Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 4).djvu/81



Indeed?

I went to the smithy, and begged That he would crack that same nutshell for me. He promised he would!—laid it down on his anvil; But Aslak, you know, is so heavy of hand;— For ever swinging that great sledge-hammer

Did he kill the foul fiend?

He laid on like a man. But the devil showed fight, and tore off in a flame Through the roof, and shattered the wall asunder.

And the smith?

Stood there with his hands all scorched. And from that day onwards, we've never been friends. [General laughter.

That yarn is a good one.

About his best.

Do you think I am making it up?