n_, JARNGRIM _is seen to stand in the cave. He has a
spear in his hand and is tall and of strong frame. He wears a wide cloak
with the hood down over his eyes. He has a long beard. As soon as he
appears two ravens settle over the mouth of the cave and disappear with
him_.[A])

[Footnote A: In Norse mythology Woden (Odin) is represented as one-eyed.
Else, his attributes are those described here.]

_Jarngrim_ (_leans on his spear and calls out_).--Thorolf!

_Thorolf_ (_from without_).--All's well, companions, I heard a human
voice! (_Silence_.)

_Jarngrim_.--Thorolf!

_Thorolf_ (_from without_).--Where are you?

_Jarngrim_.--Here!

_Thorolf_ (_and two others enter_.. THOROLF'S _men never see_ JARNGRIM.
_They kindle a fire forthwith_).--What is your name, friend?

_Jarngrim_.--Jarngrim I am called.

_Thorolf_.--We have lost our way. Will you allow me to sit down at the
fire?

_Jarngrim_.--There is a plenty of dry fuel in the cave.

(THOROLF'S _men have been kindling the fire which burns up brightly_.
JARNGRIM _nods to_ THOROLF.)

_Jarngrim_.--This eve we shall drink mead together!

_Thorolf_.--And no houses hereabouts? (_With arising suspicion_.) How
many are there of you?

_Jarngrim_.--Never have I had a companion, except my horse and two
hawks.

_Thorolf_ (_points to the ravens, mockingly_).--Your hawks are of a
black color, likely; they are sitting there near enough to you.

_Jarngrim_.--Near they sit to me, whenever good prey is near.

_Thorolf_.--Who has made you an outlaw?

_Jarngrim_.--The White Christ.

_Thorolf_.--Excommunicated then you are! Bishop Botolf will absolve you
if you confess to him your troubles.

_Jarngrim_.--Never would Botolf admit me to church if he knew who I am.

_Thorolf_.--Give some of your property to the church for absolution.

_Jarngrim_.--The temples of the White God have taken possession of all
my goods, except my horse and my hawks,--we four still journey together.

_Thorolf_.--Become my follower and accompany me to Eyafirth, if Kolbein
the Young dies.

_Jarngrim_.--Kolbein the Young will not die. But to be your man,
Thorolf, I care not, because you pursue your ends to excess, small means
as you have. It will never end well.

_Thorolf_.--How can you know that, you who are ignorant of all?

_Jarngrim_.--An old man knows that a man's character is his destiny.

_Thorolf_.--Go then and serve Kolbein the Young if he lives.

_Jarngrim_.--Oft was I a follower