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diff --git a/4782.txt b/4782.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e464624 --- /dev/null +++ b/4782.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6214 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of When We Dead Awaken, by Henrik Ibsen + +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: When We Dead Awaken + +Author: Henrik Ibsen + +Commentator: William Archer + +Translator: William Archer + +Release Date: December, 2003 [EBook #4782] +Posting Date: February 17, 2010 + + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHEN WE DEAD AWAKEN *** + + + + +Produced by Sonia K + + + + + +WHEN WE DEAD AWAKEN + +By Henrik Ibsen. + + +Introduction and translation by William Archer. + + + + +INTRODUCTION. + + +From _Pillars of Society_ to _John Gabriel Borkman_, Ibsen's plays had +followed each other at regular intervals of two years, save when his +indignation over the abuse heaped upon _Ghosts_ reduced to a single +year the interval between that play and _An Enemy of the People_. _John +Gabriel Borkman_ having appeared in 1896, its successor was expected in +1898; but Christmas came and brought no rumour of a new play. In a +man now over seventy, this breach of a long-established habit seemed +ominous. The new National Theatre in Christiania was opened in September +of the following year; and when I then met Ibsen (for the last time) he +told me that he was actually at work on a new play, which he thought of +calling a "Dramatic Epilogue." "He wrote _When We Dead Awaken_," +says Dr. Elias, "with such labour and such passionate agitation, so +spasmodically and so feverishly, that those around him were almost +alarmed. He must get on with it, he must get on! He seemed to hear +the beating of dark pinions over his head. He seemed to feel the grim +Visitant, who had accompanied Alfred Allmers on the mountain paths, +already standing behind him with uplifted hand. His relatives are firmly +convinced that he knew quite clearly that this would be his last play, +that he was to write no more. And soon the blow fell." + +_When We Dead Awaken_ was published very shortly before Christmas 1899. +He had still a year of comparative health before him. We find him in +March 1900, writing to Count Prozor: "I cannot say yet whether or not +I shall write another drama; but if I continue to retain the vigour of +body and mind which I at present enjoy, I do not imagine that I shall be +able to keep permanently away from the old battlefields. However, if I +were to make my appearance again, it would be with new weapons and +in new armour." Was he hinting at the desire, which he had long ago +confessed to Professor Herford, that his last work should be a drama in +verse? Whatever his dream, it was not to be realised. His last letter +(defending his attitude of philosophic impartiality with regard to the +South African war) is dated December 9, 1900. With the dawn of the new +century, the curtain descended upon the mind of the great dramatic poet +of the age which had passed away. + +_When We Dead Awaken_ was acted during 1900 at most of the leading +theatres in Scandinavia and Germany. In some German cities (notably +in Frankfort on Main) it even attained a considerable number of +representatives. I cannot learn, however, that it has anywhere held the +stage. It was produced in London, by the State Society, at the Imperial +Theatre, on January 25 and 26, 1903. Mr. G. S. Titheradge played Rubek, +Miss Henrietta Watson Irene, Miss Mabel Hackney Maia, and Mr. Laurence +Irving Ulfheim. I find no record of any American performance. + +In the above-mentioned letter to Count Prozor, Ibsen confirmed that +critic's conjecture that "the series which ends with the Epilogue really +began with _The Master Builder_." As the last confession, so to speak, +of a great artist, the Epilogue will always be read with interest. It +contains, moreover, many flashes of the old genius, many strokes of the +old incommunicable magic. One may say with perfect sincerity that there +is more fascination in the dregs of Ibsen's mind than in the "first +sprightly running" of more common-place talents. But to his sane +admirers the interest of the play must always be melancholy, because it +is purely pathological. To deny this is, in my opinion, to cast a slur +over all the poet's previous work, and in great measure to justify the +criticisms of his most violent detractors. For _When We Dead Awaken_ is +very like the sort of play that haunted the "anti-Ibsenite" imagination +in the year 1893 or thereabouts. It is a piece of self-caricature, a +series of echoes from all the earlier plays, an exaggeration of manner +to the pitch of mannerism. Moreover, in his treatment of his symbolic +motives, Ibsen did exactly what he had hitherto, with perfect justice, +plumed himself upon never doing: he sacrificed the surface reality +to the underlying meaning. Take, for instance, the history of Rubek's +statue and its development into a group. In actual sculpture this +development is a grotesque impossibility. In conceiving it we are +deserting the domain of reality, and plunging into some fourth dimension +where the properties of matter are other than those we know. This is an +abandonment of the fundamental principle which Ibsen over and over again +emphatically expressed--namely, that any symbolism his work might be +found to contain was entirely incidental, and subordinate to the truth +and consistency of his picture of life. Even when he dallied with the +supernatural, as in _The Master Builder_ and _Little Eyolf_, he was +always careful, as I have tried to show, not to overstep decisively +the boundaries of the natural. Here, on the other hand, without any +suggestion of the supernatural, we are confronted with the wholly +impossible, the inconceivable. How remote is this alike from his +principles of art and from the consistent, unvarying practice of his +better years! So great is the chasm between _John Gabriel Borkman_ and +_When We Dead Awaken_ that one could almost suppose his mental breakdown +to have preceded instead of followed the writing of the latter play. +Certainly it is one of the premonitions of the coming end. It is Ibsen's +_Count Robert of Paris_. To pretend to rank it with his masterpieces is +to show a very imperfect sense of the nature of their mastery. + + + + + +WHEN WE DEAD AWAKEN. + +A DRAMATIC EPILOGUE. + + +CHARACTERS. + + + PROFESSOR ARNOLD RUBEK, a sculptor. + MRS. MAIA RUBEK, his wife. + THE INSPECTOR at the Baths. + ULFHEIM, a landed proprietor. + A STRANGER LADY. + A SISTER OF MERCY. + + Servants, Visitors to the Baths, and Children. + + +The First Act passes at a bathing establishment on the coast; the Second +and Third Acts in the neighbourhood of a health resort, high in the +mountains. + + + + +ACT FIRST. + + + [Outside the Bath Hotel. A portion of the main building can be seen + to the right. + + An open, park-like place with a fountain, groups + of fine old trees, and shrubbery. To the left, a little pavilion + almost covered with ivy and Virginia creeper. A table and chair + outside it. At the back a view over the fjord, right out to sea, + with headlands and small islands in the distance. It is a calm, + warm and sunny summer morning. + + [PROFESSOR RUBEK and MRS. MAIA RUBEK are sitting in basket chairs + beside a covered table on the lawn outside the hotel, having just + breakfasted. They have champagne and seltzer water on the table, + and each has a newspaper. PROFESSOR RUBEK is an elderly man of + distinguished appearance, wearing a black velvet jacket, and + otherwise in light summer attire. MAIA is quite young, with + a vivacious expression and lively, mocking eyes, yet with a + suggestion of fatigue. She wears an elegant travelling dress. + + +MAIA. + +[Sits for some time as though waiting for the PROFESSOR to say +something, then lets her paper drop with a deep sigh.] Oh dear, dear, +dear--! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Looks up from his paper.] Well, Maia? What is the matter with you? + + +MAIA. + +Just listen how silent it is here. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Smiles indulgently.] And you can hear that? + + +MAIA. + +What? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +The silence? + + +MAIA. + +Yes, indeed I can. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Well, perhaps you are right, _mein Kind_. One can really hear the +silence. + + +MAIA. + +Heaven knows you can--when it's so absolutely overpowering as it is +here-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Here at the Baths, you mean? + + +MAIA. + +Wherever you go at home here, it seems to me. Of course there was noise +and bustle enough in the town. But I don't know how it is--even the +noise and bustle seemed to have something dead about it. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[With a searching glance.] You don't seem particularly glad to be at +home again, Maia? + + +MAIA. + +[Looks at him.] Are you glad? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Evasively.] I--? + + +MAIA. + +Yes, you, who have been so much, much further away than I. Are you +entirely happy, now that you are at home again? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +No--to be quite candid--perhaps not entirely happy-- + + +MAIA. + +[With animation.] There, you see! Didn't I know it! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I have been too long abroad. I have drifted quite away from all +this--this home life. + + +MAIA. + +[Eagerly, drawing her chair nearer him.] There, you see, Rubek! We had +much better get away again! As quickly as ever we can. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Somewhat impatiently.] Well, well, that is what we intend to do, my +dear Maia. You know that. + + +MAIA. + +But why not now--at once? Only think how cozy and comfortable we could +be down there, in our lovely new house-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Smiles indulgently.] We ought by rights to say: our lovely new home. + + +MAIA. + +[Shortly.] I prefer to say house--let us keep to that. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[His eyes dwelling on her.] You are really a strange little person. + + +MAIA. + +Am I so strange? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Yes, I think so. + + +MAIA. + +But why, pray? Perhaps because I'm not desperately in love with mooning +about up here--? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Which of us was it that was absolutely bent on our coming north this +summer? + + +MAIA. + +I admit, it was I. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +It was certainly not I, at any rate. + + +MAIA. + +But good heavens, who could have dreamt that everything would have +altered so terribly at home here? And in so short a time, too! Why, it +is only just four years since I went away-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Since you were married, yes. + + +MAIA. + +Married? What has that to do with the matter? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Continuing.] --since you became the Frau Professor, and found yourself +mistress of a charming home--I beg your pardon--a very handsome house, I +ought to say. And a villa on the Lake of Taunitz, just at the point that +has become most fashionable, too--. In fact it is all very handsome and +distinguished, Maia, there's no denying that. And spacious too. We need +not always be getting in each other's way-- + + +MAIA. + +[Lightly.] No, no, no--there's certainly no lack of house-room, and that +sort of thing-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Remember, too, that you have been living in altogether more spacious +and distinguished surroundings--in more polished society than you were +accustomed to at home. + + +MAIA. + +[Looking at him.] Ah, so you think it is _I_ that have changed? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Indeed I do, Maia. + + +MAIA. + +I alone? Not the people here? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Oh yes, they too--a little, perhaps. And not at all in the direction of +amiability. That I readily admit. + + +MAIA. + +I should think you must admit it, indeed. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Changing the subject.] Do you know how it affects me when I look at the +life of the people around us here? + + +MAIA. + +No. Tell me. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +It makes me think of that night we spent in the train, when we were +coming up here-- + + +MAIA. + +Why, you were sound asleep all the time. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Not quite. I noticed how silent it became at all the little roadside +stations. I heard the silence--like you, Maia-- + + +MAIA. + +H'm,--like me, yes. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. --and that assured me that we had crossed the +frontier--that we were really at home. For the train stopped at all the +little stations--although there was nothing doing at all. + + +MAIA. + +Then why did it stop--though there was nothing to be done? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Can't say. No one got out or in; but all the same the train stopped a +long, endless time. And at every station I could make out that there +were two railway men walking up and down the platform--one with a +lantern in his hand--and they said things to each other in the night, +low, and toneless, and meaningless. + + +MAIA. + +Yes, that is quite true. There are always two men walking up and down, +and talking-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. --of nothing. [Changing to a livelier tone.] But just +wait till to-morrow. Then we shall have the great luxurious steamer +lying in the harbour. We'll go on board her, and sail all round the +coast--northward ho!--right to the polar sea. + + +MAIA. + +Yes, but then you will see nothing of the country--and of the people. +And that was what you particularly wanted. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Shortly and snappishly.] I have seen more than enough. + + +MAIA. + +Do you think a sea voyage will be better for you? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +It is always a change. + + +MAIA. + +Well, well, if only it is the right thing for you-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +For me? The right thing? There is nothing in the world the matter with +me. + + +MAIA. + +[Rises and goes to him.] Yes, there is, Rubek. I am sure you must feel +it yourself. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Why my dearest Maia--what should be amiss with me? + + +MAIA. + +[Behind him, bending over the back of his chair.] That you must tell me. +You have begun to wander about without a moment's peace. You cannot rest +anywhere--neither at home nor abroad. You have become quite misanthropic +of late. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[With a touch of sarcasm.] Dear me--have you noticed that? + + +MAIA. + +No one that knows you can help noticing it. And then it seems to me so +sad that you have lost all pleasure in your work. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +That too, eh? + + +MAIA. + +You that used to be so indefatigable--working from morning to night! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Gloomily.] Used to be, yes-- + + +MAIA. + +But ever since you got your great masterpiece out of hand-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Nods thoughtfully.] "The Resurrection Day"-- + + +MAIA. --the masterpiece that has gone round the whole world, and made +you so famous-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Perhaps that is just the misfortune, Maia. + + +MAIA. + +How so? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +When I had finished this masterpiece of mine--[Makes a passionate +movement with his hand]--for "The Resurrection Day" is a masterpiece! Or +was one in the beginning. No, it is one still. It must, must, must be a +masterpiece! + + +MAIA. + +[Looks at him in astonishment.] Why, Rubek--all the world knows that. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Short, repellently.] All the world knows nothing! Understands nothing! + + +MAIA. + +Well, at any rate it can divine something-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Something that isn't there at all, yes. Something that never was in my +mind. Ah yes, that they can all go into ecstasies over! [Growling to +himself.] What is the good of working oneself to death for the mob and +the masses--for "all the world"! + + +MAIA. + +Do you think it is better, then--do you think it is worthy of you, to do +nothing at all but portrait-bust now and then? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[With a sly smile.] They are not exactly portrait-busts that I turn out, +Maia. + + +MAIA. + +Yes, indeed they are--for the last two or three years--ever since you +finished your great group and got it out of the house-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +All the same, they are no mere portrait-busts, I assure you. + + +MAIA. + +What are they, then? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +There is something equivocal, something cryptic, lurking in and behind +these busts--a secret something, that the people themselves cannot see-- + + +MAIA. + +Indeed? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Decisively.] I alone can see it. And it amuses me unspeakably.--On the +surface I give them the "striking likeness," as they call it, that they +all stand and gape at in astonishment--[Lowers his voice]--but at bottom +they are all respectable, pompous horse-faces, and self-opinionated +donkey-muzzles, and lop-eared, low-browed dog-skulls, and fatted +swine-snouts--and sometimes dull, brutal bull-fronts as well-- + + +MAIA. + +[Indifferently.] All the dear domestic animals, in fact. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Simply the dear domestic animals, Maia. All the animals which men have +bedevilled in their own image--and which have bedevilled men in return. +[Empties his champagne-glass and laughs.] And it is these double-faced +works of art that our excellent plutocrats come and order of me. And +pay for in all good faith--and in good round figures too--almost their +weight in gold, as the saying goes. + + +MAIA. + +[Fills his glass.] Come, Rubek! Drink and be happy. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Passes his hand several times across his forehead and leans back in his +chair.] I am happy, Maia. Really happy--in a way. [Short silence.] +For after all there is a certain happiness in feeling oneself free and +independent on every hand--in having at ones command everything one can +possibly wish for--all outward things, that is to say. Do you not agree +with me, Maia? + + +MAIA. + +Oh yes, I agree. All that is well enough in its way. [Looking at +him.] But do you remember what you promised me the day we came to an +understanding on--on that troublesome point-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Nods.] --on the subject of our marriage, yes. It was no easy matter for +you, Maia. + + +MAIA. + +[Continuing unruffled.] --and agreed that I was to go abroad with you, +and live there for good and all--and enjoy myself.--Do you remember what +you promised me that day? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Shaking his head.] No, I can't say that I do. Well, what did I promise? + + +MAIA. + +You said you would take me up to a high mountain and show me all the +glory of the world. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[With a slight start.] Did I promise you that, too? + + +MAIA. + +Me too? Who else, pray? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Indifferently.] No, no, I only meant did I promise to show you--? + + +MAIA. --all the glory of the world? Yes, you did. And all that glory +should be mine, you said. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +That is sort of figure of speech that I was in the habit of using once +upon a time. + + +MAIA. + +Only a figure of speech? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Yes, a schoolboy phrase--the sort of thing I used to say when I wanted +to lure the neighbours' children out to play with me, in the woods and +on the mountains. + + +MAIA. + +[Looking hard at him.] Perhaps you only wanted to lure me out to play, +as well? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Passing it off as a jest.] Well, has it not been a tolerable amusing +game, Maia? + + +MAIA. + +[Coldly.] I did not go with you only to play. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +No, no, I daresay not. + + +MAIA. + +And you never took me up with you to any high mountain, or showed me-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[With irritation.] --all the glory of the world? No, I did not. For, let +me tell you something: you are not really born to be a mountain-climber, +little Maia. + + +MAIA. + +[Trying to control herself.] Yet at one time you seemed to think I was. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Four or five years ago, yes. [Stretching himself in his chair.] Four or +five years--it's a long, long time, Maia. + + +MAIA. + +[Looking at him with a bitter expression.] Has the time seemed so very +long to you, Rubek? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I am beginning now to find it a trifle long. [Yawning.] Now and then, +you know. + + +MAIA. + +[Returning to her place.] I shall not bore you any longer. + + [She resumes her seat, takes up the newspaper, and begins turning + over the leaves. Silence on both sides. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Leaning on his elbows across the table, and looking at her teasingly.] +Is the Frau Professor offended? + + +MAIA. + +[Coldly, without looking up.] No, not at all. + + [Visitors to the baths, most of them ladies, begin to pass, + singly and in groups, through the park from the right, and + out to the left. + + [Waiters bring refreshments from the hotel, and go off behind + the pavilion. + + [The INSPECTOR, wearing gloves and carrying a stick, comes from + his rounds in the park, meets visitors, bows politely, and + exchanges a few words with some of them. + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +[Advancing to PROFESSOR RUBEK's table and politely taking off his hat.] +I have the honour to wish you good morning, Mrs. Rubek.--Good morning, +Professor Rubek. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Good morning, good morning Inspector. + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +[Addressing himself to MRS. RUBEK.] May I venture to ask if you have +slept well? + + +MAIA. + +Yes, thank you; excellently--for my part. I always sleep like a stone. + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +I am delighted to hear it. The first night in a strange place is often +rather trying.--And the Professor--? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Oh, my night's rest is never much to boast of--especially of late. + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +[With a show of sympathy.] Oh--that is a pity. But after a few weeks' +stay at the Baths--you will quite get over that. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Looking up at him.] Tell me, Inspector--are any of your patients in the +habit of taking baths during the night? + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +[Astonished.] During the night? No, I have never heard of such a thing. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Have you not? + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +No, I don't know of any one so ill as to require such treatment. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Well, at any rate there is some one who is in the habit of walking about +the park by night? + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +[Smiling and shaking his head.] No, Professor--that would be against the +rules. + + +MAIA. + +[Impatiently.] Good Heavens, Rubek, I told you so this morning--you must +have dreamt it. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Drily.] Indeed? Must I? Thank you! [Turning to the INSPECTOR.] The fact +is, I got up last night--I couldn't sleep--and I wanted to see what sort +of night it was-- + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +[Attentively.] To be sure--and then--? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I looked out at the window--and caught sight of a white figure in there +among the trees. + + +MAIA. + +[Smiling to the INSPECTOR.] And the Professor declares that the figure +was dressed in a bathing costume-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. --or something like it, I said. Couldn't distinguish +very clearly. But I am sure it was something white. + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +Most remarkable. Was it a gentleman or a lady? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I could almost have sworn it was a lady. But then after it came another +figure. And that one was quite dark--like a shadow--. + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +[Starting.] A dark one? Quite black, perhaps? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Yes, I should almost have said so. + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +[A light breaking in upon him.] And behind the white figure? Following +close upon her--? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Yes--at a little distance-- + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +Aha! Then I think I can explain the mystery, Professor. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Well, what was it then? + + +MAIA. + +[Simultaneously.] Was the professor really not dreaming? + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +[Suddenly whispering, as he directs their attention towards the +background on the right.] Hush, if you please! Look there--don't speak +loud for a moment. + + [A slender lady, dressed in fine, cream-white cashmere, and + followed by a SISTER OF MERCY in black, with a silver cross + hanging by a chain on her breast, comes forward from behind + the hotel and crosses the park towards the pavilion in front + on the left. Her face is pale, and its lines seem to have + stiffened; the eyelids are drooped and the eyes appear as + though they saw nothing. Her dress comes down to her feet + and clings to the body in perpendicular folds. Over her head, + neck, breast, shoulders and arms she wears a large shawl of + white crape. She keeps her arms crossed upon her breast. + She carries her body immovably, and her steps are stiff and + measured. The SISTER's bearing is also measured, and she has + the air of a servant. She keeps her brown piercing eyes + incessantly fixed upon the lady. WAITERS, with napkins on + their arms, come forward in the hotel doorway, and cast + curious glances at the strangers, who take no notice of + anything, and, without looking round, enter the pavilion. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Has risen slowly and involuntarily, and stands staring at the closed +door of the pavilion.] Who was that lady? + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +She is a stranger who has rented the little pavilion there. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +A foreigner? + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +Presumably. At any rate they both came from abroad--about a week ago. +They have never been here before. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Decidedly; looking at him.] It was she I saw in the park last night. + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +No doubt it must have been. I thought so from the first. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +What is this lady's name, Inspector? + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +She has registered herself as "Madame de Satow, with companion." We know +nothing more. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Reflecting.] Satow? Satow--? + + +MAIA. [Laughing mockingly.] Do you know any one of that name, Rubek? Eh? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Shaking his head.] No, no one.--Satow? It sounds Russian--or in all +events Slavonic. [To the INSPECTOR.] What language does she speak? + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +When the two ladies talk to each other, it is in a language I cannot +make out at all. But at other times she speaks Norwegian like a native. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Exclaims with a start.] Norwegian? You are sure you are not mistaken? + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +No, how could I be mistaken in that? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Looks at him with eager interest.] You have heard her yourself? + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +Yes. I myself have spoken to her--several times.--Only a few words, +however; she is far from communicative. But-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +But Norwegian it was? + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +Thoroughly good Norwegian--perhaps with a little north-country accent. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Gazing straight before him in amazement, whispers.] That too? + + +MAIA. + +[A little hurt and jarred.] Perhaps this lady has been one of your +models, Rubek? Search your memory. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Looks cuttingly at her.] My models? + + +MAIA. + +[With a provoking smile.] In your younger days, I mean. You are said to +have had innumerable models--long ago, of course. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[In the same tone.] Oh no, little Frau Maia. I have in reality had only +one single model. One and only one--for everything I have done. + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +[Who has turned away and stands looking out to the left.] If you'll +excuse me, I think I will take my leave. I see some one coming whom it +is not particularly agreeable to meet. Especially in the presence of +ladies. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Looking in the same direction.] That sportsman there? Who is it? + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +It is a certain Mr. Ulfheim, from-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Oh, Mr. Ulfheim-- + + +THE INSPECTOR. --the bear-killer, as they call him-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I know him. + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +Who does not know him? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Very slightly, however. Is he on your list of patients--at last? + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +No, strangely enough--not as yet. He comes here only once a year--on his +way up to his hunting-grounds.--Excuse me for the moment-- + + [Makes a movement to go into the hotel. + + +ULFHEIM's VOICE. + +[Heard outside.] Stop a moment, man! Devil take it all, can't you stop? +Why do you always scuttle away from me? + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +[Stops.] I am not scuttling at all, Mr. Ulfheim. + + [ULFHEIM enters from the left followed by a servant with a + couple of sporting dogs in leash. ULFHEIM is in shooting + costume, with high boots and a felt hat with a feather in + it. He is a long, lank, sinewy personage, with matted hair + and beard, and a loud voice. His appearance gives no precise + clue to his age, but he is no longer young.] + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Pounces upon the INSPECTOR.] Is this a way to receive strangers, hey? +You scamper away with your tail between your legs--as if you had the +devil at your heels. + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +[Calmly, without answering him.] Has Mr. Ulfheim arrived by the steamer? + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Growls.] Haven't had the honour of seeing any steamer. [With his arms +akimbo.] Don't you know that I sail my own cutter? [To the SERVANT.] +Look well after your fellow-creatures, Lars. But take care you keep them +ravenous, all the same. Fresh meat-bones--but not too much meat on them, +do you hear? And be sure it's reeking raw, and bloody. And get something +in your own belly while you're about it. [Aiming a kick at him.] Now +then, go to hell with you! + + [The SERVANT goes out with the dogs, behind the corner of the + hotel.] + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +Would not Mr. Ulfheim like to go into the dining-room in the meantime? + + +ULFHEIM. + +In among all the half-dead flies and people? No, thank you a thousand +times, Mr. Inspector. + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +Well, well, as you please. + + +ULFHEIM. + +But get the housekeeper to prepare a hamper for me as usual. There must +be plenty of provender in it--and lots of brandy--! You can tell her +that I or Lars will come and play Old Harry with her if she doesn't-- + + +THE INSPECTOR. + +[Interrupting.] We know your ways of old. [Turning.] Can I give the +waiter any orders, Professor? Can I send Mrs. Rubek anything? