Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 4).djvu/52

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him].

Can you deny
that you were the foremost brawler
in the mighty battle royal
fought the other day at Lunde,
when you raged like mongrels mad?
Who was it but you that broke
Blacksmith Aslak's arm for him,-
or at any rate that wrenched one
of his fingers out of joint?

PEER

Who has filled you with such prate?

ASE [hotly].

Cottar Kari heard the yells!

PEER [rubbing his elbow].

Maybe, but 'twas I that howled.

ASE

You?

PEER

Yes, mother,-I got beaten.

ASE

What d'you say?

PEER

He's limber, he is.

ASE

Who?