Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 4).djvu/122

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 * Now the small-fry are happy!

PEER [struggling with a little imp that has bit himself fast to
 * his ear].
 * Let go, will you, beast!

THE COURTIER [hitting him across the fingers].
 * Gently, you scamp, with a scion of royalty!

PEER
 * A rat-hole-!
 * [Runs to it.]

THE IMPS
 * Be quick, Brother Nixie, and block it!

PEER
 * The old one was bad, but the youngsters are worse!

THE IMPS
 * Slash him!

PEER
 * Oh, would I were small as a mouse!
 * [Rushing around.]

THE IMPS [swarming round him].
 * Close the ring! Close the ring!

PEER [weeping].
 * Would that I were a louse!
 * [He falls.]

THE IMPS
 * Now into his eyes!

PEER [bu