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +No thank you; nothing for me. + + +MAIA. + +Nor for me. + + [The INSPECTOR goes into the hotel. + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Stares at them for a moment; then lifts his hat.] Why, blast me if here +isn't a country tyke that has strayed into regular tip-top society. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Looking up.] What do you mean by that, Mr. Ulfheim? + + +ULFHEIM. + + +[More quietly and politely.] I believe I have the honour of addressing +no less a person than the great Sculptor Rubek. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Nods.] I remember meeting you once or twice--the autumn when I was last +at home. + + +ULFHEIM. + +That's many years ago, now. And then you weren't so illustrious as I +hear you've since become. At that time even a dirty bear-hunter might +venture to come near you. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Smiling.] I don't bite even now. + + +MAIA. + +[Looks with interest at ULFHEIM.] Are you really and truly a +bear-hunter? + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Seating himself at the next table, nearer the hotel.] A bear-hunter +when I have the chance, madam. But I make the best of any sort of game +that comes in my way--eagles, and wolves, and women, and elks, and +reindeer--if only it's fresh and juicy and has plenty of blood in it. + + [Drinks from his pocket-flask. + + +MAIA. + +[Regarding him fixedly.] But you like bear-hunting best? + + +ULFHEIM. + +I like it best, yes. For then one can have the knife handy at a pinch. +[With a slight smile.] We both work in a hard material, madam--both your +husband and I. He struggles with his marble blocks, I daresay; and I +struggle with tense and quivering bear-sinews. And we both of us win +the fight in the end--subdue and master our material. We never rest till +we've got the upper hand of it, though it fight never so hard. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Deep in thought.] There's a great deal of truth in what you say. + + +ULFHEIM. + +Yes, for I take it the stone has something to fight for too. It is dead, +and determined by no manner of means to let itself be hammered into +life. Just like the bear when you come and prod him up in his lair. + + +MAIA. + +Are you going up into the forests now to hunt? + + +ULFHEIM. + +I am going right up into the high mountain.--I suppose you have never +been in the high mountain, madam? + + +MAIA. + +No, never. + + +ULFHEIM. + +Confound it all then, you must be sure and come up there this very +summer! I'll take you with me--both you and the Professor, with +pleasure. + + +MAIA. + +Thanks. But Rubek is thinking of taking a sea trip this summer. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Round the coast--through the island channels. + + +ULFHEIM. + +Ugh--what the devil would you do in those damnable sickly +gutters--floundering about in the brackish ditchwater? Dishwater I +should rather call it. + + +MAIA. + +There, you hear, Rubek! + + +ULFHEIM. + +No, much better come up with me to the mountain--away, clean away, from +the trail and taint of men. You cant' think what that means for me. But +such a little lady-- + + [He stops. + + [The SISTER OF MERCY comes out of the pavilion and goes into + the hotel. + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Following her with his eyes.] Just look at her, do! That night-crow +there!--Who is it that's to be buried? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I have not heard of any one-- + + +ULFHEIM. + +Well, there's some one on the point of giving up the ghost, then--in on +corner or another.--People that are sickly and rickety should have the +goodness to see about getting themselves buried--the sooner the better. + + +MAIA. + +Have you ever been ill yourself, Mr. Ulfheim. + + +ULFHEIM. + +Never. If I had, I shouldn't be here.--But my nearest friends--they have +been ill, poor things. + + +MAIA. + +And what did you do for your nearest friends? + + +ULFHEIM. + +Shot them, of course. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Looking at him.] Shot them? + + +MAIA. + +[Moving her chair back.] Shot them dead? + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Nods.] I never miss, madam. + + +MAIA. + +But how can you possibly shoot people! + + +ULFHEIM. + +I am not speaking of people-- + + +MAIA. + +You said your nearest friends-- + + +ULFHEIM. + +Well, who should they be but my dogs? + + +MAIA. + +Are your dogs your nearest friends? + + +ULFHEIM. + +I have none nearer. My honest, trusty, absolutely loyal comrades--. When +one of them turns sick and miserable--bang!--and there's my friend sent +packing--to the other world. + + [The SISTER OF MERCY comes out of the hotel with a tray on which + is bread and milk. She places it on the table outside the + pavilion, which she enters. + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Laughs scornfully.] That stuff there--is that what you call food for +human beings! Milk and water and soft, clammy bread. Ah, you should see +my comrades feeding. Should you like to see it? + + +MAIA. + +[Smiling across to the PROFESSOR and rising.] Yes, very much. + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Also rising.] Spoken like a woman of spirit, madam! Come with me, then! +They swallow whole great thumping meat-bones--gulp them up and then gulp +them down again. Oh, it's a regular treat to see them. Come along and +I'll show you--and while we're about it, we can talk over this trip to +the mountains-- + + [He goes out by the corner of the hotel, MAIA following him. + + [Almost at the same moment the STRANGE LADY comes out of the + pavilion and seats herself at the table. + + [The LADY raises her glass of milk and is about to drink, but + stops and looks across at RUBEK with vacant, expressionless + eyes. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Remains sitting at his table and gazes fixedly and earnestly at her. +At last he rises, goes some steps towards her, stops, and says in a low +voice.] I know you quite well, Irene. + + +THE LADY. + +[In a toneless voice, setting down her glass.] You can guess who I am, +Arnold? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Without answering.] And you recognise me, too, I see. + + +THE LADY. + +With you it is quite another matter. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +With me?--How so? + + +THE LADY. + +Oh, you are still alive. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Not understanding.] Alive--? + + +THE LADY. + +[After a short pause.] Who was the other? The woman you had with +you--there at the table? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[A little reluctantly.] She? That was my--my wife. + + +THE LADY. + +[Nods slowly.] Indeed. That is well, Arnold. Some one, then, who does +not concern me-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Nods.] No, of course not-- + + +THE LADY. --one whom you have taken to you after my lifetime. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Suddenly looking hard at her.] After your--? What do you mean by that, +Irene? + + +IRENE. + +[Without answering.] And the child? I hear the child is prospering too. +Our child survives me--and has come to honour and glory. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Smiles as at a far-off recollection.] Our child? Yes, we called it +so--then. + + +IRENE. + +In my lifetime, yes. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Trying to take a lighter tone.] Yes, Irene.--I can assure you "our +child" has become famous all the wide world over. I suppose you have +read about it. + + +IRENE. + +[Nods.] And has made its father famous too.--That was your dream. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[More softly, with emotion.] It is to you I owe everything, everything, +Irene--and I thank you. + + +IRENE. + +[Lost in thought for a moment.] If I had then done what I had a right to +do, Arnold-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Well? What then? + + +IRENE. + +I should have killed that child. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Killed it, you say? + + +IRENE. + +[Whispering.] Killed it--before I went away from you. Crushed +it--crushed it to dust. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Shakes his head reproachfully.] You would never have been able to, +Irene. You had not the heart to do it. + + +IRENE. + +No, in those days I had not that sort of heart. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +But since then? Afterwards? + + +IRENE. + +Since then I have killed it innumerable times. By daylight and in the +dark. Killed it in hatred--and in revenge--and in anguish. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Goes close up to the table and asks softly.] Irene--tell me now +at last--after all these years--why did you go away from me? You +disappeared so utterly--left not a trace behind-- + + +IRENE. + +[Shaking her head slowly.] Oh Arnold--why should I tell you that +now--from the world beyond the grave. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Was there some one else whom you had come to love? + + +IRENE. + +There was one who had no longer any use for my love--any use for my +life. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Changing the subject.] H'm--don't let us talk any more of the past-- + + +IRENE. + +No, no--by all means let us not talk of what is beyond the grave--what +is now beyond the grave for me. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Where have you been, Irene? All my inquiries were fruitless--you seemed +to have vanished away. + + +IRENE. + +I went into the darkness--when the child stood transfigured in the +light. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Have you travelled much about the world? + + +IRENE. + +Yes. Travelled in many lands. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Looks compassionately at her.] And what have you found to do, Irene? + + +IRENE. + +[Turning her eyes upon him.] Wait a moment; let me see--. Yes, now I +have it. I have posed on the turntable in variety-shows. Posed as a +naked statue in living pictures. Raked in heaps of money. That was more +than I could do with you; for you had none.--And then I turned the +heads of all sorts of men. That too, was more than I could do with you, +Arnold. You kept yourself better in hand. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Hastening to pass the subject by.] And then you have married, too? + + +IRENE. + +Yes; I married one of them. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Who is your husband? + + +IRENE. + +He was a South American. A distinguished diplomatist. [Looks straight +in front of her with a stony smile.] Him I managed to drive quite out of +his mind; mad--incurably mad; inexorably mad.--It was great sport, I can +tell you--while it was in the doing. I could have laughed within me all +the time--if I had anything within me. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +And where is he now? + + +IRENE. + +Oh, in a churchyard somewhere or other. With a fine handsome monument +over him. And with a bullet rattling in his skull. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Did he kill himself? + + +IRENE. + +Yes, he was good enough to take that off my hands. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Do you not lament his loss, Irene? + + +IRENE. + +[Not understanding.] Lament? What loss? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Why, the loss of Herr von Satow, of course. + + +IRENE. + +His name was not Satow. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Was it not? + + +IRENE. + +My second husband is called Satow. He is a Russian-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +And where is he? + + +IRENE. + +Far away in the Ural Mountains. Among all his gold-mines. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +So he lives there? + + +IRENE. + +[Shrugs her shoulders.] Lives? Lives? In reality I have killed him-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Start.] Killed--! + + +IRENE. + +Killed him with a fine sharp dagger which I always have with me in bed-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Vehemently.] I don't believe you, Irene! + + +IRENE. + +[With a gentle smile.] Indeed you may believe it, Arnold. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Looks compassionately at her.] Have you never had a child? + + +IRENE. + +Yes, I have had many children. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +And where are your children now? + + +IRENE. + +I killed them. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Severely.] Now you are telling me lies again! + + +IRENE. + +I have killed them, I tell you--murdered them pitilessly. As soon as +ever they came into the world. Oh, long, long before. One after the +other. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Sadly and earnestly.] There is something hidden behind everything you +say. + + +IRENE. + +How can I help that? Every word I say is whispered into my ear. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I believe I am the only one that can divine your meaning. + + +IRENE. + +Surely you ought to be the only one. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Rests his hands on the table and looks intently at her.] Some of the +strings of your nature have broken. + + +IRENE. + +[Gently.] Does not that always happen when a young warm-blooded woman +dies? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Oh Irene, have done with these wild imaginings--! You are living! +Living--living! + + +IRENE. + +[Rises slowly from her chair and says, quivering.] I was dead for many +years. They came and bound me--laced my arms together behind my back--. +Then they lowered me into a grave-vault, with iron bars before the +loop-hole. And with padded walls--so that no one on the earth above +could hear the grave-shrieks--. But now I am beginning, in a way, to +rise from the dead. + + [She seats herself again.] + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[After a pause.] In all this, do you hold me guilty? + + +IRENE. + +Yes. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Guilty of that--your death, as you call it. + + +IRENE. + +Guilty of the fact that I had to die. [Changing her tone to one of +indifference.] Why don't you sit down, Arnold? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +May I? + + +IRENE. + +Yes.--You need not be afraid of being frozen. I don't think I am quite +turned to ice yet. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Moves a chair and seats himself at her table.] There, Irene. Now we two +are sitting together as in the old days. + + +IRENE. + +A little way apart from each other--also as in the old days. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Moving nearer.] It had to be so, then. + + +IRENE. + +Had it? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Decisively.] There had to be a distance between us-- + + +IRENE. + +Was it absolutely necessary, Arnold? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Continuing.] Do you remember what you answered when I asked if you +would go with me out into the wide world? + + +IRENE. + +I held up three fingers in the air and swore that I would go with you +to the world's end and to the end of life. And that I would serve you in +all things-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +As the model for my art-- + + +IRENE. --in frank, utter nakedness-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[With emotion.] And you did serve me, Irene--so bravely--so gladly and +ungrudgingly. + + +IRENE. + +Yes, with all the pulsing blood of my youth, I served you! