Part 2 (1/2)

=Jakob=--We don't care for any old sayings here, Jeppe! If you won't pay in advance you'll not get a drop. We have sworn off trusting anybody, even the overseer himself.

=Jeppe= (weeping)--Can't you trust me, I am an honest man?

=Jakob=--No credit, Jeppe.

=Jeppe=--Take the money then, you rascal!. Now it is done, drink now, Jeppe! (drinks). Ah! that feels good.

=Jakob=--Yes, that's the kind of stuff to warm a fellow's inside!

=Jeppe=--The best thing about whiskey is that it gives a man such spirit.

Now I think neither of my wife nor Master Erik, so changed have I become after the last gla.s.s. Do you know this song, Jakob? (Sings.)

Little Kirsten and Herr Peder they sat at the table, Peteheia, A spoke so many a jesting word, Polemeia.

In the summer sing the merry starling, Peteheia, May the devil take Nille, the wicked wench, Polemeia, I took a walk in bright green wood, Peteheia, The s.e.xton, he is a rascally dog, Polemeia, I seated myself on my dapple gray horse, Peteheia, The s.e.xton, he is a downright beast, Polemeia, But, if you will know the name of my wife, ----!

I wrote that song myself, Jakob!

=Jakob=--The devil you did!

=Jeppe=--Jeppe is not so stupid as you think. I have also made a song about the shoemaker which runs thus:

The Shoemaker with his fiddle and his drum, Philebom, Philebom.

=Jakob=--Why, you fool, that's a song for fiddlers.

=Jeppe=--Yes, sure enough. Look here, Jakob. Give me another dram!

=Jakob=--Good, now I can see that you are a fine fellow and don't begrudge my house an honest penny.

=Jeppe=--Hey, Jakob! Just give me for tuppence.

=Jakob=--Very well!

=Jeppe= (sings again)--

The earth drinks up the water, The sea drinks up the sun; The sun drinks up the ocean, Everything drinks in this world.

Why should I not then Drink with all the rest?

=Jakob=--Your health, Jeppe!

=Jeppe=--Mir zu.

=Jakob=--Good luck with half of it!

=Jeppe=--Ich tank ju, Jakob! Drik man, datt dig di Dyvel haal, datt ist dig vel undt.

=Jakob=--I hear you can talk German, Jeppe.

=Jeppe=--Sure, that's nothing new, but I don't usually talk it except when I'm drunk.