[He casts the last spear, which he has seized in the meantime, but, like the first, without any apparent effect.
BALDER (as he draws his sword). Now, then, presumptuous?
HOTHER (as he likewise draws). Demon! and no half-god!
Thou blunt’st the spear; but here’s a sword remaining!
Now, Hothbrod!
[He strikes at him with his utmost force, but the sword reboundeth from the helm of BALDER.
BALDER. Odin!
[He strikes HOTHER’S sword from his hand, so that it flies into pieces, seizes him by the arm, and sets his sword against his breast. HOTHER sinks upon his knee beneath the powerful grasp, but raises himself immediately, without BALDER’S attempting to hinder him but he retains him so in his power that he cannot move himself. NANNA rushes in and casts herself down upon her knee before BALDER.
NANNA. Generous, noble Balder!
BALDER. Take up thy bride and live!
HOTHER. My life detest I,
I would not give the smallest hair of Nanna,
For yet a thousand years thy whole godship!
BALDER. Die, then!