Hiördis.
Thorolf got his reward. Kinsmen must suffer for kinsmen’s deeds.
Gunnar.
True, true; but this I know, my mind was lighter ere this befell.
Hiördis.
The first night[[13]] is ever the worst;—when that is over, thou wilt heed it no more. Örnulf has sought his revenge by shameful guile; he would not come against us in open strife; he feigned to be peacefully minded; and then he falls upon our defenceless child! Ha, I saw more clearly than ye; well I deemed that Örnulf was evil-minded and false; good cause had I to egg thee on against him and all his faithless tribe.
Gunnar.
[Fiercely.] That hadst thou! My vengeance is poor beside Örnulf’s crime. He has lost Thorolf, but he has six sons left—and I have none—none!
A House-carl.
[Enters hastily from the back.] Örnulf of the Fiords is at hand!