It’s likely enough. So it’s really kind, as you promised just now, To help eke things out. PEER. [_Thumping the bulwark._] I’ll be damned if I do. Do you think I am mad? Would you have me fork out For the sake of a parcel of other folks’ brats? I’ve slaved much too sorely in earning my cash There’s nobody waiting for old Peer Gynt. THE CAPTAIN. Well well; as you please then; your money’s your own. PEER. Right! Mine it is, and no one else’s. We’ll reckon as soon as your anchor is down! Take my fare, in the cabin, from Panama here. Then brandy all round to the crew. Nothing more. If I give a doit more, slap my jaw for me, Captain. THE CAPTAIN. I owe you a quittance, and not a thrashing;— But excuse me, the wind’s blowing up to a gale. [_He goes forward. It has fallen dark; lights are lit in the cabin. The sea increases. Fog and thick clouds._ PEER. To have a whole bevy of youngsters at home;— Still to dwell in their minds as a coming delight;— To have others’ thoughts follow you still on your path!— There’s never a soul gives a thought to me.— Lights in the sconces! I’ll put out those lights. I will hit upon something!—I’ll make them all drunk;— Not one of the devils shall go sober ashore. They shall all come home drunk to their children and wives! They shall curse; bang the table till it rings again,— They shall scare those that wait for them out of their wits! The goodwife shall scream and rush forth from the house,— Clutch her children along! All their joy gone to ruin! [_The ship gives a heavy lurch; he staggers and keeps his balance with difficulty._ Why, that was a buffet and no mistake. The sea’s hard at labour, as though it were paid for it;— It’s still itself here on the coasts of the north;— A cross-sea, as wry and wrong-headed as ever—— [_Listens._ Why, what can those screams be? THE LOOK-OUT. [_Forward._] A wreck a-lee! THE CAPTAIN. [_On the main deck, shouts._] Starboard your helm! Bring her up to the wind! THE MATE. Are there men on the wreck? THE LOOK-OUT. I can just see three! PEER. Quick: lower the stern boat—— THE CAPTAIN.