PEER GYNT (Illustrated Edition). Henrik Ibsen
ones from the west?
The First Man
Ay, the people from Hedal.
The Other
Ah yes, so they are.
Peer [places himself in the path of the new-comers, points to SOLVEIG, and asks the FATHER:]
May I dance with your daughter?
The Father [quietly]
You may so; but first
we must go to the farm-house and greet the good people.
[They go in.]
The Master-cook [to PEER GYNT, offering him drink]
Since you are here, you’d best take a pull at the liquor.
Peer [looking fixedly after the new-comers]
Thanks; I’m for dancing; I am not athirst.
[The MASTER–COOK goes away from him. PEER GYNT gazes towards the house and laughs.]
How fair! Did ever you see the like?
Looked down at her shoes and her snow-white-apron —!
And then she held on to her mother’s skirt-folds,
and carried a psalm-book wrapped up in a kerchief —!
I must look at that girl.
[Going into the house.]
A Lad [coming out of the house, with several others]
Are you off so soon, Peer,
from the dance?
Peer
No, no.
The Lad
Then you’re heading amiss!
[Takes hold of his shoulder to turn him round.]
Peer
Let me pass!
The Lad
I believe you’re afraid of the smith.
Peer
I afraid!
The Lad
You remember what happened at Lunde?
[They go off, laughing, to the dancing-green.]
Solveig [in the doorway of the house]
Are you not the lad that was wanting to dance?
Peer
Of course it was me; don’t you know me again?
[Takes her hand.]
Come, then!
Solveig
We mustn’t go far, mother said.
Peer
Mother said! Mother said! Were you born yesterday?
Solveig
Now you’re laughing —!
Peer
Why sure, you are almost a child.
Are you grown up?
Solveig
I read with the pastor last spring.
Peer
Tell me your name, lass, and then we’ll talk easier.
Solveig
My name is Solveig. And what are you called?
Peer
Peer Gynt.
Solveig [withdrawing her hand]
Oh heaven!
Peer
Why, what is it now?
Solveig
My garter is loose; I must tie it up tighter.
[Goes away from him.]
Peer among the Wedding Guests
The Bridegroom [pulling at his MOTHER’S gown]
Mother, she will not —!
His Mother
She will not? What?
The Bridegroom
She won’t, mother —
His Mother
What?
The Bridegroom
Unlock the door.
His Father [angrily, below his breath]
Oh, you’re only fit to be tied in a stall!
His Mother
Don’t scold him. Poor dear, he’ll be all right yet.
[They move away.]
A Lad [coming with a whole crowd of others from the dancing-green]
Peer, have some brandy?
Peer
No.
The Lad
Only a drain?
Peer [looking darkly at him]
Got any?
The Lad
Well, I won’t say but I have.
[Pulls out a pocket-flask and drinks.]
Ah! How it stings your throat!— Well?
Peer [Drinks.]
Let me try it.
Another Lad
Now you must try mine as well, you know.
Peer
No!
The Lad
Oh, nonsense; now don’t be a fool.
Take a pull, Peer!
Peer
Well then, give me a drop.
[Drinks again.]
A Girl [half aloud]
Come, let’s be going.
Peer
Afraid of me, wench?
A Third Lad
Who isn’t afraid of you?
A Fourth
At Lunde
you showed us clearly what tricks you could play.
Peer
I can do more than that, when once I get started!
The First Lad [whispering]
Now he’s getting into swing!
Several Others [forming a circle around him]
Tell away! Tell away!
What can you —?
Peer
To-morrow —!
Others
No, now, to-night!
A Girl
Can you conjure, Peer?
Peer
I can call up the devil!
A Man
My