The Master Builder Part 68

The Master Builder Part 68

What castle?


HILDA.


My castle, of course.


SOLNESS.


Do you want a castle now?


HILDA.


Dont you owe me a kingdom, I should like to know?


SOLNESS.


You say I do.


HILDA.


Well--you admit you owe me this kingdom. And you cant have a kingdom without a royal castle, I should think.


SOLNESS.


[More and more animated.] Yes, they usually go together.


HILDA.


Good! Then build it for me! This moment!


SOLNESS.


[Laughing.] Must you have that on the instant, too?


HILDA.


Yes, to be sure! For the ten years are up now, and I am not going to wait any longer. So--out with the castle, Mr. Solness!


SOLNESS.


Its no light matter to owe you anything, Hilda.


HILDA.


You should have thought of that before. It is too late now. So--[tapping the table]--the castle on the table! It is my castle! I will have it at once!


SOLNESS.


[More seriously, leans over towards her, with his arms on the table.]


What sort of castle have you imagined, Hilda?


[Her expression becomes more and more veiled. She seems gazing inwards at herself.


HILDA.


[Slowly.] My castle shall stand on a height--on a very great height--with a clear outlook on all sides, so that I can see far--far around.


SOLNESS.


And no doubt it is to have a high tower!


HILDA.


A tremendously high tower. And at the very top of the tower there shall be a balcony. And I will stand out upon it--


SOLNESS.


[Involuntarily clutches at his forehead.] How can you like to stand at such a dizzy height--?


HILDA.


Yes, I will! Right up there will I stand and look down on the other people--on those that are building churches, and homes for mother and father and the troop of children. And you may come up and look on at it, too.


SOLNESS.


[In a low tone.] Is the builder to be allowed to come up beside the princess?


HILDA.


If the builder will.