Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 4).djvu/121

 PEER
 * Old man, don't act like a headstrong ox!
 * Hear reason, maiden! Let's come to terms.
 * You must know I'm neither a prince nor rich;-
 * and whether you measure or whether you weigh me,
 * be sure you won't gain much by making me yours.

[THE GREEN-CLAD ONE is taken ill, and is carried out by TROLL-MAIDS.] THE OLD MAN [looks at him for a while in high disdain; then says:]
 * Dash him to shards on the rock-walls, children!

THE TROLL-IMPS
 * Oh dad, mayn't we play owl-and-eagle first!
 * The wolf-game! Grey-mouse and glow-eyed cat!

THE OLD MAN
 * Yes, but quick. I am worried and sleepy. Good-night!
 * [He goes.]

PEER [hunted by the TROLL-IMPS].
 * Let me be, devil's imps!
 * [Tries to escape up the chimney.]

THE IMPS
 * Come brownies! Come nixies!
 * Bite him behind!

PEER
 * Ow!
 * [Tries to slip down the cellar trap-door.]

THE IMPS
 * Shut up all the crannies!

THE TROLL-COURTI