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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/18792.txt b/18792.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3c01b17 --- /dev/null +++ b/18792.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5760 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, John Gabriel Borkman, by Henrik Ibsen, +Translated by William Archer + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: John Gabriel Borkman + + +Author: Henrik Ibsen + + + +Release Date: July 8, 2006 [eBook #18792] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN*** + + +E-text prepared by Douglas Levy + + + +The Collected Works of Henrik Ibsen, Volume XI + +JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN. + +by + +HENRIK IBSEN + +Translation and Introduction by William Archer. + + + + + + + +INTRODUCTION.* + + +The anecdotic history of _John Gabriel Borkman_ is even scantier than +that of _Little Eyolf_. It is true that two mentions of it occur in +Ibsen's letters, but they throw no light whatever upon its spiritual +antecedents. Writing to George Brandes from Christiania, on April +24, 1896, Ibsen says: "In your last letter you make the suggestion +that I should visit London. If I knew enough English, I might +perhaps go. But as I unfortunately do not, I must give up the idea +altogether. Besides, I am engaged in preparing for a big new work, +and I do not wish to put off the writing of it longer than necessary. +It might so easily happen that a roof-tile fell on my head before I +had 'found time to make the last verse.' And what then?" On October +3 of the same year, writing to the same correspondent, he again +alludes to his work as "a new long play, which must be completed as +soon as possible." It was, as a matter of fact, completed with very +little delay, for it appeared in Copenhagen on December 15, 1896. + +The irresponsible gossip of the time made out that Bjornson +discerned in the play some personal allusions to himself; but this +Bjornson emphatically denied. I am not aware that any attempt has +been made to identify the original of the various characters. It need +scarcely be pointed out that in the sisters Gunhild and Ella we have +the pair of women, one strong and masterful, the other tender and +devoted, who run through so many of Ibsen's plays, from _The Feast at +Solhoug_ onwards--nay, even from _Catalina_. In my Introduction to +_The Lady from the Sea_ (p. xxii) it is pointed out that Ibsen had the +character of Foldal clearly in his mind when, in March 1880, he made +the first draft of that play. The character there appears as: "The +old married clerk. Has written a play in his youth which was only +once acted. Is for ever touching it up, and lives in the illusion +that it will be published and will make a great success. Takes no +steps, however, to bring this about. Nevertheless accounts himself +one of the 'literary' class. His wife and children believe blindly +in the play." By the time Foldal actually came to life, the faith +of his wife and children had sadly dwindled away. + +There was scarcely a theatre in Scandinavia or Finland at which +_John Gabriel Borkman_ was not acted in the course of January 1897. +Helsingors led the way with performances both at the Swedish and the +Finnish Theatres on January 10. Christiania and Stockholm followed +on January 25, Copenhagen on January 31; and meanwhile the piece had +been presented at many provincial theatres as well. In Christiania, +Borkman, Gunhild, and Ella were played by Garmann, Fru Gundersen, +and Froken Reimers respectively; in Copenhagen, by Emil Pousen, Fru +Eckhardt, and Fru Hennings. In the course of 1897 it spread all over +Germany, beginning with Frankfort on Main, where, oddly enough, +it was somewhat maltreated by the Censorship. In London, an +organization calling itself the New Century Theatre presented _John +Gabriel Borkman_ at the Strand Theatre on the afternoon of May 3, +1897, with Mr. W. H. Vernon as Borkman, Miss Genevieve Ward as +Gunhild, Miss Elizabeth Robins as Ella Rentheim, Mr. Martin Harvey +as Erhart, Mr. James Welch as Foldal, and Mrs. Beerbohm Tree as Mrs. +Wilton. The first performance in America was given by the Criterion +Independent Theatre of New York on November 18, 1897, Mr. E. J. Henley +playing Borkman, Mr. John Blair Erhart, Miss Maude Banks Gunhild, +and Miss Ann Warrington Ella. For some reason, which I can only +conjecture to be the weakness of the the third act, the play seems +nowhere to have taken a very firm hold on the stage. + +Dr. Brahm has drawn attention to the great similarity between the +theme of _John Gabriel Borkman_ and that of _Pillars of Society_. +"In both," he says, "we have a business man of great ability who is +guilty of a crime; in both this man is placed between two sisters; +and in both he renounces a marriage of inclination for the sake of +a marriage that shall further his business interests." The likeness +is undeniable; and yet how utterly unlike are the two plays! and how +immeasurably superior the later one! It may seem, on a superficial +view, that in _John Gabriel Borkman_ Ibsen has returned to prose and +the common earth after his excursion into poetry and the possibly +supernatural, if I may so call it, in _The Master Builder_ and +_Little Eyolf_. But this is a very superficial view indeed. We +have only to compare the whole invention of _John Gabriel Borkman_ +with the invention of _Pillars of Society_, to realise the difference +between the poetry and the prose of drama. The quality of imagination +which conceived the story of the House of Bernick is utterly unlike +that which conceived the tragedy of the House of Borkman. The +difference is not greater between (say) _The Merchant of Venice_ +and _King Lear_. + +The technical feat which Ibsen here achieves of carrying through +without a single break the whole action of a four-act play has been +much commented on and admired. The imaginary time of the drama is +actually shorter than the real time of representation, since the poet +does not even leave intervals for the changing of the scenes. This +feat, however, is more curious than important. Nothing particular +is gained by such a literal observance of the unity of time. For +the rest, we feel definitely in _John Gabriel Borkman_ what we +already felt vaguely in _Little Eyolf_--that the poet's technical +staying-power is beginning to fail him. We feel that the initial +design was larger and more detailed than the finished work. If the +last acts of _The Wild Duck_ and _Hedda Gabler_ be compared with the +last acts of _Little Eyolf_ and _Borkman_, it will be seen that in +the earlier plays it relaxes towards the close, to make room for pure +imagination and lyric beauty. The actual drama is over long before +the curtain falls on either play, and in the one case we have Rita +and Allmers, in the other Ella and Borkman, looking back over their +shattered lives and playing chorus to their own tragedy. For my +part, I set the highest value on these choral odes, these mournful +antiphones, in which the poet definitely triumphs over the mere +playwright. They seem to me noble and beautiful in themselves, and +as truly artistic, if not as theatrical, as any abrupter catastrophe +could be. But I am not quite sure that they are exactly the +conclusions the poet originally projected, and still less am I +satisfied that they are reached by precisely the paths which he at +first designed to pursue. + +The traces of a change of scheme in _John Gabriel Borkman_ seem to me +almost unmistakable. The first two acts laid the foundation for a +larger and more complex superstructure than is ultimately erected. +Ibsen seems to have designed that Hinkel, the man who "betrayed" +Borkman in the past, should play some efficient part in the +alienation of Erhart from his family and home. Otherwise, why this +insistence on a "party" at the Hinkels', which is apparently to serve +as a sort of "send-off" for Erhart and Mrs. Wilton? It appears in +the third act that the "party" was imaginary. "Erhart and I were +the whole party," says Mrs. Wilton, "and little Frida, of course." +We might, then, suppose it to have been a mere blind to enable Erhart +to escape from home; but, in the first place, as Erhart does not live +at home, there is no need for any such pretext; in the second place, +it appears that the trio do actually go to the Hinkels' house (since +Mrs. Borkman's servant finds them there), and do actually make it their +starting-point. Erhart comes and goes with the utmost freedom in Mrs. +Wilton's own house; what possible reason can they have for not setting +out from there? No reason is shown or hinted. We cannot even imagine +that the Hinkels have been instrumental in bringing Erhart and Mrs. +Wilton together; it is expressly stated that Erhart made her +acquaintance and saw a great deal of her in town, before she moved out +to the country. The whole conception of the party at the Hinkels' is, +as it stands, mysterious and a little cumbersome. We are forced to +conclude, I think, that something more was at one time intended to +come of it, and that, when the poet abandoned the idea, he did not +think it worth while to remove the scaffolding. To this change of +plan, too, we may possibly trace what I take to be the one serious +flaw in the the play--the comparative weakness of the second half of +the third act. The scene of Erhart's rebellion against the claims +of the mother, aunt, and father strikes one as the symmetrical +working out of a problem rather than a passage of living drama. + +All this means, of course, that there is a certain looseness of fibre +in _John Gabriel Borkman_ which we do not find in the best of Ibsen's +earlier works. But in point of intellectual power and poetic beauty +it yields to none of its predecessors. The conception of the three +leading figures is one of the great things of literature; the second +act, with the exquisite humour of the Foldal scene, and the dramatic +intensity of the encounter between Borkman and Ella, is perhaps the +finest single act Ibsen ever wrote, in prose at all events; and the +last scene is a thing of rare and exalted beauty. One could wish +that the poet's last words to us had been those haunting lines with +which Gunhild and Ella join hands over Borkman's body: + + We twin sisters--over him we both have loved. + We two shadows--over the dead man. + +Among many verbal difficulties which this play presents, the greatest, +perhaps, has been to find an equivalent for the word "opreisning," +which occurs again and again in the first and second acts. No one +English word that I could discover would fit in all the different +contexts; so I have had to employ three: "redemption," "restoration," +and in one place "rehabilitation." The reader may bear in mind that +these three terms represent one idea in the original. + +Borkman in Act II. uses a very odd expression--"overskurkens moral," +which I have rendered "the morals of the higher rascality." I cannot +but suspect (though for this I have no authority) that in the word +"overskurk," which might be represented in German by "Ueberschurke," +Borkman is parodying the expression "Uebermensch," of which so much +has been heard of late. When I once suggested this to Ibsen, he +neither affirmed nor denied it. I understood him to say, however, +that in speaking of "overskurken" he had a particular man in view. +Somewhat pusillanimously, perhaps, I pursued my inquiries no further. + +*Copyright, 1907, by Charles Scribner's Sons. + + + + +JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN (1896) + + +PERSONS. + +JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN, formerly Managing Director of a Bank. +MRS. GUNHILD BORKMAN, his wife. +ERHART BORKMAN, their son, a student. +MISS ELLA RENTHEIM, Mrs. Borkman's twin sister. +MRS. FANNY WILTON. +VILHELM FOLDAL, subordinate clerk in a Government office. +FRIDA FOLDAL, his daughter. +MRS. BORKMAN'S MAID. + + + The action passes one winter evening, at the Manorhouse of + the Rentheim family, in the neighbourhood of Christiania. + + + + +JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN + +PLAY IN FOUR ACTS + + + +ACT FIRST + + +MRS. BORKMAN's drawing-room, furnished with old-fashioned, faded + splendour. At the back, an open sliding-door leads into a + garden-room, with windows and a glass door. Through it a view + over the garden; twilight with driving snow. On the right, + a door leading from the hall. Further forward, a large + old-fashioned iron stove, with the fire lighted. On the left, + towards the back, a single smaller door. In front, on the + same side, a window, covered with thick curtains. Between + the window and the door a horsehair sofa, with a table in + front of it covered with a cloth. On the table, a lighted + lamp with a shade. Beside the stove a high-backed armchair. + +MRS. GUNHILD BORKMAN sits on the sofa, crocheting. She is an + elderly lady, of cold, distinguished appearance, with stiff + carriage and immobile features. Her abundant hair is very + grey. Delicate transparent hands. Dressed in a gown of + heavy dark silk, which has originally been handsome, but + is now somewhat worn and shabby. A woollen shawl over her + shoulders. + +She sits for a time erect and immovable at her crochet. Then the + bells of a passing sledge are heard. + + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Listens; her eyes sparkle with gladness and she involuntarily +whispers]. Erhart! At last! + + [She rises and draws the curtain a little aside to look out. + Appears disappointed, and sits down to her work again, on + the sofa. Presently THE MAID enters from the hall with a + visiting card on a small tray. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Quickly.] Has Mr. Erhart come after all? + +THE MAID. + No, ma'am. But there's a lady---- + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Laying aside her crochet.] Oh, Mrs. Wilton, I suppose---- + +THE MAID. + [Approaching.] No, it's a strange lady---- + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Taking the card.] Let me see---- [Reads it; rises hastily and +looks intently at the girl.] Are you sure this is for me? + +THE MAID. + Yes, I understand it was for you, ma'am. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Did she say she wanted to see Mrs. Borkman? + +THE MAID. + Yes, she did. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Shortly, resolutely.] Good. Then say I am at home. + + [THE MAID opens the door for the strange lady and goes out. + MISS ELLA RENTHEIM enters. She resembles her sister; but + her face has rather a suffering than a hard expression. + It still shows signs of great beauty, combined with strong + character. She has a great deal of hair, which is drawn + back from the forehead in natural ripples, and is snow-white. + She is dressed in black velvet, with a hat and a fur-lined + cloak of the same material. + + [The two sisters stand silent for a time, and look searchingly + at each other. Each is evidently waiting for the other to + speak first. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Who has remained near the door.] You are surprised to see me, +Gunhild. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Standing erect and immovable between the sofa and the table, +resting her finger-tips upon the cloth.] Have you not made a +mistake? The bailiff lives in the side wing, you know. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + It is not the bailiff I want to see to-day. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Is it me you want, then? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes. I have a few words to say to you. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Coming forward into the middle of the room.] Well--then +sit down. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Thank you. I can quite well stand for the present. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Just as you please. But at least loosen your cloak. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Unbuttoning her cloak.] Yes, it is very warm here. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + I am always cold. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Stands looking at her for a time with her arms resting on the +back of the armchair.] Well, Gunhild, it is nearly eight years +now since we saw each other last. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Coldly.] Since last we spoke to each other at any rate. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + True, since we spoke to each other. I daresay you have seen +me now and again--when I came on my yearly visit to the bailiff. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Once or twice, I have. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I have caught one or two glimpses of you, too--there, at the +window. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + You must have seen me through the curtains then. You have good +eyes. [Harshly and cuttingly.] But the last time we spoke to each +other--it was here in this room---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Trying to stop her.] Yes, yes; I know, Gunhild! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + --the week before he--before he was let out. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Moving towards the back.] O, don't speak about that. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Firmly, but in a low voice.] It was the week before he--was +set at liberty. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Coming down.] Oh yes, yes, yes! I shall never forget that +time! But it is too terrible to think of! Only to recall it +for the moment--oh! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Gloomily.] And yet one's thoughts can never get away from it. +[Vehemently; clenching her hands together.] No, I can't understand +how such a thing--how anything so horrible can come upon one single +family! And then--that it should be our family! So old a family +as ours! Think of its choosing us out! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Oh, Gunhild--there were many, many families besides ours that +that blow fell upon. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Oh yes; but those others don't trouble me very much. For in +their case it was only a matter of a little money--or some papers. +But for us----! For me! And then for Erhart! My little boy--as +he then was! [In rising excitement.] The shame that fell upon +us two innocent ones! The dishonour! The hateful, terrible +dishonour! And then the utter ruin too! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Cautiously.] Tell me, Gunhild, how does he bear it? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Erhart, do you mean? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + No--he himself. How does he bear it? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Scornfully.] Do you think I ever ask about that? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Ask? Surely you do not require to ask---- + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Looks at her in surprise.] You don't suppose I ever have +anything to do with him? That I ever meet him? That I see +anything of him? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Not even that! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [As before.] The man was in gaol, in gaol for five years! +[Covers her face with her hands.] Oh, the crushing shame of it! +[With increased vehemence.] And then to think of all that the +name of John Gabriel Borkman used to mean! No, no, no--I can +never see him again! Never! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Looks at her for a while.] You have a hard heart, Gunhild. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Towards him, yes. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + After all, he is your husband. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Did he not say in court that it was I who began his ruin? That +I spent money so recklessly? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Tentatively.] But is there not some truth in that? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Why, it was he himself that made me do it! He insisted on our +living in such an absurdly lavish style---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, I know. But that is just where you should have restrained +him; and apparently you didn't. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + How was I to know that it was not his own money he gave me to +squander? And that he himself used to squander, too--ten times +more than I did! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Quietly.] Well, I daresay his position forced him to do that-- +to some extent at any rate. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Scornfully.] Yes, it was always the same story--we were to +"cut a figure." And he did "cut a figure" to some purpose! He +used to drive about with a four-in-hand as if he were a king. +And he had people bowing and scraping to him just as to a king. +[With a laugh.] And they always called him by his Christian +names--all the country over--as if he had been the king himself. +"John Gabriel," "John Gabriel," "John Gabriel." Every one knew +what a great man "John Gabriel" was! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Warmly and emphatically.] He was a great man then. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, to all appearance. But he never breathed a single word to +me as to his real position--never gave a hint as to where he got +his means from. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + No, no; and other people did not dream of it either. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + I don't care about the other people. But it was his duty to +tell me the truth. And that he never did! He kept on lying to +me--lying abominably---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Interrupting.] Surely not, Gunhild. He kept things back +perhaps, but I am sure he did not lie. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Well, well; call it what you please; it makes no difference. +And then it all fell to pieces--the whole thing. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [To herself.] Yes, everything fell to pieces--for him--and +for others. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Drawing herself up menacingly.] But I tell you this, Ella, +I do not give in yet! I shall redeem myself yet--you may make +up your mind to that! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Eagerly.] Redeem yourself! What do you mean by that? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Redeem my name, and honour, and fortune! Redeem my ruined life-- +that is what I mean! I have some one in reserve, let me tell you-- +one who will wash away every stain that he has left. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Gunhild! Gunhild! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With rising excitement.] There is an avenger living, I tell +you! One who will make up to me for all his father's sins! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Erhart you mean. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, Erhart, my own boy! He will redeem the family, the house, +the name. All that can be redeemed.--And perhaps more besides. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + And how do you think that is to be done? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + It must be done as best it can; I don't know how. But I know +that it must and shall be done. [Looks searchingly at her.] Come +now, Ella; isn't that really what you have had in mind too, ever +since he was a child? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + No, I can't exactly say that. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + No? Then why did you take charge of him when the storm broke +upon--upon this house? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + You could not look after him yourself at that time, Gunhild. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + No, no, I could not. And his father--he had a valid enough +excuse--while he was there--in safe keeping---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Indignant.] Oh, how can you say such things!--You! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With a venomous expression.] And how could you make up your +mind to take charge of the child of a--a John Gabriel! Just as +if he had been your own? To take the child away from me--home +with you--and keep him there year after year, until the boy was +nearly grown up. [Looking suspiciously at her.] What was your +real reason, Ella? Why did you keep him with you? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I came to love him so dearly---- + +MRS. BORKMAN. + More than I--his mother? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Evasively.] I don't know about that. And then, you know, +Erhart was rather delicate as a child---- + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Erhart--delicate! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, I thought so--at that time at any rate. And you know the +air of the west coast is so much milder than here. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Smiling bitterly.] H'm--is it indeed? [Breaking off.] Yes, +it is true you have done a great deal for Erhart. [With a change +of tone.] Well, of course, you could afford it. [Smiling.] You +were so lucky, Ella; you managed to save all your money. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Hurt.] I did not manage anything about it, I assure you. I +had no idea--until long, long afterwards--that the securities +belonging to me--that they had been left untouched. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Well, well; I don't understand anything about these things! I +only say you were lucky. [Looking inquiringly at her.] But when +you, of your own accord, undertook to educate Erhart for me--what +was your motive in that? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Looking at her.] My motive? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, some motive you must have had. What did you want to do +with him? To make of him, I mean? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Slowly.] I wanted to smooth the way for Erhart to happiness +in life. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Contemptuously.] Pooh--people situated as we are have something +else than happiness to think of. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + What, then? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Looking steadily and earnestly at her.] Erhart has in the first +place to make so brilliant a position for himself, that no trace +shall be left of the shadow his father has cast upon my name--and +my son's. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Searchingly.] Tell me, Gunhild, is this what Erhart himself +demands of his life? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Slightly taken aback.] Yes, I should hope so! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Is it not rather what you demand of him? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Curtly.] Erhart and I always make the same demands upon +ourselves. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Sadly and slowly.] You are so very certain of your boy, then, +Gunhild? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With veiled triumph.] Yes, that I am--thank Heaven. You may +be sure of that! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Then I should think in reality you must be happy after all; in +spite of all the rest. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + So I am--so far as that goes. But then, every moment, all the +rest comes rushing in upon me like a storm. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [With a change of tone.] Tell me--you may as well tell me at +once--for that is really what I have come for---- + +MRS. BORKMAN. + What? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Something I felt I must talk to you about.--Tell me--Erhart does +not live out here with--with you others? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Harshly.] Erhart cannot live out here with me. He has to live +in town---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + So he wrote to me. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + He must, for the sake of his studies. But he comes out to me +for a little while every evening. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Well, may I see him then? May I speak to him at once? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + He has not come yet; but I expect him every moment. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Why, Gunhild, surely he must have come. I can hear his footsteps +overhead. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With a rapid upward glance.] Up in the long gallery? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes. I have heard him walking up and down there ever since +I came. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Looking away from her.] That is not Erhart, Ella. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Surprised.] Not Erhart? [Divining.] Who is it then? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + It is he. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Softly, with suppressed pain.] Borkman? John Gabriel Borkman? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + He walks up and down like that--backwards and forwards--from +morning to night--day out and day in. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I have heard something of this---- + +MRS. BORKMAN. + I daresay. People find plenty to say about us, no doubt. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Erhart has spoken of it in his letters. He said that his father +generally remained by himself--up there--and you alone down here. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes; that is how it has been, Ella, ever since they let him out, +and sent him home to me. All these long eight years. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I never believed it could really be so. It seemed impossible! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Nods.] It is so; and it can never be otherwise. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Looking at her.] This must be a terrible life, Gunhild. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Worse than terrible--almost unendurable. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, it must be. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Always to hear his footsteps up there--from early morning till +far into the night. And everything sounds so clear in this house! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, it is strange how clear the sound is. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + I often feel as if I had a sick wolf pacing his cage up there in +the gallery, right over my head. [Listens and whispers.] Hark! +Do you hear! Backwards and forwards, up and down, goes the wolf. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Tentatively.] Is no change possible, Gunhild? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With a gesture of repulsion.] He has never made any movement +towards a change. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Could you not make the first movement, then? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Indignantly.] I! After all the wrong he has done me! No thank +you! Rather let the wolf go on prowling up there. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + This room is too hot for me. You must let me take off my things +after all. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, I asked you to. + + [ELLA RENTHEIM takes off her hat and cloak and lays them on a + chair beside the door leading to the hall. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Do you never happen to meet him, away from home? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With a bitter laugh.] In society, do you mean? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I mean, when he goes out walking. In the woods, or---- + +MRS. BORKMAN. + He never goes out. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Not even in the twilight? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Never. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [With emotion.] He cannot bring himself to go out? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + I suppose not. He has his great cloak and his hat hanging in +the cupboard--the cupboard in the hall, you know---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [To herself.] The cupboard we used to hide in when we were +little. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Nods.] And now and then--late in the evening--I can hear him +come down as though to go out. But he always stops when he is +halfway downstairs, and turns back--straight back to the gallery. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Quietly.] Do none of his old friends ever come up to see him? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + He has no old friends. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + He had so many--once. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + H'm! He took the best possible way to get rid of them. He was +a dear friend to his friends, was John Gabriel. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Oh, yes, that is true, Gunhild. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Vehemently.] All the same, I call it mean, petty, base, +contemptible of them, to think so much of the paltry losses +they may have suffered through him. They were only money +losses, nothing more. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Not answering her.] So he lives up there quite alone. +Absolutely by himself. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, practically so. They tell me an old clerk or copyist or +something comes out to see him now and then. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Ah, indeed; no doubt it is a man called Foldal. I know they +were friends as young men. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, I believe they were. But I know nothing about him. He +was quite outside our circle--when we had a circle---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + So he comes out to see Borkman now? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, he condescends to. But of course he only comes when it +is dark. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + This Foldal--he was one of those that suffered when the bank +failed? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Carelessly.] Yes, I believe I heard he had lost some money. +But no doubt it was something quite trifling. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [With slight emphasis.] It was all he possessed. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Smiling.] Oh, well; what he possessed must have been little +enough--nothing to speak of. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + And he did not speak of it--Foldal I mean--during the +investigation. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + At all events, I can assure you Erhart has made ample amends +for any little loss he may have suffered. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [With surprise.] Erhart! How can Erhart have done that? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + He has taken an interest in Foldal's youngest daughter. He has +taught her things, and put her in the way of getting employment, +and some day providing for herself. I am sure that is a great +deal more than her father could ever have done for her. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, I daresay her father can't afford to do much. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + And then Erhart has arranged for her to have lessons in music. +She has made such progress already that she can come up to--to +him in the gallery, and play to him. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + So he is still fond of music? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Oh yes, I suppose he is. Of course he has the piano you sent +out here--when he was expected back---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + And she plays to him on it? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, now and then--in the evenings. That is Erhart's doing, too. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Has the poor girl to come all the long way out here, and then +back to town again? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + No, she doesn't need to. Erhart has arranged for her to stay +with a lady who lives near us--a Mrs. Wilton---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [With interest.] Mrs. Wilton? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + A very rich woman. You don't know her. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I have heard her name. Mrs. Fanny Wilton, is it not----? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, quite right. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Erhart has mentioned her several times. Does she live out +here now? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, she has taken a villa here; she moved out from town some +time ago. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [With a slight hesitation.] They say she is divorced from +her husband. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Her husband has been dead for several years. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, but they were divorced. He got a divorce. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + He deserted her, that is what he did. I am sure the fault +wasn't hers. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Do you know her at all intimately, Gunhild? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Oh yes, pretty well. She lives close by here; and she looks in +every now and then. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + And do you like her? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + She is unusually intelligent; remarkably clear in her judgments. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + In her judgments of people, do you mean? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, principally of people. She has made quite a study of +Erhart; looked deep into his character--into his soul. And +the result is she idolises him, as she could not help doing. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [With a touch of finesse.] Then perhaps she knows Erhart still +better than she knows you? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, Erhart saw a good deal of her in town, before she came +out here. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Without thinking.] And in spite of that she moved out of town? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Taken aback, looking keenly at her.] In spite of that! What +do you mean? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Evasively.] Oh, nothing particular. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + You said it strangely--you did mean something by it, Ella! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Looking her straight in the eyes.] Yes, that is true, Gunhild! +I did mean something by it. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Well, then, say it right out. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + First let me tell you, I think I too have a certain claim upon +Erhart. Do you think I haven't? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Glancing round the room.] No doubt--after all the money you +have spent upon him. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Oh, not on that account, Gunhild. But because I love him. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Smiling scornfully.] Love my son? Is it possible? You? In +spite of everything? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, it is possible--in spite of everything. And it is true. +I love Erhart--as much as I can love any one--now--at my time of +life. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Well, well, suppose you do: what then? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Why, then, I am troubled as soon as I see anything threatening +him. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Threatening Erhart! Why, what should threaten him? Or who? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + You in the first place--in your way. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Vehemently.] I! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + And then this Mrs. Wilton, too, I am afraid. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Looks at her for a moment in speechless surprise.] And you +think such things of Erhart! Of my own boy! He, who has his +great mission to fulfil! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Lightly.] Oh, his mission! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Indignantly.] How dare you say that so scornfully? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Do you think a young man of Erhart's age, full of health and +spirits--do you think he is going to sacrifice himself for--for +such a thing as a "mission"? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Firmly and emphatically.] Erhart will! I know he will. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Shaking her head.] You neither know it nor believe it, Gunhild. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + I don't believe it! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + It is only a dream that you cherish. For if you hadn't that to +cling to, you feel that you would utterly despair. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, indeed I should despair. [Vehemently.] And I daresay that +is what you would like to see, Ella! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [With head erect.] Yes, I would rather see that than see you +"redeem" yourself at Erhart's expense. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Threateningly.] You want to come between us? Between mother +and son? You? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I want to free him from your power--your will--your despotism. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Triumphantly.] You are too late! You had him in your nets +all these years--until he was fifteen. But now I have won him +again, you see! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Then I will win him back from you! [Hoarsely, half whispering.] +We two have fought a life-and-death battle before, Gunhild--for a +man's soul! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Looking at her in triumph.] Yes, and I won the victory. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [With a smile of scorn.] Do you still think that victory was +worth the winning? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Darkly.] No; Heaven knows you are right there. