearted.

HIÖRDIS.

If amends are to be made, amends shall be craved as well. Bethink
thee, Gunnar, of thy vow!

GUNNAR.

That vow was ill bethought; wilt thou hold me to it?

HIÖRDIS.

That will I, if we two are to dwell under one roof after this day.
Know then, Örnulf, that if atonement is to be made for the carrying
away of thy foster-daughter, thou, too, must atone for the slaying
of Jökul my father, and the seizing of all his goods and gear.

ÖRNULF.

Jökul was slain in fair fight;[8] thy kinsmen did me a worse wrong
when they sent thee to Iceland and beguiled me into adopting[9]
thee, unwitting who thou wert.

HIÖRDIS.

Honour, and no wrong, was thy lot in fostering Jökul’s daughter.

ÖRNULF.

Nought but strife hast thou brought me, that I know.

HIÖRDIS.

Sterner strife may be at hand, if——

ÖRNULF.

I came not hither to bandy words with women!—Gunnar, hear my last
word: art willing to make atonement?

HIÖRDIS.

[_To_ GUNNAR.] Think of thy vow!

GUNNAR.

[_To_ ÖRNULF.] Thou hearest, I have sworn a vow, and that must I——

ÖRNULF.

[_Irritated._] Enough, enough! Never shall it be said that I made
atonement for slaying in fair fight.

HIÖRDIS.

[_Forcibly._] Then we defy thee and thine.

ÖRNULF.

[_In rising wrath._] And who has the right to crave atonement for
Jökul? Where are his kinsmen? There is none alive! Where is his
lawful avenger?

HIÖRDIS.

That is Gunnar, on my behalf.

ÖRNULF.

Gunnar! Ay, hadst thou been betrothed to him with thy
foster-father’s good-will, or had he made atonement for carrying
thee away, then were he thy father’s lawful avenger; but——

DAGNY.

[_Apprehensive and imploring._] Father, father!

SIGURD.

[_Quickly._] Speak it not!

ÖRNULF.

[_Raising his voice._] Nay, loudly shall it be spoken! A woman
wedded by force has no lawful husband!

GUNNAR.

[_Vehemently._] Örnulf!

HIÖRDIS.

[_In a wild outburst._] Flouted and shamed! [_In a quivering
voice._] This—this shalt thou come to rue!

ÖRNULF.

[_Continuing._] A woman wedded by force is in law no more than a
leman! Wilt thou regain thine honour, then must thou——

HIÖRDIS.

[_Controlling herself._] Nay, Örnulf, I know better what is fitting.
If I am to be held as Gunnar’s leman—well and good, then must he win
me honour by his deeds—by deeds so mighty that my shame shall be
shame no more! And thou, Örnulf, beware! Here our ways part, and
from this day shall I make war at all times upon thee and thine;
thou shalt know no safety for life or limb, thou, nor any whom
thou——[_Looking fiercely at_ KÅRE.] Kåre! Örnulf has stood thy
friend, forsooth, and there is peace between us; but I counsel thee
not to seek thy home yet awhile; the man thou slewest has many
avengers, and it well might befall——See, I have shown thee the
danger; thou must e’en take what follows. Come, Gunnar, we must gird
ourselves for the fight. A famous deed didst thou do in Iceland, but
greater deeds must be done here, if thou wouldst not have thy—thy
leman shrink with shame from thee and from herself!

GUNNAR.

Curb thyself, Hiördis; it is unseemly to bear thee thus!

DAGNY.

[_Imploringly._] Stay, foster-sister—stay; I will appease my father.

HIÖRDIS.

[_Without listening to her._] Homewards, homewards! Who could have
foretold me that I should wear out my life as a worthless leman? But
if I am to bear this life of shame, ay, even for one day more, then
must my husband do such a deed—such a deed as shall make his name
more famous than all other names of men.

[_Goes out to the right._

GUNNAR.

[_Softly._] Sigurd, promise me this, that we shall have speech
together ere thou leave the land.

[_Goes out with his men to the right._

[_The storm has meanwhile ceased; the mid-day sun is now
visible, like a red disc, low upon the rim of the sea._

ÖRNULF.

[_Threateningly._] Thou shalt pay dear for this day’s work,
foster-daughter!

DAGNY.

Father, father! Surely thou wilt not harm her!

ÖRNULF.

Let me be! Now, Sigurd, now can no amends avail between Gunnar and
me.

SIGURD.

What thinkest thou to do?

ÖRNULF.

That I know not; but far and wide shall the tale be told how Örnulf
of the Fiords came to Gunnar’s hall.

SIGURD.

[_With quiet determination._] Maybe; but this I tell thee, Örnulf,
thou shalt never bear arms against him so long as I am alive.

ÖRNULF.

So, so! And what if nought else be my will?

SIGURD.

It shall not be—let thy will be never so strong.

ÖRNULF.

[_Angrily._] Go then; join thou with my foes; I dare outface the
twain of you!

SIGURD.

Hear me out, Örnulf; the day shall never dawn that shall see thee
and me at strife. There is honourable peace between us, Dagny is
dearer to me than weapons or gold, and never shall I forget that
thou art her nearest kinsman.

ÖRNULF.

There I know thee again, brave Sigurd!

SIGURD.

But Gunnar is my foster-brother; we have sworn each other faith and
friendship. Both in war and peace have we faced fortune together,
and of all men he is dearest to me. Stout though he be, he loves not
war;—but as for me, ye know, all of you, that I shrink not from
strife; yet here I stand forth, Örnulf, and pray for peace on
Gunnar’s behalf. Let me have my will!

ÖRNULF.

I cannot; I should be a scoff to all brave men, were I to fare
empty-handed back to Iceland.

SIGURD.

Thou shalt not fare empty-handed. Here in the cove my two long-ships
are lying, with all the wealth I have won in my viking-ventures.
There are many costly gifts from outland kings, good weapons by the
chestful, and other priceless chattels. Take thou one of the ships;
choose which thou wilt, and it shall be thine with all it
contains—be that the atonement for Hiördis, and let Gunnar be at
peace.

ÖRNULF.

Brave Sigurd, wilt thou do this for Gunnar?

SIGURD.

For a faithful friend, no man can do too much.

ÖRNULF.

Give half thy goods and gear!

SIGURD.

