[Gudmund’s men, and a number of Guests and House-Carls, lead in Knut Gesling, Erik of Heggë, and several of Knut’s men, bound.

Knut.

[Who is pale, says in a low voice.] Manslayer, Gudmund. What say you to that?

Gudmund.

Knut, Knut, what have you done?

Erik.

’Twas a mischance, of that I can take my oath.

Knut.

He ran at me swinging his axe; I meant but to defend myself, and struck the death-blow unawares.

Erik.