Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 4).djvu/64



SCENE SECOND
[A hillock, covered with bushes and heather. The highroad runs behind it; a fence between.] [PEER GYNT comes along a footpath, goes quickly up to the fence, stops, and looks out over the stretch of country below.] PEER
 * There it lies, Hegstad. Soon I'll have reached it.
 * [Puts one leg over the fence; then hesitates.]
 * Wonder if Ingrid's alone in the house now?
 * [Shades his eyes with his hand, and looks out.]
 * No; to the farm guests are swarming like gnats.-
 * Hm, to turn back now perhaps would be wisest.
 * [Draws back his leg.]
 * Still they must titter behind your back,
 * and whisper so that it burns right through you.
 * [Moves a few steps away from the fence, and begins absently plucking leaves.]
 * Ah, if I'd only a good strong dram now.
 * Or if I could pass to and fro unseen.-
 * Or were I unknown.-Something proper and strong
 * were the best thing of all, for the laughter don't bite then.
 * [Looks around suddenly as though afraid; then hides among the bushes. Some WEDDING-GUESTS pass by, going downwards towards the farm.]

A MAN [in conversation as they pass].
 * His father was drunken, his mother is w