Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 4).djvu/252

 [in a low voice].
 * Is it his way to light a lantern
 * for life's night-pilgrimage through fear?

PEER
 * Ah, come! When once the thing's cleared up,
 * you'd seem a messenger of light?

THE PASSENGER
 * Friend,-have you once in each half-year
 * felt all the earnestness of dread?

PEER
 * Why, one's afraid when danger threatens;-
 * but all your words have double meanings.

THE PASSENGER
 * Ay, have you gained but once in life
 * the victory that is given in dread?

PEER [looks at him].
 * Came you to ope for me a door,
 * 'twas stupid not to come before.
 * What sort of sense is there in choosing
 * your time when seas gape to devour one?

THE PASSENGER
 * Were, then, the victory more likely
 * beside your hearth-stone, snug and quiet?

PEER
 * Perhaps not; but your talk befooled me.
 * How could you fancy it awakening?

THE PASSENG