PEER. You’ll promise then—— ÅSE. Nothing! I’ll to Hegstad with you! They shall know you, what you are! PEER. Then you’ll even have to stay here. ÅSE. Never! To the feast I’m coming! PEER. That you shan’t. ÅSE. What will you do? PEER. Perch you on the mill-house roof. [_He puts her up on the roof. ÅSE screams._ ÅSE. Lift me down! PEER. Yes, if you’ll listen— ÅSE. Rubbish! PEER. Dearest mother, pray—— ÅSE. [_Throwing a sod of grass at him._] Lift me down this moment, Peer! PEER. If I dared, be sure I would. [_Coming nearer._ Now remember, sit quite still. Do not sprawl and kick about; Do not tug and tear the shingles,— Else ’twill be the worse for you; You might topple down. ÅSE. You beast! PEER. Do not kick! ÅSE. I’d have you blown, Like a changeling, into space![29] PEER. Mother, fie! ÅSE. Bah! PEER. Rather give your Blessing on my undertaking. Will you? Eh? ÅSE. I’ll thrash you soundly, Hulking fellow though you be! PEER. Well, good-bye then, mother dear! Patience; I’ll be back ere long [_Is going, but turns, holds up his finger warningly, and says_: Careful now, don’t kick and sprawl! [_Goes._ ÅSE. Peer!—God help me, now he’s off; Reindeer-rider! Liar! Hei! Will you listen!—No, he’s striding O’er the meadow——! [_Shrieks._] Help. I’m dizzy! _TWO OLD WOMEN, with sacks on their backs, come down the path to the mill._ FIRST WOMAN. Christ, who’s screaming? ÅSE. It is I! SECOND WOMAN. Åse! Well, you are exalted! ÅSE. This won’t be the end of it;— Soon, God help me, I’ll be heaven high. FIRST WOMAN. Bless your passing!