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VICE - - VERSA -@Translator: AC
un Homme change de sexe
D'après les documents authentiques et scientifiques réunis par Niels HoyerNiels Hoyer (historical), pseudonym of Ernst Harthern, who composed and edited Man into Woman
(01) En examinant Andreas SparreAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter, à ParisParis (historical), capital of France, le professeur Werner KreutzProfessor Werner Kreutz (fictional), modelled on Kurt Warnekros (1882–1949), a German gynecologist avait déclaré que le jeune hommeAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter possédait en même temps des organes masculins et féminins, mais que ces derniers étaient atrophiés. Il était, de plus, extrêmement probable que le traitement de rayons X subi par AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter avait desséché ces organes.
(02) Werner KreutzProfessor Werner Kreutz (fictional), modelled on Kurt Warnekros (1882–1949), a German gynecologist avait exigé que le patientAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter subisse un traitement à BerlinBerlin (historical), capital of Germany avant d'entrer dans sa cliniqueMunicipal Women's Clinic (fictional and historical) is the Staatliche Frauenklinik in Dresden, directed by Professor Kurt Warnekros from 1925 to 1948." de DresdeDresden (historical), city in Germany. AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter était donc parti pour l'AllemagneGermany is a western European country whose capital is Berlin., laissant sa femme GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator à ParisParis (historical), capital of France. A peine arrivé, il fut convoqué par le professeur ArnsProfessor Arns (fictional), also Arno; possibly modeled on Arthur Weil, who invented a bold test and worked at Magnus Hirschfeld’s Institute in Berlin, inventeur d'une nouvelle méthode d'analyse du sang, permettant de doser les hormones. Ainsi que l'on sait, ce produit de la sécrétion interne joue un rôle essentiel dans l'organisme et influe sur le développement du sexe; les savants estiment aujourd'hui que ce sont les hormones qui déterminent la différence entre l'appareil génital de l'homme et de la femme; il était donc extrêmement important d'établir le fonctionnement de la sécrétion interne chez un individu doué d'organes génitaux doubles.
(03) AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter se rendit ensuite chez un autre praticien, le professeur HardenfeldProfessor Hardenfeld (fictional), modeled on Magnus Hirschfeld (1868–1935), a German physician and one of the most influential sexologists of the time; Einar Wegener was examined at his Institute in March 1930, qui étudia sa structure psychique et ses réactions émotionnelles. Il fallait, en effect, « débrouiller » la double personnalité qui habitait ce corps, et se rendre compte de l'existence concrète de l'être féminin se cachant sous l'enveloppe masculine. Pendant de longues heures, HardenfeldProfessor Hardenfeld (fictional), modeled on Magnus Hirschfeld (1868–1935), a German physician and one of the most influential sexologists of the time; Einar Wegener was examined at his Institute in March 1930 interrogea le jeune peintreAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter, fouillant à la lumière de la psycho-analyse les tréfonds les plus obscurs de sa personnalité. Ce fut un véritable supplice moral, dont AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter sortit brisé. Afin de le distraire, deux fidèles amis, NielsNiels Hvide (fictional), modeled on Poul Knudsen (1889-1974), Danish lawyer and writer, friend of the Wegeners, married to Vibeke 1925-1938 et IngerInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul Knudsen from 1925 to 1938, l'emmenèrent au restaurant. La soirée se termina par une petite fête fort joyeuse, car jusqu'au seuil de sa vie nouvelle, Andreas SparreAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter conserva ses goûts et ses habitudes d'authentique rapin de MontparnasseMontparnasse (historical), a section of Paris where many artists and writers lived in the 1920s... Entre temps, les deux praticiens avaient une consultation par téléphone avec le professeur Werner KreutzProfessor Werner Kreutz (fictional), modelled on Kurt Warnekros (1882–1949), a German gynecologist. Hardenfel lui déclarait que l'être psychique d'AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter contenaitun élément féminin nettement prépondérant: 80 à 100 %. L'examen du sang par ArnsProfessor Arns (fictional), also Arno; possibly modeled on Arthur Weil, who invented a bold test and worked at Magnus Hirschfeld’s Institute in Berlin avait donné des résultats analogues au point de vue physiologique. Il était clair, par conséquent, que la femme dominait l'homme, et que seul un caprice de la nature avait doté cette femme d'une apparence masculine. Ayant appris ces résultats, Werner KreutzProfessor Werner Kreutz (fictional), modelled on Kurt Warnekros (1882–1949), a German gynecologist décréta qu'une intervention chirurgicale s'imposait: cette première étape comportait l'ablation des « glande3 séminales » (castration), qui allait permettre à AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter de perdre cette fausse apparence.
(04) Plus tard, une greffe ovarienne entreprise par Werner KreutzProfessor Werner Kreutz (fictional), modelled on Kurt Warnekros (1882–1949), a German gynecologist en personne devait stimuler les organes féminins du patientAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter. Il est utile de rappeler que si ces savants allaient tenter la première expérience de ce genre sur un être humain, le professeur SteinachEugen Steinach (1861–1944), an Austrian physician who pioneered gonadal transplants and early theorized the existence of hormones, de VienneVienna (historical), a city in Austria, avait déjà opéré des animaux, dont il avait réussi à changer le sexe par des méthodes analogues. C'est ainsi qu'il dota un rat mâle de glandes mammifères et qu'il changea des poules en coqs capables de féconder d'autres poules.
(05) III.(1)*See mouse-over. — LA PREMIÈRE MÉTAMORPHOSE
(06) DANS la chambre de la clinique chirurgicaleGebhard’s sanitorium (fictional), possibly modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt’s private clinic at Augsburger Str. 66, Berlin du professeur GebhardtProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930 où AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter fut admis, les lampes étaient déjà allumées. Une infirmière l'y conduisit, s'empara de ses effets personnels, suspendit un thermomètre au-dessus du lit et recommanda au patientAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter de se coucher immédiatement. Les médecins allaient bientôt venir.
