CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 Joseph Whitmore Barry 
 dramatic library 
 
 THE GIFT OF 
 TWO FRIENDS 
 
 OF Cornell University 
 
 1934 
 
Cornell University Library 
 
 PT 8859.A3 1893 
 
 Masterbullder; 
 
 3 1924 026 307 755 
 
a Cornell University 
 y Library 
 
 The original of tliis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924026307755 
 
yd^i^ . ,y^ 
 
THE MASTER-BUILDER 
 
 A DRAJVIA IJM TjHREE ACTS 
 
 BY 
 
 HENRIK IBSEN 
 
 TEANSLATED FROM THE NOIiWEGIAN 
 
 BY 
 
 JNO. W. AKCTANDER. 
 
 Minneapolis: 
 
 WALDM. KEIEDT. 
 
 1893. 
 
 fU 
 
J t:- 
 
 I 
 
 COPYRIGHT, 1893. 
 WALDM. KRIEDT. 
 
©JHARA^TEf^S: 
 
 • Halvaed Solness, a master-builder, 
 
 Mrs. Aline Sowjess, bis wife. 
 
 Doctor Heedai, their family physician, 
 
 Knute Beovik, formerly architect, now assistant to 
 Solness. 
 
 ErAGNAR Beovik, his son, a draftsman. 
 
 Kaja Foslie, his niece, bookkeeper! 
 ■ Hilda Wangel. 
 
 Some Ladies. 
 
 People in the street. 
 
Act I. 
 
 f A plainly furnished office in the house of Solness. Folding doors to 
 the left lead out to the hall. To the right a door to the private rooms of xhe 
 house. In the background an open door to the drafting room. At front of 
 stage, to the left, a high desk with books, papers and writing materials. 
 Beyond the door a stove. In the corner to the right a sofa and a couple of 
 chairs. In front of the sofa a table. On the table a water pitcher and glass. 
 At front ot stage, to the right, a smaller lahle. Near it a rocker and 
 an easy-chair. Lighted work-lamps on the table in the drafting room, on 
 the table in the corner and on the desk.) 
 
 (In the drafting room JInvte Brovik and his sou Hagnarare seated busy 
 with constructions and calculations. At the desk in the office stands Ka-ta 
 FosLTE writing in the ledger. Knute Brovik is an old sparely built man 
 with white hair and beard. He is dressed In a somewhat shiny, black coat. 
 He wears spectacles and has a white, somewhat yellowed cravat. Ragnar 
 Brovik is a man about 30 years old, well dressed, has light hair and is* a 
 little stooping. Ka.ia Fosi.ie is a slenderly built young girl, a little over "20, 
 neatly dressed, but has a sickly appearance. She uses a green shade for 
 the eyes. All three work along for some time in silence.) 
 
 Knute Bboyik. 
 
 (Arising suddenly, as in anguish, from the drafting table; breathes 
 heavily and with difficulty in going through the door) 
 
 No, I can endure this no longer, 
 Kaja. 
 
 (Going towards hinj) 
 
 You are ill to night, uncle? 
 
 Beotik. 
 Oh, it seems to me I grow worse ana worse 
 every day. 
 
 E.AGNAE. 
 
 (Who has arisen and comes nearer) 
 
 You ought to go home, father, and try to get 
 a little rest. 
 
Brovik. 
 
 (^Impeluously) 
 
 Go to bed iDerhaps? Do you want me to suf- 
 focate ? 
 
 Kaja. 
 But take a walk anyway. 
 
 Ragnae. 
 Yes, do. I will go with you. 
 Beovik. 
 
 (Violently) 
 
 I will not go before he comes. To nigh't I will 
 
 have it out with (with suppressed wrath) with him — 
 
 the boss. 
 
 Kaja 
 
 (Anxiously) 
 
 No, uncle, pi ease postpone iluit. 
 
 Ragnae. 
 Yes; it is better to wait, father! 
 
 Beovik. 
 
 (Breathing with difficulty) 
 
 Ha, ha! I think 1 have not a very long time 
 
 to wait. 
 
 Kaja. 
 
 (Listening) . 
 
 Hush! I hear him on the stairs. 
 
 (All three ko buck to their work. A short pause ) 
 (The master builder, Halyard Solmess, enters through the door from 
 the hall. He is a man somewhat aged, but healthy and strong with short 
 curly hair, dark mustache and dark, heavy eye-brows. He wears a drab, 
 tightly buttoned coat with upright collar and wide lapels Has on his 
 head a soft, gray felt hat and under his arm a couple of portfolios. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (In entering, points toward the drafting room and asks in a whii-per) 
 
 Have they gone? 
 
Kaja. 
 
 (Shaking her head) 
 
 No! 
 
 . (She takes the shade oft.) 
 (Solness walks across the stage, throws his hat on a chair, places the 
 portfolios on I he table in front of the sofa and approaches the desk.) 
 (Kaja writes incessantly, but appears nervous.) 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (In a natural voice) 
 
 What are you entering now, Miss Foslie? 
 Kaja. 
 
 (With a shudder) 
 
 Oh, it is only — 
 
 Solness. 
 
 Let me see, Miss Foslie. (Bends over her, pretends to 
 JoOk in the ledger and whispers) 'Kaja ! 
 
 Kaja. 
 
 (Writing. In a whisper) 
 
 Yes? 
 
 Solness. 
 Why do you always take the shade off, when 
 I come in? 
 
 Kaja. 
 
 (As befoie) 
 
 Because wearing it makes me look so homely. 
 Solness. 
 
 (Smiling) 
 
 Wouldn't you like that, Kaja? 
 Kaja. 
 
 (Looks half up toward him) 
 
 Not for anything in the world. Not in your 
 
 eyes. 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Patting her lightly on the head) 
 
 Poor, poor little Kaja! 
 
Kaja, 
 
 (Lowering her head) 
 
 Hush, hush! They may hear you. 
 
 (Solness sauntering across the floor towards the right, turns suddenly 
 and stops at the door to the drafting room) 
 
 Solness. 
 Has anyone inquired for me? 
 Kagnae. 
 
 (Rising) 
 
 Yes, the people who want the cottage built at 
 Leafbeach. 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Growling) 
 
 Bah! They will have to wait. I have not made 
 up my mind yet about the plans. 
 Ea(JNAB. 
 
 (Nearer, somewhat hesitating) 
 
 They were so anxious to get the drawings soon, 
 Solness. 
 
 (As before) 
 
 Yes, of course! They all are. 
 Beovik. 
 
 (Looking up) 
 
 For they are so very, very anxious to have a 
 chance to move into their own house, they say. 
 Solness. 
 
 Yes, yes, We know all about that. And then 
 they take it just as it comes. Procure for them- 
 selves a dwelling, a kind of place of resort only, but 
 no home. No, thanks! Let them then rather call 
 on some one else. Tell them so, when they come 
 again. 
 
 Bbotik. 
 
 (Pushes his spectacles up on his forehead and looks surprised at him) 
 
 To some one else? Would you give up chat job? 
 
SOLNESS. 
 (Impetuously) 
 
 Yes, yes, yes! Damn it all! If it is bound to 
 "be so! — Rather that than to build at random, for 
 I don't know those people very much yet, don't you 
 see? 
 
 Bkovik. 
 
 Oh, they are sound enough. Ragnar knows 
 -them. He visits at their house. They are real 
 solid. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Bah! solid! — That is not what I mean at all. 
 The devil, don't you understand me either, now. 
 <impetnonsiy) I don't Want to have anything to do with 
 those strange people. Let them go to whom they ' 
 please for all of me- 
 
 Brovik. 
 
 (Kising) 
 
 Do you really mean that? 
 
 BOLNESS. 
 (Sulkily) 
 Yes, I do for once. (He steps forward) 
 (Brovik exchanges a glance with Ragnar, who makes a motion of cau- 
 tion. He thereupon steps into thq ofiice.) 
 
 Beovik. 
 May I speak with you a moment? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Certainly! 
 
 Bkovik. 
 
 (To Kaja) 
 
 ;Step into the other room, please, for a moment. 
 Kaja. 
 
 (Anxiously) 
 
 IBut, uncle — 
 
6 
 
 Bkovik. 
 Do as I tell you, my child, and close the door. 
 
 (Kaja goes hesitatingly into the drafting room, looks anxiously and en- 
 treatingiy at Sohiess and closes the door.) 
 
 Bkovik. 
 
 (In a some^^hat mulTled voice) 
 
 1 don't want the poor children to know how 
 miserable I am. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, you look very badly nowadays. 
 
 Bkovik. 
 All is soon over with me. I get weaker and 
 weaker every day. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Won't you sit down. 
 
 Bkovik. 
 Thanks' may I? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Placing the easy chair before him) 
 
 Here please! — Well, what is iti' 
 Beovik. 
 
 (Who seats him.^elf with some difficulty) 
 
 Well, it is about Bagnar. That is what weighs 
 most heavily upon me. What will become of him? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Your son! He will of course remain with me 
 as long as he wishes to. 
 
 Bkovik. 
 
 But that is just what he does not wish. He 
 thinks he cannot — do so any longer. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Well, I should think that he has a pretty good 
 salary, but if he should demand more, I would not 
 be unwilling to — 
 
Beotik. 
 -.No, No! That is not the point, (impetuously) But he 
 too must some time have an opportunity to work 
 on his own hook. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Without looking at him) 
 
 Do you believe that Eagnar has the necessary 
 ability to do that? 
 
 Brovik. 
 
 No, that is what is moflt terrible. This, that 
 I have commenced to doubt the boy, for you have 
 never spoken as much as — as one encouraging word 
 concerning him. But then it seems to me that any- 
 thing else is impossible anyway. He must have' 
 ability. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 But he has not learned anything; nothing thor- 
 oughly; except drafting, of course. 
 Brovik. 
 
 (Looks at him with 6Ui)i)ressed hatred and says hoarsely) 
 
 You did 'not either have very much knowledge 
 of the trade the time you worked for me; but you 
 started out anyway, you did. (Breathes heavily) And 
 got on top. And got to the windward both of me 
 and so many others. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Well, you see, luck came my way. 
 Brovik. 
 
 Ton are right. Luck always came your way; 
 but then I should not think you could have the 
 heart to let me die without havinqr a chance to see 
 
what Ragnar is able to do, and besides, I would so 
 much like to see them married too — before I depart. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Sharply) 
 
 Is she the one who wants that? 
 Brovik. 
 
 Not so much Eaja; but Eagnar talks about it 
 every day. (Entreatingiy) You must— you must help 
 him to some independent work now. I must see 
 something that the boy has done. Do you hear? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Angrily) 
 
 The devfl! — I cannot get orders for him from 
 the moon. 
 
 Bbovik. 
 
 He can get a nice order just now. A great 
 piece of work. 
 
 SoXiNESS. 
 (Uneasy and startled) 
 
 Can he? 
 
 Brovik. 
 If you will give your consent. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 What kind of work is that? 
 Brovik. 
 
 (Somewhat hesitating) 
 
 He can get the order for the new cottage on 
 Leafbeach. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Ah! That one! But that I should build my- 
 self. 
 
 Bbovik. 
 But you don't care to do it. 
 
9 
 
 SOL^ESS. 
 (Angrily) 
 
 Don't care? I? who dares say that? 
 
 B^tOTIK. 
 
 You said so yourself a little while ago. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Oh ! Don't pay any attention to what I say. 
 Can Ragnar get the order for the building of that 
 cottage? 
 
 Brovik. 
 
 Yes. He is acquainted with the family, you see, 
 and then he has, only for his own amusement of 
 course, drawn some plans and made the calculations 
 and all that — 
 
 SOLNESg. 
 
 And are the people satisfied with his plans? 
 
 Beovik. 
 Yes ; if you only would look them over and ap- 
 prove them, then — 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 Then they will let Kagnar build their home? 
 
 Beovik. 
 They like very much what he suggested. They 
 thought, that the idea was something so entirely 
 new, they said. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Hah, hah! New! No such antiquated trash as 
 J usually build. 
 
 Beovik. 
 They thought it was something different. 
 
10 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (With suppreb^ed anger) 
 
 Then it was to see Eagnar, that they came — 
 while I was out. 
 
 Beovik. 
 
 They came to call ou you and then to ask, if 
 you would be willing to withdraw. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 (ImpetuouBly) 
 
 Withdraw? I? 
 
 Beovik. 
 If you found that Eaguar's plans — 
 
 SOLXESS. 
 
 I withdraw in favor of your son? 
 
 Beovik. 
 Give up the contract, they mean. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Bah! that is one and the same thing. (With a bitter 
 laugh) Ha, ha! Halvard Solness shall commence to 
 withdraw now. Make room for those who are 
 younger; for the very youngest perhaps. Only make 
 room — room — room ! 
 
 Beovik. 
 Good Lord! There ought to be room for more 
 than one here. 
 
 Solness. 
 Well, there is not so much room here either; but 
 be that as it may, I will never withdraw. I will 
 never take a back seat "or anyone. Never voluntari- 
 ly. Never, never will I do that. 
 Beovik. 
 
 (Rising wiih difficulty) 
 
 Must I then depart f lom this life without hope. 
 
11 
 
 without joy, without confidence and trust in Rag- 
 nar? Without hav-ing seen a single work which he^ 
 has done? Shall I? 
 
 SOLNHSS. 
 (Turns half away and mumbles) 
 
 Hm! Don't ask any more questions now. 
 
 Beovik. 
 Yes! Answer me that. Shall I depart from- 
 this life so miserably poor? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Appearing undecided. Finally he says in a low, but firm voice) 
 
 You will have to depart from this life as you 
 best know and can. 
 
 Beovik. 
 So be it. 
 
 (Walking up the iloor) 
 
 S0LNE8S. 
 
 (Followinp: him as if in despair) 
 
 Yes, for I can't do anything else, you under- 
 stand. I am as I am.l am as my Creator made me. 
 f I am no . reator myselfj 
 ' — Beovik. 
 
 No, no! I suppose not. (Tottering away, stops at the tabla 
 
 in front of the sofa) May I take a glass of water ? 
 
 SoLNEfiS. 
 
 Certainly. 
 
 (Pours him out a glass and hands it to him.) 
 
 Beovik. 
 
 Thanks 1 (Drinks and puts the ;;;lass down. Solness walks over to 
 the door of the drafting room and opens it ) 
 
 Solness. 
 Ragnar, you had better see your father home. 
 
 (Ragnar rises quickly- He and Kaja enter the office) 
 
12 
 
 Ragnae. 
 "What is the matter, father? 
 
 Beovik. 
 Take my arm. We will go, 
 
 Kagnae. 
 Very well ! Put on your things, Kaja. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Miss Foslie must remain. Only for a few mo- 
 rnients. I have a letter to dictate. 
 Beovik. 
 
 (Looking at Solness) 
 
 Good night ! Sleep well, — if you can. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Good night ! 
 
 (Brovik and Ragnar leave through the door to the hall. Kaja walks 
 -bver to the desk. Solness remains standing at the easy chair with bent 
 -head.) 
 
 Kaja. 
 
 ("Uncertain) 
 
 Did you liave a letter — ? 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Quickly) 
 No, of course not. (Looks sharply at her) Kaja! 
 
 Kaja. 
 
 (Timid and in a low voice) 
 
 Well? 
 
 Solness. 
 
 ■<Pointing in a commanding way wilh his finger towards the floor) 
 
 Come over here! Eight away! 
 Kaja. 
 
 (Hesitating) 
 
 Yes. 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (As before) 
 
 Nearer still ! 
 
13 
 
 Kaja. 
 What do you want of me? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Looks for a while at her) 
 
 Is it you I can thank for this? 
 
 Kaja. 
 No, no! Don't think that, 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 But to marry — that is what you now desire. 
 . Kaja. 
 
 (In a low voice) 
 
 Eagnar and I have been engaged for 4-5 years- 
 and then — 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 And then you think there ought to be an end to- 
 it. Is it not so? 
 
 Kaja. 
 Ragnar and uncle say that I must. I will have 
 to g^ive in. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 (Milder) 
 
 Kaja, don't you really love Eagnar just a little 
 too? 
 
 Kaja. 
 
 I loved Kagnar very much once. — Before I 
 came here to you. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 But not now any more? Not at all? 
 , Kaja. 
 
 (Passionately, with her hands fblded and held up towards him) 
 
 Ah, you know so well, that now I love only one. 
 No one else in the whole world. I never will 
 be able to love anyone else. 
 
11 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, yes! you say that and still you go away 
 from me. Leave me here alone with it all. 
 Kaja. 
 
 But could I not not be allowed to remain with 
 you, even if Bagnar — 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 No, no! That cannot be done at all. If Eagnar 
 leaves and commences work on his own hook, lie 
 will have use for you himself. 
 Kaja. 
 
 (Wringing liei- hands) 
 
 Oh, this must not be. I cannot be parted from 
 you. It really seems to me impossible. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Then see to it, that you get these foolish notions 
 •out of Bagnar's head. Marry him as much as you 
 
 please — (Changing tlie tone of Ms voice) Well, Well, I mean 
 
 of course — get him to remain in the position he has 
 here with _me, for then I can be allowed to keep you 
 also, my dear Kaja. 
 
 Kaja. 
 Yes. How lovely it would be, if that might be 
 arranged. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Placing her head in his hands and whispering) 
 
 For I ccm not be without you, you understand. 
 I must have you here by my side every day. 
 Kaja. 
 
 (In nervous exaltation ) 
 
 My God! My God! 
 
15 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 (Pressing a kiss on her hair) 
 
 Kaja, Kaja! 
 
 Kaja. 
 
 (Kneeling before him) 
 
 Oh, how kind you are toward me. How unut- 
 terably kind you are. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Impetuously) 
 
 Stand up ! For God's sake, stand up ! I think 
 
 I hear someone! (He lifts her up. she totters over towards the desk) 
 (Mks. Bolness enters through the door to the right. She is lean and 
 iooks as if she had had great trouble, but exhibits tracQS of former beauty. 
 Blond side curls. Elegantly dressed in black. Speaks somewhat slowly 
 and in a plaintive voice.) 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 (lu the door) 
 
 Halvard! 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Turns around) 
 
 Ah, are you there, my dear? 
 Mes. Solness. 
 
 (With a glance at Kaja) 
 
 I am afraid I am interfering here. 
 
 Solness. 
 Not at alL Miss Foslie has only a short letter 
 to write. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Yes, I see. 
 
 Solness. 
 What was it you wanted, Aline? 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 I only came to tell you that Dr. Herdal, is ia 
 
16 
 
 the sitting room. Perhaps you would come in there- 
 too, Halvard? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Glances suspiciously at her) 
 
 Hm, — must the doctor necessarily see me, my 
 dear? 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Not necessarily. He just came to make me a 
 call and would like to pay you his respects at the 
 same time. 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (With a low chuckle) 
 
 Yes, 1 supposed that much. Well, you will 
 have to ask him to wait a little. 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Then you will come in later ? 
 
 Solness. 
 Perhaps so. Later — later, my dear. After a^ 
 little while. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 (.\gain glancing at Kaja) 
 
 But do not forget it now, Halvard! 
 
 ^Withdraws and closes the door) 
 
 Kaja. 
 My God! My God! — I am sure Mrs. Solness 
 suspects something. 
 
 Solness. 
 No, not at all, At least not more than usual. 
 But it is better for you to go now anyway, Kaja. 
 Kaja. 
 Yes, yes, I must go now. 
 
17 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Sharply) 
 
 And then you will arrange that other matter 
 for me. Do you hear? 
 
