bidden us to the feast in the hope to stir up strife.
Hiördis.
That is like thee, Sigurd; now art thou wroth that thou may'st not be held the mightiest man at the board
Sigurd.
I have ever esteemed Gunnar more highly than myself.
Hiördis.
Well, well—second to Gunnar is still a good place, and[with a side glance at Thorolf] had Örnulf been here, he could have had the third seat. Thorolf. Then would Jökul, thy father, find a low place indeed; for he fell before Örnulf. [The following dispute is carried on, by both parties, with rising and yet repressed irritation.
Hiördis.
That shalt thou never say! Örnulf is a skald, and men whisper that he has praised himself for greater deeds than he has done.
Thorolf.
Then woe to him who whispers so loudly that it comes to my ear!
Hiördis.
[With a smile of provocation.] Wouldst thou avenge it?
