You?
GUNLOED. Your kinsman Gunnar lies off Hjaerleif's headland with his
men. Send one of the thralls to him by a roundabout route and he
will come.
THORFINN. So! It wax out of that well that you drew your courage.
Keep your help and go if you will.
GUNLOED. You shall not think me a coward. I go with you, mother. You
cannot hinder me.
[Thorfinn goes to the door, trying to conceal his emotion.]
VALGERD. No! Stay, Thorfinn, and for once bare your big soul that I
may read its dim runics.
THORFINN. If you cannot interpret them now then may this runic
stone crumble to air unread.
VALGERD. You are not the hard stone you would seem. You have
feelings. Show them. Let them flow forth and you shall know peace!
THORFINN. My feelings are my heart's blood. Would you see it?
[The clatter of arms is heard outside which continues until
Thorfinn returns. Thorfinn starts to go out when he hears the
chatter.]
VALGERD. Oh, stay and say a word of farewell!
THORFINN. Woman, you tear down my strength with your feelings. Let
me go! The play has begun!
VALGERD. Say farewell, at least.
THORNFINN [Restraining his feelings with effort]. Farewell, child.
[Goes out.]
VALGERD. That man no one will bend.
GUNLOED. God will!
VALGERD. His hardness is great.
GUNLOED. God's mercy is greater!
VALGERD. Farewell, my child.
GUNLOED. Do you dare leave me behind, alone?
VALGERD [Embracing Gunloed]. Are you prepared?
GUNLOED. The holy virgin prays for me.
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