(07) AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter se mit à se déshabiller lentement. Soudain, il lui vint à l'esprit qu'Andreas SparreAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter se déshabillait sans doute pour la dernière fois... Adieu, veston, gilet, pantalon, caleçon, chaussettes, souliers! Durant de longues années, ils lui avaient servi d'enveloppe. Il les plaça dans l'armoire d'un geste machinal, acquis par l'habitude de toute une vie. Qu'allaient-ils devenir à présent, ces articles vestimentaires? De lui, ou de ses attributs d'élégance masculine, qui allait survivre?
(08) Il prit son chapeau qu'il avait posé sur un guéridon: — Tiens, je n'y pensais plus, se dit-il. Il glissa sa main dans sa poche, en tira une photo qu'il plaça sur la table: « GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator! murmura-t-il, et d'une geste rapide il caressa l'image. On frappa à la porte, une main tourna le bouton. Le professeur GebhardtProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930 entra, accompagné de son assistant. Il posa quelques questions à AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter, qui répondit avec fermeté; peu après, le jeune peintreAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter apprit que son opération était remise au lendemain matin. — Mais pourquoi, docteurProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930, s'écria-t-il avec impatience.
(09) Le professeurProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930 se mit à rire:
(10) — Gravol, c'est ainsi que vous autres, Scandinaves, vous appelez ces petits soupers d'adieu. C'est très gentil, ma foi... Votre ami NielsNiels Hvide (fictional), modeled on Poul Knudsen (1889-1974), Danish lawyer and writer, friend of the Wegeners, married to Vibeke 1925-1938, avec lequel vous avez passé la soirée, m'en a déja parlé. Il paraît que vouz avez du goût pour nos vins du Rhin... Voilà qui est fort bien, sans doute... N'empêche que ce genre d'opération réussit mieux lorsque l'on a le ventre vide. D'ici quelques heures, nous vous donnerons un soporifique, afin que la nuit ne vous paraisse pas trop longue... Il s'agit d'ailleurs d'une intervention sans gravité. A demain, et bon courage!
(11) Un serrement de main rapide, et le chirurgienProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930 se retira. AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter se retrouva seul.
(12) — Attendre, il faut donc toujours attendre, s'écria-t-il, en paraissant s'adresser au portrait de sa femme: enfin, GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator, prenons patience...
(13) Il n'eut pas la force de reprendre le fil de ses pensées. Il s'affaissa sur les coussins, fixa le plafond d'un regard vide... Une immense lassitude l'envahit.
(14) Les derniers lambeaux de son orgueil masculin qu'il avait traînés dans BerlinBerlin (historical), capital of Germany, chez ses amis et au cours du « petit souper d'adieu », s'en allaient peu à peu.
(15) Il se sentait à bout.
(16) Vers les dix heures, l'assistant revint et lui administra un soporifique. Puis l'infirmière parut, rangea sa chambre. éteignit la lumière. On le laissa dormir jusqu'au milieu de la matinée, lorsque les médecins devaient arriver. Il n'eut que le temps de faire une rapide toilette, et déjà le professeur ArnsProfessor Arns (fictional), also Arno; possibly modeled on Arthur Weil, who invented a bold test and worked at Magnus Hirschfeld’s Institute in Berlin se tenait près de son lit, et lui enjoignait de signer une déclaration qui disait en substance:
(17) « Moi, Andreas SparreAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter, je désire être opéré à mes propres risques et périls; le professeur GebhardtProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930, chargé de l'opération, est délivré de toute responsabilité dans le cas d'une issue défavorable. Si je succombe, aucune poursuite ne saurait être intentée par ma famille. »
(18) Lorsque le jeune hommeAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter eut signé, il demanda:
(19) — Me permettez-vous d'ajouter quelques mots de gratitude envers les médecins allemands qui vont tenter ma métamorphose?
(20) Mais le docteurProfessor Arns (fictional), also Arno; possibly modeled on Arthur Weil, who invented a bold test and worked at Magnus Hirschfeld’s Institute in Berlin refusa cette offre en riant. Puis il déclara:
(21) — L'opération aura lieu dans quelques minutes. C'est le professeur GebhardtProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930 qui s'en chargera. Mais j'y assisterai, selon le désir du professeur Werner KreutzProfessor Werner Kreutz (fictional), modelled on Kurt Warnekros (1882–1949), a German gynecologist. Au revoir, et bonne chance!
(22) Il était près de midi lorsque AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter revint à lui, en proie à une violente souffrance. Il ouvrit les yeux et un cri de douleur, s'échappa de ses lévres. Il se rendit compte qu'il était couché dans son lit... Deux infirmières se penchaient sur lui, murmurant des paroles de réconfort. A mesure qu'il reprenait conscience, la souffrance devenait plus aiguë, atroce... Il fit un effort pour se maîtriser, serra les dents.
(23) — Ai'je fait beaucoup de tapage? demanda-t-il faiblement.
(24) — Pas mal, répondit l'une des infirmières en souriant: mais ce qu'il y a de remarquable, c'est que votre voix est changée. Vous criez comme une femme.
(25) Le professeur GebhardtProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930 entra, prit la main d'AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter dans la sienne:
(26) — Tout s'est passé à merveille, fit-il, et je dois, de plus, vous présenter mes félicitations: vous avez un magnifique soprano -@Translator: CB.
(27) Quelques heures plus tard, le maladeAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter fut autorisé à recevoir son ami NielsNiels Hvide (fictional), modeled on Poul Knudsen (1889-1974), Danish lawyer and writer, friend of the Wegeners, married to Vibeke 1925-1938.
(28) — Tu m'as l'air de te porter fort bien.
(29) — Ça ne va pas trop mal, répondit AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter.
