Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/228



What am I to beware of?

[Gaily.] Why, as I go down the road—deserted and forlorn, as I said before—I shall try if I can't cast a spell upon you.

[Laughing.] Oh, indeed! Are you going to try that again?

[Half seriously.] Yes, just you beware! As I go down the road, I will say in my own mind—right from the very centre of my will—I will say: "Mr. Erhart Borkman, take your hat at once!"

And you think he will take it?

[Laughing.] Good heavens, yes, he'll snatch up his hat instantly. And then I will say: "Now put on your overcoat, like a good boy, Erhart Borkman! And your goloshes! Be sure you don't forget the goloshes! And then follow me! Do as I bid you, as I bid you, as I bid you!"

[With forced gaiety.] Oh, you may rely on that.