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

ELISABETH.
You say I have flattered your hope,
Have given you proofs of my love;
Why then do you meet me with such violent doubt?
FLEMMING.
Because the time I fear approaches
With swift steps. In a few hours I shall
See you as the bride of another! Oh, heavens!
And he has told me that you love him!
ELISABETH.
But are you more terrified than I myself
By the news about this wedding,
Which comes much sooner than I had expected?
I had hoped that there was enough time,
And had based my whole hope on time.
FLEMMING.
But you are wrong there; one must act,
One must act oneself, and not depend on time.
Why have you not let me step forward
As your bridegroom before the eyes of the world?
ELISABETH.
That is impossible! What would the king say?
FLEMMING.
Why have you not let me ask
The monarch about his will, tell him
Without evasion how the matter stands;
And beseech his favor for us both?
Oh, he is good! He has a kindly heart!
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