JACOB. Your health!

JEPPE. God save our friends and ill befall our enemies. That does my
belly good. Um-m-m.

JACOB. Good luck on your way, Jeppe.

JEPPE. Thanks, Jacob Shoemaker. (Exit Jacob.)



SCENE 5


(Jeppe feels happy and begins to sing.)

A white hen and a speckled hen
Got into a row with a rooster--

Oh, if I only dared drink another pennyworth! Oh, if I only dared
drink another pennyworth! I think I'll do it. No, ill will come of
it. If I could once get the inn out of my sight, I shouldn't need
to; but it's as if some one were holding me back. I've got to go in
again. But what is this you are doing, Jeppe? I seem to see Nille
standing in my path with Master Eric in her hand. I must turn round
again. Oh, if I only dared drink another pennyworth! My belly says,
"Do it;" my back, "Don't." Which shall I obey? Isn't my belly bigger
than my back? I think it is. Shall I knock? Hey, Jacob Shoemaker,
come out here! But that cursed woman comes before my eyes again. If
she only didn't break the bones of my back when she beats me, I'd