Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 4).djvu/141

Peer.

And know you the compact? Outside the forest
Whoever may meet me may seize me at will.

Solveig.

I ran upon snow-shoes; I asked my way on;
They said "Whither go you?" I answered, "I go home."

Peer.

Away, away then with nails and planks!
No need now for bars against hobgoblin-thoughts.
If you dare dwell with the hunter here,
I know the hut will be blessed from ill.
Solveig! Let me look at you! Not too near!
Only look at you! Oh, but you are bright and pure!
Let me lift you! Oh, but you are fine and light!
Let me carry you, Solveig, and I'll never be tired!
I will not soil you. With outstretched arms
I will hold you far out from me, lovely and warm one!
Oh, who would have thought I could draw you to me,—
Ah, but I have longed for you, daylong and nightlong.
Here you may see I've been hewing and building;—
It must down again, dear; it is ugly and mean——

Solveig.

Be it mean or brave,—here is all to my mind.
One so lightly draws breath in the teeth of the wind.
Down below it was airless; one felt as though choked;