(THOROLF _approaches_ HELGA, _who gives him the ring she had been
holding; He puts it on his arm, without anybody noticing it but her_.
BISHOP BOTOLF _walks up to her. The ranks of the witnesses mix_, BRAND
_and_ BRODDI _station themselves in the foreground_.)

_Botolf_.--A great work and one sorely needed have you performed to-day,
my lady. Assuredly more than small good fortune it is to have reconciled
two such men whom Kolbein the Young never could prevail upon to become
reconciled, as we are told.

_Helga_ (_smiling_).--The granddaughter of Ion Loftsson of Oddi ought
to have sufficient good fortune to reconcile by her sole efforts men who
both are her friends.

_Brand_ (_aside to_ BRODDI).--May it never be avenged on Lady Helga to
have cowed me by overwhelming force to promise an eternal truce to my
worst foe.

_Broddi_ (_to_ BRAND).--But a short while will the hand rejoice over the
blow!

(_Curtain_)




ACT II


(_A cave by_ KOLBEIN's _stream. The stage represents a small vale with