HELGA, _half weeping_.) Let the chieftains make peace, lady!

_Helga_.--That would amount to humbling my husband! (_Seats herself on
her chair on the dais_.) Bishop Botolf has promised to sit with us in
the hall here to-night; have two tapers, large and thick, placed on the
table in front of the high seat.

(EINAR THE RICH _enters hurriedly and runs up on the dais. He lays his
head on the knees of_ LADY HELGA. SALVOR _shrieks in fright_.)

_Einar_.--I am bringing you my head, lady!

_Helga_.--Why shriek so, Salvor?--Who are you?

_Einar_.--I am Einar of Vik.

_Helga_.--Good is your gift, and I shall gladly accept it! Salvor! Ask
Asbjorn Illugason to come here. I desire that he shall behead Einar the
Rich. (_Exit_ SALVOR.)

_Einar_ (_quickly takes_ THOROLF'S _ring from his arm_).--Spare my life;
for God's sake, mercy, mercy, mercy!

_Helga_.--You shall obtain the same mercy as did Thorolf Bjarnason!

_Einar_.--Do you know this ring, lady?

_Helga_ (_attentively looking at the ring_).--That ring I know; did you
steal it from the body of Thorolf?