Part 3 (1/2)

OLD MAN. Let me look at you! [Gazes fixedly at him.] Something has happened here--

PEHR. Nothing--nothing whatever!

OLD MAN. My son, it will soon be midnight. Don't you want to retire to your room so that I may lock you in?

PEHR. You always want to shut me in! Tell me, Father, have you never meant to let me out in the world? Surely you cannot have thought that I should sit here forever, and dry up!

OLD MAN. I have seen life; I know its Sodom apples--therefore I wish to s.h.i.+eld you.

PEHR. But life is not as sour as you say, perhaps.

OLD MAN. What do you know about it?

PEHR. Oh, I can see things from my high place! Come here and I will show you.

OLD MAN. What can you show me that I do not already know?

PEHR. [Leads Old Man to the window.] Look! Do you see the great house on the square?

OLD MAN. Yes; but make haste! Before the clock strikes twelve, you must be in bed.

PEHR. Do you see the Christmas-tree, with its gold and silver?

OLD MAN. Only paper, boy!

PEHR. And the golden fruits of the tropics?

OLD MAN. Worm-eaten--

PEHR. And the sun--Happiness--how it s.h.i.+nes on the children's faces!

OLD MAN. Between times distorted by envy--

PEHR. And the old man who sits there, contented and happy--

OLD MAN. It's a lie! He trembles in his heart for the house rent, which must be paid on the new year--

PEHR. He--the rich man?

OLD MAN. Hides his approaching downfall!

PEHR. And those young people--Do you see how he stretches his arm--

OLD MAN. After the father's money bag!

PEHR. Shame on you! Their lips meet--

OLD MAN. In l.u.s.t!

PEHR. What is that?--Ah! Now look up there, at the gable window, with the single light--