Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/53



[To ] Didst thou send thy son to the south?

Ay, that he might be in safety should Örnulf fall upon us.

Scoff not at that, Hiördis; what Gunnar has done may prove wise in the end, if so be thou hinder the pact.

Life must take its chance; come what will, I had liever die than save my life by a shameful pact.

Sigurd makes atonement, and will not be deemed the lesser man for that.

Sigurd best knows what his own honour can bear.

On that score shall I never need reminding.

Sigurd has done famous deeds, but bolder than all was Gunnar's deed, when he slew the white bear that guarded my bower.

[With an embarrassed glance at ] Nay, nay, no more of that!