Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 4).djvu/144

 AN
 * Come now, Peer Gynt, you're as rude as an ox!
 * [Weeping.]
 * Is it my fault if no longer I'm fair,
 * as I was when you lured me on hillside and lea?
 * Last fall, in my labour, the Fiend held my back,
 * and so 'twas no wonder I came out a fright.
 * But if you would see me as fair as before,
 * you have only to turn yonder girl out of doors,
 * drive her clean out of your sight and your mind;-
 * do but this, dear my love, and I'll soon lose my snout!

PEER
 * Begone from me, troll-witch!

THE WOMAN
 * Ay, see if I do!

PEER
 * I'll split your skull open-!

THE WOMAN
 * Just try if you dare!
 * Ho-ho, Peer Gynt, I've no fear of blows!
 * Be sure I'll return every day of the year.
 * I'll set the door ajar and peep in at you both.
 * When you're sitting with your girl on the fireside bench,-
 * when you're tender, Peer Gynt,-when you'd pet and caress her,-
 * I'll seat myself by you, and ask for my share.
 * She there and I-we will take you by turns.
 * Farewell, dear my lad, you can marry to-morrow!

PEER
 * You nightmare of hell!

THE WOM