Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 4).djvu/277

 e.
 * We're both in a hurry, and so, to save time,
 * I'll explain the reason of the whole affair.
 * You are, with your own lips you told me so,
 * no sinner on the so-called heroic scale,-
 * scarce middling even-

PEER
 * Ah, now you're beginning
 * to talk common sense

THE BUTTON-MOULDER
 * Just have patience a bit-
 * but to call you virtuous would be going too far.-

PEER
 * Well, you know I have never laid claim to that.

THE BUTTON-MOULDER
 * You're nor one thing nor t'other then, only so-so.
 * A sinner of really grandiose style
 * is nowadays not to be met on the highways.
 * It wants much more than merely to wallow in mire;
 * for both vigour and earnestness go to a sin.

PEER
 * Ay, it's very true, that remark of yours;
 * one has to lay on, like the old Berserkers.

THE BUTTON-MOULDER
 * You, friend, on the other hand, took your sin lightly.

PEER
 * Only outwardly, friend, like a splash of mud.

THE BUTTON-MOULDER
 * Ah, we'll soon be at one now. The sulphur pool
 * is no place for you, who but plashed in the mire.