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

EBBESEN.
What offense? Have I not approached your
Innocence modestly and piously, whenever you
Met me in confidence by Elves’ Hill?
Have I concealed that the King had decreed
My union with Miss Munk long before
I knew you, before you knew me?
But still I never spoke of love
To her, nor does she love me.
As a knight it was not proper that I
Throw over our engagement, but she,
As a lady, can do it.
I hoped to make everything right,
When suddenly I received the news
(It was only yesterday)
That the marriage was set for this evening.
But I am going right now to Høistrup;
In two hours I shall return here again,
And I shall bring back a refusal
As good as an honorable suitor can desire.
AGNETE.
Now you are telling me what I want to hear.
EBBESEN.
I said the same thing this morning
By Elves’ Hill.
AGNETE.
But when I came back,
And saw these preparations,
And saw two knights waiting for you,
Who I thought were coming to your wedding,
Then my uneasiness was aroused again.
I know well enough, despite your promises,
You cannot marry me, a peasant -girl;
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