Hiördis.
[Smiling.] Tell me, Sigurd—can thy ship sail with any wind? Sigurd. Ay, when 'tis cunningly steered. Hiördis. Good! I too will steer my ship cunningly, and make my way whither I will. [Retires towards the back.
Dagny.
[Whispers, uneasily.] Sigurd, let us hence—this very night! Sigurd. It is too late now; 'twas thou that Dagny. Then I held Hiördis dear; but now; I have heard her speak words I shudder to think of. Sigurd's men, with other guests, men and women, house-carls and handmaidens, enter from the back.
Gunnar.
[After a short pause, in which greetings and the like are exchanged.] Now to the board! My chief guest, Örnulf of the Fiords, comes later; so Thorolf promises. Hiördis. [To the house-folk.] Pass the ale and mead around, that hearts may wax merry and tongues may be loosed. [Gunnar leads Sigurd to the high-seat on the right. Dagny seats herself on
