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.