Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/146



Let him die—my shame dies with him!

And Gunnar—they are taking thy husband's life!

What care I! A better husband shall I follow home this night! Ay, Sigurd, so must it be; here on this earth grows no happiness for me. The White God is coming northward; him will I not meet; the old gods are strong no longer;—they sleep, they sit half shadow-like on high;—with them will we strive! Out of this life, Sigurd! I will enthrone thee king in heaven, and I myself will sit by thy side. [The storm bursts wildly.] Hark, hark, here comes our company! Canst see the black steeds galloping?—one is for me and one for thee. [Draws the arrow to her ear and shoots.] Away, then, on thy last ride home! Well aimed, Hiördis! [He falls.

[Jubilant, rushes up to him.] Sigurd, my brother,—now art thou mine at last!

Now less than ever. Here our ways part; for I am a Christian man.

[Appalled.] Thou! Ha, no, no!