ELF. Good evening, old lady. Can you corrupt a young man?--Oh!
understand me aright.

FAIRY. That depends--

ELF. It won't go in that costume! You see, it's a question of the
old man's son.

FAIRY. Our Pehr?

ELF. Just he! Hush, old lady, I'm talking now! The boy is very dear
to my heart--that he has been ever since his birth. We--you and
I--stood sponsor for him, and we each have our duties. His
education is being neglected; he has seen nothing of the world,
although he is fifteen to-day. I want him to go out and look around
so he will be a credit to us. Have you anything against it?

FAIRY. Nothing. But I fear that he will meet with difficulties out
there which we cannot adjust, since our power does not extend
beyond these church walls.

ELF. True; and I must search my brain for another idea. Ah--I have
it! We'll each give him his godgift, which can serve him in all
conditions of life.

FAIRY. And what shall you give? Let us hear!

ELF. Life is rather ticklish, as you know, and the boy is young! He
has not as yet, through proper training, had time to learn all the
arts by which one gains one's wishes. Now, I ask nothing more of