Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/468



Then get you home with what dispatch you may, Creep snugly in before the winter-cold; Look, in young Norway dawns at last the day, Thousand brave hearts are in its ranks enroll'd, Its banners in the morning breezes play!

And if, young man, I were to take my way With bag and baggage home, with everything That made me yesterday a little king, Were mine the only volte face to-day? Think you I carry back the wealth I brought? [As is about to answer.

Nay, listen, let me first explain my thought.

[Coming nearer.

Time was when I was young, like you, and played Like you, the unconquerable Titan's part; Year after year I toiled and moiled for bread, Which hardens a man's hand, but not his heart. For northern fells my lonely home surrounded, And by my parish bounds my world was bounded. My home—Ah, Falk, I wonder, do you know What home is?

[curtly].

I have never known.