Now homewards! Though narrow and steep the path,
Though fate to the find may be never so biting—
Still old Peer Gynt will pursue his own way,
And remain what he is: poor, but virtuous ever.
[Goes out.
SCENE FOURTH. A hill-side seamed by the dry bed of a torrent. A ruined mill house beside the stream. The ground is torn up, and the whole place waste. Further up the hill, a large farm-house.
An auction is going on in front of the farm-house. There is a great gathering of people, who are drinking, with much noise. Peer Gynt is sitting on a rubbish-heap beside the mill.
Peer.
Forward and back, and it's just as far;
Out and in, and it's just as strait.—
Time wears away and the river gnaws on.
Go roundabout, the Boyg said;—and here one must.
A Man Dressed in Mourning.
Now there is only rubbish left over.
[Catches sight of Peer Gynt.
Are there strangers here too? God be with you, good friend!
Peer.
Well met! You have lively times here to-day.
Is't a christening junket or wedding feast?
The Man in Mourning.
I'd rather call it a house-warming treat;—
The bride is laid in a wormy bed.
