SIGURD. Hear me out, Ornulf; the day shall never dawn that shall see thee and me at strife. There is honourable peace between us, Dagny is dearer to me than weapons or gold, and never shall I forget that thou art her nearest kinsman.
ORNULF. There I know thee again, brave Sigurd!
SIGURD. But Gunnar is my foster-brother; faith and friendship have we sworn each other. Both in war and peace have we faced fortune together, and of all men he is dearest to me. Stout though he be, he loves not war;—but as for me, ye know, all of you, that I shrink not from strife; yet here I stand forth, Ornulf, and pray for peace on Gunnar's behalf. Let me have my will!
ORNULF. I cannot; I should be a scoff to all brave men, were I to fare empty-handed back to Iceland.
SIGURD. Empty-handed shalt thou not fare. Here in the cove my two long-ships are lying, with all the wealth I have won in my viking- ventures. There are many costly gifts from outland kings, good weapons by the chestful, and other priceless chattels. Take thou one of the ships; choose which thou wilt, and it shall be thine with all it contains—be that the atonement for Hiordis, and let Gunnar be at peace.
ORNULF. Brave Sigurd, wilt thou do this for Gunnar?
SIGURD. For a faithful friend, no man can do too much.
ORNULF. Give half thy goods and gear!
SIGURD (urgently). Take the whole, take both my ships, take all that is mine, and let me fare with thee to Iceland as the poorest man in thy train. What I give, I can win once more; but if thou and Gunnar come to strife, I shall never see a glad day again. Now Ornulf, thy answer?
ORNULF (reflecting). Two good long-ships, weapons and other chattels —too much gear can no man have; but—— (vehemently) no, no!— Hiordis has threatened me; I will not! It were shameful for me to take thy goods!