(30) NielsNiels Hvide (fictional), modeled on Poul Knudsen (1889-1974), Danish lawyer and writer, friend of the Wegeners, married to Vibeke 1925-1938 réprima un cri de surprise, et interrogea l'infirmière du regard. Celle-ci murmura:
(31) — Sans doute, cette voix vous étonne...
(32) — Je ne la reconnais plus.
(33) Puis, se tournant verse le maladeAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter:
(34) — Ma femmeInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul Knudsen from 1925 to 1938 t'envoie ses meilleurs souhaits, elle viendra...
(35) Sur un signe de l'infirmière, NielsNiels Hvide (fictional), modeled on Poul Knudsen (1889-1974), Danish lawyer and writer, friend of the Wegeners, married to Vibeke 1925-1938 se retira doucement, et AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter demanda:
(36) — Faites-moi une piqûre... Je souffre.
(37) On lui administra plusieurs piqûres dans le courant de cette nuit affreuse, chargée d'agonie, mais ce ne fut qu'à l'aube qu'il fut enfin plongé dans un sommeil fiévreux. Lorsqu'il se réveilla, vers midi, il se sentit brisé, épuisé, mais la douleur s'était atténuée.
(38) De temps en temps, il posait machinalement la question:
(39) — Qui suis-je? Que suis-je?... Qui étais-je?... Que vais-je devenir?...
(40) Dans l'après-midi, IngerInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul Knudsen from 1925 to 1938, la femme de NielsNiels Hvide (fictional), modeled on Poul Knudsen (1889-1974), Danish lawyer and writer, friend of the Wegeners, married to Vibeke 1925-1938, entra dans sa chambre. Elle lui apportait des fleurs et un flacon d'eau de Cologne. Des fleurs! Leur parfum l'embaumait!
(41) IngerInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul Knudsen from 1925 to 1938 s'assit sur le bord du lit, et lui parla longtemps, confidentiellement. Jusqu'ici elle lui avait toujours dit « vous », mais à présent elle le tutoyait. Ce ne fut que plus tard qu'il évoqua cet entretien, se rendant compte que durant ces premiers jours qui suivirent l'opération, elle ne l'avait jamais appelé par son nom.
(42) Elle revint chaque jour, lui apportant des fleurs, et lui prodiguant des paroles de réconfort. Ainsi, deux, puis trois jours s'écoulèrent. Pendant les longues nuits, sous le coup de massue de sommifères puissants, il dormait profondément sans rêves. Et tous les matins, IngerInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul Knudsen from 1925 to 1938 était à son chevet.
(43) Un jour, elle entra, tenant dans ses mains un bouquet printanier:
(44) — Aujourd'hui, ce n'est pas moi qu'il faut remercier, fit-elle en riant, je ne suis que la messagère d'un de tes bons amis de ParisParis (historical), capital of France.
(45) — Claude LejeuneClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923! s'écria AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter.
(46) IngerInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul Knudsen from 1925 to 1938 détacha le billet qui était épinglé au bouquet et le lut à jaute voix:
(47) « Chaque fleur de ce bouquet est un message affectueux pour « LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 ». ClaudeClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923. »
(48) Le maladeAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter cacha dans les fleurs son visage baigné de larmes. Il murmura:
(49) — ClaudeClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923, ClaudeClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923,la retrouvera-t-il un jour?
(50) — Qui cela?
(51) — Sa « LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 »...
(52) Il tendit faiblement à son interlocutriceInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul
Knudsen from 1925 to 1938 une
[Page 15]
carte où il avait griffonné quelques mots:
![[Page 15]](http://www.lilielbe.org/media/periodicals/1934-10-20Voil%c3%a0_02.jpg){kind=link}
(53) — Faites-lui parvenir ce message, murmura-t-il.
(54) — Est-ce bien toi qui as écrit ces lignes?
(55) — Mais, bien entendu, pourquoi cette question?
(56) — Je n'en crois pas mes yeux...
(57) Il examina la carte et poussa à son tour une exclamation. Il ne reconnaissait plus sa propre écriture; on eût dit un billet tracé par une main de femme. IngerInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul Knudsen from 1925 to 1938 retrouva l'assistant dans le couloir, et lui fit voir la carte en disant:
(58) — Qu'en pensez-vous, docteur? un homme aurait-il pu écrire cela?
(59) — Certes non, madame, fit le docteur stupéfait: vous voyez bien: une chose est en train d'éclore après l'autre...
(60) AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter surprit cette conversation, et les mots fatidiques résonnèrent longtemps à ses oreilles: « Une chose après l'autre! »
(61) Lorsque le docteur revint le voir, le maladeAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter demanda s'il pourrait bientôt se lever.
(62) — Et pourquoi cette hâte? demanda le praticien.
(63) — C'est que voyez-vous, ma femmeGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator arrive...
(64) — Votre femmeGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator, balbutia le docteur, hum, madameGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator vous trouvera certes un peu changé, mais nous n'y pouvons rien! Et il quitta la chambre d'un air préoccupe.
(65) Trois jours plus tard, de grand matin, GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator débarqua à la clinique. L'infirmière de garde l'introduisit immédiatement dans la chambre de maladeAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter. GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator s'arrêta, les deux bras tendus, luttant contre les sanglots qui l'étouffaient, puis elle s'affaissa au chevet de son mariAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter.
