His relatives are firmly convinced that he knew quite clearly that this
would be his last play, that he was to write no more. And soon the
blow fell."

_When We Dead Awaken_ was published very shortly before Christmas 1899.
He had still a year of comparative health before him. We find him in
March 1900, writing to Count Prozor: "I cannot say yet whether or not
I shall write another drama; but if I continue to retain the vigour of
body and mind which I at present enjoy, I do not imagine that I shall
be able to keep permanently away from the old battlefields. However,
if I were to make my appearance again, it would be with new weapons
and in new armour." Was he hinting at the desire, which he had long
ago confessed to Professor Herford, that his last work should be a
drama in verse? Whatever his dream, it was not to be realised. His
last letter (defending his attitude of philosophic impartiality with
regard to the South African war) is dated December 9, 1900. With the
dawn of the new century, the curtain descended upon the mind of the
great dramatic poet of the age which had passed away.

_When We Dead Awaken_ was acted during 1900 at most of the leading
theatres in Scandinavia and Germany. In some German cities (notably
in Frankfort on Main) it even attained a considerable number of
representatives. I cannot learn, however, that it has anywhere held
the stage. It was produced in London, by the State Society, at the
Imperial Theatre, on January 25 and 26, 1903. Mr. G. S. Titheradge
played Rubek, Miss Henrietta Watson Irene, Miss Mabel Hackney Maia,
and Mr. Laurence Irving Ulfheim. I find no record of any American
performance.

In the above-mentioned letter to Count Prozor, Ibsen confirmed that