SPEECH AT THE BANQUET OF THE SWEDISH AUTHORS’ LEAGUE, STOCKHOLM, APRIL 11th, 1898

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I WISH to thank you cordially for this evening. It has been a rather peculiar experience for me to be present here. I do not know that I have ever belonged to any association, and I almost think that it is altogether the first time that I have been present at such a gathering. It is true that there is a society in Christiania which is of somewhat the same nature as this one, but there I am a member for the sake of appearance only, and for several reasons never take any part in its meetings. Here for the first time I have appeared at a club, and so it is something new to me. For the truth is, a society does not suit my temperament. And in a certain sense it would seem as if organization were least of all something adapted to authors; for authors must go their own wild ways — ay, as wild as they can ever wish, if they are to fulfil the mission of their lives. I think, however, that such a club as this may after all in certain respects have its tasks to perform. Real cultural tasks. One of these tasks is this, that authors jointly protect themselves outwardly, something which may many times be of great necessity. Then there is another task which I think is of no less importance, and which I cannot fail to emphasize here. It is unfortunately true that dramatic authors must be translated; but the northern peoples? — for I really cannot give up my old idea of a united North as a cultural unity, — should they not be able to agree to avoid as much as possible reading each other in translation? For that which we read in translation is always in danger of being more or less misunderstood; since unfortunately the translators themselves are too often somewhat lacking in comprehension. I think that if we would read each other in the original we should reach to a far more intimate and deeper understanding of the content. To work for improvement in this direction will be one of the noblest tasks of this club.

In conclusion will you let me say that I always feel so well here in Sweden. I have found here an old established culture, founded on a strong tradition — stronger than in many other countries — and which reaches deeper than many think. And then I have met here so many good and cordial characters. Such I do not easily forget when I have once learned to know them.

I shall always hold in imperishable memory this evening and all those here who have shown me the honour to wish to be with me. My hearty thanks to you!