_Botolf_.--Easy it is to reach an agreement with me, Kolbein, if this larger matter which you have been warring about so long could be settled to-night to the satisfaction of all.
_Kolbein_.--Then hear my decision: For the murder of Thorolf Bjarnason. I decree a fine of eighteen marks silver, and also that those men who may have fallen as part of the vengeance for Thorolf shall not be atoned for.
_Brand_.--Agreed, kinsman Kolbein; the sum you demand for the slaying of Thorolf shall be paid.
_Helga_.--How may this be, my husband? You have promised me a man's life before this feud would be ended.
_Kolbein_.--Have I not demanded an exceedingly high compensation for Thorolfs death?
_Helga_.--But Thorolf was slain in a pledged truce.
_Broddi_.--That truce was made under compulsion.
_Kolbein_.--The man's life you stipulated for yourself you have chosen and taken yourself, or else, where is Helgi Skaftason?
_Botolf_.--His axe is there! (DEACON SIGURD _looks around_.) Are you still carrying weapons, Deacon Sigurd? Clercs are not permitted to bear arms.
_Sigurd_.--Great need I thought there was to do so now. The danger in which was my lady Jorun and you also, sir bishop, and the axe lay before my feet.
_Brand_.--Is Helgi Skaftason still alive? If so, is it not possible that his deed be atoned for?
_Helga_.--I shall no longer conceal from you, Brand Kolbeinsson, that Helgi Skaftason will no more dry his axe on the fringe of my veil! In order now that this our reconciliation be kept well I desire to have your son Kalf, to foster him up with me.
_Jorun_.--That shall never be, that you train my boy to be a disturber of the peace.
_Botolf_.--That shall never be; the boy is a hopeful man for a chieftain and ought to be trained up to love peace and abide by the law.
_Kolbein_.--What punishment would you inflict on her, if she got the boy?
_Botolf_.--The excommunication of the Holy Church; the Church wants peace! (_Short silence_.)
_Helga_ (_furiously_).--You stand there still, Alf of Grof; do you still wish to have a sack pulled over my head?
_Kolbein_.--It will never do that a lout insult a high-born woman with impunity. Therefore, I decree that Alf of Grof shall leave the country, never more to return whilst she is in living life.