SCENE FIRST.
On the south-west coast of Morocco. A palm-grove. Under an awning, on ground covered with matting, a table spread for dinner. Further back in the grove hammocks are slung. In the offing lies a steam-yacht, flying the Norwegian and American colours. A jolly-boat drawn up on the beach. It is towards sunset.
Peer Gynt, a handsome middle-aged gentleman, in an elegant travelling-dress, with a gold-rimmed double eyeglass hanging at his waistcoat, is doing the honours at the head of the table. Mr. Cotton,[1] Monsieur Ballon, Herr von Eberkopf, and Herr Trumpeterstråle,[2] are seated at the table finishing dinner.
Peer Gynt.
Drink, gentlemen! If man is made
For pleasure, let him take his fill then.
You know 'tis written: Lost is lost,
And gone is gone. What may I hand you?
Trumpeterstråle.
As host you're princely, Brother Gynt!
