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SCENE EIGHTH
[Sunrise. The mountain-side in front of ASE's saeter. The door is shut; all is silent and deserted.] [PEER GYNT iS lying asleep by the wall of the saeter.] PEER [wakens, and looks about him with dull and heavy eyes. He spits].
- What wouldn't I give for a pickled herring!
[Spits again, and at the same moment catches sight of HELGA, who appears carrying a basket of food.]
- Ha, child, are you there? What is it you want?
HELGA
- It is Solveig-
PEER [jumping up].
- Where is she?
HELGA
- Behind the saeter.
SOLVEIG [unseen].
- If you come nearer, I'll run away!
PEER [stopping short].
- Perhaps you're afraid I might take you in my arms?
