EGIL Stay; we must be wise. You must not leave me here alone with her.
ARFI Why? Are you not my brother?
EGIL I am he Who vowed against you hatred and revenge.
ARFI Also you are my brother.
EGIL I am he That with a brutish fang struck at your life.
EGIL Wait! Was I not then Your brother—then? Will not a brother lust? A brother covet? Are not beauty, grace, Lures to a brother’s eyes? Are brothers’ souls By nature kin? Or is that name a spell To render heart and mind innocuous That else might murder, ravish? Oh, be not So rash as put your trust in me because I am your brother.
ARFI [Returning to Egil, embraces him.] Lad, keep this with you. I would not be so rash as not to trust In you a power more august than yourself For all the joy and honour which this day Holds out to me.—Adieu! This day is joy’s. [Exit, right.]
EGIL Now we’re alone. How is it with you—sister?
THORDIS Strangely, my brother; how is it with you?