Helga.—To-morrow early I need breakfast for five hundred men.
Salvor.—All hands are at work, lady!
Helga.—To-morrow the chieftains are to do battle; have you bandages enough, ready? A good physician is worth half an army.
Salvor.—There will not be any want of bandages. (She embraces HELGA, half weeping.) Let the chieftains make peace, lady!
Helga.—That would amount to humbling my husband! (Seats herself on her chair on the dais.) Bishop Botolf has promised to sit with us in the hall here to-night; have two tapers, large and thick, placed on the table in front of the high seat.
(EINAR THE RICH enters hurriedly and runs up on the dais. He lays his head on the knees of LADY HELGA. SALVOR shrieks in fright.)
Einar.—I am bringing you my head, lady!
Helga.—Why shriek so, Salvor?—Who are you?
Einar.—I am Einar of Vik.
Helga.—Good is your gift, and I shall gladly accept it! Salvor! Ask Asbjorn Illugason to come here. I desire that he shall behead Einar the Rich. (Exit SALVOR.)