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + You need look for no victory worth the winning this time either. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Not when I am fighting to preserve a mother's power over my son! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + No; for it is only power over him that you want. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + And you? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Warmly.] I want his affection--his soul--his whole heart! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With an outburst.] That you shall never have in this world! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Looking at her.] You have seen to that? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Smiling.] Yes, I have taken that liberty. Could you not see +that in his letters? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Nods slowly.] Yes. I could see you--the whole of you--in his +letters of late. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Gallingly.] I have made the best use of these eight years. I +have had him under my own eye, you see. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Controlling herself.] What have you said to Erhart about me? +Is it the sort of thing you can tell me? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Oh yes, I can tell you well enough. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Then please do. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + I have only told him the truth. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Well? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + I have impressed upon him, every day of his life, that he must +never forget that it is you we have to thank for being able to +live as we do--for being able to live at all. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Is that all? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Oh, that is the sort of thing that rankles; I feel that in my +own heart. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + But that is very much what Erhart knew already. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + When he came home to me, he imagined that you did it all out +of goodness of heart. [Looks malignly at her.] Now he does not +believe that any longer, Ella. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Then what does he believe now? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + He believes what is the truth. I asked him how he accounted +for the fact that Aunt Ella never came here to visit us---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Interrupting.] He knew my reasons already! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + He knows them better now. You had got him to believe that it +was to spare me and--and him up there in gallery---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + And so it was. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Erhart does not believe that for a moment, now. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + What have you put in his head? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + He thinks, what is the truth, that you are ashamed of us--that +you despise us. And do you pretend that you don't? Were you not +once planning to take him quite away from me? Think, Ella; you +cannot have forgotten. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [With a gesture of negation.] That was at the height of the +scandal--when the case was before the courts. I have no such +designs now. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + And it would not matter if you had. For in that case what would +become of his mission? No, thank you. It is me that Erhart needs-- +not you. And therefore he is as good as dead to you--and you to +him. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Coldly, with resolution.] We shall see. For now I shall remain +out here. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Stares at her.] Here? In this house? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, here. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Here--with us? Remain all night? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I shall remain here all the rest of my days if need be. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Collecting herself.] Very well, Ella; the house is yours---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Oh, nonsense---- + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Everything is yours. The chair I am sitting in is yours. The +bed I lie and toss in at night belongs to you. The food we eat +comes to us from you. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + It can't be arranged otherwise, you know. Borkman can hold no +property of his own; for some one would at once come and take it +from him. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, I know. We must be content to live upon your pity and +charity. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Coldly.] I cannot prevent you from looking at it in that +light, Gunhild. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + No, you cannot. When do you want us to move out? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Looking at her.] Move out? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [In great excitement.] Yes; you don't imagine that I will go +on living under the same roof with you! I tell you, I would +rather go to the workhouse or tramp the roads! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Good. Then let me take Erhart with me---- + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Erhart? My own son? My child? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes; for then I would go straight home again. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [After reflecting a moment, firmly.] Erhart himself shall choose +between us. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Looking doubtfully and hesitatingly at her.] He choose? Dare +you risk that, Gunhild? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With a hard laugh.] Dare I? Let my boy choose between his +mother and you? Yes, indeed I dare! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Listening.] Is there some one coming? I thought I heard---- + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Then it must be Erhart. + + [There is a sharp knock at the door leading in from the hall, + which is immediately opened. MRS. WILTON enters, in + evening dress, and with outer wraps. She is followed by + THE MAID, who has not had time to announce her, and looks + bewildered. The door remains half open. MRS. WILTON is + a strikingly handsome, well-developed woman in the + thirties. Broad, red, smiling lips, sparkling eyes. + Luxuriant dark hair. + +MRS. WILTON. + Good evening, my dearest Mrs. Borkman! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Rather drily.] Good evening, Mrs. Wilton. [To THE MAID, +pointing toward the garden-room.] Take the lamp that is in there +and light it. + + [THE MAID takes the lamp and goes out with it. + +MRS. WILTON. + [Observing ELLA RENTHEIM.] Oh, I beg your pardon--you have +a visitor. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Only my sister, who has just arrived from---- + + [ERHART BORKMAN flings the half-open door wide open and rushes + in. He is a young man with bright cheerful eyes. He is + well dressed; his moustache is beginning to grow. + +ERHART. + [Radiant with joy; on the threshold.] What is this! Is Aunt +Ella here? [Rushing up to her and seizing her hands.] Aunt, +aunt! Is it possible? Are you here? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Throws her arms round his neck.] Erhart! My dear, dear boy! +Why, how big you have grown! Oh, how good it is to see you again! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Sharply.] What does this mean, Erhart? Were you hiding out in +the hallway? + +MRS. WILTON. + [Quickly.] Erhart--Mr. Borkman came in with me. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Looking hard at him.] Indeed, Erhart! You don't come to your +mother first? + +ERHART. + I had just to look in at Mrs. Wilton's for a moment--to call +for little Frida. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Is that Miss Foldal with you too? + +MRS. WILTON. + Yes, we have left her in the hall. + +ERHART. + [Addressing some one through the open door.] You can go right +upstairs, Frida. + + [Pause. ELLA RENTHEIM observes ERHART. He seems embarrassed + and a little impatient; his face has assumed a nervous and + colder expression. + + [THE MAID brings the lighted lamp into the garden-room, goes + out again and closes the door behind her. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With forced politeness.] Well, Mrs. Wilton, if you will give +us the pleasure of your company this evening, won't you---- + +MRS. WILTON. + Many thanks, my dear lady, but I really can't. We have another +invitation. We're going down to the Hinkels'. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Looking at her.] We? Whom do you mean by we? + +MRS. WILTON. + [Laughing.] Oh, I ought really to have said I. But I was +commissioned by the ladies of the house to bring Mr. Borkman +with me--if I happened to see him. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + And you did happen to see him, it appears. + +MRS. WILTON. + Yes, fortunately. He was good enough to look in at my house-- +to call for Frida. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Drily.] But, Erhart, I did not know that you knew that family-- +those Hinkels? + +ERHART. + [Irritated.] No, I don't exactly know them. [Adds rather +impatiently.] You know better than anybody, mother, what people +I know and don't know. + +MRS. WILTON. + Oh, it doesn't matter! They soon put you at your ease in that +house! They are such cheerful, hospitable people--the house swarms +with young ladies. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With emphasis.] If I know my son rightly, Mrs. Wilton, they +are no fit company for him. + +MRS. WILTON. + Why, good gracious, dear lady, he is young, too, you know! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, fortunately he's young. He would need to be young. + +ERHART. + [Concealing his impatience.] Well, well, well, mother, it's +quite clear I can't got to the Hinkels' this evening. Of course +I shall remain here with you and Aunt Ella. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + I knew you would, my dear Erhart. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + No, Erhart, you must not stop at home on my account---- + +ERHART. + Yes, indeed, my dear Aunt; I can't think of going. [Looking +doubtfully at MRS. WILTON.] But how shall we manage? Can I get +out of it? You have said "Yes" for me, haven't you? + +MRS. WILTON. + [Gaily.] What nonsense! Not get out of it! When I make my +entrance into the festive halls--just imagine it!--deserted and +forlorn--then I must simply say "No" for you. + +ERHART. + [Hesitatingly.] Well, if you really think I can get out of +it---- + +MRS. WILTON. + [Putting the matter lightly aside.] I am quite used to saying +both yes and no--on my own account. And you can't possibly think +of leaving your aunt the moment she has arrived! For shame, +Monsieur Erhart! Would that be behaving like a good son? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Annoyed.] Son? + +MRS. WILTON. + Well, adopted son then, Mrs. Borkman. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, you may well add that. + +MRS. WILTON. + Oh, it seems to me we have often more cause to be grateful to +a foster-mother than to our own mother. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Has that been your experience? + +MRS. WILTON. + I knew very little of my own mother, I am sorry to say. But if +I had had a good foster-mother, perhaps I shouldn't have been so-- +so naughty, as people say I am. [Turning towards ERHART.] Well, +then we stop peaceably at home like a good boy, and drink tea +with mamma and auntie! [To the ladies.] Good-bye, good-bye Mrs. +Borkman! Good-bye Miss Rentheim. + + [The ladies bow silently. She goes toward the door. + +ERHART. + [Following her.] Shan't I go a little bit of the way with you? + +MRS. WILTON. + [In the doorway, motioning him back.] You shan't go a step +with me. I am quite accustomed to taking my walks alone. [Stops +on the threshold, looks at him and nods.] But now beware, Mr. +Borkman--I warn you! + +ERHART. + What am I to beware of? + +MRS. WILTON. + [Gaily.] Why, as I go down the road--deserted and forlorn, as +I said before--I shall try if I can't cast a spell upon you. + +ERHART. + [Laughing.] Oh, indeed! Are you going to try that again? + +MRS. WILTON. + [Half seriously.] Yes, just you beware! As I go down the road, +I will say in my own mind--right from the very centre of my will-- +I will say: "Mr. Erhart Borkman, take your hat at once!" + +MRS. BORKMAN. + And you think he will take it? + +MRS. WILTON. + [Laughing.] Good heavens, yes, he'll snatch up his hat +instantly. And then I will say: "Now put on your overcoat, like +a good boy, Erhart Borkman! And your goloshes! Be sure you don't +forget the goloshes! And then follow me! Do as I bid you, as I +bid you, as I bid you!" + +ERHART. + [With forced gaiety.] Oh, you may rely on that. + +MRS. WILTON. + [Raising her forefinger.] As I bid you! As I bid you! +Good-night! + + [She laughs and nods to the ladies, and closes the door + behind her. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Does she really play tricks of that sort? + +ERHART. + Oh, not at all. How can you think so! She only says it in fun. +[Breaking off.] But don't let us talk about Mrs. Wilton. [He +forces ELLA RENTHEIM to seat herself at the armchair beside the +stove, then stands and looks at her.] To think of your having +taken all this long journey, Aunt Ella! And in winter too! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I found I had to, Erhart. + +ERHART. + Indeed? Why so? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I had to come to town after all, to consult the doctors. + +ERHART. + Oh, I'm glad of that! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Smiling.] Are you glad of that? + +ERHART. + I mean I am glad you made up your mind to it at last. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [On the sofa, coldly.] Are you ill, Ella? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Looking hardly at her.] You know quite well that I am ill. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + I knew you were not strong, and hadn't been for years. + +ERHART. + I told you before I left you that you ought to consult a doctor. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + There is no one in my neighbourhood that I have any real +confidence in. And, besides, I did not feel it so much at +that time. + +ERHART. + Are you worse, then, Aunt? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, my dear boy; I am worse now. + +ERHART. + But there's nothing dangerous? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Oh, that depends how you look at it. + +ERHART. + [Emphatically.] Well, then, I tell you what it is, Aunt Ella; +you mustn't think of going home again for the present. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + No, I am not thinking of it. + +ERHART. + You must remain in town; for here you can have your choice of +all the best doctors. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + That was what I thought when I left home. + +ERHART. + And then you must be sure and find a really nice place to live-- +quiet, comfortable rooms. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I went this morning to the old ones, where I used to stay before. + +ERHART. + Oh, well, you were comfortable enough there. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, but I shall not be staying there after all. + +ERHART. + Indeed? Why not? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I changed my mind after coming out here. + +ERHART. + [Surprised.] Really? Changed you mind? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Crocheting; without looking up.] Your aunt will live here, in +her own house, Erhart. + +ERHART. + [Looking from one to the other alternately.] Here, with us? Is +this true, Aunt? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, that is what I made up my mind to do. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [As before.] Everything here belongs to your aunt, you know. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I intend to remain here, Erhart--just now--for the present. +I shall set up a little establishment of my own, over in the +bailiff's wing. + +ERHART. + Ah, that's a good idea. There are plenty of rooms there. [With +sudden vivacity.] But, by-the-bye, Aunt--aren't you very tired +after your journey? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Oh yes, rather tired. + +ERHART. + Well, then, I think you ought to go quite early to bed. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Looks at him smilingly.] I mean to. + +ERHART. + [Eagerly.] And then we could have a good long talk to-morrow-- +or some other day, of course--about this and that--about things +in general--you and mother and I. Wouldn't that be much the +best plan, Aunt Ella? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With an outburst, rising from the sofa.] Erhart, I can see you +are going to leave me! + +ERHART. + [Starts.] What do you mean by that? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + You are going down to--to the Hinkels'? + +ERHART. + [Involuntarily.] Oh, that! [Collecting himself.] Well, you +wouldn't have me sit here and keep Aunt Ella up half the night? +Remember, she's an invalid, mother. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + You are going to the Hinkels', Erhart! + +ERHART. + [Impatiently.] Well, really, mother, I don't think I can well +get out of it. What do you say, Aunt? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I should like you to feel quite free, Erhart. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Goes up to her menacingly.] You want to take him away from me! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Rising.] Yes, if only I could, Gunhild! + [Music is heard from above. + +ERHART. + [Writhing as if in pain.] Oh, I can't endure this! [Looking +round.] What have I done with my hat? [To ELLA RENTHEIM.] Do +you know the air that she is playing up there? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + No. What is it? + +ERHART. + It's the _Danse Macabre_--the Dance of Death! Don't you know +the Dance of Death, Aunt? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Smiling sadly.] Not yet, Erhart. + +ERHART. + [To MRS. BORKMAN.] Mother--I beg and implore you--let me go! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Looks hardly at him.] Away from your mother? So that is what +you want to do? + +ERHART. + Of course I'll come out again--to-morrow perhaps. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With passionate emotion.] You want to go away from me! To be +with those strange people! With--with--no, I will not even think +of it! + +ERHART. + There are bright lights down there, and young, happy faces; and +there's music there, mother! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Pointing upwards.] There is music here, too, Erhart. + +ERHART. + Yes, it's just that music that drives me out of the house. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Do you grudge your father a moment of self-forgetfulness? + +ERHART. + No, I don't. I'm very, very glad that he should have it--if +only _I_ don't have to listen. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Looking solemnly at him.] Be strong, Erhart! Be strong, my +son! Do not forget that you have your great mission. + +ERHART. + Oh, mother--do spare me these phrases! I wasn't born to be +a "missionary."--Good-night, aunt dear! Good-night, mother. + [He goes hastily out through the hall. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [After a short silence.] It has not taken you long to recapture +him, Ella, after all. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I wish I could believe it. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + But you shall see you won't be allowed to keep him long. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Allowed? By you, do you mean? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + By me or--by her, the other one---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Then rather she than you. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Nodding slowly.] That I understand. I say the same. Rather +she than you. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Whatever should become of him in the end---- + +MRS. BORKMAN. + It wouldn't greatly matter, I should say. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Taking her outdoor things upon her arm.] For the first time in +our lives, we twin sisters are of one mind. Good-night, Gunhild. + + [She goes out by the hall. The music sounds louder from above. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Stands still for a moment, starts, shrinks together, and +whispers involuntarily.] The wolf is whining again--the sick wolf. +[She stands still for a moment, then flings herself down on the +floor, writhing in agony and whispering:] Erhart! Erhart!