BORKMAN. No. But the great aims I had in life helped me to bear even that. I wanted to have at my command all the sources of power in this country. All the wealth that lay hidden in the 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.
ELLA RENTHEIM. [Lost in recollection.] I know it. Think of all the evenings we spent in talking over your projects.
BORKMAN.
Yes, I could talk to you, Ella.
ELLA RENTHEIM. I jested with your plans, and asked whether you wanted to awaken all the sleeping spirits of the mine.
BORKMAN. [Nodding.] I remember that phrase. [Slowly.] All the sleeping spirits of the mine.
ELLA RENTHEIM. But you did not take it as a jest. You said: "Yes, yes, Ella, that is just what I want to do."
BORKMAN.
And so it was. If only I could get my foot in 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——
ELLA RENTHEIM. Yes, just so! If you on your side would renounce the woman you loved—and who loved you beyond words in return.
BORKMAN. I knew his consuming passion for you. I knew that on no other condition would he——
ELLA RENTHEIM.
And so you struck the bargain.