Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/388

 the more glorious churches for him. At first I did not understand what he was driving at; but all of a sudden it flashed upon me.

Hilda.

When was that?

Solness.

It was when I was building the church-tower up at Lysanger.

Hilda.

I thought so.

Solness.

For you see, Hilda—up there, amidst those new surroundings, I used to go about musing and pondering within myself. Then I saw plainly why he had taken my little children from me. It was that I should have nothing else to attach myself to. No such thing as love and happiness, you understand. I was to be only a master builder—nothing else. And all my life long I was to go on building for him. [Laughs.] But I can tell you nothing came of that!

Hilda.

What did you do, then?

Solness.

First of all, I searched and tried my own heart

Hilda.

And then?

Solness.

Then I did the impossible—I no less than he.