Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 4).djvu/112



And next—now for putting your wits to the test.

[Draws himself up in his seat

[To .]

Let us see if you have a wisdom-tooth That can crack the Dovrë-King's riddle-nut!

What difference is there 'twixt trolls and men?

No difference at all, as it seems to me. Big trolls would roast you and small trolls would claw you;— With us it were likewise, if only they dared.

True enough; in that and in more we're alike. Yet morning is morning, and even is even, And there is a difference all the same.— Now let me tell you wherein it lies: Out yonder, under the shining vault, Among men the saying goes: Man, be thyself!" At home here with us, 'mid the tribe of the trolls, The saying goes: "Troll, to thyself be—enough!"

[To ]

Can you fathom the depth?

It strikes me as misty.