[_Urgently._] Take the whole, take both my ships, take all that is
mine, and let me fare with thee to Iceland as the poorest man in thy
train. What I give, I can win once more; but if thou and Gunnar come
to strife, I shall never see a glad day again. Now, Örnulf, thy
answer?

ÖRNULF.

[_Reflecting._] Two good long-ships, weapons, and other chattels—too
much gear can no man have; but——[_Vehemently._] No, no!—Hiördis has
threatened me; I will not! I were dishonoured should I take thy
goods!

SIGURD.

Yet listen——

ÖRNULF.

No, I say! I must fight for my own right, be my fortune what it may.

KÅRE.

[_Approaching._] Right friendly is Sigurd’s rede, but if thou wilt
indeed fight thine own battle with all thy might, I can counsel thee
better. Dream not of atonement so long as Hiördis has aught to say;
but revenge can be thine if thou wilt hearken to me.

ÖRNULF.

Revenge? What dost thou counsel?

SIGURD.

Evil, I can well see!

DAGNY.

[_To_ ÖRNULF.] Oh, do not hear him!

KÅRE.

Hiördis has declared me an outlaw; she will set snares for my life;
do thou swear to see me scatheless, and this night will I burn
Gunnar’s hall and all within it. Is that to thy mind?

SIGURD.

Dastard!

ÖRNULF.

[_Quietly._] To my mind? Knowest thou, Kåre, what were more to my
mind? [_In a voice of thunder._] To hew off thy nose and ears, thou
vile thrall. Little dost thou know old Örnulf if thou thinkest to
have his help in such a deed of shame!

KÅRE.

[_Who has shrunk backwards._] If thou fall not upon Gunnar he will
surely fall upon thee.

ÖRNULF.

Have I not weapons, and strength to wield them?

SIGURD.

[_To_ KÅRE.] And now away with thee! Thy presence is a shame to
honourable men!

KÅRE.

[_Going off._] Well well, I must shift for myself as best I may. But
this I tell you: if ye think to deal gently with Hiördis, ye will
come to rue it. I know her—and I know where to strike her sorest!

[_Goes down towards the shore._

DAGNY.

He is hatching some revenge. Sigurd, it must be hindered!

ÖRNULF.

[_Angrily._] Nay, let him do as he will; she is worth no better!

DAGNY.

That meanest thou not; bethink thee, she is thy foster-child.

ÖRNULF.

Woe worth the day when I took her under my roof! Jökul’s words begin
to come true.

SIGURD.

Jökul’s?

ÖRNULF.

Ay, her father’s. When I gave him his death-wound he fell back upon
the sward, and fixed his eyes on me and sang:

Jökul’s kin for Jökul’s slayer
many a woe shall still be weaving;
Jökul’s hoard whoe’er shall harry
thence shall harvest little gladness.

When he had sung that, he was silent awhile, and laughed; and
thereupon he died.

SIGURD.

Why should’st thou heed his words?

ÖRNULF.

Who knows? The story goes, and many believe it, that Jökul gave his
children a wolf’s heart to eat, that they might be fierce and fell;
and Hiördis has surely had her share, that one can well see.
[_Breaks off on looking out towards the right._] Gunnar!—Do we two
meet again!

GUNNAR.

[_Enters._] Ay, Örnulf, think of me what thou wilt, but I cannot
part from thee as thy foe.

ÖRNULF.

What is thy purpose?

GUNNAR.

To hold out the hand of peace to thee ere thou depart. Hear me all
of you: go with me to my homestead, and be my guests as long as ye
will. We lack not meat or drink or sleeping-room, and there shall be
no talk of our quarrel either to-day or to-morrow.

SIGURD.

But Hiördis——?

GUNNAR.

Yields to my will; she changed her thought on the homeward way, and
deemed, as I did, that we would soon be at one if ye would but be
our guests.

DAGNY.

Yes, yes; let it be so.

SIGURD.

[_Doubtfully._] But I know not if——

DAGNY.

Gunnar is thy foster-brother; little I know thee if thou say him
nay.

GUNNAR.

[_To_ SIGURD.] Thou hast been my friend where’er we fared; thou wilt
not thwart me now!

DAGNY.

And to depart from the land, leaving Hiördis with hate in her
heart—no, no, that must we not!

GUNNAR.

I have done Örnulf a great wrong; until it is made good, I cannot be
at peace with myself.

SIGURD.

[_Vehemently._] All else will I do for thee, Gunnar, but not stay
here! [_Mastering himself._] I am King Æthelstan’s sworn henchman,
and I must be with him in England ere the winter is out.

DAGNY.

But that thou canst be, none the less!

GUNNAR.

No man can know what lot awaits him; mayhap this is our last
meeting, Sigurd, and thou wilt repent that thou didst not stand by
me to the end.

DAGNY.

And long will it be ere thou see me glad again, if thou set sail
to-day.

SIGURD.

[_Determined._] Well, be it so! It shall be as ye will,
although——But no more of that; here is my hand; I will stay to feast
with thee and Hiördis.

GUNNAR.

[_Shakes his hand._] I knew it, Sigurd, and I thank thee.—And thou,
Örnulf, say’st thou likewise?

ÖRNULF.

[_Gruffly._] I shall think upon it. Bitterly has Hiördis galled
me;—I will not answer to-day.

GUNNAR.

It is well, old warrior; Sigurd and Dagny will know how to smooth
thy brow. Now must I prepare the feast; peace be with you the while,
and well met in my hall. [_Goes out by the right._

SIGURD.

[_To himself._] Hiördis has changed her thought, said he? Little he
knows her; I rather deem that she is plotting——[_Interrupting
himself and turning to his men._] Come, follow me all to the ships;
good gifts will I choose for Gunnar and his household.

DAGNY.

Gifts of the best we have. And thou, father—thou shalt have no peace
for me until thou yield thee.

_She goes with_ SIGURD _and his men down towards the shore
at the back._

ÖRNULF.

Yield me? Ay, if there were no women-folk in Gunnar’s house,
then——Oh, if I but knew where to strike her!—Thorolf, thou here!

THOROLF.

[_Who has entered hastily._] As thou seest. Is it true that thou
hast met with Gunnar?

ÖRNULF.

Yes.

THOROLF.

And art at strife with him?

ÖRNULF.

H’m—with Hiördis, at least.

THOROLF.

Then be of good cheer; soon shalt thou be avenged!

ÖRNULF.

Avenged? Who shall avenge me?

THOROLF.

