By-the-bye, I forgot! You must rear your own youngster, you light-footed scamp! Little imp, will you go to your father? THE BRAT. [_Spits at him._] Faugh! I’ll chop you with my hatchet; only wait, only wait! THE WOMAN. [_Kisses THE BRAT._] What a head he has got on his shoulders, the dear! You’ll be dad’s living image when once you’re a man! PEER. [_Stamping._] Oh, would you were as far——! THE WOMAN. As we now are near? PEER. [_Clenching his hands._] And all this——! THE WOMAN. For nothing but thoughts and desires! It is hard on you, Peer! PEER. It is worst for another!— Solveig, my fairest, my purest gold! THE WOMAN. Oh ay, ’tis the guiltless must smart, said the devil: His mother boxed his ears when his father was drunk! [_She trudges off into the thicket with THE BRAT, who throws the flagon at PEER GYNT._ PEER. [_After a long silence._]