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PF
- Witty, but a jest!
PEER [after a short silence, leaning on a chair and assuming a
- dignified mien].
- Come, gentlemen, I think it best
- we part before the last remains
- of friendship melt away like smoke.
- Who nothing owns will lightly risk it.
- When in the world one scarce commands
- the strip of earth one's shadow covers,
- one's born to serve as food for powder.
- But when a man stands safely landed,
- as I do, then his stake is greater.
- Go you to Hellas. I will put you
- ashore, and arm you gratis too.
- The more you eke the flames of strife,
- the better will it serve my purpose.
- Strike home for freedom and for right!
- Fight! storm! make hell hot for the Turks;-
- and gloriously end your days
- upon the Janissaries' lances.-
- But I-excuse me-
- [Slaps his pocket.]
- I have cash,
- and am myself, Sir Peter Gynt.
[Puts up his sunshade, and goes into the grove, where the hammocks are partly visible.] TRUMPETERSTRALE
- The swinish cur!
MONSIEUR BALLON
- No taste for glory