The Wild Duck

MP3 Audio CD. The Wild Duck

ACT FIRST

At WERLE'S house. In front a richly-upholstered study. (R.) A
green baize door leading to WERLE'S office. At back, open
folding doors, revealing an elegant dining-room, in which a
brilliant Norwegian dinner-party is going on. Hired Waiters in
profusion. A glass is tapped with a knife. Shouts of "Bravo!" Old
Mr. WERLE is heard making a long speech, proposing--according to
the custom of Norwegian society on such occasions--the health of
his House-keeper, Mrs. SÖRBY. Presently several short-sighted,
flabby, and thin-haired CHAMBERLAINS enter from the dining-room
with HIALMAR EKDAL, who writhes shyly under their remarks.

A CHAMBERLAIN.

As we are the sole surviving specimens of Norwegian nobility, suppose we
sustain our reputation as aristocratic sparklers by enlarging upon the
enormous amount we have eaten, and chaffing Hialmar Ekdal, the friend of
our host's son, for being a professional photographer?

THE OTHER CHAMBERLAINS.

Bravo! We will.

[They do; delight of HIALMAR. OLD WERLE comes in, leaning on his
Housekeeper's arm, followed by his son, GREGERS WERLE.

OLD WERLE.

[Dejectedly.] Thirteen at table! [To GREGERS, with a meaning glance
at HIALMAR.] This is the result of inviting an old college friend who
has turned photographer! Wasting vintage wines on him, indeed. [He
passes on gloomily.