Listen: as I stood on board the ship, there came a man running, with
a staff in his hand, and called to me: “If thou be of Örnulf’s
shipfolk, then greet him from Kåre the Peasant, and say that now
will I avenge the twain of us.” Thereupon he took a boat and rowed
away, saying as he passed: “Twenty outlaws are at haven in the
fiord; with them I fare southward, and ere eventide shall Hiördis be
childless.”

ÖRNULF.

He said that! Ha, now I understand; Gunnar has sent his son away;
Kåre is at feud with him——

THOROLF.

And now he is rowing southward to slay the boy!

ÖRNULF.

[_With sudden resolution._] Up, all! That booty will we fight for!

THOROLF.

What wilt thou do?

ÖRNULF.

Leave that to me; it shall be I, and not Kåre, that will take
revenge!

THOROLF.

I will go with thee!

ÖRNULF.

Nay, do thou follow with Sigurd and thy sister to Gunnar’s hall.

THOROLF.

Sigurd? Is he in the isle?

ÖRNULF.

There may’st thou see his warships; we are at one—do thou go with
him.

THOROLF.

Among thy foes?

ÖRNULF.

Go thou to the feast. Now shall Hiördis learn to know old Örnulf!
But hark thee, Thorolf, to no one must thou speak of what I purpose;
dost hear? to no one!

THOROLF.

I promise.

ÖRNULF.

[_Takes his hand and looks at him affectionately._] Farewell then,
my fair boy; bear thee in courtly wise at the feast-house, that I
may have honour of thee. Beware of idle babbling; but what thou
sayest, let it be keen as a sword. Be friendly to those that deal
with thee in friendly wise; but if thou be taunted, hold not thy
peace. Drink not more than thou canst bear; but put not the horn
aside when it is offered thee in measure, lest thou be deemed
womanish.

THOROLF.

Nay, be at ease!

ÖRNULF.

Then away to the feast at Gunnar’s hall. I too will come to the
feast, and that in the guise they least think of. [_Blithely to the
rest._] Come, my wolf-cubs; be your fangs keen;—now shall ye have
blood to drink.

[_He goes off with his elder sons to the right, at the
back._

SIGURD _and_ DAGNY _come up from the ships, richly dressed for the
banquet. They are followed by two men, carrying a chest, who
lay it down and return as they came._

THOROLF.

[_Looking out after his father._] Now fare they all forth to fight,
and I must stay behind; it is hard to be the youngest of the
house.—Dagny! all hail and greetings to thee, sister mine!

DAGNY.

Thorolf! All good powers!—thou art a man, grown!

THOROLF.

That may I well be, forsooth, in five years——

DAGNY.

Ay, true, true.

SIGURD.

[_Giving him his hand._] In thee will Örnulf find a stout carl, or I
mistake me.

THOROLF.

Would he but prove me——!

DAGNY.

[_Smiling._] He spares thee more than thou hast a mind to? Thou wast
ever well-nigh too dear to him.

SIGURD.

Whither has he gone?

THOROLF.

Down to his ship;—go you on; he will follow.

SIGURD.

I await my men; they are mooring my ships and bringing ashore wares.

THOROLF.

There must I lend a hand!

[_Goes down towards the shore._

SIGURD.

[_After a moment’s reflection._] Dagny, my wife, now that we are
alone, I have that to tell thee which must no longer be hidden.

DAGNY.

[_Surprised._] What meanest thou?

SIGURD.

There may be danger in this faring to Gunnar’s hall.

DAGNY.

Danger? Thinkest thou that Gunnar——?

SIGURD.

Nay, Gunnar is brave and true—yet better had it been that I had
sailed from the isle without crossing his threshold.

DAGNY.

Thou makest me fear! Sigurd, what is amiss?

SIGURD.

First answer me this: the golden ring that I gave thee, where hast
thou it?

DAGNY.

[_Showing it._] Here, on my arm; thou badest me wear it.

SIGURD.

Cast it to the bottom of the sea, so deep that none may ever set
eyes on it again; else may it be the bane of many men!

DAGNY.

The ring!

SIGURD.

[_In a low voice._] That night when we bore away the twain of
you—dost remember?

DAGNY.

Do I remember!

SIGURD.

It is of that I would speak.

DAGNY.

[_In suspense._] What is it? Say on!

SIGURD.

Thou knowest there had been a feast; thou didst seek thy chamber
betimes; but Hiördis still sat among the men in the feast-hall. The
horn went busily round, and many a great vow was sworn. I swore to
bear away a fair maid with me from Iceland; Gunnar swore the same as
I, and passed the cup to Hiördis. She grasped it and stood up, and
vowed this vow, that no warrior should have her to wife, save him
who should go to her bower, slay the white bear that stood bound at
the door, and carry her away in his arms.

DAGNY.

Yes, yes; all this I know!

SIGURD.

All men deemed that it might not be, for the bear was the fiercest
of beasts; none but Hiördis might come near it, and it had the
strength of twenty men.

DAGNY.

But Gunnar slew it, and by that deed won fame throughout all lands.

SIGURD.

[_In a low voice._] He won the fame—but—I did the deed!

DAGNY.

[_With a cry._] Thou!

SIGURD.

When the men left the feast-hall, Gunnar prayed me to come with him
alone to our sleeping-place. Then said he: “Hiördis is dearer to me
than all women; without her I cannot live.” I answered him: “Then go
to her bower; thou knowest the vow she hath sworn.” But he said:
“Life is dear to him that loves; if I should assail the bear, the
end were doubtful, and I am loath to lose my life, for then should I
lose Hiördis too.” Long did we talk, and the end was that Gunnar
made ready his ship, while I drew my sword, took Gunnar’s harness
upon me, and went to the bower.

DAGNY.

[_With pride and joy._] And thou—thou didst slay the bear!

SIGURD.

I slew him. In the bower it was dark as under a raven’s wing;
Hiördis deemed it was Gunnar that sat by her—she was heated with the
mead—she drew a ring from her arm and gave it to me—it is that thou
wearest now.

DAGNY.

[_Hesitating._] And thou wast alone that night with Hiördis in her
bower?

SIGURD.

My sword lay drawn between us. [_A short pause._] Ere the dawn, I
bore Hiördis to Gunnar’s ship; she dreamed not of our guile, and he
sailed away with her. Then went I to thy sleeping-place and found
thee there among thy women;—what followed, thou knowest; I sailed
from Iceland with a fair maid, as I had sworn, and from that day
hast thou stood faithfully at my side whithersoever I have wandered.

