Peer.
Of the loveliest straw.
It will fit whoever first puts it on.
Hei, there is more yet! An addled egg!
A madman's grey hair! And the Prophet's beard!
All these shall be his that will show on the hillside
A post that has writ on it; Here lies your path!
The Bailiff.[1]
[Who has come up.]
You're carrying on, my good man, so that almost
I think that your path will lead straight to the lock-up.
Peer.
[Hat in hand.]
Quite likely. But, tell me, who was Peer Gynt?
The Bailiff.
Oh, nonsense
Peer.
Your pardon! Most humbly I beg!
The Bailiff.
Oh, he's said to have been an abominable liar[2]
Peer.
A liar?
The Bailiff.
Yes—all that was strong and great
He made believe always that he had done it.
But, excuse me, friend—I have other duties
[Goes.
