for their way lies past us here in the north. They are the brave men that fell in fight, the strong women that did not drag out their lives tamely, like thee and me; they sweep through the air in cloud-rack and storm, on their black horses, with jangling bells! [Embraces Dagny, and presses her wildly in her arms.] Ha, Dagny! think of riding the last ride on so rare a steed!
Dagny.
[Struggling to escape.] Hiördis, Hiördis! Let me go! I will not hear thee!
Hiördis.
[Laughing.] Weak art thou of heart, and easily affrighted.
Gunnar enters from the back, with Sigurd and Thorolf.
Gunnar.
Now, truly, are all things to my very mind! I have found thee again, Sigurd, my brave brother, as kind and true as of old. I have Örnulf's son under my roof, and the old man himself follows speedily after; is it not so?
Thorolf.
So he promised.
Gunnar.
Then all I lack is that Egil should be here.
Thorolf.
'Tis plain thou lovest the boy, thou namest him so oft.
Gunnar.
Truly I love him; he is my only child; and he is like to grow up fair and kindly.
