Helga.—­A loutish rustic should never take part in the dealings of men of great account!

Alf.—­I offer all my property as ransom!

Broddi.—­Silence, you coward—­all your property!

Alf.—­Have I no right to live, if I can?

Helga.—­I cannot see what use there is in your living, Alf!

Kolbein.—­Alf of Grof and I shall never be reconciled.

Brand.—­I journeyed hither with Thorolf’s slayers in order to reach an agreement with you.  If it be not your will to accept reconciliation with us, I demand that you hand over to me possession of all those districts that are mine by rights, so that I in that manner may obtain sufficient resources to be able to sustain the fine which you will impose on us for the slaying.

Helga.—­Now it is clear that your men have no scruples to kill each the other, but will by no means be ready to atone for it.  With demands such as these, Brand Kolbeinsson foregoes all chance of reaching an agreement.  You promised me a man’s life in this feud, Kolbein.  Take Brand’s life, then, and that will take away the inclination for further rebellion against you. (Silence.)

Botolf.—­And you intend to take Brand’s life, when the Peace of God is at an end?

Kolbein.—­For the welfare of our Quarter I know no better counsel than that which Lady Helga has given.

Helga.—­Less cause even there was against Kalf Guttormsson, and yet has he been mouldering in his grave these ten years.  Asbjorn and Haf, seize hold of my kinsman Brand!

Sigurd.—­I have heard that you would spare Brand Kolbeinsson’s life if another man were willing to die for him.

Helga.—­I did make that condition. (Laughs.) Will you fulfill it, deacon?

Sigurd.—­No.  Because I know you will show no mercy.

Jorun (leaps up on the dais and lays her head on HELGA’S knee).—­Take my life instead of Brand Kolbeinsson’s life.

Helga.—­You are out of your senses, lad!

Jorun (arises, looking at LADY HELGA).—­You cut close to me ten years ago; take now my life also!

Helga (shades her eyes).—­You, were beheaded ten years ago!  Has the lad Guttorm Kalfsson risen from his grave?

Kolbein.—­Do we see apparitions in the light?

Broddi (to BRAND).—­How did your wife Jorun come among our company?  (BRAND leaps up on the dais and carries JORUN down on his arm.  About all the hall men are heard to say in a low voice, ‘LADY JORUN.’ While she is being carried down to the floor she extends her arms toward HELGA.)

Jorun.—­Take my life as you have taken my father’s and my brother’s; then you need fear no longer that I am egging on my kinsmen to avenge me on you. (BRAND sets her down on the floor.  They embrace each other fervently.)