PEER GYNT
by Henrik Ibsen
ACT TWO
SCENE ONE
[A narrow path, high up in the mountains. Early morning.]
[PEER GYNT comes hastily and sullenly along the path. INGRID,
Still wearing some of her bridal ornaments, is trying to hold him
back.]
PEER
Get you from me!
INGRID [weeping].
After this, Peer?
Whither?
PEER
Where you will for me.
INGRID [wringing her hands].
Oh, what falsehood!
PEER
Useless railing.
Each alone must go his way.
INGRID
Sin-and sin again unites us!
PEER
Devil take all recollections!
Devil take the tribe of women-
all but one-!
INGRID
Who is that one, pray?
PEER
'Tis not you.
INGRID
Who is it then?
PEER
Go! Go thither whence you came!
Off! To your father!
INGRID
Dearest, sweetest-
PEER
Peace!
INGRID
You cannot mean it, surely,
what you're saying?
PEER
Can and do.
INGRID
First to lure-and then forsake me!
PEER
And what terms have you to offer?
INGRID
Hegstad Farm, and more besides.
PEER
Is your psalm-book in your kerchief?
Where's the gold-mane on your shoulders?
Do you glance adown your apron?
Do you hold your mother's skirt-fold?
Speak!
INGRID
No, but-
PEER
Went you to the pastor
this last spring-tide?
INGRID
No, but Peer-
PEER
Is there shyness in your glances?
When I beg, can you deny?
INGRID
Heaven! I think his wits are going!
PEER
Does your presence sanctify?
Speak!
INGRID
No, but-
PEER
What's all the rest then?
[Going.]
INGRID [blocking his way].
Know you it will cost your neck
should you fail me?
PEER
What do I care?
INGRID
You may win both wealth and honour
if you take me-
PEER
Can't afford.
INGRID [bursting into tears].
Oh, you lured me-!
PEER
You were willing.
INGRID
I was desperate!
PEER
Frantic I.
INGRID [threatening].
Dearly shall you pay for this!
PEER
Dearest payment cheap I'll reckon.
INGRID
Is your purpose set?
PEER
Like flint.
INGRID
Good! we'll see, then, who's the winner!
[Goes downwards.]
PEER [stands silent a moment, then cries:]
Devil take all recollections!
Devil take the tribe of women!
INGRID [turning her head, and calling mockingly upwards:]
All but one!
PEER
Yes, all but one.
[They go their several ways.]
End Scene One
Act Two--Scene Two
|
|