GUNLoD. He stands at the gate.

VALGERD. How fares he?

GUNLoD. Everything falls before him.

VALGERD. Does he weary?

GUNLoD. Still is he straight-- -- --See what terrible northern lights.

VALGERD. Have many fallen?

GUNLoD. I cannot tell. They are drawing away from the threshing yard.

Oh, the heavens are red as blood!

[Pause.]

VALGERD. Speak! What do you see?

GUNLoD [With joy]. The silver falcon!

VALGERD. It's an ill-omen.

GUNLoD. Father comes.

VALGERD. Is he wounded?

GUNLoD. Oh, now he is falling!

VALGERD. Close the window-hole and trust in G.o.d.

GUNLoD. No, not yet. A moment.

VALGRED. Are you afraid?

GUNLoD [Going toward door]. No! No!

[The sounds of the conflict gradually die away.]

THORFINN [Comes in pale and wounded.] Stay!

[Valgerd goes towards him. Pause.]

THORFINN [On high bench]. Come here.

[Valgerd and Gunlod go to him. Thorfinn caresses Gunlod's hair, kisses her forehead, then presses Valgerd's hand.]

THORFINN [Kissing Valgerd]. Now you see my heart's blood.

[Valgerd rises to get torch.]

VALGERD. Now is our parting over.

THORFINN. Stay and live with your child.

VALGERD. My oath!

THORFINN. My whole life has been a broken oath and yet I hope-- -- --It is better to live-- -- --

[Orm comes in wounded. Stops at door.]

ORM. May I come?

THORFINN. Come.

ORM. Have you found peace now?

THORFINN [Caressing the woman]. Soon, soon!

ORM. Then we are ready for the journey.

THORFINN [Looks at Valgerd and Gunlod]. Not yet.

ORM [Sits on bench]. Hurry if you want company.

THORFINN. Orm, are you a Christian?

ORM. You may ask indeed.

THORFINN. What are you then, riddle?

ORM. I was everything. I was nothing. I was a poet.

THORFINN. Do you believe in anything?

ORM. I've come to have a belief.

THORFINN. What gave it to you?

ORM. Doubt, misfortune, sorrow.

THORFINN [To Valgerd]. Valgerd, give me your hand, so. Hold fast--tighter--you must not let go until--the end.

[Gunnar comes in and stops by door.]

THORFINN. Who comes?

GUNNAR. You know me!

THORFINN. I know your voice, but my eyes see you not.