HIORDIS. Now must we arm us, and seek help among our friends; for
Thorolf has many avengers.
GUNNAR (gloomily). He will be his own worst avenger; he will haunt
me night and day.
HIORDIS. Thorolf got his reward. Kinsmen must suffer for kinsmen's
deeds.
GUNNAR. True, true; but this I know, my mind was lighter ere this
befell.
HIORDIS. This first night[1] is ever the worst;—Ornulf has sought his revenge by shameful wiles; he would not come against us in open strife; he feigned to be peacefully-minded; and then he falls upon our defenceless child! Ha, I saw more clearly than ye; well I deemed that Ornulf was evil-minded and false; I had good cause to egg thee on against him and all his faithless tribe!
[1] Literally the "blood-night."
GUNNAR (fiercely). That hadst thou! My vengeance is poor beside Ornulf's crime. He has lost Thorolf, but he has six sons left— and I have none—none!
A HOUSE-CARL (enters hastily from the back). Ornulf of the Fiords is at hand!
GUNNAR. Ornulf!
HIORDIS AND SEVERAL MEN. To arms! to arms!