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Nodding, with a look of gratitude.] That you have every right to say. + + +IRENE. + +I fell down at your feet and served you, Arnold! [Holding her clenched +hand towards him.] But you, you,--you--! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Defensively.] I never did you any wrong! Never, Irene! + + +IRENE. + +Yes, you did! You did wrong to my innermost, inborn nature-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Starting back.] I--! + + +IRENE. + +Yes, you! I exposed myself wholly and unreservedly to your gaze--[More +softly.] And never once did you touch me. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Irene, did you not understand that many a time I was almost beside +myself under the spell of all your loveliness? + + +IRENE. + +[Continuing undisturbed.] And yet--if you had touched me, I think I +should have killed you on the spot. For I had a sharp needle always upon +me--hidden in my hair-- [Strokes her forehead meditatively.] But after +all--after all--that you could-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Looks impressively at her.] I was an artist, Irene. + + +IRENE. + +[Darkly.] That is just it. That is just it. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +An artist first of all. And I was sick with the desire to achieve the +great work of my life. [Losing himself in recollection.] It was to be +called "The Resurrection Day"--figured in the likeness of a young woman, +awakening from the sleep of death-- + + +IRENE. + +Our child, yes-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Continuing.] It was to be the awakening of the noblest, purest, most +ideal woman the world ever saw. Then I found you. You were what I +required in every respect. And you consented so willingly--so gladly. +You renounced home and kindred--and went with me. + + +IRENE. + +To go with you meant for me the resurrection of my childhood. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +That was just why I found in you all that I required--in you and in no +one else. I came to look on you as a thing hallowed, not to be touched +save in adoring thoughts. In those days I was still young, Irene. And +the superstition took hold of me that if I touched you, if I desired you +with my senses, my soul would be profaned, so that I should be unable +to accomplish what I was striving for.--And I still think there was some +truth in that. + + +IRENE. + +[Nods with a touch of scorn.] The work of art first--then the human +being. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +You must judge me as you will; but at that time I was utterly dominated +by my great task--and exultantly happy in it. + + +IRENE. + +And you achieved your great task, Arnold. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Thanks and praise be to you, I achieved my great task. I wanted to +embody the pure woman as I saw her awakening on the Resurrection Day. +Not marvelling at anything new and unknown and undivined; but filled +with a sacred joy at finding herself unchanged--she, the woman of +earth--in the higher, freer, happier region--after the long, dreamless +sleep of death. [More softly.] Thus did I fashion her.--I fashioned her +in your image, Irene. + + +IRENE. + +[Laying her hands flat upon the table and leaning against the back of +her chair.] And then you were done with me-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Reproachfully.] Irene! + + +IRENE. + +You had no longer any use for me-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +How can you say that! + + +IRENE. --and began to look about you for other ideals-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I found none, none after you. + + +IRENE. + +And no other models, Arnold? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +You were no model to me. You were the fountainhead of my achievement. + + +IRENE. + +[Is silent for a short time.] What poems have you made since? In marble +I mean. Since the day I left you. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I have made no poems since that day--only frittered away my life in +modelling. + + +IRENE. + +And that woman, whom you are now living with--? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Interrupting vehemently.] Do not speak of her now! It makes me tingle +with shame. + + +IRENE. + +Where are you thinking of going with her? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Slack and weary.] Oh, on a tedious coasting-voyage to the North, I +suppose. + + +IRENE. + +[Looks at him, smiles almost imperceptibly, and whispers.] You should +rather go high up into the mountains. As high as ever you can. Higher, +higher,--always higher, Arnold. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[With eager expectation.] Are you going up there? + + +IRENE. + +Have you the courage to meet me once again? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Struggling with himself, uncertainly.] If we could--oh, if only we +could--! + + +IRENE. + +Why can we not do what we will? [Looks at him and whispers beseechingly +with folded hands.] Come, come, Arnold! Oh, come up to me--! + + [MAIA enters, glowing with pleasure, from behind the hotel, + and goes quickly up to the table where they were previously + sitting.] + + +MAIA. + +[Still at the corner of the hotel, without looking around.] Oh, you +may say what you please, Rubek, but--[Stops, as she catches sight of +IRENE]--Oh, I beg your pardon--I see you have made an acquaintance. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Curtly.] Renewed an acquaintance. [Rises.] What was it you wanted with +me? + + +MAIA. + +I only wanted to say this: you may do whatever you please, but _I_ am +not going with you on that disgusting steamboat. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Why not? + + +MAIA. + +Because I want to go up on the mountains and into the forests--that's +what I want. [Coaxingly.] Oh, you must let me do it, Rubek.--I shall be +so good, so good afterwards! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Who is it that has put these ideas into your head? + + +MAIA. + +Why he--that horrid bear-killer. Oh you cannot conceive all the +marvelous things he has to tell about the mountains. And about life up +there! They're ugly, horrid, repulsive, most of the yarns he spins--for +I almost believe he's lying--but wonderfully alluring all the same. Oh, +won't you let me go with him? Only to see if what he says is true, you +understand. May I, Rubek? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Yes, I have not the slightest objection. Off you go to the mountains--as +far and as long as you please. I shall perhaps be going the same way +myself. + + +MAIA. + +[Quickly.] No, no, no, you needn't do that! Not on my account! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I want to go to the mountains. I have made up my mind to go. + + +MAIA. + +Oh thanks, thanks! May I tell the bear-killer at once? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Tell the bear-killer whatever you please. + + +MAIA. + +Oh thanks, thanks, thanks! [Is about to take his hand; he repels the +movement.] Oh, how dear and good you are to-day, Rubek! + + [She runs into the hotel. + + [At the same time the door of the pavilion is softly and + noiselessly set ajar. The SISTER OF MERCY stands in the + opening, intently on the watch. No one sees her. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Decidedly, turning to IRENE.] Shall we meet up there then? + + +IRENE. + +[Rising slowly.] Yes, we shall certainly meet.--I have sought for you so +long. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +When did you begin to seek for me, Irene? + + +IRENE. + +[With a touch of jesting bitterness.] From the moment I realised that I +had given away to you something rather indispensable, Arnold. Something +one ought never to part with. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Bowing his head.] Yes, that is bitterly true. You gave me three or four +years of your youth. + + +IRENE. + +More, more than that I gave you--spend-thrift as I then was. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Yes, you were prodigal, Irene. You gave me all your naked loveliness-- + + +IRENE. --to gaze upon-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. --and to glorify-- + + +IRENE. + +Yes, for your own glorification.--And the child's. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +And yours too, Irene. + + +IRENE. + +But you have forgotten the most precious gift. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +The most precious--? What gift was that? + + +IRENE. + +I gave you my young, living soul. And that gift left me empty +within--soulless. [Looking at him with a fixed stare.] It was that I +died of, Arnold. + + [The SISTER OF MERCY opens the door wide and makes room for her. + She goes into the pavilion. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Stands and looks after her; then whispers.] Irene! + + + + +ACT SECOND. + + +[Near a mountain resort. The landscape stretches, in the form of + an immense treeless upland, towards a long mountain lake. Beyond + the lake rises a range of peaks with blue-white snow in the clefts. + In the foreground on the left a purling brook falls in severed + streamlets down a steep wall of rock, and thence flows smoothly + over the upland until it disappears to the right. Dwarf trees, + plants, and stones along the course of the brook. In the + foreground on the right a hillock, with a stone bench on the + top of it. It is a summer afternoon, towards sunset. + +[At some distance over the upland, on the other side of the brook, + a troop of children is singing, dancing, and playing. Some are + dressed in peasant costume, others in town-made clothes. Their + happy laughter is heard, softened by distance, during the + following. + +[PROFESSOR RUBEK is sitting on the bench, with a plaid over his + shoulders, and looking down at the children's play. + +[Presently, MAIA comes forward from among some bushes on the upland + to the left, well back, and scans the prospect with her hand + shading her eyes. She wears a flat tourist cap, a short skirt, + kilted up, reaching only midway between ankle and knee, and high, + stout lace-boots. She has in her hand a long alpenstock. + + +MAIA. + +[At last catches sight of RUBEK and calls.] Hallo! + + [She advances over the upland, jumps over the brook, with the + aid of her alpenstock, and climbs up the hillock. + + +MAIA. + +[Panting.] Oh, how I have been rushing around looking for you, Rubek. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Nods indifferently and asks.] Have you just come from the hotel? + + +MAIA. + +Yes, that was the last place I tried--that fly-trap. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Looking at her for moment.] I noticed that you were not at the +dinner-table. + + +MAIA. + +No, we had our dinner in the open air, we two. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +"We two"? What two? + + +MAIA. + +Why, I and that horrid bear-killer, of course. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Oh, he. + + +MAIA. + +Yes. And first thing to-morrow morning we are going off again. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +After bears? + + +MAIA. + +Yes. Off to kill a brown-boy. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Have you found the tracks of any? + + +MAIA. + +[With superiority.] You don't suppose that bears are to be found in the +naked mountains, do you? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Where, then? + + +MAIA. + +Far beneath. On the lower slopes; in the thickest parts of the forest. +Places your ordinary town-folk could never get through-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +And you two are going down there to-morrow? + + +MAIA. + +[Throwing herself down among the heather.] Yes, so we have arranged.--Or +perhaps we may start this evening.--If you have no objection, that's to +say? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I? Far be it from me to-- + + +MAIA. + +[Quickly.] Of course Lars goes with us--with the dogs. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I feel no curiosity as to the movements of Mr. Lars and his dogs. +[Changing the subject.] Would you not rather sit properly on the seat? + + +MAIA. + +[Drowsily.] No, thank you. I'm lying so delightfully in the soft +heather. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I can see that you are tired. + + +MAIA. + +[Yawning.] I almost think I'm beginning to feel tired. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +You don't notice it till afterwards--when the excitement is over-- + + +MAIA. + +[In a drowsy tone.] Just so. I will lie and close my eyes. + + [A short pause. + +MAIA. + +[With sudden impatience.] Ugh, Rubek--how can you endure to sit there +listening to these children's screams! And to watch all the capers they +are cutting, too! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +There is something harmonious--almost like music--in their movements, +now and then; amid all the clumsiness. And it amuses me to sit and watch +for these isolated moments--when they come. + + +MAIA. + +[With a somewhat scornful laugh.] Yes, you are always, always an artist. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +And I propose to remain one. + + +MAIA. + +[Lying on her side, so that her back is turned to him.] There's not a +bit of the artist about him. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[With attention.] Who is it that's not an artist? + + +MAIA. + +[Again in a sleepy tone.] Why, he--the other one, of course. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +The bear-hunter, you mean? + + +MAIA. + +Yes. There's not a bit of the artist about him--not the least little +bit. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Smiling.] No, I believe there's no doubt about that. + + +MAIA. + +[Vehemently, without moving.] And so ugly as he is! [Plucks up a tuft of +heather and throws it away.] So ugly, so ugly! Isch! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Is that why you are so ready to set off with him--out into the wilds? + + +MAIA. + +[Curtly.] I don't know. [Turning towards him.] You are ugly, too, Rubek. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Have you only just discovered it? + + +MAIA. + +No, I have seen it for long. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Shrugging his shoulders.] One doesn't grow younger. One doesn't grow +younger, Frau Maia. + + +MAIA. + +It's not that sort of ugliness that I mean at all. But there has come to +be such an expression of fatigue, of utter weariness, in your eyes--when +you deign, once in a while, to cast a glance at me. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Have you noticed that? + + +MAIA. + +[Nods.] Little by little this evil look has come into your eyes. It +seems almost as though you were nursing some dark plot against me. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Indeed? [In a friendly but earnest tone.] Come here and sit beside me, +Maia; and let us talk a little. + + +MAIA. + +[Half rising.] Then will you let me sit upon your knee? As I used to in +the early days? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +No, you mustn't--people can see us from the hotel. [Moves a little.] But +you can sit here on the bench--at my side. + + +MAIA. + +No, thank you; in that case I'd rather lie here, where I am. I can hear +you quite well here. [Looks inquiringly at him.] Well, what is it you +want to say to me? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Begins slowly.] What do you think was my real reason for agreeing to +make this tour? + + +MAIA. + +Well--I remember you declared, among other things, that it was going to +do me such a tremendous lot of good. But--but-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +But--? + + +MAIA. + +But now I don't believe the least little bit that that was the reason-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Then what is your theory about it now? + + +MAIA. + +I think now that it was on account of that pale lady. