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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Three Dramas, by Björnstjerne M. Björnson
+
+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: Three Dramas
+       The Editor--The Bankrupt--The King
+
+Author: Björnstjerne M. Björnson
+
+Commentator: R. Farquharson Sharp
+
+Release Date: April, 2005  [EBook #7844]
+Posting Date: August 11, 2009
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THREE DRAMAS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Nicole Apostola
+
+
+
+
+
+THREE DRAMAS
+
+THE EDITOR--THE BANKRUPT--THE KING
+
+
+By Björnstjerne Björnson
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+     THE EDITOR
+     THE BANKRUPT
+     THE KING
+
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+The three plays here presented were the outcome of a period when
+Björnson's views on many topics were undergoing a drastic revision and
+he was abandoning much of his previous orthodoxy in many directions. Two
+of them were written during, and one immediately after, a three years'
+absence from Norway--years spent almost entirely in southern Europe.
+[Note: Further details respecting Björnson's life will be found in the
+Introduction to Three Comedies by Björnson, published in Everyman's
+Library in 1912.] For nearly ten years previous to this voluntary
+exile, Björnson had been immersed in theatrical management and political
+propagandism. His political activities (guided by a more or less
+pronounced republican tendency) centred in an agitation for a truer
+equality between the kingdoms of Sweden and Norway, his point of view
+being that Norway had come to be regarded too much as a mere appanage
+of Sweden. Between that and his manifold and distracting cares as
+theatrical director, he had let imaginative work slide for the time
+being; but his years abroad had a recuperative effect, and, in addition,
+broadened his mental outlook in a remarkable manner. Foreign travel, a
+wider acquaintance with differing types of humanity, and, above all,
+a newly-won acquaintance with the contemporary literature of other
+countries, made a deep impression upon Björnson's vigorously receptive
+mind. He browsed voraciously upon the works of foreign writers. Herbert
+Spencer, Darwin, John Stuart Mill, Taine, Max-Müller, formed a portion
+of his mental pabulum at this time--and the result was a significant
+alteration of mental attitude on a number of questions, and a
+determination to make the attempt to embody his theories in dramatic
+form. He had gained all at once, as he wrote to Georg Brandes, the
+eminent Danish critic, "eyes that saw and ears that heard." Up to this
+time the poet in him had been predominant; now it was to be the
+social philosopher that held the reins. Just as Ibsen did, so Björnson
+abandoned historical drama and artificial comedy for an attempt at
+prose drama which should have at all events a serious thesis. In this
+he anticipated Ibsen; for (unless we include the satirical political
+comedy, _The League of Youth_, which was published in 1869, among
+Ibsen's "social dramas") Ibsen did not enter the field with _Pillars of
+Society_ [Note: Published in _The Pretenders and Two Other Plays_, in
+Everyman's Library, 1913.] until 1877, whereas Björnson's _The Editor_,
+_The Bankrupt_, and _The King_ were all published between 1874 and 1877.
+Intellectual and literary life in Denmark had been a good deal stirred
+and quickened in the early seventies, and the influence of that
+awakening was inevitably felt by the more eager spirits in the other
+Scandinavian countries. It is amusing to note, as one Norwegian writer
+has pointed out, that this intellectual upheaval (which, in its turn,
+was a reflection of that taking place in outer Europe) came at a time
+when the bulk of the Scandinavian folk "were congratulating themselves
+that the doubt and ferment of unrest which were undermining the
+foundations of the great communities abroad had not had the power to
+ruffle the placid surface of our good, old-fashioned, Scandinavian
+orthodoxy." Björnson makes several sly hits in these plays (as does
+Ibsen in _Pillars of Society_) at this distrust of the opinions and
+manners of the larger communities outside of Scandinavia, notably
+America, with which the Scandinavian countries were more particularly in
+touch through emigration.
+
+Brandes characterises the impelling motive of these three plays as a
+passionate appeal for a higher standard of truth--in journalism, in
+finance, in monarchy: an appeal for less casuistry and more honesty.
+Such a motive was characteristic of the vehement honesty of Björnson's
+own character; he must always, as he says in one of his letters, go
+over to the side of any one whom he believed to "hold the truth in his
+hands."
+
+_The Editor_ (_Redaktören_) was written while Björnson was in Florence,
+and was published at Copenhagen in 1874. It was at first not accepted
+for performance at Christiania or Copenhagen, though an unauthorised
+performance of it was given at one of the lesser Christiania theatres
+in 1875, Meanwhile a Swedish version of it had been produced,
+authoritatively, at Stockholm in February of that year. The play
+eventually made its way on the Norwegian and Danish stage; but, before
+that, it had been seen in German dress at Munich and Hamburg. As an
+inevitable result of his recent activities as a political speaker and
+pamphleteer, Björnson had come in for a good deal of vituperation in the
+press, a fact which no doubt added some gall to the ink with which he
+drew the portrait of the journalist in this play. The Stockholm critics,
+indeed, had condemned _The Editor_ as merely a pamphleteering attack on
+the editor of a well-known journal. In answer to this criticism
+Björnson wrote from Rome in March, 1875: "It is said that my play is a
+pamphleteering attack on a certain individual. That is a deliberate lie.
+I have studied the journalist type, which is here represented, in many
+other countries besides my own. The chief characteristic of this type
+is to be actuated by an inordinate egotism that is perpetually being
+inflamed by passion; that makes use of bogeys to frighten people,
+and does this in such a way that, while it makes all its honest
+contemporaries afraid of any freedom of thought, it also produces the
+same result on every single individual by means of reckless persecution.
+As I wished to portray that type, I naturally took a good deal of the
+portrait from the representative of the type that I knew best; but, like
+every artist who wishes to produce a complete creation, I had to build
+it up from separate revelations of itself. There can, therefore, be no
+question of any individual being represented in my play except in so far
+as he may partially agree with the type."
+
+However much Björnson may have written _The Editor_ with a "purpose,"
+his vivid dramatic sense kept him from becoming merely didactic. The
+little tragedy that takes place amongst this homely group of people
+makes quite a moving play, thanks to the skill with which the types
+are depicted--the bourgeois father and mother, with their mixture of
+timidity and self-interest; the manly, straightforward young politician,
+resolute to carry on the work that has sapped his brother's life; the
+warped, de-humanised nature of the journalist; the sturdy common-sense
+of the yeoman farmer; and the doctor, the "family friend," as a sort of
+mocking chorus. Besides its plea for a higher regard for truth, the play
+also attacks the precept, preached by worldly wisdom, that we ought to
+harden our natures to make ourselves invulnerable; a proposition
+which was hateful to one of Björnson's persistently impressionable
+and ingenuous nature. The fact remains, as Brandes grimly admits, that
+"nowadays we have only a very qualified sympathy with public characters
+who succumb to the persecution of the press." Brandes sees in the play,
+besides its obvious motive, an allegory. Halvdan Rejn, the weary and
+dying politician, is (he says) meant for Henrik Wergeland, a Norwegian
+poet-politician who had similar struggles, sank under the weight of
+similar at tacks, died after a long illness, and was far higher reputed
+after his death than during his life. In Harald Rejn, with his honest
+enthusiasm and misjudged political endeavours Brandes sees Björnson
+himself; while the yeoman brother, Haakon, seems to him to typify the
+Norwegian people.
+
+_The Bankrupt_ (_En Fallit_: literally _A Bankruptcy_) was partly
+written in Rome, partly in Tyrol, and published at Copenhagen in 1875.
+It was a thing entirely new to the Scandinavian stage for a dramatist
+to deal seriously with the tragi-comedy of money, and, while making
+a forcible plea for honesty, to contrive to produce a stirring and
+entertaining play on what might seem so prosaic a foundation as business
+finance. Some of the play's earliest critics dismissed it as "dry,"
+"prosaic," "trivial," because of the nature of its subject; but it made
+a speedy success on the boards, and very soon became a popular item in
+the repertories of the Christiania, Bergen and Copenhagen theatres. It
+was actually first performed, in a Swedish translation, at Stockholm, a
+few days before it was produced at Christiania. Very soon, too, the play
+reached Berlin, Munich, Vienna, and other German and Austrian theatres.
+It was played in Paris, at the Théâtre Libre in 1894. The character of
+Berent, the lawyer, which became a favourite one with the famous Swedish
+actor Ernst Possart, was admittedly more or less of a portrait of a
+well-known Norwegian lawyer, by name Dunker. When Björnson was writing
+the play, he went to stay for some days with Dunker, who was to instruct
+him as to the legal aspect of bankruptcy. Björnson took the opportunity
+of studying the lawyer as well as the law.
+
+_The King_ (_Kongen_) was written at Aulestad, the Norwegian home in
+which Björnson settled after his return from abroad, and was published
+at Copenhagen in 1877. It is perhaps not surprising that the play, with
+its curious blend of poetry and social philosophy, and its somewhat
+exuberant (though always interesting) wordiness, was not at first
+a conspicuous success on the stage; but the interest aroused by
+the published book was enormous. It was widely read and vigorously
+discussed, both in Scandinavia and abroad; and while, on the one hand,
+it brought upon Björnson the most scurrilous abuse and the harshest
+criticism from his political opponents, on the other hand a prominent
+compatriot of his (whose opinion was worth having) gave it as his
+verdict, at a political meeting held soon after the play's publication,
+that "the most notable thing that has happened in Norway of late--or at
+any rate, one of the most notable--in my opinion is this last book of
+Björnson's--_The King_."
+
+The idea of a "democratic monarchy"--a kind of reformed constitutional
+monarchy, that should be a half-way house on the road to
+republicanism--was not entirely new; Björnson's success was in
+presenting the problem as seen from the _inside_--that is to say, from
+the king's point of view. His opponents, of course, branded him as a
+red-hot republican, which he was not. In a preface he wrote for a later
+edition of the play, he says that he did not intend the play mainly as
+an argument in favour of republicanism, but "to extend the boundaries of
+free discussion"; but that, at the same time, he believed the republic
+to be the ultimate form of government, and all European states to be
+proceeding at varying rates of speed towards it.
+
+_The King_ is composed of curiously incongruous elements. The railway
+meeting in the first act is pure comedy of a kind to compare with the
+meeting in Ibsen's _An Enemy of Society_; the last act is melodrama
+with a large admixture of remarkably interesting social philosophy; the
+intervening acts betray the poet that always underlay the dramatist
+in Björnson. The crudity, again, of the melodramatic appearance of the
+wraith of Clara's father in the third act, contrasts strangely with the
+mature thoughtfulness of much of the last act and with the tender charm
+of what has gone before: And--strangest incongruity of all in a play
+so essentially "actual"--there is in the original, between each act,
+a mysterious "mellemspil," or "interlude," in verse, consisting of
+somewhat cryptic dialogues between Genii and Unseen Choirs in the
+clouds, between an "Old Grey Man" and a "Chorus of Tyrants" in a
+desolate scene of snow and ice, between Choruses of Men, Women, and
+Children in a sylvan landscape, and so forth--their utterances being of
+the nature of the obscurest choruses in the Greek dramatists, but for
+the most part with a less obvious relevance to the play itself. Such
+a device leads the present-day reader's thoughts inevitably to the use
+made of the "unseen chorus," in a similar way, by Thomas Hardy in _The
+Dynasts_; but Hardy's interludes are closely relevant to his drama and
+help it on its way, which Björnson's do not. They have been entirely
+omitted in the present translation, on the ground of their complete
+superfluity as well as from the extreme difficulty of retaining their
+"atmosphere" in translation.
+
+None of the three plays in the present volume have previously been
+translated into English. German, French, and Swedish versions of _The
+Editor_ are extant; German, Swedish, Finnish, French, and Hungarian of
+_The Bankrupt_; French and Spanish of _The King_.
+
+R. FARQUHARSON SHARP.
+
+
+
+The following is a list of the works of Björnstjerne Björnson:--
+
+DRAMATIC AND POETIC WORKS.--Mellem Slagene (Between the Battles), 1857.
+Halte-Hulda (Lame Hulda), 1858. Kong Sverre (King Sverre), 1861. Sigurd
+Slembe (Sigurd the Bastard), 1862; translated by W. M. Payne, 1888.
+Maria Stuart i Skotland, 1864. De Nygifte (The Newly-Married Couple),
+1865; translated by T. Soelfeldt, 1868; by S. and E. Hjerleid, 1870; as
+A Lesson in Marriage, by G. I. Colbron, 1911. Sigurd Jorsalfar (Sigurd
+the Crusader), 1872. Redaktören (The Editor), 1874. En Fallit (A
+Bankruptcy), 1874. Kongen (The King), 1877. Leonarda, 1879. Det
+ny System (The New System), 1879. En Hanske, 1883; translated as A
+Gauntlet, by H. L. Braekstad 1890; by Osman Edwards 1894. Over AEvne
+(Beyond our Strength), Part I., 1883; translated as Pastor Sang, by
+W. Wilson, 1893; Part II., 1895. Geografi og Kaerlighed (Geography and
+Love), 1885; Paul Lange og Tora Parsberg, 1898; translated by H. L.
+Braekstad, 1899. Laboremus, 1901; translation published by Chapman and
+Hall, 1901. Paa Storhove (At Storhove), 1904; Daglannet, 1904; Naar
+den ny Vin blomstrer (When the Vineyards are in Blossom), 1909; The
+Newly-Married Couple, Leonarda, and A Gauntlet, translated by R.
+Farquharson Sharp (Everyman's Library), 1912.
+
+Digte og Sange (Poems and Songs), 1870; Arnljot Gelline, 1870.
+
+
+FICTION.--Synnöve Solbakken 1857; translated as Trust and Trial, by Mary
+Howitt, 1858; as Love and Life in Norway, by Hon. Augusta Bethell and A.
+Plesner, 1870; as The Betrothal, in H. and A. Zimmern's Half-hours with
+Foreign Novelists, 1880; also translated by Julie Sutter, 1881; by R. B.
+Anderson, 1881. Arne, 1858; translated by T. Krag, 1861; by A. Plesner
+and S. Rugeley-Powers, 1866; by R. B. Anderson, 1881; by W. Low (Bohn's
+Library), 1890. Smaastykker (Sketches), 1860. En glad Gut, 1860;
+translated as Ovind, by S. and E. Hjerleid 1869; as The Happy Boy, by
+R. B. Anderson, 1881; as The Happy Lad (published by Blackie), 1882.
+Fiskerjenten, 1868 translated as The Fisher Maiden, by M. E. Niles,
+1869; as The Fishing Girl, by A. Plesner and F. Richardson, 1870; as The
+Fishing Girl, by S. and E. Hjerleid, 1871; as The Fisher Maiden, by R.
+B. Anderson, 1882. Brude-Slaatten, 1873; translated as The Bridal March,
+by R. B. Anderson, 1882; by J. E. Williams, 1893. Fortaellinger (Tales),
+1872. Magnhild, 1877; translated by R. B. Anderson, 1883. Kaptejn
+Mansana, 1879; translated as Captain Mansana by R. B. Anderson, 1882.
+Det flager i Byen og paa Havnen (Flags are Flying in Town and Port),
+1884; translated as The Heritage of the Kurts, by C Fairfax 1892. Paa
+Guds Veje, 1889; translated as In God's Way, by E. Carmichael, 1890.
+Nye Fortaellinger (New Tales), 1894; To Fortaelinger (Two Tales), 1901;
+Mary, 1906. Collected edition of the Novels, translated into English,
+edited by E. Gosse, 13 vols., 1895-1909.
+
+[See Life of Björnson by W. M. Payne, 1910; E. Gosse's Study of the
+Writings of Björnson, in edition of Novels, 1895; H. H. Boyesen's Essays
+on Scandinavian Literature, 1895; G. Brandes' Critical Studies of Ibsen
+and Björnson, 1899.]
+
+
+
+
+
+THE EDITOR
+
+A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+     EVJE, a prosperous distiller.
+     MRS. EVJE. GERTRUD, their daughter, engaged to
+     HARALD REJN.
+     The DOCTOR.
+     The EDITOR.
+     HAAKON REJN, a yeoman farmer.
+     HALVDAN REJN and HARALD REJN, his brothers.
+     The DOCTOR'S ASSISTANT.
+     INGEBORG, maid to the Evjes.
+     JOHN, coachman to the Evjes.
+     HALVDAN REJN's HOUSEKEEPER.
+     HALVDAN REJN's MAID.
+     A Lamplighter.
+
+The action takes place in a town in Norway.
+
+
+
+
+ACT I
+
+(SCENE.--The breakfast-room at the EVJES' house. A glass-cupboard, in
+two partitions, stands against the left-hand wall, well forward. On the
+top of it stand a variety of objects. Beyond it, a stove. At the back of
+the room, a sideboard. In the middle of the room a small round folding
+table, laid for four persons. There is an armchair by the stove; a sofa
+on the right; chairs, etc. A door at the back of the room, and another
+in the left-hand wall. There are paintings on the walls, and the general
+impression of the room is one of snug comfort. EVJE, MRS. EVJE, and
+GERTRUD are seated at the table. INGEBORG is standing by the sideboard.
+Breakfast is proceeding in silence as the curtain rises. INGEBORG takes
+away EVJE'S cup and re-fills it. As she brings it back to him, a ring is
+heard at the bell. GERTRUD gets up.)
+
+Evje. Sit still; John will go to the door. (GERTRUD sits down again.
+Directly afterwards, another ring is heard.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. What can John be doing?
+
+Ingeborg. I will go. (Goes out. She comes back, showing in HARALD REJN,
+who hangs up his hat and coat in the hall before coming in.)
+
+Harald. Good morning!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Good morning! (HARALD shakes hands with them.)
+
+Harald (to GERTRUD, who is sitting on the right). Good morning, Gertrud!
+Am I a bit late to-day? (GERTRUD, who has taken his hand, looks lovingly
+at him but says nothing.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, I suppose you have been for a long constitutional,
+although the weather is none of the best.
+
+Harald. It is not; I expect we shall have a thick fog by the afternoon.
+
+Evje. Did you have breakfast before you went out?
+
+Harald. I did, thanks. (To INGEBORG, who has come forward with a cup of
+coffee.) No, thank you. I will sit down here while you are finishing.
+(Sits down on the sofa behind GERTRUD.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. How is your brother Halvdan?
+
+Harald. A little better to-day, thanks--but of course we cannot build on
+that.
+
+Evje. Is your eldest brother coming to see him?
+
+Harald. Yes, we expect him every day. Probably his wife has come with
+him, and that has been the reason of the delay; she finds it difficult
+to get away.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Halvdan so often talks of her.
