. There I know thee again, brave Sigurd!

SIGURD. But Gunnar is my foster-brother; faith and friendship have
we sworn each other. 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, Ornulf, and pray for peace on
Gunnar's behalf. Let me have my will!

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

SIGURD. Empty-handed shalt thou not fare. 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 Hiordis, and let Gunnar be
at peace.

ORNULF. Brave Sigurd, wilt thou do this for Gunnar?

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

ORNULF. 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 Ornulf,
thy answer?

ORNULF (reflecting). Two good long-ships, weapons and other chattels
--too much gear can no man have; but---- (vehemently) no, no!--
Hiordis has threatened me; I will not! It were shameful for me to
take thy goods!

SIGURD. Yet listen----

ORNULF. No, I say! I must fight my own battle, be my fortune what
it may.

KARE (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 Hiordis has aught to
say; but revenge can be thine if thou wilt hearken to me.

ORNULF. Revenge? What dost thou counsel?

SIGURD. Evil, I can well see.

DAGNY (to ORNULF). Oh, do not hear him!

KARE. Hiordis has declared me an outlaw; with cunning will she seek
to take 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!

ORNULF (quietly). To my mind? Knowest thou, Kare, what were more
to my mind? (In a voice of thunder.) To hew off thy nose and ears,