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Madame von Satow--! + + +MAIA. + +Yes, she who is always hanging at our heels. Yesterday evening she made +her appearance up here too. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +But what in all the world--! + + +MAIA. + +Oh, I know you knew her very well indeed--long before you knew me. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +And had forgotten her, too--long before I knew you. + + +MAIA. + +[Sitting upright.] Can you forget so easily, Rubek? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Curtly.] Yes, very easily indeed. [Adds harshly.] When I want to +forget. + + +MAIA. + +Even a woman who has been a model to you? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +When I have no more use for her-- + + +MAIA. + +One who has stood to you undressed? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +That means nothing--nothing for us artists. [With a change of tone.] +And then--may I venture to ask--how was I to guess that she was in this +country? + + +MAIA. + +Oh, you might have seen her name in a Visitor's List--in one of the +newspapers. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +But I had no idea of the name she now goes by. I had never heard of any +Herr von Satow. + + +MAIA. + +[Affecting weariness.] Oh well then, I suppose it must have been for +some other reason that you were so set upon this journey. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Seriously.] Yes, Maia--it was for another reason. A quite different +reason. And that is what we must sooner or later have a clear +explanation about. + + +MAIA. + +[In a fit of suppressed laughter.] Heavens, how solemn you look! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Suspiciously scrutinising her.] Yes, perhaps a little more solemn than +necessary. + + +MAIA. + +How so--? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +And that is a very good thing for us both. + + +MAIA. + +You begin to make me feel curious, Rubek. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Only curious? Not a little bit uneasy. + + +MAIA. + +[Shaking her head.] Not in the least. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Good. Then listen.--You said that day down at the Baths that it seemed +to you I had become very nervous of late-- + + +MAIA. + +Yes, and you really have. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +And what do you think can be the reason of that? + + +MAIA. + +How can I tell--? [Quickly.] Perhaps you have grown weary of this +constant companionship with me. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Constant--? Why not say "everlasting"? + + +MAIA. + +Daily companionship, then. Here have we two solitary people lived down +there for four or five mortal years, and scarcely have an hour away from +each other.--We two all by ourselves. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[With interest.] Well? And then--? + + +MAIA. + +[A little oppressed.] You are not a particularly sociable man, Rubek. +You like to keep to yourself and think your own thoughts. And of course +I can't talk properly to you about your affairs. I know nothing about +art and that sort of thing-- [With an impatient gesture.] And care very +little either, for that matter! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Well, well; and that's why we generally sit by the fireside, and chat +about your affairs. + + +MAIA. + +Oh, good gracious--I have no affairs to chat about. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Well, they are trifles, perhaps; but at any rate the time passes for us +in that way as well as another, Maia. + + +MAIA. + +Yes, you are right. Time passes. It is passing away from you, +Rubek.--And I suppose it is really that that makes you so uneasy-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Nods vehemently.] And so restless! [Writhing in his seat.] No, I shall +soon not be able to endure this pitiful life any longer. + + +MAIA. + +[Rises and stands for a moment looking at him.] If you want to get rid +of me, you have only to say so. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Why will you use such phrases? Get rid of you? + + +MAIA. + +Yes, if you want to have done with me, please say so right out. And I +will go that instant. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[With an almost imperceptible smile.] Do you intend that as a threat, +Maia? + + +MAIA. + +There can be no threat for you in what I said. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Rising.] No, I confess you are right there. [Adds after a pause.] You +and I cannot possibly go on living together like this-- + + +MAIA. + +Well? And then--? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +There is no "then" about it. [With emphasis on his words.] Because we +two cannot go on living together alone--it does not necessarily follow +that we must part. + + +MAIA. + +[Smiles scornfully.] Only draw away from each other a little, you mean? + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Shakes his head.] Even that is not necessary. + + +MAIA. + +Well then? Come out with what you want to do with me. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[With some hesitation.] What I now feel so keenly--and so +painfully--that I require, is to have some one about me who really and +truly stands close to me-- + + +MAIA. + +[Interrupts him anxiously.] Don't I do that, Rubek? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Waving her aside.] Not in that sense. What I need is the companionship +of another person who can, as it were, complete me--supply what is +wanting in me--be one with me in all my striving. + + +MAIA. + +[Slowly.] It's true that things like that are a great deal too hard for +me. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Oh no, they are not at all in your line, Maia. + + +MAIA. + +[With an outburst.] And heaven knows I don't want them to be, either! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I know that very well.--And it was with no idea of finding any such help +in my life-work that I married you. + + +MAIA. + +[Observing him closely.] I can see in your face that you are thinking of +some one else. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Indeed? I have never noticed before that you were a thought-reader. But +you can see that, can you? + + +MAIA. + +Yes, I can. Oh, I know you so well, so well, Rubek. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Then perhaps you can also see who it is I am thinking of? + + +MAIA. + +Yes, indeed I can. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Well? Have the goodness to--? + + +MAIA. + +You are thinking of that--that model you once used for-- [Suddenly +letting slip the train of thought.] Do you know, the people down at the +hotel think she's mad. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Indeed? And pray what do the people down at the hotel think of you and +the bear-killer? + + +MAIA. + +That has nothing to do with the matter. [Continuing the former train of +thought.] But it was this pale lady you were thinking of. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Calmly.] Precisely, of her.--When I had no more use for her--and when, +besides, she went away from me--vanished without a word-- + + +MAIA. + +Then you accepted me as a sort of makeshift, I suppose? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[More unfeelingly.] Something of the sort, to tell the truth, little +Maia. For a year or a year and a half I had lived there lonely and +brooding, and had put the last touch--the very last touch, to my work. +"The Resurrection Day" went out over the world and brought me fame--and +everything else that heart could desire. [With greater warmth.] But I no +longer loved my own work. Men's laurels and incense nauseated me, till I +could have rushed away in despair and hidden myself in the depths of the +woods. [Looking at her.] You, who are a thought-reader--can you guess +what then occurred to me? + + +MAIA. + +[Lightly.] Yes, it occurred to you to make portrait-busts of gentlemen +and ladies. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Nods.] To order, yes. With animals' faces behind the masks. Those I +threw in gratis--into the bargain, you understand. [Smiling.] But that +was not precisely what I had in my mind. + + +MAIA. + +What, then? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Again serious.] It was this, that all the talk about the artist's +vocation and the artist's mission, and so forth, began to strike me as +being very empty, and hollow, and meaningless at bottom. + + +MAIA. + +Then what would you put in its place? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Life, Maia. + + +MAIA. + +Life? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Yes, is not life in sunshine and in beauty a hundred times better worth +while than to hang about to the end of your days in a raw, damp hole, +and wear yourself out in a perpetual struggle with lumps of clay and +blocks of stone? + + +MAIA. + +[With a little sigh.] Yes, I have always thought so, certainly. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +And then I had become rich enough to live in luxury and in indolent, +quivering sunshine. I was able to build myself the villa on the Lake of +Taunitz, and the palazzo in the capital,--and all the rest of it. + + +MAIA. + +[Taking up his tone.] And last but not least, you could afford to +treat yourself to me, too. And you gave me leave to share in all your +treasures. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Jesting, so as to turn the conversation.] Did I not promise to take you +up to a high enough mountain and show you all the glory of the world? + + +MAIA. + +[With a gentle expression.] You have perhaps taken me up with you to a +high enough mountain, Rubek--but you have not shown me all the glory of +the world. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[With a laugh of irritation.] How insatiable you are, Maia.! Absolutely +insatiable! [With a vehement outburst.] But do you know what is the most +hopeless thing of all, Maia? Can you guess that? + + +MAIA. + +[With quiet defiance.] Yes, I suppose it is that you have gone and tied +yourself to me--for life. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I would not have expressed myself so heartlessly. + + +MAIA. + +But you would have meant it just as heartlessly. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +You have no clear idea of the inner workings of an artist's nature. + + +MAIA. + +[Smiling and shaking her head.] Good heavens, I haven't even a clear +idea of the inner workings of my own nature. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Continuing undisturbed.] I live at such high speed, Maia. We live so, +we artists. I, for my part, have lived through a whole lifetime in the +few years we two have known each other. I have come to realise that I +am not at all adapted for seeking happiness in indolent enjoyment. Life +does not shape itself that way for me and those like me. I must go on +working--producing one work after another--right up to my dying day. +[Forcing himself to continue.] That is why I cannot get on with you any +longer, Maia--not with you alone. + + +MAIA. + +[Quietly.] Does that mean, in plain language, that you have grown tired +of me? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Bursts forth.] Yes, that is what it means! I have grown +tired--intolerably tired and fretted and unstrung--in this life with +you! Now you know it. [Controlling himself.] These are hard, ugly words +I am using. I know that very well. And you are not at all to blame in +this matter;--that I willingly admit. It is simply and solely I myself, +who have once more undergone a revolution--[Half to himself]--and +awakening to my real life. + + +MAIA. + +[Involuntarily folding her hands.] Why in all the world should we not +part then? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Looks at her in astonishment.] Should you be willing to? + + +MAIA. + +[Shrugging her shoulders.] Oh yes--if there's nothing else for it, +then-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Eagerly.] But there is something else for it. There is an alternative-- + + +MAIA. + +[Holding up her forefinger.] Now you are thinking of the pale lady +again! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Yes, to tell the truth, I cannot help constantly thinking of her. Ever +since I met her again. [A step nearer her.] For now I will tell you a +secret, Maia. + + +MAIA. + +Well? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Touching his own breast.] In here, you see--in here I have a little +bramah-locked casket. And in that casket all my sculptor's visions are +stored up. But when she disappeared and left no trace, the lock of +the casket snapped to. And she had the key--and she took it away with +her.--You, little Maia, you had no key; so all that the casket contains +must lie unused. And the years pass! And I have no means of getting at +the treasure. + + +MAIA. + +[Trying to repress a subtle smile.] Then get her to open the casket for +you again-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Not understanding.] Maia--? + + +MAIA. --for here she is, you see. And no doubt it's on account of this +casket that she has come. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I have not said a single word to her on this subject! + + +MAIA. + +[Looks innocently at him.] My dear Rubek--is it worth while to make all +this fuss and commotion about so simple a matter? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Do you think this matter is so absolutely simple? + + +MAIA. + +Yes, certainly I think so. Do you attach yourself to whoever you most +require. [Nods to him.] I shall always manage to find a place for +myself. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Where do you mean? + + +MAIA. + +[Unconcerned, evasively.] Well--I need only take myself off to the +villa, if it should be necessary. But it won't be; for in town--in all +that great house of ours--there must surely, with a little good will, be +room enough for three. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Uncertainly.] And do you think that would work in the long run? + + +MAIA. + +[In a light tone.] Very well, then--if it won't work, it won't. It is no +good talking about it. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +And what shall we do then, Maia--if it does not work? + + +MAIA. + +[Untroubled.] Then we two will simply get out of each other's way--part +entirely. I shall always find something new for myself, somewhere in the +world. Something free! Free! Free!--No need to be anxious about that, +Professor Rubek! [Suddenly points off to the right.] Look there! There +we have her. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Turning.] Where? + + +MAIA. + +Out on the plain. Striding--like a marble stature. She is coming this +way. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Stands gazing with his hand over his eyes.] Does not she look like the +Resurrection incarnate? [To himself.] And her I could displace--and move +into the shade! Remodel her--. Fool that I was! + + +MAIA. + +What do you mean by that? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Putting the question aside.] Nothing. Nothing that you would +understand. + + [IRENE advances from the right over the upland. The children + at their play have already caught sight of her and run to + meet her. She is now surrounded by them; some appear confident + and at ease, others uneasy and timid. She talks low to them + and indicates that they are to go down to the hotel; she + herself will rest a little beside the brook. The children + run down over the slope to the left, half way to the back. + IRENE goes up to the wall of rock, and lets the rillets of + the cascade flow over her hands, cooling them. + + +MAIA. + +[In a low voice.] Go down and speak to her alone, Rubek. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +And where will you go in the meantime? + + +MAIA. + +[Looking significantly at him.] Henceforth I shall go my own ways. + + [She descends form the hillock and leaps over the brook, by aid + of her alpenstock. She stops beside IRENE. + + +MAIA. + +Professor Rubek is up there, waiting for you, madam. + + +IRENE. + +What does he want? + + +MAIA. + +He wants you to help him to open a casket that has snapped to. + + +IRENE. + +Can I help him in that? + + +MAIA. + +He says you are the only person that can. + + +IRENE. + +Then I must try. + + +MAIA. + +Yes, you really must, madam. + + [She goes down by the path to the hotel. + + [In a little while PROFESSOR RUBEK comes down to IRENE, but stops + with the brook between them. + + +IRENE. + +[After a short pause.] She--the other one--said that you had been +waiting for me. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I have waited for you year after year--without myself knowing it. + + +IRENE. + +I could not come to you, Arnold. I was lying down there, sleeping the +long, deep, dreamful sleep. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +But now you have awakened, Irene! + + +IRENE. + +[Shakes her head.] I have the heavy, deep sleep still in my eyes. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +You shall see that day will dawn and lighten for us both. + + +IRENE. + +Do not believe that. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Urgently.] I do believe it! And I know it! Now that I have found you +again-- + + +IRENE. + +Risen from the grave. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Transfigured! + + +IRENE. + +Only risen, Arnold. Not transfigured. + + [He crosses over to her by means of stepping-stones below the + cascade. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Where have you been all day, Irene? + + +IRENE. + +[Pointing.] Far, far over there, on the great dead waste-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Turning the conversation.] You have not your--your friend with you +to-day, I see. + + +IRENE. + +[Smiling.] My friend is keeping a close watch on me, none the less. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Can she? + + +IRENE. + +[Glancing furtively around.] You may be sure she can--wherever I may +go. She never loses sight of me-- [Whispering.] Until, one fine sunny +morning, I shall kill her. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Would you do that? + + +IRENE. + +With the utmost delight--if only I could manage it. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Why do you want to? + + +IRENE. + +Because she deals in witchcraft. [Mysteriously.] Only think, Arnold--she +has changed herself into my shadow. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Trying to calm her.] Well, well, well--a shadow we must all have. + + +IRENE. + +I am my own shadow. [With an outburst.] Do you not understand that! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Sadly.] Yes, yes, Irene, I understand. + + [He seats himself on a stone beside the brook. She stands behind + him, leaning against the wall of rock. + + +IRENE. + +[After a pause.] Why do you sit there turning your eyes away from me? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Softly, shaking his head.] I dare not--I dare not look at you. + + +IRENE. + +Why dare you not look at me any more? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +You have a shadow that tortures me. And I have the crushing weight of my +conscience. + + +IRENE. + +[With a glad cry of deliverance.] At last! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Springs up.] Irene--what is it! + + +IRENE. + +[Motioning him off.] Keep still, still, still! [Draws a deep breath and +says, as though relieved of a burden.] There! Now they let me go. For +this time.--Now we can sit down and talk as we used to--when I was +alive. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Oh, if only we could talk as we used to. + + +IRENE. + +Sit there, where you were sitting. I will sit here beside you. + + [He sits down again. She seats herself on another stone, close + to him. + + +IRENE. + +[After a short interval of silence.] Now I have come back to you from +the uttermost regions, Arnold. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Aye, truly, from an endless journey. + + +IRENE. + +Come home to my lord and master-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +To our home;--to our own home, Irene. + + +IRENE. + +Have you looked for my coming every single day? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +How dared I look for you? + + +IRENE. + +[With a sidelong glance.] No, I suppose you dared not. For you +understood nothing. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Was it really not for the sake of some one else that you all of a sudden +disappeared from me in that way? + + +IRENE. + +Might it not quite well be for your sake, Arnold? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Looks doubtfully at her.] I don't understand you--? + + +IRENE. + +When I had served you with my soul and with my body--when the statue +stood there finished--our child as you called it--then I laid at your +feet the most precious sacrifice of all--by effacing myself for all +time. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Bows his head.] And laying my life waste. + + +IRENE. + +[Suddenly firing up.] It was just that I wanted! Never, never should you +create anything again--after you had created that only child of ours. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Was it jealously that moved you, then? + + +IRENE. + +[Coldly.] I think it was rather hatred. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Hatred? Hatred for me? + + +IRENE. + +[Again vehemently.] Yes, for you--for the artist who had so lightly and +carelessly taken a warm-blooded body, a young human life, and worn the +soul out of it--because you needed it for a work of art. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +And you can say that--you who threw yourself into my work with such +saint-like passion and such ardent joy?--that work for which we two met +together every morning, as for an act of worship. + + +IRENE. + +[Coldly, as before.] I will tell you one thing, Arnold. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Well? + + +IRENE. + +I never loved your art, before I met you.--Nor after either. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +But the artist, Irene? + + +IRENE. + +The artist I hate. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +The artist in me too? + + +IRENE. + +In you most of all. When I unclothed myself and stood for you, then I +hated you, Arnold-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Warmly.] That you did not, Irene! That is not true! + + +IRENE. + +I hated you, because you could stand there so unmoved-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Laughs.] Unmoved? Do you think so? + + +IRENE. --at any rate so intolerably self-controlled. And because you +were an artist and an artist only--not a man! [Changing to a tone full +of warmth and feeling.] But that statue in the wet, living clay, that +I loved--as it rose up, a vital human creature, out of those raw, +shapeless masses--for that was our creation, our child. Mine and yours. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Sadly.] It was so in spirit and in truth. + + +IRENE. + +Let me tell you, Arnold--it is for the sake of this child of ours that I +have undertaken this long pilgrimage. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Suddenly alert.] For the statue's--? + + +IRENE. + +Call it what you will. I call it our child. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +And now you want to see it? Finished? In marble, which you always +thought so cold? [Eagerly.] You do not know, perhaps, that it is +installed in a great museum somewhere--far out in the world? + + +IRENE. + +I have heard a sort of legend about it. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +And museums were always a horror to you. You called them grave-vaults-- + + +IRENE. + +I will make a pilgrimage to the place where my soul and my child's soul +lie buried. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Uneasy and alarmed.] You must never see that statue again! Do you hear, +Irene! I implore you--! Never, never see it again! + + +IRENE. + +Perhaps you think it would mean death to me a second time? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Clenching his hands together.] Oh, I don't know what I think.--But how +could I ever imagine that you would fix your mind so immovably on that +statue? You, who went away from me--before it was completed. + + +IRENE. + +It was completed. That was why I could go away from you--and leave you +alone. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Sits with his elbows upon his knees, rocking his head from side to +side, with his hands before his eyes.] It was not what it afterwards +became. + + +IRENE. + +[Quietly but quick as lightning, half-unsheathes a narrow-bladed sharp +knife which she carried in her breast, and asks in a hoarse whisper.] +Arnold--have you done any evil to our child? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Evasively.] Any evil?--How can I be sure what you would call it? + + +IRENE. + +[Breathless.] Tell me at once: what have you done to the child? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I will tell you, if you will sit and listen quietly to what I say. + + +IRENE. + +[Hides the knife.] I will listen as quietly as a mother can when she-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Interrupting.] And you must not look at me while I am telling you. + + +IRENE. + +[Moves to a stone behind his back.] I will sit here, behind you.--Now +tell me. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Takes his hands from before his eyes and gazes straight in front of +him. When I had found you, I knew at once how I should make use of you +for my life-work. + + +IRENE. + +"The Resurrection Day" you called your life-work.--I call it "our +child." + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I was young then--with no knowledge of life. The Resurrection, I +thought, would be most beautifully and exquisitely figured as a young +unsullied woman--with none of our earth-life's experiences--awakening +to light and glory without having to put away from her anything ugly and +impure. + + +IRENE. + +[Quickly.] Yes--and so I stand there now, in our work? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Hesitating.] Not absolutely and entirely so, Irene. + + +IRENE. + +[In rising excitement.] Not absolutely--? Do I not stand as I always +stood for you? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Without answering.] I learned worldly wisdom in the years that +followed, Irene. "The Resurrection Day" became in my mind's eye +something more and something--something more complex. The little round +plinth on which your figure stood erect and solitary--it no longer +afforded room for all the imagery I now wanted to add-- + + +IRENE. + +[Groped for her knife, but desists.] What imagery did you add then? Tell +me! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I imagined that which I saw with my eyes around me in the world. I had +to include it--I could not help it, Irene. I expanded the plinth--made +it wide and spacious. And on it I placed a segment of the curving, +bursting earth. And up from the fissures of the soil there now swarm men +and women with dimly-suggested animal-faces. Women and men--as I knew +them in real life. + + +IRENE. + +[In breathless suspense.] But in the middle of the rout there stands the +young woman radiant with the joy of light?--Do I not stand so, Arnold? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Evasively.] Not quite in the middle. I had unfortunately to move +that figure a little back. For the sake of the general effect, you +understand. Otherwise it would have dominated the whole too much. + + +IRENE. + +But the joy in the light still transfigures my face? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Yes, it does, Irene--in a way. A little subdued perhaps--as my altered +idea required. + + +IRENE. + +[Rising noiselessly.] That design expresses the life you now see, +Arnold. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Yes, I suppose it does. + + +IRENE. + +And in that design you have shifted me back, a little toned down--to +serve as a background-figure--in a group. + + [She draws the knife. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Not a background-figure. Let us say, at most, a figure not quite in the +foreground--or something of that sort. + + +IRENE. + +[Whispers hoarsely.] There you uttered your own doom. + + [On the point of striking. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Turns and looks up at her.] Doom? + + +IRENE. + +[Hastily hides the knife, and says as though choked with agony.] My +whole soul--you and I--we, we, we and our child were in that solitary +figure. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Eagerly, taking off his hat and drying the drops of sweat upon his +brow.] Yes, but let me tell you, too, how I have placed myself in the +group. In front, beside a fountain--as it were here--sits a man weighed +down with guilt, who cannot quite free himself from the earth-crust. +I call him remorse for a forfeited life. He sits there and dips his +fingers in the purling stream--to wash them clean--and he is gnawed and +tortured by the thought that never, never will he succeed. Never in all +eternity will he attain to freedom and the new life. He will remain for +ever prisoned in his hell. + + +IRENE. + +[Hardly and coldly.] Poet! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Why poet? + + +IRENE. + +Because you are nerveless and sluggish and full of forgiveness for +all the sins of your life, in thought and in act. You have killed +my soul--so you model yourself in remorse, and self-accusation, and +penance--[Smiling.] --and with that you think your account is cleared. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Defiantly.] I am an artist, Irene. And I take no shame to myself for +the frailties that perhaps cling to me. For I was born to be an artist, +you see. And, do what I may, I shall never be anything else. + + +IRENE. + +[Looks at him with a lurking evil smile, and says gently and softly.] +You are a poet, Arnold. [Softly strokes his hair.] You dear, great, +middle-aged child,--is it possible that you cannot see that! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Annoyed.] Why do you keep on calling me a poet? + + +IRENE. + +[With malign eyes.] Because there is something apologetic in the word, +my friend. Something that suggests forgiveness of sins--and spreads +a cloak over all frailty. [With a sudden change of tone.] But I was a +human being--then! And I, too, had a life to live,--and a human destiny +to fulfil. And all that, look you, I let slip--gave it all up in order +to make myself your bondwoman.--Oh, it was self-murder--a deadly sin +against myself! [Half whispering.] And that sin I can never expiate! + + [She seats herself near him beside the brook, keeps close, though + unnoticed, watch upon him, and, as though in absence of mind, + plucks some flowers form the shrubs around them. + + +IRENE. + +[With apparent self-control.] I should have borne children in the +world--many children--real children--not such children as are hidden +away in grave-vaults. That was my vocation. I ought never to have served +you--poet. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Lost in recollection.] Yet those were beautiful days, Irene. +Marvellously beautiful days--as I now look back upon them-- + + +IRENE. + +[Looking at him with a soft expression.] Can you remember a little word +that you said--when you had finished--finished with me and with our +child? [Nods to him.] Can you remember that little word, Arnold? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Looks inquiringly at her.] Did I say a little word then, which you +still remember? + + +IRENE. + +Yes, you did. Can you not recall it? