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omes sidling up again].
- I'll give you an ox if you'll help me!
PEER
- Then come!
[They go out behind the house. At the same moment a crowd of men come up from the dancing-green; most of them are drunk. Noise and hubbub. SOLVEIG, HELGA, and their PARENTS appear among a number of elderly people in the doorway.] THE MASTER-COOK [to the SMITH, who is the foremost of the crowd].
- Keep peace now!
THE SMITH [pulling off his jacket].
- No, we must fight it out here.
- Peer Gynt or I must be taught a lesson.
SOME VOICES
- Ay, let them fight for it!
OTHERS
- No, only wrangle!
THE SMITH
- Fists must decide; for the case is past words.
SOLVEIG'S FATHER
- Control yourself, man!