VALGERD. Thorfinn, you call me cowardly. I can suffer that, but faithless—there you wrong me. I have not loved you as warmly as the southern women are said to love, yet have I been faithful to you throughout life and I have sworn to go with you in death—as is the ancient custom. [Opens a trap door in floor.] Look, here have I prepared my grave, here would I die under these smoky beams that have witnessed my sorrows—and with those [points to the carved images of Thor and Odin on uprights of high bench] who guided us here. I want to go with the flames, and in the smoke shall my spirit rise to Ginde to receive charity and peace.
GUNLÖD. And I to be alone afterward! Oh, let me follow you.
VALGERD. No, child, you are young. You may yet flourish in a milder clime. But the old fir tree dies on its roots.
GUNLÖD. Father, father, you must not die. I will save you!
THORFINN. You?
GUNLÖD. Your kinsman Gunnar lies off Hjärleif's headland with his men. Send one of the thralls to him by a roundabout route and he will come.
THORFINN. So! It wax out of that well that you drew your courage. Keep your help and go if you will.
GUNLÖD. You shall not think me a coward. I go with you, mother. You cannot hinder me.
[Thorfinn goes to the door, trying to conceal his emotion.]
VALGERD. No! Stay, Thorfinn, and for once bare your big soul that I may read its dim runics.