--be +true to me! Oh, come home and help your mother! For I can bear +this life no longer! + + + +ACT SECOND + + +The great gallery on the first floor of the Rentheim House. + The walls are covered with old tapestries, representing + hunting-scenes, shepherds and shepherdesses, all in faded + colours. A folding-door to the left, and further forward a + piano. In the left-hand corner, at the back, a door, cut in + the tapestry, and covered with tapestry, without any frame. + Against the middle of the right wall, a large writing-table of + carved oak, with many books and papers. Further forward on + the same side, a sofa with a table and chairs in front of it. + The furniture is all of a stiff Empire style. Lighted lamps + on both tables. + +JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN stands with his hands behind his back, beside + the piano, listening to FRIDA FOLDAL, who is playing the last + bars of the "Danse Macabre." + +BORKMAN is of middle height, a well-knit, powerfully-built man, + well on in the sixties. His appearance is distinguished, + his profile finely cut, his eyes piercing, his hair and + beard curly and greyish-white. He is dressed in a slightly + old-fashioned black coat, and wears a white necktie. FRIDA + FOLDAL is a pretty, pale girl of fifteen, with a somewhat + weary and overstrained expression. She is cheaply dressed in + light colours. + + +BORKMAN. + Can you guess where I first heard tones like these? + +FRIDA. + [Looking up at him.] No, Mr. Borkman. + +BORKMAN. + It was down in the mines. + +FRIDA. + [Not understanding.] Indeed? Down in the mines? + +BORKMAN. + I am a miner's son, you know. Or perhaps you did not know? + +FRIDA. + No, Mr. Borkman. + +BORKMAN. + A miner's son. And my father used sometimes to take me with +him into the mines. The metal sings down there. + +FRIDA. + Really? Sings? + +BORKMAN. + [Nodding.] When it is loosened. The hammer-strokes that loosen +it are the midnight bell clanging to set it free; and that is why +the metal sings--in its own way--for gladness. + +FRIDA. + Why does it do that, Mr. Borkman? + +BORKMAN. + It wants to come up into the light of day and serve mankind. + [He paces up and down the gallery, always with his hands + behind his back. + +FRIDA. + [Sits waiting a little, then looks at her watch and rises.] +I beg your pardon, Mr. Borkman; but I am afraid I must go. + +BORKMAN. + [Stopping before her.] Are you going already? + +FRIDA. + [Putting her music in its case.] I really must. [Visibly +embarrassed.] I have an engagement this evening. + +BORKMAN. + For a party? + +FRIDA. + Yes. + +BORKMAN. + And you are to play before the company? + +FRIDA. + [Biting her lip.] No; at least I am only to play for dancing. + +BORKMAN. + Only for dancing? + +FRIDA. + Yes; there is to be a dance after supper. + +BORKMAN. + [Stands and looks at her.] Do you like playing dance music? +At parties, I mean? + +FRIDA. + [Putting on her outdoor things.] Yes, when I can get an +engagement. I can always earn a little in that way. + +BORKMAN. + [With interest.] Is that the principal thing in your mind as +you sit playing for the dancers? + +FRIDA. + No; I'm generally thinking how hard it is that I mayn't join +in the dance myself. + +BORKMAN. + [Nodding.] That is just what I wanted to know. [Moving +restlessly about the room.] Yes, yes, yes. That you must not +join in the dance, that is the hardest thing of all. [Stopping.] +But there is one thing that should make up to you for that, Frida. + +FRIDA. + [Looking inquiringly at him.] What is that, Mr. Borkman? + +BORKMAN. + The knowledge that you have ten times more music in you than +all the dancers together. + +FRIDA. + [Smiling evasively.] Oh, that's not at all so certain. + +BORKMAN. + [Holding up his fore-finger warningly.] You must never be so +mad as to have doubts of yourself! + +FRIDA. + But since no one knows it---- + +BORKMAN. + So long as you know it yourself, that is enough. Where is it +you are going to play this evening? + +FRIDA. + Over at the Hinkel's. + +BORKMAN. + [With a swift, keen glance at her.] Hinkel's, you say! + +FRIDA. + Yes. + +BORKMAN. + [With a cutting smile.] Does that man give parties? Can he +get people to visit him? + +FRIDA. + Yes, they have a great many people about them, Mrs. Wilton says. + +BORKMAN. + [Vehemently.] But what sort of people? Can you tell me that? + +FRIDA. + [A little nervously.] No, I really don't know. Yes, by-the-bye, +I know that young Mr. Borkman is to be there this evening. + +BORKMAN. + [Taken aback.] Erhart? My son? + +FRIDA. + Yes, he is going there. + +BORKMAN. + How do you know that? + +FRIDA. + He said so himself--an hour ago. + +BORKMAN. + Is he out here to-day? + +FRIDA. + Yes, he has been at Mrs. Wilton's all the afternoon. + +BORKMAN. + [Inquiringly.] Do you know if he called here too? I mean, did +he see any one downstairs? + +FRIDA. + Yes, he looked in to see Mrs. Borkman. + +BORKMAN. + [Bitterly.] Aha--I might have known it. + +FRIDA. + There was a strange lady calling upon her, I think. + +BORKMAN. + Indeed? Was there? Oh yes, I suppose people do come now and +then to see Mrs. Borkman. + +FRIDA. + If I meet young Mr. Borkman this evening, shall I ask him to +come up and see you too? + +BORKMAN. + [Harshly.] You shall do nothing of the sort! I won't have it +on any account. The people who want to see me can come of their +own accord. + +FRIDA. + Oh, very well; I shan't say anything then. Good-night, Mr. +Borkman. + +BORKMAN. + [Pacing up and down and growling.] Good-night. + +FRIDA. + Do you mind if I run down by the winding stair? It's the +shortest way. + +BORKMAN. + Oh, by all means; take whatever stair you please, so far as I +am concerned. Good-night to you! + +FRIDA. + Good-night, Mr. Borkman. + + [She goes out by the little tapestry door in the back on + the left. + + [BORKMAN, lost in thought, goes up to the piano, and is about + to close it, but changes his mind. Looks round the great + empty room, and sets to pacing up and down it from the + corner at the back on the right--pacing backward and + forward uneasily and incessantly. At last he goes up + to the writing-table, listens in the direction of the + folding door, hastily snatches up a hand-glass, looks + at himself in it, and straightens his necktie. + + [A knock at the folding door. BORKMAN hears it, looks rapidly + towards the door, but says nothing. + + [In a little there comes another knock, this time louder. + +BORKMAN. + [Standing beside the writing-table with his left hand resting +upon it, and his right thrust in the breast of his coat.] Come +in! + + [VILHELM FOLDAL comes softly into the room. He is a bent + and worn man with mild blue eyes and long, thin grey hair + straggling down over his coat collar. He has a portfolio + under his arm, a soft felt hat, and large horn spectacles, + which he pushes up over his forehead. + +BORKMAN. + [Changes his attitude and looks at FOLDAL with a half +disappointed, half pleased expression.] Oh, is it only you? + +FOLDAL. + Good evening, John Gabriel. Yes, you see it is me. + +BORKMAN. + [With a stern glance.] I must say you are rather a late visitor. + +FOLDAL. + Well, you know, it's a good bit of a way, especially when you +have to trudge it on foot. + +BORKMAN. + But why do you always walk, Vilhelm? The tramway passes your +door. + +FOLDAL. + It's better for you to walk--and then you always save twopence. +Well, has Frida been playing to you lately? + +BORKMAN. + She has just this moment gone. Did you not meet her outside? + +FOLDAL. + No, I have seen nothing of her for a long time; not since she +went to live with this Mrs. Wilton. + +BORKMAN. + [Seating himself on the sofa and waving his hand toward a chair.] +You may sit down, Vilhelm. + +FOLDAL. + [Seating himself on the edge of a chair.] Many thanks. [Looks +mournfully at him.] You can't think how lonely I feel since Frida +left home. + +BORKMAN. + Oh, come--you have plenty left. + +FOLDAL. + Yes, God knows I have--five of them. But Frida was the only one +who at all understood me. [Shaking his head sadly.] The others +don't understand me a bit. + +BORKMAN. + [Gloomily, gazing straight before him, and drumming on the +table with his fingers.] No, that's just it. That is the curse +we exceptional, chosen people have to bear. The common herd-- +the average man and woman--they do not understand us, Vilhelm. + +FOLDAL. + [With resignation.] If it were only the lack of understanding-- +with a little patience, one could manage to wait for that awhile +yet. [His voice choked with tears.] But there is something +still bitterer. + +BORKMAN. + [Vehemently.] There is nothing bitterer than that. + +FOLDAL. + Yes, there is, John Gabriel. I have gone through a domestic +scene to-night--just before I started. + +BORKMAN. + Indeed? What about? + +FOLDAL. + [With an outburst.] My people at home--they despise me. + +BORKMAN. + [Indignantly.] Despise----? + +FOLDAL. + [Wiping his eyes.] I have long known it; but to-day it came +out unmistakably. + +BORKMAN. + [After a short silence.] You made an unwise choice, I fear, +when you married. + +FOLDAL. + I had practically no choice in the matter. And, you see, one +feels a need for companionship as one begins to get on in years. +And so crushed as I then was--so utterly broken down---- + +BORKMAN. + [Jumping up in anger.] Is this meant for me? A reproach----! + +FOLDAL. + [Alarmed.] No, no, for Heaven's sake, John Gabriel----! + +BORKMAN. + Yes, you are thinking of the disaster to the bank, I can see +you are. + +FOLDAL. + [Soothingly.] But I don't blame you for that! Heaven forbid! + +BORKMAN. + [Growling, resumes his seat.] Well, that is a good thing, at +any rate. + +FOLDAL. + Besides, you mustn't think it is my wife that I complain of. It +is true she has not much polish, poor thing; but she is a good sort +of woman all the same. No, it's the children. + +BORKMAN. + I thought as much. + +FOLDAL. + For the children--well, they have more culture and therefore +they expect more of life. + +BORKMAN. + [Looking at him sympathetically.] And so your children despise +you, Vilhelm? + +FOLDAL. + [Shrugging his shoulders.] I haven't made much of a career, +you see--there is no denying that. + +BORKMAN. + [Moving nearer to him, and laying his hand upon his arm.] Do +they not know, then, that in your young days you wrote a tragedy? + +FOLDAL. + Yes, of course they know that. But it doesn't seem to make much +impression on them. + +BORKMAN. + Then they don't understand these things. For your tragedy is +good. I am firmly convinced of that. + +FOLDAL. + [Brightening up.] Yes, don't you think there are some good +things in it, John Gabriel? Good God, if I could only manage +to get it placed----! [Opens his portfolio, and begins eagerly +turning over the contents.] Look here! Just let me show you +one or two alterations I have made. + +BORKMAN. + Have you it with you? + +FOLDAL. + Yes, I thought I would bring it. It's so long now since I have +read it to you. And I thought perhaps it might amuse you to hear +an act or two. + +BORKMAN. + [Rising, with a negative gesture.] No, no, we will keep that +for another time. + +FOLDAL. + Well, well, as you please. + + [BORKMAN paces up and down the room. FOLDAL puts the + manuscript up again. + +BORKMAN. + [Stopping in front of him.] You are quite right in what you +said just now--you have not made any career. But I promise you +this, Vilhelm, that when once the hour of my restoration strikes---- + +FOLDAL. + [Making a movement to rise.] Oh, thanks, thanks! + +BORKMAN. + [Waving his hand.] No, please be seated. [With rising +excitement.] When the hour of my restoration strikes--when they +see that they cannot get on without me--when they come to me, here +in the gallery, and crawl to my feet, and beseech me to take the +reins of the bank again----! The new bank, that they have founded +and can't carry on---- [Placing himself beside the writing-table +in the same attitude as before, and striking his breast.] Here +I shall stand, and receive them! And it shall be known far and +wide, all the country over, what conditions John Gabriel Borkman +imposes before he will---- [Stopping suddenly and staring at +FOLDAL.] You're looking so doubtfully at me! Perhaps you do not +believe that they will come? That they must, must, must come to +me some day? Do you not believe it? + +FOLDAL. + Yes, Heaven knows I do, John Gabriel. + +BORKMAN. + [Seating himself again on the sofa.] I firmly believe it. I +am immovably convinced--I know that they will come. If I had not +been certain of that I would have put a bullet through my head +long ago. + +FOLDAL. + [Anxiously.] Oh no, for Heaven's sake----! + +BORKMAN. + [Exultantly.] But they will come! They will come sure enough! +You shall see! I expect them any day, any moment. And you see, +I hold myself in readiness to receive them. + +FOLDAL. + [With a sigh.] If only they would come quickly. + +BORKMAN. + [Restlessly.] Yes, time flies: the years slip away; life---- +Ah, no--I dare not think of it! [Looking at him.] Do you know +what I sometimes feel like? + +FOLDAL. + What? + +BORKMAN. + I feel like a Napoleon who has been maimed in his first battle. + +FOLDAL. + [Placing his hand upon his portfolio.] I have that feeling too. + +BORKMAN. + Oh, well, that is on a smaller scale, of course. + +FOLDAL. + [Quietly.] My little world of poetry is very precious to me, +John Gabriel. + +BORKMAN. + [Vehemently.] Yes, but think of me, who could have created +millions! All the mines I should have controlled! New veins +innumerable! And the water-falls! And the quarries! And the +trade routes, and the steamship-lines all the wide world over! +I would have organised it all--I alone! + +FOLDAL. + Yes, I know, I know. There was nothing in the world you would +have shrunk from. + +BORKMAN. + [Clenching his hands together.] And now I have to sit here, +like a wounded eagle, and look on while others pass me in the +race, and take everything away from me, piece by piece! + +FOLDAL. + That is my fate too. + +BORKMAN. + [Not noticing him.] Only to think of it; so near to the goal +as I was! If I had only had another week to look about me! All +the deposits would have been covered. All the securities I had +dealt with so daringly should have been in their places again as +before. Vast companies were within a hair's-breadth of being +floated. Not a soul should have lost a half-penny. + +FOLDAL. + Yes, yes; you were on the very verge of success. + +BORKMAN. + [With suppressed fury.] And then treachery overtook me! Just +at the critical moment! [Looking at him.] Do you know what I +hold to be the most infamous crime a man can be guilty of? + +FOLDAL. + No, tell me. + +BORKMAN. + It is not murder. It is not robbery or house-breaking. It is +not even perjury. For all these things people do to those they +hate, or who are indifferent to them, and do not matter. + +FOLDAL. + What is the worst of all then, John Gabriel? + +BORKMAN. + [With emphasis.] The most infamous of crimes is a friend's +betrayal of his friend's confidence. + +FOLDAL. + [Somewhat doubtfully.] Yes, but you know---- + +BORKMAN. + [Firing up.] What are you going to say? I see it in your face. +But it is of no use. The people who had their securities in the +bank should have got them all back again--every farthing. No; I +tell you the most infamous crime a man can commit is to misuse a +friend's letters; to publish to all the world what has been +confided to him alone, in the closest secrecy, like a whisper +in an empty, dark, double-locked room. The man who can do such +things is infected and poisoned in every fibre with the morals +of the higher rascality. And such a friend was mine--and it +was he who crushed me. + +FOLDAL. + I can guess whom you mean. + +BORKMAN. + There was not a nook or cranny of my life that I hesitated +to lay open to him. And then, when the moment came, he turned +against me the weapons I myself had placed in his hands. + +FOLDAL. + I have never been able to understand why he---- Of course, +there were whispers of all sorts at the time. + +BORKMAN. + What were the whispers? Tell me. You see I know nothing. +For I had to go straight into--into isolation. What did people +whisper, Vilhelm? + +FOLDAL. + You were to have gone into the Cabinet, they said. + +BORKMAN. + I was offered a portfolio, but I refused it. + +FOLDAL. + Then it wasn't there you stood in his way? + +BORKMAN. + Oh, no; that was not the reason he betrayed me. + +FOLDAL. + Then I really can't understand---- + +BORKMAN. + I may as well tell you, Vilhelm---- + +FOLDAL. + Well? + +BORKMAN. + There was--in fact, there was a woman in the case. + +FOLDAL. + A woman in the case? Well but, John Gabriel---- + +BORKMAN. + [Interrupting.] Well, well--let us say no more of these stupid +old stories. After all, neither of us got into the Cabinet, +neither he nor I. + +FOLDAL. + But he rose high in the world. + +BORKMAN. + And I fell into the abyss. + +FOLDAL. + Oh, it's a terrible tragedy---- + +BORKMAN. + [Nodding to him.] Almost as terrible as yours, I fancy, when +I come to think of it. + +FOLDAL. + [Naively.] Yes, at least as terrible. + +BORKMAN. + [Laughing quietly.] But looked at from another point of view, +it is really a sort of comedy as well. + +FOLDAL. + A comedy? The story of your life? + +BORKMAN. + Yes, it seems to be taking a turn in that direction. For let +me tell you---- + +FOLDAL. + What? + +BORKMAN. + You say you did not meet Frida as you came in? + +FOLDAL. + No. + +BORKMAN. + At this moment, as we sit here, she is playing waltzes for the +guests of the man who betrayed and ruined me. + +FOLDAL. + I hadn't the least idea of that. + +BORKMAN. + Yes, she took her music, and went straight from me to--to the +great house. + +FOLDAL. + [Apologetically.] Well, you see, poor child---- + +BORKMAN. + And can you guess for whom she is playing--among the rest? + +FOLDAL. + No. + +BORKMAN. + For my son. + +FOLDAL. + What? + +BORKMAN. + What do you think of that, Vilhelm? My son is down there in +the whirl of the dance this evening. Am I not right in calling +it a comedy? + +FOLDAL. + But in that case you may be sure he knows nothing about it. + +BORKMAN. + What does he know? + +FOLDAL. + You may be sure he doesn't know how he--that man---- + +BORKMAN. + Do not shrink from his name. I can quite well bear it now. + +FOLDAL. + I'm certain your son doesn't know the circumstances, John Gabriel. + +BORKMAN. + [Gloomily, sitting and beating the table.] Yes, he knows, as +surely as I am sitting here. + +FOLDAL. + Then how can he possibly be a guest in that house? + +BORKMAN. + [Shaking his head.] My son probably does not see things with +my eyes. I'll take my oath he is on my enemies' side! No doubt +he thinks, as they do, that Hinkel only did his confounded duty +when he went and betrayed me. + +FOLDAL. + But, my dear friend, who can have got him to see things in +that light? + +BORKMAN. + Who? Do you forget who has brought him up? First his aunt, +from the time he was six or seven years old; and now, of late +years, his mother! + +FOLDAL. + I believe you are doing them an injustice. + +BORKMAN. + [Firing up.] I never do any one injustice! Both of them have +gone and poisoned his mind against me, I tell you! + +FOLDAL. + [Soothingly.] Well, well, well, I suppose they have. + +BORKMAN. + [Indignantly.] Oh these women! They wreck and ruin life for +us! Play the devil with our whole destiny--our triumphal progress. + +FOLDAL. + Not all of them! + +BORKMAN. + Indeed? Can you tell me of a single one that is good for +anything? + +FOLDAL. + No, that is the trouble. The few that I know are good for +nothing. + +BORKMAN. + [With a snort of scorn.] Well then, what is the good of it? +What is the good of such women existing--if you never know them? + +FOLDAL. + [Warmly.] Yes, John Gabriel, there is good in it, I assure you. +It is such a blessed, beneficial thought that here or there in the +world, somewhere, far away--the true woman exists after all. + +BORKMAN. + [Moving impatiently on the sofa.] Oh, do spare me that poetical +nonsense. + +FOLDAL. + [Looks at him, deeply wounded.] Do you call my holiest faith +poetical nonsense? + +BORKMAN. + [Harshly.] Yes I do! That is what has always prevented you +from getting on in the world. If you would get all that out of +your head, I could still help you on in life--help you to rise. + +FOLDAL. + [Boiling inwardly.] Oh, you can't do that. + +BORKMAN. + I can when once I come into power again. + +FOLDAL. + That won't be for many a day. + +BORKMAN. + [Vehemently.] Perhaps you think that day will never come? +Answer me! + +FOLDAL. + I don't know what to answer. + +BORKMAN. + [Rising, cold and dignified, and waving his hand towards the +door.] Then I no longer have any use for you. + +FOLDAL. + [Starting up.] No use----! + +BORKMAN. + Since you do not believe that the tide will turn for me---- + +FOLDAL. + How can I believe in the teeth of all reason? You would have +to be legally rehabilitated---- + +BORKMAN. + Go on! go on! + +FOLDAL. + It's true I never passed my examination; but I have read enough +law to know that---- + +BORKMAN. + [Quickly.] It is impossible, you mean? + +FOLDAL. + There is no precedent for such a thing. + +BORKMAN. + Exceptional men are above precedents. + +FOLDAL. + The law knows nothing of such distinctions. + +BORKMAN. + [Harshly and decisively.] You are no poet, Vilhelm. + +FOLDAL. + [Unconsciously folding his hands.] Do you say that in sober +earnest? + +BORKMAN. + [Dismissing the subject, without answering.] We are only +wasting each other's time. You had better not come here again. + +FOLDAL. + Then you really want me to leave you? + +BORKMAN. + [Without looking at him.] I have no longer any use for you. + +FOLDAL. + [Softly, taking his portfolio.] No, no, no; I daresay not. + +BORKMAN. + Here you have been lying to me all the time. + +FOLDAL. + [Shaking his head.] Never lying, John Gabriel. + +BORKMAN. + Have you not sat here feeding me with hope, and trust, and +confidence--that was all a lie? + +FOLDAL. + It wasn't a lie so long as you believed in my vocation. So long +as you believed in me, I believed in you. + +BORKMAN. + Then we have been all the time deceiving each other. And perhaps +deceiving ourselves--both of us. + +FOLDAL. + But isn't that just the essence of friendship, John Gabriel? + +BORKMAN. + [Smiling bitterly.] Yes, you are right there. Friendship +means--deception. I have learnt that once before. + +FOLDAL. + [Looking at him.] I have no poetic vocation! And you could +actually say it to me so bluntly. + +BORKMAN. + [In a gentler tone.] Well, you know, I don't pretend to know +much about these matters. + +FOLDAL. + Perhaps you know more than you think. + +BORKMAN. + I? + +FOLDAL. + [Softly.] Yes, you. For I myself have had my doubts, now and +then, I may tell you. The horrible doubt that I may have bungled +my life for the sake of a delusion. + +BORKMAN. + If you have no faith in yourself, you are on the downward path +indeed. + +FOLDAL. + That was why I found such comfort in coming here to lean upon +your faith in me. [Taking his hat.] But now you have become a +stranger to me. + +BORKMAN. + And you to me. + +FOLDAL. + Good night, John Gabriel. + +BORKMAN. + Good night, Vilhelm. + [Foldal goes out to the left. + + [BORKMAN stands for a moment gazing at the closed door; makes + a movement as though to call FOLDAL back, but changes his + mind, and begins to pace the floor with his hands behind + his back. Then he stops at the table beside the sofa and + puts out the lamp. The room becomes half dark. After a + short pause, there comes a knock at the tapestry door. + +BORKMAN. + [At the table, starts, turns, and asks in a loud voice:] Who is +that knocking? + [No answer, another knock. + +BORKMAN. + [Without moving.] Who is it? Come in! + + [ELLA RENTHEIM, with a lighted candle in her hand, appears in + the doorway. She wears her black dress, as before, with + her cloak thrown loosely round her shoulders. + +BORKMAN. + [Staring at her.] Who are you? What do you want with me? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Closes the door and advances.] It is I, Borkman. + + [She puts down the candle on the piano and remains standing + beside it. + +BORKMAN. + [Stands as though thunderstruck, stares fixedly at her, and says +in a half-whisper.] Is it--is it Ella? Is it Ella Rentheim? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, it's "your" Ella, as you used to call me in the old days; +many, many years ago. + +BORKMAN. + [As before.] Yes, it is you Ella, I can see you now. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Can you recognise me? + +BORKMAN. + Yes, now I begin to---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + The years have told on me, and brought winter with them, Borkman. +Do you not think so? + +BORKMAN. + [In a forced voice.] You are a good deal changed--just at first +glance. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + There are no dark curls on my neck now--the curls you once loved +to twist round your fingers. + +BORKMAN. + [Quickly.] True! I can see now, Ella, you have done your hair +differently. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [With a sad smile.] Precisely; it is the way I do my hair that +makes the difference. + +BORKMAN. + [Changing the subject.] I had no idea that you were in this +part of the world. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I have only just arrived. + +BORKMAN. + Why have you come all this way now, in winter? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + That you shall hear. + +BORKMAN. + Is it me you have come to see? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + You among others. But if I am to tell you my errand, I must +begin far back. + +BORKMAN. + You look tired. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, I am tired. + +BORKMAN. + Won't you sit down? There on the sofa. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, thank you; I need rest. + + [She crosses to the right and seats herself in the furthest + forward corner of the sofa. BORKMAN stands beside the + table with his hands behind his back looking at her. A + short silence. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + It seems an endless time since we two met, Borkman, face to face. + +BORKMAN. + [Gloomily.] It is a long, long time. And terrible things have +passed since then. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + A whole lifetime has passed--a wasted lifetime. + +BORKMAN. + [Looking keenly at her.] Wasted! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, I say wasted--for both of us. + +BORKMAN. + [In a cold business tone.] I cannot regard my life as wasted +yet. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + And what about mine? + +BORKMAN. + There you have yourself to blame, Ella. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [With a start.] And you can say that? + +BORKMAN. + You could quite well have been happy without me. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Do you believe that? + +BORKMAN. + If you had made up your mind to. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Bitterly.] Oh, yes, I know well enough there was some one else +ready to marry me. + +BORKMAN. + But you rejected him. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, I did. + +BORKMAN. + Time after time you rejected him. Year after year---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Scornfully.] Year after year I rejected happiness, I suppose +you think? + +BORKMAN. + You might perfectly well have been happy with him. And then I +should have been saved. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + You? + +BORKMAN. + Yes, you would have saved me, Ella. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + How do you mean? + +BORKMAN. + He thought I was at the bottom of your obstinacy--of your +perpetual refusals. And then he took his revenge. It was so easy +for him; he had all my frank, confiding letters in his keeping. He +made his own use of them; and then it was all over with me--for +the time, that is to say. So you see it is all your doing, Ella! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Oh indeed, Borkman. If we look into the matter, it appears that +it is I who owe you reparation. + +BORKMAN. + It depends how you look at it. I know quite well all that you +have done for us. You bought in this house, and the whole +property, at the auction. You placed the house entirely at my +disposal--and your sister too. You took charge of Erhart, and +cared for him in every way---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + As long as I was allowed to---- + +BORKMAN. + By your sister, you mean. I have never mixed myself up in these +domestic affairs. As I was saying, I know all the sacrifices you +have made for me and for your sister. But you were in a position +to do so, Ella; and you must not forget that it was I who placed +you in that position. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Indignantly.] There you make a great mistake, Borkman! It was +the love of my inmost heart for Erhart--and for you too--that made +me do it! + +BORKMAN. + [Interrupting.] My dear Ella, do not let us get upon questions +of sentiment and that sort of thing. I mean, of course, that if +you acted generously, it was I that put it in your power to do so. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Smiling.] H'm! In my power---- + +BORKMAN. + [Warmly.] Yes, put it in your power, I say! On the eve of the +great decisive battle--when I could not afford to spare either kith +or kin--when I had to grasp at--when I did grasp at the millions +that were entrusted to me--then I spared all that was yours, every +farthing, although I could have taken it, and made use of it, as +I did of all the rest! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Coldly and quietly.] That is quite true, Borkman. + +BORKMAN. + Yes it is. And that was why, when they came and took me, they +found all your securities untouched in the strong-room of the bank. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Looking at him.] I have often and often wondered what was your +real reason for sparing all my property? That, and that alone. + +BORKMAN. + My reason? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, your reason. Tell me. + +BORKMAN. + [Harshly and scornfully.] Perhaps you think it was that I might +have something to fall back upon, if things went wrong? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Oh no, I am sure you did not think of that in those days. + +BORKMAN. + Never! I was so absolutely certain of victory. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Well then, why was it that----? + +BORKMAN. + [Shrugging his shoulders.] Upon my soul, Ella, it is not so +easy to remember one's motives of twenty years ago. I only know +that when I used to grapple, silently and alone, with all the +great projects I had in my mind, I had something like the feeling +of a man who is starting on a balloon voyage. All through my +sleepless nights I was inflating my giant balloon, and preparing +to soar away into perilous, unknown regions. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Smiling.] You, who never had the least doubt of victory? + +BORKMAN. + [Impatiently.] Men are made so, Ella. They both doubt and +believe at the same time. [Looking straight before him.] And +I suppose that was why I would not take you and yours with me +in the balloon. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Eagerly.] Why, I ask you? Tell me why! + +BORKMAN. + [Without looking at her.] One shrinks from risking what one +holds dearest on such a voyage. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + You had risked what was dearest to you on that voyage. Your +whole future life---- + +BORKMAN. + Life is not always what one holds dearest. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Breathlessly.] Was that how you felt at that time? + +BORKMAN. + I fancy it was. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I was the dearest thing in the world to you? + +BORKMAN. + I seem to remember something of the sort. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + And yet years had passed since you had deserted me--and married-- +married another! + +BORKMAN. + Deserted you, you say? You must know very well that it was +higher motives--well then, other motives that compelled me. +Without his support I could not have done anything. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Controlling herself.] So you deserted me from--higher motives. + +BORKMAN. + I could not get on without his help. And he made you the price +of helping me. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + And you paid the price. Paid it in full--without haggling. + +BORKMAN. + I had no choice. I had to conquer or fall. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [In a trembling voice, looking at him.] Can what you tell me +be true--that I was then the dearest thing in the world to you? + +BORKMAN. + Both then and afterwards--long, long, after. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + But you bartered me away none the less; drove a bargain with +another man for your love. Sold my love for a--for a directorship. + +BORKMAN. + [Gloomily and bowed down.] I was driven by inexorable +necessity, Ella. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Rises from the sofa, quivering with passion.] Criminal! + +BORKMAN. + [Starts, but controls himself.] I have heard that word before. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Oh, don't imagine I'm thinking of anything you may have done +against the law of the land! The use you made of all those +vouchers and securities, or whatever you call them--do you think +I care a straw about that! If I could have stood at your side +when the crash came---- + +BORKMAN. + [Eagerly.] What then, Ella? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Trust me, I should have borne it all so gladly along with you. +The shame, the ruin--I would have helped you to bear it all--all! + +BORKMAN. + Would you have had the will--the strength? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Both the will and the strength. For then I did not know of +your great, your terrible crime. + +BORKMAN. + What crime? What are you speaking of? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I am speaking of that crime for which there is no forgiveness. + +BORKMAN. + [Staring at her.] You must be out of your mind. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Approaching him.] You are a murderer! You have committed the +one mortal sin! + +BORKMAN. + [Falling back towards the piano.] You are raving, Ella! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + You have killed the love-life in me. [Still nearer him.] Do +you understand what that means? The Bible speaks of a mysterious +sin for which there is no forgiveness. I have never understood +what it could be; but now I understand. The great, unpardonable +sin is to murder the love-life in a human soul. + +BORKMAN. + And you say I have done that? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + You have done that. I have never rightly understood until +this evening what had really happened to me. That you deserted +me and turned to Gunhild instead--I took that to be mere common +fickleness on your part, and the result of heartless scheming +on hers. I almost think I despised you a little, in spite of +everything. But now I see it! You deserted the woman you loved! +Me, me, me! What you held dearest in the world you were ready to +barter away for gain. That is the double murder you have +committed! The murder of your own soul and of mine! + +BORKMAN. + [With cold self-control.] How well I recognise your passionate, +ungovernable spirit, Ella. No doubt it is natural enough that +you should look at the thing in this light. Of course, you are +a woman, and therefore it would seem that your own heart is the +one thing you know or care about in this world. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, yes it is. + +BORKMAN. + Your own heart is the only thing that exists for you. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + The only thing! The only thing! You are right there. + +BORKMAN. + But you must remember that I am a man. As a woman, you were the +dearest thing in the world to me. But if the worst comes to the +worst, one woman can always take the place of another. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Looks at him with a smile.] Was that your experience when you +had made Gunhild your wife? + +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. + +BORKMAN. + [Vehemently.] Yes, I did, Ella! For the love of power is +uncontrollable in me, you see! So I struck the bargain; I had to. +And he helped me half-way up towards the beckoning heights that I +was bent on reaching. And I mounted and mounted; year by year +I mounted---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + And I was as though wiped out of your life. + +BORKMAN. + And after all he hurled me into the abyss again. On account of +you, Ella. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [After a short thoughtful silence.] Borkman, does it not seem +to you as if there had been a sort of curse on our whole relation? + +BORKMAN. + [Looking at her.] A curse? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes. Don't you think so? + +BORKMAN. + [Uneasily.] Yes. But why is it? [With an outburst.] Oh Ella, +I begin to wonder which is in the right--you or I! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + It is you who have sinned. You have done to death all the +gladness of my life in me. + +BORKMAN. + [Anxiously.] Do not say that, Ella! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + All a woman's gladness at any rate. From the day when your image +began to dwindle in my mind, I have lived my life as though under +an eclipse. During all these years it has grown harder and harder +for me--and at last utterly impossible--to love any living creature. +Human beings, animals, plants: I shrank from all--from all but one---- + +BORKMAN. + What one? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Erhart, of course. + +BORKMAN. + Erhart? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Erhart--your son, Borkman. + +BORKMAN. + Has he really been so close to your heart? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Why else should I have taken him to me, and kept him as long as +ever I could? Why? + +BORKMAN. + I thought it was out of pity, like all the rest that you did. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [In strong inward emotion.] Pity! Ha, ha! I have never known +pity, since you deserted me. I was incapable of feeling it. If +a poor starved child came into my kitchen, shivering, and crying, +and begging for a morsel of food, I let the servants look to it. +I never felt any desire to take the child to myself, to warm it +at my own hearth, to have the pleasure of seeing it eat and be +satisfied. And yet I was not like that when I was young; that I +remember clearly! It is you that have created an empty, barren +desert within me--and without me too! + +BORKMAN. + Except only for Erhart. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, except for your son. But I am hardened to every other +living thing. You have cheated me of a mother's joy and happiness +in life--and of a mother's sorrows and tears as well. And perhaps +that is the heaviest part of the loss to me. + +BORKMAN. + Do you say that, Ella? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Who knows? It may be that a mother's sorrows and tears were +what I needed most. [With still deeper emotion.] But at that +time I could not resign myself to my loss; and that was why I +took Erhart to me. I won him entirely. Won his whole, warm, +trustful childish heart--until---- Oh! + +BORKMAN. + Until what? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Until his mother--his mother in the flesh, I mean--took him from +me again. + +BORKMAN. + He had to leave you in any case; he had to come to town. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Wringing her hands.] Yes, but I cannot bear the solitude-- +the emptiness! I cannot bear the loss of your son's heart! + +BORKMAN. + [With an evil expression in his eyes.] H'm--I doubt whether +you have lost it, Ella. Hearts are not so easily lost to a +certain person--in the room below. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I have lost Erhart here, and she has won him back again. Or +if not she, some one else. That is plain enough in the letters +he writes me from time to time. + +BORKMAN. + Then it is to take him back with you that you have come here? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, if only it were possible----! + +BORKMAN. + It is possible enough, if you have set your heart upon it. For +you have the first and strongest claims upon him. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Oh, claims, claims! What is the use of claims? If he is not +mine of his own free will, he is not mine at all. And have him +I must! I must have my boy's heart, whole and undivided--now! + +BORKMAN. + You must remember that Erhart is well into his twenties. You +could scarcely reckon on keeping his heart very long undivided, +as you express it. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [With a melancholy smile.] It would not need to be for so very +long. + +BORKMAN. + Indeed? I should have thought that when you want a thing, you +want it to the end of your days. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + So I do. But that need not mean for very long. + +BORKMAN. + [Taken aback.] What do you mean by that? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I suppose you know I have been in bad health for many years past? + +BORKMAN. + Have you? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Do you not know that? + +BORKMAN. + No, I cannot say I did---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Looking at him in surprise.] Has Erhart not told you so? + +BORKMAN. + I really don't remember at the moment. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Perhaps he has not spoken of me at all? + +BORKMAN. + Oh, yes, I believe he has spoken of you. But the fact is, I +so seldom see anything of him--scarcely ever. There is a certain +person below that keeps him away from me. Keeps him away, you +understand? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Are you quite sure of that, Borkman? + +BORKMAN. + Yes, absolutely sure. [Changing his tone.] And so you have +been in bad health, Ella? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, I have. And this autumn I grew so much worse that I had +to come to town and take better medical advice. + +BORKMAN. + And you have seen the doctors already? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, this morning. + +BORKMAN. + And what did they say to you? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + They gave me full assurance of what I had long suspected. + +BORKMAN. + Well? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Calmly and quietly.] My illness will never be cured, Borkman. + +BORKMAN. + Oh, you must not believe that, Ella. