door and has seen the world only
from the tower. But I know that it tempts him, just because he has seen
it like this--from a bird's-eye view. The old man has but one wish in
life--that his son shall succeed him and thus be spared the struggles of
life and the cruelty of men. It is this wish which I shall cross; it is
his only vulnerable point. Well and good! I'll call his godmother. She
shall take the boy in hand and show him all the glories of the world;
afterwards, there will be nothing more for the old man to do in the
matter. The dreams of youth--I know their powers. Well, then! [Blows a
whistle.]

[Fairy dressed like an old witch, with brown cloak and cane, emerges
from behind a post.]

FAIRY. Good evening, lad.

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 life, for I
know what it gives; therefore he shall have my wish-ring. And you?

FAIRY. I daresay that gift is a good one, but when once he has got
all that he wished for, he will have made his journey like the blind;
therefore I shall give him a gift which will show him matter's face
value--I shall give him good company on the way.

ELF. Feminine?

FAIRY. Naturally.

ELF. You're a wise one! No--now you shall take charge of the lad and see
that he gets away.

FAIRY. But how? He fears and obeys his father.

ELF. Fiddlesticks! Do your hokus-pokus and show hi