(66) Plus tard, lorsqu'elle se retrouva seule en face d'elle-même, elle écrivit à l'ami dévouéClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923, au gai et charmant compagnonClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923 des fêtes de BalgencieBalgencie (fictional), modeled on Beaugency, a town on the Loire river in southern France, au confidentClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923 de leur drame:
(67) « Mon cher ClaudeClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923,
(68) « Je ne puis que décrire en quelques mots rapides tout ce qui vient de se passer. Je pensais retrouver AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter, mais AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter est mort. J'ai trouvé à sa place un être frêle, diaphane... Etait-ce « LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931? » Oui, bien sûr, mais non pas telle que nous l'avons connue jadis a ParisParis (historical), capital of France. C'est un être tout différent, dont l'expression, les gestes, la voix sont tout nouveaux pour moi. Dès à présent, j'ai l'impression d'un être infiniment féminin, et que la vie n'a pas encore touché. Aussi, serait-il plus exact peut-être de dire « virginal », voire: « enfantin »... C'est une « vie nouvelle », je ne saurais mieux exprimer ma pensée. Ah! ClaudeClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923, quelle destinée! lorsque j'y songe, je sens comme un frisson de terreur... Heureusement que cet être que dorénavant nous pourrons appeler LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 pour de bon, est encore trop faible pour regarder en arrière ou pour interroger l'avenir. C'est à peine si elle est capable de se rendre compte de son état présent.
(69) « J'ai parlé aux docteurs. Cette opération qui n'est « qu'un commencement » a réussi au delà de tout ce que l'on pouvait souhaiter. « AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter a cessé d'exister », m'ont-ils déclaré. Ses glandes séminales ont été supprimées, et le reste sera parachevé à DresdeDresden (historical), city in Germany sous le scalpel de Werner KreutzProfessor Werner Kreutz (fictional), modelled on Kurt Warnekros (1882–1949), a German gynecologist... Les docteurs ont prononcé le mot de « hormones »; je l'ai cherché dans le dictionnaire, il s'agit de certaines sécrétions internes qui influent profondément sur le processus vital.
(70) « Ce que j'ai pu constater de mes propres yeux, c'est l'épanouissement d'un être dont nous avons partagé pendant de longues années les souffrances et les angoisses. Sa vie nous était apparue comme un problème insoluble, une désespérante énigme. « Eclosion, épanouissement »... oui, c'est bien cela.
(71) « Les docteurs, les infirmiéres, nos amis NielsNiels Hvide (fictional), modeled on Poul Knudsen (1889-1974), Danish lawyer and writer, friend of the Wegeners, married to Vibeke 1925-1938 et IngerInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul Knudsen from 1925 to 1938 m'ont tous exprimé la profonde surprise que leur cause la métamorphose extérieure de « notre patienteLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 », comme on l'appelle, ne sachant trop quel nom lui donner. Mais qu'est-ce que leur surprise comparée à la mienne! Ils l'ont vue tous les jours, tandis que j'ai été séparé de l'ex-AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter pendant deux semaines. Et c'est à peine si je reconnais...
(72) « Je ne t'en dis pas plus long pour le moment. Je ne ferai qu'ajouter que cette nouvelle « LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 », si touchante et si douce, repose dans mes bras, comme une sœur...
(73) « Bien affectueusement, GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator. »
(74) La femmeGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator d'AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter passa cette première nuit à l'hôtel. Mais, dès le lendemain, l'infirmière lui proposa de dresser un second lit dans la chambre de maladeLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931, afin d'y demeurer jusqu'au départ pour DresdeDresden (historical), city in Germany, qui devait avoir lieu dans quelques jours.
(75) — Voilà qui est une excellente idée, s'écria la jeune femmeGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator, et elle alla aussitôt quérir ses bagages. Elle ouvrit une malle et en tira une matinée de crêpe de chine rose.
(76) L'infirmière eut une exçlamation pleine d'admiration:
(77) — Que cela vous ira bien, madameGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator!
(78) — Mais ce n'est pas pour moi, voyons, répondit GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator en riant: c'est un cadeau qu'un ami de ParisClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923 envoie à... votre maladeLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931.
(79) Et, en effet, quelques minutes plus tard, le ou plutôt la maladeLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 était assise dans son lit, revêtue de la matinée rose tendre, et souriait à ses visiteurs. Certes, elle était encore bien pâle et bien faible, mais son expression était fort gaie.
(80) Le médecin assistant n'en croyait pas ses yeux:
(81) — Mes félicitations, mademoiselleLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931!... murmurait-il: et si vous êtes bien sage et bien prudente, vous pourrez vous lever pour une heure ou deux...
(82) Les infirmières, curieuses, se glissaient dans la chambre l'une après l'autre, puis ce fut enfin le tour du professeur GebhardtProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930 en personne. Il prit la main tremblante de « LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 » et la porta à ses lèvres de l'air le plus naturel du monde:
(83) — Bonjour, mademoiselleGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator, et bravo! vous êtes sur la bonne voie...
(84) Soudain, il s'aperçut de la présence de GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator:
(85) — Ah! balbutia-t-il, soyez la bienvenue, madameGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator...
(86) Ils se regardèrent en silence, cherchant à dominer leur émotion... « LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 » essaya d'intervenir:
(87) — Mais oui, professeurProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930, c'est madame GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator qui..., murmura-t-elle, puis s'interrompit, cherchant ses mots.
(88) Le professeurProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930 se mit à rire doucement:
(89) — Oui, oui, je sais... c'est Mme GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator qui a été mariée à ce monsieur Andreas SparreAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter, qui nous a fait faux bond, d'une façon, dirai-je, assez surprenante... Hélas, chère madameLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931, tous les hommes sont des lâcheurs.
(90) Et, grâce à cette formule heureuse, la tension douloureuse fut brusquement rompue.
