le is won. Have you no message to me from the
bishop?

_Kolbein Kaldaljos_.--He authorizes you to use the fortifications and
wishes you to defend the see.

_Broddi_.--What do I need the fortifications now? I have twice as many
men.

_Kolbein Kaldaljos_.--The bishop has ordered to set a guard over the
see, and to ring out the 'Peace of God' over all the land.

_Broddi_ (_in furious wrath_).--The hellish coward! So afraid he was for
his life! A manifold crime it would be, then, if we attempt anything.
Better had it been for us Northlanders if the archbishop had appointed
a dog to be our bishop! (_The watchword is taken up outside, first near
by, then farther and farther away: 'God is our castle,' 'God is our
castle,'--'is our castle,' 'our castle,'--'castle.' The cathedral
bells begin ringing out the 'Peace of God_.' BRODDI _rushes at_ KOLBEIN
KALDALJOS.) Let them stop this ringing!

_Kolbein Kaldaljos_.--No, no, the bishop has commanded it.

_Broddi_ (_grips him with both hands at his shoulders and forces him on
his knees_).--Let them stop this ringing, wretch!

_Kolbein Kaldaljos_.--Hold the peace of the church, Broddi! I am an old
man.

_Broddi_ (_letting go of_ KOLBEIN).--But a few moments ago our fight
with Kolbein was altogether won, but now it is (_casts his steel glove
on the floor_) altogether lost.

(_The ringing continues vigorously while the curtain drops_.)

ACT IV

(_The 'Little Hall' at Reynistad. Daytime. Enter_ LADY HELGA, JORUN,
_and her two sons_, KALF, _eight years, and_ THORGEIR, _six years_.)

_Jorun_.--What do you need for your journey, lady? I do not know whether
I can assist you, because there is no one but women at home.

_Helga_.--That knew I well that only women were at home. I need
ice-spurs for my horse, or else he will fall under me and I lose life or
limb.

_Jorun_.--You are welcome to our horseshoes as to all other things,
lady.

_Helga_.--Harden well the ice-spurs for my horse, Haf. It seems to me
that most iron is soft at Reynistad.

_Haf_.--It shall be done, lady! (_Exit_.)

_Jorun_.--Soft iron bends but does not break!

_Helga_.--Neither does it remain sharp long.

_Jorun_.--Are you finding fault with my husband and me because we
observe the 'Peace of God'? I might easily let the women fetch so many
of my servants as would be needed to take you and Haf prisoners.

_Helga_.--Yes, if we waited until they came. But let us drop this;
rather show me your b