DAGNY.

[_Much moved._] My brave husband! And that great deed was thine!—Oh,
I should have known it; it could have been none else! Hiördis, that
proud and stately woman, couldst thou have won, yet didst choose me!
Now wouldst thou be tenfold dearer to me, wert thou not already
dearer than all the world.

SIGURD.

Dagny, my sweet wife, now thou knowest all—that need be known. I
could not but warn thee; for that ring—Hiördis must never see it!
Wouldst thou do my will, then cast it from thee—into the depths of
the sea.

DAGNY.

Nay, Sigurd, it is too dear to me; is it not thy gift? But be at
ease, I will hide it from every eye, and never shall I breathe a
word of what thou hast told me.

THOROLF _comes up from the ships, with_ SIGURD’S _men._

THOROLF.

All is ready for the feast.

DAGNY.

Come then, Sigurd—my brave, my noble warrior!

SIGURD.

Beware, Dagny—beware! With thee it rests now whether this meeting
shall end in peace or in blood. [_Cheerfully to the others._] Away
then, to the feast in Gunnar’s hall!

[_Goes out with_ DAGNY _to the right; the others follow._

ACT SECOND.

_The feast-room in_ GUNNAR’S _house. The entrance-door is in the
back; smaller doors in the side-walls. In front, on the left,
the greater high-seat; opposite it, on the right, the lesser.
In the middle of the floor, a wood fire is burning on a
built-up hearth. In the background, on both sides of the door,
are daïses for the women of the household. From each of the
high-seats, a long table, with benches, stretches backwards,
parallel with the wall. It is dark outside; the fire lights
the room._

HIÖRDIS _and_ DAGNY _enter from the right._

DAGNY.

Nay, Hiördis, it passes my wit to understand thee. Thou hast shown
me all the house; I know not what thing thou lackest, and all thou
hast is fair and goodly;—then why bemoan thy lot?

HIÖRDIS.

Cage an eagle and it will bite at the wires, be they of iron or of
gold.

DAGNY.

In one thing at least thou art richer than I; thou hast Egil, thy
little son.

HIÖRDIS.

Better no child, than one born in shame.

DAGNY.

In shame?

HIÖRDIS.

Dost thou forget thy father’s saying? Egil is the son of a leman;
that was his word.

DAGNY.

A word spoken in wrath—why wilt thou heed it?

HIÖRDIS.

Nay, nay, Örnulf was right; Egil is weak; one can see he is no
freeborn child.

DAGNY.

Hiördis, how canst thou——?

HIÖRDIS.

[_Unheeding._] Doubt not that shame can be sucked into the blood,
like the venom of a snake-bite. Of another mettle are the freeborn
sons of mighty men. I have heard of a queen that took her son and
sewed his kirtle fast to his flesh, yet he never blinked an eye.
[_With an evil look._] Dagny, that will I try with Egil!

DAGNY.

[_Horrified._] Hiördis, Hiördis!

HIÖRDIS.

[_Laughing._] Ha-ha-ha! Dost thou think I meant my words? [_Changing
her tone._] But, believe me or not as thou wilt, there are times
when such deeds seem to lure me. Doubtless it is in my blood—for I
am of the race of the Jötuns,[10] they say.—Come, sit thou here,
Dagny. Far hast thou wandered in these five long years; tell me,
thou hast ofttimes been a guest in the halls of kings?

DAGNY.

Many a time—and chiefly with Æthelstan of England.

HIÖRDIS.

And everywhere thou hast been held in honour, and hast sat in the
highest seats at the board?

DAGNY.

Doubtless. As Sigurd’s wife——

HIÖRDIS.

Ay, ay—a famous man is Sigurd—though Gunnar stands above him.

DAGNY.

Gunnar?

HIÖRDIS.

One deed did Gunnar do that Sigurd shrank from. But let that be!
Tell me, when Sigurd went a-viking and thou with him, when thou
didst hear the sword-blades sing in the fierce war-game, when the
blood streamed red on the deck—came there not over thee an
untameable longing to plunge into the strife? Didst thou not don
harness and take up arms?

DAGNY.

Never! How canst thou think it? I, a woman!

HIÖRDIS.

A woman, a woman,—who knows what a woman may do!—But one thing thou
canst tell me, Dagny, for that thou surely knowest: when a man
clasps to his breast the woman he loves—is it true that her blood
burns, that her bosom throbs—that she swoons in a strange ecstasy?

DAGNY.

[_Blushing._] Hiördis, how canst thou——!

HIÖRDIS.

Come, tell me——!

DAGNY.

Surely thou thyself hast known it.

HIÖRDIS.

Ay once, and only once; it was that night when Gunnar sat with me in
my bower; he crushed me in his arms till my byrnie[11] burst, and
then, then——!

DAGNY.

[_Exclaiming._] What! Sigurd——!

HIÖRDIS.

Sigurd? What of Sigurd? I spoke of Gunnar—that night when he bore me
away——

DAGNY.

[_Collecting herself._] Yes, yes, I remember.—I know well——

HIÖRDIS.

That was the only time; never, never again! I deemed I was
bewitched; for that Gunnar could so clasp a woman——[_Stops and looks
at_ DAGNY.] What ails thee? Methinks thou turnest pale and red!

DAGNY.

Nay, nay!

HIÖRDIS.

[_Without heeding her._] Aye, the merry viking-raid should have been
_my_ lot; it had been better for me, and—mayhap for all of us. That
were life, full and rich life! Dost thou not wonder, Dagny, to find
me here alive? Art not afraid to be alone with me in the hall, thus
in the dark? Deem’st thou not that I must have died in all these
years, and that it is my ghost that stands at thy side?

DAGNY.

[_Painfully ill at ease._] Come—let us go—to the others.

HIÖRDIS.

[_Seizing her by the arm._] No, stay! Seems it not strange to thee,
Dagny, that any woman can yet live who has spent here five such
nights?

DAGNY.

Five nights?

HIÖRDIS.

Here in the north each night is a whole winter long. [_Quickly and
with an altered expression._] Yet the place is fair enough, doubt it
not! Thou shalt see sights here such as thou hast not seen in the
halls of the English king. We shall be together as sisters whilst
thou bidest with me; we shall go down to the sea when the storm
blows up afresh; thou shalt see the billows racing to the land like
wild, white-maned horses. And then the whales far out in the offing!
They dash one against another like steel-clad warriors! Ha, what joy
to be a witch-wife and ride on a whale’s back—to speed before the
bark, and wake the storm, and lure men to the deeps with lovely
songs of sorcery!

