Helga.—What fell there to the floor?
Kolbein.—The action for avenging Thorolf Bjarnason, which slipped from your hands, lady!
Helga.—That would not have made so great a sound.
Brand.—Lady Helga! you who once were my mother's sister! I shall surrender my arms and myself to you if all others will then be granted to make atonement for the slaying of Thorolf.
Helga.—Keep your arms yourself, for no one does less harm with them than you. My promise to your wife I shall keep; I wonder only that she goes not herself voluntarily from among your midst, in order to save us difficulties.
Jorun.—I cannot, for they hold me.
Helga (calls out).—Fetch my captive Jorun from among them! (HAF ASBJORN and the men of KOLBEIN surround BRAND and his followers.)
Asbjorn.—We shall set upon you now!
Botolf.—Bide a little. (Takes the candles from the table.) Now I shall lay in the Norse language the interdict on Kolbein and Helga.
Helga.—Say what you please, bishop. But you will have to revoke your interdict before you go from hence.