THE COLLECTED POEMS OF HENRIK IBSEN Translated by John ...

109
GREETINGS
to
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE VICEROY
by
HENR. IBSEN
Delivered by Mad. Brun at the Theatre’s Gala Performance
Thursday 22 nd July 1856
Our memory-garland from days long departed
Contains a blossom of most lovely hue,
Though twenty years have passed since first it grew,
Still sweetly scented and still vernal-hearted.
That blossom is the time rich memories charted,
When Oscar stood amongst us here and drew
Norwegian hearts to him, stirred hope anew,
While the festivities seemed scarcely started.
And when he must turn home again, he towered
Like some triumphant hero parting hence
With all the people’s love of him for booty.
That is a prize of weight and opulence,
And few there were like him so richly dowered
To come, to see, and win our loyal duty.
Nor did he, back at court, through vacillation,
Allow the bond to slip and fall apart;
It was a memory stored within his heart,
Both word and deed provided confirmation.
Confirmed his thoughts with keen anticipation
Turned often to our valleys set apart
For there the sad, care-burdened kingly heart
Found solace in the bosom of our nation.
And by his side the little prince would stand
And listen, silent, to the tale narrated
Of summer’s voyage to that far-off land.
And many alluring pictures, bright and grand,
Would like a fairytale have decorated
The infant soul, his young breast’s yearning fanned.
A man now, Prince, you stand before us here,
The people’s joy rings out in jubilation;
Accept this greeting too, our salutation,
A welcome from our strand, our mountains sheer.
It is a homage, heart-felt and sincere, —
Not forced upon the lip by obligation,