Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/447

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I was young then—with no experience of life. The Resurrection, I thought, would be most beautifully and exquisitely figured as a young unsullied woman—with none of a life's experiences—awakening to light and glory without having to put away from her anything ugly and impure.

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[Quickly.] Yes—and so I stand there now, in our work?

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[Hesitating.] Not absolutely and entirely so, Irene.

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[In rising excitement.] Not absolutely—? Do I not stand as I always stood for you?

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[Without answering.] I learned worldly wisdom in the years that followed, Irene. "The Resurrection Day" became in my mind's eye something more and something—something more complex. The little round plinth on which your figure stood erect and solitary—it no longer afforded room for all the imagery I now wanted to add

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[Gropes for her knife, but desists.] What imagery did you add then? Tell me!