(91) Le lendemain, GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator écrivit dans son journal:
(92) « Aujourd'hui, nous sommes sorties avec IngerInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul Knudsen from 1925 to 1938 pour faire quelques achats. Nous devons faire nos préparatifs pour le voyage de DresdeDresden (historical), city in Germany. Dans l'après-midi nous avons regagné la chambre de « LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 », en lui apportant un grand carton. Nous l'ouvrîmes devant elle, et nous en tirâmes un ravissant manteau, doublé de soie: « LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 » l'examina, puis elle murmura: « Si je me présente chez le professeur KreutzProfessor Werner Kreutz (fictional), modelled on Kurt Warnekros (1882–1949), a German gynecologist dans cet accoutrement, il ne me reconnaîtra pas... il me mettra à la porte. » Et ses yeux eurent une expression si triste! Ils sont toujours tristes... AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter avait des yeux tout différents. Mais sans doute ne peut-elle encore croire à sa métamorphose... »
(93) Le même jour, « la patienteLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 » écrivit sa première lettre. Elle était adressée à son beau-frère ChristianChristian (fictional), Andreas’s brother-in-law; modeled on Thomas Christian Thomsen (1883-1963), married to Einar’s sister Christiane and father of Einar’s nephew, Sigurd, qui avait fourni les fonds nécessaires pour l'opération. Cette missive était pleine d'espérance, elle respirait une joie secrète, une certitude, qui n'osait pas encore éclater au grand jour:
(94) BerlinBerlin (historical), capital of Germany, 14 mars 1930.
(95) « Mon cher ChristianChristian (fictional), Andreas’s brother-in-law; modeled on Thomas Christian Thomsen (1883-1963), married to Einar’s sister Christiane and father of Einar’s nephew, Sigurd,
(96) « C'est à présent « LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 » qui t'écrit. Je suis installée dans mon lit, revêtue d'une chemise de nuit en crêpe de chine, ornée de dentelles. Je suis ondulée, poudrée, et je porte un collier et des bagues. Mëme l'austère professeurProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930 m'appelle LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931... L'opération que j'ai subie me permet d'entrer à la cliniqueMunicipal Women's Clinic (fictional and historical) is the Staatliche Frauenklinik in Dresden, directed by Professor Kurt Warnekros from 1925 to 1948." de DresdeDresden (historical), city in Germany, exclusivement réservée aux femmes. Qu'importent les souffrances qui m'attendent encore, je suis heureuse, et d'ici quelques mois, je serai une vigoureuse et florissante jeune fille.
(97) « Affectueusement, LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931. »
(98) (A suivre.) Niels HOYERNiels Hoyer (historical), pseudonym of Ernst Harthern, who composed and edited Man into Woman.
(99) (Reproduction, même partielle, interdite. Copyright by Niels HoyerNiels Hoyer (historical), pseudonym of Ernst Harthern, who composed and edited Man into Woman.)
Translation
Page 14
VICE - - VERSA
A man changes sex
Based on authentic documents by Niels HoyerNiels Hoyer (historical), pseudonym of Ernst Harthern, who composed and edited Man into Woman
(01) During the examination of Andreas SparreAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter, in ParisParis (historical), capital of France, Professor Werner KreutzProfessor Werner Kreutz (fictional), modelled on Kurt Warnekros (1882–1949), a German gynecologist had announced that the young manAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter had both masculine and feminine organs, but that the latter were atrophied. Moreover, it was extremely probable that the radiation treatment that AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter had underwent dried up these organs.
(02) Werner KreutzProfessor Werner Kreutz (fictional), modelled on Kurt Warnekros (1882–1949), a German gynecologist required that the patientAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter undergo a treatment in BerlinBerlin (historical), capital of Germany, before entering his clinicMunicipal Women's Clinic (fictional and historical) is the Staatliche Frauenklinik in Dresden, directed by Professor Kurt Warnekros from 1925 to 1948." in DresdenDresden (historical), city in Germany. Thus, AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter went to GermanyGermany is a western European country whose capital is Berlin., leaving his wife GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator in ParisParis (historical), capital of France. As soon as he arrived, he was summoned by Professor ArnsProfessor Arns (fictional), also Arno; possibly modeled on Arthur Weil, who invented a bold test and worked at Magnus Hirschfeld’s Institute in Berlin, the inventor of a new method of blood analysis allowing the hormones to be measured. As we know, this product of internal secretion plays a major role in the organism and influences the sex development: the scientists consider today that hormones determine the difference between the male and female genitalia; it was therefore extremely important to determine the functioning of the internal secretion of an individual endowed with both genital organs.
(03) Afterwards, AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter went to another practitioner, Professor HardenfeldProfessor Hardenfeld (fictional), modeled on Magnus Hirschfeld (1868–1935), a German physician and one of the most influential sexologists of the time; Einar Wegener was examined at his Institute in March 1930, who studied his psychological structure and analyzed his emotional reactions. He needed, indeed, to "untangle" the double personality inhabiting this body and to identify the concrete existence of the feminine being hiding under the masculine shell. For many hours, HardenfeldProfessor Hardenfeld (fictional), modeled on Magnus Hirschfeld (1868–1935), a German physician and one of the most influential sexologists of the time; Einar Wegener was examined at his Institute in March 1930 questioned the young painterAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter, shining the light of psychoanalysis on the most obscure depths of his personality. It really was a moral torture that left AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter broken. In order to distract him, two loyal friends, NielsNiels Hvide (fictional), modeled on Poul Knudsen (1889-1974), Danish lawyer and writer, friend of the Wegeners, married to Vibeke 1925-1938 and IngerInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul Knudsen from 1925 to 1938, took him to a restaurant. The evening ended with a small, but very cheerful party, because even on the threshold of his new life, Andreas SparreAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter kept up his preferences and the habits of an authentic denizen of MontparnasseMontparnasse (historical), a section of Paris where many artists and writers lived in the 1920s... In the meantime, both practitioners had a consultation over the phone with Professor Werner KreutzProfessor Werner Kreutz (fictional), modelled on Kurt Warnekros (1882–1949), a German gynecologist. HardenfeldProfessor Hardenfeld (fictional), modeled on Magnus Hirschfeld (1868–1935), a German physician and one of the most influential sexologists of the time; Einar Wegener was examined at his Institute in March 1930 told him that AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter’s psychological being contained a clearly preponderant feminine element: between 80 and 100%. ArnsProfessor Arns (fictional), also Arno; possibly modeled on Arthur Weil, who invented a bold test and worked at Magnus Hirschfeld’s Institute in Berlin’s blood test had provided similar results from a physiological standpoint. Consequently, it was obvious that the woman dominated the man, and that only a whim of nature had given this woman a masculine appearance. Having learned these results, Werner KreutzProfessor Werner Kreutz (fictional), modelled on Kurt Warnekros (1882–1949), a German gynecologist decreed that a surgical intervention was necessary: this first stage involved an ablation of the "seminal glands" (castration), which would allow AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter to get rid of this false appearance.