+
+Harald. Yes, I believe she is the best friend he has.
+
+Evje. No wonder, then, that she wants to come and say good-bye to him.
+By the way, have you seen how the paper bids him good-bye to-day?
+
+Harald. Yes, I have seen it.
+
+Mrs. Evje (hurriedly). I hope Halvdan has not seen it?
+
+Harald (smiling). No, it is a long time now since Halvdan read a
+newspaper. (A pause.)
+
+Evje. Then I suppose you have read what they say about you too?
+
+Harald. Naturally.
+
+Mrs. Evje. It is worse than anything they have said about you before.
+
+Harald. Well--of course, you know, my election meeting comes on this
+evening.
+
+Evje. I can tell you it has upset _us_.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Day after day we wake up to find our house invaded by these
+abominations. That is a nice thought to begin your day's work with!
+
+Harald. Is it so indispensable, then, to educated people to begin their
+day by reading such things?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Well--one must have a paper.
+
+Evje. And most people read it. Besides, one can't deny that a lot of
+what is in it is true, although its general tendency is to run everyone
+down.
+
+Harald (getting up). Quite so, yes. (Leans over GERTRUD'S shoulder.)
+Gertrud, have you read it?
+
+Gertrud (does not look at him, and hesitates for a moment; then says
+gently): Yes.
+
+Harald (under his breath). So that is it! (Walks away from her.)
+
+Evje. We have had a little bit of a scene here, I must tell you.
+
+Harald (walking up and down). Yes, I can understand that.
+
+Evje. I will repeat what I have said already: they write about _you_,
+and _we_ have to suffer for it.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, and Gertrud especially.
+
+Gertrud. No--I don't want anyone to consider me in the matter at all.
+Besides, it is not what they say of you in the paper that hurts me--.
+(Stops abruptly.)
+
+Harald (who has come up to her). But what your parents are feeling about
+it? Is that it? (GERTRUD does not answer.)
+
+Evje (pushing back his plate). There, I have finished! (They rise from
+the table. MRS. EVJE helps INGEBORG to clear away the things, which
+INGEBORG carries out of the room.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Couldn't you wash your hands of politics, Harald? (GERTRUD
+goes out to the left.)
+
+Evje (who has followed GERTRUD with his eyes). We cannot deny that it
+pains us considerably that in our old age our peaceful home should be
+invaded by all this squabbling and abomination.
+
+Mrs. Evje (who rung for INGEBORG to move the table). You have no need
+to do it, either, Harald! You are a grown man, and your own master.
+(INGEBORG comes in. HARALD helps her to move the table.)
+
+Evje (to his wife). Don't let Ingeborg hear. Come along, we will go into
+my room.
+
+Mrs. Evje. You forget, all the windows are open there. I have had the
+fire lit here, so that we could stay here.
+
+Evje. Very well--then we will sit here. (Sits down by the fire.) Will
+you have a cigar?
+
+Harald. No, thanks. (INGEBORG goes out.)
+
+Evje (taking a cigar and lighting it). As my wife said just
+now--couldn't you wash your hands of politics, Harald? You, who have
+both talent and means, need not be at a loss for a vocation in life.
+
+Harald (sitting down on the sofa). If I have any talent, it is for
+politics--and so I intend to devote my means to that.
+
+Evje. What do you propose to gain by it?
+
+Harald. What any one who believes in a cause hopes to gain--that is to
+say, to help it on.
+
+Evje. And to become a cabinet minister?
+
+Harald. I certainly can't do that any other way; well, I admit--that
+_is_ my idea.
+
+Evje. You will not be elected now.
+
+Harald. That we shall see.
+
+Evje. But suppose you are not re-elected to-morrow?
+
+Harald. Then I must find some other way.
+
+Evje. Always with the same object?
+
+Harald. Always with the same object. (EVJE sighs.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (who has taken her sewing and sat down by the fire). Oh, these
+politics!
+
+Harald. At any rate, they are the most prominent factors in life just
+now.
+
+Evje. We do not suppose we can exercise any influence over you. But
+at any rate it is possible that you yourself have not considered the
+position into which you have put the whole of us. (Both he and his wife
+avoid looking at HARALD during this discussion.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Say what you really mean, dear--that he is making us all
+thoroughly unhappy, and that is the truth!
+
+Harald (getting up, and walking up and down). Well, look here--I have
+a proposal to make. It is, that you should abandon all opposition to
+Gertrud's marrying me at once. To-day again my brother has expressed the
+wish that we should be married by his bedside; so that he should be able
+to take part in it. I scarcely need add how happy it would make me.
+
+Evje. But whether she is here at home or married to you, you know, her
+parents' distress would be just as great every time their child was
+persecuted.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Surely you can appreciate that!
+
+Harald. But what answer am I to give to my brother's request?--most
+likely the last he will ever--. (Stops.)
+
+Evje (after a pause). He is very kind to wish it, as he always is.
+Nothing would make us happier; but we who are her parents do not
+consider that you could make our daughter happy as long as you remain in
+politics and on the lines on which you are now travelling.
+
+Harald (after a pause, during which he has stood still). That is to say,
+you contemplate breaking off our engagement?
+
+Evje (looking at him quickly). Far from it!
+
+Mrs. Evje (at the same time). How can you say such a thing?
+
+Evje (turning towards the fire again). We have spoken about it to
+Gertrud to-day--as to whether it would not be possible to induce you to
+choose some other career.
+
+Mrs. Evje. You understand now, why you found Gertrud upset. You must
+listen to us now, as she did, in all friendliness.
+
+Evje (getting up and standing with his back to the fire). The first
+thing I do in the morning is to read my paper. You know what was in it
+to-day--the same as is in it now every day.
+
+Mrs. Evje. No; I am sure it has never been as bad as to-day.
+
+Harald (walking up and down again). The election is just at hand!
+
+Evje. Well--it is just as painful to us, her father and mother, whether
+it is before or after the election. We are not accustomed to associate
+with any one who has not first-class credentials--and now we have to
+endure seeing doubt cast upon our own son-in-law's. Do not misunderstand
+me; to my mind, for credentials to be first-class they must not only
+actually be so, but must also be considered to be so by people in
+general. (HARALD begins to walk up and down again.) The second thing I
+do in the morning is to open my letters. Amongst to-day's were several
+from friends we had invited to a party we thought of giving--if, that
+is to say, your brother's illness took no sudden turn for the worse. No
+fewer than ten of them refuse our invitation--most of them making some
+excuse, and a few with a little more show of a real reason; but one of
+them speaks straight out, and I have his letter here. (Takes it from his
+pocket.) I have kept it for you. It is from my father's old friend,
+the bishop. I haven't my spectacles--and for me to have mislaid my
+spectacles will show you what a state of mind I am in. I don't think I
+have done such a thing for--. Here, read it yourself! Read it aloud!
+
+Harald (taking the letter). "My dear Mr. Evje. As you are my poor dear
+friend's son, you must listen to the truth from me. I cannot willingly
+come to your house while I might meet there a certain person who,
+certainly, is one of you, but nevertheless is a person whom I cannot
+hold in entire respect."
+
+Mrs. Evje. Well, Harald, what do you think our feelings must be when we
+read things like that?
+
+Evje. Do not imagine that, in spite of that, _we_ do not hold you in
+entire respect. We only ask you to ensure our daughter's happiness. You
+can do that with a word.
+
+Mrs. Evje. We know what you are, whatever people say--even if they are
+bishops. But, in return, you ought to have confidence in our judgment;
+and our advice to you is, have done with it! Marry Gertrud at once, and
+go away for your honeymoon; by the time you come back, people will have
+got something else to talk about--and you will have found something else
+to occupy you as well.
+
+Evje. You must not misunderstand us. We mean no coercion. We are
+not insisting on this alternative. If you wish to be married, you
+shall--without feeling yourself obliged to change your vocation for
+_our_ sakes. We only want to make it clear that it would pain us--pain
+us very deeply.
+
+Mrs. Evje. If you want to take time to think it over, or want to talk it
+over with Gertrud or with your brother, do! (GERTRUD comes in and goes
+about the room looking for something.)
+
+Evje. What are you looking for, dear?
+
+Gertrud. Oh, for the--.
+
+Mrs. Evje. I expect it is the newspaper; your grandfather has been
+asking for it.
+
+Evje. Surely there is no need for _him_ to read it?
+
+Mrs. Evje. He asked me for it, too. He knows quite well what has made us
+all unhappy.
+
+Evje. Can't you tell him? No, that wouldn't do.
+
+Mrs. Evje (to GERTRUD). I suppose you have had to confess to him what is
+the matter?
+
+Gertrud (trying to conceal an emotion that is almost too much for her).
+Yes. (Finds the paper, and goes out.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (when GERTRUD has gone). Poor child!
+
+Evje. Does not what she is carrying to him, with all that it says about
+you and about your brother, seem to you like an omen? I will tell you
+how it strikes me. Your brother is a very much more gifted man than I
+am; and although it is true, as that paper says, that nothing of all
+that he has worked for has ever come to anything, still perhaps he may
+nevertheless have accomplished more than either you or me, although we
+have done a good deal between us to increase the prosperity of our town.
+I feel that to be so, although I cannot express what I mean precisely.
+But consider the reputation he will leave behind him. All educated
+people will say just what that paper says to-day--and to-morrow he will
+be forgotten. He will scarcely find a place in history, for history only
+concerns itself with the great leaders of men. What does it all come
+to, then? Neither present nor posthumous fame; but death--death all the
+time. He is dying by inches now, dying of the most horrible persecution;
+and the emotion that his end will cause among a few individuals cannot
+be called posthumous fame. (HARALD begins to speak, but checks himself.)
+Can _you_ hope to make a better fight of it? You think you are stronger?
+Very well; perhaps you may have the strength to endure it until other
+times come and other opinions with them. But there will be one by
+your side who will not have the strength to endure it. Gertrud is not
+strong--she could never stand it; indeed now--already--. (Is stopped by
+his emotion.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. She hides it from you, but she cannot hide it from us.
+Besides, a friend of ours--our dear doctor--said only yesterday--.
+(Breaks off in tears.)
+
+Evje. We never told you, but he warned us some time ago; we had no
+idea it was so serious, or that it had anything to do with this.
+But yesterday he frightened us; he said she--. Well, you can ask him
+yourself. He will be here directly. (HARALD fills a glass of water and
+raises it to his lips, but sets it down again untasted.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (going to him). I am so sorry for you, Harald! To have this
+come on you just now--when your splendid brother is at the point of
+death, and you yourself are being persecuted! (A ring is heard at the
+bell.)
+
+Evje. But it should be a warning to you! Sometimes a single movement
+will change the course of a whole life.
+
+Mrs. Evje. And do have a little confidence in us! (A ring is heard
+again.)
+
+Evje. What on earth has become of John to-day? That is the second time
+the bell has rung.
+
+Mrs. Evje. One of the maids is opening the door, I can hear.
+
+Evje. I expect it is the doctor.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, it is he--I know his ring. (A knock is heard at the
+door.)
+
+Evje. Come in! (The DOCTOR comes in.)
+
+The Doctor. Good morning! (Lays down his hat and stick.) Well, so I hear
+John has been up to his pranks again? The rascal is in bed.
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. In bed?
+
+The Doctor. Came home at four o'clock in the morning, drunk. Ill to-day,
+naturally. Ingeborg asked me to go in and see him.
+
+Evje. Well!--I am determined to put an end to it!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, I have never been able to understand why you were so
+lenient with John.
+
+Evje. He has been with us five years; and, besides, it makes people talk
+so, if you have to send your servants away.
+
+Mrs. Evje. But surely this sort of thing makes them talk much worse!
+
+Evje. Well--he shall leave this very day.
+
+The Doctor (to HARALD). How are you, Rejn?--Oho! I understand. I have
+come at an inopportune moment with my complaints of John? You have all
+got something more serious on your minds?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, we have had it out, as we agreed yesterday.
+
+The Doctor. You must forgive me, my dear Rejn, for having told my old
+friends the whole truth yesterday. She (pointing to MRS. EVJE) was an
+old playfellow of mine, and her husband and I have been friends from
+boyhood; so we have no secrets from each other. And Gertrud's condition
+makes me very uneasy.
+
+Harald. Why have you never told me that before?
+
+The Doctor. Goodness knows I have often enough given her parents hints
+that she was not well; but they have only made up their minds that her
+happiness in her engagement would quite cure her. They are a considerate
+couple, these two dear people, you know; they didn't want to seem
+interfering.
+
+Harald. Their consideration--which I appreciate and have lately had
+constant reason to be grateful for--has all at once become a more
+powerful weapon than open opposition. It makes a duty of what I should
+otherwise have felt to be unfair coercion. But now the situation is such
+that I can neither go forward nor back. After what I have gone through,
+you must see that I cannot withdraw on the very eve of the election--and
+after the election it will be too late. On the other hand--(with
+emotion)--I cannot, I dare not, go on with it if it is to cost me--.
+(Breaks off.)
+
+Evje (standing in front of the fire). There, there! Take time to think
+it over, my dear boy; talk it over with her and with your brother.
+
+The Doctor (who has sat down on a chair to the left, a little away from
+the others). I have just been to see your brother. A remarkable man! But
+do you know what occurred to me as I sat there? He is dying because he
+_is_ a man. The only people that are fit for political life nowadays are
+those whose hearts have been turned to stone. (Picks up something from
+the table and gets up.) Ah, just look here! Here is a fine specimen
+of petrifaction. It is a fragment of palm leaf of some kind, found
+impressed in a bit of rock from Spitzbergen. I sent it you myself, so
+I know it. That is what you have to be like to withstand arctic
+storms!--it will take to harm. But your brother--well, his life had been
+like that of the original palm tree, with the air sighing through its
+branches; the change of climate was too sudden for him. (Goes up to
+HARALD.) You have still to try it. Shall you be able to kill all the
+humanity that is in you? If you can make yourself as insensate a thing
+as this stone, I daresay you will be able to stand the life. But are you
+willing to venture upon political life at such a price? If you are--so
+be it; but remember that in that case you must also kill all humanity
+in Gertrud--in these two--in every one that is dear to you. Otherwise no
+one will understand you or follow you. If you cannot do that, you will
+never be more than a dabbler in politics--a quarter, an eighth part, of
+a politician--and all your efforts, in what you consider your vocation,
+will be pitiable!
+
+Mrs. Evje (who has been occupied at the back of the room, but now sits
+down by the fare). That is quite true! I know cases of petrifaction like
+that--and God preserve anyone that I love from it!
+
+Evje (coming forward towards HARALD). I don't want to say anything to
+hurt your feelings--least of all just now. But I just want to add my
+warning, because I believe I have discovered that there is a danger that
+persecution may make you hard.
+
+Harald. Yes!--but do you suppose it is only politics that offer that
+dangerous prospect?
+
+The Doctor. You are quite right! It is all the cry nowadays, "Harden
+yourself!" It isn't only military men and doctors that have to be
+hardened; commercial men have to be hardened, civil servants have to be
+hardened, or dried up; and everybody else has to be hardened for life,
+apparently. But what does it all mean? It means that we are to drive out
+all warmth from our hearts, all desire from our imaginations. There is a
+child's heart at the bottom of every one of our hearts-ever young, full
+of laughter and tears; and that is what we shall have killed before we
+are "fitted for the battle of life," as they put it. No, no--that is
+what we ought to preserve; we were given it for that! (HARALD hides his
+face in his hands, and sits so for some time.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Any mother or any wife knows that.
+
+Evje (standing with his back to the fire). You want to bring back the
+age of romance, doctor!
+
+The Doctor (with a laugh). Not its errors--because in those days unclean
+minds brought to birth a great deal that was unclean. (Seriously.) But
+what is it, when all is said and done, but a violent protest on the
+part of the Teutonic people against the Romanesque spirit and school--a
+remarkable school, but not _ours_. To us it seems a barren, merely
+intellectual school--a mere mass of formulas which led to a precocious
+development of the mind. And that was the spirit it bred--critical and
+barren. But these schools of thought are now all we have, and both of
+them are bad for us! They have no use for the heart or the imagination;
+they do not breed faith or a longing for high achievement. Look at _our_
+life! Is our life really our own?
+
+Mrs. Evje. No. You have only to think of our language, our tastes, our
+society, our--
+
+The Doctor (interrupting her). Those are the externals of our life,
+merely the externals! No, look within--look at such a view of life as
+we were talking about, clamouring for "hardening"--is that ours? Can we,
+for all our diligence, make as much way in it as, for instance, a born
+Parisian journalist?--become like a bar of steel with a point at each
+end, a pen-point and a sword-point? _We_ can't do that; the Teutonic
+temperament is not fitted for it.
+
+Evje. Oh, we are well on the way towards it. Look at the heartless
+intolerance in our politics; it will soon match what you were
+describing.
+
+Harald. Everyone that disagrees with you is either an ambitious
+scoundrel, or half mad, or a blockhead.
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Yes, and here in the north, in our small
+communities, where a man meets all his enemies in the same barber's
+shop, we feel it as keenly as if we were digging our knives into each
+other! (Seriously.) We may laugh at it, but if we could add up the sum
+of suffering that has been caused to families and to individuals--if we
+could see the concrete total before us--we should be tempted to believe
+that our liberty had been given to us as a curse! For it _is_ a cursed
+thing to destroy the humanity that is in us, and make us cruel and hard
+to one another.
+
+Harald (getting up, but standing still). But, my good friends, if you
+are of the same mind about that, and I with you--what is the next thing
+to do?
+
+The Doctor. The next thing to do?
+
+Harald. Naturally, to unite in making an end of it.
+
+Mrs. Evje (as she works). What can _we_ do?
+
+Evje. I am no politician and do not wish to become one.
+
+The Doctor (laughing, and sitting down). No, a politician is a
+principle, swathed round with a printed set of directions for use. I
+prefer to be allowed to be a human being.
+
+Harald. No one can fairly insist on your taking up any vocation to which
+you do not feel you have a calling.
+
+The Doctor. Of course not.
+
+Harald. But one certainly might insist on your not helping to maintain a
+condition of affairs that you detest.
+
+All. We?
+
+Harald. This newspaper, which is the ultimate reason of all this
+conversation we have had--you take it in.
+
+Evje. Why, you take it in yourself!
+
+Harald. No. Every time there is anything nasty in it about me or mine,
+it is sent to me anonymously.
+
+The Doctor (with a laugh). I don't take it in; I read my hall-porter's
+copy.