DAGNY.

Fie, Hiördis, how canst thou speak such things!

HIÖRDIS.

Canst _thou_ sing sorceries, Dagny?

DAGNY.

[_With horror._] I!

HIÖRDIS.

I trow thou canst; how else didst thou lure Sigurd to thee?

DAGNY.

Thy speech is shameful; let me go!

HIÖRDIS.

[_Holding her back._] Because I jest! Nay, hear me to the end!
Think, Dagny, what it is to sit by the window in the eventide and
hear the kelpie[12] wailing in the boat-house; to sit waiting and
listening for the dead men’s ride to Valhal; for their way lies past
us here in the north. They are the brave men that fell in fight, the
strong women that did not drag out their lives tamely, like thee and
me; they sweep through the air in cloud-rack and storm, on their
black horses, with jangling bells! [_Embraces_ DAGNY, _and presses
her wildly in her arms._] Ha, Dagny! think of riding the last ride
on so rare a steed!

DAGNY.

[_Struggling to escape._] Hiördis, Hiördis! Let me go! I will not
hear thee!

HIÖRDIS.

[_Laughing._] Weak art thou of heart, and easily affrighted.

GUNNAR _enters from the back, with_ SIGURD _and_ THOROLF.

GUNNAR.

Now, truly, are all things to my very mind! I have found thee again,
Sigurd, my brave brother, as kind and true as of old. I have
Örnulf’s son under my roof, and the old man himself follows speedily
after; is it not so?

THOROLF.

So he promised.

GUNNAR.

Then all I lack is that Egil should be here.

THOROLF.

’Tis plain thou lovest the boy, thou namest him so oft.

GUNNAR.

Truly I love him; he is my only child; and he is like to grow up
fair and kindly.

HIÖRDIS.

But no warrior.

GUNNAR.

Nay—that thou must not say.

SIGURD.

How couldst thou send him from thee——

GUNNAR.

Would that I had not! [_In an undertone._] But thou knowest, Sigurd,
he who loves overmuch, takes not always the manliest part.
[_Aloud._] I had few men in my house, and none could be sure of his
life when it was known that Örnulf lay in the cove with a ship of
war.

HIÖRDIS.

One thing I know that ought first to be made safe, life afterwards.

THOROLF.

And that is——?

HIÖRDIS.

Honour and fame among men.

GUNNAR.

Hiördis!

SIGURD.

It shall not be said of Gunnar that he has tainted his honour by
doing this.

GUNNAR.

[_Sternly._] No one shall make strife between me and Örnulf’s
kinsfolk!

HIÖRDIS.

[_Smiling._] Tell me, Sigurd—can thy ship sail with any wind?

SIGURD.

Ay, when ’tis cunningly steered.

HIÖRDIS.

Good! I too will steer my ship cunningly, and make my way whither I
will.

[_Retires towards the back._

DAGNY.

[_Whispers, uneasily._] Sigurd, let us hence—this very night!

SIGURD.

It is too late now; ’twas thou that——

DAGNY.

Then I held Hiördis dear; but now——; I have heard her speak words I
shudder to think of.

SIGURD’S _men, with other guests, men and women, house-carls and
handmaidens, enter from the back._

GUNNAR.

[_After a short pause, in which greetings and the like are
exchanged._] Now to the board! My chief guest, Örnulf of the Fiords,
comes later; so Thorolf promises.

HIÖRDIS.

[_To the house-folk._] Pass the ale and mead around, that hearts may
wax merry and tongues may be loosed.

[GUNNAR _leads_ SIGURD _to the high-seat on the right._
DAGNY _seats herself on_ SIGURD’S _right,_ HIÖRDIS
_opposite him, at the other side of the same table._
THOROLF _is in like manner ushered to a place at the
other table, and thus sits opposite_ GUNNAR, _who
occupies the greater high-seat. The others take their
seats further back._

HIÖRDIS.

[_After a pause in which they drink with each other and converse
quietly across the tables._] It seldom chances that so many brave
men are seated together, as I see to-night in our hall. It were
fitting, then, that we should essay the old pastime: Let each man
name the chief of his deeds, that all may judge which is the
mightiest.

GUNNAR.

That is an ill custom at a drinking-feast; ’twill oft breed strife.

HIÖRDIS.

Little did I deem that Gunnar was afraid.

SIGURD.

That no one deems; but it were long ere we came to an end, were we
all to tell of our deeds, so many as we be. Do thou rather tell us,
Gunnar, of thy journey to Biarmeland; ’tis no small exploit to fare
so far to the north, and gladly would we hear of it.

HIÖRDIS.

The journey to Biarmeland is chapman’s work, and little worthy to be
named among warriors. Nay, do thou begin, Sigurd, if thou wouldst
not have me deem that thou canst ill endure to hear my husband’s
praise! Say on; name that one of thy deeds which thou dost prize the
highest.

SIGURD.

Well, since thou wilt have it so, so must it be. Let it be told,
then, that I lay a-viking among the Orkneys; there came foemen
against us, but we swept them from their ships, and I fought alone
against eight men.

HIÖRDIS.

Good was that deed; but wert thou fully armed?

SIGURD.

Fully armed, with axe, spear, and sword.

HIÖRDIS.

Still the deed was good. Now must thou, my husband, name that which
thou deemest the chief among thy exploits.

GUNNAR.

[_Unwillingly._] I slew two berserkers who had seized a
merchant-ship; and thereupon I sent the captive chapmen home, giving
them their ship freely, without ransom. The King of England deemed
well of that deed; he said that I had done honourably, and gave me
thanks and good gifts.

HIÖRDIS.

Nay truly, Gunnar, a better deed than that couldst thou name.

GUNNAR.

[_Vehemently._] I will take praise for no other deed! Since last I
fared from Iceland I have lived at peace and traded in merchandise.
No word more on this matter!

HIÖRDIS.

If thou thyself wilt hide thy renown, thy wife shall speak.

GUNNAR.

Peace, Hiördis—I command thee!

HIÖRDIS.

Sigurd fought with eight men, being fully armed; Gunnar came to my
bower in the black night, slew the bear that had twenty men’s
strength, and yet had but a short sword in his hand.

