_Broddi_.--What do I need the fortifications now? I have twice as many men.
_Kolbein Kaldaljos_.--The bishop has ordered to set a guard over the see, and to ring out the 'Peace of God' over all the land.
_Broddi_ (_in furious wrath_).--The hellish coward! So afraid he was for his life! A manifold crime it would be, then, if we attempt anything. Better had it been for us Northlanders if the archbishop had appointed a dog to be our bishop! (_The watchword is taken up outside, first near by, then farther and farther away: 'God is our castle,' 'God is our castle,'--'is our castle,' 'our castle,'--'castle.' The cathedral bells begin ringing out the 'Peace of God_.' BRODDI _rushes at_ KOLBEIN KALDALJOS.) Let them stop this ringing!
_Kolbein Kaldaljos_.--No, no, the bishop has commanded it.
_Broddi_ (_grips him with both hands at his shoulders and forces him on his knees_).--Let them stop this ringing, wretch!
_Kolbein Kaldaljos_.--Hold the peace of the church, Broddi! I am an old man.
_Broddi_ (_letting go of_ KOLBEIN).--But a few moments ago our fight with Kolbein was altogether won, but now it is (_casts his steel glove on the floor_) altogether lost.
(_The ringing continues vigorously while the curtain drops_.)
(_The 'Little Hall' at Reynistad. Daytime. Enter_ LADY HELGA, JORUN, _and her two sons_, KALF, _eight years, and_ THORGEIR, _six years_.)
_Jorun_.--What do you need for your journey, lady? I do not know whether I can assist you, because there is no one but women at home.
_Helga_.--That knew I well that only women were at home. I need ice-spurs for my horse, or else he will fall under me and I lose life or limb.
_Jorun_.--You are welcome to our horseshoes as to all other things, lady.
_Helga_.--Harden well the ice-spurs for my horse, Haf. It seems to me that most iron is soft at Reynistad.
_Haf_.--It shall be done, lady! (_Exit_.)
_Jorun_.--Soft iron bends but does not break!
_Helga_.--Neither does it remain sharp long.
_Jorun_.--Are you finding fault with my husband and me because we observe the 'Peace of God'? I might easily let the women fetch so many of my servants as would be needed to take you and Haf prisoners.
_Helga_.--Yes, if we waited until they came. But let us drop this; rather show me your boys, because I should like to see what will become of them when they grow up.