HALLGERD (starting up as RANNVEIG half loosens her to take a
hairpin from her own head)
She is mad, mad…. Oh, the bower is barred—
Hallgerd, come out, let mountains cover you.
(She rushes out to the left.)
RANNVEIG (following her)
The night take you indeed….
GIZUR (as he enters from the left)
Ay, drive her out;
For no man's house was ever better by her.
RANNVEIG
Is an old woman's life desired as well?
GIZUR
We ask that you will grant us earth hereby
Of Gunnar's earth, for two men dead to-night
To lie beneath a cairn that we shall raise.
RANNVEIG
Only for two? Take it: ask more of me.
I wish the measure were for all of you.
GIZUR
Your words must be forgiven you, old mother,
For none has had a greater loss than yours.
Why would he set himself against us all….
(He goes out.)
RANNVEIG
Gunnar, my son, we are alone again.