GUNNAR.

[_Violently agitated._] Woman, not a word more!

DAGNY.

[_Softly._] Sigurd, wilt thou endure——?

SIGURD.

[_Likewise._] Be still!

HIÖRDIS.

[_To the company._] And now, ye brave men—which is the mightier,
Sigurd or Gunnar?

GUNNAR.

Silence!

HIÖRDIS.

[_Loudly._] Speak out; I have the right to crave judgment.

AN OLD MAN.

[_Among the guests._] If the truth be told, then is Gunnar’s deed
greater than all other deeds of men; Gunnar is the mightiest
warrior, and Sigurd is second to him.

GUNNAR.

[_With a glance across the table._] Ah, Sigurd, Sigurd, didst thou
but know——!

DAGNY.

[_Softly._] It is too much—friend though he be!

SIGURD.

Peace, wife! [_Aloud, to the others._] Ay truly, Gunnar is the most
honourable of all men; so would I esteem him to my dying day, even
had he never done that deed; for that I hold more lightly than ye.

HIÖRDIS.

There speaks thy envy, Sigurd Viking!

SIGURD.

[_Smiling._] Mightily dost thou mistake. [_Kindly, to_ GUNNAR,
_drinking to him across the table._] Hail, noble Gunnar; our
friendship shall stand fast, whosoever may seek to break it.

HIÖRDIS.

No one, that I wot of, has such a thought.

SIGURD.

Say not so; I could almost think thou hadst bidden us to the feast
in the hope to stir up strife.

HIÖRDIS.

That is like thee, Sigurd; now art thou wroth that thou may’st not
be held the mightiest man at the board.

SIGURD.

I have ever esteemed Gunnar more highly than myself.

HIÖRDIS.

Well, well—second to Gunnar is still a good place, and——[_with a
side glance at_ THOROLF] had Örnulf been here, he could have had the
third seat.

THOROLF.

Then would Jökul, thy father, find a low place indeed; for he fell
before Örnulf.

[_The following dispute is carried on, by both parties, with
rising and yet repressed irritation._

HIÖRDIS.

That shalt thou never say! Örnulf is a skald, and men whisper that
he has praised himself for greater deeds than he has done.

THOROLF.

Then woe to him who whispers so loudly that it comes to my ear!

HIÖRDIS.

[_With a smile of provocation._] Wouldst thou avenge it?

THOROLF.

Ay, so that my vengeance should be told of far and wide.

HIÖRDIS.

Then here I pledge a cup to this, that thou may’st first have a
beard on thy chin.

THOROLF.

Even a beardless lad is too good to wrangle with women.

HIÖRDIS.

But too weak to fight with men; therefore thy father let thee lie by
the hearth at home in Iceland, whilst thy brothers went a-viking.

THOROLF.

It had been well had he kept as good an eye on thee; for then hadst
thou not left the land an unwedded woman.

GUNNAR AND SIGURD.

Thorolf!

DAGNY.

[_Simultaneously._] Brother!

HIÖRDIS.

[_Softly, and quivering with rage._] Ha! wait—wait!

THOROLF.

[_Gives_ GUNNAR _his hand._] Be not wroth, Gunnar;—evil words came
to my tongue; but thy wife goaded me!

DAGNY.

[_Softly and imploringly._] Foster-sister, by any love thou hast
ever borne me, stir not up strife!

HIÖRDIS.

[_Laughing._] Jests must pass at the feast-board, if the merriment
is to thrive.

GUNNAR.

[_Who has been talking softly to_ THOROLF.] Thou art a brave lad!
[_Hands him a sword which hangs beside the high-seat._] Here,
Thorolf, here is a good gift for thee. Wield it well, and let us be
friends.

HIÖRDIS.

Beware how thou givest away thy weapons, Gunnar; men may say thou
dost part with things thou canst not use!

THOROLF.

[_Who has meanwhile examined the sword._] Thanks for the gift,
Gunnar; it shall never be drawn in an unworthy cause.

HIÖRDIS.

If thou wilt keep that promise, then do thou never lend the sword to
thy brothers.

GUNNAR.

Hiördis!

HIÖRDIS.

[_Continuing._] Neither let it hang on thy father’s wall; for there
it would hang with base men’s weapons.

THOROLF.

True enough, Hiördis—for there thy father’s axe and shield have hung
this many a year.

HIÖRDIS.

[_Mastering herself._] That Örnulf slew my father—that deed is ever
on thy tongue; but if report speak true, ’twas scarce so honourable
a deed as thou deemest.

THOROLF.

Of what report dost thou speak?

HIÖRDIS.

[_Smiling._] I dare not name it, for it would make thee wroth.

THOROLF.

Then hold thy peace—I ask no better.

[_Turns from her._

HIÖRDIS.

Nay, why should I not tell it? Is it true, Thorolf, that for three
nights thy father sat in woman’s weed, doing sorceries with the
witch of Smalserhorn, ere he dared face Jökul in fight?

[_All rise; violent excitement among the guests._

GUNNAR, SIGURD, AND DAGNY.

Hiördis!

THOROLF.

[_Bitterly exasperated._] So base a lie has no man spoken of Örnulf
of the Fiords! Thou thyself hast made it, for no one less venomous
than thou could dream of such a thing. The blackest crime a man can
do hast thou laid at my father’s door. [_Throwing the sword away._]
There, Gunnar, take thy gift again; I can take nought from that
house wherein my father is reviled.

GUNNAR.

Thorolf, hear me——!

THOROLF.

Let me go! But beware both thou and Hiördis; for my father has now
in his power one whom ye hold dearest of all!

HIÖRDIS.

[_Starting._] Thy father has——!

GUNNAR.

[_With a cry._] What sayest thou?

SIGURD.

[_Vehemently._] Where is Örnulf?

THOROLF.

[_With mocking laughter._] Gone southward—with my brothers.

GUNNAR.

Southward!

HIÖRDIS.

[_Shrieking_.] Gunnar! Örnulf has slain Egil, our son.

GUNNAR.

Slain!—Egil slain! Then woe to Örnulf and all his race! Thorolf,
speak out;—is this true?

SIGURD.

Gunnar, Gunnar—hear me!

GUNNAR.

Speak out, if thou care for thy life!

THOROLF.

