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Åse.
[Throwing a sod of grass at him.]
Lift me down this moment, Peer!
Peer.
If I dared, be sure I would. [Coming nearer.
Now remember, sit quite still.
Do not sprawl and kick about;
Do not tug and tear the shingles,—
Else 'twill be the worse for you;
You might topple down.
Åse.
You beast
Peer.
Do not kick!
Åse.
I'd have you blown,
Like a changeling, into space![1]
Peer.
Mother, fie!
Åse.
Bah!
Peer.
Rather give your
Blessing on my undertaking.
Will you? Eh?
Åse.
I'll thrash you soundly,
Hulking fellow though you be!
- ↑ It is believed in some parts of Norway that "changelings"
(elf-children left in the stead of those taken away by the fairies)
can, by certain spells, be made to fly away up the chimney.
