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

AGNETE.
Yes, sire! You appear to be good and noble,
You have a manly bearing, inspiring trust
In the breast of the abandoned. And yet...
There is something stern in your look....
No... not stern... I do not know what to call it,
But I am almost shy before your glance;
It gives me confidence, but it also fills me
With fear... with veneration, I mean,
With deep respect. See, there is the word!
KING.
In truth, this language is no peasant's.
My child, where have you learned to speak so well?
If I awaken fear and trust in you,
Then forget the first, let the second prevail!
By heaven! You are already precious to me!
Speak out, what are you looking for?
AGNETE.
Ah, noble sire...
But you will laugh at me.
KING.
No, dear child!
Speak boldly! Tell me everything!
AGNETE.
I am looking for the king.
KING.
As true as I am alive! That answers itself, oddly enough:
You are looking for the king, and you are standing in front of him.
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