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

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Why not?<br />

FLEMMING.<br />

Can you ask that?<br />

Elisabeth! What am I to th<strong>in</strong>k?<br />

You know how long I have loved you,<br />

You know how often you have flattered my hope...<br />

Excuse my words, but the truth matters here...<br />

You have given me more than one proof<br />

Of your love; and now?... Do you know<br />

That the k<strong>in</strong>g has come to Tryggevæld?<br />

That I shall represent his royal person<br />

At your wedd<strong>in</strong>g? That he has suddenly<br />

Decided that this even<strong>in</strong>g?... This even<strong>in</strong>g!...<br />

What will you do, tell me, what is go<strong>in</strong>g to happen?<br />

Have you forgotten me, do you no longer love me?<br />

Is Ebbesen not merely the k<strong>in</strong>g's choice,<br />

But your heart's as well? Even he tells me<br />

That he loves you, that you love him.<br />

My God, what shall I believe, what shall I th<strong>in</strong>k?<br />

Oh, speak! Answer! Free me from my fear!<br />

ELISABETH.<br />

For heaven's sake! Do not ask so many questions!<br />

Where shall I start? Where shall I stop?<br />

FLEMMING.<br />

I am impetuous, I know that, but I would be<br />

A wretch, a villa<strong>in</strong>, if I were calm now.<br />

I have fought with myself, I have dissembled<br />

With superhuman strength. Neither the k<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

Nor Ebbesen, nor anyone else has suspected<br />

That I worship you, that I have courted you<br />

For so long. S<strong>in</strong>ce to others I am disguised,<br />

Then <strong>in</strong> your house I must speak, I must<br />

Give my heart air, give re<strong>in</strong> to my bitter compla<strong>in</strong>t,<br />

And ga<strong>in</strong> strength for new dissembl<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

191

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