HEDDA (her voice lowered). Ah, Judge—what a liberation it is, this act of Eilert Løvborg’s.
BRACK. Liberation, Mrs. Hedda? Well, yes, for him; you could certainly say he’s been liberated—
HEDDA. I mean for me. It’s liberating to know that there can still actually be a free and courageous action in the world. Something that shimmers with spontaneous beauty.
BRACK (smiling). Hm—my dear Mrs. Hedda—
HEDDA. Oh, I already know what you’re going to say. Because you’re a kind of specialist too, you know, just like— Oh, well!
BRACK (looking fixedly at her). Eilert Løvborg meant more to you than you’re willing to admit, perhaps even to yourself. Or am I wrong about that?
HEDDA. I won’t answer that sort of question. I simply know that Eilert Løvborg’s had the courage to live life after his own mind. And now—this last great act, filled with beauty! That he had the strength and the will to break away from the banquet of life—so young.