Gunnar.
[In extreme astonishment.] To single combat——! Me!—Thou art jesting, Sigurd!
Sigurd.
Thou art lawfully challenged to single combat; ’twill be a game for life or death; one of us must fall!
Gunnar.
[Bitterly.] Ha, I understand it well. When I came, thou didst talk with Hiördis alone; she has goaded thee afresh!
Sigurd.
Mayhap. [Half towards Hiördis.] A high-souled woman must ever guard her husband’s honour. [To the men in the background.] And do ye, house-carls, now go to Gunnar’s neighbours, and say to them that to-morrow he is to ply sword-strokes with me; none dare call that man a dastard who bears arms against Sigurd Viking!
[The House-carls go out by the back.
Gunnar.