[_They go out behind the house. At the same moment a crowd of men come forward from the dancing green; most of them are drunk. Noise and hubbub. SOLVEIG, HELGA, and their PARENTS appear among a number of elderly people in the doorway._ THE KITCHEN-MASTER. [_To the SMITH, who is the foremost of the crowd._] Keep peace now! THE SMITH. [_Pulling off his jacket._] No, we must fight it out here.[40] Peer Gynt or I must be taught a lesson.[41] SOME VOICES. Ay, let them fight for it! OTHERS. No, only wrangle! THE SMITH. Fists must decide; for the case is past words. SOLVEIG’S FATHER. Control yourself, man! HELGA. Will they beat him, mother? A LAD. Let us rather taunt him with all his lies! ANOTHER. Kick him out of the company. A THIRD. Spit in his eyes. A FOURTH. [_To the SMITH._] You’re not backing out, smith? THE SMITH. [_Flinging away his jacket._] The jade shall be slaughtered! SOLVEIG’S MOTHER. [_To SOLVEIG._] There, you can see how that windbag is thought of. ÅSE. [_Coming up with a stick in her hand._] Is that son of mine here? Now he’s in for a drubbing! Oh! how heartily I will dang him! THE SMITH. [_Rolling up his shirt-sleeves._] That switch is too light for a carcase like his. SOME OF THE CROWD. The smith will dang him! OTHERS. Bang him! THE SMITH. [_Spits on his hands and nods to Åse._] Hang him! ÅSE. What? Hang my Peer? Ay, just try if you dare;— Åse and I,[42] we have teeth and claws!— Where is he? [_Calls across the yard._] Peer! THE BRIDEGROOM. [_Comes running up._] Oh, God’s death on the cross! Come father, come mother, and——! HIS FATHER. What is the matter? THE BRIDEGROOM. Just fancy, Peer Gynt——!