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + It is a disease that there is no help or cure for. The doctors +can do nothing with it. They must just let it take its course. +They cannot possibly check it; at most, they can allay the +suffering. And that is always something. + +BORKMAN. + Oh, but it will take a long time to run its course. I am sure +it will. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I may perhaps last out the winter, they told me. + +BORKMAN. + [Without thinking.] Oh, well, the winter is long. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Quietly.] Long enough for me, at any rate. + +BORKMAN. + [Eagerly, changing the subject.] But what in all the world can +have brought on this illness? You, who have always lived such a +healthy and regular life? What can have brought it on? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Looking at him.] The doctors thought that perhaps at one time +in my life I had had to go through some great stress of emotion. + +BORKMAN. + [Firing up.] Emotion! Aha, I understand! You mean that it is +my fault? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [With increasing inward agitation.] It is too late to go into +that matter now! But I must have my heart's own child again before +I go! It is so unspeakably sad for me to think that I must go +away from all that is called life--away from sun, and light, and +air--and not leave behind me one single human being who will think +of me--who will remember me lovingly and mournfully--as a son +remembers and thinks of the mother he has lost. + +BORKMAN. + [After a short pause.] Take him, Ella, if you can win him. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [With animation.] Do you give your consent? Can you? + +BORKMAN. + [Gloomily.] Yes. And it is no great sacrifice either. For in +any case he is not mine. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Thank you, thank you all the same for the sacrifice! But I have +one thing more to beg of you--a great thing for me, Borkman. + +BORKMAN. + Well, what is it? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I daresay you will think it childish of me--you will not +understand---- + +BORKMAN. + Go on--tell me what it is. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + When I die--as I must soon--I shall have a fair amount to leave +behind me. + +BORKMAN. + Yes, I suppose so. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + And I intend to leave it all to Erhart. + +BORKMAN. + Well, you have really no one nearer to you than he. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Warmly.] No, indeed, I have no one nearer me than he. + +BORKMAN. + No one of your own family. You are the last. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Nodding slowly.] Yes, that is just it. When I die, the name +of Rentheim dies with me. And that is such a torturing thought +to me. To be wiped out of existence--even to your very name---- + +BORKMAN. + [Firing up.] Ah, I see what you are driving at! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Passionately.] Do not let this be my forte. Let Erhart bear +my name after me! + +BORKMAN. + I understand you well enough. You want to save my son from +having to bear his father's name. That is your meaning. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + No, no, not that! I myself would have borne it proudly and +gladly along with you! But a mother who is at the point of +death---- There is more binding force in a name than you think +or believe, Borkman. + +BORKMAN. + [Coldly and proudly.] Well and good, Ella. I am man enough +to bear my own name alone. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Seizing and pressing his hand.] Thank you, thank you! Now +there has been a full settlement between us! Yes, yes, let it +be so! You have made all the atonement in your power. For when +I have gone from the world, I shall leave Erhart Rentheim behind +me! + + [The tapestry door is thrown open. MRS. BORKMAN, with the + large shawl over her head, stands in the doorway. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [In violent agitation.] Never to his dying day shall Erhart +be called by that name! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Shrinking back.] Gunhild! + +BORKMAN. + [Harshly and threateningly.] I allow no one to come up to my +room! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Advancing a step.] I do not ask your permission. + +BORKMAN. + [Going towards her.] What do you want with me? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + I will fight with all my might for you. I will protect you +from the powers of evil. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + The worst "powers of evil" are in yourself, Gunhild! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Harshly.] So be it then. [Menacingly, with upstretched arm.] +But this I tell you--he shall bear his father's name! And bear +it aloft in honour again! My son's heart shall be mine--mine +and no other's. + + [She goes out by the tapestry door and shuts it behind her. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Shaken and shattered.] Borkman, Erhart's life will be wrecked +in this storm. There must be an understanding between you and +Gunhild. We must go down to her at once. + +BORKMAN. + [Looking at her.] We? I too, do you mean? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Both you and I. + +BORKMAN. + [Shaking his head.] She is hard, I tell you. Hard as the metal +I once dreamed of hewing out of the rocks. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Then try it now! + + [BORKMAN does not answer, but stands looking doubtfully at her. + + + +ACT THIRD + + + MRS. BORKMAN's drawing room. The lamp is still burning on + the table beside the sofa in front. The garden-room at + the back is quite dark. + + MRS. BORKMAN, with the shawl still over her head, enters, in + violent agitation, by the hall door, goes up to the window, + draws the curtain a little aside, and looks out; then she + seats herself beside the stove, but immediately springs + up again, goes to the bell-pull and rings. Stands beside + the sofa, and waits a moment. No one comes. Then she + rings again, this time more violently. + + THE MAID presently enters from the hall. She looks sleepy + and out of temper, and appears to have dressed in great + haste. + + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Impatiently.] What has become of you, Malena? I have rung +for you twice! + +THE MAID. + Yes, ma'am, I heard you. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + And yet you didn't come? + + +THE MAID. + [Sulkily.] I had to put some clothes on first, I suppose. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, you must dress yourself properly, and then you must run and +fetch my son. + +THE MAID. + [Looking at her in astonishment.] You want me to fetch Mr. +Erhart? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes; tell him he must come home to me at once; I want to speak +to him. + +THE MAID. + [Grumbling.] Then I'd better go to the bailiff's and call up +the coachman. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Why? + +THE MAID. + To get him to harness the sledge. The snow's dreadful to-night. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Oh, that doesn't matter; only make haste and go. It's just round +the corner. + +THE MAID. + Why, ma'am you can't call that just round the corner! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Of course it is. Don't you know Mr. Hinkel's villa? + +THE MAID. + [With malice.] Oh, indeed! It's there Mr. Erhart is this +evening? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Taken aback.] Why, where else should he be? + +THE MAID. + [With a slight smile.] Well, I only thought he might be where +he usually is. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Where do you mean? + +THE MAID. + At Mrs. Wilton's, as they call her. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Mrs. Wilton's? My son isn't so often there. + +THE MAID. + [Half muttering.] I've heard say as he's there every day of +his life. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + That's all nonsense, Malena. Go straight to Mr. Hinkel's and +try to to get hold of him. + +THE MAID. + [With a toss of her head.] Oh, very well; I'm going. + + [She is on the point of going out by the hall, but just at + that moment the hall door is opened, and ELLA RENTHEIM + and BORKMAN appear on the threshold. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Staggers a step backwards.] What does this mean? + +THE MAID. + [Terrified, instinctively folding her hands.] Lord save us! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Whispers to THE MAID.] Tell him he must come this instant. + +THE MAID. + [Softly.] Yes, ma'am. + + [ELLA RENTHEIM and, after her, BORKMAN enter the room. THE + MAID sidles behind them to the door, goes out, and closes + it after her. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Having recovered her self-control, turns to ELLA.] What does +he want down here in my room? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + He wants to come to an understanding with you, Gunhild. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + He has never tried that before. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + He is going to, this evening. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + The last time we stood face to face--it was in the Court, when +I was summoned to give an account---- + +BORKMAN. + [Approaching.] And this evening it is _I_ who will give an +account of myself. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Looking at him.] You? + +BORKMAN. + Not of what I have done amiss. All the world knows that. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With a bitter sigh.] Yes, that is true; all the world knows +that. + +BORKMAN. + But it does not know why I did it; why I had to do it. People +do not understand that I had to, because I was myself--because I +was John Gabriel Borkman--myself, and not another. And that is +what I will try to explain to you. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Shaking her head.] It is of no use. Temptations and promptings +acquit no one. + +BORKMAN. + They may acquit one in one's own eyes. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With a gesture of repulsion.] Oh, let all that alone! I have +thought over that black business of yours enough and to spare. + +BORKMAN. + I too. During those five endless years in my cell--and elsewhere +--I had time to think it over. And during the eight years up there +in the gallery I have had still more ample time. I have re-tried +the whole case--by myself. Time after time I have re-tried it. I +have been my own accuser, my own defender, and my own judge. I +have been more impartial than any one else could be--that I venture +to say. I have paced up and down the gallery there, turning every +one of my actions upside down and inside out. I have examined them +from all sides as unsparingly, as pitilessly, as any lawyer of them +all. And the final judgment I have always come to is this: the one +person I have sinned against is--myself. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + And what about me? What about your son? + +BORKMAN. + You and he are included in what I mean when I say myself. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + And what about the hundreds of others, then--the people you are +said to have ruined? + +BORKMAN. + [More vehemently.] I had power in my hands! And then I felt +the irresistible vocation within me! The prisoned millions lay +all over the country, deep in the bowels of the earth, calling +aloud to me! They shrieked to me to free them! But no one else +heard their cry--I alone had ears for it. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, to the branding of the name of Borkman. + +BORKMAN. + If the others had had the power, do you think they would not +have acted exactly as I did? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + No one, no one but you would have done it! + +BORKMAN. + Perhaps not. But that would have been because they had not my +brains. And if they had done it, it would not have been with my +aims in view. The act would have been a different act. In short, +I have acquitted myself. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Softly and appealingly.] Oh, can you say that so confidently, +Borkman? + +BORKMAN. + [Nodding.] Acquitted myself on that score. But then comes the +great, crushing self-accusation. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + What is that? + +BORKMAN. + I have skulked up there and wasted eight precious years of my +life! The very day I was set free, I should have gone forth into +the world--out into the steel-hard, dreamless world of reality! +I should have begun at the bottom and swung myself up to the +heights anew--higher than ever before--in spite of all that +lay between. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Oh, it would have been the same thing over again; take my word +for that. + +BORKMAN. + [Shakes his head, and looks at her with a sententious air.] It +is true that nothing new happens; but what has happened does not +repeat itself either. It is the eye that transforms the action. +The eye, born anew, transforms the old action. [Breaking off.] +But you do not understand this. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Curtly.] No, I do not understand it. + +BORKMAN. + Ah, that is just the curse--I have never found one single soul +to understand me. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Looking at him.] Never, Borkman? + +BORKMAN. + Except one--perhaps. Long, long ago. In the days when I did +not think I needed understanding. Since then, at any rate, no +one has understood me! There has been no one alive enough to +my needs to be afoot and rouse me--to ring the morning bell for +me--to call me up to manful work anew. And to impress upon me +that I had done nothing inexpiable. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With a scornful laugh.] So, after all, you require to have +that impressed on you from without? + +BORKMAN. + [With increasing indignation.] Yes, when the whole world hisses +in chorus that I have sunk never to rise again, there come moments +when I almost believe it myself. [Raising his head.] But then my +inmost assurance rises again triumphant; and that acquits me. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Looking harshly at him.] Why have you never come and asked me +for what you call understanding? + +BORKMAN. + What use would it have been to come to you? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With a gesture of repulsion.] You have never loved anything +outside yourself; that is the secret of the whole matter. + +BORKMAN. + [Proudly.] I have loved power. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, power! + +BORKMAN. + The power to create human happiness in wide, wide circles around +me! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + You had once the power to make me happy. Have you used it to +that end? + +BORKMAN. + [Without looking at her.] Some one must generally go down in +a shipwreck. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + And your own son! Have you used your power--have you lived and +laboured--to make him happy? + +BORKMAN. + I do not know him. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + No, that is true. You do not even know him. + +BORKMAN. + [Harshly.] You, his mother, have taken care of that! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Looking at him with a lofty air.] Oh, you do not know what I +have taken care of! + +BORKMAN. + You? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, I. I alone. + +BORKMAN. + Then tell me. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + I have taken care of your memory. + +BORKMAN. + [With a short dry laugh.] My memory? Oh, indeed! It sounds +almost as if I were dead already. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With emphasis.] And so you are. + +BORKMAN. + [Slowly.] Yes, perhaps you are right. [Firing up.] But no, +no! Not yet! I have been close to the verge of death. But now +I have awakened. I have come to myself. A whole life lies before +me yet. I can see it awaiting me, radiant and quickening. And +you--you shall see it too. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Raising her hand.] Never dream of life again! Lie quiet where +you are. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Shocked.] Gunhild! Gunhild, how can you----! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Not listening to her.] I will raise the monument over your +grave. + +BORKMAN. + The pillar of shame, I suppose you mean? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With increasing excitement.] Oh, no, it shall be no pillar +of metal or stone. And no one shall be suffered to carve any +scornful legend on the monument I shall raise. There shall be, +as it were, a quickset hedge of trees and bushes, close, close +around your tomb. They shall hide away all the darkness that +has been. The eyes of men and the thoughts of men shall no +longer dwell on John Gabriel Borkman! + +BORKMAN. + [Hoarsely and cuttingly.] And this labour of love you will +perform? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Not by my own strength. I cannot think of that. But I have +brought up one to help me, who shall live for this alone. His +life shall be so pure and high and bright, that your burrowing +in the dark shall be as though it had never been! + +BORKMAN. + [Darkly and threateningly.] If it is Erhart you mean, say so +at once! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Looking him straight in the eyes.] Yes, it is Erhart; my son; +he whom you are ready to renounce in atonement for your own acts. + +BORKMAN. + [With a look towards ELLA.] In atonement for my blackest sin. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Repelling the idea.] A sin towards a stranger only. Remember +the sin towards me! [Looking triumphantly at them both.] But he +will not obey you! When I cry out to him in my need, he will come +to me! It is with me that he will remain! With me, and never +with any one else. [Suddenly listens, and cries.] I hear him! +He is here, he is here! Erhart! + + [ERHART BORKMAN hastily tears open the hall door, and enters + the room. He is wearing an overcoat and has his hat on. + +ERHART. + [Pale and anxious.] Mother! What in Heaven's name----! [Seeing +BORKMAN, who is standing beside the doorway leading into the +garden-room, he starts and takes off his hat. After a moment's +silence, he asks:] What do you want with me, mother? What has +happened? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Stretching her arms towards him.] I want to see you, Erhart! +I want to have you with me, always! + +ERHART. + [Stammering.] Have me----? Always? What do you mean by that? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + I will have you, I say! There is some one who wants to take +you away from me! + +ERHART. + [Recoiling a step.] Ah--so you know? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes. Do you know it, too? + +ERHART. + [Surprised, looking at her.] Do _I_ know it? Yes, of course. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Aha, so you have planned it all out! Behind my back! Erhart! +Erhart! + +ERHART. + [Quickly.] Mother, tell me what it is you know! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + I know everything. I know that your aunt has come here to take +you from me. + +ERHART. + Aunt Ella! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Oh, listen to me a moment, Erhart! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Continuing.] She wants me to give you up to her. She wants +to stand in your mother's place to you, Erhart! She wants you +to be her son, and not mine, from this time forward. She wants +you to inherit everything from her; to renounce your own name +and take hers instead! + +ERHART. + Aunt Ella, is this true? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, it is true. + +ERHART. + I knew nothing of this. Why do you want to have me with you +again? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Because I feel that I am losing you here. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Hardly.] You are losing him to me--yes. And that is just as +it should be. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Looking beseechingly at him.] Erhart, I cannot afford to lose +you. For, I must tell you I am a lonely--dying woman. + +ERHART. + Dying----? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, dying. Will you came and be with me to the end? Attach +yourself wholly to me? Be to me, as though you were my own +child----? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Interrupting.] And forsake your mother, and perhaps your +mission in life as well? Will you, Erhart? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I am condemned to death. Answer me, Erhart. + +ERHART. + [Warmly, with emotion.] Aunt Ella, you have been unspeakably +good to me. With you I grew up in as perfect happiness as any +boy can ever have known---- + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Erhart, Erhart! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Oh, how glad I am that you can still say that! + +ERHART. + But I cannot sacrifice myself to you now. It is not possible +for me to devote myself wholly to taking a son's place towards you. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Triumphing.] Ah, I knew it! You shall not have him! You shall +not have him, Ella! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Sadly.] I see it. You have won him back. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, yes! Mine he is, and mine he shall remain! Erhart, say +it is so, dear; we two have still a long way to go together, have +we not? + +ERHART. + [Struggling with himself.] Mother, I may as well tell you +plainly---- + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Eagerly.] What? + +ERHART. + I am afraid it is only a very little way you and I can go +together. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Stands as though thunderstruck.] What do you mean by that? + +ERHART. + [Plucking up spirit.] Good heavens, mother, I am young, after +all! I feel as if the close air of this room must stifle me in +the end. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Close air? Here--with me? + +ERHART. + Yes, here with you, mother. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Then come with me, Erhart. + +ERHART. + Oh, Aunt Ella, it's not a whit better with you. It's different, +but no better--no better for me. It smells of rose-leaves and +lavender there too; it is as airless there as here. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Shaken, but having recovered her composure with an effort.] +Airless in your mother's room, you say! + +ERHART. + [In growing impatience.] Yes, I don't know how else to express +it. All this morbid watchfulness and--and idolisation, or whatever +you like to call it---- I can't endure it any longer! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Looking at him with deep solemnity.] Have you forgotten what +you have consecrated your life to, Erhart? + +ERHART. + [With an outburst.] Oh, say rather what you have consecrated +my life to. You, you have been my will. You have never given +me leave to have any of my own. But now I cannot bear this yoke +any longer. I am young; remember that, mother. [With a polite, +considerate glance towards BORKMAN.] I cannot consecrate my life +to making atonement for another--whoever that other may be. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Seized with growing anxiety.] Who is it that has transformed +you, Erhart? + +ERHART. + [Struck.] Who? Can you not conceive that it is I myself? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + No, no, no! You have come under some strange power. You +are not in your mother's power any longer; nor in your--your +foster-mother's either. + +ERHART. + [With laboured defiance.] I am in my own power, mother! And +working my own will! + +BORKMAN. + [Advancing towards ERHART.] Then perhaps my hour has come at +last. + +ERHART. + [Distantly and with measured politeness.] How so! How do you +mean, sir? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Scornfully.] Yes, you may well ask that. + +BORKMAN. + [Continuing undisturbed.] Listen, Erhart--will you not cast in +your lot with your father? It is not through any other man's life +that a man who has fallen can be raised up again. These are only +empty fables that have been told to you down here in the airless +room. If you were to set yourself to live your life like all the +saints together, it would be of no use whatever to me. + +ERHART. + [With measured respectfulness.] That is very true indeed. + +BORKMAN. + Yes, it is. And it would be of no use either if I should resign +myself to wither away in abject penitence. I have tried to feed +myself upon hopes and dreams, all through these years. But I am +not the man to be content with that; and now I mean to have done +with dreaming. + +ERHART. + [With a slight bow.] And what will--what will you do, sir? + +BORKMAN. + I will work out my own redemption, that is what I will do. I +will begin at the bottom again. It is only through his present +and his future that a man can atone for his past. Through work, +indefatigable work, for all that, in my youth, seemed to give life +its meaning--and that now seems a thousand times greater than it +did then. Erhart, will you join with me and help me in this new +life? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Raising her hand warningly.] Do not do it, Erhart! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Warmly.] Yes, yes do it! Oh, help him, Erhart! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + And you advise him to do that? You, the lonely dying woman. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I don't care about myself. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + No, so long as it is not I that take him from you. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Precisely so, Gunhild. + +BORKMAN. + Will you, Erhart? + +ERHART. + [Wrung with pain.] Father, I cannot now. It is utterly +impossible! + +BORKMAN. + What do you want to do then? + +ERHART. + [With a sudden glow.] I am young! I want to live, for once +in a way, as well as other people! I want to live my own life! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + You cannot give up two or three little months to brighten the +close of a poor waning life? + +ERHART. + I cannot, Aunt, however much I may wish to. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Not for the sake of one who loves you so dearly? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Looking sharply at him.] And your mother has no power over +you either, any more? + +ERHART. + I will always love you, mother; but I cannot go on living for +you alone. This is no life for me. + +BORKMAN. + Then come and join with me, after all! For life, life means +work, Erhart. Come, we two will go forth into life and work +together! + +ERHART. + [Passionately.] Yes, but I don't want to work now! For I am +young! That's what I never realised before; but now the knowledge +is tingling through every vein in my body. I will not work! I +will only live, live, live! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With a cry of divination.] Erhart, what will you live for? + +ERHART. + [With sparkling eyes.] For happiness, mother! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + And where do you think you can find that? + +ERHART. + I have found it, already! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Shrieks.] Erhart! [ERHART goes quickly to the hall door and +throws it open.] + +ERHART. + [Calls out.] Fanny, you can come in now! + + [MRS. WILTON, in outdoor wraps, appears on the threshold. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With uplifted hands.] Mrs. Wilton! + +MRS. WILTON. + [Hesitating a little, with an enquiring glance at ERHART.] Do you +want me to----? + +ERHART. + Yes, now you can come in. I have told them everything. + + [MRS. WILTON comes forward into the room. ERHART closes the + door behind her. She bows formally to BORKMAN, who returns + her bow in silence. A short pause. + +MRS. WILTON. + [In a subdued but firm voice.] So the word has been spoken-- +and I suppose you all think I have brought a great calamity upon +this house? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Slowly, looking hard at her.] You have crushed the last +remnant of interest in life for me. [With an outburst.] But +all of this--all this is utterly impossible! + +MRS. WILTON. + I can quite understand that it must appear impossible to you, +Mrs. Borkman. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, you can surely see for yourself that it is impossible. +Or what----? + +MRS. WILTON. + I should rather say that it seems highly improbable. But it's +so, none the less. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Turning.] Are you really in earnest about this, Erhart? + +ERHART. + This means happiness for me, mother--all the beauty and +happiness of life. That is all I can say to you. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Clenching her hands together; to MRS. WILTON.] Oh, how you +have cajoled and deluded my unhappy son! + +MRS. WILTON. + [Raising her head proudly.] I have done nothing of the sort. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + You have not, say you! + +MRS. WILTON. + No. I have neither cajoled nor deluded him. Erhart came to me +of his own free will. And of my own free will I went out half-way +to meet him. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Measuring her scornfully with her eye.] Yes, indeed! That I +can easily believe. + +MRS. WILTON. + [With self-control.] Mrs. Borkman, there are forces in human +life that you seem to know very little about. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + What forces, may I ask? + +MRS. WILTON. + The forces which ordain that two people shall join their lives +together, indissolubly--and fearlessly. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With a smile.] I thought you were already indissolubly bound-- +to another. + +MRS. WILTON. + [Shortly.] That other has deserted me. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + But he is still living, they say. + +MRS. WILTON. + He is dead to me. + +ERHART. + [Insistently.] Yes, mother, he is dead to Fanny. And besides, +this other makes no difference to me! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Looking sternly at him.] So you know all this--about the other. + +ERHART. + Yes, mother, I know quite well--all about it! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + And yet you can say that it makes no difference to you? + +ERHART. + [With defiant petulance.] I can only tell you that it is +happiness I must have! I am young! I want to live, live, live! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, you are young, Erhart. Too young for this. + +MRS. WILTON. + [Firmly and earnestly.] You must not think, Mrs. Borkman, +that I haven't said the same to him. I have laid my whole life +before him. Again and again I have reminded him that I am seven +years older than he---- + +ERHART. + [Interrupting.] Oh, nonsense, Fanny--I knew that all the time. + +MRS. WILTON. + But nothing--nothing was of any use. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Indeed? Nothing? Then why did you not dismiss him without +more ado? Close your door to him? You should have done that, +and done it in time! + +MRS. WILTON. + [Looks at her, and says in a low voice.] I could not do that, +Mrs. Borkman. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Why could you not? + +MRS. WILTON. + Because for me too this meant happiness. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Scornfully.] H'm, happiness, happiness---- + +MRS. WILTON. + I have never before known happiness in life. And I cannot +possibly drive happiness away from me, merely because it comes +so late. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + And how long do you think this happiness will last? + +ERHART. + [Interrupting.] Whether it lasts or does not last, mother, +it doesn't matter now! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [In anger.] Blind boy that you are! Do you not see where all +this is leading you? + +ERHART. + I don't want to look into the future. I don't want to look +around me in any direction; I am only determined to live my own +life--at last! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With deep pain.] And you call this life, Erhart! + +ERHART. + Don't you see how lovely she is! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Wringing her hands.] And I have to bear this load of shame +as well! + +BORKMAN. + [At the back, harshly and cuttingly.] Ho--you are used to +bearing things of that sort, Gunhild! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Imploringly.] Borkman! + +ERHART. + [Similarly.] Father! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Day after day I shall have to see my own son linked to a--a---- + +ERHART. + [Interrupting her harshly.] You shall see nothing of the kind, +mother! You may make your mind easy on that point. I shall not +remain here. + +MRS. WILTON. + [Quickly and with decision.] We are going away, Mrs. Borkman. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Turning pale.] Are you going away, too? Together, no doubt? + +MRS. WILTON. + [Nodding.] Yes, I am going abroad, to the south. I am taking +a young girl with me. And Erhart is going along with us. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + With you--and a young girl? + +MRS. WILTON. + Yes. It is little Frida Foldal, whom I have had living with me. +I want her to go abroad and get more instruction in music. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + So you are taking her with you? + +MRS. WILTON. + Yes; I can't well send her out into the world alone. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Suppressing a smile.] What do you say to this, Erhart? + +ERHART. + [With some embarrassment, shrugging his shoulders.] Well, +mother, since Fanny will have it so---- + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Coldly.] And when does this distinguished party set out, if +one may ask? + +MRS. WILTON. + We are going at once--to-night. My covered sledge is waiting +on the road, outside the Hinkels'. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Looking her from head to foot.] Aha! so that was what the +party meant? + +MRS. WILTON. + [Smiling.] Yes, Erhart and I were the whole party. And little +Frida, of course. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + And where is she now? + +MRS. WILTON. + She is sitting in the sledge waiting for us. + +ERHART. + [In painful embarrassment.] Mother, surely you can understand? +I would have spared you all this--you and every one. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Looks at him, deeply pained.] You would have gone away from +me without saying a good-bye? + +ERHART. + Yes, I thought that would be best; best for all of us. Our +boxes were packed and everything settled. But of course +when you sent for me, I---- [Holding out his hands to her.] +Good-bye, mother. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With a gesture of repulsion.] Don't touch me! + +ERHART. + [Gently.] Is that your last word? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Sternly.] Yes. + +ERHART. + [Turning.] Good-bye to you, then, Aunt Ella. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Pressing his hands.] Good-bye, Erhart! And live your life-- +and be as happy--as happy as ever you can. + +ERHART. + Thanks, Aunt. [Bowing to BORKMAN.] Good-bye, father. [Whispers +to MRS. WILTON.] Let us get away, the sooner the better. + +MRS. WILTON. + [In a low voice.] Yes, let us. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With a malignant smile.] Mrs. Wilton, do you think you are +acting quite wisely in taking that girl with you? + +MRS. WILTON. + [Returning the smile, half ironically, half seriously.] Men +are so unstable, Mrs. Borkman. And women too. When Erhart is +done with me--and I with him--then it will be well for us both +that he, poor fellow, should have some one to fall back upon. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + But you yourself? + +MRS. WILTON. + Oh, I shall know what to do, I assure you. Good-bye to you all! + + [She bows and goes out by the hall door. ERHART stands for a + moment as though wavering; then he turns and follows her. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Dropping her folded hands.] Childless. + +BORKMAN. + [As though awakening to a resolution.] Then out into the storm +alone! My hat! My cloak! + [He goes hastily towards the door. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [In terror, stopping him.] John Gabriel, where are you going? + +BORKMAN. + Out into the storm of life, I tell you. Let me go, Ella! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Holding him back.] No, no, I won't let you out! You are ill. +I can see it in your face! + +BORKMAN. + Let me go, I tell you! + + [He tears himself away from her, and goes out by the hall. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [In the doorway.] Help me to hold him, Gunhild! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Coldly and sharply, standing in the middle of the room.] I +will not try to hold any one in all the world. Let them go away +from me--both the one and the other! As far--as far as ever they +please. [Suddenly, with a piercing shriek.] Erhart, don't leave +me! + + [She rushes with outstretched arms towards the door. ELLA + RENTHEIM stops her. + + + +ACT FOURTH + + +An open space outside the main building, which lies to the right. + A projecting corner of it is visible, with a door approached by + a flight of low stone steps. The background consists of steep + fir-clad slopes, quite close at hand. On the left are small + scattered trees, forming the margin of a wood. The snowstorm + has ceased; but the newly fallen snow lies deep around. The + fir-branches droop under heavy loads of snow. The night is + dark, with drifting clouds. Now and then the moon gleams out + faintly. Only a dim light is reflected from the snow. + +BORKMAN, MRS. BORKMAN and ELLA RENTHEIM are standing upon the + steps, BORKMAN leaning wearily against the wall of the house. + He has an old-fashioned cape thrown over his shoulders, holds + a soft grey felt hat in one hand and a thick knotted stick in + the other. ELLA RENTHEIM carries her cloak over her arm. MRS. + BORKMAN's great shawl has slipped down over her shoulders, so + that her hair is uncovered. + + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Barring the way for MRS. BORKMAN.] Don't go after him, Gunhild! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [In fear and agitation.] Let me pass, I say! He must not go +away from me! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + It is utterly useless, I tell you! You will never overtake him. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Let me go, Ella! I will cry aloud after him all down the road. +And he must hear his mother's cry! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + He cannot hear you. You may be sure he is in the sledge already. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + No, no; he can't be in the sledge yet! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + The doors are closed upon him long ago, believe me. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [In despair.] If he is in the sledge, then he is there with +her, with her--her! + +BORKMAN. + [Laughing gloomily.] Then he probably won't hear his mother's +cry. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + No, he will not hear it. [Listening.] Hark! what is that? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Also listening.] It sounds like sledge-bells. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With a suppressed scream.] It is her sledge! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Perhaps it's another. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + No, no, it is Mrs. Wilton's covered sledge! I know the silver +bells! Hark! Now they are driving right past here, at the foot +of the hill! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Quickly.] Gunhild, if you want to cry out to him, now is the +time! Perhaps after all----! [The tinkle of the bells sounds +close at hand, in the wood.] Make haste, Gunhild! Now they are +right under us! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Stands for a moment undecided, then she stiffens and says +sternly and coldly.] No. I will not cry out to him. Let Erhart +Borkman pass away from me--far, far away--to what he calls life +and happiness. + [The sound dies away in the distance. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [After a moment.] Now the bells are out of hearing. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + They sounded like funeral bells. + +BORKMAN. + [With a dry suppressed laugh.] Oho--it is not for me they are +ringing to-night! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + No, but for me--and for him who has gone from me. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Nodding thoughtfully.] Who knows if, after all, they may not +be ringing in life and happiness for him, Gunhild. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With sudden animation, looking hard at her.] Life and +happiness, you say! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + For a little while at any rate. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Could you endure to let him know life and happiness, with her? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [With warmth and feeling.] Indeed, I could, with all my heart +and soul! + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Coldly.] Then you must be richer than I am in the power of +love. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Looking far away.] Perhaps it is the lack of love that keeps +the power alive. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Fixing her eyes on her.] If that is so, then I shall soon be +as rich as you, Ella. + [She turns and goes into the house. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Stands for a time looking with a troubled expression at BORKMAN; +then lays her hand cautiously on his shoulder.] Come, John--you +must come in, too. + +BORKMAN. + [As if wakening.] I? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, this winter air is too keen for you; I can see that, John. +So come--come in with me--into the house, into the warmth. + +BORKMAN. + [Angrily.] Up to the gallery again, I suppose. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + No, rather into the room below. + +BORKMAN. + [His anger flaming forth.] Never will I set foot under that +roof again! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Where will you go then? So late, and in the dark, John? + +BORKMAN. + [Putting on his hat.] First of all, I will go out and see to +all my buried treasures. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Looking anxiously at him.] John--I don't understand you. + +BORKMAN. + [With laughter, interrupted by coughing.] Oh, it is not hidden +plunder I mean; don't be afraid of that, Ella. [Stopping, and +pointing outwards.] Do you see that man there? Who is it? + + [VILHELM FOLDAL, in an old cape, covered with snow, with his + hat-brim turned down, and a large umbrella in his hand, + advances towards the corner of the house, laboriously + stumbling through the snow. He is noticeably lame in + his left foot. + +BORKMAN. + Vilhelm! What do you want with me again? + +FOLDAL. + [Looking up.] Good heavens, are you out on the steps, John +Gabriel? [Bowing.] And Mrs. Borkman, too, I see. + +BORKMAN. + [Shortly.] This is not Mrs. Borkman. + +FOLDAL. + Oh, I beg pardon. You see, I have lost my spectacles in the +snow. But how is it that you, who never put your foot out of +doors----? + +BORKMAN. + [Carelessly and gaily.] It is high time I should come out +into the open air again, don't you see? Nearly three years in +detention--five years in prison--eight years in the gallery up +there---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Distressed.] Borkman, I beg you---- + +FOLDAL. + Ah yes, yes, yes! + +BORKMAN. + But I want to know what has brought you here. + +FOLDAL. + [Still standing at the foot of the steps.] I wanted to come up +to you, John Gabriel. I felt I must come to you, in the gallery. +Ah me, that gallery----! + +BORKMAN. + Did you want to come up to me after I had shown you the door? + +FOLDAL. + Oh, I couldn't let that stand in the way. + +BORKMAN. + What have you done to your foot? I see you are limping? + +FOLDAL. + Yes, what do you think--I have been run over. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Run over! + +FOLDAL. + Yes, by a covered sledge. + +BORKMAN. + Oho! + +FOLDAL. + With two horses. They came down the hill at a tearing gallop. +I couldn't get out of the way quick enough; and so---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + And so they ran over you? + +FOLDAL. + They came right down upon me, madam--or miss. They came right +upon me and sent me rolling over and over in the snow--so that I +lost my spectacles and got my umbrella broken. [Rubbing his leg.] +And my ankle a little hurt too. + +BORKMAN. + [Laughing inwardly.] Do you know who were in that sledge, +Vilhelm? + +FOLDAL. + No, how could I see? It was a covered sledge, and the curtains +were down. And the driver didn't stop a moment after he had sent +me spinning. But it doesn't matter a bit, for---- [With an +outburst.] Oh, I am so happy, so happy! + +BORKMAN. + Happy? + +FOLDAL. + Well, I don't exactly know what to call it. But I think happy +is the nearest word. For something wonderful has happened! And +that is why I couldn't help--I had to come out and share my +happiness with you, John Gabriel. + +BORKMAN. + [Harshly.] Well, share away then! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Oh, but first take your friend indoors with you, Borkman. + +BORKMAN. + [Sternly.] I have told you I will not go into the house. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + But don't you hear, he has been run over! + +BORKMAN. + Oh, we are all of us run over, sometime or other in life. The +thing is to jump up again, and let no one see you are hurt. + +FOLDAL. + That is a profound saying, John Gabriel. But I can easily tell +you my story out here, in a few words. + +BORKMAN. + [More mildly.] Yes, please do, Vilhelm. + +FOLDAL. + Well, now you shall hear! Only think, when I got home this +evening after I had been with you, what did I find but a letter. +Can you guess who it was from? + +BORKMAN. + Possibly from your little Frida? + +FOLDAL. + Precisely! Think of your hitting on it at once! Yes, it was +a long letter from Frida. A footman had brought it. And can +you imagine what was in it? + +BORKMAN. + Perhaps it was to say good-bye to her mother and you? + +FOLDAL. + Exactly! How good you are at guessing, John Gabriel! Yes, she +tells me that Mrs. Wilton has taken such a fancy to her, and she +is to go abroad with her and study music. And Mrs. Wilton has +engaged a first-rate teacher who is to accompany them on the +journey--and to read with Frida. For unfortunately she has been +a good deal neglected in some branches, you see. + +BORKMAN. + [Shaken with inward laughter.] Of course, of course--I see it +all quite clearly, Vilhelm. + +FOLDAL. + [Eagerly continuing.] And only think, she knew nothing about +the arrangement until this evening; at that party, you know, h'm! +And yet she found time to write to me. And the letter is such a +beautiful one--so warm and affectionate, I assure you. There is +not a trace of contempt for her father in it. And then what a +delicate thought it was to say good-bye to us by letter--before +she started. [Laughing.] But of course I can't let her go like +that. + +BORKMAN. + [Looks inquiringly at him.] How so? + +FOLDAL. + She tells me that they start early to-morrow morning; quite +early. + +BORKMAN. + Oh indeed--to-morrow? Does she tell you that? + +FOLDAL. + [Laughing and rubbing his hands.] Yes; but I know a trick worth +two of that, you see! I am going straight up to Mrs. Wilton's---- + +BORKMAN. + This evening? + +FOLDAL. + Oh, it's not so very late yet. And even if the house is shut +up, I shall ring; without hesitation. For I must and will see +Frida before she starts. Good-night, good-night! + [Makes a movement to go. + +BORKMAN. + Stop a moment, my poor Vilhelm; you may spare yourself that +heavy bit of road. + +FOLDAL. + Oh, you are thinking of my ankle---- + +BORKMAN. + Yes; and in any case you won't get in at Mrs. Wilton's. + +FOLDAL. + Yes, indeed I will. I'll go on ringing and knocking till some +one comes and lets me in. For I must and will see Frida. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Your daughter has gone already, Mr. Foldal. + +FOLDAL. + [Stands as though thunderstruck.] Has Frida gone already! Are +you quite sure? Who told you? + +BORKMAN. + We had it from her future teacher. + +FOLDAL. + Indeed? And who is he? + +BORKMAN. + A certain Mr. Erhart Borkman. + +FOLDAL. + [Beaming with joy.] Your son, John Gabriel? Is he going with +them? + +BORKMAN. + Yes; it is he that is to help Mrs. Wilton with little Frida's +education. + +FOLDAL. + Oh, Heaven be praised! Then the child is in the best of hands. +But is it quite certain that they have started with her already? + +BORKMAN. + They took her away in that sledge which ran you over in the road. + +FOLDAL. + [Clasping his hands.] To think that my little Frida was in that +magnificent sledge! + +BORKMAN. + [Nodding.] Yes, yes, Vilhelm, your daughter has come to drive +in her carriage. And Master Erhart, too. Tell me, did you notice +the silver bells? + +FOLDAL. + Yes, indeed. Silver bells did you say? Were they silver? Real, +genuine silver bells? + +BORKMAN. + You may be quite sure of that. Everything was genuine--both +outside and in. + +FOLDAL. + [In quiet emotion.] Isn't it strange how fortune can sometimes +befriend one? It is my--my little gift of song that has transmuted +itself into music in Frida. So after all, it is not for nothing +that I was born a poet. For now she is going forth into the great +wide world, that I once yearned so passionately to see. Little +Frida sets out in a splendid covered sledge with silver bells on +the harness---- + +BORKMAN. + And runs over her father. + +FOLDAL. + [Happily.] Oh, pooh! What does it matter about me, if only +the child----! Well, so I am too late, then, after all. I must +go home again and comfort her mother. I left her crying in the +kitchen. + +BORKMAN. + Crying? + +FOLDAL. + [Smiling.] Yes, would you believe it, she was crying her eyes +out when I came away. + +BORKMAN. + And you are laughing, Vilhelm? + +FOLDAL. + Yes, _I_ am, of course. But she, poor thing, she doesn't know +any better, you see. Well, good-bye! It's a good thing I have +the tramway so handy. Good-bye, good-bye, John Gabriel. Good-bye, +Madam. + + [He bows and limps laboriously out by the way he came. + +BORKMAN. + [Stands silent for a moment, gazing before him.] Good-bye, +Vilhelm! It is not the first time in your life that you've +been run over, old friend. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Looking at him with suppressed anxiety.] You are so pale, +John, so very pale. + +BORKMAN. + That is the effect of the prison air up yonder. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I have never seen you like this before. + +BORKMAN. + No, for I suppose you have never seen an escaped convict before. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Oh, do come into the house with me, John! + +BORKMAN. + It is no use trying to lure me in. I have told you---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + But when I beg and implore you----? For your own sake---- + + [THE MAID opens the door, and stands in the doorway. + +THE MAID. + I beg your pardon. Mrs. Borkman told me to lock the front door +now. + +BORKMAN. + [In a low voice, to ELLA.] You see, they want to lock me up +again! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [To THE MAID.] Mr. Borkman is not quite well. He wants to have +a little fresh air before coming in. + +THE MAID. + But Mrs. Borkman told me to---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I shall lock the door. Just leave the key in the lock. + +THE MAID. + Oh, very well; I'll leave it. + [She goes into the house again. + +BORKMAN. + [Stands silent for a moment, and listens; then goes hastily +down the steps and out into the open space.] Now I am outside +the walls, Ella! Now they will never get hold of me again! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Who has gone down to him.] But you are a free man in there, +too, John. You can come and go just as you please. + +BORKMAN. + [Softly, as though in terror.] Never under a roof again! It +is so good to be out here in the night. If I went up into the +gallery now, ceiling and walls would shrink together and crush +me--crush me flat as a fly. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + But where will you go, then? + +BORKMAN. + I will simply go on, and on, and on. I will try if I cannot +make my way to freedom, and life, and human beings again. Will +you go with me, Ella? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I? Now? + +BORKMAN. + Yes, at once! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + But how far? + +BORKMAN. + As far as ever I can. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Oh, but think what you are doing! Out in this raw, cold winter +night---- + +BORKMAN. + [Speaking very hoarsely.] Oho--my lady is concerned about her +health? Yes, yes--I know it is delicate. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + It is your health I am concerned about. + +BORKMAN. + Hohoho! A dead man's health! I can't help laughing at you, +Ella! [He moves onwards. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Following him: holding him back.] What did you call yourself? + +BORKMAN. + A dead man, I said. Don't you remember, Gunhild told me to lie +quiet where I was? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [With resolution, throwing her cloak around her.] I will go +with you, John. + +BORKMAN. + Yes, we two belong to each other, Ella. [Advancing.] So come! + + [They have gradually passed into the low wood on the left. + It conceals them little by little, until they are quite + lost to sight. The house and the open space disappear. + The landscape, consisting of wooded slopes and ridges, + slowly changes and grows wilder and wilder. + +ELLA RENTHEIM's VOICE. + [Is heard in the wood to the right.] Where are we going, John? +I don't recognise this place. + +BORKMAN's VOICE. + [Higher up.] Just follow my footprints in the snow! + +ELLA RENTHEIM's VOICE. + But why need we climb so high? + +BORKMAN's VOICE. + [Nearer at hand.] We must go up the winding path. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Still hidden.] Oh, but I can't go much further. + +BORKMAN. + [On the verge of the wood to the right.] Come, come! We are +not far from the view now. There used to be a seat there. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Appearing among the trees.] Do you remember it? + +BORKMAN. + You can rest there. + + [They have emerged upon a small high-lying, open plateau in + the wood. The mountain rises abruptly behind them. To + the left, far below, an extensive fiord landscape, with + high ranges in the distance, towering one above the other. + On the plateau, to the left, a dead fir-tree with a bench + under it. The snow lies deep upon the plateau. + + [BORKMAN and, after him, ELLA RENTHEIM enter from the right + and wade with difficulty through the snow. + +BORKMAN. + [Stopping at the verge of the steep declivity on the left.] +Come here, Ella, and you shall see. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Coming up to him.] What do you want to show me, John? + +BORKMAN. + [Pointing outwards.] Do you see how free and open the country +lies before us--away to the far horizon? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + We have often sat on this bench before, and looked out into a +much, much further distance. + +BORKMAN. + It was a dreamland we then looked out over. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Nodding sadly.] It was the dreamland of our life, yes. And +now that land is buried in snow. And the old tree is dead. + +BORKMAN. + [Not listening to her.] Can you see the smoke of the great +steamships out on the fiord? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + No. + +BORKMAN. + I can. They come and they go. They weave a network of +fellowship all round the world. They shed light and warmth over +the souls of men in many thousands of homes. That was what I +dreamed of doing. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Softly.] And it remained a dream. + +BORKMAN. + It remained a dream, yes. [Listening.] And hark, down by the +river, dear! The factories are working! My factories! All those +that I would have created! Listen! Do you hear them humming? The +night shift is on--so they are working night and day. Hark! hark! +the wheels are whirling and the bands are flashing--round and +round and round. Can't you hear, Ella? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + No. + +BORKMAN. + I can hear it. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Anxiously.] I think you are mistaken, John. + +BORKMAN. + [More and more fired up.] Oh, but all these--they are only like +the outworks around the kingdom, I tell you! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + The kingdom, you say? What kingdom? + +BORKMAN. + My kingdom, of course! The kingdom I was on the point of +conquering when I--when I died. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Shaken, in a low voice.] Oh, John, John! + +BORKMAN. + And now there it lies--defenceless, masterless--exposed to all +the robbers and plunderers. Ella, do you see the mountain chains +there--far away? They soar, they tower aloft, one behind the +other! That is my vast, my infinite, inexhaustible kingdom! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Oh, but there comes an icy blast from that kingdom, John! + +BORKMAN. + That blast is the breath of life to me. That blast comes to +me like a greeting from subject spirits. I seem to touch them, +the prisoned millions; I can see the veins of metal stretch out +their winding, branching, luring arms to me. I saw them before +my eyes like living shapes, that night when I stood in the +strong-room with the candle in my hand. You begged to be +liberated, and I tried to free you. But my strength failed +me; and the treasure sank back into the deep again. [With +outstretched hands.] But I will whisper it to you here in the +stillness of the night: I love you, as you lie there spellbound +in the deeps and the darkness! I love you, unborn treasures, +yearning for the light! I love you, with all your shining train +of power and glory! I love you, love you, love you! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [In suppressed but rising agitation.] Yes, your love is still +down there, John. It has always been rooted there. But here, in +the light of day, here there was a living, warm, human heart that +throbbed and glowed for you. And this heart you crushed. Oh worse +than that! Ten times worse! You sold it for--for---- + +BORKMAN. + [Trembles; a cold shudder seems to go through him.] For the +kingdom--and the power--and the glory--you mean? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + Yes, that is what I mean. I have said it once before to-night: +you have murdered the love-life in the woman who loved you. And +whom you loved in return, so far as you could love any one. [With +uplifted arm.] And therefore I prophesy to you, John Gabriel +Borkman--you will never touch the price you demanded for the +murder. You will never enter in triumph into your cold, dark +kingdom! + +BORKMAN. + [Staggers to the bench and seats himself heavily.] I almost +fear your prophecy will come true, Ella. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Going up to him.] You must not fear it, John. That is the +best thing that can happen to you. + +BORKMAN. + [With a shriek; clutching at his breast.] Ah----! [Feebly.] +Now it let me go again. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Shaking him.] What was it, John? + +BORKMAN. + [Sinking down against the back of the seat.] It was a hand of +ice that clutched at my heart. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + John! Did you feel the ice-hand again! + +BORKMAN. + [Murmurs.] No. No ice-hand. It was a metal hand. + [He sinks right down upon the bench. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Tears off her cloak and throws it over him.] Lie still where +you are! I will go and bring help for you. + + [She goes a step or two towards the right; then she stops, + returns, and carefully feels his pulse and touches his + face. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Softly and firmly.] No. It is best so, John Borkman. Best +for you. + + [She spreads the cloak closer around him, and sinks down in + the snow in front of the bench. A short silence. + + [MRS. BORKMAN, wrapped in a mantle, comes through the wood + on the right. THE MAID goes before her carrying a lantern. + +THE MAID. + [Throwing the light upon the snow.] Yes, yes, ma'am, here are +their tracks. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Peering around.] Yes, here they are! They are sitting there +on the bench. [Calls.] Ella! + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Rising.] Are you looking for us? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Sternly.] Yes, you see I have to. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Pointing.] Look, there he lies, Gunhild. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Sleeping? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + A long, deep sleep, I think. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With an outburst.] Ella! [Controls herself and asks in a low +voice.] Did he do it--of his own accord? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + No. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Relieved.] Not by his own hand then? + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + No. It was an ice-cold metal hand that gripped him by the heart. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [To THE MAID.] Go for help. Get the men to come up from the +farm. + +THE MAID. + Yes, I will, ma'am. [To herself.] Lord save us! + [She goes out through the wood to the right. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Standing behind the bench.] So the night air has killed him---- + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + So it appears. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + ----strong man that he was. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Coming in front of the bench.] Will you not look at him, +Gunhild? + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [With a gesture of repulsion.] No, no, no. [Lowering her +voice.] He was a miner's son, John Gabriel Borkman. He could +not live in the fresh air. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + It was rather the cold that killed him. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + [Shakes her head.] The cold, you say? The cold--that had +killed him long ago. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [Nodding to her.] Yes--and changed us two into shadows. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + You are right there. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + [With a painful smile.] A dead man and two shadows--that is +what the cold has made of us. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + Yes, the coldness of heart.--And now I think we two may hold +out our hands to each other, Ella. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + I think we may, now. + +MRS. BORKMAN. + We twin sisters--over him we have both loved. + +ELLA RENTHEIM. + We two shadows--over the dead man. + + [MRS. BORKMAN behind the bench, and ELLA RENTHEIM in front + of it, take each other's hand. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN*** + + +******* This file should be named 18792.txt or 18792.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/8/7/9/18792 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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