Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 4).djvu/140

 PEER
 * And know you the compact? Outside the forest
 * whoever may meet me may seize me at will.

SOLVEIG
 * I ran upon snow-shoes; I asked my way on;
 * they said "Whither go you?" I answered, "I go home."

PEER
 * Away, away then with nails and planks!
 * No need now for bars against hobgoblin-thoughts.
 * If you dare dwell with the hunter here,
 * I know the hut will be blessed from ill.
 * Solveig! Let me look at you! Not too near!
 * Only look at you! Oh, but you are bright and pure!
 * Let me lift you! Oh, but you are fine and light!
 * Let me carry you, Solveig, and I'll never be tired!
 * I will not soil you. With outstretched arms
 * I will hold you far out from me, lovely and warm one!
 * Oh, who would have thought I could draw you to me,-
 * ah, but I have longed for you, daylong and nightlong.
 * Here you may see I've been hewing and building;-
 * it must down again, dear; it is ugly and mean-

SOLVEIG
 * Be it mean or brave,-here is all to my mind.
 * One so lightly draws breath in the teeth of the wind.
 * Down below it was airless; one felt as though choked