SIGURD. Man's will can do this and that; but fate rules in the deeds that shape our lives—so has it gone with us twain.
HIORDIS. True enough; evil Norns hold sway over the world; but their might is little if they find not helpers in our own heart. Happy is he who has strength to battle with the Norn—and it is that I have now in hand.
SIGURD. What mean'st thou?
HIORDIS. I will essay a trial of strength against those—those who are over me. But let us not talk more of this; I have much to do to- day. (She seats herself at the table.)
SIGURD (after a pause). Thou makest good weapons for Gunnar.
HIORDIS (with a quiet smile). Not for Gunnar, but against thee.
SIGURD. Most like it is the same thing.
HIORDIS. Ay, most like it is; for if I be a match for the Norn, then sooner or later shalt thou and Gunnar—— (breaks off, leans backwards against the table, and says with an altered ring in her voice:) Hm; knowest thou what I sometimes dream? I have often made it my pastime to limn pleasant pictures in my mind; I sit and close my eyes and think: Now comes Sigurd the Strong to the isle;—he will burn us in our house, me and my husband. All Gunnar's men have fallen; only he and I are left; they set light to the roof from without:—"A bow-shot," cries Gunnar, "one bow-shot may save us;"— then the bow-string breaks—"Hiordis, cut a tress of thy hair and make a bow-string of it,—our life is at stake." But then I laugh— "Let it burn, let it burn—to me, life is not worth a handful of hair!"
SIGURD. There is a strange might in all thy speech. (Approaches her.)
HIORDIS (looks coldly at him). Wouldst sit beside me?