 Kaja. 
 Oh, if it only depended on me — 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 I will have it arranged, I say, and that within 
 a day. 
 
 Kaja. 
 
 (With anxiety) 
 
 If it cannot be accomplished in any other way, 
 I can break my engagement. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Irascible) 
 
 Break your engagement ! Are you crazy? Will 
 you break your engagement? 
 Kaja. 
 
 (Desperately) 
 
 Yes. Better so. For I must — I must be allow- 
 ed to remain near you. I cannot go away from you. 
 It is absolutely impossible. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Flying into a passion) 
 
 But, the devil ! — Ragnar ! When it is just 
 Bagnar, I — 
 
 Kaja. 
 
 (Looks at him with terror in her glance) 
 
 It is mostly for Ragnar's sake you^ — you — 1 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (More composed) 
 
 Oh, no, of course not. You do not seem to 
 comprehend anything either. (Miidiy and low) It is of 
 
 3 
 
18 
 
 course you I must have before everything, you, Kaja. 
 But precisely on that account you must prevail on 
 Kagnar to remain in his position here. So go now. 
 
 Kaja. 
 Very well. Good night. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Goodnight. (AsBheisabouttoieave) Look here! Are 
 Kagnar's plans in that room? 
 
 Kaja. 
 Yes. I did not see him take them along. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Then go in and find them for me. I might 
 perhaps examine them a little anyhow. 
 
 Kaja. 
 
 (With joy) 
 
 Yes, please do that. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 For your sake I will, my dear Kaja. Well, let 
 me have them quick then. 
 
 (Kaja rune into the drafting room, rummiifjes nervously in a drawer m 
 the table, finds a portfolio and brings it to liini.) 
 
 Kaja. 
 Here are all the plans, 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Very well. Place them on that table over there. 
 Kaja. 
 
 (Laying the porttolio down) 
 
 Good night once more. (Pleadingly) And think 
 kindly of me. 
 
19 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 You know I always do that. Good night, my 
 
 little E.aja. (WltU a glance to the door to the right) — NoW gO, 
 
 please. 
 
 (Mrs. Solness and Dk. IIebual enter through the door to the right. He 
 IS a rather elderly, fleshy gentleman, with a round, full, cleanshaven face; 
 has thin, blond hair; wears gold rimmed spectacles ) 
 
 Mks. Solness. 
 
 (In the doorj 
 
 Halvard, I cannot prevail upon the doctor to 
 wait any longer. 
 
 Solness. 
 Well, come in Doctor. 
 
 Mrs. Soi.ness. 
 
 (To Kaja, who is turning down the lamp on the desk) 
 
 Already through with that letter, Miss Foslie? 
 Kaja. 
 
 (Embarrassed) 
 
 That letter—? 
 
 Solness. 
 Yes, it was a very short letter. 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 Yes, it must have been very short. 
 
 Solness. 
 You may go,. Miss Foslie. Only be here early 
 in the morning. 
 
 Kaja. 
 Yes Sir. Good night, Mrs Solness. 
 
 (She leaves through the door to the hall.) 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 It must be nice for you, Halvard, that you man- 
 aged so as to get hold of this young lady. 
 
 2* 
 
20 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, you are right. She is useful for a good 
 many things. 
 
 Mks. Solness. 
 It seems so. 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 Is she a smart book-keeper also? 
 
 Solness. 
 Well — of course she has had considerable prac- 
 tice during the last two years, and then she is so very 
 kind and so willing to do whatever is required of her. 
 Mes. Solness. 
 That must be very pleasant. 
 
 Solness. 
 It is. Especially to one who has not been 
 spoiled in that line. 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 
 (Mildly rei)roachfiil) 
 
 Can you say that, Halvard? 
 
 Solness. 
 No, no, my dear Aline. I beg your pardon. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Oh, not at all. Well, doctor it is understood 
 then, that you will return later and take tea with 
 us? 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 I will return as soon as I have made that sick- 
 call. 
 
 Mks. Solness. 
 We shall be so glad. 
 
 (Leaves through the door to the right.) 
 
SI 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Are you in a hurry, doctor? 
 Dk. Heedal. 
 Ifo, not at all. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 May I have a little chat with you? 
 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 Most assuredly. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Well, then let us be seated. 
 
 (He motions the doctor to a Beat in the rocker, while he takes the easy 
 chair.) 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Looks searchingly at him) 
 
 Tell me, — did you notice anything about Alire? 
 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 Now, while she was in here, you mean? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Tes. — Towards me. Did you notice anything? 
 Dr. Herdal 
 
 (Smiles) 
 
 Yes, by God, I could not very well help no- 
 ticing that your wife — hm — 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Well? 
 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 — that your wife is not overly fond of this Miss 
 Foslie. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Nothing else ? I have noticed that myself. 
 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 And it is not so very strange. 
 
22 
 
 , SOLNESS. 
 
 What? 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 
 That she is not particularly in love with the 
 idea, that you have another lady near you the whole 
 day. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 No, you may be right in that. — And Aline too. 
 But that — well that cannot be otherwise. 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 Could you not get a young man for book-keejier? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 First come, first served? No, many thanks f 
 That will never do. 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 
 But when your wife — as poorly as she is, — 
 when she cannot bear to see this going on? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Well, that does not matter — I came near saying. 
 I must retain Kaja Foslie. I cannot use any other 
 person but just her. 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 
 No other person? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 No other person. 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 
 (Draws his chair nearer to Solness.) 
 
 Now look here, my dear Mr. Solness. May I 
 put a question to you in all confidence ? 
 
 Solness. 
 Ab you please. 
 
Dr. Heedal. 
 Women have, you see, in certain matters a con- 
 founded sharp scent. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 So they have. There is no question about that. 
 But-? 
 
 Dr. Herbal. 
 
 Well, listen to me. When your wife not in any 
 way can bear this Kaja Foslie — 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Well, what then ? 
 
 Dk. Herdal. 
 
 — has she then not a good, — well, we will say, 
 just a little bit of a cause for this involuntary repug- 
 nance ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Looks at him and rises from the chair) 
 
 Ah, ha! 
 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 Do not feel offended at me. But has she not ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Sharply) 
 
 No! 
 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 No cause at all ? 
 
 Solness. 
 No other cause than her own suspiciousness. 
 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 I know yon have known several women in your 
 time. 
 
 Solness. 
 Tes, so I have. 
 
24 
 
 De. Herdal. 
 And liked some of them pretty well too ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Oh yes, that too. 
 
 Dk. Heedal. 
 But in this affair with Miss Foslie— ? Here 
 there is nothing of that kind in the wind? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 No! Nothing at all on my part. 
 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 But on her part then ? 
 
 Solness. 
 It seems to me, doctor, you have no right to 
 put that question. 
 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 It was your wife's finely developed faculty of 
 scent we were talking about. 
 Solness. 
 True. And so far — (Lowers Ms voice) Aline's fac- 
 ulty of scent, as you call it, has had to stand a most 
 severe test. 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 Aha! — I see. — 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Seating himself again) 
 
 Doctor Herdal !— I will tell you a very strange 
 story. That is, if you desire to listen to it? 
 De. Heedal. 
 I like very much to listen to strange stories. 
 
25- 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Very well. Yon undoubtedly remember that I 
 .offered Knute Biovik and his son employment, at 
 the time things went wrong with the old man. 
 De. Herdal. 
 Yes. I know something about that. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 For they are really preti;y smart fellows, both 
 of them, yon see. They are talented, each in his 
 own way. But then the young man took into his 
 head to become engaged tb.be married. And after 
 a while of course he wanted to get married — and to 
 commence business on his own hook. For all 
 young people, of course, have ideas of that sort. 
 Dk. Herdal. 
 
 (Laughing) 
 
 Yes, they have that confoundedly bad habit, 
 that they like to get together. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Well. But that did not suit me. For I had 
 use for Eagnar, myself, and for the old man too. 
 He is overly smart in calculations as to carrying 
 capacity and volume and such deviltry, you know. 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 
 Oh, yea I suppose that all belongs to the 
 trade. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 So it does. But Bagnar was bound to be- 
 gin for himself. There was no help for that. 
 Dr. Herdal, 
 But he is with you still? 
 
-26 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes. I will explain. One day, Kaja Foslie 
 came up here to see them about some matter. She 
 had never been here before. And when I observed 
 how very much the young people were in love with 
 each other, the idea struck me, if I could get her 
 in the office, perhaps Ragnar would remain here 
 also. 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 
 That was a pretty reasonable idea. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes. But I did not utter one word about it to 
 anyone. I only looked at her, and wished intense- 
 ly that I had her working in the office. Then I 
 began to talk friendly to her about something 
 wholly insignificant And she went away. 
 Dh. Heedal. 
 
 Well? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 But the next day towards dusk, after the old 
 man and Ragnar had gone home, she came up here 
 and acted as if I had struck a bargain with her. 
 De. Heedal. 
 
 A bargain ? About what ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Exactly about what I had wished in my own 
 mind, but had not uttered a single, solitary syllable 
 about. 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 
 That was strange. 
 
27 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, was it not? Sh« only wanted to know 
 what she should do here. Asked if she could com- 
 mence the next day, and the like of that. 
 Dh. Herdal. 
 
 Do you not think she did it, because she liked 
 to be with her .sweetheart ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 That occurred to me at first. But no, that was^ 
 not it. After she had come to me she gradually 
 slipped entirely away from him. 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 
 Slipped over towards you then ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, entirely, I notice, that she seems to know 
 
 when I look at her, even when I stand behind her 
 
 and she can not possibly see me. She trembles, 
 
 when I come near her. What do you think of that T 
 
 Dr. HERriAL. 
 
 Hm, — that can be explained. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Well, the other matter? The fact, that she be- 
 lieved I had told her, what I only had desired and 
 willed in absolute silence, inteinally — only to my- 
 self,— what do you have to say about that ? Caa 
 you explain anything like that. Dr. Herdal ? 
 Dr. Heedau 
 
 No, I shall not undertake to do that. 
 Solness. 
 
 I thought as much. That is the reason I never 
 have mentioned it before. But it is so devilish 
 
28 
 
 troublesome for me in the long run, you see. Here 
 I must fi;o day after day and pretend to — and it is 
 sncli a pity on liev, poor girl, (vioienuyj But I can do 
 nothing else, for if she gets away from me, then 
 Eagnar is gone too. 
 
 Dr. Herual. 
 And you have never told your wife the true in- 
 wardness of this. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 No. 
 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 Why, in the name of all that is good, do you 
 not ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 (Looks fixedly al him and says m a Jow tone) 
 
 Because it seems to me that there is a benefi- 
 cent self-torture in allowing Aline to wrong me in 
 this matter. 
 
 Dr. Kerdal. 
 
 (Shaking: his he.id.) 
 
 Well, this is all the most confounded Greek to 
 me. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Well, you see, it is like part payment on an im- 
 mense terrific indebtedness — ■• 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 To your wife — 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes. And it seems to ease my soul. I can 
 breathe more freely after such an occurrence, it 
 
29 
 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 Well, so help me Moses, if I can understand % 
 word of what you say. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Well, then we will not speak any more about 
 this. 
 
 (He saunters across the floor, returns and stops near the table) 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 (Looks at the doctor witli a cunning smile) 
 
 I suppose you think you have got me out on 
 slippery ice now, doctor ? 
 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 
 (Soniewtiut in-ovoked) 
 
 On the ice ? 1 do not understand that any bet- 
 ter than 1 did the rest, Mr. Solness. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Oh, speak out, nian. For I have noticed it long, 
 ago, you see. 
 
 Dr Herdal. 
 What have you noticed V 
 Solness, 
 
 (Slowly and in a subdued lone) 
 
 That you cunningly busy yourself with watch- 
 ing me. 
 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 I ? Why, in the name of all that is good, should 
 I do that ? 
 
 Solness. 
 Because you believe that I — (impetnonsiy) d — n 
 it, because you believe the same of me as my wife 
 
 does. 
 
 Dk, Herdal. 
 
 And what does she believe of you ? 
 
30 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 She has commenced to believe that I am, a 
 little — a little — -sick. 
 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 
 Sick? Tou? She has not spoken a word to me 
 about that. What should be the matter with you, 
 my friend ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Leans on the hatk oi the < hair and whispers) 
 
 Aline imagines that I am insane. That is ex- 
 actly what she tl)inks. 
 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 
 (Kismg) 
 
 But my deal' Mr. Solness — 
 
 SoLNESS, 
 
 Yes, by all that is holy, that is the exact truth. 
 And that she has succeeded in making you believe 
 too. Ah, my dear doctor, I can assure you that I 
 have found it out long ago. For it is no easy task 
 io deceive me, let me tell you. 
 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 
 (Looks astonished at him) 
 
 Never, Mr. Solness, I assure you, has anything 
 like that occurred to me. 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (With an incredulons smiie) 
 
 Eeally ? 
 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 
 No, never. And I am sure your wife has not 
 any such idea. I would almost swear that she has 
 not. 
 
31 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Well, you would better not do that. For in a 
 sense you see she might perhaps have cause for be- 
 lieving something like that. 
 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 
 Well, I must say — 
 
 SOLN'ESS. 
 (Interrupting, swmging his right hand) 
 
 Well, well, my dear doctor, do not let ns go any 
 farther in this affair. It is better for each of us to 
 
 stick to his own ideas. (Changing into a qniet mirth) But 
 
 see here, doctor, — lim — 
 
 Dr. Herbal. 
 Well? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 If you do not believe that I am a kind of — sick 
 — crack-brained — crazy and the like, you know — 
 De. Heedal. 
 What then ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Well, then you must certainly imagine that I 
 am an exceedingly happy man. 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 Would that be only a matter of imagination ? 
 Solness. 
 
 (Laughing) 
 
 Oh, no ! Of course ! God bless you ! Just 
 think, to be Master-builder Solness ! Halvard Sol- 
 ness ! Is not that something grand ? 
 De. Herdal. 
 
 Yes. I must really say, that as far as I can see, 
 Dame Fortane has smiled on you without stint. 
 
32 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Suppresses a broad smile) 
 
 So she has. I cannot complain of that good 
 lady's conduct. 
 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 
 In the first place the old rookery burned down 
 for you. And that was indeed fortunate. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Sobei'ljO 
 
 It was Aline's paternal home that burned. 
 Don't forget that. 
 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 Yes, to her it must have given great grief. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 She has not got over it yet. Not once in all 
 these twelve or thirteen years. 
 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 
 What followed was perhaps the heaviest blow 
 to her. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Well, one thing with the other. 
 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 But you, you could not but gain by it. You 
 started in as a poor boy from the country, and now 
 you lead every one in your business. I think, Mr. 
 Solness, you must admit, that you have had good 
 luck. 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Looks shyly at him) 
 
 Yes, but tliat is exactly what makes me fear and 
 tremble. 
 
 Dr. Heedal 
 You fear? Because you have good luck? 
 
33 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Early and late it worries me. For at some 
 time it will turn around, you see. 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 
 Nonsense ! Where should the change come 
 from? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Firmly and determinedly) 
 
 It will come from the young people. 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 
 Pshaw ! The young ! You are not out of date 
 yet, by any means. Oh, no ! You stand now on a 
 more solid foundation than ever before. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 The change will come. I have & presentiment 
 of it. I feel that it is drawing near. Some one will 
 commence to cry, — " Stand back and give me a 
 chance ! " and then all the others will follow in his 
 wake, and threaten and yell, "make room — make 
 room — make room for us." Yes, doctor, look out. 
 S ome d ay youth comes here^ and knocks at the door._^ 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 
 (Langh.s) 
 
 Well, and what then ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 What then ? That is the last of Master-builder 
 Solness. 
 
 (A Isnock al tlie door to tiie left) 
 
 S0LNE«S. 
 
 (With a sliudder) 
 
 What was that ? Did you hear anything ? 
 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 Somebody knocked. 
 
34 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Louder) 
 
 Come in ! 
 
 tHnj >A Wangei, enterB through the door from the hall. She is of medi- 
 ■ nm height, slender, and has a tine form. Somewhat sunburnt. Dressed in 
 I tourist dress, with pinned-up skirt, a sailor*s collar, and a small sailor hat. 
 Knapsack slung on her back. Carries a plaid in a strap and a long moun- 
 tain stick.) 
 
 Hilda Wangel. 
 
 (Walks with brilliantly joyous eyes over towards Mr. Solness) 
 
 Good evening ! 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Hesitatingly) 
 
 Good evening ! 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Laughs) 
 
 I do really believe that you do not recognize 
 me. 
 
 Solness. 
 No, I must confess, — that just at this moment- 
 De. Herdal. 
 
 (Goes nearer) 
 
 But I recognize you, Miss — 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Pleased) 
 
 Well, if it is not you, who — 
 De, Heedal. 
 Of course, it is I. (Tosoiness) We met at the 
 mountain cottages this summer. (To luida) Well, what 
 became of the other ladies? 
 Hilda. 
 Oh, they went west. 
 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 I suppose they did not like the noise we made 
 there that night. 
 
35 
 
 Hilda. 
 No, I don't think tbey liked it very well. 
 
 De. Hekdal. 
 And, you flirted with us quite a little bit. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Well, suppose I did. That was certainly more 
 pleasant than to sit and knit socks with those old 
 women. 
 
 Db. Herdal. 
 
 (Laughs) 
 
 I fully agree with you. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 iDid you arrive in town this evening ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, I just came in. 
 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 All alone, Miss Wangel ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Of course. 
 
 Solness. 
 Wangel? Is your name Wangel ? 
 
 Hilda, 
 
 (LookB merrily surpri.oedat him) 
 
 Yes, of course it is. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Then, you are perhaps a daughter of the doctor 
 
 at Lysanger. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (As before) 
 
 Why, yes, whose daughter should I be ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Ah, then we have met up there, — the summer 
 I was there and built a steeple on the old church. 
 
 3* 
 
36 
 Hilda. 
 
 (More serious) 
 
 Yes, that was the time, you know. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Well, that is a long time ago. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Looking fixedly at him) 
 
 ! It is exactly ten years ago. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 And then you were the merest child, I suppose'. 
 
 Hilda. 
 I was twelve or thirteen years old, anyhow. 
 
 De. Hekdal. 
 Is this the first time you have visited our city. 
 Miss Wangel ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, it so happens. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 And you have no acquaintances here ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 None but you. Oh yes, I know your wife too, 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Oh, you know Tier too. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Only very slightly, though. We stopped at the 
 same hotel at the Springs, for a few days— 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Ah, in the mountains ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 She said that I might visit her, if I should 
 ever come to the city. (Smiies) But that was hardly 
 necessary. 
 
37 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 It is strange that she never mentioned tliat. 
 
 (Hilda places hei* stick behind the stove, unstraps her kn&psack and de- 
 pof^it? it and her plaid on the so(a. Doctor Herdal offers his assistance. 
 JSoinet-ti stands by, ga:«ing at her.j 
 
 Hilda, 
 
 (Going over towards him) 
 
 May I stay here over night ? 
 
 SOLNEKS. 
 
 I presume that can be arranged easily enough. 
 Hilda. 
 
 For I have no other dress than the one I have 
 on. Well, of course I have a set of undergarments 
 in my knapsack. But they need washing. They 
 are very much soiled. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Well, we will find a way out of that trouble. 
 I will inform my wife. 
 
 De: Heedal. 
 
 Then I will go and make my sick call in the 
 meantime. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, do that. And then you will come around 
 on >our way back ? 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 
 Yes, you may bet your- last dollar on that. (Laughs) 
 Your prophecy came true after all, Mn Solness. 
 
