Now you see my heart's blood.
[Valgerd rises to get torch.]
VALGERD. Now is our parting over.
THORFINN. Stay and live with your child.
VALGERD. My oath!
THORFINN. My whole life has been a broken oath and yet I hope-- -- --
It is better to live-- -- --
[Orm comes in wounded. Stops at door.]
ORM. May I come?
THORFINN. Come.
ORM. Have you found peace now?
THORFINN [Caressing the woman]. Soon, soon!
ORM. Then we are ready for the journey.
THORFINN [Looks at Valgerd and Gunloed]. Not yet.
ORM [Sits on bench]. Hurry if you want company.
THORFINN. Orm, are you a Christian?
ORM. You may ask indeed.
THORFINN. What are you then, riddle?
ORM. I was everything. I was nothing. I was a poet.
THORFINN. Do you believe in anything?
ORM. I've come to have a belief.
THORFINN. What gave it to you?
ORM. Doubt, misfortune, sorrow.
THORFINN [To Valgerd]. Valgerd, give me your hand, so. Hold fast--
tighter--you must not let go until--the end.
[Gunnar comes in and stops by door.]
THORFINN. Who comes?
GUNNAR. You know me!
THORFINN. I know your voice, but my eyes see you not.
GUNNAR. I am your kinsman, Gunnar.
THORFINN [After a pause]. Step forth.
[Gunnar remains where he is, looking questioningly at Gunloed.]
THORFINN. Is he here?
[Gunloed rises, goes with slow steps and bowed head to Gunnar. Takes
his hand and leads him to Thorfinn. They kneel.]
THORFINN [Putting hands on their heads]. Eternal-- -- -- Creating--
-- --God--
[Dies.
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