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 for that; she has the main 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? 'Tis 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 Hiördis, and goes out by the back.]
