assist rebels.

_Kolbein Kaldaljos_.--Thorolf insulted my son by giving him a nickname,
and he took revenge for that.

_Botolf_.--You Icelanders must be more deliberate in your words than are
we Norwegians, if every nickname shall cost a man's life. The slaying of
Thorolf was a wicked deed, because Brand swore him an eternal truce. But
in this land every one seems hardened in the ways of Kain.

_Kolbein Kaldaljos_.--My son Brand will succeed to Kolbein the Young!

_Botolf_.--He will succeed Kolbein? Then shall I seek to bring about a
reconciliation between you and Kolbein the Young!

_Broddi_.--And for the purpose that it come about in the smoothest
manner possible I need the fortifications of your see a day or two for
my men.

_Botolf_.--You will be welcome to use them, Broddi.

_Brand_.--In still another matter give me assistance, sir bishop! During
the hostilities that have lasted all these years a certain man who was
being led to execution summoned me before the tribunal of God.

_Botolf_.--For that the Church knows no other help than a general
indulgence and your living the rest of your natural life in peace.

_Brand_.--In peace? How is that possible now?

_Botolf_.--Blessed peace! when will you descend upon this blood-stained
earth?

_Broddi_ (_smiling_).--You must call out louder, my lord, to do some
good! The blessed peace has been stricken with deafness these times.

_Botolf_.--Oh wicked mockery!

_Broddi_.--Wicked indeed, if it were not true.

(_The cleric_ HELGI _enters quickly_.)

_Helgi_.--Kolbein the Young is riding toward Holar at this moment, with
a hundred men.

_Alf_.--Let us flee to the mountains.

_Broddi_.--Let us wait for my brother-in-law Kolbein at this spot.

_Alf_.--He will have us dragged out of the church and killed.

_Broddi_.--I shall not flee with my shield on my back.

_Brand_.--No, friend Broddi, we shall not part as yet. (_Seizes hold of_
BRODDI, _whom they drag out by force between them_.)

_Broddi_.--Why run away thus? I care not when I die.

(BRAND _and his eleven companions depart, together with_ KOLBEIN
KALDALJOS.)

_Helgi_.--Now they will offer you violence, my lord.

_Botolf_.--I expect no harm from Kolbein the Young, no wrong have I
done in this land, but only what all may thank me for, and that is to
reconcile the chieftains.

_Helgi_.--But it was in your presence that Gizur betrayed Uraekja at the
bridge over the White River.

_Botolf_.--But Ko