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 may"st 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.