+
+Harald. I have heard you say that before. I took an opportunity to ask
+your hall-porter. He said _he_ did not read it, and did not take it in
+either.
+
+The Doctor (as before). Then I should like to know who does pay for it!
+
+Evje. A newspaper is indispensable to a business man.
+
+Harald. An influential business man could by himself, or at any rate
+with one or two others, start a paper that would be as useful again to
+him as this one is.
+
+Evje. That is true enough; but, after all, if we agree with its
+politics?
+
+Harald. I will accept help from any one whose opinions on public affairs
+agree with my own. Who am I that I should pretend to judge him? But I
+will not give him my help in anything that is malicious or wicked.
+
+The Doctor. Pshaw!
+
+Harald. Everyone who subscribes to, or contributes to, or gives any
+information to a paper that is scurrilous, is giving his help to what
+is wicked. And, moreover, every one who is on terms of friendship with a
+man who is destroying public morality, is helping him to do it.
+
+The Doctor (getting up). Does he still come here? (A silence.)
+
+Evje. He and I are old schoolfellows--and I don't like breaking with old
+acquaintances.
+
+Mrs. Evje. He is a most amusing man, too--though I can't deny that he is
+malicious. (The DOCTOR sits down again, humming to himself.)
+
+Harald. But that is not all. Both you and the Doctor have--with some
+eloquence--
+
+The Doctor (with a laugh). Thank you!
+
+Harald.--expressed your abhorrence of certain political tendencies with
+which neither you nor I have any sympathy--which affront our ideas of
+humane conduct. You do not feel called upon to enter actively into the
+lists against them; but why do you try to prevent those who do feel so
+called upon? You lament the existing state of things--and yet you help
+to maintain it, and make a friend of the man who is its champion!
+
+The Doctor (turning his head). Apparently we are on our defence, Evje!
+
+Harald. No--I am. I was told a little while ago that I was in a fair way
+to become hardened and callous, and that I must abandon my career--and
+that I must do so for Gertrud's sake, too, because she would never be
+able to share the fight with me. I was told this at one of the bitterest
+moments in my life. And that made me hesitate for a moment. But now I
+have turned my face forward again, because you have enlightened me! (A
+short, sharp cough is heard in the hall.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (getting up). That is he! (A knock is heard at the door; the
+DOCTOR gets up and pushes his chair back. The EDITOR comes in.)
+
+The Editor. Good morning, my children! How are you?
+
+Mrs. Evje (sitting down). I did not hear the bell.
+
+The Editor. I don't suppose you did--I came in by the back door. I took
+you by surprise, eh? Discussing me, too--what? (Laughs.)
+
+Evje. You have given us enough reason to, to-day, any way.
+
+The Editor. Yes, haven't I? Such a thing for a man to do to his best
+friends--eh?
+
+Evje. That is true.
+
+The Editor. To his old schoolfellows--his neighbours--eh? I expect it
+has disturbed your natural moderation--eh?
+
+Evje. I pride myself on my moderation.
+
+The Editor. As much as on your brandy!
+
+Evje. Are you going to begin your nonsense again?
+
+The Editor. Good-morning, Doctor! Have you been making them a fine
+speech this morning?--about my paper? or about humanity?--romanticism?
+or catholicism?--eh? (Laughs.)
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Certainly one of us two has made a fine speech
+this morning!
+
+The Editor. Not me; mine was made yesterday!--How is your hall-porter?
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Quite well, I am ashamed to say.
+
+The Editor. There's a faithful subscriber to my paper, if you like! (The
+DOCTOR laughs.) Well, Mrs. Evje, I can give you news of your man, Master
+John!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Can you? It is more than I can.
+
+The Editor. Yes--he is in bed still. That is why I came in the back
+way--to enquire after his health.
+
+Mrs. Evje. But how--?
+
+The Editor. How is he after last night?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Really, I believe you know everything. We had no idea he was
+out last night.
+
+The Editor. Oh, that is the very latest intelligence! He has been
+figuring as a speaker--he was drunk, of course--before the Association
+founded by his master's future son-in-law. And he made a most effective
+speech--indeed, the speakers at that Association always make most
+effective speeches! It was all about a Sliding Scale of Taxation,
+Profit-Sharing for Workers, the necessity for a Labour majority in
+Parliament, etc., etc., all the usual Socialist rhodomontade. You see
+how infectious intellectual ideas are!
+
+Evje. Well!--I shall turn him out of the house to-day!
+
+The Editor. But that is not in accordance with your love of moderation,
+Evje!
+
+Evje. It is a scandal.
+
+The Editor (to EVJE). But not the worst. Because, if you want to avoid
+that sort of thing, there are others you must turn out of the house.
+(Glances towards HARALD.)
+
+Evje. You seem determined to quarrel to-day?
+
+The Editor. Yes, with your "moderation."
+
+Evje. You would be none the worse of a little of it.
+
+The Editor. "Brandy and Moderation" is your watchword--eh?
+
+Evje. Do stop talking such nonsense!--I know one thing, and that is that
+you seem to find the brandy from my distillery remarkably to your taste!
+
+The Doctor (interrupting them). When you are in these provoking moods
+there is always some grievance lurking at the back of your mind. Out
+with it! I am a doctor, you know; I want to get at the cause of your
+complaint!
+
+The Editor. You were not very successful in that, you know, when you
+said my maid had cholera, and she really only was--. (Laughs.)
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Are you going to bring that story up again? Every
+one is liable to make mistakes, you know--even you, my boy!
+
+The Editor. Certainly. But before making a mistake this time--ahem!--I
+wanted first of all to enquire whether--
+
+The Doctor. Ah! now it is coming!
+
+The Editor--whether you have any objection to my mentioning John in my
+paper?
+
+Mrs. Evje. What has John to do with us?
+
+The Editor. Just as much as the Association, where he delivered his
+speech, has; it--ahem!--is one of the family institutions!
+
+Evje. I have had no more to do with making John what he is than I have
+had with making that Association what it is.
+
+The Editor. Your future son-in-law made the Association what it is, and
+the Association has made John what he is.
+
+The Doctor. Or, to put it the other way round: John is Mr. Evje's
+servant; John has become an active member of the Association; therefore
+Mr. Evje is a patron of the Association.
+
+The Editor. Or this way: John, being the well-known Mr. Evje's servant,
+has for that reason become an active member of the Association which--as
+he expressed it--his employer's future son-in-law "has had the honour to
+found!"
+
+Mrs. Evje. Surely you never mean to put that in the paper?
+
+The Editor (laughing). They are John's own words.
+
+Mr. Evje. Of course, he would never put a tipsy man's maunderings into
+the paper. (To his wife.) Don't you understand that he is joking?
+
+The Editor (clearing his throat). It is already in type.
+
+The Doctor. Oh, nonsense!
+
+The Editor. The scene afforded an opportunity for an extremely amusing
+sketch, without mentioning any names.
+
+Mr. Evje. I sincerely hope that
+
+The Doctor (to EVJE). Oh, he is only teasing you! You know him.
+
+The Editor. What do you think of this? "Those who indirectly support
+so dangerous an institution will have to face exposure."--I quite agree
+with it.
+
+Mrs. Evje (getting up). What do you mean? Do you mean that my husband--?
+
+The Editor. A little fright will be a good discipline for him!
+
+Evje. Is what you quoted meant as an accusation against us--whether you
+are serious or whether you are joking?
+
+The Doctor. He is only trying to frighten you with a bogey; it is not
+the first time, you know!
+
+Evje. Yes, but what have _I_ to be frightened of? I don't belong to the
+Association.
+
+The Editor. But persons who do belong to it frequent your house. A man
+is known by the company he keeps.
+
+Mrs. Evje. I really begin to think he _does_ mean it seriously.
+
+The Editor. It is too ugly a thing to jest about, you mean?
+
+Evje. Is it possible that you seriously mean to allude to John as my
+servant?
+
+The Editor. Isn't he your servant?
+
+Evje. And to put that in the paper for every one to read?
+
+The Editor. No--only for those who read the paper.
+
+Evje. And you have come here to tell us that?
+
+The Editor. Do you suppose I would do it without telling you?
+
+Mrs. Evje. It is perfectly shameless!
+
+The Editor. It certainly is.
+
+Evje. Is it your intention to quarrel with me?
+
+The Editor. Of course!
+
+Evje. With your own schoolfellow?--one who has been it true friend to
+you in all your ups and downs? It is abominable!
+
+The Editor. Perhaps it was to ensure my holding my tongue that you have
+been my friend!
+
+Mrs. Evje. You _couldn't_ behave in such a fashion to a friend!
+
+The Editor (drily). To my own brother, if he stood in my way!
+
+Harald (to himself). This is too much! (Comes forward.) Is your hatred
+for me so bitter that on my account you must persecute even my future
+parents-in-law, your own old friends?
+
+The Editor (who, as soon as HARALD came forward, has turned away to
+the DOCTOR). Have you heard how people are being beaten up to go to
+the meeting of electors to-night? The last political speeches of the
+campaign must be made with red fire burning at the wings! (Laughs.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (coming up to him). No, you are not going to get out of it by
+changing the subject. Is it really your intention to put my husband in
+your paper?
+
+The Editor. He is putting himself there.
+
+Evje. I, who all my life have avoided being drawn into any political
+party?
+
+The Doctor. What has Evje to do with Harald Rein's politics?
+
+The Editor. He endorses them!
+
+Mrs. Evje. No!--a thousand times no!
+
+Evje. Why, only to-day
+
+The Doctor. I can bear witness to that!
+
+The Editor. It is no use protesting!
+
+Evje. But you must believe our protestations!
+
+The Editor. Bah! You will see something more to-morrow--
+
+Evje. Something more?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Against my husband?
+
+The Editor. That scandal about the Stock Exchange Committee. No
+less than three Letters to the Editor about it have been lying in my
+pigeon-holes for some time.
+
+Evje (in bewilderment). Are you going to put nonsense of that sort in
+your paper? The most respected men on the Exchange--?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Members of the Committee--?
+
+The Editor. They are only respected men so long as they respect
+themselves. When their chairman enters into connections which offend
+public opinion, the whole crew of them must be made to feel what sort of
+a man it is they are associating with.
+
+The Doctor. So on Mr. Rejn's account you are going to expose Evje, and
+on Evje's account the Stock Exchange Committee? I suppose my turn will
+come soon!
+
+The Editor. It will come.
+
+The Doctor. Indeed!
+
+The Editor. The letters that have been sent to me are all from highly
+respected men. That shows that public opinion has turned round; and
+public opinion must be obeyed! (Throws out his hands.)
+
+Evje (in a troubled voice). It is quite true that I have noticed in
+several little ways that their temper--. (Looks round him, and checks
+himself. Then speaks more confidently.) But it was just at such a time
+that I looked for help from you, my friend. That is why I did not bother
+myself much about it.
+
+The Editor (to EVJE). But you know it is you that are attacking me now!
+
+Evje. I?
+
+Mrs. Evje. He?
+
+The Editor. And, besides, I have no choice in the matter. You have made
+your bed, and must lie on it.
+
+Evje (growing angry again). But do you really mean that you don't feel
+yourself how shocking such behaviour in an old friend is?
+
+The Editor. "Old friend," "old schoolfellow," "neighbour,"--out with the
+whole catalogue!
+
+Mrs. Evje. I am sure you don't deserve to be either one or the other!
+(The EDITOR laughs.) Think what you wrote to-day about Halvdan Rejn, who
+is dying. A man could only write that who--who--
+
+The Editor. Well?--who?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Who has not an atom of heart.
+
+The Editor. Ha, ha! "The natural affections!"--"family considerations!"
+Truth, my dear lady, has no family ties; it has no respect even for a
+"dying man."
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, indeed--every decent man has some respect for suffering,
+and even wicked men are silent in the presence of death!
+
+The Editor. "Sufferer"--"dying man"--"martyr," I suppose! Oh, we know
+all that old story!
+
+Harald (coming forward). Let me tell you that you are a--person with
+whom I will not condescend to argue. (Walks away from him.)
+
+The Editor (who has at once crossed the room). This theatrical flaunting
+of the "dying man" before people's eyes, that a calculating brother has
+permitted himself, is of course what is really shocking in the whole
+affair. But I will tear the mask off him.
+
+The Doctor (following him). Listen to me, now; listen! We are
+gentlefolk, you know! And even if Mr. Rejn has let himself be so carried
+away as to mention his dying brother on a public occasion--well, I am
+not going to say that I approve of it, but surely it is excusable and--
+
+Harald (coming forward). I want none of your defence, thank you!
+
+The Doctor. The one of you is just as mad as the other! (To the EDITOR.)
+But what has all this to do with Evje, seeing that, after all, the whole
+of this affair of the Rejns'--
+
+Evje (to the EDITOR, eagerly). I give you my word of honour that I have
+never approved of Harald's utterances about his brother, either. I am a
+man of moderation, as you know; I do not approve of his politics. Only
+to-day--
+
+Mrs. Evje. And what on earth have politics to do with the Stock Exchange
+Committee?
+
+The Doctor. Or with Evje's coachman!
+
+Evje. You might just as well take it into your head to write about my
+clerks, or my workmen, or--
+
+The Doctor. His carpenters, or his brewers--or his horses!
+
+The Editor (stands suddenly still and says, drily): You may assure
+yourselves that things are quite sufficient as they are! (Begins to
+button up his coat.)
+
+Evje. Is it so bad as all that!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Good gracious!--what is it then?
+
+The Editor (taking up his hat). You will be able to read it to-morrow,
+together with some more about the "dying man." Good-bye!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje (together.) But before you go--
+
+The Doctor. Hush, hush! Let us remember we are gentlefolk! What will you
+bet that the whole thing is not just a bogey to frighten you?
+
+The Editor (holding out his hand towards the DOCTOR). I hold Mr. Evje's
+position in the town in the hollow of my hand!
+
+Evje (fuming). Is your object to ruin _that_, then?
+
+Mrs. Evje. You will never succeed in that!
+
+The Doctor. Hush, hush! let us remember we are gentlefolk!
+
+Evje. In my own house--my old schoolfellow--that he should have the
+audacity--!
+
+The Editor. I have told you the truth openly. And, as far as that goes,
+you have stood more than that from me in your own house, my boy. Because
+the misfortune is that you are a coward.
+
+Evje. _I_ a coward?
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Hush, hush! Let us remember we are gentlefolk!
+
+Evje. Yes, I have been weak enough to be afraid of scandal, especially
+in the newspapers, it is true; that is why I have put up with you too
+long! But now you shall see that I am not a coward. Leave my house!
+
+Mrs. Evje. That's right!
+
+The Doctor. But you must part like gentlefolk, you know.
+
+The Editor. Pooh! You will be sending me a message directly, to call me
+back!
+
+Evje. You have the face to say that?
+
+Mrs. Evje (to EVJE). Come, dear, don't provoke him any more!
+
+The Editor (turning to go). You daren't do otherwise.
+
+The Doctor. But part like gentlefolk--!
+
+Evje (following the EDITOR). No, as sure as I live--
+
+The Editor. You will be sending a message to call me back! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Evje. Never, never!
+
+Mrs. Evje. My dear--!
+
+The Editor. Yes, you will--directly--this very day! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+The Doctor. Don't part like that! Part like gentle--
+
+Evje. No, I tell you!
+
+The Editor (laughing all the time). Yes!
+
+Mrs. Evje. My dear-remember you may bring on one of your attacks!
+
+The Editor (at the door). You are too much of a coward! Ha! ha! (Goes
+out.)
+
+Evje (in a rage). No!
+
+The Editor (sticking his head in at the door). Yes! (Goes away.)
+
+The Doctor. What a visit! I cannot help laughing, all the same! Ha, ha,
+ha, ha!
+
+Evje. Do you dare to laugh at that?
+
+The Doctor. "Old schoolfellows"--ha, ha! "Moderation"--ha, ha! "The same
+party"--ha, ha, ha!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Oh, my husband is ill!
+
+Evje (faintly). Yes--a little water!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Water, water, Harald!
+
+The Doctor. One of his attacks--that is another affair altogether. Here
+(takes a bottle from his pocket)--smell this! That's it! Now, a little
+water! (Gives him some.) No danger this time. Cheer up, old boy!
+
+Evje. What a scandal!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, you will never be able to bear it, dear; I told you so.
+
+Evje. To think of _my_ name appearing in the papers, when all my life I
+have--
+
+Mrs. Evje.--done everything you could to keep clear of such things! And
+you such a dear, good, upright man!--Oh, these politics are the curse of
+the world!
+
+The Doctor (laughing). As I told you, you must go through a special
+process of hardening before you can stand them.
+
+Evje. And think of public opinion--my position--my connections! It is
+more than I can bear!
+
+Mrs. Evje (to the Doctor). I am sure the first time he reads something
+about himself in the paper, it will make him really ill! He won't be
+able to stand it, I know.
+
+The Doctor. Oh, he will get over it.
+
+Mrs. Evje. No, he won't. I am frightened at the mere thought of it. He
+will never be able to bear it, never!
+
+Evje. When all my life I have tried to keep clear of such things--!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And now in your old age, though you deserve it no more than
+a child does, to be dragged into it! If I could prevent that, I would
+willingly take on my own shoulders whatever--
+
+Evje. No, no--not you! Not you!
+
+The Doctor. But the thing is not necessarily done because he threatened
+he would do it.
+
+Evje. Do you think--?
+
+The Doctor. He is so dreadfully hot-headed, but I am sure he will think
+twice--
+
+Mrs. Evje.--before he attacks a lifelong friend! Yes, that is so, isn't
+it!
+
+Evje. Do you really think that there is any possibility then--?
+
+The Doctor. I really can't say!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Nothing in the world is impossible!
+
+Evje. We were both so hot-headed.
+
+The Doctor. Yes, it will have to be a more peaceable conversation than
+that of a few minutes ago!
+
+Evje. I don't know how it is--there is something so provoking about him.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, and you have not been very well lately, either. I have
+often said so to you.
+
+Evje. No, I haven't. It has been just one thing after another! And all
+my life I have tried to keep clear of such things!
+
+The Doctor. I will tell you what, old friend; I am sure the best thing
+to do would be--
+
+Evje. What?
+
+The Doctor. I am sure you will not be easy in your mind until someone
+has talked to him.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, couldn't that be done? Good gracious, that is not
+sending a message to him!
+
+Evje. But who would--? (A short silence.)
+
+The Doctor. I don't know who would be best.
+
+Mrs. Evje. All our old friends have deserted us; we shall soon have
+none.
