GUNNAR AND SIGURD. Thorolf!
DAGNY (simultaneously). Brother!
HIORDIS (softly, and quivering with rage). Ha! wait—wait!
THOROLF (gives GUNNAR his hand). Be not wroth, Gunnar; evil words
came to my tongue; but thy wife egged me!
DAGNY (softly and imploringly). Foster-sister, by any love thou
hast ever borne me, stir not up strife!
HIORDIS (laughing). Jests must pass at the feast-board if the
merriment is to thrive.
GUNNAR (who has been talking softly to THOROLF). Thou art a brave lad! (Hands him a sword which hangs beside the high-seat.) Here, Thorolf, here is a good gift for thee. Wield it well, and let us be friends.
HIORDIS. Beware how thou givest away thy weapons, Gunnar; for men
may say thou dost part with things thou canst not use!
THOROLF (who has meanwhile examined the sword). Thanks for the gift,
Gunnar; it shall never be drawn in an unworthy cause.
HIORDIS. If thou wilt keep that promise, then do thou never lend
the sword to thy brothers.