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

When the earth has long, long covered us those who come after with shame will confess:
"We descend from a degenerate race," and will hurry to turn the page of our saga.
Do the people then live only for the present? Is the memory of the past not a friendly
flower with which we adorn many of the present moment's flaws.
Soon "Nordic allegiance" becomes in our mouths bitter ridicule or empty platitudes and
later generations (will) lack the comfort of memory.
Shall brotherly love become hate? Shall brother blush shamefaced at brother? Shall we
no more as before gather happily, no more in harmony enjoy the benefits of peace?
What the veil of the future conceals, lies yet in darkness,--but soon the veil will crack;-what
then if faithlessness towards our friend, towards Denmark, were our last action as a
people!
Ha, what will inspire us to the last battle, how, indeed, should we summon courage and
strength when the people's honor lies in its grave?
O, woe to us that we did not hurry there,--where warm brother-hearts burned despite
Norway's cold, despite its mountain and sea!
You, Oskar! were already for a long time Norden's hope, towards you we sent trusting
glances. Do not be deaf to the cries of three nations, who from your lips await the royal
order!
Your pledge, Oskar! is a sacred debt, by you could Denmark's movement yet be won.
Lead us, bold King! to Norden's advantage, there is only one way in which it still can be
found.
Why do you not call the nation's men to council, you, King! They (will) follow as soon
as you call, because the sparks of the past still glow in the North!
There is still time,--still by quick action the noble Denmark could be saved before it falls
with trust disappointed in a--king's word!
Command the nation to awake, command it to follow you before its spirit is bound in
chains of lethargy, lead it in the way of honor and duty before everything is lost
nevermore to be won.
Then before your throne's foot two brother peoples whom you awoke to battle will kneel
thankfully, and Norden's honor, Denmark's saved blood are the reward for the help you
brought the Danes.
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