+
+The Doctor. Well, at all events, you have me.
+
+Evje. Would you really be willing to--? Do you mean it? (Grasps his
+hand.)
+
+The Doctor. Of course I will! He can't eat me!
+
+Mrs. Evje. How good you are! Of course you only need tell him--what is
+quite true--that my husband would never be able to bear it! He, who all
+these years--
+
+Evje.--have put up with an incredible amount for his sake, both from
+himself and from others!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, that is true! And now you will go, dear friend--our only
+friend!--and talk to him quite amicably and sensibly, won't you?
+
+Evje. But don't delay! He is so hot-headed that we must find him
+before--
+
+The Doctor. Oh, I will find him; he is always about the town.
+
+Evje. And tell him--ask him--
+
+The Doctor. Oh, I know what to say to him.
+
+Mrs. Evje. That is right!
+
+Evje. Thank you! I shall never forget how, at a moment when everything
+threatened to overwhelm me, you were the only one to stand by me! Ah, I
+feel as if a load had fallen off my shoulders! I feel all at once quite
+happy again!
+
+The Doctor. That's right. You pull yourself together! I will see to
+everything else.
+
+Evje. Thanks, thanks! But make haste!
+
+The Doctor. I am off! My hat? (Turns, and sees HARALD, and says to
+himself.) A-ha! He looks as if he had had about enough of this. It would
+have been a joke to--
+
+Evje. Oh, do make haste, my friend!
+
+The Doctor. Yes, yes--if only I could find my hat.
+
+Mrs. Evje. It is on the table.
+
+The Doctor. So it is!
+
+Evje. Good luck to you!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And do it very tactfully!
+
+The Doctor (meaningly). And I hope you three will enjoy yourselves!
+(Goes out.)
+
+Evje. What a morning!
+
+Mrs. Evje. We, who have always endeavoured to take everything quietly
+and indulgently--
+
+Evje. Yes, and to conduct our family affairs peaceably and
+affectionately! (Jumps up and turns to HARALD.) The whole thing is
+_your_ fault!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, it is Harald's fault! From the day this unfortunate
+engagement came about, we have scarcely had a moment's peace here.
+
+Evje. No, no, that is not the case! We must be reasonable. At first,
+when Mr. Rejn had a fine future before him, when people vied with one
+another to catch him, then the engagement was an honour to us as well
+as to our daughter. But from the moment he took up these wretched
+politics--that is to say, from the time his brother fell ill--well, he
+can see for himself what the result has been to us!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And he certainly must admit that it is not what we have
+deserved; indeed it is more than a respected and well-bred family can
+put up with.
+
+Harald. I quite agree that it is more than a respected and well-bred
+family _ought_ to put up with.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Oh, so _you_ feel that too?
+
+Harald. Certainly. And the only excuse I can see is that there are many
+more in the same case. It is only in that way that such things become
+possible.
+
+Evje. I do not understand. Many more like--?--like whom?
+
+Harald. Like you!
+
+Mrs. Evje. In what respect?
+
+Harald. I will explain. Most of the successful politicians nowadays have
+not gained their position by means of any greatness of their own, but
+by the pitiable weakness of others. Another age will form a different
+estimate of them--see them in their proper perspective, and find them to
+be much smaller men!
+
+Evje. But what has that to do with us?
+
+Harald. Well, just try to size up that man whom a little while ago you
+turned out of your house and afterwards sent a message to--
+
+Evje. We sent _no_ message to him!
+
+Mrs. Evje. A friend of ours has gone to talk to him. That is quite a
+different thing!
+
+Harald. Well, take his measure by yours and yours by his! He went away,
+and he will come back like a conquering hero. Will that be thanks to
+his greatness, or his talent--to the loftiness of his opinions or his
+feelings? No,--it will be thanks to your pitiable weakness.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Upon my word!
+
+Evje. Well, I--!
+
+Harald. Do you think any one who has any pluck in his disposition would
+consent to be a party to such a contemptible state of things? Think of
+your own daughter, educated by that good old man who lies in there, but
+an obedient child to you; think how she must be perpetually torn between
+what she loves and respects and what she sees going on here! No wonder
+she is ill! But remember this--she is not ill because she sticks to me;
+she is ill because of your pitiable weakness!
+
+Mrs. Evje. How can you dare to say such things! So you too--!
+
+Evje. Such an absolute want of respect!
+
+Harald. Listen to me, once for all. I intend, God helping me, to take
+up the fight that has killed my brother, the noblest man I know! And
+Gertrud is going to take up _her_ share in the fight, as I do mine. But
+to come to this house as long as _he_ comes here--to go through what I
+have gone through to-day--sullies my self-respect to such an extent,
+and offends my better feelings so deeply, that either he never sets foot
+here again, or I do not!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. But--!
+
+Harald (quietly). When I came here to-day, I thought we should be able
+to arrange matters without my speaking out; but there is nothing else
+for it, so good-bye! (Goes out. A moment's silence follows.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Is _he_ giving _us_ our dismissal? Or does he not really mean
+to break with us?--My dear, what is the matter? (Goes to her husband's
+side.)
+
+Evje (without moving). Tell me, my dear--am I a bad man?
+
+Mrs. Evje. You, a bad man?
+
+Evje. Because, if I were not a bad, wicked man, they could not behave in
+such a way to me, one after the other.
+
+Mrs. Evje. But, my dear, you are the best and dearest and most
+considerate of men! And they are shameless traitors to you, my dear
+husband!
+
+Evje. But how on earth, then, could it come about that I, who all my
+life have tried to keep clear of such things--for I have, haven't I?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Every one knows that, that knows anything about you.
+
+Evje. How could it come about that in my old age I should be despised
+and forsaken by everybody? Surely it is no crime to want to live in
+peace, apart from all that sort of thing?
+
+Mrs. Evje. No, indeed; that is what all decent people want to do.
+
+Evje. Yes, I thought so too. But now you see!
+
+Mrs. Evje. But _you_ have been dreadfully unfortunate.
+
+Evje. Why should I have been just the one to be dreadfully unfortunate?
+Most people escape such things altogether.
+
+Mrs. Evje (starting). Here is Gertrud.
+
+Evje. Poor child!
+
+Mrs. Evje. What on earth are we to say to her?
+
+Evje. Be careful, my dear! be careful! (GERTRUD comes in quietly and
+comes forward to them.)
+
+Gertrud. Did I see Harald go away?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, my child, he--he went away.
+
+Gertrud. Without saying good-bye to me?
+
+Evje. That's true, he didn't say good-bye to you.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Were you expecting him to come into grandfather's room to say
+good-bye to you?
+
+Gertrud. Yes. Tell me how things went here?
+
+Evje. Why were you not here, dear?
+
+Gertrud (in astonishment). I here? You said you did not want me to be
+present--
+
+Evje. I remember, yes; we thought it would not be advisable.
+
+Gertrud (still speaking quietly, but in growing alarm). But how did
+things go, then?
+
+Evje. How did they go? Badly.
+
+Mrs. Evje (hurriedly). That is to say, he did not behave at all well.
+You must prepare yourself for the worst, my child!
+
+Gertrud. Is it something very bad, then?
+
+Evje. You know he is a little hasty just now, when he has so much on his
+hands. He lacks a proper sense of moderation--but he will learn it, sure
+enough.
+
+Gertrud (almost inaudibly). But what does it mean? Is he never coming
+back?
+
+Evje. Never coming back? What an extraordinary question! Of course he
+will come back. He was only a little over-hasty, you know--
+
+Gertrud. And said he would never come back?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Come, come, my dear--you mustn't be alarmed.
+
+Evje. He talked such a lot, you know, that we must not attach any
+particular importance to anything he said.
+
+Gertrud. So that is how it is!
+
+Mrs. Evje. We must make allowances for all that he is going through just
+now--
+
+Evje (suddenly). My child, you look so pale--
+
+Mrs. Evje (going to her). Gertrud!
+
+Gertrud (with a quiet movement of protest). I must give grandfather his
+drink; that was really what I came for. And that was how I happened to
+see Harald through the window. I will take grandfather his drink. (The
+curtain falls as she goes out of the room.)
+
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+(SCENE.--A street in the "villa quarter" of the town. Between it and
+another street running parallel with it in the background, are two
+houses standing in gardens, half of the facade of one of them projecting
+into the stage on the right. On the left a third street runs at right
+angles to the others, to the back of the stage. The left side of this
+third street opens onto a well-wooded park. The house in the foreground
+on the right is in two stories. There is a narrow strip of garden in
+front of it, enclosed by an iron railing with a gate in it. The gate is
+standing open. The entrance door to the house is immediately behind this
+gate. There is light in a small window by the door; the ground floor
+windows are in darkness; in those of the upper floor, light is visible
+through heavy curtains. It is a wintry evening, and everything is
+swathed in an unusually thick fog, in which the gas lamps in the streets
+show dimmer and dimmer as they recede in the distance. As the curtain
+goes up, a lamplighter is seen descending his ladder from a lamp-post,
+where he has just lit the lamp at the corner of the house.)
+
+The Lamplighter (as he reaches the ground). It's all one whether the
+lamps are lit or not, in such a fog as this. (MRS. EVJE is seen drawing
+back the curtain at a window on the first floor. She opens the window
+and looks out.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. The fog is so thick, my dear, that I can't see across the
+street.
+
+Evje (coming to the window, with fur coat and cap on). So it is!--Well,
+so much the better, my dear! (They withdraw into the room; the window is
+shut and the curtains drawn. Two passers-by come along the street from
+the right, talking.)
+
+First Passer-by. The Land of Fogs--the old idea of the land of Fogs was
+that of a vision of confused and faint sensation, with the light of the
+intelligence dimmed and blurred like these gas lamps in the fog.
+
+Second Passer-by. It would be that, if our hearts did not often act as
+guiding lights to our befogged intelligences. Look at this house behind
+us--the brandy distiller's. The devilish workings of his intelligence
+have befogged the whole country--befogged it with brandy--and some such
+guiding light is much needed there.
+
+First Passer-by. Ah, well,--the old idea of the Land of Fogs was that
+fogs were--. (The sound of their conversation dies away as they pass
+into the park on the left. GERTRUD, closely veiled and wrapped in furs,
+comes slowly out of the park. She stops at the corner and looks down the
+street, then passed slowly along to the right, looking up at the house
+as she goes. She is scarcely out of sight when the house-door opens and
+EVJE comes out.)
+
+Evje. This is about the time he comes home--I daren't go to his house
+and ask for him; I don't know if he would admit me. I daren't trust to
+the Doctor alone.--This uncertainty is dreadful! (He starts at seeing
+GERTRUD, whom he does not recognise in the fog, walking towards him. She
+turns suddenly and walks back the way she came.) Who was that? She gave
+me quite a fright in this fog! Her furs seemed rather like--no, no,
+it couldn't be. I must not let any one recognise me. (Puts up the high
+collar of his coat, so that only his nose is visible.) Both of them
+called me a coward, but they are very much mistaken. It is not cowardice
+for a man who is respected and honoured to try and avoid scandal. Hm!
+Naturally those who trade in scandals think otherwise!--To act without
+attaching weight to the opinion of others, to disregard one's own
+predilections, to put up with being laughed at--all for the sake of
+preventing a scandal--that is to be strong and courageous. And it _is_
+admirable, too; for it is admirable to act fearlessly in the interest
+of one's family, and of one's business, and of propriety. (Starts as he
+hears his door opened. JOHN has come along the street and gone into the
+house.) Is that some one coming out of my house? No, it is a man going
+in. And then to think of Harald Rejn beginning that nonsense about my
+being a coward, because I refused to become a party man! Every one
+ought to take sides in politics--that is their cry. Hm! I should say it
+required rather more courage nowadays to _refrain_ from taking sides.
+(Starts again.) Who is that? Oh, only that woman again. She is waiting
+for some one too. I expect we shall both catch bad colds. (Walks up and
+down.) It is an odd sensation to be walking up and down on the watch
+outside one's own house. Cowardice? Pshaw! To let one's self be abused
+in a public street without stirring a finger to prevent it, _that_ would
+be cowardice. I only hope he has not gone round the other way? There is
+much more traffic in that street, and some one might easily--. I think I
+will take a turn towards the town, and turn back when I am a little way
+from here; it will look less suspicious. I must catch him, because his
+paper will be going to press. (Looks up at his house.) My poor wife,
+sitting up there dreadfully alarmed on my account! (Goes out to the
+right. As soon as he has gone, the house-door opens and JOHN comes
+warily out.)
+
+JOHN. So he has gone out, has he! Oh, well, he is bound to come in
+again! I will wait and catch him, that I will! Tra, la, la, la, la! I
+can play about here in the fog till he comes back; I have nothing to
+lose! And it will be best to catch him in the street; he will make less
+fuss, and can't run away from me! Tra, la, la, la, la! (Lounges out to
+the right. A moment later, HARALD comes out of the park. He is dressed
+much as EVJE is, but has not his coat-collar turned up.)
+
+Harald. There is a light in her window! Then she is alone in her room.
+What am I going to do now? Twice already I have come to look at that
+light; now I have seen it--and must go away! Good-bye, my darling! Be
+patient, and wait! I know your thoughts are with me now; and I know you
+feel that mine are with you! (As he turns away from the house he sees
+the veiled figure of GERTRUD, who, as soon as she has come nearer,
+rushes to him, throws up her veil, and falls into his arms in a glad
+embrace.)
+
+Gertrud. I was certain that, if you could not go into the house again,
+you would be out here! I knew you would not go away from me, dear!
+
+Harald. No--neither now nor ever.
+
+Gertrud. And, while I was walking up and down here in the fog, I felt
+that though there might be all this gloom tend cold around us outside,
+there was the brightness and warmth of certainty in our hearts.
+
+Harald. Yes, our love is the one certainty for me! Fog may obscure the
+goal I aim at, the road I have to I read, the very ground I stand on;
+doubts may even for a while attack my faith; but my love for you shines
+clear through it all!
+
+Gertrud. Thank you, my darling! If that is so, there is nothing that we
+cannot overcome!
+
+Harald. Of course, you know what took place to-day?
+
+Gertrud. I can guess.
+
+Harald. Is it true that you are ill? Why did you never tell me?
+
+Gertrud. No, the doctor is not telling the truth; I am not ill! Even
+if I were, what matter? I should go on living as long as I could--and
+should have done my duty before I gave in!
+
+Harald. That is the way to look at it!
+
+Gertrud. But I am not ill! I suffer, it is true--and am likely to--every
+time you are persecuted, or my parents on my account. Because _I_ have
+drawn them into all this that, they are so unfitted for, and that is why
+it pains me so to see how unprepared it finds them--most of all when,
+out of tenderness for me, they try to conceal it. But I can't alter
+things. We are fighting for a cause that you believe to be right, and
+so do I; surely that is better than never to suffer at all in any good
+cause. Try me! Let me share the fight with you! I am not weak; it is
+only that my heart is sore for those I love.
+
+Harald. You splendid, loyal creature!--and you are mine! (Embraces her.)
+
+Gertrud. You should hear what grandfather says!
+
+Harald. Yes, how is the dear old gentleman?
+
+Gertrud. Pretty well, thanks, though he never gets out now. But he is
+following your work, and he says that what you are aiming at is right,
+if you ask for God's guidance on your way. Harald--you will always be
+the same as you are now--good and genuine--won't you, dear? Not like
+the rest of them--nothing but bitterness and malice, always talking of
+principles and consequences and all the rest of it, and always attacking
+others? If one were obliged to be like that, it would be a curse to be a
+politician.
+
+Harald. I will be what you make me! I think that behind every man's
+public life you can see his private life--whether he has a real home,
+and what it is like, or whether he only has a place he lives in--that is
+to say, no real home.
+
+Gertrud. With God's help I shall try to make a bright, snug and cosy
+home for you! And this fog is delightful, because it only makes the
+thought of such a home all the cosier and snugger! It makes us seem so
+alone, too; no one is out driving or walking; and we can talk as loud as
+we please, because the fog deadens the sound of our voices. Oh, I
+feel so happy again now! Do you know, I think it is rather nice to be
+persecuted a little; it makes our meetings so much more precious!
+
+Harald. But, you know dear, to meet you like this--and just now--
+
+Gertrud (as they walk up and down together). Yes, of course! I had
+altogether forgotten how much you have to bear just now; I have been
+chattering away--. Oh, I don't know how I could feel so happy, because
+I am really dreadfully distressed. But, you know, I sit the whole
+play beside grandfather, thinking, without even being able to talk.
+I generally read aloud to him; now and then he makes a remark, but he
+really lives more in the next world than in this one now. (They hear a
+cough in the distance, and give a start, because they recognise it. The
+EDITOR and EVJE, walking along together, EVJE apparently talking very
+earnestly, are seen, indistinctly through the fog, in the street running
+parallel with the one HARALD and GERTRUD are in. JOHN is seen following
+them cautiously. They disappear into the park.)
+
+Harald. I hear the enemy! I am sure I caught a glimpse of him over there
+through the fog, talking to another man.
+
+Gertrud. Is he always about the streets even in weather like this?
+
+Harald. Well, we won't let him disturb us. (They begin walking up and
+down again in front of the house.)
+
+Gertrud. Do you know whom I met out here? Father!
+
+Harald. Really? Then it is as I thought; the other man over there was
+your father!
+
+Gertrud. Do you think it was? Poor father!
+
+Harald. Yes, he is weak.
+
+Gertrud. But you must be good to him. He is so good himself. Think how
+mother loves him; she is absolutely wrapped up in him, because he is so
+good!
+
+Harald. He is a good man, and an able man. But, but, but--
+
+Gertrud. They have lived a very tranquil life. We of the younger
+generation try to undertake heavier duties and greater responsibilities
+than the older generation did. But we must not be angry with them.
+
+Harald. I am afraid it is only too easy to feel angry with them.
+
+Gertrud. No, do as grandfather does! If he thinks any one is going to
+be amenable to it, he talks to them quietly; if not, he only behaves
+affectionately to them. Do you understand, dear?--just affectionately.
+
+Harald. Well, to-day--ought I to have put up with their allowing
+themselves to be treated in such an unseemly way, and their treating me
+in such an unseemly way?
+
+Gertrud. Was it really as bad as that?
+
+Harald. You would not believe what it was like, I assure you!
+
+Gertrud (standing still). Poor father! Poor father! (Throws her arms
+round HARALD'S neck.) Be good to them, Harald!--just because of
+their faults, dear! We are their children, you know, and it is God's
+commandment, even if we were not their children.