Thou canst not fright me! Wait till my father comes, he shall plant
a mark of shame over against Gunnar’s house! And meanwhile, Hiördis,
do thou cheer thee with these words I heard to-day: “Ere eventide
shall Gunnar and his wife be childless.”

[_Goes out by the back._

GUNNAR.

[_In agony._] Slain—slain! My little Egil slain.

HIÖRDIS.

[_Wildly._] And thou—dost thou let him go? Let Egil, thy child, lie
unavenged! Then wert thou the dastard of dastards——!

GUNNAR.

[_As if beside himself._] A sword—an axe! ’Tis the last tidings he
shall ever bring!

[_Seizes an axe from one of the bystanders and rushes out._

SIGURD.

[_About to follow._] Gunnar, hold thy hand!

HIÖRDIS.

[_Holding him back._] Stay, stay! The men will part them; I know
Gunnar!

[_A cry from the crowd, which has flocked together at the
main door._

SIGURD AND DAGNY.

What is it?

A VOICE AMONG THE CROWD.

Thorolf has fallen.

SIGURD.

Thorolf! Ha, let me go!

DAGNY.

My brother! Oh, my brother!

[SIGURD _is on the point of rushing out. At the same moment,
the crowd parts,_ GUNNAR _enters, and throws down the
axe at the door._

GUNNAR.

Now it is done. Egil is avenged!

SIGURD.

Well for thee if thy hand has not been too hasty.

GUNNAR.

Mayhap, mayhap; but Egil, Egil, my fair boy!

HIÖRDIS.

Now must we arm us, and seek help among our friends; for Thorolf has
many avengers.

GUNNAR.

[_Gloomily._] He will be his own worst avenger; he will be with me
night and day.

HIÖRDIS.

Thorolf got his reward. Kinsmen must suffer for kinsmen’s deeds.

GUNNAR.

True, true; but this I know, my mind was lighter ere this befell.

HIÖRDIS.

The first night[13] is ever the worst;—when that is over, thou wilt
heed it no more. Örnulf has sought his revenge by shameful guile; he
would not come against us in open strife; he feigned to be
peacefully minded; and then he falls upon our defenceless child! Ha,
I saw more clearly than ye; well I deemed that Örnulf was
evil-minded and false; good cause had I to egg thee on against him
and all his faithless tribe.

GUNNAR.

[_Fiercely._] That hadst thou! My vengeance is poor beside Örnulf’s
crime. He has lost Thorolf, but he has six sons left—and I have
none—none!

A HOUSE-CARL.

[_Enters hastily from the back._] Örnulf of the Fiords is at hand!

GUNNAR.

Örnulf!

HIÖRDIS AND SEVERAL MEN.

To arms! to arms!

DAGNY.

[_Simultaneously._] My father!

SIGURD.

[_As if seized by a foreboding._] Örnulf——! Ah, Gunnar, Gunnar!

GUNNAR.

[_Draws his sword._] Up, all my men! Vengeance for Egil’s death!

ÖRNULF _enters, with_ EGIL _in his arms._

GUNNAR.

[_With a shriek._] Egil!

ÖRNULF.

I bring you back little Egil.

ALL.

[_One to another._] Egil! Egil alive!

GUNNAR.

[_Letting his sword fall._] Woe is me! what have I done?

DAGNY.

Oh, Thorolf, my brother!

SIGURD.

I knew it! I knew it!

ÖRNULF.

[_Setting Egil down._] There, Gunnar, hast thou thy pretty boy
again.

EGIL.

Father! Old Örnulf would not do me ill, as thou saidst when I went
away.

ÖRNULF.

[_To_ HIÖRDIS.] Now have I atoned for thy father; now surely there
may be peace between us.

HIÖRDIS.

[_With repressed emotion._] Mayhap!

GUNNAR.

[_As if waking up._] Is it a hideous dream that maddens me!
Thou—thou bringest Egil home!

ÖRNULF.

As thou seest; but in truth he has been near his death.

GUNNAR.

That I know.

ÖRNULF.

And hast no more joy in his return?

GUNNAR.

Had he come sooner, I had been more glad. But tell me all that has
befallen!

ÖRNULF.

That is soon done. Kåre the Peasant was plotting evil against you;
with other caitiffs he fared southward after Egil.

GUNNAR.

Kåre! [_To himself._] Ha, now I understand Thorolf’s words!

ÖRNULF.

His purpose came to my ears; I needs must thwart so black a deed. I
would not give atonement for Jökul, and, had things so befallen, I
had willingly slain thee, Gunnar, in single combat—yet I could not
but save thy child. With my sons, I hasted after Kåre.

SIGURD.

[_Softly._] An accursed deed has here been done.

ÖRNULF.

When I came up with him, Egil’s guards lay bound; thy son was
already in thy foemen’s hands, and they would not long have spared
him. Hot was the fight! Seldom have I given and taken keener
strokes; Kåre and two men fled inland; the rest sleep safely, and
will be hard to waken.

GUNNAR.

[_In eager suspense._] But thou—thou, Örnulf——?

ÖRNULF.

[_Darkly._] Six sons followed me into the fight.

GUNNAR.

[_Breathlessly._] But homewards——?

ÖRNULF.

None.

GUNNAR.

[_Appalled._] None! [_Softly._] And Thorolf, Thorolf!

[_Deep emotion among the bystanders._ HIÖRDIS _shows signs
of a violent mental struggle;_ DAGNY _weeps silently by
the high-seat on the right._ SIGURD _stands beside her,
painfully agitated._

ÖRNULF.

[_After a short pause._] It is hard for a many-branching pine to be
stripped in a single storm. But men die and men live;—hand me a
horn; I will drink to my sons’ memory. [_One of_ SIGURD’S _men gives
him a horn._] Hail to you where now ye ride, my bold sons! Close
upon your heels shall the bronze-gates not clang, for ye come to the
hall with a great following. [_Drinks, and hands back the horn._]
And now home to Iceland! Örnulf has fought his last fight; the old
tree has but one green branch left, and it must be shielded warily.
Where is Thorolf?

EGIL.

[_To his father._] Ay, let me see Thorolf! Örnulf says he will carve
me a ship with many, many warriors aboard.

ÖRNULF.

I praise all good wights that Thorolf came not with us; for if he
too—nay, strong though I be, _that_ had been too heavy for me to
bear. But why comes he not? He was ever the first to meet his
father; for to both of us it seemed we could not live apart a single
day.

GUNNAR.

