I can say no more, I feel so heavy and so weak. [He falls, and lies
on the floor.]

JUDGE. That worked well; the sleeping-potion has already taken
effect, and he is sleeping like a log. Hang him up now, but be
careful not to hurt him, and see that the rope goes only under his
arms. Then we shall see what he does when he wakes up and finds
himself hanging.

[They drag him out.



ACT V

SCENE 1


(Jeppe is discovered hanging from a gallows. The Judge stands aside,
unseen by Nille.)

NILLE. Oh, oh, can it be that I see my good husband hanging on the
gallows? Oh, my dearest husband! Forgive me all the wrong I have
done you. Oh, now my conscience is roused; now I repent, but too
late, for the ill nature I showed you; now that I miss you, for the
first time I can realize what a good husband I have lost. Oh, that I
could only save you from death with my own life's blood.

[She wipes her eyes, and weeps bitterly. Meanwhile the effects of
the sleeping-potion have worn off, and Jeppe wakes. He sees that be