Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/396

 Ragnar.

They want to see how he daren't climb to the top of his own house.

Hilda.

Oh, that is what those boys want, is it?

Ragnar.

[Spitefully and scornfully.] He has kept us down so long—now we are going to see him keep quietly down below himself.

Hilda.

You will not see that—not this time.

Ragnar.

[Smiles.] Indeed! Then where shall we see him?

Hilda.

High—high up by the vane! That is where you will see him!

Ragnar.

[Laughs.] Him! Oh yes, I daresay!

Hilda.

His will is to reach the top—so at the top you shall see him.

Ragnar.

His will, yes; that I can easily believe. But he simply cannot do it. His head would swim round, long, long before he got half-way. He would have to crawl down again on his hands and knees.