speaking of the bitter wrong that was done me when in thy stead he bore me away; telling how he laughed over his guile as he stood in the mirk of my bower, and I knew him not!
Gunnar.
Nay, nay, he does not so!
Hiördis.
[Firmly.] Sigurd and Dagny must die! I cannot draw breath till they two are gone! [Comes close up to him, with sparkling eyes, and speaks passionately, but in a whisper.] Wouldst thou help me to <g>that</g>, Gunnar, then should I live in love with thee; then should I clasp thee in such warm and wild embraces as thou dream'st not of.
Gunnar.
[Wavering.] Hiördis! Wouldst thou?
Hiördis.
Set thy hand to the work, Gunnar—and the heavy days shall be past. No longer will I quit the hall when thou comest, no longer speak harsh things and quench thy smile when thou art glad. I will clothe me in furs and costly silken robes. When thou goest to war, I will follow thee; when thou ridest forth in peace, I will ride by thy side. At the feast I will sit by thee and fill thy horn, and drink to thee and sing fair songs to make glad thy heart!
Gunnar.
[Almost overcome.] Is it true? Thou wouldst
Hiördis.
More than that, trust me, ten times more!
