(KOLBEIN THE YOUNG, _pale and weak, is borne in on shields by_ ASBJORN ILLUGASON, HAF BJARNASON, _and others_. BISHOP BOTOLF _and_ SALVOR _enter with them_.) _Kolbein_.--Hail to you all! _Botolf_.--Pax vobiscum! (_They bow to_ KOLBEIN _and the_ BISHOP. KOLBEIN _is borne to the high seat_. HELGA _stands beside him, also_ SALVOR _keeps near him always_.) _Brand_ (_coming forward_).--How stands matters with you, kinsman Kolbein? _Kolbein_.--Not so very well. _Broddi_ (_coming forward_).--You have but a small body-guard about you to-day, brother-in-law! _Kolbein_ (_pointing to_ BISHOP BOTOLF).--This body-guard _alone_ has been sufficient for some time. _Brand_.--You have summoned us to meet you. _Kolbein_.--I wanted, with the assistance of my kinsmen and of others, to make such provisions for our dominions as would most likely result in peace for the district. _Brand_.--Peace we should desire for every consideration, since many regions are beginning to grow poor. _Sigurd_.--The wars have fanned into flame hatred and malice over all the land. _Botolf_.--Blessed are the peacemakers! _Kolbein_.--During these last days the deep wound I received in the battle of Orlygsstad has been troubling me sorely, and I am so exhausted that I often look forward to death. Now you well know that Thord Kakali has lost through me both father and five brothers. That stands in the way of peace in the district. I therefore offer to go abroad and give up all my dominions. _Helga_.--Give up all dominions! _Botolf_.--And yield them to King Hakon? _Kolbein_.--If King Hakon should lay claim to my lands I should give him six feet of land, or so much less as he lacks in height. To give Iceland to him is as bad as yielding up one's soul to the devil. _Brand_.--But who is to receive the lands? _Kolbein_.--I shall give all my dominions to Thord Kakali, and thus atone for the killing of his father and brothers. Your own cases would then be at his mercy. I expect that you will fare well in this, because just then did Thord prove to be my best friend when I entrusted my matters entirely to him; at that time you were also on friendly terms, you and the men from Skagafirth. _Botolf_.--That would be a disposition promising peace, if the king himself is not to receive the dominion. (_Aside_.) It is the same as if King Hakon did receive it. _Brand_.--You will deprive me of my rightful inheritance, and give up _all_ your dominions to Thord! Then will I rather fight for them until I fall. _Broddi_.--Thord may think he has so much to settle with us that we could not endure the punishments he would inflict upon us--that is, if we had any desire to do so. _Einar_.--If all dominions were given up to Thord he would treat us well. _Botolf_.--And then there would be peace on earth and good-will among men.