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

You wore a chain around your throat,
On which was a ring with large diamonds
That sparkled like stars. This treasure
Carried the elf-king's symbol;
Since he is rich in diamonds and jewels.
He entices the young by the sight of gold,
And with a precious ring he betrothes himself
Forever to the easily deceived child.
AGNETE.
Mother! You terrify me!
KAREN.
My cottage
Was too humble for such a treasure,
Which thieves could steal, or fire destroy.
I put the ring in a jar, buried it
In silence at the foot of Elves’ Hill,
In the same place where I had found you,
In the same place where an instinct,
Which you yourself did not understand, so often
Drew you in the twilight, while everyone
Who saw you turned aside for fear of the elf-girl.
AGNETE.
No, Mother, no! The instinct which drew me
Was love. I met Ebbesen there,
Since the place is frightening, and therefore solitary.
KAREN.
You have committed a double sin, Agnete!
Since Ebbesen is a bridegroom, you are a bride,
The elf-king's bride!... Unfortunate!
And by his hill, where he lurks concealed,
There you have met your love!... Ah, Agnete!
Has he not touched you with outstretched sceptre?
Have you not heard his complaining sigh in the spring,
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