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Shaking his head.] No, I can't say that I do. Not at the present +moment, at any rate. + + +IRENE. + +You took both my hands and pressed them warmly. And I stood there in +breathless expectation. And then you said: "So now, Irene, I thank you +from my heart. This," you said, "has been a priceless episode for me." + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Looks doubtfully at her.] Did I say "episode"? It is not a word I am in +the habit of using. + + +IRENE. + +You said "episode." + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[With assumed cheerfulness.] Well, well--after all, it was in reality an +episode. + + +IRENE. + +[Curtly.] At that word I left you. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +You take everything so painfully to heart, Irene. + + +IRENE. + +[Drawing her hand over her forehead.] Perhaps you are right. Let us +shake off all the hard things that go to the heart. [Plucks off the +leaves of a mountain rose and strews them on the brook.] Look there, +Arnold. There are our birds swimming. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +What birds are they? + + +IRENE. + +Can you not see? Of course they are flamingoes. Are they not rose-red? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Flamingoes do not swim. They only wade. + + +IRENE. + +Then they are not flamingoes. They are sea-gulls. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +They may be sea-gulls with red bills, yes. [Plucks broad green leaves +and throws them into the brook.] Now I send out my ships after them. + + +IRENE. + +But there must be no harpoon-men on board. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +No, there shall be no harpoon-men. [Smiles to her.] Can you remember the +summer when we used to sit like this outside the little peasant hut on +the Lake of Taunitz? + + +IRENE. + +[Nods.] On Saturday evenings, yes,--when we had finished our week's +work-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. --And taken the train out to the lake--to stay there +over Sunday-- + + +IRENE. + +[With an evil gleam of hatred in her eyes.] It was an episode, Arnold. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[As if not hearing.] Then, too, you used to set birds swimming in the +brook. They were water-lilies which you-- + + +IRENE. + +They were white swans. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I meant swans, yes. And I remember that I fastened a great furry leaf to +one of the swans. It looked like a burdock-leaf-- + + +IRENE. + +And then it turned into Lohengrin's boat--with the swan yoked to it. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +How fond you were of that game, Irene. + + +IRENE. + +We played it over and over again. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Every single Saturday, I believe,--all the summer through. + + +IRENE. + +You said I was the swan that drew your boat. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Did I say so? Yes, I daresay I did. [Absorbed in the game.] Just see how +the sea-gulls are swimming down the stream! + + +IRENE. + +[Laughing.] And all your ships have run ashore. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Throwing more leaves into the brook.] I have ships enough in reserve. +[Follows the leaves with his eyes, throws more into the brook, and says +after a pause.] Irene,--I have bought the little peasant hut beside the +Lake of Taunitz. + + +IRENE. + +Have you bought it? You often said you would, if you could afford it. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +The day came when I could afford it easily enough; and so I bought it. + + +IRENE. + +[With a sidelong look at him.] Then do you live out there now--in our +old house? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +No, I have had it pulled down long ago. And I have built myself a great, +handsome, comfortable villa on the site--with a park around it. It is +there that we-- [Stops and corrects himself.] --there that I usually +live during the summer. + + +IRENE. + +[Mastering herself.] So you and--and the other one live out there now? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[With a touch of defiance.] Yes. When my wife and I are not +travelling--as we are this year. + + +IRENE. + +[Looking far before her.] Life was beautiful, beautiful by the Lake of +Taunitz. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[As though looking back into himself.] And yet, Irene-- + + +IRENE. + +[Completing his thought.] --yet we two let slip all that life and its +beauty. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Softly, urgently.] Does repentance come too late, now? + + +IRENE. + +[Does not answer, but sits silent for a moment; then she points over +the upland.] Look there, Arnold,--now the sun is going down behind the +peaks. See what a red glow the level rays cast over all the heathery +knolls out yonder. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Looks where she is pointing.] It is long since I have seen a sunset in +the mountains. + + +IRENE. + +Or a sunrise? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +A sunrise I don't think I have ever seen. + + +IRENE. + +[Smiles as though lost in recollection.] I once saw a marvellously +lovely sunrise. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Did you? Where was that? + + +IRENE. + +High, high up on a dizzy mountain-top.--You beguiled me up there by +promising that I should see all the glory of the world if only I-- + + [She stops suddenly. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +If only you--? Well? + + +IRENE. + +I did as you told me--went with you up to the heights. And there I +fell upon my knees and worshipped you, and served you. [Is silent for a +moment; then says softly.] Then I saw the sunrise. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Turning at him with a scornful smile.] With you--and the other woman? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Urgently.] With me--as in our days of creation. You could open all that +is locked up in me. Can you not find it in your heart, Irene? + + +IRENE. + +[Shaking her head.] I have no longer the key to you, Arnold. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +You have the key! You and you alone possess it! [Beseechingly.] Help +me--that I may be able to live my life over again! + + +IRENE. + +[Immovable as before.] Empty dreams! Idle--dead dreams. For the life you +and I led there is no resurrection. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Curtly, breaking off.] Then let us go on playing. + + +IRENE. + +Yes, playing, playing--only playing! + + [They sit and strew leaves and petals over the brook, where they + float and sail away. + + [Up the slope to the left at the back come ULFHEIM and MAIA in + hunting costume. After them comes the SERVANT with the leash + of dogs, with which he goes out to the right. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Catching sight of them.] Ah! There is little Maia, going out with the +bear-hunter. + + +IRENE. + +Your lady, yes. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Or the other's. + + +MAIA. + +[Looks around as she is crossing the upland, sees the two sitting by +the brook, and calls out.] Good-night, Professor! Dream of me. Now I am +going off on my adventures! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Calls back to her.] What sort of an adventure is this to be? + + +MAIA. + +[Approaching.] I am going to let life take the place of all the rest. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Mockingly.] Aha! So you too are going to do that, little Maia? + + +MAIA. + +Yes. And I've made a verse about it, and this is how it goes: + + [Sings triumphantly.] + + I am free! I am free! I am free! + No more life in the prison for me! + I am free as a bird! I am free! + For I believe I have awakened now--at last. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +It almost seems so. + + +MAIA. + +[Drawing a deep breath.] Oh--how divinely light one feels on waking! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Good-night, Frau Maia--and good luck to-- + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Calls out, interposing.] Hush, hush!--for the devil's sake let's have +none of your wizard wishes. Don't you see that we are going out to +shoot-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +What will you bring me home from the hunting, Maia? + + +MAIA. + +You shall have a bird of prey to model. I shall wing one for you. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Laughs mockingly and bitterly.] Yes, to wing things--without knowing +what you are doing--that has long been quite in your way. + + +MAIA. + +[Tossing her head.] Oh, just let me take care of myself for the future, +and I wish you then--! [Nods and laughs roguishly.] Good-bye--and a +good, peaceful summer night on the upland! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Jestingly.] Thanks! And all the ill-luck in the world over you and your +hunting! + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Roaring with laughter.] There now, that is a wish worth having! + + +MAIA. + +[Laughing.] Thanks, thanks, thanks, Professor! + + [They have both crossed the visible portion of the upland, and go + out through the bushes to the right. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[After a short pause.] A summer night on the upland! Yes, that would +have been life! + + +IRENE. + +[Suddenly, with a wild expression in her eyes.] Will you spend a summer +night on the upland--with me? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Stretching his arms wide.] Yes, yes,--come! + + +IRENE. + +My adored lord and master! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Oh, Irene! + + +IRENE. + +[Hoarsely, smiling and groping in her breast.] It will be only an +episode-- [Quickly, whispering.] Hush!--do not look round, Arnold! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Also in a low voice.] What is it? + + +IRENE. + +A face that is staring at me. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Turns involuntarily.] Where! [With a start.] Ah--! + + [The SISTER OF MERCY's head is partly visible among the bushes + beside the descent to the left. Her eyes are immovably fixed + on IRENE. + + +IRENE. + +[Rises and says softly.] We must part then. No, you must remain sitting. +Do you hear? You must not go with me. [Bends over him and whispers.] +Till we meet again--to-night--on the upland. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +And you will come, Irene? + + +IRENE. + +Yes, surely I will come. Wait for me here. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Repeats dreamily.] Summer night on the upland. With you. With you. [His +eyes meet hers.] Oh, Irene--that might have been our life.--And that we +have forfeited--we two. + + +IRENE. + +We see the irretrievable only when-- + + [Breaks off. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Looks inquiringly at her.] When--? + + +IRENE. + +When we dead awaken. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Shakes his head mournfully.] What do we really see then? + + +IRENE. + +We see that we have never lived. + + [She goes towards the slope and descends. + + [The SISTER OF MERCY makes way for her and follows her. + PROFESSOR RUBEK remains sitting motionless beside the brook. + + +MAIA. + +[Is heard singing triumphantly among the hills.] + + I am free! I am free! I am free! + No more life in the prison for me! + I am free as a bird! I am free! + + + + +ACT THIRD. + + +[A wild riven mountain-side, with sheer precipices at the back. + Snow-clad peaks rise to the right, and lose themselves in drifting + mists. To the left, on a stone-scree, stands an old, half-ruined + hut. It is early morning. Dawn is breaking. The sun has not + yet risen. + +[MAIA comes, flushed and irritated, down over the stone-scree on the + left. ULFHEIM follows, half angry, half laughing, holding her + fast by the sleeve. + + +MAIA. + +[Trying to tear herself loose.] Let me go! Let me go, I say! + + +ULFHEIM. + +Come, Come! are you going to bite now? You're as snappish as a wolf. + + +MAIA. + +[Striking him over the hand.] Let me, I tell you? And be quiet! + + +ULFHEIM. + +No, confound me if I will! + + +MAIA. + +Then I will not go another step with you. Do you hear?--not a single +step! + + +ULFHEIM. + +Ho, ho! How can you get away from me, here, on the wild mountain-side? + + +MAIA. + +I will jump over the precipice yonder, if need be-- + + +ULFHEIM. + +And mangle and mash yourself up into dogs'-meat! A juicy morsel! [Lets +go his hold.] As you please. Jump over the precipice if you want to. +It's a dizzy drop. There's only one narrow footpath down it, and that's +almost impassable. + + +MAIA. + +[Dusts her skirt with her hand, and looks at him with angry eyes.] Well, +you are a nice one to go hunting with! + + +ULFHEIM. + +Say rather, sporting. + + +MAIA. + +Oh! So you call this sport, do you? + + +ULFHEIM. + +Yes, I venture to take that liberty. It is the sort of sport I like best +of all. + + +MAIA. + +[Tossing her head.] Well--I must say! [After a pause; looks searchingly +at him.] Why did you let the dogs loose up there? + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Blinking his eyes and smiling.] So that they too might do a little +hunting on their own account, don't you see? + + +MAIA. + +There's not a word of truth in that! It wasn't for the dogs' sake that +you let them go. + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Still smiling.] Well, why did I let them go then? Let us hear. + + +MAIA. + +You let them go because you wanted to get rid of Lars. He was to run +after them and bring them in again, you said. And in the meant-time--. +Oh, it was a pretty way to behave! + + +ULFHEIM. + +In the meantime? + + +MAIA. + +[Curtly breaking off.] No matter! + + +ULFHEIM. + +[In a confidential tone.] Lars won't find them. You may safely swear to +that. He won't come with them before the time's up. + + +MAIA. + +[Looking angrily at him.] No, I daresay not. + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Catching at her arm.] For Lars--he knows my--my methods of sport, you +see. + + +MAIA. + +[Eludes him, and measures him with a glance.] Do you know what you look +like, Mr. Ulfheim? + + +ULFHEIM. + +I should think I'm probably most like myself. + + +MAIA. + +Yes, there you're exactly right. For you're the living image of a faun. + + +ULFHEIM. + +A faun? + + +MAIA. + +Yes, precisely; a faun. + + +ULFHEIM. + +A faun! Isn't that a sort of monster? Or a kind of a wood demon, as you +might call it? + + +MAIA. + +Yes, just the sort of creature you are. A thing with a goat's beard and +goat-legs. Yes, and the faun has horns too! + + +ULFHEIM. + +So, so!