Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 4).djvu/301

 There are people that ship off far gruesomer figures In sermons, in art, and in literature, Yet have to stay out in the cold

Ah, but then, Do you know—I once went and set up as a prophet!

In foreign parts? Humbug! Why most people's ''Sehen Ins Blaue'' ends in the casting-ladle. If you've no more than that to rely upon, With the best of good will, I can't possibly house you.

But hear this: In a shipwreck—I clung to a boat's keel,— And it's written: A drowning man grasps at a straw,— Furthermore it is written: You're nearest yourself,— So I half-way divested a cook of his life.

It were all one to me if a kitchen-maid You had half-way divested of something else. What sort of stuff is this half-way jargon, Saving your presence? Who, think you, would care To throw away dearly-bought fuel, in times Like these, on such spiritless rubbish as this? There now, don't be enraged; 'twas your sins that I scoffed at;