+
+Harald. If only I could take you up in my arms and carry you off home
+with me now! Your love takes possession of my heart and my will, and
+purifies both of them. I am at a crisis in my life now--and now you
+should be on my side!
+
+Gertrud. Listen!--to begin with, I will go with you to your meeting
+to-night!
+
+Harald. Yes, yes,--I will come and fetch you!
+
+Gertrud. Down at the door here!
+
+Harald. Yes!
+
+Gertrud. And, in the next place, I am going to walls into the town with
+you now.
+
+Harald. But then I shall have to see you home again.
+
+Gertrud. Do you object?
+
+Harald. No, no! And you shall teach me a lot of things on the way!
+
+Gertrud. Yes, you will be so wise before we get back! (They go out to
+the right.)
+
+(The EDITOR and EVJE come out of the park. JOHN follows them, unseen by
+them, and slips past them to the right when they stop for a moment. The
+following conversation is carried on in hurried tones, and every time
+the EDITOR raises his voice EVJE hushes him, and speaks himself in a
+persistently lowered voice.)
+
+Evje. But what concern of yours--or of the public's--are my private
+affairs? I don't want to have anything to do with politics.
+
+The Editor, Well, then, you ought not to have had anything to do with
+_him_.
+
+Evje. When I first made his acquaintance he was not a politician.
+
+The Editor. Then you ought to have dropped him when he became one.
+
+Evje. Ought I to have dropped you too, when you became one?
+
+The Editor. Let me repeat, for the last time, that we are not talking
+about me!
+
+Evje. Hush, hush! What a fellow you are! You get into a rage if any one
+chaffs you. But you want to hit out at everybody all round!
+
+The Editor. Do you suppose I am myself?
+
+Evje. Who the devil are you, if you are not yourself?
+
+The Editor. I am merely the servant of the public.
+
+Evje. The public executioner, that is to say?
+
+The Editor. Well, yes, if you prefer it. But you shall pay for that word
+some day.
+
+Evje. There--you see! Always talking of paying for things!--of revenge!
+
+The Editor. You shall pay for it, I tell you!
+
+Evje. You are absolutely mad!--Poof! I am sweating as if it were the dog
+days! (Changes his tone.) Think of the time when we used to go to school
+together--when you never could go to bed without first coming to thank
+me for the jolly times we were having together!
+
+The Editor. None of that nonsense! I am accustomed to be hated,
+despised, spit upon, scourged; if any one speaks kindly to me, I do not
+trust them!
+
+Evje. You must trust me!
+
+The Editor. No--and, besides, I observed very clearly to-day that you
+had counted on having me in reserve if ever you got into a scrape.
+
+Evje. Well, who doesn't count on his friends? Doesn't every one take
+them into his reckoning?
+
+The Editor. I don't; I have no friends.
+
+Evje. Haven't you me? Do you think I would leave you in the lurch?
+
+The Editor. That is hypocrisy! At times when I have needed it, the very
+last thing you have thought of has been to give me any help!
+
+Evje. Have I not helped you?
+
+The Editor. That is hypocrisy, too-to pretend you think I am speaking
+of money. No; when I have been accused of being dishonourable--of
+lying--you, the "old schoolfellow," the "old friend," the "neighbour,"
+have never once had the courage to come forward on my behalf.
+
+Evje. I never meddle with politics.
+
+The Editor (with rising temper). More hypocrisy! Another of your damned
+evasions!
+
+Evje. Hush, hush, hush!
+
+The Editor. You try to excuse yourself with a lie! You are doubly a
+traitor!--And then you expect me to have compassion on you!
+
+Evje. As sure as I stand here, I have never thought of deserting you,
+however bad things were.
+
+The Editor. And you have the face to take credit to yourself for that?
+It is all calculation from beginning to end! You thought it would be the
+best way of making me remember your loyalty, and reward you for it.
+
+Evje. This is abominable!
+
+The Editor. Oh, you are cunning enough! You represent wealth of another
+kind, which at first was not entirely irreproachably come by--
+
+Evje. There you go again!
+
+The Editor.--and want to give it the cachet of good society; so you take
+care to keep friends with a newspaper that may be able to give you a
+helping hand in gaining what you want. Can you deny it?
+
+Evje. There may be a slight tinge of calculation even in our highest
+purposes. But the misfortune about you is that you can see nothing but
+the calculation, though it may be only an infinitesimal part of the
+whole thing.
+
+The Editor. Oho--I have had experience of you!
+
+Evje. Then you must have had experience of your party's loyalty, too.
+
+The Editor. My party's loyalty!
+
+Evje. Well, after all, it keeps you where you are to-day.
+
+The Editor. _It_ keeps me there?
+
+Evje. And you have friends in that party-myself amongst others--who
+certainly would rather stand outside altogether, but nevertheless give
+you their advice and support when you are in difficulties. You cannot
+deny that.
+
+The Editor. I have friends in the party? Oh yes; and if we lose a fight
+these fine counsellors are the first to run away! They are always egging
+me on and egging me on; but only let public opinion once get tired of
+me, and they will throw me overboard without more ado! By that sort of
+treachery they manage to fill the sails of the party craft with a new
+breeze--and leave me to shift the best way I can!--they, for whom I
+have fought with all my might and main! I despise my opponents--they are
+either scoundrels and thieves, or they are blockheads and braggarts.
+But my supporters are lick-spittles, fools, cravens. I despise the whole
+pack of them, from first to last! If any one would give me the assurance
+that if, as a pledge that I would never use a pen again, I were to chop
+off my right hand I should thereby gain the prospect of a peaceful life
+a thousand miles away from here, I believe I would do it!--I despise the
+whole pack of them--oh, how I despise them!
+
+Evje. But this is horrible! Do you find no comfort in religion? Or, at
+all events, you have your paper!
+
+The Editor. My paper, yes--but what good do you suppose that is to me?
+And do you think I give the impression of being a religious man?
+
+Evje. Then what do you work for?
+
+The Editor. Perhaps you think I work for your sake?--or for the sake of
+prosperity, or order, or whatever it is you cowards or self-seekers like
+to imagine it is that you personify? No, the whole human race is not
+worth the powder and shot that they are holding at each other's heads.
+
+Evje. Then why do you come and almost threaten my life, if the whole
+thing seems so worthless to you?
+
+The Editor. Do you seriously suppose that I would give in, so as to
+spare you or some other shopkeeper?--so that you should be able to
+say triumphantly, "You see he didn't dare! He didn't dare quarrel with
+Capital!"--or, "You see he has given in--he has turned tail!" No; what
+I should like to do would be to lay a mine underground, and blow myself
+and the whole lot of you sky high!
+
+Evje. And I and all the happiness of my family life are to be sacrificed
+in order that you shall not have to give in on a side issue of no
+importance!--Oh, I am chilled to the bone!
+
+The Editor. Ha, ha! It is good to hear you speaking like yourself again,
+because it reminds me that it is time to put an end to this solemn
+nonsense! (Looks at his watch.) A quarter past! You must be quick!
+
+Evje. Are you really in earnest?
+
+The Editor. I often play off jokes on you, it is true. But I don't know
+how you will like this one to-morrow morning.
+
+Evje. Then let me tell you that I solemnly refuse! I will not break off
+the engagement! Put me in your paper, if you like; I am a free man.
+
+The Editor. Bah! nobody is that. Then you refuse? Good-bye! (Walks away
+from EVJE.)
+
+Evje (going after him). No, no--where are you going?
+
+The Editor (stopping). Nowhere--or rather, I am going home.
+
+Evje. But you won't really do what you said?
+
+The Editor. Ha! ha! ha! (Moves away.)
+
+Evje (following him). No, listen! Listen to me for a minute.
+
+The Editor (turning back). Do you think I have time to stop at all
+the stations your vanity or your fright will invent on the way? (Moves
+away.)
+
+Evje. You mad creature--listen to me! (The EDITOR stops.) Tell me
+exactly what you mean to do?
+
+The Editor. Fiddlesticks! (Moves on.)
+
+Evje (following him). Do you mean to put in the paper that I have broken
+off this match?
+
+The Editor (stopping). Better than that--I shall spread the news in the
+town; then it will get about, and all the journalists will get a hold of
+it.
+
+Evje. Give me a day or two to think it over!
+
+The Editor. Oh, no--you are not going to catch me like that! It is
+election time, and the other side must be made to feel that all decent
+people have deserted them.
+
+Evje. But it is a lie, you know!
+
+The Editor. What is lying, and what is truth? But your resignation from
+the Stock Exchange Committee and your subsequent failure to be elected
+to any public position will be no lies, I can assure you! Public opinion
+is not to be trifled with, you know!
+
+Evje. And this from you!
+
+The Editor. Bah! Public opinion is a very faithless friend.
+
+Evje. But who, after all, constitute public opinion?
+
+The Editor. Oh, no--you are not going to lead me into a trap again!
+Besides--it would be very difficult to say exactly who does constitute
+it.
+
+Evje. This is really--! Then you won't put that in the paper?
+
+The Editor. The news of a broken engagement travels quickest by
+foot-post--ha, ha, ha! (Coughs; then adds seriously:) But won't you,
+of your own accord, break off what are really absolutely inadmissible
+relations with a man who scandalises all your acquaintances?
+
+Evje. Lay the blame on me, of course! I know his credentials are no
+longer first class; but my daughter--ah, you would not be able to
+understand that. The circumstances are quite exceptional, and--. Look
+here, shall we go up and talk it over with my wife?
+
+The Editor. Ha, ha!--you turned me out of the house this morning!
+
+Evje. Oh, forget all about that!
+
+The Editor (looking at his watch). Half past! Now, without any more
+evasions--will you, or will you not?
+
+Evje (with a struggle). No! I repeat, no! (The EDITOR moves away.) Yes,
+yes!--It nearly kills me to do it!
+
+The Editor. "The Capitalist, secure in his position, who needs pay no
+regard to," etc., etc.--that is the "common form," isn't it, you man of
+first-class credentials? Ha, ha! Good-bye. I am going home to send the
+boy to the printers; he has waited long enough. (Moves away.)
+
+Evje (following him). You are the cruellest, hardest, most reckless--
+
+The Editor (who has been laughing, suddenly becomes serious). Hush! Do
+you see?
+
+Evje (turning round). What? Where?
+
+The Editor. Over there!
+
+Evje. Those two?
+
+The Editor. Yes--your daughter and Mr. Harald Rejn.
+
+Evje. But he swore this morning that he would never set foot in my house
+again!
+
+The Editor. But he will stay _outside_ your house, as you see! These
+gentlemen of the Opposition, when they give any assurance, always do it
+with a mental reservation! You can't trust the beggars! Come round the
+corner. (They do so.)
+
+Evje. An assignation in the street in the fog! To think my daughter
+would let herself be induced to do such a thing!
+
+The Editor. Evil communications corrupt good manners! You are a mere
+bungler in delicate matters, Evje. You made a bad choice in that
+quarter!
+
+Evje. But he seemed to be--
+
+The Editor. Yes, yes, I know! A real gentleman would have guessed what
+he would develop into. He has a brother, you know! (HARALD and GERTRUD
+come in slowly, arm-in-arm.)
+
+Gertrud. While your brother has been ill you have received many
+gratifying proofs of the good feeling and goodwill that there is in this
+town-haven't you?
+
+Harald. Yes, I have. I have found no ill-will against him, nothing but
+kindness on all sides--with the exception of one person, of course.
+
+Gertrud. But even he has a heart! It has often seemed to me as if I
+heard a cry of yearning and disappointment from it--and that just when
+he spoke most bitterly.
+
+Harald. Yes, it needs no very sharp sight to see that he, who makes so
+many unhappy, is himself the unhappiest of all.
+
+The Editor. What the deuce are they talking about?
+
+Evje. We cannot hear from here. And the fog deadens their voices.
+
+The Editor. Go a bit nearer, then!
+
+Evje. Not before they separate. You only understand _him_!
+
+Harald (to GERTRUD). What are you holding there?
+
+Gertrud (who has taken off her glove and then a ring from her finger).
+The ring they gave me when I was confirmed. Give me your hand! No, take
+your glove off!
+
+Harald. Do you want me to try your ring on? I shall not be able to get
+it on.
+
+Gertrud. On the little finger of your left hand? Yes!
+
+Harald (putting it on). So I can. Well?
+
+Gertrud. You mustn't laugh at me. I have been beating up my courage
+to do this all this time. It was really why I wanted to walk a little
+farther with you first! I wanted to bring the conversation round to it,
+you see! I am so convinced that your happiness, and consequently mine,
+depends on your being able to be kind. You have got this meeting before
+you to-night. It will be a decisive moment for you. If you, when you are
+facing all this horrible persecution, can be a kind boy, you will win
+all along the line! (Pulls at his buttons in an embarrassed way.) So I
+wanted you to wear this ring to remind you. The diamonds in it sparkle;
+they are like my tears when you are hard and forget us two. I know it
+is stupid of me (wipes her eyes hastily), but now, when it comes to the
+point, I can't say what I--. But do wear it!
+
+Harald (kissing her). I will wear it! (Gently.) Its pure rays shall shed
+a light on my life.
+
+Gertrud. Thank you! (Throws her arms round him and kisses him.)
+
+The Editor. What they are doing now is all right! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Evje. I won't stand it! (The EDITOR coughs loudly.) What are you doing?
+(The EDITOR goes to the neighbouring house and rings the bell. The door
+is opened and he goes in, laughing as he goes.)
+
+Gertrud (who has started from HARALD'S arms at the sound of the cough).
+That is--!
+
+Harald. It sounds like him! (Turns, and sees Evje.)
+
+Gertrud. Father! (Turns to run away, but stops.) No, it is cowardly to
+run away. (Comes back, and stands at HARALD'S side. EVJE comes forward.)
+
+Evje. I should not have expected my daughter, a well-brought-up girl, to
+make an assignation in the street with--with--
+
+Gertrud. With her fiancé.
+
+Evje.--with a man who has made a mock of her father and mother, and of
+his own doing has banished himself from our house.
+
+Harald. From your house, certainly; but not from my future wife.
+
+Evje. A nice explanation! Do you suppose we will consent to have as our
+son-in-law a man who spurns her parents?
+
+Gertrud. Father!
+
+Evje. Be quiet, my child! You ought to have felt that yourself.
+
+Gertrud. But, father, you surely do not expect him to submit to your
+being abused and himself ill-treated in our house?
+
+Evje. Are you going to teach your parents--?
+
+Gertrud (putting her arm round his neck). I don't want to teach you
+anything; because you know yourself, dear, that Harald is worth far
+more--and far more to us--than the man who went away just now! (At this
+moment the printer's boy, who has come out of the EDITOR'S house, runs
+past them towards the town.)
+
+Evje (seeing the boy, tries to get away). Go in now, Gertrud! I have
+something I wish to talk to Mr. Rejn about.
+
+Gertrud. You have nothing to talk to Harald about that I cannot hear.
+
+Evje. Yes, I have.
+
+Harald. But why may she not hear it? What you want is to break off our
+engagement.
+
+Gertrud. Father--! (Moves away from him.) Is that true?
+
+Evje. Well-since it cannot be otherwise-it is true; that is to say, for
+the moment. (Aside.) Good Lord, they can make it up right enough when
+this is all over!
+
+Gertrud (who is standing as if thunderstruck). I saw you with him!--Ah!
+that is how it is! (Looks at her father, bursts into tears and rushes to
+the door of their house, pulls the bell and disappears into the house.)
+
+Evje. What is it? What is the matter with her?
+
+Harald. I think I know. She realises that her life's happiness has been
+bought and sold. (Bows to EVJE.) Good-bye! (Goes out to the right.)
+
+Evje (after standing dumb for some moments). Bought and sold?
+Some people take everything so dreadfully solemnly. It is only a
+manoeuvre--to get out of this difficulty. Why is it that I cannot get
+free of it! They both of them exaggerate matters so absurdly; first of
+all this crazy fellow, and then Harald with his "Good-bye," spoken as if
+the ground were giving way beneath his feet! I--I--feel as if every one
+had deserted me. I will go in to my wife--my dear, good wife; she will
+understand me. She is sitting up there, full of anxiety about me. (He
+turns towards his house; but, on reaching the garden gate, sees JOHN
+standing there.)
+
+John (touching his hat respectfully). Excuse me, Mr. Evje--
+
+Evje. You, John! Go away! I told you never to set foot in my house
+again.
+
+John (very respectfully). But won't you allow me to stand outside your
+house either, sir?
+
+Evje. No!
+
+John (standing in EVJE'S way, but still with a show of great respect).
+Not at the door here?
+
+Evje. What are you standing in my way for, you scoundrel?
+
+John. Shall I assist you to call for help, sir? (Calls out.) Help!
+
+Evje. Be quiet, you drunken fool! Don't make a disturbance! What do you
+want? Be quick!
+
+John. I want, with all respect, to ask you, sir, why you have sent me
+away.
+
+Evje. Because you are a swine that gets drunk and then talks nonsense.
+You don't know what a dilemma you have put me in.--Now go away from
+here, quietly!
+
+John. I know all about it! I was following you and the Editor all the
+time, you know!
+
+Evje. What?
+
+John. These articles, that were to go in the paper--the printing was at
+a standstill, waiting for them.
+
+Evje. Hush, hush, John! So you overheard that, did you? You are too
+clever; you ought never to have been a servant.--Now, be off with you!
+Here is a shilling or two for you. Good-bye.
+
+John. Thank you very much, sir.--This was how it was, sir. You see,
+I thought of the number of times I had run over to the printer's with
+messages when that nice Editor gentleman was spending an evening with
+you--and so I thought I might just as well run over with this one.
+
+Evje (starting back in alarm). What? What have you done?
+
+John. Just to do you a good turn, sir, I ran along and told them they
+might print those articles.
+
+Evje. What articles?
+
+John. The ones about you, sir. "Print away," I said--and they printed
+away. By Jove, how they worked, and then off to the post with the
+papers!
+
+Evje. You had the impudence, you--! Ah, it's not true! I saw the
+printer's boy myself, running to the office to countermand the
+instructions.
+
+John. I caught him up outside here and told him that a message had been
+sent from Mr. Evje's house. And I gave him sixpence to go to the theatre
+with; but he must have had to run for it, to be in time, because I am
+sure it was after seven. Excuse me, sir, but it _is_ after seven now,
+isn't it?
+
+Evje. You scoundrel! You vindictive brute!
+
+John. You can have a look at the paper, sir, if you like.
+
+Evje. Have _you_ got a copy?