--has he horns too? + + +MAIA. + +A pair of ugly horns, just like yours, yes. + + +ULFHEIM. + +Can you see the poor little horns _I_ have? + + +MAIA. + +Yes, I seem to see them quite plainly. + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Taking the dogs' leash out of his pocket.] Then I had better see about +tying you. + + +MAIA. + +Have you gone quite mad? Would you tie me? + + +ULFHEIM. + +If I am a demon, let me be a demon! So that's the way of it! You can see +the horns, can you? + + +MAIA. + +[Soothingly.] There, there, there! Now try to behave nicely, Mr. +Ulfheim. [Breaking off.] But what has become of that hunting-castle +of yours, that you boasted so much of? You said it lay somewhere +hereabouts. + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Points with a flourish to the hut.] There you have it, before your very +eyes. + + +MAIA. + +[Looks at him.] That old pig-stye! + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Laughing in his beard.] It has harboured more than one king's daughter, +I can tell you. + + +MAIA. + +Was it there that that horrid man you told me about came to the king's +daughter in the form of a bear? + + +ULFHEIM. + +Yes, my fair companion of the chase--this is the scene. [With a gesture +of invitation.] If you would deign to enter-- + + +MAIA. + +Isch! If ever I set foot in it--! Isch! + + +ULFHEIM. + +Oh, two people can doze away a summer night in there comfortably enough. +Or a whole summer, if it comes to that! + + +MAIA. + +Thanks! One would need to have a pretty strong taste for that kind of +thing. [Impatiently.] But now I am tired both of you and the hunting +expedition. Now I am going down to the hotel--before people awaken down +there. + + +ULFHEIM. + +How do you propose to get down from here? + + +MAIA. + +That's your affair. There must be a way down somewhere or other, I +suppose. + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Pointing towards the back.] Oh, certainly! There is a sort of +way--right down the face of the precipice yonder-- + + +MAIA. + +There, you see. With a little goodwill-- + + +ULFHEIM. --but just you try if you dare go that way. + + +MAIA. + +[Doubtfully.] Do you think I can't? + + +ULFHEIM. + +Never in this world--if you don't let me help you. + + +MAIA. + +[Uneasily.] Why, then come and help me! What else are you here for? + + +ULFHEIM. + +Would you rather I should take you on my back--? + + +MAIA. + +Nonsense! + + +ULFHEIM. --or carry you in my arms? + + +MAIA. + +Now do stop talking that rubbish! + + +ULFHEIM. + +[With suppressed exasperation.] I once took a young girl--lifted her up +from the mire of the streets and carried her in my arms. Next my heart I +carried her. So I would have borne her all through life--lest haply she +should dash her foot against a stone. For her shoes were worn very thin +when I found her-- + + +MAIA. + +And yet you took her up and carried her next your heart? + + +ULFHEIM. + +Took her up out of the gutter and carried her as high and as carefully +as I could. [With a growling laugh.] And do you know what I got for my +reward? + + +MAIA. + +No. What did you get? + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Looks at her, smiles and nods.] I got the horns! The horns that you can +see so plainly. Is not that a comical story, madam bear-murderess? + + +MAIA. + +Oh yes, comical enough! But I know another story that is still more +comical. + + +ULFHEIM. + +How does that story go? + + +MAIA. + +This is how it goes. There was once a stupid girl, who had both a father +and a mother--but a rather poverty-stricken home. Then there came a high +and mighty seigneur into the midst of all this poverty. And he took the +girl in his arms--as you did--and travelled far, far away with her-- + + +ULFHEIM. + +Was she so anxious to be with him? + + +MAIA. + +Yes, for she was stupid, you see. + + +ULFHEIM. + +And he, no doubt, was a brilliant and beautiful personage? + + +MAIA. + +Oh, no, he wasn't so superlatively beautiful either. But he pretended +that he would take her with him to the top of the highest of mountains, +where there were light and sunshine without end. + + +ULFHEIM. + +So he was a mountaineer, was he, that man? + + +MAIA. + +Yes, he was--in his way. + + +ULFHEIM. + +And then he took the girl up with him--? + + +MAIA. + +[With a toss of the head.] Took her up with him finely, you may be sure! +Oh no! he beguiled her into a cold, clammy cage, where--as it seemed +to her--there was neither sunlight nor fresh air, but only gilding and +great petrified ghosts of people all around the walls. + + +ULFHEIM. + +Devil take me, but it served her right! + + +MAIA. + +Yes, but don't you think it's quite a comical story, all the same? + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Looks at her moment.] Now listen to me, my good companion of the +chase-- + + +MAIA. + +Well, what it is now? + + +ULFHEIM. + +Should not we two tack our poor shreds of life together? + + +MAIA. + +Is his worship inclined to set up as a patching-tailor? + + +ULFHEIM. + +Yes, indeed he is. Might not we two try to draw the rags together here +and there--so as to make some sort of a human life out of them? + + +MAIA. + +And when the poor tatters were quite worn out--what then? + + +ULFHEIM. + +[With a large gesture.] Then there we shall stand, free and serene--as +the man and woman we really are! + + +MAIA. + +[Laughing.] You with your goat-legs yes! + + +ULFHEIM. + +And you with your--. Well, let that pass. + + +MAIA. + +Yes, come--let us pass--on. + + +ULFHEIM. + +Stop! Whither away, comrade? + + +MAIA. + +Down to the hotel, of course. + + +ULFHEIM. + +And afterward? + + +MAIA. + +Then we'll take a polite leave of each other, with thanks for pleasant +company. + + +ULFHEIM. + +Can we part, we two? Do you think we can? + + +MAIA. + +Yes, you didn't manage to tie me up, you know. + + +ULFHEIM. + +I have a castle to offer you-- + + +MAIA. + +[Pointing to the hut.] A fellow to that one? + + +ULFHEIM. + +It has not fallen to ruin yet. + + +MAIA. + +And all the glory of the world, perhaps? + + +ULFHEIM. + +A castle, I tell you-- + + +MAIA. + +Thanks! I have had enough of castles. + + +ULFHEIM. --with splendid hunting-grounds stretching for miles around it. + + +MAIA. + +Are there works of art too in this castle? + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Slowly.] Well, no--it's true there are no works of art; but-- + + +MAIA. + +[Relieved.] Ah! that's one good thing, at any rate! + + +ULFHEIM. + +Will you go with me, then--as far and as long as I want you? + + +MAIA. + +There is a tame bird of prey keeping watch upon me. + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Wildly.] We'll put a bullet in his wing, Maia! + + +MAIA. + +[Looks at him a moment, and says resolutely.] Come then, and carry me +down into the depths. + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Puts his arm round her waist.] It is high time! The mist is upon us! + + +MAIA. + +Is the way down terribly dangerous? + + +ULFHEIM. + +The mountain is more dangerous still. + + [She shakes him off, goes to the edge of the precipice and looks + over, but starts quickly back. + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Goes towards her, laughing.] What? Does it make you a little giddy? + + +MAIA. + +[Faintly.] Yes, that too. But go and look over. Those two, coming up-- + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Goes and bends over the edge of the precipice.] It's only your bird of +prey--and his strange lady. + + +MAIA. + +Can't we get past them--without their seeing us? + + +ULFHEIM. + +Impossible! The path is far too narrow. And there's no other way down. + + +MAIA. + +[Nerving herself.] Well, well--let us face them here, then! + + +ULFHEIM. + +Spoken like a true bear-killer, comrade! + + [PROFESSOR RUBEK and IRENE appear over the edge of the precipice + at the back. He has his plaid over his shoulders; she has a + fur cloak thrown loosely over her white dress, and a swansdown + hood over her head. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Still only half visible above the edge.] What, Maia! So we two meet +once again? + + +MAIA. + +[With assumed coolness.] At your service. Won't you come up? + + [PROFESSOR RUBEK climbs right up and holds out his hand to IRENE, + who also comes right to the top. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Coldly to MAIA.] So you, too, have been all night on the mountain,--as +we have? + + +MAIA. + +I have been hunting--yes. You gave me permission, you know. + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Pointing downward.] Have you come up that path there? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +As you saw. + + +ULFHEIM. + +And the strange lady too? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Yes, of course. [With a glance at MAIA.] Henceforth the strange lady and +I do not intend our ways to part. + + +ULFHEIM. + +Don't you know, then, that it is a deadly dangerous way you have come? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +We thought we would try it, nevertheless. For it did not seem +particularly hard at first. + + +ULFHEIM. + +No, at first nothing seems hard. But presently you may come to a tight +place where you can neither get forward nor back. And then you stick +fast, Professor! Mountain-fast, as we hunters call it. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Smiles and looks at him.] Am I to take these as oracular utterances, +Mr. Ulfheim? + + +ULFHEIM. + +Lord preserve me from playing the oracle! [Urgently, pointing up towards +the heights.] But don't you see that the storm is upon us? Don't you +hear the blasts of wind? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Listening.] They sound like the prelude to the Resurrection Day. + + +ULFHEIM. + +They are storm-blasts form the peaks, man! Just look how the clouds are +rolling and sinking--soon they'll be all around us like a winding-sheet! + + +IRENE. + +[With a start and shiver.] I know that sheet! + + +MAIA. + +[Drawing ULFHEIM away.] Let us make haste and get down. + + +ULFHEIM. + +[To PROFESSOR RUBEK.] I cannot help more than one. Take refuge in the +hut in the mean-time--while the storm lasts. Then I shall send people up +to fetch the two of you away. + + +IRENE. + +[In terror.] To fetch us away! No, no! + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Harshly.] To take you by force if necessary--for it's a matter of life +and death here. Now, you know it. [To MAIA.] Come, then--and don't fear +to trust yourself in your comrade's hands. + + +MAIA. + +[Clinging to him.] Oh, how I shall rejoice and sing, if I get down with +a whole skin! + + +ULFHEIM. + +[Begins the descent and calls to the others.] You'll wait, then, in the +hut, till the men come with ropes, and fetch you away. + + [ULFHEIM, with MAIA in his arms, clambers rapidly but warily down + the precipice. + + +IRENE. + +[Looks for some time at PROFESSOR RUBEK with terror-stricken eyes.] Did +you hear that, Arnold?--men are coming up to fetch me away! Many men +will come up here-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Do not be alarmed, Irene! + + +IRENE. + +[In growing terror.] And she, the woman in black--she will come too. For +she must have missed me long ago. And then she will seize me, Arnold! +And put me in the strait-waistcoat. Oh, she has it with her, in her box. +I have seen it with my own eyes-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Not a soul shall be suffered to touch you. + + +IRENE. + +[With a wild smile.] Oh no--I myself have a resource against that. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +What resource do you mean? + + +IRENE. + +[Drawing out the knife.] This! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Tries to seize it.] Have you a knife? + + +IRENE. + +Always, always--both day and night--in bed as well! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Give me that knife, Irene! + + +IRENE. + +[Concealing it.] You shall not have it. I may very likely find a use for +it myself. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +What use can you have for it, here? + + +IRENE. + +[Looks fixedly at him.] It was intended for you, Arnold. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +For me! + + +IRENE. + +As we were sitting by the Lake of Taunitz last evening-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +By the Lake of-- + + +IRENE. --outside the peasant's hut--and playing with swans and +water-lilies-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +What then--what then? + + +IRENE. --and when I heard you say with such deathly, icy coldness--that +I was nothing but an episode in your life-- + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +It was you that said that, Irene, not I. + + +IRENE. + +[Continuing.] --then I had my knife out. I wanted to stab you in the +back with it. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Darkly.] And why did you hold your hand? + + +IRENE. + +Because it flashed upon me with a sudden horror that you were dead +already--long ago. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Dead? + + +IRENE. + +Dead. Dead, you as well as I. We sat there by the Lake of Taunitz, we +two clay-cold bodies--and played with each other. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +I do not call that being dead. But you do not understand me. + + +IRENE. + +Then where is the burning desire for me that you fought and battled +against when I stood freely forth before you as the woman arisen from +the dead? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Our love is assuredly not dead, Irene. + + +IRENE. + +The love that belongs to the life of earth--the beautiful, miraculous +earth-life--the inscrutable earth-life--that is dead in both of us. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Passionately.] And do you know that just that love--it is burning and +seething in me as hotly as ever before? + + +IRENE. + +And I? Have you forgotten who I now am? + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Be who or what you please, for aught I care! For me, you are the woman I +see in my dreams of you. + + +IRENE. + +I have stood on the turn-table-naked--and made a show of myself to many +hundreds of men--after you. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +It was I that drove you to the turn-table--blind as I then was--I, who +placed the dead clay-image above the happiness of life--of love. + + +IRENE. + +[Looking down.] Too late--too late! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Not by a hairsbreadth has all that has passed in the interval lowered +you in my eyes. + + +IRENE. + +[With head erect.] Nor in my own! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Well, what then! Then we are free--and there is still time for us to +live our life, Irene. + + +IRENE. + +[Looks sadly at him.] The desire for life is dead in me, Arnold. Now I +have arisen. And I look for you. And I find you.--And then I see that +you and life lie dead--as I have lain. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +Oh, how utterly you are astray! Both in us and around us life is +fermenting and throbbing as fiercely as ever! + + +IRENE. + +[Smiling and shaking her head.] The young woman of your Resurrection Day +can see all life lying on its bier. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Throwing his arms violently around her.] Then let two of the dead--us +two--for once live life to its uttermost--before we go down to our +graves again! + + +IRENE. + +[With a shriek.] Arnold! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +But not here in the half darkness! Not here with this hideous dank +shroud flapping around us-- + + +IRENE. + +[Carried away by passion.] No, no--up in the light, and in all the +glittering glory! Up to the Peak of Promise! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +There we will hold our marriage-feast, Irene--oh, my beloved! + + +IRENE. + +[Proudly.] The sun may freely look on us, Arnold. + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +All the powers of light may freely look on us--and all the powers +of darkness too. [Seizes her hand.] Will you then follow me, oh my +grace-given bride? + + +IRENE. + +[As though transfigured.] I follow you, freely and gladly, my lord and +master! + + +PROFESSOR RUBEK. + +[Drawing her along with him.] We must first pass through the mists, +Irene, and then-- + + +IRENE. + +Yes, through all the mists, and then right up to the summit of the tower +that shines in the sunrise. + + [The mist-clouds close in over the scene--PROFESSOR RUBEK and + IRENE, hand in hand, climb up over the snow-field to the right + and soon disappear among the lower clouds. Keen storm-gusts + hurtle and whistle through the air. + + [The SISTER OF MERCY appears upon the stone-scree to the left. + She stops and looks around silently and searchingly. + + +MAIA. + + I am free! I am free! I am free! + No more life in the prison for me! + I am free as a bird! I am free! + + [Suddenly a sound like thunder is heard from high up on the snow- + field, which glides and whirls downwards with headlong speed. + PROFESSOR RUBEK and IRENE can be dimly discerned as they are + whirled along with the masses of snow and buried in them. + + +THE SISTER OF MERCY. + +[Gives a shriek, stretches out her arms towards them and cries.] Irene! + + [Stands silent a moment, then makes the sign of the cross before + her in the air, and says. + +Pax vobiscum! + + [MAIA's triumphant song sounds from still farther down below. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of When We Dead Awaken, by Henrik Ibsen + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHEN WE DEAD AWAKEN *** + +***** This file should be named 4782.txt or 4782.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/4/7/8/4782/ + +Produced by Sonia K + +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. 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