There speaks thy envy, Sigurd Viking!

Sigurd.

[Smiling.] Mightily dost thou mistake. [Kindly, to Gunnar, drinking to him across the table.] Hail, noble Gunnar; our friendship shall stand fast, whosoever may seek to break it.

Hiördis.

No one, that I wot of, has such a thought.

Sigurd.

Say not so; I could almost think thou hadst bidden us to the feast in the hope to stir up strife.

Hiördis.

That is like thee, Sigurd; now art thou wroth that thou may’st not be held the mightiest man at the board.

Sigurd.