Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 4).djvu/204

 PEER
 * Coquette!
 * What, home! To father-in-law! That would be fine!
 * We madcap birds that have flown from the cage
 * must never come into his sight again.
 * Besides, my child, in the self-same place
 * it's wisest never to stay too long;
 * for familiarity lessens respect;-
 * most of all when one comes as a prophet or such.
 * One should show oneself glimpse-wise, and pass like a dream.
 * Faith, 'twas time that the visit should come to an end.
 * They're unstable of soul, are these sons of the desert;-
 * both incense and prayers dwindled off towards the end.

ANITRA
 * Yes, but are you a prophet?

PEER
 * Your Emperor I am!

[Tries to kiss her.]
 * Why just see now how coy the wee woodpecker is!

ANITRA
 * Give me that ring that you have on your finger.

PEER
 * Take, sweet Anitra, the whole of the trash!

ANITRA
 * Thy words are as songs! Oh, how dulcet their sound!

PEER
 * How blessed to know oneself loved to this pitc