Chapter 6

Dagny.

Never! How canst thou think it? I, a woman!

Hiördis.

A woman, a woman,—who knows what a woman may do!—But one thing thou canst tell me, Dagny, for that thou surely knowest: when a man clasps to his breast the woman he loves—is it true that her blood burns, that her bosom throbs—that she swoons in a strange ecstasy?

Dagny.

[Blushing.] Hiördis, how canst thou——!

Hiördis.

Come, tell me——!

Dagny.

Surely thou thyself hast known it.

Hiördis.

Ay once, and only once; it was that night when Gunnar sat with me in my bower; he crushed me in his arms till my byrnie[11]burst, and then, then——!

Dagny.

[Exclaiming.] What! Sigurd——!

Hiördis.

Sigurd? What of Sigurd? I spoke of Gunnar—that night when he bore me away——

Dagny.

[Collecting herself.] Yes, yes, I remember.—I know well——

Hiördis.

That was the only time; never, never again! I deemed I was bewitched; for that Gunnar could so clasp a woman——[Stops and looks atDagny.] What ails thee? Methinks thou turnest pale and red!

Dagny.

Nay, nay!

Hiördis.

[Without heeding her.] Aye, the merry viking-raid should have beenmylot; it had been better for me, and—mayhap for all of us. That were life, full and rich life! Dost thou not wonder, Dagny, to find me here alive? Art not afraid to be alone with me in the hall, thus in the dark? Deem’st thou not that I must have died in all these years, and that it is my ghost that stands at thy side?

Dagny.

[Painfully ill at ease.] Come—let us go—to the others.

Hiördis.

[Seizing her by the arm.] No, stay! Seems it not strange to thee, Dagny, that any woman can yet live who has spent here five such nights?

Dagny.

Five nights?

Hiördis.

Here in the north each night is a whole winter long. [Quickly and with an altered expression.] Yetthe place is fair enough, doubt it not! Thou shalt see sights here such as thou hast not seen in the halls of the English king. We shall be together as sisters whilst thou bidest with me; we shall go down to the sea when the storm blows up afresh; thou shalt see the billows racing to the land like wild, white-maned horses. And then the whales far out in the offing! They dash one against another like steel-clad warriors! Ha, what joy to be a witch-wife and ride on a whale’s back—to speed before the bark, and wake the storm, and lure men to the deeps with lovely songs of sorcery!

Dagny.

Fie, Hiördis, how canst thou speak such things!

Hiördis.

Canstthousing sorceries, Dagny?

Dagny.

[With horror.] I!

Hiördis.

I trow thou canst; how else didst thou lure Sigurd to thee?

Dagny.

Thy speech is shameful; let me go!

Hiördis.

[Holding her back.] Because I jest! Nay, hear me to the end! Think, Dagny, what it is to sit by the window in the eventide and hear the kelpie[12]wailing in the boat-house; to sit waiting and listening for the dead men’s ride to Valhal;for their way lies past us here in the north. They are the brave men that fell in fight, the strong women that did not drag out their lives tamely, like thee and me; they sweep through the air in cloud-rack and storm, on their black horses, with jangling bells! [EmbracesDagny,and presses her wildly in her arms.] Ha, Dagny! think of riding the last ride on so rare a steed!

Dagny.

[Struggling to escape.] Hiördis, Hiördis! Let me go! I will not hear thee!

Hiördis.

[Laughing.] Weak art thou of heart, and easily affrighted.

Gunnarenters from the back, withSigurdandThorolf.

Gunnar.

Now, truly, are all things to my very mind! I have found thee again, Sigurd, my brave brother, as kind and true as of old. I have Örnulf’s son under my roof, and the old man himself follows speedily after; is it not so?

Thorolf.

So he promised.

Gunnar.

Then all I lack is that Egil should be here.

Thorolf.

’Tis plain thou lovest the boy, thou namest him so oft.

Gunnar.

Truly I love him; he is my only child; and he is like to grow up fair and kindly.

Hiördis.

But no warrior.

Gunnar.

Nay—that thou must not say.

Sigurd.

How couldst thou send him from thee——

Gunnar.