(04) Later on, an ovarian graft undertaken by KreutzProfessor Werner Kreutz (fictional), modelled on Kurt Warnekros (1882–1949), a German gynecologist himself was meant to stimulate the feminine organs of the patientAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter. It is useful to remember that, while these scientists were going to attempt the first experiment of this kind on a human being, Professor SteinachEugen Steinach (1861–1944), an Austrian physician who pioneered gonadal transplants and early theorized the existence of hormones, from ViennaVienna (historical), a city in Austria, had already operated on animals, whose sex he successfully changed with similar methods. In this way, he endowed a male rat with mammal glands and transformed hens into roosters capable of fertilizing other hens.
(05) III.(1)*See mouse-over. — THE FIRST METAMORPHOSIS
(06) IN the room of the surgical clinicGebhard’s sanitorium (fictional), possibly modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt’s private clinic at Augsburger Str. 66, Berlin of Professor GebhardtProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930 where AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter was admitted, the lamps were already lit. A nurse led him there, took his personal effects, hung a thermometer above the bed and urged the patientAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter to go to sleep immediately. The doctors would come soon.
(07) AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter began to slowly undress. Suddenly, it came to his mind that, without doubt, Andreas SparreAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter was undressing for the last time... Goodbye, jacket, waistcoat, trousers, underwear, socks, shoes! For many years, they served as a protective armor. He placed them in the wardrobe with a mechanical gesture, acquired by the habit of a lifetime. What will become of these clothes now? What will survive, him or his masculine attributes?
(08) He took the hat that he had placed on a pedestal table: — Why, I won’t think of it anymore, he told himself. He slipped his hand in the pocket and took out a photograph which he placed on the table: "GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator! he whispered and with a quick gesture caressed the image. A knock on the door, a hand turned on the light switch. Professor GebhardtProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930 entered, accompanied by his assistant. He asked AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter a few questions and he answered firmly: soon after, the young painterAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter found out that his surgery had been postponed until the following morning. — But why, doctorProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930, he exclaimed impatiently.
(09) The professorProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930 started to laugh:
(10) — Gravol, this is how you, Scandinavians, call these farewell dinners. It’s very nice, honestly... Your friend NielsNiels Hvide (fictional), modeled on Poul Knudsen (1889-1974), Danish lawyer and writer, friend of the Wegeners, married to Vibeke 1925-1938, with whom you spent the evening, has already told me about it. It seems that you have a taste for our Rhine wines... That is very good, no doubt... Nevertheless, this kind of surgery succeeds much better when you have an empty stomach. In a few hours from now, we will give you a soporific, so that the night will not seem too long... After all, it is not a difficult intervention. See you tomorrow and good luck!
(11) A quick handshake, and the surgeonProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930 left. AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter found himself alone.
(12) — Wait, I always have to wait, he cried out, as if talking to the portrait of his wife: well, GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator, let’s be patient...
(13) He didn’t have the strength to resume his train of thought. He collapsed onto the pillows, stared at the ceiling with an empty look... An immense weariness came over him.
(14) The last scraps of his masculine pride, which he had dragged along in BerlinBerlin (historical), capital of Germany, with his friends and during the "farewell dinner", vanished little by little.
(15) He felt exhausted.
(16) Around ten o’ clock, the assistant returned to give him a soporific. Then the nurse came in, tidied up the room, turned off the light. They let him sleep until midmorning, when the doctors would arrive. He only had time to wash himself quickly, and Professor ArnsProfessor Arns (fictional), also Arno; possibly modeled on Arthur Weil, who invented a bold test and worked at Magnus Hirschfeld’s Institute in Berlin was already by his bed, asking him to sign a statement essentially saying:
(17) "I, Andreas SparreAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter, wish to be operated upon at my own risk; Professor GebhardtProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930, in charge with the operation, is released of all responsibility in case of an unfavorable result. If I die, no lawsuit will be filed by my family."
(18) After the young manAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter signed it, he asked:
(19) — Will you allow me to add a few words of gratitude to the German doctors who attempt my metamorphosis?
(20) But the doctorProfessor Arns (fictional), also Arno; possibly modeled on Arthur Weil, who invented a bold test and worked at Magnus Hirschfeld’s Institute in Berlin laughed and declined this offer. Then he said:
(21) — The surgery will take place in a few minutes. Professor GebhardtProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930 will be in charge. But I will attend, at the wish of Professor Werner KreutzProfessor Werner Kreutz (fictional), modelled on Kurt Warnekros (1882–1949), a German gynecologist. Goodbye and good luck!
(22) It was already noon when AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter regained consciousness, in the throes of violent pains. He opened the eyes and a scream of pain escaped from his lips. He realized that he was lying in his bed... Two nurses leaned over him, whispering comforting words. As proof that he was conscious again, the pain became sharper, atrocious... He made an effort to control himself, gritted his teeth.
(23) — Have I made a lot of noise? he asked faintly.
(24) — Not bad, answered one of the nurses, smiling: but it is remarkable how your voice has changed. You scream like a woman.
(25) Professor GebhardtProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930 entered, took AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter’s hand into his:
(26) — Everything went perfectly, he said, and moreover I must congratulate you: you have here a magnificent soprano voice.
