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

272
Let not the stone speak falsely o’er the wave
and point like some gross insult at our coast.
But if you’ve mettle, show determination,
then I foresee you blithe, your triumph sure!
Then shall our union’s pillar stand secure
for our successors’ joyful celebration;
but it shall rise above our alienation,
above the country, city feuds that smoulder; —
its place is chosen: there on Dovre’s shoulder.
Queen Ragnild’s dream shall prove then not deluded.
At last, my land, you’ll shelter the sublime.
Past greatness shall revive in this our time,
dark prophecies be happily concluded.
And then, my folk, I see you staunchly keeping
vows made when union-fervour was abroad, —
I see you follow time’s track onward sweeping
towards a mighty North of one accord;
I see a nation sleeping as though dead
yet waking to the call to watch and ward;
a generation, will and faith unflawed, —
with strength for more than toil on land and fjord, —
with aspiration’s universal sword,
the great dream’s canopy above your head.
__________
The occasion celebrated at Haugesund by the erection of a memorial stone over his grave,
marked the achievements of Harald Haarfagre as first unifier of Norway; he defeated at
Hafsfjord a confederacy of petty rulers in the year 872. Hornklove chronicled his victory.
Ibsen celebrates places, events and people who had figured in the recent struggles for
freedom in other European countries. “The Dreamer of Caprera” is Garibaldi who retired to
the island at one stage in his revolutionary career; muster-staff, in the early middle ages an
individual could, in his own cause, summon a meeting of the Thing by sending an arrow
round from farm to farm.
AT A WEDDING
9 th October 1874
Leaves are rustling, foliage falling;
Nordic autumn’s near;
through the forest ruins calling
Farewell’s voice rings clear.
Therefore Nordic strength retires
to the home affection fires,
cherishes within the dwelling
out-door thoughts, sweet-smelling.
Partners in a pledge eternal,
youthful, loving pair, —
enter your abode with vernal
garlands in your hair.
Outdoor let October’s starkness