The Master Builder Part 78

The Master Builder Part 78

SOLNESS.


[Vehemently.] I will not answer such a question. You must believe in me, wholly and entirely!


HILDA.


All these ten years I have believed in you so utterly--so utterly.


SOLNESS.


You must go on believing in me!


HILDA.


Then let me see you stand free and high up!


SOLNESS.


[Sadly.] Oh Hilda--it is not every day that I can do that.


HILDA.


[Pa.s.sionately.] I will have you do it! I will have it! [Imploringly.]


Just once more, Mr. Solness! Do the impossible once again!


SOLNESS.


[Stands and looks deep into her eyes.] If I try it, Hilda, I will stand up there and talk to him as I did that time before.


HILDA.


[In rising excitement.] What will you say to him?


SOLNESS.


I will say to him: Hear me, Mighty Lord--thou mayst judge me as seems best to thee. But hereafter I will build nothing but the loveliest thing in the world--


HILDA.


[Carried away.] Yes--yes--yes!


SOLNESS. --build it together with a princess, whom I love--


HILDA.


Yes, tell him that! Tell him that!


SOLNESS.


Yes. And then I will say to him: Now I shall go down and throw my arms round her and kiss her--


HILDA. --many times! Say that!


SOLNESS. --many, many times, I will say it!


HILDA.


And then--?


SOLNESS.


Then I will wave my hat--and come down to the earth--and do as I said to him.


HILDA.


[With outstretched arms.] Now I see you again as I did when there was song in the air!


SOLNESS.


[Looks at here with his head bowed.] How have you become what you are, Hilda?


HILDA.


How have you made me what I am?


SOLNESS.


[Shortly and firmly.] The princess shall have her castle.