Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 4).djvu/117

 AN
 * In your left eye, first,
 * I'll scratch you a bit, till you see awry;
 * but all that you see will seem fine and brave.
 * And then I'll just cut your right window-pane out-

PEER
 * Are you drunk?

THE OLD MAN [lays a number of sharp instruments on the table].
 * See, here are the glazier's tools.
 * Blinkers you'll wear, like a raging bull.
 * Then you'll recognise that your bride is lovely,-
 * and ne'er will your vision be troubled, as now,
 * with bell-cows harping and sows that dance.

PEER
 * This is madman's talk!

THE OLDEST COURTIER
 * It's the Dovre-King speaking;
 * it's he that is wise, and it's you that are crazy!

THE OLD MAN
 * Just think how much worry and mortification
 * you'll thus escape from, year out, year in.
 * You must remember, your eyes are the fountain
 * of the bitter and searing lye of tears.

PEER
 * That's true; and it says in our sermon-book:
 * If thine eye offend thee, then pluck it out.
 * But tell me, when will my sight heal up
 * into human sight?

THE OLD M