_Haf_ (_sets a little table between them and stands beside it. Receives the ring from_ THOROLF, _holds it in one hand, and a parchment in the other, and pronounces the pledge of truce in an impressive manner_).--Contention there has been between Brand Kolbeinsson and Thorolf Bjarnason. But now is this contention no more, a fine has been paid according to the decision of good and noble men, of full weight, and good metal, and handed over to him to whom it is due. But if contention there should arise again between them, then shall they settle by fee, and not by reddened steel. But if one of these parties become so bereft of his senses that he break this reconciliation, and pledge of truce, or becomes the contriver of the other's death, then shall he be driven from God, and from the commerce of all Christendom, as far as men pursue wolves, Christians visit churches, heathen men sacrifice in temples, mothers bear children, children say mother, fire burns, ships sail, shields flash, the sun shines, snow lies, pines grow, the falcon flies the long spring day, with a fair wind under both his wings. He shall shun churches and Christian people, the house of God and the houses of men, and the abodes of men, and every home but hell. (HAF _lays the ring on the parchment, which he holds between them. They lay each their right hand on the book_.) Both of you with your hands touch one book, and even on it lies the fine with which Thorolf atones for his offence, for himself and for his heirs, conceived or unconceived, born or unborn, baptized or unbaptized; and in return he receives from Brand Kolbeinsson assurances of eternal and everlasting truce, a truce which shall persist the while the earth lasts and men live. (_Silence_. BRAND KOLBEINSSON _takes the ring off the book and puts it on his arm, whilst_ HAF _lays the book on the table again_.) Now you, Brand Kolbeinsson and Thorolf Bjarnason, shall be men reconciled and agreeing, wherever you meet, whether on land or on sea, on ship or on ski, on sea or on horseback, on bench or on thwart; and if need be, divide between you oar and scoop, knife and piece of meat; shall be at one with each other as is father with son, or son with father. Join hands now (_they grasp each the other's hand_) and stand by your truce according to the will of Christ and all those men who now have heard your pledge of faith. May he have the grace of God who keeps the truce, but his wrath he who breaks it. Let this be a full reconciliation between you, and let us be witnesses who are present. (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_.)