Homepage
Login
Profile
BookClubs
dmBox
Read Ebook: The Journal of Negro History Volume 2 1917 by Various
Font size:
Background color:
Text color:
Add to tbrJar First Page Next Page Prev Page
Ebook has 1927 lines and 213518 words, and 39 pages
A priest.
THE PEASANT.
Maybe; but one thing's clear at least; Though you were dean and bishop too Death will have laid his grip on you Ere daybreak, if you dare to breast The glacier's cavern-cloven crest. Hark, priest, the wisest, learned'st man Cannot do more than what he can. Turn back; don't be so stiff and stout! A man has but a single life;-- What has he left if that goes out? The nearest farm is two leagues off, And for the fog, it's thick enough To hack at with a hunting-knife.
BRAND.
If the fog's thick, no glimmering ray Of marsh-light lures our feet astray.
THE PEASANT.
All round lie ice-tarns in a ring, And an ice-tarn's an ugly thing.
BRAND.
We'll walk across.
THE PEASANT.
On waves you'll walk! Your deeds will hardly match your talk.
BRAND.
Yet one has proved,--whose faith is sound May walk dry-footed on the sea.
THE PEASANT.
Yes, men of olden time, maybe; But nowadays he'd just be drowned.
BRAND.
Farewell!
THE PEASANT.
You throw your life away!
BRAND.
THE PEASANT.
Nay, but his wits are gone astray!
THE SON.
Come away, Father! see how black With coming tempest is the wrack!
BRAND.
Hear, peasant; you at first profess'd, Your daughter by the fjordside lying, Had sent you word that she was dying, But could not with a gladsome breast, Until she saw you, go to rest?
THE PEASANT.
That's certain, as I hope for bliss!
BRAND.
THE PEASANT.
Yes.
BRAND.
Not a later?
THE PEASANT.
No.
BRAND.
Then come.
THE PEASANT.
The thing's impossible--turn home!
BRAND.
Listen! Would you give twenty pound If she might have a blest release?
THE PEASANT.
Yes, parson!
BRAND.
Forty?
THE PEASANT.
House and ground I'd very gladly sign away If so she might expire in peace!
BRAND.
THE PEASANT.
BRAND.
Well?
Add to tbrJar First Page Next Page Prev Page