[Loudly.] Speak out; I have the right to crave judgment.

An Old Man.

[Among the guests.] If the truth be told, then is Gunnar’s deed greater than all other deeds of men; Gunnar is the mightiest warrior, and Sigurd is second to him.

Gunnar.

[With a glance across the table.] Ah, Sigurd, Sigurd, didst thou but know——!

Dagny.

[Softly.] It is too much—friend though he be!

Sigurd.

Peace, wife! [Aloud, to the others.] Ay truly, Gunnar is the most honourable of all men; so would I esteem him to my dying day, even had he never done that deed; for that I hold more lightly than ye.

Hiördis.