_follows them_. HELGA _leads_ BISHOP BOTOLF _to the high seat_.)

_Helga_.--I have neglected to show you those marks of esteem which
I ought to have shown you, my lord! But my situation has been a
troublesome one for a while.

_Botolf_.--I have been thinking in my mind the while, my lady, how much
you resemble in mien and carriage the women of the ancient race of the
kings of Norway.

_Helga_ (_laughs_).--I am a descendant in the fourth generation of King
Magnus Bareleg, and were I a man and not a woman I would be nearer to
the throne of Norway than your King Hakon. This relationship cost my
brother Paul his life, when he was in Norway.

_Botolf_.--That story I have heard! But his death was not the wish of
the Norwegians.

(ASBJORN _and_ HAF, _and the men who carried out_ KOLBEIN, _come
in again, leaving the door stand open. One sees armed men standing
outside_. LADY HELGA _seats herself on the dais_.)

_Helga_.--How long shall my husband wait until you swear the truce to
each other, Thorolf and Brand?

_Botolf_.--The Holy Church cannot confirm the apportionment of the
districts which you have made, excepting the chieftains swear each other
an everlasting truce.

_Broddi_.--The Holy Church owns not the Northland Quarter!