But now--praise Gunnar nevermore for that deed in Iceland; for
Gunnar is a weakling! The sword that lay drawn between thee and the
bear-slayer hangs at my husband's side--and the ring thou didst take
from thy arm thou gavest to Sigurd. (Takes it off and holds if aloft.)
Behold it!
HIORDIS (wildly). Sigurd!
THE CROWD. Sigurd! Sigurd did the deed!
HIORDIS (quivering with agitation). He! he!--Gunnar, is this true?
GUNNAR (with lofty calm). It is all true save only that I am a
weakling; I am neither a weakling nor a coward.
SIGURD (moved). That art thou not, Gunnar! That hast thou never
been! (To the rest.) Away, my men! Away from here!
DAGNY (at the door, to HIORDIS). Who is now the mightiest man at
the board--my husband or thine?
HIORDIS (to herself). Now have I but one thing left to do--but one
deed to brood upon: Sigurd or I must die!
ACT THIRD.
(The hall in GUNNAR'S house. It is day.)
(HIORDIS sits on the bench in front of the smaller high-seat busy
weaving a bow-string; on the table lie a bow and some arrows.)
HIORDIS (pulling at the bow-string). It is tough and strong; (with
a glance at the arrows) the shaft is both keen and well-weighted--
(lets her hands fall in her lap) but where is the hand that----!
(Vehemently.) Befooled, befooled by him--by Sigurd! I must hate him
more than others, that can I well mark; but ere many days have passed
I will---- (Meditating.
Pages:
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57