So be it. Now your moment has come--take your revenge--I'll
show you how--like this. [Takes a lighted torch.] Put this torch in
the window-hole on the right and you wreck him. Put it in the left
and you save him--
VALGERD [Interrupts]. Give me the torch and leave me.
GUNLOED. There is a sacrifice which can pacify your god's. Sacrifice
your revenge.
VALGERD. [Takes torch, hesitates, and goes quickly to left
window-hole and places it there. Trumpets are heard]. You struck
me, Thorfinn--I swore revenge--I shall humble you with a kind deed.
GUNLOED [Unseen by Valgerd has entered and falls on her mother's
neck]. Thanks, mother.
VALGERD [Disconcerted]. Haven't you gone--
GUNLOED. Now I shall go. [Gunloed goes.]
VALGERD [Alone by the window-hole]. You shout for help, you mighty
man, who always helped yourself. [Trumpets are heard.] Where is now
your might--where is your kingdom--[A gust of wind blows out the
lighted torch. Valgerd, terribly frightened, takes torch and lights
it.] Oh, he will perish! What shall I do? Pray? To whom? Odin?
Njard? Ogir? I have called to them for four times ten years, but
never have they answered. I have sacrificed, but never have they
helped. Thou, God, however you may be called--Thou mighty one, who
bids the sun to rise and set, thou tremendous one who rules over
the winds and water--to you will I pray, to you will I sacrifice my
revenge if you will save him.
[Orm enters unnoticed.]
ORM. Good evening to you, Valgerd.
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