Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 4).djvu/285

 AN
 * But my grandson has flourished-grown both stout and great,
 * and has strapping children all over the country-

PEER
 * Now, my dear man, spare us this flow of words;-
 * I've something quite different troubling my mind.-
 * I've got into rather a ticklish position,
 * and am greatly in need of a witness or voucher;-
 * that's how you could help me best, father-in-law,
 * and I'll find you a trifle to drink my health with.

THE OLD MAN
 * You don't say so; can I be of use to his Highness?
 * You'll give me a character, then, in return?

PEER
 * Most gladly. I'm somewhat hard pressed for cash,
 * and must cut down expenses in every direction.
 * Now hear what's the matter. No doubt you remember
 * that night when I came to the Ronde a-wooing-

THE OLD MAN
 * Why, of course, my Lord Prince!

PEER
 * Oh, no more of the Prince!
 * But no matter. You wanted, by sheer brute force,
 * to bias my sight, with a slit in the lens,