Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 4).djvu/205

 h!
 * I'll dismount! Like your slave, I will lead your palfrey!
 * [Hands her his riding-whip, and dismounts.]
 * There now, my rosebud, my exquisite flower!
 * Here I'll go trudging my way through the sand,
 * till a sunstroke o'ertakes me and finishes me.
 * I'm young, Anitra; bear that in mind!
 * You mustn't be shocked at my escapades.
 * Frolics and high-jinks are youth's sole criterion!
 * And so, if your intellect weren't so dense,
 * you would see at a glance, oh my fair oleander,-
 * your lover is frolicsome-ergo, he's young!

ANITRA
 * Yes, you are young. Have you any more rings?

PEER
 * Am I not? There, grab! I can leap like a buck!
 * Were there vine-leaves around, I would garland my brow.
 * To be sure I am young! Hei, I'm going to dance!
 * [Dances and sings.]
 * I am a blissful game-cock!
 * Peck me, my little pullet!
 * Hop-sa-sa! Let me trip it;-
 * I am a blissful game-cock!

ANITRA
 * You are sweating, my prophet; I fear you will melt;-
 * hand me that heavy bag hung at your belt.

PEER
 * Tender solicitude! Bear the purse ever;-
 * hearts that can love are content without gold!
 * [Dances and sings again