Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/253



[Exultantly.] But they will come! They will come sure enough! You shall see! I expect them any day, any moment. And you see, I hold myself in readiness to receive them.

[With a sigh.] If only they would come quickly.

[Restlessly.] Yes, time flies: the years slip away; lifeAh, no—I dare not think of it! [Looking at him.] Do you know what I sometimes feel like?

What?

I feel like a Napoleon who has been maimed in his first battle.

[Placing his hand upon his portfolio.] I have that feeling too.

Oh, well, that is on a smaller scale, of course.

[Quietly.] My little world of poetry is very precious to me, John Gabriel.

[Vehemently.] Yes, but think of me, who could have created millions! All the mines I