[_A sound of bells and of psalm-singing is heard far away._ THE BOYG. [_Shrinks up to nothing, and says in a gasp_:] He was too strong. There were women behind him. SCENE EIGHTH. _Sunrise. The mountain-side in front of ÅSE’S sæter. The door is shut; all is silent and deserted._ _PEER GYNT is lying asleep by the wall of the sæter._ PEER. [_Wakens, and looks about him with dull and heavy eyes. He spits._] What wouldn’t I give for a pickled herring! [_Spits again, and at the same moment catches sight of HELGA, who appears carrying a basket of food._ Ha, child, are you there? What is it you want? HELGA. It is Solveig—— PEER. [_Jumping up._] Where is _she_? HELGA. Behind the sæter. SOLVEIG. [_Unseen._] If you come nearer, I’ll run away! PEER. [_Stopping short._] Perhaps you’re afraid I might take you in my arms? SOLVEIG. For shame! PEER. Do you know where I was last night?— Like a horse-fly the Dovrë-King’s daughter is after me. SOLVEIG. Then it was well that the bells were set ringing. PEER. Peer Gynt’s not the lad they can lure astray.— What do you say? HELGA. [_Crying._] Oh, she’s running away! [_Running after her._ Wait! PEER. [_Catches her by the arm._] Look here, what I have in my pocket! A silver button, child! You shall have it,— Only speak for me! HELGA. Let me be; let me go! PEER. There you have it. HELGA. Let go; there’s the basket of food. PEER. God pity you if you don’t—— HELGA. Uf, how you scare me! PEER. [_Gently; letting her go._] No, I only meant: beg her not to forget me! [_HELGA runs off._ ----- Footnotes: ----- Footnote 43: See note on page 35. Footnote 44: