PEER. Ruined? THE OLD MAN. Ay, plundered of every stiver. Here am I tramping it, starved as a wolf. PEER. Hurrah! Such a witness doesn’t grow on the trees. THE OLD MAN. My Lord Prince, too, has grizzled a bit since we met. PEER. My dear father-in-law, the years gnaw and wear one.— Well well, a truce to all private affairs,— And pray, above all things, no family jars. I was then a sad madcap—— THE OLD MAN. Oh yes; oh yes;— His Highness was young; and what won’t one do then? But his Highness was wise in rejecting his bride. He saved himself thereby both worry and shame, For since then she’s utterly gone to the bad—— PEER. Indeed! THE OLD MAN. She has led a deplorable life;[134] And, just think,—she and Trond are now living together. PEER. Which Trond? THE OLD MAN. Of the Valfjeld. PEER. It’s he? Aha; It was he I cut out with the sæter-girls. THE OLD MAN. But my grandson has shot up both stout and tall, And has flourishing children all over the land—— PEER. Now, my dear man, spare us this flow of words;— I’ve something quite different troubling my mind.— I’ve got into rather a ticklish position, And am greatly in need of a witness or voucher;— That’s how you could help me best, father-in-law, And I’ll find you a trifle to drink my health. THE OLD MAN. You don’t say so; can I be of use to his Highness? You’ll give me a character, then, in return? PEER. Most gladly. I’m somewhat hard pressed for cash, And must cut down expenses in every direction. Now hear what’s the matter. No doubt you remember That night when I came to the Rondë a-wooing—— THE OLD MAN. Why, of course, my Lord Prince! PEER. Oh, no more of the Prince! But no matter. You wanted, by sheer brute force, To bias my sight, with a slit in the lens, And to change me about from Peer Gynt to a troll. What did _I_ do then? I stood out against it,— Swore I would stand on no feet but my own; Love, power, and glory at once I renounced, And all for the sake of remaining myself. Now this fact, you see, you must swear to in Court—— THE OLD MAN. No, I’m blest if I can. PEER.