_Botolf_.--But God does; and do you for his sake as Kolbein and the lady
bid you, because that promises best for peace.

_Helga_ (_very loud_).--Close the door! (_All look to the door and
perceive the armed men; it is closed_.) Haf Bjarnason will pronounce
for you the words of the truce. The truce which his namesake established
between the men of Skagafirth and Grettir Asmundarson was well kept, and
it redounded to their honor.

_Broddi_ (_aside to_ BRAND).--Agree to the truce! Sixty armed men are
standing but a few feet away!

(BRAND KOLBEINSSON _places himself in the left foreground, with six
of his men behind him_. HAF _behind him in the middle ground_. THOROLF
_advances to the right foreground, posturing himself opposite_ BRAND.)

_Asbjorn_.--Are we to be witnesses, Thorolf?

_Thorolf_.--All those present shall be witnesses!

(ASBJORN _and five others arrange themselves behind him_.)

_Helga_.--In Oddi, at my father Sæmund's, I heard that those oaths were
void which were made against one's free will.

_Thorolf_.--I shall swear a truce to Brand Kolbeinsson of my own free
will.

_Helga_.--And you, kinsman Brand?