_Another part of the coast. Moonlight with drifting clouds. The yacht is seen far out, under full steam._ _PEER GYNT comes running along the beach; now pinching his arms, now gazing out to sea._ PEER. A nightmare!—Delusion!—I’ll soon be awake! She’s standing to sea! And at furious speed!— Mere delusion! I’m sleeping! I’m dizzy and drunk! [_Clenches his hands._ It’s not possible I should be going to die! [_Tearing his hair._ A dream! I’m determined it shall be a dream! Oh, horror! It’s only too real, worse luck! My brute-beasts of friends——! Do but hear me, oh Lord! Since though art so wise and so righteous——! Oh judge——! [_With upstretched arms._ It is _I_, Peter[85] Gynt! Oh, our Lord, give but heed! Hold thy hand o’er me, Father; or else I must perish! Make them back the machine! Make them lower the gig! Stop the robbers! Make something go wrong with the rigging! Hear me! Let other folks’ business lie over! The world can take care of itself for the time!— I’m blessed if he hears me! He’s deaf as his wont is! Here’s a nice thing! A God that is bankrupt of help! [_Beckons upwards._ Hist; I’ve abandoned the nigger-plantation! And missionaries I’ve exported to Asia! Surely one good turn should be worth another! Oh, help me on board——! [_A jet of fire shoots into the air from the yacht, followed by thick clouds of smoke; a hollow report is heard. PEER GYNT utters a shriek, and sinks down on the sands. Gradually the smoke clears away; the ship has disappeared._ PEER. [_Softly, with a pale face._]