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Hu! What a scream! It's the nixie or droug![1]
Peer! Peer!—Up there on that hillock!
[She runs to the top of a little rise, and looks out over the tarn. Solveig's Father and Mother come up.
Åse.
Not a sign to be seen!
The Father.
[Quietly.]
It is worst for him!
Åse.
[Weeping.]
Oh, my Peer! Oh, my own lost lamb!
The Father.
[Nods mildly.]
You may well say lost.
Åse.
Oh no, don't talk like that!
He is so clever. There's no one like him.
The Father.
You foolish woman!
Åse.
Oh ay; oh ay;
Foolish I am, but the boy's all right!
The Father.
[Still softly and with mild eyes.]
His heart is hardened, his soul is lost.
- ↑ A malevolent water-monster.
