Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 4).djvu/128



SCENE EIGHTH
[Sunrise. The mountain-side in front of ASE's saeter. The door is shut; all is silent and deserted.] [PEER GYNT iS lying asleep by the wall of the saeter.] PEER [wakens, and looks about him with dull and heavy eyes. He spits].
 * What wouldn't I give for a pickled herring!

[Spits again, and at the same moment catches sight of HELGA, who appears carrying a basket of food.]
 * Ha, child, are you there? What is it you want?

HELGA
 * It is Solveig-

PEER [jumping up].
 * Where is she?

HELGA
 * Behind the saeter.

SOLVEIG [unseen].
 * If you come nearer, I'll run away!

PEER [stopping short].
 * Perhaps you're afraid I might take you in my arms?