Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/59

 it be that the sea-strand was naked then as now? If it was so, I knew it not. 'Twas there I loved to go weaving all my fair romances; my heroes came from afar and sailed again across the sea; I lived in their midst, and set forth with them when they sailed away. [Sinks on a chair.] Now I feel so faint and weary; I can live no longer in my tales. They are only—tales. [Rising, vehemently.] Biörn, know you what has made me sick? A truth; a hateful, hateful truth, that gnaws me day and night.

What mean you?

Do you remember how sometimes you would give us good counsel and wise saws? Sister Lucia followed them; but I—ah, well-a-day!

[Consoling her.] Well, well!

I know it—I was proud, overweening! In all our games, I would still be the Queen, because I was the tallest, the fairest, the wisest! I know it!

That is true.

Once you took me by the hand and looked earnestly at me, and said: "Be not proud of your