Peer.
But suppose a man never has come to know
What Master meant with him?
The Button-moulder.
He must divine it.
Peer.
But how oft are divinings beside the mark,—
Then one's carried "ad undas"[1] in middle career.
The Button-moulder.
That is certain, Peer Gynt; in default of divining
The cloven-hoofed gentleman finds his best hook.
Peer.
This matter's excessively complicated.—
See here! I no longer plead being myself;—
It might not be easy to get it proven.
That part of my case I must look on as lost.
But just now, as I wandered alone o'er the heath,
I felt my conscience-shoe pinching me;
I said to myself: After all, you're a sinner
The Button-moulder.
You seem bent on beginning all over again
Peer.
No, very far from it; a <g>great</g> one I mean;
Not only in deeds, but in words and desires.
I've lived a most damnable life abroad
The Button-moulder.
Perhaps; I must ask you to show me the schedule!
- ↑ So in original.