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

(Ironically.)
I shall not inquire
How well-founded is the story circulating,
That you have conference with the elf-girl.
I have often laughed at it when I have heard it.
I do not ask about it, do not want to know about it;
I do not require any confession,
And you will not question me either,
Whether my heart had already made a choice.
In this we shall both keep silence.
But there is one thing of which we must speak,
Which we must be completely clear about!
Do you dare to assure me that you love me?
EBBESEN.
My lady! I asked you first.
ELISABETH.
I see that one does not get anywhere with you.
Do you believe I am so foolish
As to think that every man should sigh for me?
You are practicing a false gallantry here
For which there is neither time nor place.
Well then, I shall sing in your key:
You love me, I do not doubt it....
To madness, it cannot be less.
But if now I had decided not to reciprocate,
If I gave you a refusal, or made
The whole wedding go on the rocks....
Answer me candidly, would you then despair,
Shoot, hang, drown yourself, and so forth?
EBBESEN (in the same tone).
This question deserves a straightforward answer:
No, my young lady, no! It would not take me even a day;
I believe I should then search for life,
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