well say so, Hilda.

HILDA.

[With an outburst.] Oh, it all seems to me so foolish--so foolish!

SOLNESS.

All what?

HILDA.

Not to be able to grasp at your own happiness--at your own life! Merely
because some one you know happens to stand in the way!

SOLNESS.

One whom you have no right to set aside.

HILDA.

I wonder whether one really has not the right! And yet, and yet--. Oh!
if one could only sleep the whole thing away!

[She lays her arms flat don on the table, rests the left side of
her head on her hands, and shuts her eyes.

SOLNESS.

[Turns the arm-chair and sits down at the table.] Had you a cosy, happy
home--up there with your father, Hilda?

HILDA.

[Without stirring, answers as if half asleep.] I had only a cage.

SOLNESS.

And you are determined not to go back to it?

HILDA.

[As before.] The wild bird never wants to go back to the cage.

SOLNESS.

Rather range through the free air--

HILDA.

[Still as before.] The bird of prey loves to range--

SOLNESS.

[Lets his eyes rest on her.] If only one had the viking-spirit in life--

HILDA.

[In her usual voice; opens her eyes but does not move.] And the other
thing? Say what that was!

SOLNESS.

A robust conscience.

[HILDA sits erect on the bench, with animation. Her eyes have
once more the sparkling expression of gladness.

HILDA.

[Nods to him.] _I_ know what you are going to build next!

SOLNESS.

Then you know more than I do, Hilda.

HILDA.

Yes, builders are such stupid people.

SOLNESS.

What is it to be then?

HILDA.

[Nods again.] The castle.

SOLNESS.

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