(27) A few hours later, the invalidAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter was allowed to receive his friend NielsNiels Hvide (fictional), modeled on Poul Knudsen (1889-1974), Danish lawyer and writer, friend of the Wegeners, married to Vibeke 1925-1938.
(28) — You seem to be doing very well.
(29) — It’s not too bad, AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter answered.
(30) NielsNiels Hvide (fictional), modeled on Poul Knudsen (1889-1974), Danish lawyer and writer, friend of the Wegeners, married to Vibeke 1925-1938 suppressed an exclamation of surprise, and looked inquisitively at the nurse. She whispered:
(31) — No doubt, this voice surprises you...
(32) — I no longer recognize it.
(33) Then, turning toward the invalid:Andreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter
(34) — My wifeInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul Knudsen from 1925 to 1938 sends you her best wishes, she will come...
(35) At the sign of a nurse, NielsNiels Hvide (fictional), modeled on Poul Knudsen (1889-1974), Danish lawyer and writer, friend of the Wegeners, married to Vibeke 1925-1938 withdrew quietly, and AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter asked:
(36) — Give me an injection... I’m in pain.
(37) They administered more injections during this dreadful, agonizing night, until, at dawn, he finally fell into a feverish sleep. When he woke up, toward noon, he felt broken, exhausted, but the pain had eased.
(38) At times, he would asked mechanically:
(39) — Who am I? What am I?... Who am I?... What will I become?...
(40) In the afternoon, IngerInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul Knudsen from 1925 to 1938, NielsNiels Hvide (fictional), modeled on Poul Knudsen (1889-1974), Danish lawyer and writer, friend of the Wegeners, married to Vibeke 1925-1938’ wife, entered his room. She brought him flowers, a bottle of Cologne. Flowers! They filled him with their fragrance!
(41) IngerInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul Knudsen from 1925 to 1938 sat on the edge of the bed, and talked to him for a long time, intimately. Before, she always addressed him with respect, but now she spoke familiarly. Later, he remembered this conversation and realized that, during the first days that followed the surgery, she never called him by his name.
(42) She returned every day, bringing him flowers, showering him with words of solace. Thus, two, then three days passed. During the long nights, bludgeoned by the powerful sleeping drugs, he was sound asleep, without dreams. And every morning, IngerInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul Knudsen from 1925 to 1938 was at his bedside.
(43) One day, she entered with a spring-like bouquet:
(44) — Today, it is not me that you should thank for this, I am just the messenger of one of your good friends from ParisParis (historical), capital of France.
(45) — Claude LejeuneClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923! cried AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter.
(46) IngerInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul Knudsen from 1925 to 1938 removed the note pinned onto the bouquet and read it aloud:
(47) "Each flower of this bouquet is an affectionate message for ‘LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931’. ClaudeClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923."
(48) The patientAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter hid his face bathed in tears behind the bouquet. He whispered:
(49) — ClaudeClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923, ClaudeClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923, will he find her again one day?
(50) — Who is that?
(51) — His -@Translator: CB "LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931".
(52) He stretched towards his interlocutorInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul
Knudsen from 1925 to 1938 a weak
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card where he had scribbled a few words:
(53) — Make sure he receives this message, he whispered.
(54) — Is it really you who wrote these lines?
(55) — Yes, of course, why do you ask?
(56) — I can’t believe my eyes...
(57) He examined the card and he too exclaimed. He couldn’t recognize his own handwriting any longer; it looked like a note written by a woman. IngerInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul Knudsen from 1925 to 1938 met the assistant in the corridor and asked him to take a look at the card, saying:
(58) — What you think of this, doctor? could a man have written it?
(59) — Certainly not, madame, said the doctor stupefied: you can see it: one thing after another is blooming ...
(60) AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter overheard this conversation, and the fateful words echoed for a long time in his ears: "One thing after another!"
(61) When the doctor returned to see him, the patientAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter -@Editor: PLC asked if he could get up soon.
(62) — And why this haste? the practitioner asked.
(63) — Because, you see, my wifeGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator comes...
(64) — Your wifeGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator, the doctor stammered, hum, certainly the ladyGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator will find you a bit changed, but there’s nothing we can do! And he left the room with the air of a preoccupied man.
(65) Three days later, early in the morning, GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator turned up at the clinic. The nurse on call showed her immediately in the patientAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter’s room. GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator stopped, arms stretched out, choking back the tears, then she collapsed at her husbandAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter’s bedside.
(66) Later, when she found herself alone, she wrote to the devoted friendClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923, to the cheerful and charming companionClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923 at the parties in BalgencieBalgencie (fictional), modeled on Beaugency, a town on the Loire river in southern France, to the confidantClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923 of their drama:
(67) "My dear ClaudeClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923,
(68) "I can only describe in a few, hasty words what has just happened. I thought I would see AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter again, but AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter has died. Instead, I found this frail, delicate being... Was it 'LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931'? Yes, of course, but not like the one we have known before in ParisParis (historical), capital of France. It is a completely different being, whose expression, gestures, voice are very new to me. Now, I have the feeling of an infinitely feminine being, untouched yet by life. Therefore, it would be more accurate to say 'virginal', even 'childish'... It’s a 'new life', I couldn’t better express my thoughts. Ah! ClaudeClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923, what a fate! when I think of it, I feel a thrill of awe... Fortunately, this being whom from now on we can call LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 for good, is still too weak to look back or to question the future. She is hardly capable of realizing her present state.
(69) "I talked to the doctors. This surgery, which is only a 'beginning' has succeeded beyond anything we could have wished for. 'AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter has ceased to exist', they told me. His seminal glands have been removed, and the rest will be finalized at DresdenDresden (historical), city in Germany, under the scalpel of Werner KreutzProfessor Werner Kreutz (fictional), modelled on Kurt Warnekros (1882–1949), a German gynecologist... The doctors have pronounced the word 'hormones'; I looked it up in the dictionary, it’s about certain internal secretions that have a profound influence on the vital process.
