Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 4).djvu/296



A heather-clad hillside with a path following the windings of the ridge.

This may come in useful in many ways, Said Esben as he picked up a magpie's wing. Who could have thought one's account of sins Would come to one's aid on the last night of all? Well, whether or no, it's a ticklish business; A move from the frying-pan into the fire;— But then there's a proverb of well-tried validity Which says that as long as there's life there is hope.

 in a priest's cassock, kilted-up high, and with a birding-net over his shoulder, comes hurrying along the ridge.

Who goes there? A priest with a fowling-net! Hei, hop! I'm the spoilt child of fortune indeed! Good evening, Herr Pastor! the path is bad

Ah yes; but what wouldn't one do for a soul?

Aha! then there's some one bound heavenwards?

No; I hope he is taking a different road.