[104]. Literally, “uninterpreted.”
[105]. An allusion to the long period of stagnation in the history of Norway under the Danish rule—say, from 1400 to 1800.
[107]. The pounce-box (for strewing “pounce” or sand on undried ink) had not yet been quite superseded by blotting-paper.
[108]. “En påholden pen.” “Underskrive med påholden pen”—to sign by touching a pen which is guided by another.
ACT FIFTH.
SCENE FIRST.
On board a ship on the North Sea, off the Norwegian coast. Sunset. Stormy weather.
Peer Gynt, a vigorous old man, with grizzled hair and beard, is standing aft on the poop. He is dressed half sailor-fashion, with a pea-jacket and long boots. His clothing is rather the worse for wear; he himself is weather-beaten, and has a somewhat harder expression. The Captain is standing beside the steersman at the wheel. The crew are forward.