To battle for the heirs of Heaven!

[He descends to the hamlet.

ACT SECOND

By the fjord-side, steep precipices all around. The ancient and tumble-down church stands on a little knoll hard by. A storm is coming on.

The country-folk,—men, women, and children,—are gathered in knots, some on the shore, some on the slopes. The Mayor sits in the midst, on a stone; a Clerk is helping him; corn and provisions are being distributed. Einar and Agnes stand surrounded by a crowd, a little apart. Some boats lie on the beach. Brand comes forward, unnoticed,[unnoticed,] to the church-knoll.

A Man.

[Breaking through the crowd.]

Out of the way!

A Woman.

I’m first!