Montanus.  That is because the earth is so large that one cannot notice its roundness.

Jesper.  Yes, it is true, the earth is large; it is almost a half of the universe.  But listen, Monsieur, how many stars will it take to make a moon?

Montanus.  A moon!  In comparison to the stars the moon is like Pebling Pond in comparison with all Sjaelland.

Jesper.  Ha, ha, ha!  Learned folk are never just right in the head.  Will you believe it, I have heard people say that the earth moves and the sun stands still.  You certainly don’t believe that, too, Monsieur?

Montanus.  No man of sense doubts it any longer.

Jesper.  Ha, ha, ha!  If the earth should move, surely we should fall and break our necks.

Montanus.  Can’t a ship move with you, without your breaking your neck?

Jesper.  Yes, but you say that the earth turns round.  Now. if a ship should turn over, wouldn’t the people fall off then into the sea?

Montanus.  No.  I will explain it to you more plainly, if you will have the patience.

Jesper.  Indeed, I won’t hear anything about it.  I should have to be crazy to believe such a thing.  Could the earth turn over, and we not fall heels over head to the devil and clear down into the abyss?  Ha, ha, ha!  But, my Monsieur Berg, how is it that the moon is sometimes so small and sometimes so big?

Montanus.  If I tell you why, you won’t believe me.

Jesper.  Oh, please tell me.

Montanus.  It is because, when the moon has grown large, pieces are clipped off it to make stars of.

Jesper.  That certainly is curious.  I really didn’t know that before.  If pieces were not clipped off, it would get too large and grow as broad as all Sjaelland.  After all, nature does regulate everything very wisely.  But how is it that the moon doesn’t give warmth like the sun, although it is just as big?

Montanus.  That is because the moon is not a light, but made of the same dark material as the earth, and gets its light and brilliance from the sun.

Jesper.  Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!  Let us talk of something else.  That’s stuff and nonsense; a man might go stark mad over it.

SCENE 4

(Enter Peer.)

Jeppe.  Welcome, Peer.  Where good folk are gathered, good folk come.  Here, you see, is my son, who has just come back.

Peer.  Welcome, Monsieur Rasmus Berg!

Montanus.  In Copenhagen, I am accustomed to be called “Montanus.”  I beg you to call me that.

Peer.  Yes, surely, it’s all the same to me.  How are things in Copenhagen?  Did many graduate this year?

Montanus.  About as many as usual.

Peer.  Was any one rejected this year?