Would that I had not! [In an undertone.] But thou knowest, Sigurd, he who loves overmuch, takes not always the manliest part. [Aloud.] I had few men in my house, and none could be sure of his life when it was known that Örnulf lay in the cove with a ship of war.

Hiördis.

One thing I know that ought first to be made safe, life afterwards.

Thorolf.

And that is——?

Hiördis.

Honour and fame among men.

Gunnar.

Hiördis!

Sigurd.

It shall not be said of Gunnar that he has tainted his honour by doing this.

Gunnar.

[Sternly.] No one shall make strife between me and Örnulf’s kinsfolk!

Hiördis.

[Smiling.] Tell me, Sigurd—can thy ship sail with any wind?

Sigurd.

Ay, when ’tis cunningly steered.

Hiördis.

Good! I too will steer my ship cunningly, and make my way whither I will.

[Retires towards the back.

Dagny.

[Whispers, uneasily.] Sigurd, let us hence—this very night!

Sigurd.

It is too late now; ’twas thou that——

Dagny.

Then I held Hiördis dear; but now——; I have heard her speak words I shudder to think of.

Sigurd’smen, with other guests, men and women, house-carls and handmaidens, enter from the back.

Gunnar.

[After a short pause, in which greetings and the like are exchanged.] Now to the board! My chief guest, Örnulf of the Fiords, comes later; so Thorolf promises.

Hiördis.

[To the house-folk.] Pass the ale and mead around, that hearts may wax merry and tongues may be loosed.

[GunnarleadsSigurdto the high-seat on the right.Dagnyseats herself onSigurd’sright,Hiördisopposite him, at the other side of the same table.Thorolfis in like manner ushered to a place at the other table, and thus sits oppositeGunnar,who occupies the greater high-seat. The others take their seats further back.

Hiördis.

[After a pause in which they drink with each other and converse quietly across the tables.] It seldom chances that so many brave men are seated together, as I see to-night in our hall. It were fitting, then, that we should essay the old pastime: Let each man name the chief of his deeds, that all may judge which is the mightiest.

Gunnar.

That is an ill custom at a drinking-feast; ’twill oft breed strife.

Hiördis.

Little did I deem that Gunnar was afraid.

Sigurd.

That no one deems; but it were long ere we came to an end, were we all to tell of our deeds, so many as we be. Do thou rather tell us, Gunnar, of thy journey to Biarmeland; ’tis no small exploit to fare so far to the north, and gladly would we hear of it.

Hiördis.

The journey to Biarmeland is chapman’s work, and little worthy to be named among warriors. Nay, do thou begin, Sigurd, if thou wouldst not have me deem that thou canst ill endure to hearmy husband’s praise! Say on; name that one of thy deeds which thou dost prize the highest.

Sigurd.

Well, since thou wilt have it so, so must it be. Let it be told, then, that I lay a-viking among the Orkneys; there came foemen against us, but we swept them from their ships, and I fought alone against eight men.

Hiördis.

Good was that deed; but wert thou fully armed?

Sigurd.

Fully armed, with axe, spear, and sword.

Hiördis.

Still the deed was good. Now must thou, my husband, name that which thou deemest the chief among thy exploits.

Gunnar.

[Unwillingly.] I slew two berserkers who had seized a merchant-ship; and thereupon I sent the captive chapmen home, giving them their ship freely, without ransom. The King of England deemed well of that deed; he said that I had done honourably, and gave me thanks and good gifts.

Hiördis.

Nay truly, Gunnar, a better deed than that couldst thou name.

Gunnar.

[Vehemently.] I will take praise for no otherdeed! Since last I fared from Iceland I have lived at peace and traded in merchandise. No word more on this matter!

Hiördis.

If thou thyself wilt hide thy renown, thy wife shall speak.

Gunnar.

Peace, Hiördis—I command thee!

Hiördis.

Sigurd fought with eight men, being fully armed; Gunnar came to my bower in the black night, slew the bear that had twenty men’s strength, and yet had but a short sword in his hand.

Gunnar.

[Violently agitated.] Woman, not a word more!

Dagny.

[Softly.] Sigurd, wilt thou endure——?

Sigurd.

[Likewise.] Be still!

