[1] Holmgang—see note, p. 138 [Holmgang=duel.]
(HIORDIS, in violent inward emotion, makes a stride towards SIGURD, but collects herself and remains standing motionless during the following.)
GUNNAR (in extreme astonishment). To single combat——! Me!—Thou
art jesting, Sigurd!
SIGURD. Thou art lawfully challenged to single combat; 'twill be a
game for life or death; one of us must fall!
GUNNAR (bitterly). Ha, I understand it well. When I came, thou
didst talk with Hiordis alone; she has goaded thee afresh!
SIGURD. May hap. (Half towards HIORDIS.) A high-souled woman must ever guard her husband's honour. (To the men in the background.) And do ye, house-carls, now go to Gunnar's neighbours, and say to them that to-morrow he is to ply sword-strokes with me; none dare call that man a dastard who bears arms against Sigurd Viking!
(The House-carls go out by the back.)
GUNNAR (goes quickly up to SIGURD and presses his hands, in strong emotion). Sigurd, my brave brother, now I understand thee! Thou venturest thy life for my honour, as of old for my happiness!
SIGURD. Thank thy wife; she has the largest part in what I do. To-
morrow at break of day——
GUNNAR. I will meet thee. (Tenderly.) Foster-brother, wilt thou
have a good blade of me? It is a gift of price.