Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/87



[Among the guests.] If the truth be told, then is Gunnar's deed greater than all other deeds of men; Gunnar is the mightiest warrior, and Sigurd is second to him.

[With a glance across the table.] Ah, Sigurd, Sigurd, didst thou but know!

[Softly.] It is too much—friend though he be!

Peace, wife! [Aloud, to the others.] Ay truly, Gunnar is the most honourable of all men; so would I esteem him to my dying day, even had he never done that deed; for that I hold more lightly than ye.

There speaks thy envy, Sigurd Viking!

[Smiling.] Mightily dost thou mistake. [''Kindly, to, drinking to him across the table.''] Hail, noble Gunnar; our friendship shall stand fast, whosoever may seek to break it.

No one, that I wot of, has such a thought.

Say not so; I could almost think thou hadst