]
What's this? A human habitation! Not even here is a moment's peace
granted me--Maledictions!
A VOICE. Curse not!
[It darkens and the sea begins to rise, moving toward him during
following speech so that he is forced down stage.]
PEHR. Who spoke? [Tries to flee toward left and is met by elk.]
Wild beasts stop me! [Tries to flee toward right, but is
intercepted by bulls.] Even here--Back! [Animals come on stage and
crowd around him.] They surround me! Help! [Runs to but and
knocks.] Is no one here? Help, help! [Attempts to cast himself into
the sea, but sea-serpents and dragons rise up.] Ah, nature, even
you are a savage monster that would devour all you come upon! You,
my last friend, tricked me also--What terror's visions! The sea
would swallow me. What is my life worth more? Come, Death, and set
me free! [Sea gradually subsides.]
[Enter Death; beasts vanish.]
DEATH. Here am I, at your service! What would you me?
PEHR. [Cowers, but recovers himself.] Oh, really!--It was nothing
especially pressing--
DEATH. You called me!
PEHR. Did I actually do that? Well, it is only a form of speech
which we use; I really want nothing of you.
DEATH. But I want something of you! Stand straight on your legs and
I'll cut; it will be over in no time. [Raises scythe.]
PEHR. Mercy, mercy! I don't want to die!
DEATH. Bosh! What has life to offer you who have no wishes left?
PEHR. That one does not know; if one might stop to consider, then
perhaps--
DEATH.
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