Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 4).djvu/289



[Pulls out a bundle of old newspapers.]

I daresay you think we don't take in the papers? Wait; here I'll show you in red and black How the "Bloksberg Post" eulogises you; And the "Heklefjeld Journal" has done the same Ever since the winter you left the country.— Do you care to read them? You're welcome Peer. Here's an article, look you, signed "Stallion-hoof." And here too is one: "On Troll-Nationalism." The writer points out and lays stress on the truth That horns and a tail are of little importance, So long as one has but a strip of the hide. "Our enough," he concludes, "gives the hall-*mark of trolldom To man,"—and proceeds to cite you as an instance.

A hill-troll? I?

Yes, that's perfectly clear.

Might as well have stayed quietly where I was? Might have stayed in the Rondë in comfort and peace? Saved my trouble and toil and no end of shoe-*leather? Peer Gynt—a troll? Why, it's rubbish! It's stuff! Good-bye! There's a halfpenny to buy you tobacco.