Hiördis.
[Laughing.] Jests must pass at the feast-board, if the merriment is to thrive.
Gunnar.
[Who has been talking softly to Thorolf.] Thou art a brave lad! [Hands him a sword which hangs beside the high-seat.] Here, Thorolf, here is a good gift for thee. Wield it well, and let us be friends.
Hiördis.
Beware how thou givest away thy weapons, Gunnar; men may say thou dost part with things thou canst not use!
Thorolf.
[Who has meanwhile examined the sword.] Thanks for the gift, Gunnar; it shall never be drawn in an unworthy cause.
Hiördis.
If thou wilt keep that promise, then do thou never lend the sword to thy brothers.
Gunnar.
Hiördis!
Hiördis.
[Continuing.] Neither let it hang on thy father's wall; for there it would hang with base men's weapons.
Thorolf.
True enough, Hiördis—for there thy father's axe and shield have hung this many a year.
Hiördis.
[Mastering herself.] That Örnulf slew my
