cultural resources in henrik ibsen's early environment - Ibsen.net

MOGENS.
But why do you always sing such sorrowful songs?
KAREN.
I know plenty of merry ones; I shall sing you one immediately.
FLEMMING (to the KING).
If your grace will take note, you will hear what the woman considers "merry".
KAREN (sings).
1.
I laid down my head on Elves’ Hill,
My eyes feigned a trance;
Then two young maidens came toward me,
And enticed me with song and speech.
Eia! what a strange dance!
2.
Then the rushing stream grew still,
That was wont to race.
The little fish swam in the river,
They played with their fins.
Eia! what a strange dance!
3.
First they beckoned me and then they threatened me,
I stood as though bound in chains.
Then the cock crowed in a distant town,
And the spell vanished.
Eia! what a strange dance!
4.
Since then I advise every Danish squire
Who wants to ride into the forest,
Not to ride to Elves’ Hill,
And lie down there to sleep.
Eia! what a strange dance!
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