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PEER
- Old man, don't act like a headstrong ox!
- Hear reason, maiden! Let's come to terms.
- You must know I'm neither a prince nor rich;-
- and whether you measure or whether you weigh me,
- be sure you won't gain much by making me yours.
[THE GREEN-CLAD ONE is taken ill, and is carried out by TROLL-MAIDS.] THE OLD MAN [looks at him for a while in high disdain; then says:]
- Dash him to shards on the rock-walls, children!
THE TROLL-IMPS
- Oh dad, mayn't we play owl-and-eagle first!
- The wolf-game! Grey-mouse and glow-eyed cat!
THE OLD MAN
- Yes, but quick. I am worried and sleepy. Good-night!
- [He goes.]
PEER [hunted by the TROLL-IMPS].
- Let me be, devil's imps!
- [Tries to escape up the chimney.]
THE IMPS
- Come brownies! Come nixies!
- Bite him behind!
PEER
- Ow!
- [Tries to slip down the cellar trap-door.]
THE IMPS
- Shut up all the crannies!
THE TROLL-COURTI