 '''^^ SOLNESa 
 
 How is that ? 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 Youth came and knockedat the_dqor, at all 
 
 events. . ' 
 
38 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Livelier) 
 
 "Well, it was not meant in that way. 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 No, unquestionably not. 
 
 (Exit through hall door. Solnese opens the door to the right and speak* 
 ' Into the next room.) 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Aline ! Please come in here. There is a Miss 
 Wangel here, whom you know. 
 
 Mks. Solness. 
 
 (Coming to the door) 
 
 Who do you say is theje ? (Sees Hilda) Ah, are you 
 
 here. Miss Wangel ? (Goes nearer and greets her) So yOU 
 
 came to the city after all ? 
 
 Solness. 
 Miss Wangel has just arrived. And she asks if 
 she may stay here over night. 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 With us ? With. the greatest of pleasure. 
 
 Solness. 
 So she can get her garments in order, you un- 
 derstand. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 I will assist you as well as I can. That is only 
 my duty. Your trunk will come later, I suppose. 
 Hilda. 
 I have no trunk. 
 
 Mes Solness. 
 Well, that can be arranged, I hope. But now 
 you will have to get along with my husband, as well 
 as you can, while I go to see about your room. 
 
39 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Can you not nse one of the nurseries ? They 
 are all in order, you know. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Yes, that is so. There is more room than is 
 needed. (To mida) Please be seated and rest after your 
 journey. 
 
 (Exit to the right) 
 (Hilda, with her hands behind her, imuniers around the room, Ipqking 
 at the different objects. Solness remuins standing, ut the table in front-, alsp 
 with his hands on his back, and follows Ler movements with his eyes.) 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Stops and looks at him) 
 
 So you have several nurseries here ? 
 
 Solness. 
 There are three of them in this house. 
 
 Hilda. 
 That is funny. You must have a terrible lot of 
 youngsters here then ? 
 
 Solness. 
 No, we have no children. But now you can be 
 our child for awhile. 
 
 Hilda. 
 For one night, yes. I shan't cry. I shall try to 
 sleep like a rock. 
 
 Solness. 
 Yes, you are very tired, I suppose. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Not at all. But I love to lie and dream, don't 
 you know? 
 
 Solness. 
 Do you often dream ? 
 
40 
 
 Hilda. 
 Oh, yes. Almost always. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 What do you mostly dream about? 
 
 Hilda. 
 I won't tell you that to-night. Some other 
 time^perhaps. 
 
 (She Eaimters across the floor, stops at the desk and rummages amongst 
 the books and papers.) 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Goes nearer) 
 
 Are you searching for anything ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 No, I am only looking at all these things. {Tam» 
 around) Perhaps it is not allowed ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Certainly, if it can give you pleasure. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Do you write in that big book ? 
 
 Solness. 
 No, my little book-keeper does that. 
 
 Hilda. 
 A woman ? 
 I Solness. 
 
 (Smiles) 
 
 Tes, of course. 
 I Hilda. 
 
 ! That you have here with you ? 
 
 Solness. 
 ■, Yes. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Is she married ? 
 
41 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 No, she is a young lady. 
 Hilda. 
 Aha! 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 But I think she is t^oing to be married soon. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Good for her ! 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 But not very good for me. For then I will 
 have no one to assist me. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Can't you get hold of another, who is just as 
 good ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Perhaps you would stay here and write in the 
 ledger? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 , (Looks over him) 
 
 Not much ! I decline with thanks. — We will 
 have none of that. 
 
 (She again saiinteia over the floor imti seals herself in the rocker. Sol- 
 ness goes over toward the table. ) 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (As if oontmuing) 
 
 — For, I suppose, there are other things to do ,\ 
 here, than such work. (Lookssmiimgiyupathim) Don't ' 
 you think so too ? 
 
 Solness. 
 
 Of course. First of all, I suppose, you will go 
 shopping, so as to replenish your wardrobe. 
 
42 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Merrily) 
 
 No, I rather think I will let that go. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 So? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, for I have spent all my money, you see. 
 
 SOLNESS, 
 (Laughs) 
 
 Neither trunk nor money? 
 
 Hilda. 
 No, nothing of the kind. But, pshaw ! That 
 doesn't matter now. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 That is something I admire you for, 
 
 Hilda. 
 Only for that ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Oh, for one thing and another. (Seats himself in th& 
 easy chair) Is your father still living ? 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, father is very much alive. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 And now you probably intend to attend the 
 university here? 
 
 Hilda. 
 No, that never occurred to me. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 But you will remain here some time, I suppose ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 That depends. 
 
 (She sits H wliile rocking and loolcs at him seriously and at the same 
 time with a suppressed smile. She then takes her hat off and places it 
 on the tahle.) 
 
43 
 
 Hilda. 
 Mr. Bolness ! 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Well ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Do you suffer from a defective memory ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Defective memory ? No, not that I am aware of, 
 
 Hilda. 
 Then, don't you wish to speak to me at all on 
 that subject J 
 
 "" Solness. 
 
 What subject ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 About what happened at Lysanger. 
 " Solness. 
 
 (Momentarily .stiirtledt 
 
 At Lysanger ? (careiessiyj Well, there is not 
 much to say about that, it seems to me. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Wiih a reproachful glance) 
 
 Why do you talk like that ¥ 
 
 Solness. 
 Well, why don't yvU speak about it ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 When the steeple was completed we had a grefit 
 feast — 
 
 Solness. 
 Yes, I shall not easily forget that day. 
 Hilda. 
 
 ISmilesj 
 
 Not ? That is very kind of you. 
 
44 
 
 Soilness. 
 Kind? 
 
 H1LD4. 
 There was music in the churchyard and many, 
 many hundred people. We school-girls were all 
 ■dressed in white, and then we all carried flags. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, I remember the flags. 
 Hilda. 
 
 Then you went up the scafi'olding. Up to the 
 Tery highest scaffold. And --you carried along a 
 large wreath, and that wreath you placed on the 
 weather-vane. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Abruptly, interrupting) 
 
 I used to do that, those times. For it is an old 
 •custom, you see. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 It was so wonderfully exciting to stand down 
 among the graves and gaze up at you. Just think 
 if he should fall down ! The master-builder himself! 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (As if trying to divert liis mind from the subject) 
 
 Yes,— yes, that might easily have happened. 
 Tor one of those little- she-devils, dressed in white,' 
 carried on, and hallooed up to me in such a manner — 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Sparklingly joyous) 
 
 " Hurrah for Master-builder Solness ! " — 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 — And waved her flag in such a wild manner, 
 that it almost made me dizzy to look at it. 
 
45 
 Hilda. 
 
 (In a low tone and seriously) 
 
 I was that little she-devil. 
 
 "' ~" '" SOLNESS. 
 
 (LookEj fixedly at her) 
 
 I am sure of that now. It must have been you. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (With life again) 
 
 For it was so awfully beautiful and exciting. I 
 could not realise that there ever could exist a master- 
 builder, who could construct such a terribly high, 
 steeple. And then that you yourself stood there at 
 the upperniost hight, all alive. And that you did 
 not turn the least bit dizzy, that was the very dizzi- 
 est idea of them all. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 How did you know so surely, that I was not — 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Indignai^tly) 
 
 No, fie ! I felt it in my innermost heart. For. 
 if you had been, you could not have been singing^ 
 when you stood at tEat'terrible hight. 
 
 ~~ SOLNESS. 
 
 (LookB astonished at her) 
 
 Singing ? Did I sing ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 I should say you did. 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Shaking his head) 
 
 I never sang a tune in all my life- 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, you sang then. It sounded to me like 
 music of harps in the air. 
 
46 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 That is strange indeed ! 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Silent a while, looks at him and says in a subdued tone) 
 
 But then — afterwards — tlien came the real, the 
 great event. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 The real event ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Sparklingly livelj) 
 
 Yes, I do not need to remind you of that, I 
 hope. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Oh, yes. Remind me a little of that too. 
 Hilda. 
 Do you not remember, that the citizens gave a 
 grand dinner for you at the club? 
 """ Solness. 
 
 Yes, that is so. That must have been the same 
 afternoon, for I went away the next morning. 
 Hilda. 
 And then you were invited to our house to tea. 
 
 Solness. 
 That is entirely correct, Miss Wangel. It is 
 remarkable, how all these insignificant details have 
 been imprinted on your memory. 
 Hilda. 
 Insignificant details ? You are a good one ! 
 Perhaps it was an insignificant detail, that I was 
 aloiie in the parlor, .whea you camG_? 
 Solness. 
 So you were alone there ? 
 
47 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Without answering him) 
 
 You didn't call me a little she-devil then. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 No, I don't suppose I did. 
 Hilda. 
 
 You said, I was too sweet for anything in that | 
 white dress. And that I looked like a little prin- / 
 cess. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 I am sure you did. Miss Wangel, and besides, 1 
 felt very happy that day — 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 And then you said, that, when I was a young ) 
 lady, I should be yoUT princess ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Aha ! Did I say that too ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 Yes, that is just what you said. And when I 
 asked you, how long I should wait for you, you said 
 th at you wo uld co me back in ten years — as a t roll 
 —an d carry me off. To Spain, or some such place. 
 And there you would buy a kingdom for me. That 
 is what you promised. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, after a good dinner a person is apt to feel 
 very flush. But did I really say all this ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Smiles quietly) 
 
 Yes. And you further told me the name of the 
 kingdom. 
 
48 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Well, what was it ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Its name should be the kingdom of Orangia, 
 you said. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Ah ! That was a very appetizing name. 
 
 Hilda. 
 No, I did not like it at all. For that sounded 
 as if you were only making fun of me. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 But I am pretty sure, that could not have been 
 my intention. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 No, I suppose not, especially from what you did 
 afterwards — ^^ 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 But pray, tell me, what did I do after that? 
 Hilda. 
 
 Well, that is all I want to know, that you 
 should have forgotten that too. Such things people 
 must certainly remember, I should think. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, yes. Only give me the least little bit of a 
 starter and perhaps — Well ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Looks lirmly at him) 
 
 You kissed me, Mr. Solness_! 
 
 ''^^'~~''^ SOLNESS. 
 
 (Witli open moutli rising from the chair) 
 
 Did I? 
 
49 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, that is just what you did. You took me 
 in your arms, bent my head back and_ kissed me, 
 many, many times ! 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 No, but my dear Miss Wangel — 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Rising) 
 
 You don't mean to deny it, do you ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, I must say, that I do deny that. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (With contempt in her eyes) 
 
 Well, I declare ! 
 
 (She turns around and walks slowly over to the stove, where she re- 
 mains standing with her hack to him, unmovable and with hor hands folded 
 behind her. A short pause.) 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Walks cautiously up behind her) 
 
 Miss Wangel ! 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Is silent and does not move) 
 SOLNESa. 
 
 Do not stand there like a marble statue. What 
 ^ou have told me now mu^t be something you have 
 
 dreamed. (Lays his hand on her arm) Listen — 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Makes an impatient motion with her arm), 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (As if an idea suddenly struck him) 
 
 Or — wait — ! There is something mysterious 
 
 here — perhaps — 
 
 4 
 
50 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Does not move) 
 „ SOLNESS. 
 
 ij (In lower tone but with emphasis) 
 
 'C'*' I must have tlwugJit of all this. I must have 
 
 1 wis7ied~il,— have desired it,— have wanted it And 
 . |TEen— -can that be the case ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Is still silent) 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Impatiently) 
 
 Well ! Then, by all that is holy,— I have done 
 it too. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Tnrns her head a little but without looking at him) 
 
 Tou confess then, Sir ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes, all that you wish me to. 
 
 Hilda. 
 That you put your arms around me ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, yes ! 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 That you bent my head back ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Very far back. 
 
 Hilda. 
 And kissed me ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, I did. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Many times ? 
 
 SOLNBSS. 
 
 As many times as you want me to confess to. 
 
51 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Turns quickly around with tlie sparklingly joyful expression in her 
 «yes again) 
 
 Well, you see, I coaxed it out of you at last. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Smiling faintly) 
 
 Yes, justto think that I could forget such things. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Again a little piqued, goes away from him) 
 
 Oh, I suppose you have kissed so many in your 
 life. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 No, you must not think so ill of me. 
 
 (Hilda seats herself in the easy chair. Soiness remains standing, 
 leaning on the back of the rocker.) 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Observing her closely) 
 
 Miss Wangel ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 How was it now ? What more was there be- 
 tween us two ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Nothing more. You must know that. The 
 other guests came in and then — pshaw ! 
 
 SOLKESS. 
 
 Yes, that is so, the other guests came ! And I, 
 who had forgotten that too. 
 Hilda. 
 Oh, you have not forgotten anything. You 
 only feel ashamed. Such things can never be for- 
 gotten. 
 
 4* 
 
52 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 No ! One would think they could not be forgot- 
 ten. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (With new life, loolts at him) 
 
 Or perhaps you have forgotten what date it 
 was too ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 The date—? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Yes, the date you hoisted the wreath on the 
 steeple? Come now ! Tell me quick ! 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Hm !— The exact date I have really forgotten. 
 
 I only know it was ten years ago, some time in the 
 
 fall. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Who has nodded her bead repeatedly) 
 
 It was ten years ago. The 19th of September ! 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes, I guess it must have been thereabouts. 
 You remember the date too? (Hesitates) But wait ! — 
 Yes ! — To-day we write, the- 19±hjQf_8igptember. 
 Hilda. 
 
 Yes, that is just what we do. And the ten 
 years have gone; and you came not, as you had pro- 
 mised me. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Promised you? Frightened you with, you mean. 
 
 Hilda. 
 I don't think that was anything to be frighten- 
 ed about. 
 
53 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Well, or fooled you with. 
 Hilda. 
 Was that all you wanted ? To fool me ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Well, or_joke a Httle, with you. So help me 
 God, if I remember anything of it. But something 
 of that kind it must have been. For, of course, you 
 were only a child then. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Oh, I was perhaps iiot such a mere child either. 
 INot such a kid as you think. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Looks searcliingly at her) 
 
 Have you really, in full earnest, expected that 
 I would return ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Hidinjr a half teiisiii<r smile) 
 
 Of course. I had expected that much ,of you 
 anyway. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 That I would come to your home and carry 
 you off? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Exactly as a troll, yes. 
 
 Solness. 
 And make you a pnncess ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 That was what you promised me ! Was it not ? 
 
 Solness. 
 And give you a kingdom too ? 
 
54 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Looks up toward the ceiling) 
 
 Why not ? For it did not necessarily have to 
 be such an ordinary real kingdom. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 But another kingdom, just as good? 
 Hilda. 
 
 Yes, at least just as good. (Looks askance at him) I 
 
 thought, that if you could build the highest steeple 
 in the world, you could also see ydur way clear to 
 some kind of a kingdom. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Shakes his head) 
 
 I do not know, if I can ever understand you 
 rightly, Miss Wangel. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Can't you ? I don't think that is any trick at 
 all, 
 
 Solness. 
 For I cannot make up my mind, as to whether 
 you mean all that you say, or whether you are 
 only jesting. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Fooling you perhaps ? I too ? 
 
 Solness. 
 Yes, that is it. Fooling! Both of us! (Looks at 
 her) Have you known for a lo'-g time, that I was 
 married ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, I have known that all the time. Why do 
 you ask me that ? 
 
55 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 No, no! It only occurred to me. That is all. 
 
 (Gazes earnestly at her and says quietly) Why did yOU COUie ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 BecauseJ^jvmiLmy^kJngdpm. ^Thejime is ug. 
 
 SOLNESS 
 (Laughs involuntarily) 
 
 You are a good one, you are. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Merrily) 
 
 Pony up my kingdom, Mr. Master-builder! (Pats 
 
 Impatiently with her fingers on the table) The kingdom on the 
 
 table ! 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Pushes the rocker nearer to her and sits down) 
 
 Now, seriously, why have you come ? What is 
 it you really want to do here ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 Well, to begin with, I want to go around and 
 look at all you have built. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Then you will be quite busy running around. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, I understand you have built a great deal. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 So I have. Mostly in later years. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Many steeples too ? Such terribly high stee- 
 ples? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 No, I build no steeples now. And no churches, 
 neither. 
 
66 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 What are you building now then ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Homes for human beings. 
 """ " " Hilda. 
 
 (Reflecting) 
 
 Could you not put some kind of steeples on 
 those homes too ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 (Starting) 
 
 What do you mean by "that ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 I mean something that points towards, the sky 
 witnavane at a dizzy hight. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Ruminating) 
 
 Eemarkable enough, that you should say tliat! 
 For that is just what I would like the best. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Impatiently) 
 
 But why don't you do it then ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Shaking liis head) 
 
 No, for people don't want jt. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Just think, that they don't want that ! 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 (Easier) 
 
 But now I am buildi ng myself a _ae w home, 
 right across from here. 
 
 Hilda. 
 For yourself ? 
 
SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes. It is nearly completed. And on that 
 house there is a tower. 
 
 .:; - Hilda. 
 
 A high tower ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Terribly high ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 I think people will say, it 'is too high for a 
 home. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 I must take a look at that the very first thing 
 in the morning. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Resting: lii^^ chin on liis hand and jriizing at her) 
 
 Tell me, Miss Waugel, what is your name ? 
 Your christian name I mean. 
 Hilda. 
 My name is Hilda. 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (As before) 
 
 Hilda? Is that so? 
 
 ' Hilda. 
 Don't you recollect that. You called me Hilda 
 yourself. That day you were naughty. 
 
 Solness. 
 Did I really ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 But then you said " Little Hilda," and I did 
 not like that. 
 
58 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Ah ! You didn't like that, Miss Hilda ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 No, not on that occasion. But I think "Prin- 
 cess Hilda" will sound really pretty. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes, yes ! Princess Hilda of — of — what was 
 it the name of the kingdom 'should be ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 Pshaw! That f.oo\ish kingdom. I don't want 
 anything to do with that. I want another, I do. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Leans back in the chair and still gazes at her) 
 
 Is it not strange ? The more I reflect upon it, 
 the plainer it seems to me, that I for many long 
 years have gone and tortured myself with — hm — 
 Hilda. 
 
 With what ? 
 
 SOLNBSS. 
 
 With trying to bring back tq^my_mind_some- 
 thing that I knew must have happened, but which 
 it seemed I had forgotten all dbout. But I never 
 could fathom what it was. 
 
 Hilda. 
 You should have tied a knot on your handker- 
 chief, Mr. Master-builder ! 
 
 Sol NESS. 
 In that case I should have spent my time study- 
 ing on what that knot meant. 
 Hilda. 
 Oh yes ! I suppose there are such trolls in the 
 world too. 
 
59 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Kising slowly.) 
 
 It was SO kind, that you came to me now. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (With a deep glance) 
 
 FkiiLkind ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 For I have sat here all alone and gazed so help- 
 lessly on every thing. (With more feeling) I will tell you, 
 I have latel y been so afraid of the voung . 
 Hilda. 
 
 Pshaw ! Are the young anything to be afraid 
 of? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes, that is just what they are. Therefore I 
 have locked my doors. (Mysteriously) You must know 
 that the young will come here some day and make a 
 great racket at the door. They will break into my 
 house. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 If that is so, I think, you had better go and 
 open the door for them. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Open the door ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, so the young can come in, with your good 
 will. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 No, the young, — the y are retr ibution, you se e. 
 They come i n advance of^ the turn in my luck. 
 They co me under a new banner. 
 