Hiördis.

[To the company.] And now, ye brave men—which is the mightier, Sigurd or Gunnar?

Gunnar.

Silence!

Hiördis.

[Loudly.] Speak out; I have the right to crave judgment.

An Old Man.

[Among the guests.] If the truth be told, then is Gunnar’s deed greater than all other deeds of men; Gunnar is the mightiest warrior, and Sigurd is second to him.

Gunnar.

[With a glance across the table.] Ah, Sigurd, Sigurd, didst thou but know——!

Dagny.

[Softly.] It is too much—friend though he be!

Sigurd.

Peace, wife! [Aloud, to the others.] Ay truly, Gunnar is the most honourable of all men; so would I esteem him to my dying day, even had he never done that deed; for that I hold more lightly than ye.

Hiördis.

There speaks thy envy, Sigurd Viking!

Sigurd.

[Smiling.] Mightily dost thou mistake. [Kindly, toGunnar,drinking to him across the table.] Hail, noble Gunnar; our friendship shall stand fast, whosoever may seek to break it.

Hiördis.

No one, that I wot of, has such a thought.

Sigurd.

Say not so; I could almost think thou hadstbidden us to the feast in the hope to stir up strife.

Hiördis.

That is like thee, Sigurd; now art thou wroth that thou may’st not be held the mightiest man at the board.

Sigurd.

I have ever esteemed Gunnar more highly than myself.

Hiördis.

Well, well—second to Gunnar is still a good place, and——[with a side glance atThorolf] had Örnulf been here, he could have had the third seat.

Thorolf.

Then would Jökul, thy father, find a low place indeed; for he fell before Örnulf.

[The following dispute is carried on, by both parties, with rising and yet repressed irritation.

Hiördis.

That shalt thou never say! Örnulf is a skald, and men whisper that he has praised himself for greater deeds than he has done.

Thorolf.

Then woe to him who whispers so loudly that it comes to my ear!

Hiördis.

[With a smile of provocation.] Wouldst thou avenge it?

Thorolf.

Ay, so that my vengeance should be told of far and wide.

Hiördis.

Then here I pledge a cup to this, that thou may’st first have a beard on thy chin.

Thorolf.

Even a beardless lad is too good to wrangle with women.

Hiördis.

But too weak to fight with men; therefore thy father let thee lie by the hearth at home in Iceland, whilst thy brothers went a-viking.

Thorolf.

It had been well had he kept as good an eye on thee; for then hadst thou not left the land an unwedded woman.

Gunnar and Sigurd.

Thorolf!

Dagny.

[Simultaneously.] Brother!

Hiördis.

[Softly, and quivering with rage.] Ha! wait—wait!

Thorolf.

[GivesGunnarhis hand.] Be not wroth, Gunnar;—evil words came to my tongue; but thy wife goaded me!

Dagny.

[Softly and imploringly.] Foster-sister, by any love thou hast ever borne me, stir not up strife!

Hiördis.

[Laughing.] Jests must pass at the feast-board, if the merriment is to thrive.

Gunnar.

[Who has been talking softly toThorolf.] Thou art a brave lad! [Hands him a sword which hangs beside the high-seat.] Here, Thorolf, here is a good gift for thee. Wield it well, and let us be friends.

Hiördis.

Beware how thou givest away thy weapons, Gunnar; men may say thou dost part with things thou canst not use!

Thorolf.

[Who has meanwhile examined the sword.] Thanks for the gift, Gunnar; it shall never be drawn in an unworthy cause.

Hiördis.

If thou wilt keep that promise, then do thou never lend the sword to thy brothers.

Gunnar.

Hiördis!

Hiördis.

[Continuing.] Neither let it hang on thy father’s wall; for there it would hang with base men’s weapons.

Thorolf.

True enough, Hiördis—for there thy father’s axe and shield have hung this many a year.

Hiördis.

[Mastering herself.] That Örnulf slew myfather—that deed is ever on thy tongue; but if report speak true, ’twas scarce so honourable a deed as thou deemest.

Thorolf.

Of what report dost thou speak?

Hiördis.

[Smiling.] I dare not name it, for it would make thee wroth.

