Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 3).djvu/203

So fast we stride, we'll soon be living
Elucidations of their force.

The Sexton.

One thing I've ponder'd many a day;
You've studied,—what do folks intend
By that same "People's Promise," pray?

The Schoolmaster.

A People's Promise, my good friend?
That were a long investigation;
But 'tis a thing that is pursued
By force of sheer anticipation;
A grand Idea they must make good
In <g>future</g>, be it understood.

The Sexton.

Thanks; I see that at any rate;
But there's another point I'd fain
Beg of you briefly to explain.

The Schoolmaster.

Speak freely.

The Sexton.

              Tell me, at what date
Comes, what is call'd the future?

The Schoolmaster.

                                  Why,
It never does come!

The Sexton.

                    Never

The Schoolmaster.

                           No,
And only follows Nature so.