(70) "What I could see with my own eyes is the blooming of a being whose pain and anguish we have shared for many years. Her life had seemed to us an insoluble problem, a desperate enigma. 'Blooming, blossoming'... yes, it is just this.
(71) "The doctors, the nurses, our friends NielsNiels Hvide (fictional), modeled on Poul Knudsen (1889-1974), Danish lawyer and writer, friend of the Wegeners, married to Vibeke 1925-1938 and IngerInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul Knudsen from 1925 to 1938, all have shared with me their great surprise caused by the outward metamorphosis of 'our patientLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931', as they call him here, not knowing anymore what name to give him. But what is their surprise compared to mine! They saw him all these days, while I have been separated from the former AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter for two weeks. And I hardly recognize...
(72) "Enough for the time being. All I will add is that this new 'LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931', so touching and so sweet, rests in my arms, like a sister...
(73) "Very affectionately, GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator"
(74) AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter’ wifeGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator spent this first night at the hotel. But, the next day, the nurse suggested to put a second bed in the patientLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931’s room, for her to stay there until the departure for DresdenDresden (historical), city in Germany, which was take place in a few days.
(75) — This is an excellent idea, cried out the young womanGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator and she went immediately to look for her luggage. She opened a trunk and took out a pink silk gown.
(76) The nurse exclaimed admiringly:
(77) — How good it will look on you, madameGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator!
(78) — But it isn’t for me, come on, GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator answered laughingly: it is a present that a friend from ParisClaude Lejeune (fictional), modeled on Claude Prévost, friend of Lili’s whom Gerda Wegener painted in 1923 sends to... your patientLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931.
(79) And, indeed, a few minutes later, the patientLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931, he, or rather she, was sitting in her bed, dressed up in her soft rose gown, and smiling at her visitors. Certainly, she -@Translator: CB was still very pale and very weak, but her expression was very cheerful.
(80) The assistant doctor couldn’t believe his eyes:
(81) — Congratulations, missLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931!... he muttered: and if you are very good and very careful, you could get up for an hour or two...
(82) Curious, the nurses sneaked into the room one after another, then it was, finally, the turn of Professor GebhardtProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930 himself. He took "LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931’s" trembling hand and kissed it as if it was the most natural thing in the world:
(83) — Good morning, missLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931, and bravo! you are on the right path...
(84) Suddenly, he became aware of GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator’s presence:
(85) — Ah! he stammered, welcome, madameGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator...
(86) They looked at each other silently, trying to control their emotion... "LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931" tried to intervene:
(87) — Yes, ProfessorProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930, it is madame GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator who... she whispered, then she stopped, searching for her words.
(88) The ProfessorProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930 started to laugh softly:
(89) — Yes, yes, I know... it is Mrs. GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator who has been married to Mr. Andreas SparreAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter, who let us down, in a surprising way, I’d say... Alas, dear madameLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931, all men are deceivers.
(90) And, thanks to this inspired turn of phrase, the painful tension was suddenly broken.
(91) The next day, GreteGrete Sparre (fictional), modeled on Gerda Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator wrote in her diary:
(92) "Today we went out with IngerInger Hvide (fictional), modeled on Vibeke Knudsen (dates unknown), married to Poul Knudsen from 1925 to 1938 to do some shopping. We need to prepare for the trip to DresdenDresden (historical), city in Germany. In the afternoon, we returned to "LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931’s" room, bringing her a big cardboard box. We opened it in front of her and took out a gorgeous coat, lined with silk. "LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931" examined it, then she whispered: "If I go to Professor KreutzProfessor Werner Kreutz (fictional), modelled on Kurt Warnekros (1882–1949), a German gynecologist in this outfit, he will not recognize me, he will throw me out." And her eyes had such a sad expression! They are always sad... AndreasAndreas Sparre (fictional), modeled on Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter had very different eyes. But no doubt she can’t yet believe her metamorphosis..."
(93) The same day, "the patientLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931" wrote her first letter. It was addressed to her brother-in-law ChristianChristian (fictional), Andreas’s brother-in-law; modeled on Thomas Christian Thomsen (1883-1963), married to Einar’s sister Christiane and father of Einar’s nephew, Sigurd, who had provided the funds necessary for the surgery. This missive was full of hope, it exuded a secret joy, a certitude, that didn’t dare yet burst in broad daylight:
(94) BerlinBerlin (historical), capital of Germany, March 14, 1930.
(95) "My dear ChristianChristian (fictional), Andreas’s brother-in-law; modeled on Thomas Christian Thomsen (1883-1963), married to Einar’s sister Christiane and father of Einar’s nephew, Sigurd,
(96) "Now it’s 'LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931' who writes you. I am in bed, dressed in a silk negligee decorated with lace. My hair is curled, I am powdered, and I wear a necklace and rings. Even the severe professorProfessor Gebhard (fictional), modeled on Erwin Gohrbandt (1890–1965), a Berlin surgeon who performed the first operation on Lili Elvenes in 1930 calls me LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931...The surgery that I had allows me to be admitted to the clinicMunicipal Women's Clinic (fictional and historical) is the Staatliche Frauenklinik in Dresden, directed by Professor Kurt Warnekros from 1925 to 1948." in DresdenDresden (historical), city in Germany, reserved exclusively for women. The pains that still await me don’t matter, I am happy, and in a few months, I will be a flourishing girl.
(97) "Affectionately, LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931."
(98) (To be continued) Niels HOYERNiels Hoyer (historical), pseudonym of Ernst Harthern, who composed and edited Man into Woman.
(99) (Even partial reproduction is forbidden. Copyright by Niels HoyerNiels Hoyer (historical), pseudonym of Ernst Harthern, who composed and edited Man into Woman.)