NANNA (she releases him). Ah, what wilt thou, Hother?
HOTHER. And see him die!
[He lifts his spear to stab himself. At that same moment the frantic BALDER rushes upon the scene.
BALDER, HOTHER, NANNA.
BALDER (he runs directly up to NANNA). Come! follow me now, Nanna!
Our bridal festival’s prepar’d in Hælheim,
In Asgaard. Follow me, thou murky daughter
Of joy! Ha, quick! Of dastard love I dream not.
Jotuns await my arm. Hurrah! thou stayest!
Thou stayest! Come!
[He seizes her by the arm, and seeks to drag her away by force. HOTHER steps between, and endeavours to thrust him aside with his hand.
NANNA. Oh, save me! save me, Hother!
HOTHER. Hold, Balder!
BALDER (he releases NANNA, and drawing his sword, hews at HOTHER with his utmost might, who seeks to parry the blow with his spear, retreating at the same time). Fall, presumptuous wretch!
HOTHER. Beware thee!