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

KNIGHTS and LADIES, who were spectators of the YOUNG GIRLS' dance, again take
up positions in
new quadrilles. All the principal characters present stand meanwhile in the foreground in
front of the dancers. FLEMMING, who has struggled with himself for a long time, steps
forward, and takes the wreath out of ELISABETH's hand, which must happen a moment
after she has received it. ELISABETH and EBBESEN stand surprised by that.
WALKENDORFF appears astonished and annoyed at FLEMMING's audacity.
FLEMMING and ELISABETH are seen to implore his forgiveness and protection for
their love. WALKENDORFF expresses his fury, that he will not have anything to do
with it.
This whole action must be conducted in such a way as if the characters really spoke with
each other, so that the audience can imagine that they cannot hear the words on account
of the loud dance-music. Little-by-litte everything falls into disorder, the quadrilles are
interrupted, the guests run amongst each other, all give signs of their confusion.
Suddenly the HUNTERS' chorus from the third and fourth acts is heard, not singing,
merely
performing on the hunting horn outside. Everything grows quiet in the salon; they listen
with tense expectation.
SCENE TWO.
The preceding. BJØRN enters quickly.
BJØRN (to WALKENDORFF).
O sire! I have important news to report:
The king is here.
The king!
SEVERAL.
OTHERS.
The king!
OTHERS.
The king!
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