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Hu! What a scream! It's the nixie or droug!
- Peer! Peer!-Up there on that hillock-!
- [She runs to the top of a little rise, and looks out over the tarn. SOLVEIG'S FATHER and MOTHER come up.]
ASE
- Not a sign to be seen!
THE FATHER [quietly].
- It is worst for him!
ASE [weeping].
- Oh, my Peer! Oh, my own lost lamb!
THE FATHER [nods mildly].
- You may well say lost.
ASE
- Oh no, don't talk like that!
- He is so clever. There's no one like him.
THE FATHER
- You foolish woman!
ASE
- Oh ay; oh ay;
- foolish I am, but the boy's all right!
THE FATHER [still softly and with mild eyes].
- His heart is hardened, his soul is lost.
ASE
