THOROLF. Sigurd? Is he in the isle?
ORNULF. There may'st thou see his warships; we are at one—do thou go with him.
THOROLF. Among thy foes?
ORNULF. Go thou to the feast. Now shall Hiordis learn to know old Ornulf! But hark thee, Thorolf, to no one must thou speak of what I purpose; dost hear? to no one!
THOROLF. I promise.
ORNULF (takes his hand and looks at him affectionately). Farewell then, my fair boy; bear thee in courtly wise at the feast-house, that I may have honour of thee. Beware of idle babbling; but what thou sayest, let it be keen as a sword. Be friendly to those that deal with thee in friendly wise; but if thou be taunted, hold not thy peace. Drink not more than thou canst bear; but put not the horn aside when it is offered thee in measure, lest thou be deemed womanish.
THOROLF. Nay, be at ease.
ORNULF. Then away to the feast at Gunnar's hall. I too will come to the feast, and that in the guise they least think of. (Blithely to the rest.) Come, my wolf-cubs; be your fangs keen;—now shall ye have blood to drink.
(He goes off with his elder sons to the right, at the back.)
(SIGURD and DAGNY come up from the ships, richly dressed for the
banquet. They are followed by two men, carrying a chest, who
lay it down and return as they came.)
THOROLF (looking out after his father). Now fare they all forth to fight, and I must stay behind; it is hard to be the youngest of the house.—Dagny! all hail and greetings to thee, sister mine!