r hearken to my words, Gunnar--thou hast slain
Thorolf, my wife's kinsman, and therefore do I challenge thee to
single combat[1] to-morrow at break of day.

[1] _Holmgang_--see note, p. 138 [_Holmgang_=duel.]

(HIORDIS, in violent inward emotion, makes a stride towards SIGURD,
but collects herself and remains standing motionless during the
following.)

GUNNAR (in extreme astonishment). To single combat----! Me!--Thou
art jesting, Sigurd!

SIGURD. Thou art lawfully challenged to single combat; 'twill be a
game for life or death; one of us must fall!

GUNNAR (bitterly). Ha, I understand it well. When I came, thou
didst talk with Hiordis alone; she has goaded thee afresh!

SIGURD. May hap. (Half towards HIORDIS.) A high-souled woman must
ever guard her husband's honour. (To the men in the background.) And
do ye, house-carls, now go to Gunnar's neighbours, and say to them
that to-morrow he is to ply sword-strokes with me; none dare call
that man a dastard who bears arms against Sigurd Viking!

(The House-carls go out by the back.)

GUNNAR (goes quickly up to SIGURD and presses his hands, in strong
emotion). Sigurd, my brave brother, now I understand thee! Thou
venturest thy life for my honour, as of old for my happiness!

SIGURD. Thank thy wife; she has the largest part in what I do. To-
morrow at break of day----

GUNNAR. I will meet thee. (Tenderly.) Foster-brother, wilt thou
have a good blade of me? It is a gift of price.

SIGURD. I thank thee; but let it hang.--Who knows if next evening
I may have any use for it.

GUNNAR (shakes his hand). Farewell, Sigurd!

SIGURD. Again farewell, and fortune befriend thee this night!

(They part. GUNNAR goes out to the right. SIGURD casts a glance
at HIORDIS, and goes out by the back.)

HIORDIS (after a pause, softly and thoughtfully). To-morrow they
fight! Which will fall? (After a moment's silence, she bursts forth
as if seized by a strong resolution.) Let fall who will--Sigurd and
I shall still be together!

ACT FOURTH.

(By the coast. It is evening; the moon breaks forth now and again,
from among dark and ragged storm-clouds. At the back, a black
grave-mound, newly heaped up.)
(ORNULF sits on a stone, in front on the right, his head bare, his
elbows resting on his knees, and his face buried in his hands. His
men are digging at the mound; some give light with pine-knot torches.
After a sh