Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 4).djvu/272

 Thread-balls at my feet are rolling!—

[Kicking at them. Off with you! You block my path! [On the ground.]  We are thoughts; Thou shouldst have thought us;— Feet to run on Thou shouldst have given us! [Going round about.]  I have given life to one;— 'Twas a bungled, crook-legged thing! We should have soared up Like clangorous voices,—- And here we must trundle As grey-yarn thread-balls. [Stumbling.]  Thread-clue! you accursed scamp! Would you trip your father's heels? [Flees.

[Flying before the wind.]

We are a watchword; Thou shouldst have proclaimed us! See how thy dozing Has wofully riddled us. The worm has gnawed us