Botolf.—That shall I never. No priest shall ever say service for you, and, you shall have no lasting dwelling place but hell. (Holds the candles with the flame downward.)
Helga.—Haf, you stand near enough to the bishop! Gag him with the end of your spear.
Kolbein (jumps up without letting go of BRODDI).—Hear me, sir bishop! Desist from laying the interdict on me, because not far is the time when I shall need the mercy of God and his Holy Church. Lady Helga has been insulted in such fashion as no high-born lady would endure. But I, for my part, shall be ready to make atonement for the insult offered by her to you and the Holy Church now for the first time.
Botolf.—Easy it is to reach an agreement with me, Kolbein, if this larger matter which you have been warring about so long could be settled to-night to the satisfaction of all.
Kolbein.—Then hear my decision: For the murder of Thorolf Bjarnason. I decree a fine of eighteen marks silver, and also that those men who may have fallen as part of the vengeance for Thorolf shall not be atoned for.
Brand.—Agreed, kinsman Kolbein; the sum you demand for the slaying of Thorolf shall be paid.
Helga.—How may this be, my husband? You have promised me a man's life before this feud would be ended.
Kolbein.—Have I not demanded an exceedingly high compensation for Thorolfs death?
Helga.—But Thorolf was slain in a pledged truce.
Broddi.—That truce was made under compulsion.