John Gabriel Borkman
The Collected Works of Henrik Ibsen, Volume XI JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN. by HENRIK IBSEN Translation and Introduction by William Archer. INTRODUCTION.* The anecdotic history of _John Gabriel Borkman_ is even scantier than that of _Little Eyolf_. It is true that two mentions of it occur in
"A happy new year, papa!--a happy new year!" shouted each as she was
caught up to be kissed, and found herself on the floor once more after a
sudden whirl to the ceiling.
"Now catch," said their father, as he started aside and flung a sixpence
to each.
Of course they did not catch, for little girls have a strange
propensity for turning just the wrong way on such occasions; but the
bright new sixpences were none the duller for their fall, and called
forth none the less admiration from their proud owners.
Many were the calculations which passed through those curly heads during
breakfast-time as to what a sixpence could buy; and it was with many
bright visions that they darted away to be dressed to go into the town
with their mother.
It was New-year's day; but there was no snow, no bitter cold wind, no
beggars shivering in their scanty clothing, none of the scenes of
poverty which those accustomed only to an English winter might expect to
cast a gloom over the enjoyment of the day. It was a bright sunny
morning, every leaf sparkling with dew-drops; groups of neatly-dressed
people were to be seen flocking in from the country in every direction;
and though the air was fresh enough to incline them to walk briskly
The Collected Works of Henrik Ibsen, Volume XI JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN. by HENRIK IBSEN Translation and Introduction by William Archer. INTRODUCTION.* The anecdotic history of _John Gabriel Borkman_ is even scantier than that of _Little Eyolf_. It is true that two mentions of it occur in