GUNNAR. Hiordis!
HIORDIS (continuing). Neither let it hang on thy father's wall; for
there it would hang with base men's weapons.
THOROLF. True enough, Hiordis—for there thy father's axe and shield
have hung this many a year.
HIORDIS (mastering herself). That Ornulf slew my father,—that deed is ever on thy tongue; but if report speak true, it was scarce so honourable a deed as thou deemest.
THOROLF. Of what report dost thou speak?
HIORDIS. I dare not name it, for it would make thee wroth.
THOROLF. Then hold thy peace—I ask no better.
(Turns from her.)
HIORDIS. Nay, why should I not tell it? Is it true, Thorolf, that for three nights thy father sat in woman's weed, doing sorceries with the witch of Smalserhorn, ere he dared face Jokul in fight.
(All rise; violent excitement among the guests.)