Sigurd--By fighting and falling at their head.

The Nun [springs to her feet. Sigurd also rises.]--No! No! No! Shall I now, after a lifetime of sorrow, behold thy death?

Sigurd--Yes, mother. The Lord of life and death will have it so.

The Nun--Ah! what sufferings a moment's sin may bring! [She falls upon his breast, then sinks, with outstretched arms.] O my son, spare me!

Sigurd--Do not tempt me, mother!

The Nun--Hast thou taken thought of what may follow? Hast thou thought of capture, of mutilation?

Sigurd--I have some hymns left me from childhood. I can sing them.

The Nun--But I--thy mother--spare me!

Sigurd--Make not to me this hour more bitter than death itself.

The Nun--But why now die? We have found one another.