_Botolf_.--That shall never be; the boy is a hopeful man for a chieftain and ought to be trained up to love peace and abide by the law. _Kolbein_.--What punishment would you inflict on her, if she got the boy? _Botolf_.--The excommunication of the Holy Church; the Church wants peace! (_Short silence_.) _Helga_ (_furiously_).--You stand there still, Alf of Grof; do you still wish to have a sack pulled over my head? _Kolbein_.--It will never do that a lout insult a high-born woman with impunity. Therefore, I decree that Alf of Grof shall leave the country, never more to return whilst she is in living life. _Alf_.--Why not rather have me put to death? _Helga_.--You fear death too much, you coward! _Broddi_.--And under what conditions shall I make peace with you? _Kolbein_.--You shall have your sword back, and sit in the high seat for the remainder of the evening, but as soon as the sea is open again (_slaps_ BRODDI _on his shoulder_) we shall, both of us, go to meet Thord Kakali and his Westfirthings. _Brand_.--Much has your fame grown through these happenings, kinswoman Helga! Exceeding precious must be all your finery, if every spot on the fringes of your veil shall cost a man's life. _Helga_.--You will remember, kinsman, that I am a descendant in the fourth generation from King Magnus Bareleg. Lady Jorun, come hither and share the dais with us women. (_Woman's garments are put on_ JORUN _when she joins the women_. BRAND _and_ BOTOLF _share the lower seat of honor. The men sheathe their swords, hang up their shields, and seat themselves_. KOLBEIN THE YOUNG _takes up a drinking-horn; horns are passed among the men_.) _Kolbein_.--To-day we have brought to a happy end a feud, the like of which has not been within this district. _Brand_.--And the quarrel has ended with full reconciliation. _Alf_.--Indeed, we have been fully reconciled, Helgi Skaftason and I; he going to hell and I into exile. _Helga_.--Worse condition you might have got, Alf of Grof. _Kolbein_.--And to-morrow we shall accompany Bishop Botolf to Holar together, with five hundred men, and shall reinstate him with the greatest honors. Then we shall furlough the greater part of our men. (_The men raise shouts of joy_.) And after that we hope that we may dwell in peace for some time. _Salvor_.--Meanwhile we women shall heal the wounds of the men. _Botolf_.--And then there will be peace on earth. _Sigurd_.--And good will among men! (_Curtain_) INDRIDI EINARSSON: ICELANDIC DRAMATIST AND HIS SAGA DRAMA BY LEE M. HOLLANDER