60 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Rising, loolcing at him intensely, says with a light tremor about her 
 iips) 
 
 Can you use me for anything, Master-builder? 
 
 SOLNESS, 
 
 Yes ! Now I can. For you also came as under 
 a- new banner. The young against the young — 
 will^ ~~ 
 
 (Dr. Herdal enters by the hall door) 
 
 De. Hekdal. 
 Well, are you and the young lady still here? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes, we have had a good deal to talk about. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Both old and new. 
 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 Indeed ! 
 
 Hilda. 
 Oh, it has been so awfully interesting; for Mr. 
 Solness has such an extraordinary good memory. 
 He will remember the smallest details without t^e 
 least prompting. 
 
 (Mrs. Solness enters from the door to the right.) 
 
 Mrs. yoLNESs.' 
 Your room is in order now. Miss Wangel. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Oh, how kind you are to me. 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (To his wife) 
 
 The nursery ? 
 
61 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Yes, the central nursery. 
 Solness. 
 
 (Nods to Hilda) 
 
 Hilda shall sleep in the nursery. 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 (Looks at. him) 
 
 Hilda ? 
 
 Solness. 
 Yes, Miss Wangel's name is Hilda. I have- 
 known her since she was a little child. 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Really? Well, please step into the dining, 
 room. Tea is ready. 
 
 (She takes Dr. Herdal's m-m and Roes out to the right.) 
 (Hilda ill the meantime has gathered uii her knapsack and plaid.) 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Low and (jiuck to Solness) 
 
 Is it true, what you said? Can you use me for 
 anything ? 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Takes the ))arcels from her) 
 
 You are the one 1 have most sorely missed, — 
 these many years. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Looks at him with great surprise in her eyes and claps her hands) 
 
 But, you great beautiful world — 
 Solness. 
 
 (Expectantly) 
 
 What? 
 
 Hilda. 
 I have then found my kingdom. 
 
62 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Involnntarilj) 
 
 Hilda? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (The tremor again appears on her lips) 
 
 Almost — 
 
 (Exit to the right. Soiness follows.) 
 
Act II. 
 
 (An elegantly furnished Bitting room in Solness' house. A glass door 
 In the back ground leads to the veranda and down to the garden. To the 
 Tight a cut off corner, with a recess, in which a large window and a 
 flower-8t<ind. A correpponding cut off (;orner to the left, in which a narrow 
 "door with draperies. On both sides of the-sta^re ordwiary doors. In front 
 to the right a large pier-glass. Flowers and jjlanls in different parts of the 
 room. In front to the left a sofa, a table and chuirs. Further back a book- 
 case. Out from the wall, some distance in front, of the recess, a small table 
 and chairs. It is early in thefovgnoon.) 
 
 (SoLNKss is sealed at the small table and is looking at the plans in 
 Kaguar's portfolio. He is turning the loaves and scans some of them very 
 ■closely. Mua. Solness, with a watering pot in her hand is moving about, 
 quietly arranging the plants. She is dressed in black as before. Her hat, 
 wrap and parasol are on a chair near the mirror. Solness follows her seve- 
 ral times with his eyes. They are silent.) 
 
 (Kaja Foslie enters quietly through the door to the right.) 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Turning half around) 
 
 Ah, you are here ! 
 
 Kaja. 
 I only wished to let you know that I had come. 
 
 Solness. 
 Very well. Is Ragnar at the office? 
 
 Kaja. 
 Not yet. He had to wait for the doctor. But 
 lie will come later to find out — 
 Solness. 
 How is the old gentleman to day ? 
 
64 
 
 Kaja. 
 Very poorly. He asks to be excused, as the 
 doctor says, he has to keep his bed for a day or so. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Certainly ! Don't let him get up. You may 
 go to your work now. 
 
 Kaja. 
 
 Yes. (Hesitales at the door) "Would yOU like tO 686 
 
 Ragnar, when he comes? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 No, I am not awaro of any special reason for 
 seeing him. 
 
 (Kaja leavps through door to llie left.) 
 (Solness continues lo turn over the leaves of the portfolio.) 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 (Over by the jjlants) 
 
 I wonder if he too will die soon. 
 Solness. 
 
 (Looks at her) 
 
 He too ? What do you mean ? 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 (Without answering) 
 
 Yes, old Brovik will surely die now, Halvard. 
 
 Solness. 
 My dear Aline, ought you not to take your 
 morning constitutional about this time ? 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Yes, 1 suppose so. 
 
 (She continues arranging the plants) 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Bent over the plans) 
 
 Is she still asleep? 
 
65 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 ( Looking at him) 
 
 Is it to Miss Wangel you refer ? 
 Solness. 
 
 (Carelessly) 
 
 I just happened to think of her. 
 
 Mes, Solness. 
 Miss Wangel has been up for quite a while. 
 
 Solness. 
 She has ? 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 When I was in her room, she was mending her 
 dress. 
 
 (She goes over to the mirror and commences to put on her hat.) 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (After a short pause) 
 
 Well, we finally found use for the nursery after 
 all, Aline. 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 Yes, we did. 
 
 Solness. 
 And I think it better, than to have them stand 
 empty all the time, don't you ? 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 Yes, this emptiness is awful. You are quite 
 -right. 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Closes the portfolio, rises and draws nearer) 
 
 Tou will see, Aline, that hereafter it will be 
 better for us. Much cosier. Easier to live. Espe- 
 cially for you. 
 
 5 
 
€6 
 Mrs. Solxess. 
 
 (With a i>Uf<picious look) 
 
 Hereafter ? 
 
 ~ SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, believe me Aline — 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Do you mean, because slie has come. 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Forced) 
 
 I mean, of course, — when we have moved into 
 
 the new house. 
 
 Meh. Solkess. 
 
 (witb a \\'rap in her hand) 
 
 Do you think, Halvard, that it will be better 
 
 tlien ? 
 
 Solness. 
 I cannot help but think so. And I guess, you 
 
 do the same. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 I do not think anything at all about the new 
 
 house. 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Gloomily) 
 
 That is bad news to me, my dear. For it is 
 certainly mainly on your account I have built it. 
 
 (Ete proffers liis as^sistance with the wrap.) 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 
 (Drawing back) 
 
 You really do a great deal too miach on my ac- 
 count. 
 
 Solness, 
 
 (Impetuously) 
 
 No, you must not speak that way. Aline. I can 
 not bear to hear you say that. 
 
67 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Very well ! I shall not say anything about it 
 then. 
 
 Solness. 
 But I insist, that I am right. Tou will see, 
 that it will be very pleasant for you in the new 
 house. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Oh, Lord ! Pleasure for jne — 
 Solness. 
 
 (Zealously) 
 
 Yes, yes ! That you may be sure of — as there 
 will be so many things there, that will remind you 
 of your own — 
 
 Mks. Solness. 
 — ;;0f the house, which had been inyjath£r^s_aiid_ 
 mother's, and which burned down — all — all burned_ 
 rlo-w n 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Quietly') 
 
 Yes, poor Aline, that was a terribly hard blow 
 to you. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 (In ii very plaintive voice) 
 
 Youmay build as inufik ^^ you please, Halvard; 
 bu t you wijl never be aWe to buUd a real home^Jor 
 _me_again. 
 
 ~ Solness. 
 
 Well ! Then let us not talk any more about that. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 We never have done so. For you alway s avo id 
 
 it as much as possible. 
 
 5* 
 
68 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Stops suddenly and looks sharply at her) 
 
 Do I ? And why should I avoid it? 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Oh, I understand you perfectly, Halvard. You 
 like to spare me, and excuse me too. All you can. 
 Solness. 
 
 (Surprised) 
 
 You? Is it of yourself you are speaking, Aline? 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Yes, it must be of myself, of course. 
 Solness. 
 
 (Ejaculating) 
 
 Has it come even to this ? 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 As far as the old house is concerned, it is no 
 use to trouble about that. When misfortune 
 comes — 
 
 Solness. 
 You are right. No one can keep bad luck out,, 
 when it once knocks at the door. 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 But the terrible consequences of the fire ! Oh, 
 this horror, this horror ! 
 
 Solness. 
 Don't think of that, Aline. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Yes, that is just what I must think of. And 
 for once get a chance to speak of it too. For it 
 s^eems to me to be a burden, I am unable to carry 
 anxJonger. And then not to be able to Jeel, that X_ 
 ^jan^ver forgive myself. 
 
69 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 You? 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Yes, fo r I owed a double duty, one to you and 
 one to^ e little ones. I should have steeled myself. 
 iShouldnot have allowed tKeTright to so completely 
 overpower me. Nor the grief over the loss of my 
 liotne. (Wrings uer hands) Qh, if I had only had the 
 strength, Halvard ! 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (In a low voice, nearer) 
 
 Aline, you must proTrtiise me that you will never 
 think those thoughts. Do promise me that ! 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Oh yes — promise, promise ! Yes, one can prom- 
 ise anything. 
 
 Solness. 
 Oh, this is horrible ! Never a sun-beam. Not 
 as much as a flashlight even in our home. 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 This is no home, Halvard. 
 "" Solness. 
 
 No, that is so. (iieaviiy) And God knows, if you 
 are not right, when you say, there will be no im- 
 provement in the new house either. 
 '^"" Mrs. Solness. 
 
 Never ! — Just as empty ! — Just as desolate ! — 
 There as here ! 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Impetuously) 
 
 But why in the name of all that is good did we 
 build theuT"lSn you tell me that? 
 
70 
 
 Mbs. Solnkss. 
 No, that you will have to answer yourself. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Impeliionsly) 
 
 What do you mean by that, Aline? 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 What do I mean? 
 
 Solness. 
 Yes, d — n it ! You said that so strangely, as if 
 it had a secret meaning. 
 
 ^" ' Mrs. Solness. 
 
 No, I assure you — 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Nearer) 
 
 No need of that ! I know, what I know. And I 
 have both eyes and ears. Don't fool yourself. 
 Mes. Solness. 
 But what do yo"u mean? 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Places hlnl!^elf in front of her) 
 
 Do you not perhaps look for a sly, secret 
 meaning in the most innocent word, I utter? " 
 
 ' ^ " Mks. Solness." 
 
 I, you say ! Do I do that? 
 Solness. 
 
 (LauKhing) 
 
 Ha, ha, ha ! But of course, that is not so 
 strange, when you have to get along, as best you can, 
 with a sick husband. 
 
 ~ Mes. Solness. 
 
 (Anxiously) 
 
 Sick ? Are you sick, Halvard ? 
 
71 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Angrily) 
 
 A half crazy husband then. — An insane hus- 
 band ! Call me what you please. 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 (Groping for the cliuir and seating lierself) 
 
 Halvard, — for heavens sake ! — 
 Solness. 
 
 But you are on the_wrong /track, both ^f you. i 
 Both y ou and the doctor. There is nothing of the / 
 kind tiie matter with me. ' 
 
 (He wallcs to and fro, Mrs. Solness' eyes follow him anxiously, lie 
 then goes over to lier.) 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (q,iiietly) 
 
 There is really nothing that ails me. 
 
 Mks. Solness. 
 No, I believe you. But why arc yon troubled, 
 my dear? 
 
 Solness. 
 It is this, that I ofteu_am j.bout to drop under | 
 this terrible burden of debt — / 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 Debt, you say ! You do not owe anyone a 
 
 penny. 
 
 Solness. 
 I am over head and ears in debt-^tq you^^to_ \ 
 
 you. A line. 
 
 ' Mrs. Solness. 
 
 What mystery is this? (Eising siowiy) You might 
 
 just as well speak out at once. 
 Solness. 
 But there is no mystery. I have never harmed 
 you. Not intentionally at least. But nevertheless 
 
72 
 
 I^eel, as if a heavy burden of guilt and crime 
 crushed me down — down — every moment farther 
 down. 
 
 Mks. Solness. 
 Crime against me? 
 
 BOLNESS. 
 
 Mostly against you. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Then you must certainly be sick, Halvard. 
 
 Solness. 
 Must be — or something of that kind. (Looks at the 
 door to the right, as it opens) Ah, here comes a ray of sun- 
 light. 
 
 (Hilda Wangel eaters. She has altered her dress somewhat. The skirt 
 of her dress is not i>inned up.) 
 
 Hilda, 
 Good morning, Master-builder ! 
 Solness. 
 
 (Nods) 
 
 Slept well ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Simply lovely — as in a cradle ! I have stretched 
 my limbs — as if I were a princess. 
 Solness. 
 
 fSmiles) 
 
 You must feel well then ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 I should say so. 
 
 Solness. 
 And did you dream too ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Oh, yes. But that was horrible. 
 
73 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 So? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Yes, for I dreamt, that I Jell over a terribly | 
 Ljgli, steep precipice. Do you ever dream any- 
 thing like that ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes, sometimes. 
 
 Hilda. 
 It is so awfully exciting — when you sink and 
 sink — and sink. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 It has a blood curdling sensation to me. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Do you draw your limbs up while it lasts? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes, as tight as I can. 
 
 Hilda. 
 So do I. 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 
 (Taking ber parasol) 
 
 Well, I must go now, Halvard. (To Hilda) I will 
 bring home some little things that you may need. 
 Hilda, 
 
 (Attempting to embrace her) 
 
 Oh, you dear, lovely Mrs. Solness ! You are 
 too kind to me — too kind indeed ! 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 (Preelng herself from the embrace) 
 
 Far from it. It is merely my duty. And that \ 
 is the reason I do it willingly. 
 
74 
 Hilda. 
 
 (A little vexed, pouting) 
 
 But I cannot see, why this dress is not good 
 enough for the street now. All the work I have 
 spent on it this morning ! Don't you think so ? 
 Mes. Solness. 
 To tell the truth, I am afraid you might attract 
 attention. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Pshaw ! Nothing else? That will just be fun. 
 Solness. 
 
 (Id b£itl humor) 
 
 Yes, but people might get it into their heads, 
 that you were crazy too. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Crazy ! Are there then so many crazy people 
 in this town ? 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Points lit ills forehead) 
 
 __Here you see one. 
 
 Hilda. 
 You? 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 Please, Halvard, don't talk that way. 
 
 Solness. 
 Haven't you noticed that yet ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 No, indeed not. (Seems to weigh something in her mind and 
 
 laughs) Yes, when I come to think of it, perhaps on 
 one particular subject. 
 
 Solness. 
 Do you hear that, Aline ? 
 
Mrs. Solness. 
 On what subject may that be, Miss Wangel ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 That I won't tell. 
 
 Solness. 
 Oh, yes. Out with it. 
 
 Hilda. 
 No, thanks ! I am not crazy enough for that. 
 
 Mhs. Solness. 
 When you are alone, I guess she will tell you, 
 Halvard. 
 
 Solness. 
 Do you really — '? 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Certainly. As you have been acquainted with j 
 her so long. Ever since she was a child you said, ' 
 I believe. 
 
 (Exit tlirongh the door to tbe left.) 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (After :i ^ho^l pause) 
 
 Your wife does not like me at all, does she ? 
 
 Solness. 
 What makes you think so ? Did you notice any 
 
 dislike on her part ':* 
 
 Hilda. 
 Didn't you notice it yourself,? 
 Solness. 
 
 (Evasivelyj 
 
 Aline has become so shy of everyone of late 
 
 years. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Is she shy too ? 
 
76 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 But if you could only learn to know her, you 
 -would like her, for she is really good — and so kind. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Impaliently) 
 
 But if she is kind, why did she want tosay -that 
 about duty ? 
 
 "~ SOLNESS. 
 
 Duty? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Yes, didn't you hear her say, she would buy 
 something for me, because it was -her duty. I can- 
 not bear that ugly, mean word. ^ 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Why not ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Because it sounds socold, so sharp, so stinging. 
 Duty — duty — duty ! Don't you think so yourself. 
 It is just as if it stabs me, through and through. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Hm ! — I have never looked at it in that light 
 before. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Yes it is. And if she is as kind, as you say she 
 is, why should she say anything like that? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 But, my child, what should she have said ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 She might have said, that she woiild do it, be- 
 •cause she liked me so very, very much. That is 
 what she might have said. Something that would 
 have warmed my heart, you understand. 
 
SOLNESS. 
 (Looks) 
 
 Is that what you crave? 
 Hilda. 
 
 Precisely. (She walks over to the book-case, and looks at the- 
 
 books) You have a great many books. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, I have a few. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Do you read them all? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Some time ago — I tried to. Do you read much?' 
 
 Hilda. 
 No, not at all. Not now any more, for I can not 
 find any sense in it. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 That is just the way with me. 
 
 (Hilda saunters aronnd, stops at the small table, opens the portfolio- 
 and turns a few leaves) 
 
 Hilda. 
 Is all of this your work ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 No, a young assistant, whom I have, has madfr 
 all of those plans. 
 
 Hilda. 
 One you have taught yourself ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes, I suppose he has learned some from me 
 too. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Seating herself) 
 
 I suppose he must be very clever then. (Looks at 
 
 one of the plans) Is he not ? 
 
78 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 I have seen them worse. For all I need of him— 
 
 Hilda. 
 Tes, he must be awfully clever. 
 
 SOLXESS. 
 
 Do you think you can see that from the plana ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Pshaw ! Those hieroglyphics ! But when he 
 has had such a teacher as you — 
 
 SOLN'ESS. 
 
 Bah ! For all of that, he might not be. There 
 are many here, who have grown up under my in- 
 struction, but they are poor sticks for all of that. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Looke at him and shakes her head) 
 
 Well, for the life of me I cannot understand, 
 how you can be so foolish^ 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Foolish? Do you consider me so very foolish? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Tes, I do. When you can go on and be the 
 teacher of all these fellows — 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 fStartled) 
 
 And why not? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 No, Sir. What is that good for anyway ? fNo 
 one else but you should be allowed to build. Tou 
 should stand all alone'. Do it all^yourself."TThaFis 
 where I should want to place you. -^ 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Involimtai'ilj) 
 
 Hilda? 
 
79 
 
 Hilda 
 Well? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Tell me how you conceived this idea. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Do you think it so foolish then? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 No. Not that. But now 1 will tell you some- 
 thing. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Well? 
 
 Solness. 
 I go around here — incessantly — in silence and 
 solitudi — with that identical idea. 
 Hilda. 
 That does not strike me as anything strange. 
 Solness. 
 
 (Looks searchiag]y\at her) 
 
 And that you have already noticed, I suppose. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Not at all. 
 
 Solness. 
 But a while ago, when you said you thought I 
 was — a little cracked ou one particular subject. 
 Hilda. 
 Oh ! It was something entirely different I then 
 had in my mind. 
 
 Solness. 
 And what was that ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Never mind that now. 
 
80 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Walks across the floor) 
 
 Very well ! Just as you say. (stops at the bay window) 
 Come over here, I. wish to show you something. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Goes nearer) 
 
 What is it ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Points) 
 
 Do you see yonder in the garden ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Eight opposite the stone-quarry — 
 
 Hilda. 
 That new house, you mean ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, the one being built. Nearly completed. 
 
 Hilda. 
 It has an immense tower it seems to me. 
 
 Solness. 
 The scaffolding is still there. 
 
 Hilda 
 Is that your new house ? 
 Solness. 
 Yes. 
 
 Hilda. 
 The house you soon are going to move into ? 
 Solness. 
 
 Yes. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 fj (Looks at him) 
 
 ' Are there nurseries in that house too ? 
 
