GUNNAR (who has not heard her last words). But that shall be
remedied.
HIORDIS (looks at him interrogatively). Remedied? Then thou art
minded to——?
GUNNAR. To fit out my warships and put to sea; I will win back the
honour I have lost because thou wast dearer to me than all beside.
HIORDIS (thoughtfully). Thou wilt put to sea? Ay, so it may be
best for us both.
GUNNAR. Even from the day we sailed from Iceland, I saw that it would go ill with us. Thy soul is strong and proud; there are times when I well nigh fear thee; yet, it is strange—chiefly for that do I hold thee so dear. Dread enwraps thee like a spell; methinks thou could'st lure me to the blackest deeds, and all would seem good to me that thou didst crave. (Shaking his head reflectively.) Unfathomable is the Norn's rede; Sigurd should have been thy husband.
HIORDIS (vehemently). Sigurd!
GUNNAR. Yes, Sigurd. Vengefulness and hatred blind thee, else would'st thou prize him better. Had I been like Sigurd, I could have made life bright for thee.
HIORDIS (with strong but suppressed emotion). That—that deemest thou Sigurd could have done?
GUNNAR. He is strong of soul, and proud as thou to boot.
HIORDIS (violently). If that be so—(Collecting herself.) No matter, no matter! (With a wild outburst.) Gunnar, take Sigurd's life!