Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/280

 soil, and the rocks, and the forests, and the sea—I wanted to gather it all into my hands, to make myself master of it all, and so to promote the well-being of many, many thousands.

[Lost in recollection.] I know it. Think of all the evenings we spent in talking over your projects.

Yes, I could talk to you, Ella.

I jested with your plans, and asked whether you wanted to awaken all the sleeping spirits of the mine.

[Nodding.] I remember that phrase. [Slowly.] All the sleeping spirits of the mine.

But you did not take it as a jest. You said: "Yes, yes, Ella, that is just what I want to do."

And so it was. If only I could get my foot into the stirrup And that depended on that one man. He could and would secure me the control of the bank—if I on my side

Yes, just so! If you on your side would renounce the woman you loved—and who loved you beyond words in return.