It is too late now; ’twas thou that——
Dagny.
Then I held Hiördis dear; but now——; I have heard her speak words I shudder to think of.
Sigurd’s men, with other guests, men and women, house-carls and handmaidens, enter from the back.
Gunnar.
[After a short pause, in which greetings and the like are exchanged.] Now to the board! My chief guest, Örnulf of the Fiords, comes later; so Thorolf promises.
Hiördis.
[To the house-folk.] Pass the ale and mead around, that hearts may wax merry and tongues may be loosed.
[Gunnar leads Sigurd to the high-seat on the right. Dagny seats herself on Sigurd’s right, Hiördis opposite him, at the other side of the same table. Thorolf is in like manner ushered to a place at the other table, and thus sits opposite Gunnar, who occupies the greater high-seat. The others take their seats further back.
Hiördis.