Of the loveliest straw. It will fit whoever first puts it on. Hei, there is more yet! An addled egg! A madman’s grey hair! And the Prophet’s beard! All these shall be his that will show on the hillside A post that has writ on it; Here lies your path! THE BAILIFF.[121] [_Who has come up._] You’re carrying on, my good man, so that almost I think that your path will lead straight to the lock-up. PEER. [_Hat in hand._] Quite likely. But, tell me, who was Peer Gynt? THE BAILIFF. Oh, nonsense—— PEER. Your pardon! Most humbly I beg——! THE BAILIFF. Oh, he’s said to have been an abominable liar——[122] PEER. A liar——? THE BAILIFF. Yes—all that was strong and great He made believe always that he had done it. But, excuse me, friend—I have other duties—— [_Goes._ PEER. And where is he now, this remarkable man? AN ELDERLY MAN. He fared over seas to a foreign land; It went ill with him there, as one well might foresee;— It’s many a year now since he was hanged. PEER. Hanged! Ay, ay! Why, I thought as much; Our lamented Peer Gynt was himself to the last. [_Bows._ Good-bye,—and best thanks for to-day’s merry meeting. [_Goes a few steps, but stops again._ You joyous youngsters, you comely lasses,— Shall I pay my shot with a traveller’s tale? SEVERAL VOICES. Yes; do you know any? PEER. Nothing more easy.— [_He comes nearer; a look of strangeness comes over him._