Thorolf.

Then hold thy peace—I ask no better.

[Turns from her.

Hiördis.

Nay, why should I not tell it? Is it true, Thorolf, that for three nights thy father sat in woman’s weed, doing sorceries with the witch of Smalserhorn, ere he dared face Jökul in fight?

[All rise; violent excitement among the guests.

Gunnar, Sigurd, and Dagny.

Hiördis!

Thorolf.

[Bitterly exasperated.] So base a lie has no man spoken of Örnulf of the Fiords! Thou thyself hast made it, for no one less venomous than thou could dream of such a thing. The blackest crime a man can do hast thou laid at my father’s door. [Throwing the sword away.] There, Gunnar, take thy gift again; I can take nought from that house wherein my father is reviled.

Gunnar.

Thorolf, hear me——!

Thorolf.

Let me go! But beware both thou and Hiördis; for my father has now in his power one whom ye hold dearest of all!

Hiördis.

[Starting.] Thy father has——!

Gunnar.

[With a cry.] What sayest thou?

Sigurd.

[Vehemently.] Where is Örnulf?

Thorolf.

[With mocking laughter.] Gone southward—with my brothers.

Gunnar.

Southward!

Hiördis.

[Shrieking.] Gunnar! Örnulf has slain Egil, our son.

Gunnar.

Slain!—Egil slain! Then woe to Örnulf and all his race! Thorolf, speak out;—is this true?

Sigurd.

Gunnar, Gunnar—hear me!

Gunnar.

Speak out, if thou care for thy life!

Thorolf.

Thou canst not fright me! Wait till my fathercomes, 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!

Dagny.

My brother! Oh, my brother!

[Sigurdis on the point of rushing out. At the same moment, the crowd parts,Gunnarenters, and throws down the axe at the door.

Gunnar.

Now it is done. Egil is avenged!

Sigurd.

Well for thee if thy hand has not been too hasty.

Gunnar.

Mayhap, mayhap; but Egil, Egil, my fair boy!

Hiördis.

Now must we arm us, and seek help among our friends; for Thorolf has many avengers.

Gunnar.

[Gloomily.] He will be his own worst avenger; he will be with me night and day.

Hiördis.

Thorolf got his reward. Kinsmen must suffer for kinsmen’s deeds.

Gunnar.

True, true; but this I know, my mind was lighter ere this befell.

Hiördis.

The first night[13]is ever the worst;—when that is over, thou wilt heed it no more. Örnulf hassought his revenge by shameful guile; he would not come against us in open strife; he feigned to be peacefully minded; and then he falls upon our defenceless child! Ha, I saw more clearly than ye; well I deemed that Örnulf was evil-minded and false; good cause had I to egg thee on against him and all his faithless tribe.

Gunnar.

[Fiercely.] That hadst thou! My vengeance is poor beside Örnulf’s crime. He has lost Thorolf, but he has six sons left—and I have none—none!

A House-carl.

[Enters hastily from the back.] Örnulf of the Fiords is at hand!

Gunnar.

Örnulf!

Hiördis and several Men.

To arms! to arms!

Dagny.

[Simultaneously.] My father!

Sigurd.

[As if seized by a foreboding.] Örnulf——! Ah, Gunnar, Gunnar!

Gunnar.

[Draws his sword.] Up, all my men! Vengeance for Egil’s death!

Örnulfenters, withEgilin his arms.

Gunnar.

[With a shriek.] Egil!

Örnulf.

I bring you back little Egil.

All.

[One to another.] Egil! Egil alive!

Gunnar.

[Letting his sword fall.] Woe is me! what have I done?

Dagny.

Oh, Thorolf, my brother!

Sigurd.

I knew it! I knew it!

Örnulf.

[Setting Egil down.] There, Gunnar, hast thou thy pretty boy again.

Egil.

Father! Old Örnulf would not do me ill, as thou saidst when I went away.

Örnulf.

[ToHiördis.] Now have I atoned for thy father; now surely there may be peace between us.

Hiördis.

[With repressed emotion.] Mayhap!

Gunnar.

[As if waking up.] Is it a hideous dream that maddens me! Thou—thou bringest Egil home!

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