The Master Builder

by Henrik Ibsen

That my master builder dares not—cannot—climb as high as he builds?

Is that the way you look at it?

Yes.

I believe there is scarcely a corner in me that is safe from you.

[Looks towards the bow-window.] Up there, then. Right up there—

[Approaches her.] You might have the topmost room in the tower, Hilda—there you might live like a princess.

[Indefinably, between earnest and jest.] Yes, that is what you promised me.

Did I really?

Fie, Mr. Solness! You said I should be a princess, and that you would give me a kingdom. And then you went and—Well!

[Cautiously.] Are you quite certain that this is not a dream—a fancy, that has fixed itself in your mind?