Helga.—Very eager you are now to succeed to him. (Smiles. THOROLF'S men, weaponless, come running up and stop behind.) You here!
First Man.—They have slain Thorolf Bjarnason. His body lies here!
Helga (grasps at her heart for a moment).—Thorolf Bjarnason! Slain!
Second Man.—But this moment they beheaded him.
Helga.—Oh, pity that I came too late! (Shoves ASBJORN aside and fixes her eyes on those present.) Who of you slew T-h-o-r-o-l-f?
Helgi Skaftason (advances and dries his axe on the fringes of her veil; she smiles at him).—Here you may see the blood of Thorolf, your friend, my lady. Me you have to thank for it that his locks are bloody.
Asbjorn (pushing forth between them).—You wretched knave!
Broddi.—Shame upon you, Helgi Skaftason!
Helga.—What business of yours is it? (Smiling, to HELGI.) You may depend upon me for rewarding you for the precious stain you have put on my veil. Not just now. I shall find you later, Helgi Skaftason!
Alf (to BRODDI).—She will bring a plague upon us all; let us draw a sack over her head.[A]