81 
 
 SOLNESS. I 
 
 Three of them, just as in this. ' 
 
 Hilda. 
 And no children ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 None. And there are none coming-. 
 ~ Hilda. " ' 
 
 (With a partial Kniile) 
 
 Tes, is it not, as I said — ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 What? 
 
 Hilda. 
 That you are Just a little bit loony anyhow f 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Was it that you meant ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 YesJL-thougt of all the empty nurseries, where- 
 I spent the night. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (In a Jowertone) 
 
 ^We have ha d-johildren.— Aline and I. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Looks excited at him-j 
 
 You have ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Two little boys. They were both of the same age. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Twins then ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes, twins. It is now twelve or thirteerc 
 
 years ago. 
 
 & 
 
82 
 Hilda. 
 
 I'Cantiously) 
 
 And both of them are — ? You haven't them 
 any more ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (With qi;iet emotion) 
 
 We only had them about a fortnightj^or hardly 
 that even. (Ejaculating) Oh, Hilda, what a blessing 
 to me, that you came. For finally I have found a 
 person I can speak to. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Can you not do that to — to lier? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Not of this. Not as I must to someone. (With a 
 «igh) And not of many other matters either. 
 Hilda. 
 
 Was it only this you meant, when you said you 
 ivere in need of me ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Perhaps that mostly. That is to say, yesterday. 
 For to day I do not know for certain. (Breaking off) 
 dome here and let us sit down, Hilda. Please take 
 a seat in the sofa. There you have a full view of the 
 garden. 
 
 (Hilda sits down in the sofa corner.) 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 (Draws a chair nearer) 
 
 Will you listen to me a moment ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, I love to sit here and hear you talk. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 (Sits down) 
 
 Very well. Then I will tell you all. 
 
83 
 
 Hilda. 
 Now I have a full view of both the garden and 
 of yourself, Mr. Solness. Tell me then — quick ! 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Pointing towards the bay window) 
 
 Yonder, on that hill — where you see that new 
 l)uilding going up — 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes? 
 
 Solness. 
 — There Aline and I lived the first years of our 
 married life in an old house, wWch had belonged to 
 her mother, and which we inherited ^rom her, and 
 this immense garden was also a part of our inheri- 
 tance. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Was there a tower on tliat house too ? 
 
 Solness. 
 No, not a sign of one. It was a large, dreary, 
 homely, old wooden box in outward appearance, but, 
 when you once came inside, it was a pretty snug 
 and cosy home after all. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Did you tear down the old rookery then ? 
 
 Solness. 
 No, it burned down. 
 ' Hilda. 
 
 Entirely ? 
 
 Solness. 
 Yes. 
 
 «* 
 
84 
 
 Hilda. 
 Was that a great misfortune to you ? 
 
 SOLNBSS. 
 
 That depends on how you look at it. My po si- 
 tion to day asmaster-builder I owe to that fire. 
 Hilda. 
 Well, what else then ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 The two little boys were born a few days before. 
 Hilda. 
 
 The little twins ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 When they came into this world, they were 
 healthy and thriving. And they kept on growing 
 from day to day, so we could not help seeing it. 
 Hilda. 
 
 Yes, it is wonderful how fast children grow the 
 first days. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 It was the most beautiful sight one could see 
 in liis dreams. Aline and the two together in one 
 bed ! But then came the night of the fire — 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Excited) 
 
 What happened ? Tell me ! Did anyone per- 
 ish in the flames ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 No, all were saved and got out of the house 
 well enough. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Well, what then ? 
 
85 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 T^Jright had a most terrific effect on Aline. 
 The noise — the sudden moving — and that in a terri- 
 bly cold night. — For both she and the little ones 
 had to be carried out in their bed, just as they wore. 
 Hilda. 
 
 Could they not stand that? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, they stood it all right. But Aline con- 
 tracted a serious fever. The fever course54ha^ough 
 her veins and poisone d her liiilk. She insisted on 
 nursing them herself. For jt_was her duty, she said. 
 And both our little boys (wringing his hands) — ^they — 
 
 ""Sey^ "~ 
 
 Hilda. 
 They could not stand that? 
 
 SoLNEsa. 
 No, tliat they could not stand. That is what 
 took them from us. 
 
 Hilda. 
 It must have been a terrible blow to you. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Hard enough for me. But ten times harder for 
 
 Aline. (He clenches his fist in rage) Oh, that SUch a thing 
 
 could be allowed to happen in this world ! (Firmly) 
 
 After that day I did not like to build churches any 
 
 _more. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Perhaps you did not like to build the steeple in 
 
 our town either? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Not overly much. I know how happy and easy 
 I felt, when it was completed. 
 
86 
 
 Hilda. 
 That I know, too. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 And I never— never build any such structures 
 now. _^either churches.nor steeples. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Nods slowly) 
 
 Only houses, where people may live — 
 
 , SOLNESS. 
 
 I -Only homes for men and women, Hilda,._ 
 Hilda. 
 But homes with high towers and spires ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 That is what I prefer. (Continnes in a lighter vein) Wei t 
 
 you see, as I told you before,— the fire made me — 
 as a master-builder, I mean. 
 Hilda. 
 Why do you not call yourself an architect, as 
 all the others do ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 I have not learned the profession thoroughly 
 enough. What I know, I have mostly picked up. 
 Hilda. 
 But you have left them all behind, anyway ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes, after that fire ! I platted almost the whole 
 I of the garden into lote. And there I was allowed to 
 Limjld just as I wanted to; and in this I had, what 
 you would call , excellent luck. 
 
87 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Sending him a searching glance) 
 
 You must be a very happy man, the way for- 
 tune has smiled on you. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Gloomily) 
 
 Happy ? Do you also say that ? Just as all the 
 rest! 
 
 Hilda 
 
 Yes, I think you ought to be happy, if you only 
 could forget those two little children. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (SlowO 
 
 Those two little boys ! It is not easy to forget 
 them, Hilda. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Somewhat uncertain) 
 
 Do they still trouble you ? So long, long time 
 ago as it is ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Looks fixedly ai her, without answering) 
 
 A happy man, you said — 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, are you not happy generally ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Continues looking at her) 
 
 When I told you of this fire — hm — 
 Hilda. 
 
 Well ? , 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Did not then a particular idea take possession 
 of you ? 
 
Hilda. 
 
 (Thoughtfully) 
 
 No. What idea should that be ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Impressively) 
 
 I If it had not been for that fire, I should not 
 
 liave been enabled to build homes for people; cosy, 
 -.snug, bright homes, where father, mother and chil- 
 'dren can live in glad and safe perception of the fact 
 that it is an extremely happy thing to exist, — and 
 -more than all this, to belong one to the other — in 
 great and small things. 
 
 l^ 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Interested) 
 
 But does it not give you great happiness to be 
 -ible to create such beautiful homes ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 The pri ce, Hilda ! The terrible price I had to 
 pay for this ! You forget that. 
 
 Hilda. , 
 But can you not get over this ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 No, in order to build homes for others, I had to 
 renounce fo r all time to come any^hope of ever hav- 
 ing a home myself. I mean a tome for the chil- 
 
 dren, and for fatTier and mother too. 
 Hilda. 
 
 "^ — ^ (CfaUtiousIy) 
 
 But not for all time surely ? 
 
SOLNESS. 
 (Nods slowly) 
 
 TTiat was the price for the happiness people 
 talk about. (Breathes heavily) — That happiness — hm-^ 
 that happiness could not be bought any cheaper, 
 Hilda. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (As before) 
 
 But may not that be righted yet ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Never — never ! That is also one of the conse- 
 quences of the fire and of Aline's sickness jiist 
 after. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 And still you put in all these nurseries ? 
 
 - ~ SoLNESS. 
 
 (Earnestly) 
 
 Have you never noticed, Hilda, t hat th e impos- 
 sible always lu res an d entices us_?__ 
 ' ' Hilda. 
 
 (In deep thought) 
 
 The impossible ? (With uje) Yes, that is true. 
 Have you experienced that too ? 
 
 ~ SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes I. have. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Then I guess there must be something of a 
 troll in you too. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Why a troll ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Well, what would you call it ? 
 
90 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Rising) 
 
 No ! No ! It may be. (Violently) But what else 
 
 than a troll can I become, as everything — everything 
 
 shapes itself ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 What do you mean ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (With emotion and In a low tone)- 
 
 Note what I tell you, Hilda. All that I have 
 
 succeeded in accomplishing, building, and creat- 
 ing in beauty, in harmony, in snug comfort, and in 
 
 grand splendor, as well — (clenches lus fist) — oh, is it 
 not frightful to contemplate — 
 Hilda. 
 
 What is so frightful ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 That for all this I must make the other scale 
 tip^ I must pay for it all. Not with money. But 
 with human happiness. And not with my own hap- 
 piness, alone. But with that of others also. You 
 see, Hilda, — thatis the price of my successfiil posi- 
 tion to day — to me and to others. And every day 
 that goes, I must see that the price is paid over and 
 over again, for me — again, and again, and still 
 again ! 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Rises and looks steadily at liim) 
 
 Now you must be thinking of — lier. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, mostly of her. For Aline too had her voca- 
 tion in life, just as precious as mine. (His voice trembies> 
 
91 
 
 ^But her vocation Tiad to be crushed and shattered 
 
 into atoms, that mine might make its way to some 
 
 sort of success. Yes, you may not be aware of it, but 
 
 Aline also had great talents for building — 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 She ? For— for building ? 
 
 SOLNESa. 
 
 Not hpuses, towers and steeples, and such, 
 things as I am busying myself with — 
 Hilda. 
 What then ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 She had talent f or bu ilding up souls of little 
 children, Hilda ! For building their souls, so they 
 "should rise in strength, and in noble and beautiful 
 forms. So they could lift themselves up toward 
 heaven as independent, full grown souls of men. 
 That was Aline's vocation. And all this faculty, 
 Ihis creative power now lies here unused and use- 
 less for all time to come. It cannot be turned to 
 any account whatsoever. It is like a heap of debris 
 after a fire. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, but even if this were so — 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 It is so ! It is so ! I know it. 
 
 Hilda. 
 But at all events it is not ^oar fault, 
 
 ' SOLNESS. 
 
 (Looks steadily at her and nods his head slowly) 
 
 Well, you see, that is the great, the terrible 
 
92 
 
 ■question. That is the doubt whieli gnaws at my 
 heart, night and day. 
 
 ._ Hilda. 
 
 How can that be ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Well, suppose for a moment that it was my 
 Xault ? In a certain way, at least ? 
 Hilda. 
 The fire your fault ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 All of it my faul_I_. And then perhaps entirely 
 iunocent at the same time. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Looks worried at him) 
 
 Ah, Master-builder, when you ta'lk like that, I 
 begin to think that you may after all be a little — 
 .sick. 
 
 Solness. 
 
 I am afraid I never shall entirely recover in 
 that respect. 
 
 (Ragnar Brovilc opens the little door in the corner to the left.) 
 (liilda WiiilvS to the front.,) 
 
 Kagnab. 
 
 (Upon seeing Hilda) 
 
 I beg your pardon, Mr Solness. 
 
 (Is about to withdraw.) 
 
 Solness. 
 No, remain. The sooner it will be over. 
 
 Eagnae. 
 Yes, if it only was over. 
 
 Solness. 
 Your father is not better to day, I hear. 
 
93 
 
 Kagnak. 
 Father will soon pass away now. And I there- 
 fore entreat you to kindly give me a few words of 
 encouragement on one of the plans. Something, 
 that father can read, before he — 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (AnRi-ily) 
 
 Do not speak to me of yonr plans. 
 
 Eagnae. 
 Have you examined them ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes — I have. 
 
 Eagnae. 
 And they don't amount to anything ? And I 
 don't amount to anything either, I suppose. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Seriously) 
 
 Tou would better keep on working for me, Eag- 
 nar. You shall have your own way in everything. 
 You can marry. Live without any cares. Perhaps 
 even be happy. But get the foolish notion out of 
 your head of starting in business for yourself. 
 Eagnar. 
 
 Very well, I will go home and tell father- 
 what you say. For I promised him to do that. 
 Must I tell him this, before he dies ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 (Moanjns) 
 
 Tell him-— tell him what you please, for aUI 
 care. It would probably be better, not to tell him> 
 anything. 
 
94 
 
 Kagnae. 
 May I take tlie plans with me ? 
 
 SOLNESS. ' 
 
 Certainly. Take them away. They are lying 
 on the table over there. 
 
 Kagnae. 
 
 (Walks over to the table) 
 
 Thanks. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Places her hand oa the portfolio) 
 
 No I No ! Leave them here ! 
 
 """" SOLNESS. 
 
 Why? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Because I should like to look at them. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 But you have. (To Kagnar) Very well, leave them 
 here for a time then. 
 
 Eagnae. 
 As you say, Sir. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 And go home to your father at once. 
 
 Kagnae. 
 Yes. Perhaps I would better do so. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (As if in a desperate mood) 
 
 Kagnar, you must not demand of me, what I 
 cannot give. Do you hear, Kagnar, you must not. 
 Kagnae. 
 No, no ! Pardon me. 
 
 (He bows and retires through the door in the corner.) 
 (Hilda walks over near the pier-glass and sits down.) 
 
95 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Looks angrily al Solness) 
 
 That was very unkind of you._ 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Do you think so. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, really mean ! And hard, and cruel, too ! 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Oh, you do not understand my feelings. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Nevertheless^you shouldn't act that way. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 But j^ou said a little while ago,_that I ought to 
 be the only man, who should be allowed to build 
 jjere. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 That / can say, but not you. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Surely I most of all — I who have paid so dearly 
 for m^jjosition. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Yes, with something you call comforts of home 
 — and such like — 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 And with my peace of mind in the bargain. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (RiBing) 
 
 P eace of mind? (Cordially) YeSj_you are right, 
 poor master-builder. — I f orgot th a t you make vour- 
 self believe^ 
 
96 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Wilh a quiet subdued laughter) 
 
 Please be eeated again, Hilda. I have some- 
 thing very amusing to tell you. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Exited, seating herself) 
 
 Well? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 It sounds so ridiculously small. For the foun- 
 dation of it all is a crack in a chimney, you see. 
 15ilda! 
 Is that all? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 All to begin with. 
 
 (lie moves a chair nearer to Hilda and sits dow-n.) 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Impatiently patting her knee) 
 
 What about that crack in the chimney? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 I had observed that_crack a long tim e before 
 .the nre . Everj_time I was up in the garret, I 
 looke d to se e, if it was still there. 
 ~" ' Hilda. 
 
 Well, was it? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes, for no one but I knew anything about it. 
 
 Hilda. 
 And you did not mention it to anyone? 
 
 "^ SOLNESS. 
 
 No, I did not. 
 
 Hilda. 
 And_ did not think of repairing the chimney 
 either ? 
 
97 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Oh, yes, I thought of it. But that is as far as 
 I went. Every time I was going to take hold and 
 do it, it was as if an unseen hand held me back, 
 ' ^ot to d ay," I said to myself, "tomorrow." But it 
 was neverTEine^ 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 But why did you keep on postponing it ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Because I was making my calculations. (Low and 
 subdued) Through that black little crack in the chim- 
 ney I m ight perhaps wqnd^my way tothe highest 
 goal of my ambition — as a builder. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Gazing ont in the air) 
 
 That must have been exciting. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Irresistiblei almost. Entirely irresistible ! At 
 that time it all looked to nie so easy and so perfect- 
 ly plain. I wanted it should happen some winter 
 day — a little before noon. I imagined I was giving 
 Aline a sleigh ride. The servants had fired up in 
 the etoves and made a very hot fire — 
 Hilda. 
 
 Yes, for it should of course be very cold that 
 day? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Biting cold. — And they wanted to have it real 
 nice and warm for Aline, when she returned. 
 Hilda. 
 She is quite susceptible to cold, is she not? 
 
98 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, she is. And tken on tlie way home we 
 would notice the smoke. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Only smoke ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 First smoke. But when we reached the garden 
 gate, the old wooden box was wrapped in wild, roar- 
 ing, hissing sheets of flame. — That was the way I 
 wanted to have it, you see. "^ 
 
 It was too bad it could not have happened 
 that way. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes, that is true. 
 
 Hilda.. 
 But tell me, Mr. Solness, are you positively 
 sure the fire came from Ihe crack in the chimney ? 
 Solness. 
 No, on the contrary. I am quite sure that_the 
 crack had nothing at all to do with the fire. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 What? 
 
 Solness. 
 It is conclusively proven that the fire started 
 in a cloth-press in an entirely different part of tlie- 
 house. 
 
 Hilda. 
 But why do you then sit here and talk a lot of 
 nonsense about the cracked chimney ? 
 Solness. 
 Allow me to finish, Hilda ! 
 
99 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, if you will talk sense — 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 I will try. 
 
 (He moves his chair nearer.) 
 
 Hilda. 
 Out with it, Master-builder ! 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (CoiiCdeml}') 
 Hilda, don't you believe, that there are a fe\? 
 chosen and select people, who have been gTven the 
 "power to wish a i\im\r, \o desire a. \\i\ng,io wJU& 
 Thingrso persistently and so inexorably, that at last 
 what they desire/^w.s/ happen.' Don't you believe 
 that? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (With an indefinable exju'eirsion in her eyes) 
 
 If that is so, W(i will some day see, if I am one 
 •of the chosen. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 You cannot accomplish this wonderful result 
 «lone. Oh no, the hcl j3£ is and serving spirit s must 
 assist, if it shall amount to anything. But they 
 never come of their own accord. You must call on 
 thum with all the force of your souH In your mind, 
 you understand. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 What helpers and serving spirits are they ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Oh, that we can discuss some other time. Let 
 us now finish the subject of the fire. 
 
100 
 
 Hilda. 
 Don't you believe that fire would have occurred 
 — even if you had not wished it. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 If Brovik had owned the house, it never would 
 have occurred so opportunely. I am sure of that. 
 For he does not know how to call on the helpers, or 
 on the serving spirits either. (Oets up; is uneasy) So, 
 you understand, I am really the cause of the death 
 of both the little ones. Arid am I not the cause of 
 Aline's never being what she should and could hive 
 been ? And what she would have liked best to be ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 Yes, but if it was only these helpers and serving 
 spirits — ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Who called on them? I did. And they came 
 
 and obeyed my will power. (Wilh gradually growing; pxcili'menl) 
 
 That is what some j)eople call luck. But I will tell 
 you, what that luck means. I feel as if I had a 
 large raw place here on my breast, and the helpers 
 and the serving spirits chase around and strip pieces 
 of skin from other peoples bodies to place on my 
 wound, that it may become closed and healed. But 
 the wound is still there, raw and open. It will never 
 heal — never — never ! Oh, if you knew how it can 
 burn and smart sometimes. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Looks attentively at him) 
 
 You are sick, Master-builder! Very sick, I am 
 afraid. 
 
101 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 ISay ins ane ! For that is what you mean. 
 
 Hilda. 
 No, I do not believe you are short of brains. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 What is the matter with me then? Out with it ! 
 
 Hilda. 
 I wonder if you were not born with a puny 
 -conscience. 
 
 - SoLNESS. 
 
 Puny conscience ! What deviltry is that? 
 
 Hilda. 
 I mean, that your conscience is very sickly, that h 
 it has a vei-yd.elicate texture. It cannot grasp // 
 thmgs. Cannot lift a heavy burden and carry it. 
 Solness. 
 
 (Mumbiing) 
 
 Hm ! — What should the conscience be, may I 
 ask? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 In your case, I should prefer thatjt were really /. 
 robust. ' 
 
 " ' '~ SOLNESS. 
 
