The Master Builder

HILDA.

[As if in quiet spell-bound triumph.] But he mounted right to the top. And I heard harps in the air. [Waves her shawl in the air, and shrieks with wild intensity.] My—my Master Builder!

This is terrible. So, after all, he could not do it

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

SOLNESS.

You must go on believing in me

We ought to feel nothing but joy in thinking of them; for they are so happy—so happy now.

[Looks fixedly at him.] Mr. Solness—you mean our castles in the air.

SOLNESS.

The castles in the air—yes.

Yes, no doubt they are stupid. But now tell me what it is—the loveliest thing in the world—that we two are to build together?

HILDA.

[Is silent a little while, then says with an indefinable expression in her eyes.] Castles in the air

Castles in the air

The wild bird never wants to go back to the cage

As I say, only little things. All the old portraits were burnt on the walls. And all the old silk dresses were burnt, what had belonged to the family for generations and generations. And all mother’s and grandmother’s lace—that was burnt, too. And only think—the jewels, too! [Sadly.] And then all the dolls.

There is rather something of the bird of prey in you