Part 78 (1/2)

SOLNESS.

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

HILDA.

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

SOLNESS.

You must go on believing in me!

HILDA.

Then let me see you stand free and high up!

SOLNESS.

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

HILDA.

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

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

SOLNESS.

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

HILDA.

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

SOLNESS.

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

HILDA.

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