Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - The Ball at Ekeby
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It was a splendid fête, but ask not why or
wherefore it was given. For the only reason for which a
fête is worth giving—that eyes might shine, and
hearts and feet might dance, and joy might again
find a place among mankind; that hands might meet,
and lips might kiss.
But speak not of kisses!
And what a fête it was! Old men and women
became young again and laughed and rejoiced when
they spoke of it. But then the cavaliers were sole
managers at Ekeby.
Fru Samzelius wandered through the country
with her beggar’s scrip and staff, and the Major was
at Sjö. He could not be present at the ball, for
smallpox had broken out at Sjö, and he was afraid of
carrying infection.
What a number of enjoyments were crowded
into those twelve hours, from the first popping of
the corks of the first bottles of wine at the dinner to
the last strain of the violins when midnight was long
passed! They sank back into eternity, those mirth-crowned
hours, frenzied with the fiery wine, the
choicest food, the loveliest music, the cleverest
acting, and the most beautiful tableaux. They sank
back, giddy with the wild dancing. Where was there
so smooth a floor, such courtly cavaliers, such lovely
women?
Oh, women of the olden days! You knew well
how to brighten the feasts. Streams of fire, of genius,
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