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

17
TO THE STAR
(Dedicated to C:E:)
Pallid star! Despatch a sign
From the heights eternal! —
For the soul’s eye twinkle, shine
Friendly, though supernal! — —
Must thy symbolled message seek
To rouse yearning merely?
Teach me so that I may tweak
Future’s veil, see clearly! —
Sweep misgiving’s cloud forlorn
From a soul that’s ailing,
Let a blest assurance dawn
Through the gloom prevailing! —
Ah, but all too rash, my plea; —
Dare I ask assurance! —
Can a son of earth soar free
From his earthly durance? —
O, what comfort had I known
With faith’s beam to guide me! —
I must feed on hope alone,
Certainty denied me. —
So when heaven’s feeble light
From afar shines palely,
I’ll watch gladly in the night
For my star to hail me. — —
C:E: was Clara Ebbell, Ibsen’s current girlfriend. Tact, or perhaps caution, caused him to
substitute “Blege” (pale) for the “Klara” (clear) in the draft. He later sent back six poems
dedicated to her.
AN EVENING ROAM IN THE FOREST
It is too bright, it is too bright
Where moonlight casts its glow; —
My heart is, by this calm of night,
Transfused and trembles so;
On every bloom, each leaf that curls
Rests evening’s string of dew-drop pearls
And quivers to my gaze! —