)
GUNNAR (gloomily, to HIORDIS). See now; the seed thou hast sown is
shooting bravely!
SIGURD (approaching). What is amiss with thee?
GUNNAR. Sigurd, is it thou? What is amiss? Nought but what I might
well have foreseen. As soon as Dagny, thy wife, had brought tidings
of Kare the Peasant, I took horse and rode to my neighbours to crave
help against him.
HIORDIS (eagerly). Well?
GUNNAR. I was answered awry where'er I came: my dealings with Kare
had been little to my honour, it was said;--hm, other things were said
to boot, that I will not utter.--I am spurned at by all; I am thought
to have done a dastard deed; men hold it a shame to make common cause
with me.
SIGURD. It shall not long be held a shame; ere evening comes, thou
shalt have men enough to face Kare.
GUNNAR. Sigurd!
HIORDIS (in a low voice, triumphantly). Ha, I knew it well!
SIGURD (with forced resolution). But then is there an end to the
peace between us; for hearken to my words, Gunnar--thou hast slain
Thorolf, my wife's kinsman, and therefore do I challenge thee to
single combat[1] to-morrow at break of day.
[1] _Holmgang_--see note, p. 138 [_Holmgang_=duel.]
(HIORDIS, in violent inward emotion, makes a stride towards SIGURD,
but collects herself and remains standing motionless during the
following.)
GUNNAR (in extreme astonishment).
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