+
+John. Yes, sir, the first copy struck off is always sent to the Editor,
+so I volunteered to bring it to him. But you must be anxious to see it,
+sir! (Holds it out to EVJE.)
+
+Evje (snatching it from him). Give it to me! Let me see--. (Moves
+towards his door, but stops.) No, my wife mustn't--. Here, under the
+gas-lamp! This filthy fog! I can't--. (Feels in his pocket for his
+glasses, and pasts them on.) Ah, that's better! (Holds the paper under
+the light.) What a mischance! The blackguard--! Where is the article,
+then? Oh, here--I can't see properly, my heart is beating so!
+
+John. Shall I run for the doctor, sir?
+
+Evje. Will you go away, you--! (Holds the paper first up, and then down,
+in his attempts to see better.) Ah, here it is! "The Stock Exchange
+Committee"--oh! (Lowers the paper.)
+
+John (mimicking him). Oh!
+
+Evje (trying to read). What a vile thing to do!
+
+John. Oh, go on! go on!
+
+Evje (as he reads). This beats everything I ever--Oh!
+
+John. Oh! We _are_ in a bad way!
+
+Evje (wiping his forehead). What a different thing it is to read
+libellous attacks on others--and on one's self! (Goes on reading.) Oh!
+Oh! What horrible, revolting rascality! What is it he says here? I must
+read through it again! Oh, oh!
+
+John. And often of a morning, when you have been reading the paper, I
+have heard you laughing till the bed shook under you!
+
+Evje. Yes, I who have so often laughed at others! (Reads.) No, this is
+beyond belief! I can't read any more! This will ruin my position in the
+town; I can hear every one laughing at me--he knows all my weaknesses,
+and has managed to make it all so hideously ludicrous! (Tries to go on
+reading.) Why, here is some more! (Reads.) It begins even worse than the
+other! (Lowers the paper, panting, then tries to go on reading.) No, I
+can't--I can't! I must wait! Everything seems going round and round--and
+my heart is beating so violently that I know I shall have one of my
+attacks! What a devil it is that I have been making a friend of! What a
+creature to have broken bread with!--an unprincipled scoundrel! And the
+disgrace of it!--the disgrace! What will they say at the Exchange? What
+will--? I shall not dare to go out of my house, at least for some weeks!
+And then people will only say I have taken to my bed! Oh, oh! I feel as
+if it were the end of everything!
+
+John (solicitously). Can I help you, sir?
+
+Evje. Will you leave me alone--! No, I will have my revenge on him
+immediately! I will go and ring his bell, and go into his house and call
+him a scoundrel and spit in his face--! Did I bring my stick out with
+me? Where is my stick? I will send my man for it, and then I will thrash
+him round and round his own room!
+
+John (eagerly). I will fetch it for you, sir!
+
+Evje (without hearing him). No, it would only make more scandal!--How
+can I take my revenge? I must do him some injury--some real injury that
+will seem to poison his food for him and rob him of his rest. Scoundrels
+like that don't deserve sleep! It must be something, too, that will
+make his family every bit as unhappy as mine will be when they have
+read this--something that will make them hide their heads for
+shame--something that will make them terrified every time their
+door-bell rings, out of shame for what their servants may hear! No, no,
+I am getting as evil-minded as he is, now!--What a horrible trade--for
+ever sowing the seeds of sin and reaping a crop of curses! Now I
+understand what Harald Rejn meant by saying that no one ought to give
+his help to such things!--Heavens, hear my vow: never again will I give
+my help to such things!--What am I to say to my wife--my dear, good
+wife, who has no suspicion how disgraced I am! And Gertrud, our good
+Gertrud--ah, at all events I can give her some pleasure at once. I
+cannot conceal it from them; but I will tell them myself, so that they
+shall not read it.
+
+John. Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?
+
+Evje (almost screaming at him). Once for all, can't you let me alone!
+
+Mrs. Evje (leaning out of a window she has opened). The sound must have
+come from the street, all the same. Are you there, my dear?
+
+Evje (drawing back in alarm). There she is! Shall I answer?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Are you there, my dear?
+
+Evje. Yes, dear, here I am!
+
+Mrs. Evje. So you are! I heard your voice, and looked all over the
+house. What is the matter, dear?
+
+Evje. Oh, I am so unhappy!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Good heavens, are you, dear? Come along in--or shall I come
+down to you?
+
+Evje. No, I will come in. Shut the window, or you will catch cold.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Do you know, Gertrud is sitting up here, crying?
+
+Evje. Good gracious, is she? I will come up--I will come up!
+
+John. I will help him up, ma'am! (Pretends to be doing so.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Is that you, John?
+
+Evje (in a low voice). Will you be off!
+
+John. Yes, it is me, ma'am. He is so unwell.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Is he! Heavens, it is one of his attacks! Help him, John!
+
+Evje (as before). Don't you dare!
+
+John (who has rung the bell loudly). I do hope you will moon be better,
+sir! (Calls up to the window.) I can leave him now, ma'am! (To EVJE, as
+he goes.) This has been a bit of luck, for me; but you shall have some
+more of it! (Disappears into the fog as EVJE goes into his house. The
+two Passers-by, that were seen at the beginning of the scene, are now
+indistinctly seen returning along the street at the back.)
+
+First Passer-by. Well, the land of Fogs used to be thought by the
+ancients to lie in the north, where all confused ideas come from--
+
+Second Passer-by (who does not seem to be able to get a word in). But,
+listen to me for a moment-do you think it means--?
+
+[Curtain]
+
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+(SCENE.--A room in HALVDAN REJN's house. He is lying, supported on
+pillows, on a sofa on the left-hand side of the room. There is a table
+in the background, and another near the sofa. A lamp is hanging from the
+ceiling, and another standing on the table at the back. HAAKON REJN, his
+dress proclaiming him to be a well-to-do yeoman farmer, is sitting on a
+chair by the sofa.)
+
+Halvdan. So she couldn't come?
+
+Haakon. No; there are the youngsters, you know--she finds it difficult
+to get away.
+
+Halvdan (after a moment's silence). Remember to thank her for all her
+kindness to me. The happiest moments of my life have been those Sundays
+and evenings that she and you and I spent together at your house. (A
+pause.)
+
+Haakon. She wanted very much to know how you were feeling--whether you,
+who have suffered so much, are at peace now.
+
+Halvdan. At peace? A man who has to die with all his work unfinished,
+cannot easily root out all thoughts of that from his heart.
+
+Haakon. You should try to lay in God's hands all that you have striven
+for.
+
+Halvdan. That is what I struggle daily to do. (A pause.)
+
+Haakon. A sister of my wife's, who was a widow and badly off, died
+leaving three young children. But she was glad to die. "Their Heavenly
+Father will help them better when I am out of the way," she said. "I
+took up too much room," she said; "I know I have often stood in their
+way." (A pause.)
+
+Halvdan. You tell that just as your wife would; she told me that story
+once.
+
+Haakon. I was to tell you from her that she believes you are to die in
+order that what you have worked for may come to its fullest fruit. She
+thinks that when you are gone, people will appreciate better what your
+aims were.
+
+Halvdan. There is some comfort in the thought that I may be dying
+in order that what I have loved may live. I have already given up
+happiness-even honour-for it; I gladly give my life for it now. (A
+pause.)
+
+Haakon. Do you bear ill-will to any of those who have opposed you so
+cruelly?
+
+Halvdan. To no one.
+
+Haakon. Not even to those whose doing it is that you are lying here?
+
+Halvdan. No, to no one. (A pause.)
+
+Haakon. Could you bear to read something hateful about yourself to-day?
+
+Halvdan. I don't know.
+
+Haakon. Then you have not done with it all yet.
+
+Halvdan. No, I know I have not. It is only sometimes that the busy
+world outside seems to me like a ship sailing idly before the wind. More
+often, I am back in the midst of it again--planning, hoping, praying! I
+am young, you know, and have had to suffer so much--there was so much I
+wanted to do. (Lifts a handkerchief to his forehead. HAAKON helps him to
+wipe his face with it. A pause.)
+
+Haakon. But it must be a comfort to you, too, that Harald is taking up
+what you are laying down. There is good stuff in him.
+
+Halvdan. Yes.
+
+Haakon. And he never says more than is necessary. The country folk will
+understand him all the better for it.
+
+Halvdan. I hope so. As soon as he comes into my room I feel as if the
+atmosphere were charged with electricity--I feel as if I _must_ have
+a part in what he is doing--and so I work, and tire myself out. Ah, it
+often seems very hard to have to die, and leave undone a great work that
+one has failed to accomplish!
+
+Haakon. But you have made him what he is, you know--and many others.
+
+Halvdan. I have started the fight, that is all. It is hard to have to
+desert at the beginning of it!--But God is good, and will understand; He
+will not be surprised at what my thoughts are full of, when I go to Him.
+(A ring is heard at the bell.)
+
+Haakon. I expect that is Harald.
+
+Halvdan. No, he never rings. Besides, I expect he is taking a walk, to
+think over what he is going to say to-night.
+
+Haakon. Yes, I suppose it will be a big meeting. (The HOUSEKEEPER comes
+in.)
+
+The Housekeeper. Mr. Evje is here, sir, asking for Mr. Harald. I told
+him we were expecting him every moment. Shall I ask him to come in?
+
+Halvdan. Yes, show him in. (HAAKON gets up, as EVJE is shown in.)
+
+Evje (to HALVDAN). Good evening! (Sees HAAKON.) Ah, good evening! So you
+have come? That is splendid. Is your wife with you?
+
+Haakon. No, she couldn't leave the children.
+
+Evje. I see. (To HALVDAN.) And how are you? About the same? Of course,
+yes.--Where is your brother?
+
+Halvdan. He has his meeting to-night, you know.
+
+Evje. His momentous meeting--I know! I am going to it myself!
+
+Halvdan (turns his face towards him). You?
+
+Evje. My object in coming here was to take him home with me, so that we
+could all go together to the meeting. We mean to go on to the platform
+with him; I mean people to see that we are with him!
+
+Halvdan (turning his face away). Really!
+
+Evje (to HAAKON). You never answered my letter, Mr. Rejn.
+
+Haakon. No, I knew I was coming in to town.
+
+Evje. Well--will you sell?
+
+Haakon. No.
+
+Evje. But, my dear Mr. Rejn, you have not sold a single potato to my
+distillery for five years! And with a farm like yours! This year you had
+the best crop in the whole valley.
+
+Haakon. Oh, yes--it wasn't so bad.
+
+Evje. Not so bad! It was an extraordinary crop; and, everywhere else
+round about, the crops were very middling.
+
+Haakon. Oh, yes--it might have been worse.
+
+Evje (laughing). I should think so! But then why won't you sell? (Turns
+to HALVDAN.) I hope you will excuse our talking business in a sick-room;
+a business man has to seize every opportunity, you know! (To HAAKON.)
+You have never got higher prices elsewhere than you have from me.
+
+Haakon. No, so I believe; but I have my own reasons.
+
+Evje. Your own reasons? What are they?
+
+Haakon. I had a servant once--it is about five years ago now--a good,
+capable fellow. He used to take potatoes for me to the distillery every
+day, and every evening came back drunk. So I spoke to him seriously
+about it; and his answer was: "How do you suppose our brandy-merchants
+are to grow rich, if chaps like me don't drink pretty hard?" You know
+the man; he went into your service afterwards. But from that day I have
+never sold a potato to a distillery.
+
+Evje. But, my dear Mr. Rejn, we cannot be held responsible for the use
+to which such rascals put God's gifts!
+
+Haakon. No--no--I suppose not; still, I am not going to have anything
+more to do with it.
+
+Evje (to HALVDAN). Do you think your brother will not be home before the
+meeting?
+
+Halvdan. I should think he would; there is plenty of time yet.
+
+Evje. There is; but I should have liked to take him home with me first.
+The fact is (laughs) I have promised my wife and daughter not to go home
+without him. You know what women are! Shall I just go into his room and
+wait for him? There is something I want to talk to him about, you know.
+
+Halvdan. I don't think there is a fire in there.
+
+Evje. Oh, well, never mind--I will sit here. I have got a newspaper to
+read, and you two must go on with your talk just as if I were not here!
+I shall hear nothing, because I have something to read that interests
+me. (He pulls a chair up to the table on the right with its back to
+HALVDAN. HAAKON brings the lamp from the table at the back.) Ah, thank
+you very much! Now, just talk away as if I were not here! (Takes the
+paper from his pocket and sits down.)
+
+Haakon (sitting down again beside his brother). I should have liked to
+go to the meeting, too.
+
+Halvdan. Of course you must go! You will hear Harald tell them how each
+nation has its own appointed task in the world; that is why it _is_ a
+nation. But, as long as it does not realise the fact, its politics
+will be nothing but wrangling between the various class-interests--a
+haphazard struggle for power. Our nation has never got beyond that
+point! I have shouted myself to death over what is a mere market.
+
+Evje (to himself, striking the table with his fist). The whole
+commercial community is insulted in this insult to me! I will stir them
+up at the meeting, and insist on our taking our revenge in common!
+
+Haakon. I don't think things will be any better until we are better
+Christians. Men think of nothing nowadays but themselves and their
+position.
+
+Evje (to himself). No, no-that wouldn't do. What would people say? They
+would only say I was badly hit by this.
+
+Halvdan (half to himself). A Christian nation, thinking of nothing but
+its own interests--that is to say, power! Equality and Liberty have no
+meaning for it. Haakon, it surely will be bliss for a wounded soul to
+be taken into the Everlasting Love, high above all this so-called
+Christianity of the world! For my soul is sorely wounded!
+
+Evje (to himself ). If only I could strike him dead!
+
+Halvdan. But may they all be forgiven!--You asked just now whether I
+could bear to read something hateful about myself to-day. I think I
+could.
+
+Haakon. Then I can tell you the other message she gave me for you.
+I have been a little shy of telling you that. It was that you should
+remember that you must do more than forgive; you must pray for them. (A
+pause.)
+
+Halvdan (with his hand over his eyes). I do.
+
+Evje (crumpling up the paper and throwing it on the floor). No, I won't
+stand it! If the blackguard--. (Gets up in alarm, as he realises what
+he has done, and is just going to pick up the paper; but at that moment
+turns round facing the others, and lets it lie.) No, I won't touch it
+again--never, as long as I live! (To the others.) You must forgive me,
+but I was reading something that upset me very much. Your brother will
+tell you all about it in the morning, no doubt. Poof--it is very warm in
+here! But, of course, that is natural in a sick-room. I don't think he
+can be coming now. I think, too, that I will go on, so as not to be late
+for the meeting; there is sure to be a difficulty in getting seats. I
+will get him to go home with me after the meeting, instead. That will be
+better, after all.
+
+Haakon. I was thinking of going to the meeting. Would you mind if I went
+with you?--for I do not know the way myself.
+
+Evje. You will come with me, Mr. Rejn? (To himself.) That will be
+splendid--to make my entrance in the company of one of our yeomen
+farmers! (Aloud.) By all means let us go together! I feel flattered by
+the opportunity, because I have always maintained that our yeomen are
+the pick of the nation. Well, then--(to Halvdan) I hope you will soon be
+feeling better, Mr. Rejn. God bless you!
+
+Halvdan (raising himself on his elbow, and looking at him with a smile).
+Something must have gone amiss with you to-day.
+
+Evje. Why do you say that?
+
+Halvdan. Because as a rule you appear so composed so aloof from all this
+squabbling.
+
+Evje (impetuously). But, do what I like, I am not allowed to keep aloof
+from it! I have no greater wish in the world than to do so, I can assure
+you. Oh, well, your excellent brother--my future son-in-law,
+as I am proud to call him--he will tell you all about it.
+Good-bye!--and--and--God bless you!
+
+Haakon. Shall I tell your housekeeper to come to you?
+
+Halvdan. Oh, no; but you might tell her to come in a little while.
+
+Haakon. Good-bye for the present, then!
+
+Halvdan. Thank you for coming! Good-bye. (Sinks back on to the sofa. The
+others go out, HAAKON turning round once at the door.)
+
+Halvdan. It is something in the paper that has disturbed his equanimity.
+What can it be? The same thing that made Harald so gloomy to-day, I
+wonder? (Gets half up.) It is lying there.--No! What interest have I in
+all their petty spite now? (Sinks back again.) "Could you bear to read
+something hateful about yourself to-day?" Haakon asked. Then I suppose
+there is something about me in it to-day. (Puts his hand over his
+heart.) My heart doesn't seem to be beating any the faster for my
+knowing that. (Gets half up.) There it lies! (Sinks back again.) No, I
+am only trying to tempt myself. All the same, I should like to know how
+many stations I have passed on my journey to the great City of
+Peace! Can their malice affect me still? Surely I have passed _that_
+station?--It would be worth trying, to see. There it lies! (Takes up
+a stick that is standing by the sofa.) Surely I can get over there by
+myself? (Gets up from the sofa with the help of the stick, and smiles.)
+I have not much strength left. (Takes a few steps.) Scarcely enough
+to get across the floor. (A few more steps.) To think that I should
+have--so much vanity--my weak point--. (His breath fails him, but he
+gets as far as the chair on which EVJE was sitting, and sits down.) One
+ought to have done with all that before the soul can get quite away from
+the dust that--. (Begins to rake the paper towards him with his stick.)
+And here am I, sitting here raking more of it towards me!--No, let the
+thing lie! I won't soil my wings any more.--Poor Harald! He has to
+take up the burden now! What a horrible bungle it is, that we should
+be brought into the world to give each other as much pain as possible!
+(Decidedly.) Well, I am going to see what legacy of unhappiness I
+am leaving him! I want to have a vivid impression of the misery I am
+escaping from. There is a certain comfort even in that. (Bends down and
+picks up the paper, rests for a moment, and then unfolds the paper.) But
+this is not to-day's paper; it is dated for to-morrow! How can Evje have
+got hold of it? Yes, here is the date--Sunday. "Remember that thou keep
+holy the Sabbath Day!" On that day men's souls should turn to God--and
+they offer Him _this_! It is after reading _this_ that these fine ladies
+and gentlemen go to church! (Pushes the paper away from him.) Suppose
+these "Christians" were to be brought to judgment one day without
+warning?--Let us think of ourselves and not of others! (Lets his eye
+rest on the paper.) Does that mean me? (Reads.) "Not yet actually dead,
+but already canonised by a calculating brother--." (Checks himself.)
