_Broddi_.--An astonishing thing it is that base men should dare to speak in such wise to chieftains!
_Brand_.--He is a greater friend of my kinsman Kolbein than any other man.
_Einar_.--And in greater favor even with Lady Helga than with Kolbein.
_Sigurd_.--He journeyed to Rome with Kolbein. Such a pilgrimage atones for many a sin.
(_Enter_ LADY JORUN _with her and_ BRAND'S _sons_, KALF _and_ THORGEIR.)
_Jorun_.--What errand brought Thorolf Bjarnason hither to Stad?
_Jorun_.--Then we shall have to put up with that insult.
_Alf_.--Your husband he called a 'velvet glove!'
_Jorun_.--Gentle have his hands ever been to me, and I might well call him so.
_Jorun_.--Slower he is to ill deeds than Thorolf.
_Einar_.--_Me_ Thorolf threatened with death, and to wrench out of my hands the crucifix, whenever I should lie down for the blow, just as he did to Kalf Guttormsson.
_Jorun_ (_moved to tears_).--Was that done to my father?
_Sigurd_.--It was indeed done to him, and a mighty ill deed it was.
_Jorun_.--I had not thought that men who were to lose their lives would be thus cruelly dealt with.
_Alf_.--These men have indeed done enough to forfeit _their_ lives, and ought to live no longer.
_Helgi Skaftason_.--If no one can be prevailed upon to kill them I shall undertake it.
_Alf_.--No one's duty it is as much as yours, Brand Kolbeinsson, to take revenge for the murder of Kalf Guttormsson.
_Jorun_.--Let no one be so bold as to seek revenge for my father. Full composition did Kolbein the Young pay for reconciliation, after the death of father and son, with the fine of hundred marks silver, which were paid out to my mother and me as stipulated.
_Einar_.--And yet might Brand and others take revenge for the wrongs they have suffered at the hands of Thorolf, even though Kalf Guttormsson's death be atoned for.
_Jorun_.--Do not undertake so dangerous an enterprise, my husband. Well you know that if you slay Thorolf his friend Kolbein will slay you all in revenge.
_Broddi_.--Is his condition so dangerous?
_Brand_.--Why, have you not told news so important and so--sad until now?
_Alf_.--I could not, on account of Thorolf. Kolbein holds his malady secret as long as he can.
_Brand_.--Then my kinsman Kolbein must have summoned us to dispose of his dominions before he dies.