The Master Builder Part 68

What castle?

HILDA.

My castle, of course.

SOLNESS.

Do you want a castle now?

HILDA.

Don't you owe me a kingdom, I should like to know?

SOLNESS.

You say I do.

HILDA.

Well--you admit you owe me this kingdom. And you can't have a kingdom without a royal castle, I should think.

SOLNESS.

[More and more animated.] Yes, they usually go together.

HILDA.

Good! Then build it for me! This moment!

SOLNESS.

[Laughing.] Must you have that on the instant, too?

HILDA.

Yes, to be sure! For the ten years are up now, and I am not going to wait any longer. So--out with the castle, Mr. Solness!

SOLNESS.

It's no light matter to owe you anything, Hilda.

HILDA.

You should have thought of that before. It is too late now. So--[tapping the table]--the castle on the table! It is my castle! I will have it at once!

SOLNESS.

[More seriously, leans over towards her, with his arms on the table.]

What sort of castle have you imagined, Hilda?

[Her expression becomes more and more veiled. She seems gazing inwards at herself.

HILDA.

[Slowly.] My castle shall stand on a height--on a very great height--with a clear outlook on all sides, so that I can see far--far around.

SOLNESS.

And no doubt it is to have a high tower!

HILDA.

A tremendously high tower. And at the very top of the tower there shall be a balcony. And I will stand out upon it--

SOLNESS.

[Involuntarily clutches at his forehead.] How can you like to stand at such a dizzy height--?

HILDA.

Yes, I will! Right up there will I stand and look down on the other people--on those that are building churches, and homes for mother and father and the troop of children. And you may come up and look on at it, too.

SOLNESS.

[In a low tone.] Is the builder to be allowed to come up beside the princess?

HILDA.

If the builder will.