Örnulf, Örnulf!

ÖRNULF.

[_With growing uneasiness._] Ye stand all silent, I mark it now.
What ails you? Where is Thorolf?

DAGNY.

Sigurd, Sigurd—this will be the sorest blow to him!

GUNNAR.

[_Struggling with himself._] Old man!—No——and yet, it cannot be
hid——

ÖRNULF.

[_Vehemently._] My son! Where is he?

GUNNAR.

Thorolf is slain!

ÖRNULF.

Slain! Thorolf? Thorolf? Ha, thou liest!

GUNNAR.

I would give my warmest heart-blood to know him alive!

HIÖRDIS.

[_To_ ÖRNULF.] Thorolf was himself to blame for what befell; with
dark sayings he gave us to wit that thou hadst fallen upon Egil and
slain him;—we had parted half in wrath, and thou hast ere now
brought death among my kindred. And moreover—Thorolf bore himself at
the feast like a wanton boy; he brooked not our jesting, and spoke
many evil things. Not till then did Gunnar wax wroth; not till then
did he raise his hand upon thy son; and well I wot that he had good
and lawful ground for that deed.

ÖRNULF.

[_Calmly._] Well may we see that thou art a woman, for thou usest
many words. To what end? If Thorolf is slain, then is his saga over.

EGIL.

If Thorolf is slain, I shall have no warriors.

ÖRNULF.

Nay, Egil—we have lost our warriors now, both thou and I. [_To_
HIÖRDIS.] Thy father sang:

Jökul’s kin for Jökul’s slayer
many a woe shall still be weaving.

Well hast thou wrought that his words should come true. [_Pauses a
moment, then turns to one of the men._] Where got he his
death-wound?

THE MAN.

Right across his brow.

ÖRNULF.

[_Pleased._] Ha; that is an honourable wound; he did not turn his
back. But fell he sideways, or in toward Gunnar’s feet?

THE MAN.

Half sideways and half toward Gunnar.

ÖRNULF.

That bodes but half vengeance; well well,—we shall see!

GUNNAR.

[_Approaching._] Örnulf, I know well that all my goods were naught
against thy loss; but crave of me what thou wilt——

ÖRNULF.

[_Sternly interrupting him._] Give me Thorolf’s body, and let me go!
Where lies he?

[GUNNAR _points silently to the back._

ÖRNULF.

[_Takes a step or two, but turns and says in a voice of thunder to_
SIGURD, DAGNY, _and others who are making as though to follow him,
sorrowing._] Stay! Think ye Örnulf will be followed by a train of
mourners, like a whimpering woman? Stay, I say!—I can bear my
Thorolf alone. [_With calm strength._] Sonless I go; but none shall
say that he saw me bowed.

[_He goes slowly out._

HIÖRDIS.

[_With forced laughter._] Ay, let him go as he will; we shall scarce
need many men to face him should he come with strife again! Now,
Dagny—I wot it is the last time thy father shall sail from Iceland
on such a quest!

SIGURD.

[_Indignant._] Oh, shame!

DAGNY.

[_Likewise._] And thou canst mock him—mock him, after all that has
befallen?

HIÖRDIS.

A deed once done, ’tis wise to praise it. This morning I swore hate
and vengeance against Örnulf;—the slaying of Jökul I might have
forgotten—all, save that he cast shame upon my lot. He called me a
leman; if it _be_ so, it shames me not; for Gunnar is mightier now
than thy father; he is greater and more famous than Sigurd, thine
own husband!

DAGNY.

[_In wild indignation._] There thou errest, Hiördis—and even now
shall all men know that thou dwellest under a coward’s roof!

SIGURD.

[_Vehemently._] Dagny, beware!

GUNNAR.

A coward!

HIÖRDIS.

[_With scornful laughter._] Thou pratest senselessly.

DAGNY.

It shall no longer be hidden; I held my peace till thou didst mock
at my father and my dead brothers; I held my peace while Örnulf was
here, lest he should learn that Thorolf fell by a dastard’s hand.
But now—praise Gunnar nevermore for that deed in Iceland; for Gunnar
is a coward! The sword that lay drawn between thee and the
bear-slayer hangs at my husband’s side—the ring thou didst take from
thy arm thou gavest to Sigurd. [_Takes it off and holds it aloft._]
Behold it!

HIÖRDIS.

[_Wildly._] Sigurd!

THE CROWD.

Sigurd! Sigurd did the deed!

HIÖRDIS.

[_Quivering with agitation._] He! he!—Gunnar, is this true?

GUNNAR.

[_With lofty calm._] It is all true, save only that I am a coward;
no coward or dastard am I.

SIGURD.

[_Moved._] That art thou not, Gunnar! That hast thou never been!
[_To the rest._] Away, my men! Away from here!

DAGNY.

[_At the door, to_ HIÖRDIS.] Who is now the mightiest man at the
board—my husband, or thine?

[_She goes out with Sigurd and his men._

HIÖRDIS.

[_To herself._] Now have I but one thing left to do—but one deed to
think upon: Sigurd or I must die!

ACT THIRD.

_The hall in_ GUNNAR’S _house. It is day._

HIÖRDIS _sits on the bench in front of the smaller high-seat, busy
twisting a bow-string; on the table lie a bow and some
arrows._

HIÖRDIS.

[_Pulling at the bow-string._] It is tough and strong; [_With
a glance at the arrows_] the shaft is both keen and
well-weighted—[_Lets her hands fall in her lap_] but where is
the hand that——! [_Vehemently._] Flouted, flouted by him—by
Sigurd! I must hate him more than others, that can I well
mark; but many days shall not pass ere I have——[_Meditating._]
Ay, but the arm, the arm that shall do the deed——?

GUNNAR _enters, silent and thoughtful, from the back._

HIÖRDIS.

[_After a short pause._] How goes it with thee, my husband?

GUNNAR.

Ill, Hiördis; I cannot away with that deed of yesterday; it lies
heavy on my heart.

HIÖRDIS.

Do as I do; get thee some work to busy thee.

GUNNAR.

Doubtless I must.

[_A pause;_ GUNNAR _paces up and down the hall, notices
what_ HIÖRDIS _is doing, and approaches her._

GUNNAR.

What dost thou there?

HIÖRDIS.

[_Without looking up._] I am twisting a bow-string; canst thou not
see?

GUNNAR.

A bow-string—of thine own hair?

HIÖRDIS.