 So ? Robust ? Perhaps you have a robust 
 conscience ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Yes, I believe so. I have never noticed any- 
 thing different. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 I suppose it has not been tested very exten- 
 sively. 
 
102 
 Hilda. 
 
 (With a tremor about her mouth) 
 
 Oh, it was not so extremely easy to leave 
 father, whom I loved so dearly. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 iBah ! Only for a month or two. 
 
 Hilda. 
 I will never go back home. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Never ? Why did you leave him ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Half seriously, halt teasingly) 
 
 Have you again forgotten that the ten years are 
 up ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Nonsense ! Did anything go wrong at home ? 
 Frankly now ! 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Very seriously) 
 
 There was something in my soul, that drove 
 and lashed me here, and lured and coaxed me too. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Aha ! Aha ! Hilda, there is a troll in you too. 
 
 Just as in me. For it is the troll' in a person, you 
 
 see, who calls on the powers outside of him. And 
 
 then you must give in, whether you wish to or not. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 I really believe you are right, Master-builder ! 
 
 , SoLNESS. 
 
 (Walking to and fro) 
 
 Ah ! There are many, many devils existing in. 
 the world, who are invisible to our eyes. 
 
103 
 
 Hilda. 
 Devils too ! 
 
 (Slops) 
 
 Good devils and bad devils. Light haired dev- 
 ils and black haired devils. It^^we^only always 
 knew whether it was the light or thejiark ones^that | 
 ruled us. (Walking) Ha, ha, ha ! Then there would be • 
 no trouble at all. 
 
 '" Hilda. 
 
 (FoMows bim with her eyes) ~^ 
 
 __Or if we had a really vigorous, uncomfortably /I 
 healthy conscience. So we dared do, what we wislt l I 
 ~tRennost.~' / 
 
 SOLNESS. '^0<hf\^ 
 
 (Stops sliort at i^e ])ier glass) 
 
 I believe that most people are just as puny as 
 I am, in that regard. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Perhaps. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Leaninson the pier-glass) 
 
 In the saga-books — have you read any of 
 the old saga-books ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Oh, yes, the time I djd read books — 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 In the saga-books tales are told of vikings who 
 sailed to foreign shores, and pillaged and seared, 
 and killed the men — 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 And took the women captive — 
 
104 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 — And kept them for themselves — 
 
 Hilda. 
 Carried them along in their ships. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 And treated them shabiefuUy — as shamefully 
 as the worst trolls might have done. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (With a Btarinj;, half veiled gaze) 
 
 I think, that would be exciting. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (With a short laugh) 
 
 To captui-e women, yes — 
 Hilda. 
 No, to he captured. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Lookrt at her for a moment) 
 
 Ah! 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (As if interriipling her thoughts) 
 
 But what were you driving at with the vikings, 
 Master-builder ? 
 
 Solness. 
 I will tell you. Those fellows had a vigorous 
 conscience. When they returned home, they could 
 eat -and drink heartily. And they were jolly as- 
 children. And the women !— Many a time they 
 would not part from them at all. Can you compre- 
 hend that, Hilda ? 
 
105 
 
 Hilda. 
 Oh ! Only too well do I comprehend those wo- 
 men. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Aha ! Perhaps you yourself could do the same? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Why not ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Live — of your own f reejwill^with such a nial- 
 feasor — 
 — - Hilda. 
 
 If the man I had ]«arned to love was such a 
 malfeasor — 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 But could yon learu to love such a man ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Alas ! It is not for us to say whom we may love. 
 
 "" SOLNESS. 
 
 (Looks attentively at her) 
 
 Oh, no ! I suppose it is the troll in us, who rules 
 that too. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Half langhmg) 
 
 And all these blessed devils that you are so 
 ■well'"acc[uainted with. — Bdth the light and the 
 4ark — 
 
 ~ ' SOLNESS. 
 
 (Quietly but with warmth) 
 
 I will hope that the devils will choose charily 
 
 for you, Hilda. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 For me they have already chosen. Once for 
 
 alH 
 
106 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Gazing intently at her) 
 
 Hilda ! You are like a wild bird from the forest. 
 Hilda. 
 [ Not at all— - I do n gtjiide in the underbrush. 
 
 SOLNESST 
 
 No, I should rather be inclined to say that 
 there is more of the bird of prey in you. 
 Hilda. 
 
 That is more likely — perhaps — . (With violence) And 
 why not a bird of prey ? Why should not 1 too be 
 huuting for prey ? Take what prey I desire ? If I 
 only can fasten my claws deep enough in the quiver- 
 ing flesh. — If victory can only be mine — 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Hilda, do you know what you are ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, you said, I was a bird of prey. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 No, no ! You are like the dawn of day. When 
 I look at you, it is as if my eyes beheld a beautiful 
 sunrise. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Tell me. Master-builder, are you sure that you 
 have never called forme ? In your soul, you know? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Slow and low) 
 
 I almost believe I must have done so. 
 
 Hilda. 
 What did you want of me ? 
 
107 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 I wanted you because you represent y.outh, 
 
 Hilda! '~ • 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Smiling) 
 
 Youth, which frightens you so ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Nods slowly) 
 
 And which I really am longing sqjnuch for. 
 
 (Hil^ii goes over to tHe little table unci tMkes"^gnar Brovilc's portfolio. > 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Tenders him ilie portfolio) 
 
 And now these plans — 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 (Slmrplj) 
 
 Put that stuff away. I am tired of them. 
 
 Hilda, 
 Yes, but you should endorse them for him. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Endorse them ? Never ! 
 Hilda. 
 
 But when the old man is dying. Can you not 
 give him that joy, and the son too, before they part 
 forever ? And perhaps he could get an opportunity 
 to secure the contract. ':" 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes, that is just it. You may rest assured he- 
 has fixed that, this impudent fellow. 
 Hilda. 
 
 But if that be so, can you then not lie just thfr 
 least little bit—? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Lie ? (Raving) Hilda, take those d — d plans away. 
 
108 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Partly withdrawing the portfolio) 
 
 Now, .don't bite ! You spoke about a troll. — 
 It seems to me you act like a troll yourself. (Looks 
 mounU the room) Where is the pen and ink ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 I have no writing materials here. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Goes towards the door) 
 
 But in the room where the young lady is — ? 
 
 SOLNEvSSi' 
 
 Remain here, Hilda. — T should lie, you said. 
 ■Oh, yes, for his old father's sake I might do that. 
 For him I have already crushed. 
 "" Hilda. 
 
 Him too ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 I needed room for myself, you see. But Kagnar 
 must not at any price be allowed to push himself 
 iorward and get up in the world. 
 Hilda. 
 Ah, poor fellow ! There is little danger of that, 
 as he has no ability. 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Nearer. Looks at lier.- Whispers) 
 
 If Ragnar Brovik gets up in the world, he will 
 crush me as I crushed his father. 
 Hilda. 
 Crush you? Does he then amount to anything? 
 
 Solness. 
 Yes, you are right, he does. He is the young 
 
109 
 
 man, who stands ready to knock at my door, and 
 do away with all my greatness. 
 
 (Looks reproachfully at him) 
 
 And stin you will close the door in his face. 
 FieJ— For shame, — Mr. Master-builder ! 
 SOLNESS. ~ 
 The battle I have waged has caused hearts 
 enough to bleed. — And now I am afraid the helpers 
 and serving spiiits will not obey me any longer. 
 ' Hilda. 
 
 Then you must start out alone. There is no- 
 help for that. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 A hopeless undertakings Hilda ! The turning 
 point has come. A little sooner or later does not. 
 signify much. For retribxition is inexorable. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Anxiously placing her hand over her ears) 
 
 Do not talk in that strain ! Will yon kill me ? 
 .Take away from me what is dearer to me than life ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 And what may that be ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 Tp see ^you great ! To see you with the wreath 
 in your hand up, away up, at the top of the steeple. 
 (More quiet) Grct your pencil then. I suppose you 
 carry a pencil in your pocket. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Produces his pocket book) 
 
 Here it is. 
 
110- 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Places the portfolio on the the table in front of the sofa) 
 
 Good ! Now we will be seated, we two, Mr. 
 Master-builder. 
 
 (Solness talces a seat.) 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Behind him, leaning over the hack of the chair; 
 
 And then we endorse the plans. Very kind 
 and cordial must the endorsement be; for this 
 horrible Eoar — or what his name may be — 
 Solness. 
 
 (Writes a couple of lines, turns his head and looks up at her) 
 
 Tell me one thing, Hilda ! 
 Hilda. 
 
 Yes. 
 
 Solness. 
 If you have waited for me ten long years — 
 
 Hilda. 
 What then ? 
 
 Solness. 
 Why did you not write, so I could have answer- 
 ed you ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Quickly) 
 
 No I No ! That is just what I did not want. 
 
 Solness. 
 Why not ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 ^I was afraid my hoges^ might b^skatteredi^CT. 
 But we should endorse the plans, Mr. Master-builder, 
 Solness. 
 Yes, that is what we should do — yes. 
 
Ill 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Beiids forward and reads what he writes) 
 
 So excellent and very cordial ! Oh, how I hftiie 
 this Roald — how I hate him ! 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 ( Wril ing) 
 
 Have you never really loved any one, Hilda ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Harshly.) 
 
 What do you say ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 I asked if you never loved any one, 
 
 Hilda. 
 Any one else, you mean ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Looks lip at her) 
 
 Any one else, yes ! Have you not ? In these 
 ten years ? Never ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Oh, yes, once in a while. When I was really 
 vexed at you for not coming. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Then you cared for others too ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 Just a wee little bit. For a week or so at a 
 time. You know all about those little affairs, don't 
 you? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Hilda, — what was your object in coming here ? 
 
 Hilda, 
 Don't waste the time with talk now. The poor 
 old man might die in the mean time. 
 
112 
 
 SOLNESS 
 
 Answer me, Hilda ! What do you want from 
 me? 
 
 Hilda. 
 I want my kingdom ! 
 
 SOLNESS, 
 
 Hm!— 
 
 (He casts a glance at the door to the left and continues writing on the plans.) 
 (Mrs. Solness enters. Slie carrier ii few small packages.; 
 
 Mrs. Solxess. 
 Here are a few little things for you, Miss Wan- 
 gel. The larger packages will be delivered later. 
 Hilda. 
 Oh, how very kind of you ! 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 Only my duty. Nothing else. 
 Solness. 
 
 (Perusing what he has written) 
 
 Aline ! 
 
 Mrs. Solness, 
 Yes? 
 
 Solness. 
 Did you see if she — the book-keeper — was in 
 the office. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Yes, of course she was there. 
 Solness. 
 
 (Putting the i>lrins back) 
 
 Hm! 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 She stood at the desk, as she always does when 
 /"go through. 
 
113 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Rising) 
 
 Very well, I will give the plans to her then, and 
 tell her that — 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Takes the portfo iio from him) 
 No, let me have that pleasure. (Goes towards the door, 
 
 but turns around) What is her name ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Miss Foslie. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Oh, that sounds so cold ! What is her chris- 
 tian name, I mean ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Kaja — I believe. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Opens the door) 
 
 Kaja ! Come here ! Hurry up, please ! Mr. 
 Solness would like to speak to you. 
 Kaja. 
 
 (Comee m. Stops at the door Appears scared) 
 
 Here I am — ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Hands her the portfolio) 
 
 Kaja, you may take charge of these plans, for 
 the master-builder has endorsed them now. 
 Kaja. 
 Ah, finally ! 
 
 Solness. 
 Give them to the old man, as soon as you can. 
 
 Kaja. 
 I will go home with them at once. 
 
114 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, do, please. Now Kagnar can commence 
 business for himself. 
 
 Kaja, 
 . May lie come here and thank you for all — ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Nos, I want no thanks. Tell him that from me. 
 
 Kaja. 
 I wilL 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Aind tell him at the same time that I have no 
 farther use for him hereafter. And not for you 
 either, 
 
 Kaja. 
 
 (Slow and trembling) 
 
 Uot £or me either — ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Now you will have other matters to think of, 
 yon see. And new cares. And that will do you 
 ^ood. Well, go home with the plans now, Miss 
 ^oslie. But be quick about it. Do you hear ? 
 Kaja. 
 
 (As before) 
 
 Yes, Sir 3 
 
 (Exit) 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Whaticanning eyes she. has. 
 
 Solness. 
 She, the poor little booby ! 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 Ah, I have eyes in my head too, Halvard ! Do 
 you really discharge them ? 
 
Yes. 
 Her too ? 
 
 115 
 
 SOLNBSS. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 SoasESS. 
 Is not that, what- you would prefer ? 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 But how can you get along without her ? Oh — ■ 
 I suppose you have anotliier one in reserve, — eh ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Jocosely) 
 
 Well, I can assure you, Mrs. Solness, that I 
 Tvould not undertake to work at the desk. 
 Solness. 
 Well, don't borrow trouble, my dear. Now you 
 must only think of. moving into the new house as 
 soon as you can. Tonight we hoist the wreath 
 (turns to Hilda) — a Way up on the spire of the tower ! 
 What do you say to that. Miss Hilda ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Looking at him witU shining eyes) 
 
 Oh, it will be perfectly grand to see you away 
 up in the air again. 
 
 Solness. 
 Me? 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 My God ! Miss Wangel, do not imagine any- 
 thing like that. My husband ? As dizzy as he is ? 
 Hilda. 
 Dizzy ? Oh no, he is not dizzy. 
 
 8* 
 
116 
 
 MeS. Solness. 
 Why, of course he is. 
 
 Hilda. 
 But I have seen him myself at the very pin- 
 nacle of a high church steeple. 
 Mes. Solness. 
 Yes, I have heard people speak about that. But 
 it is entirely impossible — 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Impetuosly) 
 
 Impossible ! — Impossible, yes ! But I stood per- 
 fectly safe up there all the same. 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 No, how can you say that, Halvard ? Tou can 
 not even stand to go out on the veranda here at the 
 second story. That is the way you always have 
 been. 
 
 Solness. 
 You may perhaps see something different to- 
 night. 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 
 (Timid) 
 
 No, no, no ! With God's help, I shall see no- 
 thing of the kind. I will write to the doctor at once. 
 And he will manage to get that out of your head. 
 Solness. 
 But, Aline — 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 Yes, for you are sick, Halvard. This cannot 
 be anything else. Oh, my God, my God ! 
 
 (Exit in haste to the right) 
 
117 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Looks intently at him) 
 
 Ts it true, or is it not ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 That I am dizzy ? 
 
 Hilda. . 
 That Tny master-builder dares not, can not step 
 as high, as he himself has built ? 
 
 '^' ' SOLNESS. 
 
 Is that the light you view it in ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 Yes. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 I don't believe, there is a corner in my soul 
 that I can hide from you. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Looks out the bay window) 
 
 Up there then — away up — 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 In the upper tower chamber you shall live, 
 Hilda. You could live tliere like a princess. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Half jocosely, half in earnest) 
 
 Yes, that was what you promised me. 
 
 Solness. 
 Have I really done that? 
 Hilda. 
 Fie, Sir ! You said I should be a princess. 
 And that I should get a kingdom from you. And 
 ihen you took hold of me and kissed — 
 Solness. 
 
 (Cautiously) 
 
 Are you certain, that all of this is not a dream, 
 
118 
 
 something you have imagined, and which has taken 
 root in your soul? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Sharply) 
 
 Perhaps you did not do that? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 I hardly know myself. — (Lower) But I know 
 this now, that I — 
 
 Hilda. 
 That you — ? Say it quick ! 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 fr _JChatj: ought io haye^one it. 
 
 ""'^^^^^^ HlLDiC 
 
 Never — never — were you dizzy ! 
 
 "^^ • SOLNESS. 
 
 Well, to-night we will hoist the wreath. Prin- 
 cess Hilda. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Bitter) 
 
 Yes, on your new home ! 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 On the new liouse — that never will become a 
 home for me. 
 
 (He leaves througli the door to the veranda.) 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Looks up with a veiled glance and whispers to herselt. The only words- 
 heard are:) 
 
 — terribly exciting 
 
Act III. 
 
 (A large wide veranda around Solnestf ' houBe, part of the hoaee and door 
 out to the veranda is eeen to the left. Kaillnjg of the veranda to,ihe vig^t. 
 Farthest back, from the narrow side of the veranda, steps lead down lo the 
 garden. Large old trees in the garden extend their bi-anches over tlie 
 veranda and towards the house.) 
 
 Farthest to the right, in between the treep, can be seen a g)impBe<»f tli& 
 lower part of the new cotiage with pcaffoiding around the porUoQ wheie 
 the tower is. In the background ih seen an old picket fence at theexlrem© 
 end of the garden. Outside of the fence a street with small, rickety honses.> 
 
 (It is evening. Sunlit clouds.) 
 
 (On the veranda a garden sofa standing up against the side of the hoose^ 
 and in front of the sofa a long table. On the other side of the table an easy 
 chair and some stools. All the furniture is of wickerwork.) 
 
 (Mrs. Solness with a large, white crepe shawl around her shoolders,. 
 rests in the easy chair and looks over to the right.) 
 
 (A few raomentH later Hilda Wangel comes up the stairs from tli& 
 garden. She is dressed as in the second act and has her hat on. She wears. 
 a small bouquet of common small flowers.) 
 
 Mrs. Solkers. 
 
 (Turning her head a little) 
 
 Have you been down in the garden, Mis& Wan- 
 
 gel? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, I have been roaming around. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 And found some flowers too, I see. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, there are more than enough of them in, 
 among the shrubbery. 
 
120 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 Beally ? As late as this ? I don't know much 
 about it, for I hardly ever come there. 
 Hilda. 
 What ? Don't you run down in the garden a 
 little every day ? 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 
 (Wiht a faint smllej 
 
 I don't "run" anywhere. Not now any more. 
 Those days are past and gone. 
 Hilda. 
 But do you not go down sometimes to greet all 
 the beautiful little flowers ? 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 It has all become so strange to me. I am al- 
 most afraid to look at it. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Your own garden? 
 
 Mes. S0LNES8, 
 It does not seem to me as if it was mine any 
 longer. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Ah, what is that you say — y 
 Mrs Solness. 
 No, no ! It is not mine. It is not as in my 
 iather's and mother's time. They have taken away 
 so very much of the garden. Miss Wangel. Just 
 think, they have platted it— and built houses for 
 strange people, whom I don't know. And they can 
 look at me from their windows, when I take a stroll 
 in my own garden. 
 
121 
 Hilda. 
 
 (With II hripht expression) 
 
 Mrs. Solness ? 
 
 Mrs. Solnesh. 
 Yes? 
 
 Hilda. 
 May i be allowed to stay here a little while ? 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Yes, I have no objectiou, if you enjoy it. 
 
 (Hilda moves a fllool over to the easy chair and t-its down.) 
 
 Hilda. 
 Ah, — here I can sit and sun myself like a cat. 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 (Places her hand lightly on her neck) 
 
 It is kind of you, that you will stay here with 
 me. I thought, you were going in to my husband. 
 Hilda. 
 What should I do there ? 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Assist him, I was thinking. 
 
 Hilda. 
 No, many thanks ! Besides, he is not in. He is 
 over with the workmen. But he looked so ferocious, 
 that I did not dare to speak to him. 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 He is really so mild and kind. 
 
 Hilda. 
 He.is ? 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 You don't know him really well yet, Miss Wan- 
 gel. 
 
122 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Are you glad now, that you are going to move 
 
 into the new house? 
 
