) Ha, now I understand Thorolf's words!
ORNULF. His purpose came to my ears; I needs must thwart so black
a deed. I would not give atonement for Jokul, and, had things so
befallen, I had willingly slain thee, Gunnar, in single combat--yet
I could not but protect thy child. With my sons, I hasted after Kare.
SIGURD (softly). An accursed deed has here been done.
ORNULF. When I came up with him, Egil's guards lay bound; thy son
was already in thy foemen's hand, and they would not long have spared
him. Hot was the fight! Seldom have I given and taken keener strokes;
Kare and two men fled inland; the rest sleep safely, and will be hard
to waken.
GUNNAR (in eager suspense). But thou--thou, Ornulf----?
ORNULF (gloomily). Six sons followed me into the fight.
GUNNAR (breathlessly). But homewards----?
ORNULF. None.
GUNNAR (appalled). None! (Softly.) And Thorolf, Thorolf!
(Deep emotion among the bystanders. HIORDIS shows signs of a
violent mental struggle; DAGNY weeps silently by the high-seat
on the right. SIGURD stands beside her, painfully agitated.)
ORNULF (after a short pause). It is hard for a many-branching pine
to be stripped in a single storm. But men die and men live;--I will
drink to my sons' memory. (One of SIGURD'S men hands him a horn.)
Hail to you where now ye ride, my bold sons! Close upon your heels
shall the copper-gates not clang, for ye come to the hall with a
great following.
Pages:
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53