An Old Man.
[Among the guests.] If the truth be told, then is Gunnar's deed greater than all other deeds of men; Gunnar is the mightiest warrior, and Sigurd is second to him.
Gunnar.
[With a glance across the table.] Ah, Sigurd, Sigurd, didst thou but know!
Dagny.
[Softly.] It is too much—friend though he be!
Sigurd.
Peace, wife! [Aloud, to the others.] Ay truly, Gunnar is the most honourable of all men; so would I esteem him to my dying day, even had he never done that deed; for that I hold more lightly than ye.
Hiördis.
There speaks thy envy, Sigurd Viking!
Sigurd.
[Smiling.] Mightily dost thou mistake. [Kindly, to Gunnar, drinking to him across the table.] Hail, noble Gunnar; our friendship shall stand fast, whosoever may seek to break it.
Hiördis.
No one, that I wot of, has such a thought.
Sigurd.
Say not so; I could almost think thou hadst
