Håkon.
Where is the messenger?
Dagfinn.
[Leading the man forward.] Here, my lord King.
Håkon.
What caused the slaying?
The Messenger.
That no man knows. The talk fell upon the Finnish tribute, and on a sudden Andres sprang up and gave him his death-wound.
Håkon.
Had there been quarrels between them before?
The Messenger.
Ever and anon. Andres would often say that a wise councillor here in the south had written to him that he should be as rock and flint toward Vegard Væradal.
Dagfinn.
Strange! Ere Vegard set forth he told me that a wise councillor had said he should be as rock and flint toward Andres Skialdarband.
Bishop Nicholas.
[Spitting.] Shame upon such councillors.
Håkon.
We will not question more closely from what root this wrong has grown. Two faithful souls have I lost this day. I could weep for Vegard, but 'tis no time for weeping; it must be life for life. Sir
