HIORDIS (in a growing frenzy). It shall be altered! We must out of this life, both of us! Seest thou this bow-string? With it can I surely hit my mark; for I have crooned fair sorceries over it! (Places an arrow in the bow, which is strung.) Hark! hearest thou that rushing in the air? It is the dead men's ride to Nalhal: I have bewitched them hither;—we two will join them in their ride!
SIGURD (shrinking back). Hiordis, Hiordis—I fear thee!
HIORDIS (not heeding him). Our fate no power can alter now! Oh, 'tis better so than if thou hadst wedded me here in this life—if I had sat in thy homestead weaving linen and wool for thee and bearing thee children—pah!
SIGURD. Hold, hold! Thy sorcery has been too strong for thee; thou art soul-sick, Hiordis! (Horror-struck.) Ha, see—see! Gunnar's hall— it is burning!
HIORDIS. Let it burn, let it burn! The cloud-hall up yonder is loftier than Gunnar's rafter-roof!
SIGURD. But Egil, thy son—they are slaying him!
HIORDIS. Let him die—my shame dies with him!
SIGURD. And Gunnar—they are taking thy husband's life!
HIORDIS. What care I! A better husband shall I follow home this night! Ay, Sigurd, so must it be; here on this earth is no happiness for me. The White God is coming northward; him will I not meet; the old gods are strong no longer;—they sleep, they sit half shadow- high;—with them will we strive! Out of this life, Sigurd; I will enthrone thee king in heaven, and I will sit at thy side. (The storm bursts wildly.) Hark, hark, here comes our company! Canst see the black steeds galloping?—one is for me and one for thee. (Draws the arrow to her ear and shoots.) Away, then, on thy last ride home!
SIGURD. Well aimed, Hiordis!