Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906)

Peer Gynt

Translated by Robert Farquharson Sharp

Act II

Scene 1

(A narrow path, high up in the mountains. Early morning.)

(Peer Gynt comes hastily and sullenly along the path. Ingrid, still wearing some of her bridal ornaments, is trying to hold him back.)

PEER. Get you from me!

INGRID (weeping). After this, Peer? Whither?

PEER. Where you will for me.

INGRID (wringing her hands). Oh, what falsehood!

PEER. Useless railing. Each alone must go his way.

INGRID. Sin—and sin again unites us!

PEER. Devil take all recollections! Devil take the tribe of women—all but one—!

INGRID. Who is that one, pray?

PEER. ’Tis not you.

INGRID. Who is it then?

PEER. Go! Go thither whence you came! Off! To your father!

INGRID. Dearest, sweetest—

PEER. Peace!

INGRID. You cannot mean it, surely, what you’re saying?

PEER. Can and do.

INGRID. First to lure—and then forsake me!

PEER. And what terms have you to offer?

INGRID. Hegstad Farm, and more besides.

PEER. Is your psalm-book in your kerchief? Where’s the gold-mane on your shoulders? Do you glance adown your apron? Do you hold your mother’s skirt-fold? Speak!

INGRID. No, but—

PEER. Went you to the pastor this last spring-tide?

INGRID. No, but Peer—

PEER. Is there shyness in your glances? When I beg, can you deny?

INGRID. Heaven! I think his wits are going!

PEER. Does your presence sanctify? Speak!

INGRID. No, but—

PEER. What’s all the rest then? (Going.)

INGRID (blocking his way). Know you it will cost your neck should you fail me?

PEER. What do I care?

INGRID. You may win both wealth and honour if you take me—

PEER. Can’t afford.

INGRID (bursting into tears). Oh, you lured me—!

PEER. You were willing.

INGRID. I was desperate!

PEER. Frantic I.

INGRID (threatening). Dearly shall you pay for this!

PEER. Dearest payment cheap I’ll reckon.

INGRID. Is your purpose set?

PEER. Like flint.

INGRID. Good! we’ll see, then, who’s the winner!

(Goes downwards.)

PEER (stands silent a moment, then cries): Devil take all recollections! Devil take the tribe of women!

INGRID (turning her head, and calling mockingly upwards): All but one!

PEER. Yes, all but one.

(They go their several ways.)

Act I Scene 3

Act II Scene 2