The Masterbuilder; A Drama in Three Acts (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1893. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... Hilda. Not any of those cosy, happy homes for mother and father? And 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. That a person dares not grasp for his own happiness, his own life, only because one stands in the way, whom he knows. Solness. 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 misery (She lays her arms flat down on the table, rests the left side of her head in her hands and closes her eyes.) SOLNESS. (Turns the easy chair around and seats himself at the table) Did you have a cosy, happy home at your fathers, Hilda? Hilda. (Immovable, answers as if half asleep) Nothing but a cage SOLNESS. And you do not want to go back there again? Hilda. (As before) The wild bird from the forest does not love p cage. -- Solness. Rather chase in the free air? Hilda. The bird of prey loves the chase. Solness. (Lets his glance rest on her) 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. (Hilda rises. 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? Hilda. (Nods again) The castle? SOLNESS. What castle? Hilda. Mine, of course Solness. Do y...