 Mks. Solness. 
 I ought to be glad. For Halvard wishes it. 
 
 so — 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Oh, not just on that account, it seems to me. 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 Yes, yes, Miss Wangel ! For it is simpiy my 
 
 / duty to conform my will and_ wiaEes' to his. But 
 
 ,' some times it comes so hard to force your reHellious 
 
 ' mindJojjBedience. 
 
 _ Hilda. 
 
 Yes, that must come hard. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Indeed it does. Especially when one is not 
 any better than I am — 
 
 Hilda. 
 When a person has gone through as much as 
 
 you have — 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 How do you know that ? 
 Hilda. 
 Your husband told me about it. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 He hardly ever mentions those matters to me. 
 Yes, Miss Wangel, indeed I have gone through too- 
 much in my time. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Looks sympathetically at Uerand nods her head slowly) 
 
 Poor Mrs. Solness ! First came the fire — 
 
.123 
 Mes. Solness. 
 
 (Withasish) 
 
 Yes, the fire ! All I had was burned. 
 
 ^ Hilda. 
 
 And then, what was still worse, happened. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Worse ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 The worst of all. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 What do you mean ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Low) 
 
 Did you not lose your lUtle boys ? 
 
 Mks. Solness. 
 
 Yes, that is so. But that was a different thing- 
 
 entirely. That was a_dispensation of Providence, 
 
 and we must accept thai, bow our heads in prayer^ 
 
 and say, Thy will be done. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Do you do that ? 
 
 Mks. Solness. 
 
 Not always, I am sorry io say. I know so well 
 
 that it is my duty. But I can not do it at all, in the- 
 
 way I ought to. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 No, that is quite natural. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 And often I must admit to myself, that it was- 
 
 a just punishment. 
 
 "^ Hilda. 
 
 For what ? 
 
12i 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 Because I did uot bear my misfortune, as I 
 ought to have doue. 
 
 Hilda. 
 But I do not comprehend — 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 No, Miss Wangel, don't say any more to me 
 about the boys. We should only be ^lad on their 
 account, for tliey are so much better off now. No, 
 the small losses in our life are the ones that cut us 
 to the heart. To lose all that, which other people 
 ■count for next to nothing — 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Places her arm on her knee and looks warmly np to her) 
 
 Dear Mrs. Solness,— tell me what that is. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 As I say, — only trifles. All the old portraits 
 in the hall were burned. Then there were all the 
 old silk dresses, which had belonged to the family 
 these many, many years. And all my mother's and 
 grandma's laces and just think, the family jewels! 
 <sighmg) And then all thedollsJ 
 SildaT 
 The dolls ? 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 (Stilling her sobs) 
 
 I had nine of the most beautiful dolls. 
 
 Hilda. 
 And they too burned ? 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 All of them ! Oh, that was so hard— so hard 
 for me. 
 
125 
 
 Hilda 
 Had you kept all those dolls stored away ever 
 since you were a little girl? 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Not stored away. The dolls and 1 kept on 
 
 living together afterwards too? 
 
 _ _' . ^ Hilda. 
 
 After you had grown up? 
 
 Mrs Solness. 
 Yes, long after that. 
 
 Hilda. 
 After you were married too? 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Yes, certainly. Wlien he didn't see it. — But 
 they perished in the flames, poor things. No one 
 thought of saving tlieni. Oh, it seems so terrible ! 
 Now you must not laugh at me, Miss Wangel ! 
 Hilda. 
 I am not laughing at all. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 For in a certain sense they were living beings,^ 
 you know. I had carried them under niy'lu^art. 
 Like littl e unbo rn babes. ^ 
 
 — III .1 I. II ■ ' y "^ 
 
 (Dr. Hebdal, hat in hand, comes out through the door, and .sees tiieiii.) 
 
 Dr. Herdal. 
 Aha, Mrs. Solness ! I see you are sitting here 
 trying to catch a cold. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 I think it so nice and warm to-day. 
 
 Dk. Herdal. 
 So it is. But there is something on hand here,. 
 I understand. I just received your note. 
 
126 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 (Rising) 
 
 Yes, there is something I must speak to you, 
 ■about. 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 Very well. Perhaps we would better go inside. 
 <To iiiidii) In mountain uniform to-day too, Miss 
 Wangel? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Jolly, getting up) 
 
 Oh, yes. In full trim. But I shall not climb 
 and break my neck to-day. You and I will be good 
 and stay below and look on. Won't we, doctor? 
 
 De. HtEDAL. 
 
 What shall we look at? 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 Hiish, — for heaven's sake, hush ! — There he 
 
 comes. Only try to get that notion out of his head ! 
 
 And let us be friends, Miss Wangel. Shall we not? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Throws herself i)usBionately on her neck) 
 
 Oh, if we only could. 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 
 (Disengaging herself) 
 
 So, so, my child ! There he is, doctor. I must 
 speak with you at once. 
 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 Is it about Mm? 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Of course, it is about him. Come this way. 
 
 (She and the doctor go into the house.) 
 <A niciment later Solness comes tip the stairs from the garden. A sad ex- 
 pression clouds Hilda's face.) 
 
127 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 <Casting a sly look at the door, while it is being cautiously closed from the 
 
 infiide) 
 
 Hilda, have you noticed,' that she leaves as soon 
 as I come? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 I have noticed, that you make her leave as soon 
 as you come. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Perhaps that is the correct version. But I can 
 
 not help it.- (Looks attentively at her> Do yOU feel chiUy, 
 
 Hilda? You look as if you did. 
 Hilda. 
 I just now emerged from a burial crypt; 
 
 SOLNESS.- 
 
 What do you mean by that? 
 
 Hilda. 
 That I have caught the chills. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 (Slowly.l 
 
 I believe, I understand — 
 Hilda. 
 What did you want here now? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 I caught a glimpse of you f roni over yonder. 
 
 HtLDA. 
 
 But you saw her at the same time, didn't you? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 I knew she would go when I came. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Does it hurt you much, to see that she keeps 
 out of your way? 
 
128 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 In one way it seems like a relief, too. 
 
 Hilda. 
 That you do not have her before your eyes all 
 the time? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes. 
 
 Hilda. 
 So that you are not obliged to witness, all the 
 time, how hard she takes the loss of the boys? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, mostly on that account. 
 
 Cllildii saiimers along the veranda, with lier hands on her back. Takes 
 a position at the railing and looks out in the garden.) 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 (After a short pause) 
 
 Did you have a long chat with her? 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Stands immovable and does not answer) 
 
 Solness. 
 A long chat, I say? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Silent as before) 
 
 Solness. 
 
 "What did she say, Hilda ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Still silent) 
 
 Solness. 
 Poor Aline ! I suppose it was about the boys ? 
 
 (A nervotis tremor is observable in Hilda, whereupon she nods quickly 
 a couple of limes.) 
 
 Solness. 
 She will never get over it. (Nearer) Now you 
 
129 
 
 stand there as a marble statue again. That is Just 
 the Avay you stood last night. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Turns around and looks tiL liira with large, sober eyes) 
 
 I want to leave. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Leave ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 No, — I cannot let you go. 
 
 Hilda. 
 What shall 1 do here now ? 
 
 Solness. 
 Only stay here, Hilda ! 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Loolting at him ujlh contempt) 
 
 Yes, I suppose so. No, it wouldn't end there. 
 Solness. 
 
 (Inconsiderately) 
 
 So much the better ! 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 tVeliemently) 
 
 I cannot harm one I know. Not deprive her 
 of anything, that belongs to her. 
 Solness. 
 Who says you shall V 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Continuinjj) 
 
 A stranger, yes. ! That is something else. One, 
 whom I never had seen ! But one, whom I have al- 
 most come in contact with ! No, no, and a thousand 
 times, — no ! 
 
130 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 But 1 have never said anything else. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Bah, Mr. Solness ! Ton know very well how it 
 would end. And that is why I want to leave. 
 Solness. 
 And what shall become of me, after you have 
 gone. What have I to live for then ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 (With that uncertain exjiression in her eyes) 
 
 No need of worrying about you. You have 
 yourdutifi&_toJier. Live for thosejluties. 
 Solness. 
 Too late ! These forces — these — these — 
 Hilda. 
 . — devils — 
 
 Solness. 
 Yes,_these devils, — and the troll in me too, — 
 
 they have sucked all her life^lood. (Laughs desperately; 
 
 They did it to preserve my goodloFtuns, my happi- 
 ness — oh yes ! — (Heavily) And now she is dead — for 
 my sake. And I live, chained to a corpse, (in wild fear) 
 / — I, who can not live a joyless life. 
 
 (He goes around the table, seats himself in the sofa, with his elbows on 
 the table, the head resting in hiK hands.) 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Sits and looks a while at him) 
 
 What are you going to build next ? 
 Solness. 
 
 (Shaking his head) 
 
 I don't believe there will be much more now. 
 
131 
 
 Hilda. 
 Not any of those cosy, happy homes for mother 
 and father ? Aud for the little children ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 I wonder if there will be any use for them after 
 this? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Poor Master-builder ! And you have gone on 
 here all these ten long years and lived your life 
 only for that ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 It is a pity, Hilda ! 
 
 Hilda. 
 Oh, I think, it a folly — such a folly — all — all — 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 What is a folly ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 ThaiLfl,_gerson. dares not_gras£_for his own hap- 
 piness, his own life, only because one stands in the 
 way, whom he knows. 
 
 ~~ ' "SbLNESS. 
 
 One, he has no right to pass by ? 
 ■ Hilda. 
 
 I wonder, when all comes to all, if he did not 
 have right to do it, nevertheless. But be that as it 
 may ! — Oh, if one could only sleep away all this mis- 
 ■ery ! 
 
 (She lays her arms flat down on the table, rests the left side of her head 
 in her hands and closes her eyes. ) 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Tarns the easy chair around and seats himself at the table) 
 
 Did you have a cosy, happy home at your fa- 
 thers, Hilda ? 
 
 9* 
 
132 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Immovable, answers as if hall asleep) 
 
 Nothing but a cage ! 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 And you do not want to go back there again ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 (As before) 
 
 f The_ wild bird from th e for e st d oes_notJoYe a. 
 
 cage. 
 ■^^ SoLNESS. 
 
 Rather chase in the free air? 
 
 Hilda. 
 The bird o£ prey loves the chase. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Lets his glance rest on lier) 
 
 Oh, if one only possessed the wild defiance of 
 the vikings in his life — 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (In her usual voice, opens her eyes, but does not move) 
 
 Or that other — what was it ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 A robust conscience. 
 
 (IlilSanses. Her eyes have again that glad, sparkling expression. > 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Nods to him) 
 
 I know what you will build next. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Then you know more than I do. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Oh yes, master-builders are such fools ! 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Well, what shall I build next ? 
 
133 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Nods again) 
 
 'The castle ? 
 
 ' ^ SOLNERS. 
 
 What castle ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Mine, of course ! 
 
 ""^^ SOLNESS. 
 
 Do you want a castle now ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Don't you owe me a kingdom, may I ask ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 Yes, I hear you say so. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Well, you owe me this kingdom. And to a 
 kingdom belongs a castle, I should think. 
 Solness. 
 
 (More and inorp iinimatpd) 
 
 Yes, that is true — usually. 
 Hilda. 
 Good ! Build it for me then ! Eight away ! 
 
 Solness. 
 
 (Laus;ha) 
 
 Eight this' minute '? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, Sir ! For the ten .years are up, and I will 
 not wait any longer. Now then — come along with 
 your castle, Master-builder ! 
 
 Solness. ' 
 A m an has a hard row to hoe, who owes you 
 anytliing, Hilda. 
 
134 
 
 Hilda. 
 That you should have considered before, Sir. 
 Now it is too late. (Raps on the table) The castle on the 
 table ! It is my castle. I want it at once. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (More seriously, leans nearer, his hands on the table) 
 
 What are your ideas about how this castle 
 should be, Hilda ? 
 
 (Her eyes gradually become veiled. She, so to speak, looks within her- 
 self.) 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Slowly) 
 
 My castle shall be built on the highest moun- 
 tain peak, where nothing surrounds it, not even the 
 clouds. So I can see far — far away. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 And a high tower, I suppose ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 Aii immensely high tower. And at the top of 
 the tower there must be a balcony. And on that I 
 will stand — 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (With an involuntary movement of his hand to his forehead) 
 
 It is strange you can wish to stand at such 
 dizzy hights — 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Yes, sir ! That is Just the place, where I want 
 to stand^and look down on the others. On those 
 who build churches and homes for mother and fa-" 
 ther and the little children. And you too shall 
 have permission to come up there and to look 
 down on them. 
 
135 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (In lowloue) 
 
 May tlie master-builder be allowed to come up 
 to the princess ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 If the master-builder so wishes. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Slower) 
 
 Then I think the master-builder comes. 
 ^ Hilda. 
 
 (Nods) 
 
 The master-builder — comes ! 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 But he can never build more, poor master- 
 builder ! 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Oh, yes ! We two will join hands then and we 
 will build the most beautiful, the most charming, 
 the most delightful work, that ever existed in the 
 whole world. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Excited) 
 
 Hilda, tell me what that is. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Looks smilingly at him, t^hakes her head, poats and talks as to a. 
 child) 
 
 Builders they are such blockheads ! 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Tes^ of course they are blockheads. But tell 
 me what that is, — that, which is the most beautiful 
 in the world, and which we shall build together. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (After a short silence, and with an uncertain expression in her eyes), 
 
 C&stles in the air ! 
 
136 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Castles in tlie airV 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Nods) 
 
 Castles ill the air, yes ! Do you know what 
 such a castle is? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, it is the most beautiful thing in the 
 world, you say. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 ( Risee as in anger) 
 
 Yes ! Castles in the air — they are so easy to 
 hide in — and so easy to build-7-(iooks scornfully at him) — 
 especially for master-builders who have — a dizzy 
 coQScience. ' 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 (l^isini:) 
 
 From this day on, Hilda, you and I will build 
 together. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (With ji half doiibtiny smile) 
 
 A real castle in the air ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes, one with a stone foundation ! 
 
 ( Kiit^nar Brovik comes from the house, carrying a large wreath of f^reens 
 with Howers and silk ribbons interwoven.) 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Joyful) 
 
 Ah, the wreath! Oh, it will be awfully beau- 
 tiful ! 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 (Astonished) 
 
 Do you bring the wreath, Eagnar ? 
 
137 
 
 Eagnae. 
 I had promised the foreman to do so. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Easier) 
 
 Well, then I hope your father is better.. 
 Kagnak. 
 
 No ! 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Did not what I had written cheer him up ? 
 
 Eagnae. 
 It came too late. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Too late ? 
 
 Eagnae. 
 When she came with it, he was not conscious 
 any more. He has had a stroke of paralysis. 
 
 SOLNESS. , 
 
 You would better go home then and take care 
 of him. 
 
 Eag\ae. 
 He does not need me any more now. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 But you ought to stay with him. 
 
 Eagnae. 
 She is there, at his bedside. 
 
 Soilness. 
 
 (Somewhat uncertain) 
 
 Kaja ? 
 
 Eagnae. 
 
 (With a dark glance) 
 
 Yes, — Kaja, yes- 
 
138 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Go home, Eagnar, to him and to her. Let me 
 have the wreath. ' 
 
 Eagnae. 
 
 (SuppresBiDg a satirical smile) 
 
 But you do not intend ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 I intend to take it down myself. (Takes the wreath 
 from him) We have no uge for you to day. 
 Ragnae. 
 
 I know you have no use for me hereafter, but I 
 will stay to day. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Very well ! Stay then, if you are determined 
 t<j do so. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (At the riiiliug) 
 
 Mr. Master-builder, here I will. stand and look 
 at you. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 At me? 
 
 Hilda. 
 It will be awfully exciting ! 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (In a low tone) 
 
 That we will speak of later, Hilda ! 
 
 (He goes down the stairs and out through the garden with the wreath.). 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Looks after him, then turns to Ragnar) 
 
 I should think you could at least have thank- 
 ed him. 
 
139 
 
 Eagnah. 
 Thanked him ? Should I.have thanked Mm? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, that you certainly ought to have done. 
 
 Ragnae. 
 If I should thank anyone, it would be you. 
 
 Hilda. 
 How can you say that ? 
 
 Ragnae. 
 
 (Without answering her) 
 
 But look out, Miss — , for you do not know Mm 
 yet. 
 -^ Hilda. 
 
 (Fiery) 
 
 Oh, I know him better than any one else. 
 Eagnae. 
 
 (Laughs from rage) 
 
 Thank him, who has kept me down all these^ 
 __Xea'rs ! Him, who has succeeded in making my father 
 doubt me ! Him, who has made me doubt myself I 
 And all only to — 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Ab if surmisinj^ something) 
 
 To—? Tell me quick ! 
 
 Ragnae. 
 I n orde r to^keepLi^jP^witli himj_ 
 ""^ Hilda. 
 
 (A step nearer) 
 
 The lady at the desk ? 
 
 Ragnae. 
 Yes! 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Threatens with clenched flst) 
 
 It is untrue ! You slander him ! 
 
liO 
 
 Eagnab. 
 1 would not believe it until to day. — Sbe told 
 me herself. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 fl-Jesides lierKelf) 
 
 What did she stiy? I want to know all, at once! 
 Speak quickly ! 
 
 Eagnae. 
 
 She said, that he has robbed her of her soul. 
 
 He possesses" her every thought. Sho only lives for 
 
 liiiii. ■ She says, she can never let him go. That 
 
 she will stay here, where he is — 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (with Hashing eyes) 
 
 She shall not ! 
 
 Eagnak. 
 "Who should forbid it then ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 He would not want it either. 
 
 Eagnae. 
 No, I understand it all now. After this she 
 would only be in the way. 
 
 Hilda. 
 You understand nothing, when you can talk 
 that way. No, I will tell you, why he retained her. 
 Eagnae. 
 Why then ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 In order to be able to keep you . 
 
 Eagnae. 
 Has he told you so ? 
 
141 
 
 Hilda. 
 No, but that is the way it is. It must be so, 
 (Wildly) I will— I want it to be so. 
 ^ EAG:frAT?. 
 And the moment you come, he lets her go. 
 
 Hilda. 
 It was you — you he let go. What do you think 
 he cares about such strange women. 
 Eagnar. 
 Has he then been afraid of me? 
 
 Hilda. 
 He afraid ! You should not be as vain as all 
 that. 
 
 Kagnae. 
 Ah ! He must long ago have understood, Ihat 
 I had talents. — But after all — afraid — that is pre- 
 cisely what he is, you see. 
 
 ~ ~~ Hilda. 
 
 He? That you can go and tell to the marines. 
 
 Eagnae. 
 In one way he is afraid, he, the great master- 
 _builderT~To' rob others of all the happiness of life, 
 _as he has done with father and me, that he can do. 
 He is not afraid of that. But only to climb lip.on a 
 bit of scaffold, is mofeThan he would dare to under- 
 take. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Bah ! You should only have seen him at the' 
 dizzy hights I once saw him. 
 Eagnau. 
 Have you seen that ? 
 
142 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, of course I have. I shall not soon forget 
 how he looked, when he fastened the wreath on the 
 vane on the high steeple of our church. 
 Eagnar. 
 I know he has dared do it once in his life. We 
 young people have often spoken about it. But no 
 power in the world can get him to do it over again. 
 Hilda. 
 He will do it over again to day ! 
 Eagnar. 
 
 (With scorn) 
 
 Don't you believe it. 
 
