_Kolbein_.--Lady Helga's matter this is, not mine. If we cannot reach terms of peace, it is because of Helgi Skaftason and Alf of Grof!
_Broddi_.--And you let her attack us in order to butcher a woman?
_Broddi_.--Then more will have to come as it may. Be on your guard, Kolbein!
(KOLBEIN _has been sitting in his high seat without drawing his sword, but has had it lying on his knees and now and then unsheathed it halfways_. BRODDI _rushes at him to deliver a blow_; KOLBEIN _dodges the blow and grasps_ BRODDI'S _wrist with both hands, so that his sword drops on the floor. Then he forces_ BRODDI _to sit beside him on the high seat_.)
_Kolbein_.--Be calm now, Broddi! The slaying of Thorolf was an ill deed and a needless one.
_Kolbein_ (_laughs_).--How furious you are now, brother-in-law!
_Kolbein_.--The action for avenging Thorolf Bjarnason, which slipped from your hands, lady!
_Helga_.--That would not have made so great a sound.
_Brand_.--Lady Helga! you who once were my mother's sister! I shall surrender my arms and myself to you if all others will then be granted to make atonement for the slaying of Thorolf.
_Helga_.--Keep your arms yourself, for no one does less harm with them than you. My promise to your wife I shall keep; I wonder only that she goes not herself voluntarily from among your midst, in order to save us difficulties.
_Helga_ (_calls out_).--Fetch my captive Jorun from among them! (HAF ASBJORN _and the men of_ KOLBEIN _surround_ BRAND _and his followers_.)
_Botolf_.--Bide a little. (_Takes the candles from the table_.) Now I shall lay in the Norse language the interdict on Kolbein and Helga.
_Helga_.--Say what you please, bishop. But you will have to revoke your interdict before you go from hence.
_Botolf_.--That shall I never. No priest shall ever say service for you, and, you shall have no lasting dwelling place but hell. (_Holds the candles with the flame downward_.)
_Helga_.--Haf, you stand near enough to the bishop! Gag him with the end of your spear.
_Kolbein_ (_jumps up without letting go of_ BRODDI).--Hear me, sir bishop! Desist from laying the interdict on me, because not far is the time when I shall need the mercy of God and his Holy Church. Lady Helga has been insulted in such fashion as no high-born lady would endure. But I, for my part, shall be ready to make atonement for the insult offered by her to you and the Holy Church now for the first time.