Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 3).djvu/127

The Mayor.

First of all, get a passage clear
From men to men, from place to place.
There were no two opinions here
On that, until you show'd your face.
Now you've made all confusion, dashing
Aurora-flames with lantern light;
With such cross-luminaries flashing,
Who can distinguish wrong from right,
Tell what will mar, and what will mend?
All diverse things you mix and blend,
And into hostile camps divide
Those who should triumph side by side.

Brand.

Here, notwithstanding, I abide.
Man chooses not his labour's sphere.
Who knows and follows out his call,
Has seen God's writing on the wall,
In words of fire, "Your place is here!"

The Mayor.

Stay, then, but keep within your borders;
You're free to purge the folk of crimes,
Vices, and other rifle disorders;
God knows, it's needed oftentimes!
But don't make every working-day
A Sabbath, and your flag display,
As if the Almighty were on board
Of every skiff that skims the fjord.

Brand.

To use your counsel, I must change
My soul and all her vision's range;
But we are called, <g>ourselves</g> to be,