Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 4).djvu/286



But my grandson has shot up both stout and tall, And has flourishing children all over the land

Now, my dear man, spare us this flow of words;— I've something quite different troubling my mind.— I've got into rather a ticklish position, And am greatly in need of a witness or voucher;— That's how you could help me best, father-in-law, And I'll find you a trifle to drink my health.

You don't say so; can I be of use to his Highness? You'll give me a character, then, in return?

Most gladly. I'm somewhat hard pressed for cash, And must cut down expenses in every direction. Now hear what's the matter. No doubt you remember That night when I came to the Rondë a-wooing

Why, of course, my Lord Prince!

Oh, no more of the Prince! But no matter. You wanted, by sheer brute force, To bias my sight, with a slit in the lens,