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

(Softly and secretly.)
A small coin, which is no longer in circulation,
But which the peasantry still collects
In the hope that it will again become valuable,
Is a part of the national treasure.
But who is the old woman, actually?
FLEMMING.
A cotter's widow, but still not poor;
She receives her offerings just like the priest,
Since around here she is considered an oracle;
She does not merely sing about elves
And the underworld; in Egnen they believe
That she has converse with them. So powerful
Is the esteem in which she is held, that
If the cattle are sick, or if there is some evil afoot,
They immediately seek Mother Karen's advice.
She has a daughter who is very beautiful.
KING.
Well, well, Mr. Flemming! You are familiar
With the local folklore, I see.
You have profited from your stay here.
FLEMMING.
Why not, your grace? I visited
My friend, Mr. Ebbesen, during the hunting season;
But one cannot hunt all the time,
There is still time to joke.
KING.
Have you charmed
The pretty peasant girl as a joke, perhaps?
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