Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/467

Falk [acquiescing].

Ah, were there scandal in the case, indeed—

Strawman [despondently].

No matter. Read its columns with good heed,
You'll see me offered up to Vengeance.

Falk [whimsically].

                                        Nay,
To retribution—well-earned punishment.
Thro' all our life there runs a Nemesis,
Which may delay, but never will relent,
And grants to none exception or release.
Who wrongs the Ideal? Straight there rushes in
The Press, its guardian with the Argus eye,
And the offender suffers for his sin.

Strawman.

But in the name of heaven, what pledge have I
Given this "Ideal" that's ever on your tongue?
I'm married, have a family, twelve young
And helpless innocents to clothe and keep;
I have my daily calls on every side,
Churches remote and glebe and pasture wide,
Great herds of breeding cattle, ghostly sheep—
All to be watched and cared for, clipt and fed,
Grain to be winnowed, compost to be spread;—
Wanted all day in shippon and in stall,
What time have I to serve the "Ideal" withal?