+God forgive them! (Reads on.) "His teachings will no doubt obtain him
+a paean of praise, but this will be--or, at least, so it is to be
+hoped--from within the closely locked doors of the state's prisons and
+houses of correction"--(checks himself a little)--"for that is whither
+he leads his followers."--Good God, to think that they can say such
+things!--And yet, they said worse things of _Him_! Peace! (Reads.) "No
+doubt he talks against Socialism; no doubt he coquets with Christianity;
+but it is by these very means that he has become so expert a seducer of
+men's opinions-which was his aim all along." (Puts his hands before his
+face.) I should not have read it; forgive me! I am too weak still!--Ah!
+I feel--what is it? (Puts his hands suddenly to his heart, still
+unconsciously grasping the newspaper in them.) I must get into my
+room--get to bed! (Gets up with the help of his stick.) If only I can
+get there! Oh, I feel it coming on!--I must--. (Tries to hurry, but when
+he is halfway across the floor he stumbles, throws out his hands but
+finds no support, staggers on for a few steps, and falls full length on
+the threshold of his bedroom, so that half his length lies within the
+door and half without. A moment later, the HOUSEKEEPER comes in.)
+
+The Housekeeper (not observing that he is not still on the sofa). Won't
+you go to bed now, sir? You can't stand so much in one day. (Goes to the
+sofa.) Where is he? Surely he has not tried to walk in alone? (Hurries
+across to the bedroom door and almost falls over his body. She starts
+back with a scream.) Where is--? (Catches up the lamp, hurries back, and
+bends over him; then calls out, screaming:) Help! Help! (Rings the bell
+wildly. A MAID appears.) Mr. Halvdan is lying here! Heaven knows whether
+he is dead or alive! Run for the Doctor! Leave the door open behind you,
+and beg the first man you meet in the street to come up here at once and
+help me. Tell them it is a matter of life and death!
+
+Maid. Yes!
+
+The Housekeeper. Hurry!
+
+Maid (going out). Yes, yes!
+
+The Housekeeper (coming back into the room). Is he alive or dead? I
+haven't the courage to find out. And both his brothers away! (Cries.)
+God grant some one comes soon!--Poor man, alone in his death as he was
+in his life! But what was he doing _there_? Why did he get up from the
+sofa? (Sees the paper.) Surely that can't be--? (Puts the lamp on the
+floor and unfolds the paper.) Yes, it is the paper, right enough! Who
+can have given it him? I can't look at it now; but if it is like the
+number I read the other day (lets the paper fall, and gets up with the
+lamp) then I understand everything--and may God requite those that do
+such things! (The EDITOR rushes in.)
+
+The Editor. Is it here?
+
+The Housekeeper (holds the lamp to him, then starts back). What do _you_
+want here?
+
+The Editor. Where am I? A girl came running down the street and told me
+I must come up here and help some one that was dying. What do you want
+me to do?--or is it not here?
+
+The Housekeeper. And it was _you_ she met? It is the hand of God!
+
+The Editor. What are you babbling about? If it is not here, say so at
+once.
+
+The Housekeeper. Yes, it is here. There he lies!
+
+The Editor. Then oughtn't we to get him into bed?
+
+The Housekeeper. Yes. But do you know who it is you are helping?
+
+The Editor (to himself). She is not very polite. (Aloud.) No; but what
+does that matter?
+
+The Housekeeper. This much--that it is you that have killed him.
+
+The Editor. I--? She is mad.
+
+The Housekeeper. The man lying there is Halvdan Rejn. And he had been
+reading about himself in your paper.--Come, now, and carry him in. (She
+goes into the bedroom with the lamp. Her voice is heard from inside the
+room.) Now, take hold of him and lift him. You can think afterwards.
+
+The Editor (stoops to lift the body, but gets up again). I don't think
+he is dead yet.
+
+The Housekeeper. All the more reason to make haste.
+
+The Editor (stoops down again, but gets up once more.) Let me take his
+head.
+
+The Housekeeper. Why?
+
+The Editor. So that--if he should open his eyes
+
+The Housekeeper.--he won't see you. (Comes out of the bedroom). Go in
+there, then, and take his head. (He goes in.) What was that?
+
+The Editor (from inside the room). I slipped. There is something wet
+here.
+
+The Housekeeper. Yes, he has had a hemorrhage. Carefully, now. (They
+carry him in. The stage remains empty for a moment. Then the EDITOR
+comes back, wiping his forehead. He walks backwards and forwards,
+treading on the paper as he goes, but without noticing it.)
+
+The Editor. What a horrible thing to happen!--Newspapers are not meant
+for dying people.--It is not my fault.--Is this blood on my hand? It
+is! (Wipes it with his handkerchief.) And now it is on my handkerchief!
+(Throws it away.) No, it has my name on it. (Picks it up again.) No one
+can say it is my fault. (Sits down, then gets up, wiping his forehead
+with his handkerchief without noticing what he is doing.) Ah, I hope I
+haven't put blood on my forehead? I seem to feel it there! (Feels
+with his hand to see if his brow is wet.) No. (Sits down, then gets up
+again.) Let me get away from here. (Stops.) To think that I should be
+the one to come up! that it should just happen to-night that I did not
+receive my paper, and so went out! It almost seems more than accident.
+Indeed, I often had a foreboding that it would happen. (Stands opposite
+the bedroom door.) But is he dead? I think I will go and fetch the
+Doctor. Oh no, of course the maid has gone for him. He hasn't long
+to live, anyway; I could see that. (Walks forward, pointing with
+his finger.) "There goes the man that killed Halvdan Rejn! And his
+punishment was that he had to lift up his bloodstained body himself."
+That is what they will say; and they will look at me as if--. (Sits
+down.) No, let me get away! (Takes a few steps, then stops suddenly.)
+That article in to-morrow's paper! It is worse than the others! (Pulls
+out his watch.) Too late--the post has gone! I would have given--.
+(Checks himself.) I have nothing worth giving. In the morning It will
+be known all over the town just as everyone is reading my fresh article.
+There will be a riot; I shall be hunted like a wild beast. What shall I
+do? I might sneak out of the town? Then they will gloat over me! I won't
+allow them that pleasure! No, I cannot stay my hand utter a failure;
+only after a victory. That is the cursed part of it-never, never to be
+able to end it. Oh, for some one that could end it--end it, end it! Oh,
+for one day of real peace! Shall _I_ ever get that? (Sits down.) No,
+no, I must get away! (Gets up.) To-morrow must take care of itself.
+(Starts.) There is the paper he was reading! (Steps over it.) I will
+take it away--and burn it. (Takes it up.) I cannot burn it here; some
+one might come. (Is just going to put it into his pocket, as it is, but
+takes it out again to fold it better.) A Sunday's paper, apparently!
+Then it is _not_ to-day's? An old number, I suppose. Then the whole
+thing is a mistake! (Sighs with relief.) Let me look again! (Opens the
+paper, tremblingly.) I don't deserve it, but--. (Reads.) Sunday, the--.
+_To-morrow's_ paper? _Here_? How in all the world did it get here?
+(Appears horrified.) Here are the articles about Evje! How on earth did
+they get in? Didn't I send a message? Didn't I write? This on the top of
+everything else! Are even my printers conspiring against me? Well, even
+if it ruins me, I shall go on! They shall find out what I can do. How on
+earth can I be expected to help it if a weak-minded fellow dies, or if
+my printers are drunk or my manager has delirium tremens! I shall pursue
+my end through all chances and in spite of all their tricks, and I shall
+crush them, crush them--I shall--. (Gives way to a paroxysm of rage.
+At this moment the MAID comes in with the DOCTOR'S ASSISTANT. The MAID
+rushes into the bedroom. The EDITOR starts up.) Who is that? What do you
+want?
+
+The Doctor's Assistant (coldly). What do _you_ want here?
+
+The Editor. I? Oh, I was called up to help the sick man into his bed.
+
+The Doctor's Assistant (as before). Ah!--so it was _you_! (A pause.)
+
+The Editor. Have you ever seen me before?
+
+The Doctor's Assistant. Yes. I have heard you grind your teeth before
+this. (Goes into the bedroom.)
+
+The Editor (after standing for a moment looking after him). They will
+all look at me to-morrow like that-with those cold eyes. "Every man's
+hand against him, and his hand against every man;" there can only be one
+end to that. To-night, the meeting--and Harald Rejn will take them
+by storm. To-morrow, his brother's death--and my new article in the
+paper--and, in addition to that, those about Evje, who at present is
+only angry. And the election in two days! Oh, yes, he will be elected
+now. So I may as well give it all up at once. I would change places with
+any wolf that has a lair to hide in. Those cold eyes of his! (Shudders.)
+That is how every one will look at me to-morrow! They have pierced
+through my armour! (The DOCTOR'S ASSISTANT comes back, and the EDITOR
+makes an effort to resume his former confident manner.)
+
+The Doctor's Assistant. I don't know whether you will be glad to hear
+that it is all over.
+
+The Editor (under his breath). You brute!
+
+The Doctor's Assistant. His old housekeeper does not feel equal to
+coming here to tell you what his last words were. They were: "Forgive
+him!" (Goes out.)
+
+The Editor (sitting down, then getting up again). No, I mustn't be found
+here. (Walks about the room on tiptoe, as if he were afraid of waking
+some one. When he comes opposite to the bedroom door, he turns towards
+it, stretches out his arms and says:) Give me your forgiveness too!
+
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+(SCENE.--A large and handsomely furnished sitting-room at the EVJE'S.
+The room is brightly lit and the fire burning. The entrance door is on
+the right, and beyond it a door leading to the dining-room. INGEBORG
+is busy taking the covers off the chairs, folding them carefully as she
+does so. After a little, the bell rings. She goes to open the door, and
+returns, showing in the DOCTOR.)
+
+The Doctor. Oho! Is it to be in here to-night?
+
+Ingeborg (who has resumed her work of making the room ready). Yes, sir.
+
+The Doctor. Where are they all?
+
+Ingeborg. At the meeting, sir.
+
+The Doctor. All of them?
+
+Ingeborg. Yes, all of them. Miss Gertrud went first--
+
+The Doctor. Yes, I saw her well enough!
+
+Ingeborg. And then the master, and a farmer gentleman with him, came in
+to fetch the mistress.
+
+The Doctor (to himself). Something has happened here, then. (Aloud.)
+Tell me, Ingeborg--has _he_ been here again? You know who I mean.
+(Coughs in imitation of the EDITOR'S cough.)
+
+Ingeborg. Oh, the Editor; no, sir.
+
+The Doctor (to himself). I wonder what has happened. (Aloud.) Well,
+evidently there is to be a festivity here to-night; and, as I see the
+chairs are getting their covers taken off, I may as well take mine off
+too. (Takes off his coat and gives it to INGEBORG, who carries it out.)
+I don't blame Evje for wanting to celebrate Harald's success after a
+meeting like that! He is not exactly eloquent in the ordinary sense
+of the word--doesn't bother about his antitheses and climaxes and
+paradoxes, and all that sort of nonsense; but he is a _man_! He goes
+bail for what he says, and he says what he likes--ha, ha! And that dear
+Gertrud, too! Follows him into the hall, and, as there isn't a single
+seat left there, goes up on to the platform among the committee, and
+sits there looking at him with those trustful blue eyes of hers, as if
+there was no one else in the room! And _we_ were all looking at _her_!
+She helped him more than ten good speakers would have done, I am sure.
+Her faith in him bred it in others, whether they liked it or no. She
+is one who would die for her faith! Yes, yes! The man that gets her--.
+(INGEBORG comes back.) Well! (Rubs his hands together.) Look here,
+Ingeborg. (Very politely.) Do you know what is meant by the Rights of
+Man?
+
+Ingeborg (going on with her work). No, sir. Something we have earned, I
+suppose.
+
+The Doctor. Yes, you earn them every day.
+
+Ingeborg. Our meals, perhaps?
+
+The Doctor (laughing). No, it isn't something to eat, unfortunately.
+(Politely.) Do you ever read papers, Ingeborg?
+
+Ingeborg. Papers? Oh, you mean the price-lists they leave at the kitchen
+door. Yes, sir; every day, before we go to market, I--
+
+The Doctor. No, I don't mean papers of that sort. I mean--
+
+Ingeborg. Oh, you mean the newspaper I take in to master's room every
+morning. No, Sir, I don't read that. I am told there are such horrors in
+it.
+
+The Doctor. Quite so. Don't you care to read about horrors, then?
+
+Ingeborg. Oh, we poor folk see enough of them in our everyday lives,
+without reading about them!--But perhaps the gentry enjoy it.
+
+The Doctor. You are a very wise woman. Let me tell you, though, that
+there is a fight going on, about--oh, well, never mind what it is about.
+And the Editor and Mr. Rejn, who both come to this house, are the two
+chief fighters. Don't you want to know what they are fighting about?
+
+Ingeborg (going on unconcernedly with her work). Oh, so they are
+fighting, are they? No, I don't care the least bit, sir!
+
+The Doctor (to himself). Ha, ha--the difference between Ingeborg and
+me is that I am interested in the fight merely as a student of human
+nature, and she is not interested in it at all. I wonder which is
+farthest from any genuine belief in politics?--from our "duty as a
+citizen," as they call it? (To INGEBORG.) Ingeborg, do you know what
+your "duty as a citizen" means?
+
+Ingeborg. My "duty as a citizen"? That mean; paying fines, doesn't it,
+sir?
+
+The Doctor. Yes; and a very heavy fine, into the bargain!
+
+Ingeborg. The master was fined because the pavement was not swept. John
+was ill.
+
+The Doctor. Quite right, that was one of his duties as a citizen.--Tell
+me, Ingeborg, are they expecting a lot of people here to-night?
+
+Ingeborg. No, sir, I have only laid table for quite a few.
+
+The Doctor. And what are they going to have?
+
+Ingeborg. Oh, one or two dishes and one or two sorts of wine--.
+
+The Doctor. Aha! (A ring is heard at the bell. INGEBORG goes to the
+door.) There they are! Now we shall have a fine time!
+
+Ingeborg (coming back with a letter). It is a note for you, sir.
+
+The Doctor. Oh, bother I
+
+Ingeborg. The man who brought it was not sure whether you would be at
+the meeting or here.
+
+The Doctor. How could he know--? (Putting on his glasses.) Oh, from my
+assistant--that is quite another thing. Of course he wants my help or my
+advice. Well, he shan't have it! I have run about quite enough to-day.
+Tell the messenger that I haven't time! I have my Duties as a Citizen
+to attend to! (Calls after her.) And my Manhood's Rights too! (Opens the
+envelope.) No, I won't read it; if I do, the matter will worry me all
+the evening. I know what I am. (Puts the note in his pocket.) I mean to
+enjoy this evening! (Suddenly.) I wonder how our friend the Editor is
+enjoying this evening! Was he at the meeting, I wonder? A remarkable
+personality--but malignity itself! Lion-hearted, though! He would fight
+till the last drop of his blood! But what is it, really, that he is
+fighting for? That question has always interested me, for I can't make
+it out. (To INGEBORG, who has comeback.) Well?
+
+Ingeborg. The messenger has gone.--Yes, sir, I told him everything you
+told me to.
+
+The Doctor. Of course. You would! Why the deuce does any one pay any
+attention to what I say! (The bell rings.) Here they are at last! Now
+we shall have a delightful evening! (EVJE and MRS. EVJE come in.) I am
+first, you see!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Were you at the meeting, too?
+
+The Doctor. Where else should I be?
+
+Evje. Did you see me?
+
+Mrs. Evje. There were so many people there, dear.
+
+Evje. But I was standing on a seat.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, he was standing on a seat!
+
+The Doctor. There were plenty of people doing that.
+
+Evje. I wanted to be seen!--There _have_ been goings on here to-day, my
+friend!
+
+Mrs. Evje. You will never guess what has happened!
+
+The Doctor. Anyway I can see that something has happened.
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Oh--!
+
+The Doctor. What is it, then?
+
+Evje. Those articles will be in to-morrow's paper.
+
+The Doctor. In the paper?--Yes, I didn't find him.
+
+Evje. But I found him!
+
+The Doctor (impatiently). Well?
+
+Evje. I will tell you all about it another time. But I have read them--
+
+Mrs. Evje. And he has told me all about them!
+
+The Doctor. Are they very bad?
+
+Evje. Oh--oh!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Oh--oh--oh!
+
+The Doctor (with a look of pleased curiosity.) As bad as all that?
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Oh--oh--oh--oh!
+
+The Doctor. And _that_ was why you went to the meeting!
+
+Evje. Of course--tit for tat! It was my wife's idea.
+
+Mrs. Evje. It was the obvious thing to do, dear.
+
+Evje. Our whole family at the meeting!--So that all the town should know
+that it was nothing but the meanest political persecution because I had
+joined my son-in-law's party.
+
+Mrs. Evje. We are party people now, you know!
+
+Evje. Do you know, there is something exciting about being mixed up with
+such things--something invigorating, something--
+
+The Doctor (stepping back). Are _you_ bitten with it, too?
+
+Evje. Yes, if I can't be left in peace, I shall become a party man.
+
+The Doctor (enthusiastically). Did you see Gertrud?
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje (with emotion). Our Gertrud! Yes, indeed we did!
+
+The Doctor. Did you see her coming in with him!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje (as before). Yes, we saw her coming in with him!
+
+The Doctor. I suppose you did not know she was going?
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Oh, yes!
+
+Mrs. Evje. She had said she would go with us--
+
+Evje. But when we went to fetch her, the bird had flown!
+
+The Doctor. How pretty she looked, too! All the men were looking at her.
+And how she looked at him!
+
+Mrs. Evje. It made me want to cry. I had quite a job to prevent myself.
+
+Evje. You need not have minded, dear! God has given us great happiness.
+Her faith in him and her love shone to from her eyes that it went to my
+heart. I felt quite upset! (Wipes his eyes.)
+
+The Doctor. And what about _him_--eh? I don't fancy any one will think
+about stopping his career. We have been a pack of fools.
+
+Evje. That we have!
+
+The Doctor. He is not exactly eloquent, but--
+
+Evje. That is precisely what I was saying to my wife! He is not exactly
+eloquent, but he is--
+
+The Doctor.--a man!
+
+Evje. A man! My very words, weren't they, my dear?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes.--And I say he is so strong a man that he can afford to
+be tender-hearted. For he certainly has been that.
+
+Evje. Yes, he has been that!
+
+The Doctor (laughing). In spite of his strength!
+
+Evje. Oh, you may make the most of your--. Aha! (Loud ringing at the
+bell is heard.) Here they are!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Let us go and meet them!
