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e.
- We're both in a hurry, and so, to save time,
- I'll explain the reason of the whole affair.
- You are, with your own lips you told me so,
- no sinner on the so-called heroic scale,-
- scarce middling even-
PEER
- Ah, now you're beginning
- to talk common sense
THE BUTTON-MOULDER
- Just have patience a bit-
- but to call you virtuous would be going too far.-
PEER
- Well, you know I have never laid claim to that.
THE BUTTON-MOULDER
- You're nor one thing nor t'other then, only so-so.
- A sinner of really grandiose style
- is nowadays not to be met on the highways.
- It wants much more than merely to wallow in mire;
- for both vigour and earnestness go to a sin.
PEER
- Ay, it's very true, that remark of yours;
- one has to lay on, like the old Berserkers.
THE BUTTON-MOULDER
- You, friend, on the other hand, took your sin lightly.
PEER
- Only outwardly, friend, like a splash of mud.
THE BUTTON-MOULDER
- Ah, we'll soon be at one now. The sulphur pool
- is no place for you, who but plashed in the mire.
