Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 4).djvu/286

The Old Man.

But my grandson has shot up both stout and tall,
And has flourishing children all over the land——

Peer.

Now, my dear man, spare us this flow of words;—
I've something quite different troubling my mind.—
I've got into rather a ticklish position,
And am greatly in need of a witness or voucher;—
That's how you could help me best, father-in-law,
And I'll find you a trifle to drink my health.

The Old Man.

You don't say so; can I be of use to his Highness?
You'll give me a character, then, in return?

Peer.

Most gladly. I'm somewhat hard pressed for cash,
And must cut down expenses in every direction.
Now hear what's the matter. No doubt you remember
That night when I came to the Rondë a-wooing——

The Old Man.

Why, of course, my Lord Prince!

Peer.

                                Oh, no more of the Prince!
But no matter. You wanted, by sheer brute force,
To bias my sight, with a slit in the lens,