ACT 2
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.)
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?
It is Solveig-
(jumping up).
Where is she?
Behind the saeter.
If you come nearer, I'll run away!
Perhaps you're afraid I might take you in my arms?
For shame!
Do you know where I was last night?- Like a horse-fly the Dovre-King's daughter is after me.
Then it was well that the bells were set ringing.
Peer Gynt's not the lad they can lure astray.- What do you say?
(crying).
Oh, she's running away! (Running after her.) Wait!
Look here, what I have in my pocket! A silver button, child! You shall have it,- only speak for me!
Let me be; let me go!
There you have it.
Let go; there's the basket of food.
God pity you if you don't-!
Uf, how you scare me!
No, I only meant: beg her not to forget me!
(HELGA runs off.)
PGENG
