In memoriam to Armauer Hansen (1841-1912)
In closing, it is fitting to recall the following cantata, written by Armauer Hansen's brother-in-law, Johan Bøgh, and sung at Hansen's funeral in Bergen on February 17, 1912 to a melody composed by Edvard Grieg, a close family friend:19
Be Silent Now!
In peace the master sleeps,
he whom the wide world keeps
within its heart.
In peace of death he lies,
now closed his seeking eyes
forever now!
Upright and strong
- beneath the shaded light
or in the thick of strife
Ever upright!
Wher'er his mind did seek
he faith and trust did keep
so straight and strong!
Now on this day
the men of distant lands
stretch out their grateful hands
in thanks to him.
Thanks for the hope he sought,
the health his lifework brought
- his lifework long!
O softly now!
As he among us went,
so quiet, so mild, he lent
his strength to us!
His fame in science lay
but first, in every way
he was a man!