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

You took me away from life, from love,
You have killed my youth, locked up my hope,
Hung lead on every hour of my day.
Cunning as a snake you lie in wait,
Your smile is poison, your embrace is death,
And still, del Fuente, I remain true to you!
By the light of the sun, which you have hidden from me,
As God rules this world, I am true to you until death!
Only one thing I demand as a humble return
For all my fidelity, for my whole life;
Only one thing, my husband: You shall not look
In my alcove tonight. Since a woman
Can endure anything, except such a dishonor.
You have my word, I am eternally faithful to you!
THE COUNT.
A magnificent pledge! Only forgive me, beautiful lady,
I prefer living proof.
(He is about to open the door.)
CLARA.
Well then, do it. But mark this, once that door is opened,
Whether you find anything or not,
From that moment everything is over between us.
THE COUNT (holding her under the chin).
You little tart, how beautiful anger makes you!
It would be a pity if we must be parted!
I may well humor you, if all goes well.
(Reflecting. Aside.)
Revenge is good. So be it.
Well, Clara,
I give in, I shall trust your word,
But pay heed, this is my condition.
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