 Hilda. 
 We shall see. 
 
 Eagnar. 
 Neither you nor I will ever see that. 
 Hilda. 
 
 I (With great paysion) 
 
 / ^J will see it ! I will and must see it ! 
 Eagnar. 
 But he doesn't do it. He simply dares not do 
 it. For he happens to have that failing, great mas- 
 ter-builder as he is. 
 
 (Mrs Solness comes out on the veranda.) 
 
 Mrs. Solnesb. 
 
 (Looka around) 
 
 Is he not here ? — Where is he ? 
 
 Eagnar. 
 Mr. Solness is over by the workmen. 
 
 Hilda. 
 He took the wreath over. 
 
M3 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 (In terror) 
 
 Did he take the wreath ?— My God^my God ! 
 — Mr. Brovik, you must run down. Try to get 
 him to come up here. 
 
 Ragnae. 
 Shall I tell him, that you want to see him? 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Yes do, please. — No, no ! Don't say that I want 
 to see him. Tell him that some one has called, 
 and that he must come at once. 
 Eagnab. 
 Very well, I shall do so, Mrs. Solness. 
 
 (He leaves by way of the stairs and Iruverses the garden.) 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Oh, Miss Wangel, you cannot realize what I 
 sufEer — what fear possesses me for his sake. 
 Hilda. 
 But is this anything to be so afraid of? 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Yes, do you not understand? Just think, if he 
 should really do it. Suppose he should take the no- 
 tion into his head to climb up on the scaffold — 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Nervous and excited) 
 
 Do you believe he will do it? 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 Ah, it is impossible to tell what notion he may 
 not get into his head. He is liable to do almost 
 anything. 
 
 Hilda. 
 You also believe, that he is — is — a kind of — 
 
144 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 I do not know what to believe any more. The 
 doctor has told me so many strange things, and 
 when I consider it in connection with certain things 
 I have heard him say, I don't — 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 
 fComing out on the veranda) 
 
 Is he not coming soon? 
 
 Mbs. Solness. 
 Yes, I hope so. I have sent word to him. 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 
 (Nfurer; 
 
 But you would better go into the house, Mrs. 
 Solness. 
 
 Mes.'Solxess, 
 
 No, no ! I must stay out here and wait for 
 Halvard. 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 Yes, but there are some ladies in there, who are 
 inquiring for you. 
 
 Mes. Sulness. 
 Too bad ! Just now too ! 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 —They say, that they are vi^ry anxious to wit- 
 ness the festivities. 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 Well, I suppose I must go and see them, for 
 tha t is my duty, I take it. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Can't you ask those 'ladies to go home ? 
 
145 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 
 No, that would never do. As they are here, 
 
 it is of course my duty to j-gceive them. But will 
 
 yo u not please stay here and receive him, when lie 
 
 comes f ~ ^ "^^ 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 
 And try to detain him as long as you can — 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 Tes, please do, Miss Wangel. Hold him as tight 
 as you can. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Would it not look be tter, if y ou did that your- 
 ^If ? "" ' ' ' ■ ' 
 
 ""^ ~ Mes. Solness. 
 
 Yes, it w as of coui^e_^7y/_d^ab^j_bujtwhen you 
 have duties Jo_Berf_orm all over at the same tirp?— "^ 
 De. Heedal. 
 
 ^Looking out ia tlie garden) 
 
 He is coming this way. 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 And to think that I must leave ! 
 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 
 (To Hilda) 
 
 Do not let him know that I am here. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Oh, no ! I shall think of something else to 
 speak to him about. 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 And be sure to keep him here ! I believe you 
 
 can do that best. <- 
 
 10 
 
U6 
 
 (Mrs. Solneee and Dr. llerdal go into th&lionse. Hilda remains on the 
 veranda.) 
 
 (SolneHs comeK from the garden nji the stairs.) 
 
 SoLlfESS. 
 
 There is somebody who desires to see me, I 
 liear. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, I am that somebody. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Ah, it is you, Hilda ! I was afraid it might be 
 Aline and the doctor. " 
 
 Hilda. 
 You are rather cowardly, are you not ? 
 
 " SOLNESS. 
 
 You believe that, do you ? 
 Hilda., 
 Yes, people say, you are afraid to crawl around 
 ^— up on the scaffoldings. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Well, that is a different thing altogether. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Then you are afraid? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, I am. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Afraid that you might fall down and kill your- 
 self ? 
 
 Solness. 
 No, not of that. 
 
 Hilda. 
 But of what then ? 
 
 Solness. 
 1 fear retribution, Hilda ! 
 
147 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Retribution ? (simkes her head) I do not under- 
 stand. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Be seated. I will tell you something. 
 Hilda. 
 
 Yes do, — now ! 
 
 (She seats herself oa a stool neui' the railing and looks with intense ex- 
 pectation at him.) 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Throws his hat on the table) 
 
 ¥ou are aware o£ the fact that when I first 
 :started in business, I built only churches? 
 < ~ " Hilda. 
 
 (Nodding) 
 
 I am well aware of that. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 I came from a pious geasant home, you know. 
 And that may be the reason, why I conceived the 
 idea, that building churches was the most worthy 
 work I could choose. 
 ' Hilda. 
 
 Yes, yes ! 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 And I dare say that I built those poor, little 
 churches with such an earnest and honest aim, that 
 — that— 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 Well? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 That I thought He ought to be pleased with 
 me. 
 
 10* 
 
148 
 
 Hilda. 
 He! What he? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 He, for whom the churches were built of course. 
 He, to whose honor and praise they should serve. 
 Hilda. 
 
 Ah ! But are you so sure, that — that He was 
 
 not— pleased witETyou . 
 
 ~ SoLNESS. 
 
 (ScornfnJIy) 
 
 He pleased with jne? , How can you talk that 
 way, Hilda ? He, who permitted the troll to burrow 
 around in my soul, at will. He, who bade them. 
 stan d ready to serve me both night and Hay^^all 
 these — these — 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 — devils — 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Yes, both those of one kind and of another. 
 No, I was soon made to feel, that He was far from 
 pleased with me. (Mysteriously) That was the reason,, 
 "you know, that He let the old rookery burn down. 
 "" ^^ ^ Hilda. 
 
 Was that the reason ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Do you not understand that? He wanted me to 
 have an opportunity to become a great master in my 
 field of labor,— so I should build yet grander 
 churches, that should sing His praises higher still. 
 At Frst, I did not understand what He was after. 
 But all at once it was made clear to me. 
 
149 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 IVhen was that? 
 
 SoliTess. 
 
 It was the time I built the church steeple nl 
 Xiysafiger. ~ 
 Hilda. 
 
 I thought so. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 For yousee, Hilda, in that strange place, where 
 I was all alone by myself, I continually ruminated 
 ■and communed with myself.""! then plainly saw, why 
 ~Be ha d taken the little children from me. That 
 ■was done, that_nothing_ should hold me back and 
 detain me. N othing like love or happiness in my 
 life! I should merely be a master-builder. Noth- 
 
 ing else ! Anff I should go through life doing noth- 
 ing but building for Him. (Langiiing) But it didn't 
 Turn out that way. 
 
 Hilda. 
 What did you do then ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 First I searched and tested myself — 
 
 Hilda. 
 And then? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Then I did the impossible. I as well as He. 
 
 Hilda. 
 The impossible ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 I had never before been a ble to climb. to an'^. 
 hight. BuFtKaTHay^l dlHTt! 
 
150 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Starting) 
 
 Yes I know — ^^you did. 
 
 S.OLNESS. 
 
 And when I was standing at the spire of the 
 
 steeple and hung the wreath on the weather-vane, 
 
 I said to him :— " Look here, you mighty power ! 
 
 From this day on I will be a' free builder. I in my 
 
 "domain as Thou in Thine. I will never build an- 
 
 ( "^"otheFchurch for Thee, only homes for men." 
 
 ~~ Hilda. 
 
 (With great sparkling eyes) 
 
 That was the music I heard in the air. 
 
 """^ SOLNESS. 
 
 I But He got the best of me, after all. 
 
 V ""^ ■ Hilda. 
 
 What do you mean by that ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Disconsolately) 
 
 This building homes for men, Hilda, — is not 
 wori,h a picayune. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Have you come to that conclusion now? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Yes, now I can see through it all. Man has 
 no use for a home. Not in order to be happy. 
 Nor would I have had any use for such a home, 
 
 jf I had possessed one. (With a subdued hitter laugh) That 
 
 is the consequence of it as far back as I can see. 
 Really nothing built ! And nothing sacrificed for 
 permission to build either ! Nothing ! — Nothing ! — 
 All of it ! 
 
151 
 
 Hilda. 
 And after this, you will never build anything? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (With life) 
 
 Yes, now I will begin for the first time. 
 — Hilda. 
 
 With what? Tell me quickly ! 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 No w I w ill build the only structures in which 
 huma n happiness can exist- 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Looks fixediy at him) 
 
 You mean our castle in the air now. 
 
 _ _ ""ISOLNESS. 
 
 Yes — Yes ! The castle in the^air. 
 -^ Hilda. ,; 
 
 I am afraid you would become dizzy before- 
 you were half through. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Not, if we can work together, Hilda. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (With a sign of suppressed rage) 
 
 Only we two? Should there not be more of us?. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Who do you mean? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Oh — she — this^ Kaja, — the woman at the desk \ 
 Poor girl, don't you want to take her along too? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 Ah ! Was it her Aline spoke to you of? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Is it so, or is it not? 
 
152 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 (Impetuously) 
 
 I do not answer such a question. You mtfat 
 have implicit' faith and confidence in me. 
 Hilda. 
 I have trusted yon implicitly for ten years. 
 
 SOLNESS; 
 
 You must continue to trust me. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Then you must let me see you standing free 
 and independent away up in the air. 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Heavily) 
 
 No, Hilda, that is not an every day occur- 
 rence with me. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Passionately) 
 
 I will have it so 1 (SnppUcatingiy) Only once more, 
 Master-builder ! Do the impossible over again. 
 Solness. "~" 
 
 (With an intense look at her) 
 
 If I attempt it again, Hilda, I will stand up 
 there and speak to him as I did the last time. 
 ■"" Hilda. 
 
 (With increasing excitement) 
 
 What will you say to him ? 
 Solness. 
 
 I will say: "Hear me. Lord Almighty! Judge 
 me, as Thou thinbest best. But hereafter I will 
 only build what is the most beautiful, the most char- 
 ming, the most delightful that exists in the world — " 
 
153 
 Hilda. 
 
 (liV eitapy) 
 
 Yes — yes — yes — ! 
 
 SoliNESS. 
 — "Bnild it together with a princess, whom I 
 love"— 
 
 ■ Hilda. 
 Yes, tell him that !— Tell him that ! 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 — And then I will say to him: " I will now go 
 •down and put my arms about her and kiss her." 
 Hilda. 
 — Many times !— Tell him that ! 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 — " Many, many times," will I say. 
 
 Hilda. 
 And then ? 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 
 Then I will swing my hat — and come down to 
 earth— and do just what I told Him I would do. 
 Hilda. 
 
 (With extended arms) 
 
 Now I see you again, as when I heard the harps 
 in the air. 
 
 SoLNESS. 
 (Looky at her with *-too])iBS head) 
 
 How have you become what you are, Hilda ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 How have you made me what I am ? 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 (Curtly and firmly) 
 
 The princess shall Tiave her castle ! 
 
154 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Exultantly claps her hands) 
 
 Oh, Master-builder! — My beautiful, beautiful 
 castle. Our castle in the air ! 
 
 SOLNESS. 
 
 With a solid stone foundation ! 
 
 (A crowd of .people, hardii' discernible between the treep, has congre- 
 gated in the street. Music from a brass band is heard at a distance behind 
 the new house.) 
 
 (Mrs. Solness .with a fur collar around her neck, Dr. Herdal. carrying 
 her white shawl on his arm, and some ladies come from the house out on 
 the veranda. Ab?ut cotemporaneously Itagnar Brovi-kFasceiuU Xhe steps 
 from the garden.) 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 
 (To Eagnar) 
 
 Are they going to have music too? 
 
 Eagnae. 
 Yes. That is the band of the builders union. 
 (To Solness) I was to tell you from the foreman, that 
 he is now ready to go up with the wreath. 
 Solness. 
 
 (Takes his hat) 
 
 Very well ! I am going down%here myself 
 Mes. Solness. 
 
 (With anxiety) 
 
 What are you going to do there, Halvard ? 
 Solness. 
 
 (Curtly) 
 
 I must be below witli the workmen. 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 Yes below, only below ! 
 
 Solness. 
 That is my general custom. Is it not— on week 
 days? 
 
 (lie descends the stairs and disappears in the garden.) 
 
155 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 
 (Leaning over the railing, calls out to him) 
 
 But do not forget to ask the man to be carefal 
 when he climbs up. Promise me that, Halvard. 
 
 Dk. Hekdal. 
 
 (To Mrs. Solness) 
 
 Do you see? I was right. He has no idea of 
 carrying out those mad pranks. 
 Mes. Solness. 
 How much bttter I feel! Twice '-lately lia^e 
 Eome of our men fallen down. And both were 
 killed instantaneously. (Turning to niida) Thanks, Miss 
 Wangel,for your kindness in dissuading him. I am 
 certain, that /never could Lave pyevailed upon bim. 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 
 (Lively) 
 
 Yes, Miss Wangel, 1 believe you understand 
 how to manage a person, when you make up your 
 mind to do it. 
 
 (Mrs. Solness and Dr. Ilerdal ttep over to Ihe ladies, vho stand near- 
 er the stairs, looking out over the garden. Hilda remains at'tli« railing at 
 front of stage. Eagnar goes nearer to her.) 
 
 Kagxae. 
 
 (To Hilda wilh a sujipref-sed laugh, almost whispering) 
 
 Do you see all the young people in the street ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 ■ Yes. 
 
 Ragnae. 
 Those are my friends, who want to look at the- 
 master. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Why do they want to look at him? 
 
156 
 
 Eagnae. 
 They want to enjoy the sight, that he does not 
 ■dare to climb up on his own house. 
 ! Hilda. 
 
 Ah ! So that is what those boys want ! 
 Eagnae. 
 
 (Angrily and diBClainf ully; 
 
 / He has held us down so long. Now We shall 
 LjiH^e the pleasure of seeing him humiTiated. He 
 will have to stay down on the ground himself, now. 
 '• Hilda. 
 
 ■' You win not have that pleasure. — Not this time! 
 " Eagnah. 
 
 ' Sb ? Where shall we have the pleasure of see- 
 ing him, if I may ask? 
 
 Hilda. 
 Away up near the vane ! 
 Eagnae. 
 
 (.Laughs) 
 
 He? Not much ! 
 
 Hilda. 
 He intends to go away up. Consequently you 
 will see him there. 
 
 Eagnae. 
 He intends to. Yes, I fully believe that. But 
 Jie simply can not. He would become giddy a good, 
 long while before he got half way up. He would 
 have to crawl down on his hands and knees. 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 
 (Points out) 
 
 See ! The foreman climbs up ihe ladders. 
 
157 
 
 Mrs. Solness. 
 I suppose he has the wreath to carry too. If he- 
 be only careful now. 
 
 Kagnae. 
 
 (Staring inci-ediilously) 
 
 But is it not — ? 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (In a raptm-e of exultation) 
 
 It is the master-builder himself ! 
 Mes. Solness. 
 
 (In terror) 
 
 Yes, it is Halvard. — Great God! — Halvard L 
 Halvard ! 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 Hush ! Do not call out to him. 
 Mes. Solness. 
 
 (Deeparately) 
 
 I will. Down there ! Get him down again ! 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 
 (Holding her back) 
 
 jStand quiet all ! Not a sound ! 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Immovable, follows Solnesg wiih her eyes) 
 
 He climbs up — up ! Higher — yet higher ! SeeC 
 See! 
 
 Eagnae. 
 
 (Breathlessly) 
 
 Now he must turn back. There is no help for 
 it. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 He climbs up — still higher up ! He is nearly 
 at the top I 
 
158 
 
 Mes. Solness. 
 Oh, this terror will kill me. I cannot endure to 
 look at him. 
 
 Dr. Heedal. 
 Well, don't look at him then. 
 
 Hilda. 
 On the highest scaffold ! Away up ! 
 
 De. Heedal. 
 No one must move ! Do you hear ? 
 Hilda. 
 
 (W;jth quiet, Iieiirtfelt exultation) 
 
 Finally ! Finally ! Once again I see^him great 
 and free from all that binds. 
 
 '■ --■— -__ Eagnae. 
 
 (Aimoet ^peeciilesfi) 
 
 But this is — 
 
 Hilda. 
 V Thus have I seen him during all these long ten 
 
 years.^ How self-reliant he stands there. — Awfully 
 exciting though ! — Look at him ! He hangs the 
 "wreath on the spire ! 
 
 Ragnae. 
 It is as if something impossible had happened. 
 Hilda. 
 , J^es, man ! The impossible lias happened! (Wia 
 
 / Ihe old indefinable expression in her eyes) ~ Do yOU 866 SOmeone 
 
 f else up there at his side ? 
 ' . Ragnae. 
 
 No, there is no one else. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Yes, he is quarreling with some one ! 
 
 // 
 
159 
 
 Kagnae. 
 You are mistaken. 
 
 Hilda. 
 Do you not hear music in the air either ? 
 - __ Kagnae^ 
 
 It must be the wind in the tree tops. 
 
 Hilda. 
 I hear a song. A mighty song ! (Cries out fa wild joy 
 and exultation) Look ! Look ! He swings his hat ! He 
 greets the world below ! Salute him then ! — For 
 
 now, now it is achieved!- (Slie snatches the white shawl from the 
 
 •doctor, swings It wildly and cries out) Hurrah for the master- 
 builder ! 
 
 Dr. Hbedal. 
 Don't, don't, — for God's sake — ! 
 
 (The ladies on the veranda wave their handkerchiefs and the people in 
 the street take up the cheering. Suddenly a hush comes over all, and it in 
 turn Is followed*by an exclamation of horror. A human body, together 
 with planks and boards, is dimly seen to fall away in between the trees.) 
 
 Mes. Solnbss and the Ladies. 
 He falls !— He falls ! 
 
 (Mrs. Solness totters, falls unconscious backward in the arms of the 
 ladies. Great confusion.) 
 
 (The people in the street break down the fence and storm into the 
 garden. Dr. Herdal runs down the steps. A ehort pause) 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Still gazes intently upward and says as in a trance) 
 
 My master builder ! 
 
 Kagnar. 
 
 (Leaning on the railing, with a tremor) 
 
 He must have been killed, instantaneously, 
 —smashed to pieces ! 
 
 One of the Ladies. 
 
 (While Mrs. Solness is carried into the house) 
 
 Kun for the doctor — 
 
160 
 
 Ragnae. 
 I cannot move my limbs — 
 
 Another Lady. 
 Call someone then. 
 
 Ragnae. 
 
 (Tries to shout) 
 
 How is it? Is he still alive? 
 A Voice. 
 
 (Down in tlie garden) 
 
 The master-builder is dead ! 
 Hilda. 
 
 (Turns to Ragnar) 
 
 I cannot see him up there any more. 
 
 Ragnae. 
 This is terrible. He could riot do it after all. 
 
 Hilda. 
 
 (As in quiet, mad triumpli) 
 
 But he reached the top. And I heard the 
 music of harps in the air. 
 
 (Waves tlie sliawl upward, and cries witli wild intensity) 
 
 My — my master builder !