comes, he shall plant a mark of shame over against Gunnar's house! And meanwhile, Hiördis, do thou cheer thee with these words I heard to-day: "Ere eventide shall Gunnar and his wife be childless." [Goes out by the back.
Gunnar.
[In agony.] Slain—slain! My little Egil slain. Hiördis. [Wildly.] And thou—dost thou let him go? Let Egil, thy child, lie unavenged! Then wert thou the dastard of dastards! Gunnar. [As if beside himself.] A sword—an axe! 'Tis the last tidings he shall ever bring! [Seizes an axe from one of the bystanders and rushes out.
Sigurd.
[About to follow.] Gunnar, hold thy hand! Hiördis. [Holding him back.] Stay, stay! The men will part them; I know Gunnar! [A cry from the crowd, which has flocked together at the main door.
Sigurd and Dagny.
What is it?
A Voice among the Crowd.
Thorolf has fallen.
Sigurd.
Thorolf! Ha, let me go!
