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

VII. Translations of the Poems Ibsen Wrote in Grimstad.
The order in which the poems are reproduced follows that in vol. 14 of Henrik Ibsens
Samlede Værker. Ved Francis Bull, Halvdan Koht, Didrik Arup Seip. Oslo:
Gyldendal, 1937, 43-87.
These are literal prose translations, lacking the meter and rhyme of the originals, both of
which are at times quite complex. Ibsen’s early poems are in general well crafted and
carefully done, although they depend on trite poetic conventions.
RESIGNATION (1847)
Are you glimmers from the dark of the soul,
That broke through the dense darkness,
And that sparkle like a lightning flash,
Born merely to be forgotten forever?
Were all my yearnings futile,
Was my dream just a phantom,
Is the soul's ascent denied me,
Was my poetry cold and empty!
Be silent, then, you undertones!
If I cannot understand you,
Let me among millions
Live forgotten and forgotten die!
POEMS FROM 1848
BY THE SEA
Foaming wave with battle-loving mind! Who is able to follow you? Where are you
heading now? Who is able to restrain your stormy rush? Who to tame you, to hold you
fast!
Like a youth in wild tumultuous brawl, your desire was always to play against the cliff.
Yet in the midst of your struggle, in the midst of your anger, you beckon the little seaflower
to your breast!
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