Peer had decided that he would marry a very pretty girl just his own age.
Her name was Solveig. Though Solveig liked Peer very much, she told him he would have to tell the truth or else
they could never marry and be happy.

"Some day," Solveig said to Peer, "you'll tell a story that will get you into very serious trouble."

Peer just laughed at her. He didn't know how true those words of Solveig's were.
She began to cry, but Peer didn't care.

Peer Gynt, don’t you know That I love you, love you so. But my sadness will not go. I cannot marry you If you’ll not to me be true. You must tell me no more lies. Great trouble you will find If the truth you do not mind, Please change your reckless ways! Don’t laugh at me that way, I love you so, But you must know, That sadness fills my heart.

Peer decided to go for a walk in the woods.
While he walked he thought about what a handsome, clever fellow he was.
"I can say and do anything I please," he thought, “and I’ll never get into trouble.”

Peer was so busy thinking about how handsome and clever he was that he lost his way in the woods.
He walked and walked, frantically trying to find his way out. When night fell, he finally lay down to rest.
He heard a strange sound, but he was so tired that he fell asleep.
He didn't know that the noise came from the cave of the little troll people.
The trolls peeked out of their cave. They ran to ask the Troll King what they should do.
He said, “Wait until you are sure that he is sound asleep, then bring him to me, but don’t wake him.”