HIORDIS. If thou thyself wilt hide thy renown, thy wife shall speak.
GUNNAR. Peace, Hiordis—I command thee!
HIORDIS. Sigurd fought with eight men, being fully armed; Gunnar came to my bower in the black night, slew the bear that had twenty men's strength, and yet had but a short sword in his hand.
GUNNAR (violently agitated). Woman, not a word more!
DAGNY (softly). Sigurd, wilt thou bear——?
SIGURD (likewise). Be still!
HIORDIS (to the company). And now, ye brave men—which is the mightier, Sigurd or Gunnar?
GUNNAR. Silence!
HIORDIS (loudly). Speak out; I have the right to crave your judgement.
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.