+
+The Doctor. No; look here--let us wait for them at the other side of the
+room, so that they may make a triumphal progress up to us!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje, Yes! (They go to the opposite end of the room, while
+HARALD comes in rather quickly, with GERTRUD on his arm. As they cross
+the room, the others cry out: "Bravo! Bravo!" and clap their hands.)
+
+Gertrud (still holding to HARALD's arm). And he is my man! My man!
+(Throws her arms round his neck, crying with happiness, and kisses him;
+then does the same to her mother, and then to her father, to whom she
+whispers: Thank you!)
+
+The Doctor. Oh--me too!
+
+Gertrud (after a moment's hesitation). Yes--you too!
+
+(The DOCTOR helps her to take off her cloak, and talks to her,
+whispering and laughing.)
+
+Harald (shaking EVJE's hand). Good evening!
+
+Evje. Forgive me!
+
+Harald. With all my heart!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And now everything is all right!
+
+Harald. For good!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. For good!
+
+Harald. And, thank you for coming to the meeting.
+
+Evje. It was no more than our duty! Look here--did you see me?
+
+Harald. The whole time! But, tell me, was it a delusion, or was it my
+brother Haakon that was standing on the floor beside you, rather in the
+shadow?
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. It _was_ he!
+
+Evje. I fetched him from your brother Halvdan's.
+
+Harald. I am so glad! It must have pleased Haakon. Gertrud and I at
+first thought of going in to see Halvdan before we came on here; but we
+saw all his lights were out. He must be asleep.
+
+Evje. I can give you news of him. He is all right.
+
+Harald. And Haakon?
+
+Evje. Very well, too. A fine fellow! I wanted him to come home with us
+now; but he said he was tired after his journey.
+
+Mrs. Evje (to INGEBORG, who has come in from the dining room). Is it
+ready?
+
+Ingeborg. Yes, ma'am.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Then come along. (INGEBORG opens the dining-room door.)
+
+The Doctor and Evje. Yes, come along!
+
+The Doctor. But we must go ceremoniously! Let us make a little festivity
+of it to-night! You must head the procession, Evje--and then the two
+young people Gertrud (taking HARALD's arm). Yes!
+
+The Doctor. And Mrs. Evje and I will bring up the rear! (Offers her his
+arm.)
+
+Evje. Forward!(The bell rings. He stops.) Who can it be--as late as
+this?
+
+The Doctor. Probably some friends on their way back from the meeting.
+
+Mrs. Evje. We must wait a moment!(To INGEBORG, who is going to open the
+door.)Put a leaf in the table, and lay places for as many as come.
+
+Ingeborg. Yes, ma'am. (The bell rings again, as she goes to open the
+door.)
+
+The Doctor. They are impatient! So much the better--it shows they are in
+a good humour after the meeting! (A knock is heard at the door.)
+
+All. Come in!(The EDITOR comes in, with no overcoat on, but wearing his
+hat, which he forgets to take of till he is well into the room. He goes
+straight up to EVJE, who has crossed over to the left-hand side of the
+room.)
+
+All (when they see him in the doorway). You! (GERTRUD clings closer to
+HARALD.)
+
+The Editor. I wanted once more, as in the old days, not to go to bed
+without--this time it is not a question of thanking you for the happy
+time we have had together but without begging your pardon!(He speaks
+quietly, but with suppressed emotion.)There has been some unfortunate
+misunderstanding. Those articles have been printed, in spite of my
+express instructions to the contrary--I do not know how.
+
+Evje. I have read them.
+
+The Editor. You have read them?
+
+Evje. Yes, the copy of the paper that was meant for you came into my
+hands.
+
+The Editor. So that was it!--Forgive me, old friend! Won't you give me
+your hand?
+
+Mrs. Evje (coming forward). That he shall never do!
+
+The Editor (glancing over his shoulder at her). Let no one come between
+us at a moment like this! You don't know--. A hundred times in my life
+I would have done what I am doing now, had I not been afraid that people
+would call it affectation on my part and repulse me. Don't _you_ do
+that!--least of all now! Give me your hand, Evje! I beg you, in the
+sight and hearing of you all--. (EVJE seems to vacillate.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. No, you shan't!--not while he has anything to do with a
+newspaper. Otherwise it will all begin over again to-morrow. He is not
+his own master, you know.
+
+The Editor. I have done with it all.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Oh, you have said that so often! Nobody believes it. No; when
+a man can push political hatred so far as to write about an old friend,
+in whose house he has been a daily guest, as if he were a criminal--and
+all because he doesn't like his son-in-law, or his servant--one doesn't
+shake hands with him the very day his attacks appear in the paper.
+
+The Editor (who, all the tinge, has kept his back turned to MRS. EVJE,
+and has not looked at her). Evje, you are a good-hearted fellow, I know.
+Don't listen to what others say, now. This is a very bitter hour for me.
+You would be doing a good deed! Give me your hand--or a word! I am
+in such a state now that I must have visible signs of _some one's_
+forgiveness, or I shall--!
+
+Mrs. Evje (emphatically). Yes, a little repentance will do you good!
+But it will do you no good if you obtain forgiveness easily! You want
+to learn, just for once, what it is to be wounded at heart. You are only
+accustomed to deal with people whom you can flog one day and have at
+your feet--either from fear or from vanity--the next. And have we--God
+forgive us!--ever thought seriously the worse of you for it? No; because
+we never understood what it was till we were hit by it ourselves. But
+that is all the more reason why we should do our duty now! Hatred shall
+be met with hatred!
+
+The Doctor (at the back of the room, to GERTRUD and HARALD). She is her
+father's daughter, after all, when it comes to the point!
+
+The Editor (turns upon MRS. EVJE, with his fist clenched, but restrains
+himself from answering her). Then you won't shake hands, Evje? Not a
+word of forgiveness?
+
+Evje. I think my wife is right.
+
+The Editor (controlling himself with difficulty). You are a weak man, I
+know--
+
+Evje. What do you mean?
+
+The Editor.--but do not be weak this time! If you knew everything,
+you would know you _must_ not refuse me what I ask. There are others
+concerned--and for that reason--
+
+The Doctor. Let us go!
+
+Mrs. Evje. No, stay! He shall not have his way again.
+
+The Editor. Well, of all--! It is certainly true that those who are
+hardest on sinners are those who have never been tempted themselves--and
+the most merciless creature in the world is an injured woman.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Now he is coming out in his true colours!
+
+The Doctor (not without glee). Yes, that he is!
+
+The Editor (controlling himself once more). Evje--you, who know me, know
+what it must cost me to do this--and you can form some idea of the need
+I am in. I have never--
+
+Evje. I believe you; but I never can feel sure what your next move will
+be. You have so many.
+
+The Editor. My next move is to have done with it all, as sure as--
+
+Mrs. Evje. Don't believe him! A man who can ask for your sympathy
+one moment and abuse you the next is not fit to promise anything--and
+certainly not fit to be forgiven, either.
+
+The Editor (with an outburst of passion). Then may everything evil
+overtake me if I ever ask you or any one else for sympathy again! You
+have succeeded in teaching me that I can do without it! I can rise
+above your cowardly cruelty. (To EVJE.) You are a miserable, weak
+creature--and have always been, for all your apparent good-natured
+shrewdness! (To MRS. EVJE.) And as for you, who have often laughed so
+heartily at my so-called malice, and now all at once have become so
+severely virtuous--why, you are both like part-proprietors of my paper!
+You have taken all the profit you could from me, as long as it served
+your purpose--I have seen that for a long time! And all my pretended
+friends are like you--secret holders of shares in me, so as to secure
+their own safety and the persecution of others!--every bit as guilty as
+I am, only more prudent, more timid, more cowardly--!
+
+Evje. Once more--leave this house, which you have outraged!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And how dare you set foot in here again?
+
+The Editor. No, I am not going until all the anger that is in my heart
+has turned into fear in yours! Because now I will _not_ have done with
+it all! No--it is just through _his_ death that respect for me will
+revive--it will be like a rampart of bayonets round me! "There goes
+one who can kill a man with a word, if he likes!" _That_ will make them
+treat me respectfully!
+
+Harald and the Doctor. What does he mean?
+
+The Editor (as he hears HARALD'S voice). And you--you mountebank, who
+can stand up in public and seek applause before your brother's corpse
+is cold--don't come talking rant to me! You are more contemptible than I
+am! I couldn't have done that; I couldn't stand there, as you are doing
+now, impatient to get to your champagne and pretty speeches!--Oh, how I
+despise all such lying and heartlessness! (They all look at him and at
+each other with a questioning expression.)
+
+Harald. Is my brother dead?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Is his brother dead?
+
+Gertrud. Good God, is Halvdan dead?
+
+Evje. Is he dead? Impossible!
+
+The Doctor. Is Rejn dead--and I--?
+
+Evje. I saw him only a couple of hours ago, looking quite well.
+
+The Editor (in a broken voice). Didn't you know?
+
+All (except the DOCTOR). No!
+
+The Doctor. Ah, that letter, that letter! (Looks in his pocket for it
+and his glasses.)
+
+The Editor. I am the wretchedest man alive! (Sinks into a chair.)
+
+The Doctor. I had a letter from my assistant, but I have not read it!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Read it, read it!
+
+The Doctor (reading). "I am writing in great haste. As I expect you will
+be going to your old friends' after the meeting, and will meet Harald
+Rejn there, the task will probably fall to you of telling him--(the
+EDITOR gets up to go, but stands still)--that Halvdan Rejn died about
+eight o'clock of a fresh attack of hemorrhage! (HARALD leaves GERTRUD'S
+side and comes forward, with a cry. The EDITOR steadies himself by
+holding on to the table.) No one was with him; he was found lying across
+the threshold of his bedroom. A copy of the newspaper was lying on the
+floor behind him." (HARALD, with a groan, advance threateningly towards
+the EDITOR.)
+
+Gertrud. Harald, my ring!--my ring! (HARALD Stops, collects himself,
+buries his face in his hands and bursts into uncontrollable tears.
+GERTRUD puts her arms round him and holds him folded in them.)
+
+The Doctor (laying a hand on HARALD's arm). "The housekeeper told me he
+had only spoken two words, and they were 'Forgive him!'" (HARALD bursts
+into tears.)
+
+The Doctor (after waiting for a little). "Apparently chance--or perhaps
+something else--decreed that the maid who ran for help, should meet the
+very man, who hats caused the tragedy, and that it should be _he_ who
+helped the housekeeper to lay him on his deathbed." (All look at the
+EDITOR.)
+
+Evje. That was why he came! (A pause.)
+
+Gertrud. Harald! (HARALD, who has turned away from her to struggle with
+his emotion, does not turn round.) If _he_ could forgive--
+
+The Editor (with a gesture of refusal). No!
+
+Gertrud (quietly, to the EDITOR). If you want to deserve it, make an end
+of all this!
+
+The Editor. It is all at an end! (To MRS. EVJE.) You were right. I knew
+it myself, too. My armour is pierces pierced through. A child might
+conquer me now--and this child has done so; for she has begged for mercy
+for me, and no one has ever done that before. (Puts his hand over his
+eyes, turns away, and goes out. As he is going out the bell rings. A
+moment later, INGEBORG Shows in HAAKON REJN.)
+
+Gertrud (who has put her arms round HARALD, whispers). Who is it?
+
+Harald. My brother. (Goes to meet HAAKON and throws himself into his
+arms.) You had a talk with him this afternoon, then?
+
+Haakon. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Let us all go to him.
+
+Evje and Gertrud. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Evje (to INGEBORG). Bring in our cloaks and hats again, and
+afterwards clear the table. (INGEBORG does so.)
+
+Harald (unable to control his emotion). Haakon, this is my future wife.
+(Goes away from them.)
+
+Haakon. Well, my dear, your engagement has begun seriously; take all the
+future seriously, too.
+
+The Doctor. You need not say that to _her_. What she needs is to take
+life more lightly.
+
+Haakon. Oh, yes--if she lays everything in God's hands she can always
+take life lightly.
+
+Mrs. Evje. It is our own fault, I expect, when we take it too lightly.
+
+Evje. But sometimes we learn a lesson by that.
+
+Haakon. Oh, yes. Well, we must stand by one another, we who take life in
+the same way.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Shall we go, children?
+
+Harald (to HAAKON). Will you bring Gertrud, Haakon? I would rather go
+alone. (They go out. The curtain falls.)
+
+
+
+
+
+THE BANKRUPT
+
+A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS
+
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+     HENNING TJAELDE, merchant and brewer.
+     MRS. TJAELDE, his wife.
+     VALBORG and SIGNE, their daughters.
+     LIEUTENANT HAMAR, engaged to Signe.
+     SANNAES, Tjaelde's confidential clerk.
+     JAKOSSEN, manager of Tjaelde's brewery.
+     BERENT, a lawyer.
+     PRAM, a custom-house official.
+     An Agent.
+     The VICAR.
+     LIND, a guest.
+     FINNE, a guest.
+     RING, a guest.
+     HOLM, a guest.
+     KNUTZON, a guest.
+     KNUDSEN, a guest.
+     FALBE, a guest.
+
+
+
+
+ACT I
+
+(SCENE.--A sitting-room in the TJAELDES' house, opening on a verandah
+that is decorated with flowers. It is a hot summer's day. There is a
+view of the sea beyond the verandah, and boats are visible among the
+islands that fringe the coast. A good-sized yacht, with sails spread, is
+lying close up under the verandah on the right. The room is luxuriously
+furnished and full of flowers. There are two French windows in the
+left-hand wall; two doors in the right-hand. A table in the middle of
+the room; arm-chairs and rocking-chairs scattered about. A sofa in the
+foreground on the right. LIEUTENANT HAMAR is lying on the sofa, and
+SIGNE sitting in a rocking-chair.)
+
+Hamar. What shall we do with ourselves to-day?
+
+Signe (rocking herself). Hm! (A pause.)
+
+Hamar. That was a delicious sail we had last night. (Yawns.) But I am
+sleepy to-day. Shall we go for a ride?
+
+Signe. Hm! (A pause.)
+
+Hamar. I am too hot on this sofa. I think I will move. (Gets up. SIGNE
+begins to hum an air as she rocks herself.) Play me something, Signe!
+
+Signe (singing her words to the air she has been humming). The piano is
+out of tune.
+
+Hamar. Read to me, then!
+
+Signe (as before, looking out of the window). They are swimming the
+horses. They are swimming the horses. They are swimming the horses.
+
+Hamar. I think I will go and have a swim too. Or perhaps I will wait
+till nearer lunch-time.
+
+Signe (as before). So as to have a better appetite--appetite--appetite.
+
+(MRS. TJAELDE comes in from the right, walking slowly.)
+
+Hamar. You look very thoughtful!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, I don't know what to order.
+
+Signe (as before). For dinner, I suppose you mean?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Hamar. Do you expect any one?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, your father writes to me that Mr. Finne is coming.
+
+Signe (speaking). The most tiresome person possible, of course.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. How would boiled salmon and roast chicken do?
+
+Signe. We had that the other day.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. (With a sigh). There is nothing that we didn't. There is
+so little choice in the market just now.
+
+Signe. Then we ought to send to town.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, these meals, these meals!
+
+Hamar (yawning). They are the best thing in life, anyway.
+
+Signe. To eat, yes--but not to cook; I never will cook a dinner.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (sitting down at the table). One could put up with the
+cooking. It's the having always to think of something fresh!
+
+Hamar. Why don't you get a chef from one of the hotels, as I have so
+often advised you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, we have tried that, but he was more trouble than it
+was worth.
+
+Hamar. Yes, because he had no invention. Get a French chef!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, and have to be always beside him to interpret!--But I
+am no nearer this dinner. And lately I have been finding such difficulty
+in getting about.
+
+Hamar. I have never in my life heard so much talk about meals as I have
+in this house.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You see, you have never been in a prosperous
+business-man's house before. Our friends are mostly business-men, of
+course--and most of them have no greater pleasures than those of the
+table.
+
+Signe. That's true.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Are you wearing _that_ dress to-day?
+
+Signe. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You have worn a different one every day.
+
+Signe. Well, if Hamar is tired of both the blue one and the grey one,
+what can I do?
+
+Hamar. And I don't like this one any better than the others.
+
+Signe. Indeed!--Then I really think you had better order me one
+yourself.
+
+Hamar. Come to town with me, and I will!
+
+Signe. Yes, mother--Hamar and I have made up our minds that we must go
+back to town. [Note: There would be nothing contrary to Norwegian ideas
+of propriety in Signe's proposal. In Norway an engaged couple could
+travel alone; and the fiancée would go to stay in the house of her
+future husband's relations.]
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. But you were there only a fortnight ago!
+
+Hamar. And it is exactly a fortnight too long since we were there!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. (thoughtfully). Now, what _can_ I order for dinner?
+
+(VALBORG comes into sight on the verandah.)
+
+Signe (turning round and seeing VALBORG). Enter Her Highness!
+
+Hamar (turning round). Carrying a bouquet! Oho! I have seen it before!
+
+Signe. Have you? Did _you_ give it her?
+
+Hamar. No; I was coming through the garden--and saw it on the table in
+Valborg's summerhouse. Is it your birthday, Valborg?
+
+Valborg. No.
+
+Hamar. I thought not. Perhaps there is some other festivity to-day?
+
+Valborg. No. (SIGNE suddenly bursts out laughing.)
+
+Hamar. Why do you laugh?
+
+Signe. Because I understand! Ha, ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. What do you understand?
+
+Signe. Whose hands it is that have decked the altar! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. I suppose you think they were mine?
+
+Signe. No, they were redder hands than yours! Ha, ha, ha, ha! (VALBORG
+throws the bouquet down.) Oh, dear me, it doesn't do to laugh so much in
+this heat. But it is delightful! To think he should have hit upon that
+idea! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar (laughing). Do you mean--?
+
+Signe (laughing). Yes! You must know that Valborg--
+
+Valborg. Signe!
+
+Signe.--who has sent so many distinguished suitors about their business,
+cannot escape from the attentions of a certain red pair of hands--ha,
+ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. Do you mean Sannaes?
+
+Signe. Yes! (Points out of the window.) There is the culprit! He is
+waiting, Valborg, for you to come, in maiden meditation, with the
+bouquet in your hands--as you came just now--
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. (getting up). No, it is your father he is waiting for. Ah,
+he sees him now. (Goes out by the verandah.)
+
+Signe. Yes, it really is father--riding a bay horse!
+
+Hamar (getting up). On a bay horse! Let us go and say "how do you do" to
+the bay horse!
+
+Signe. N--o, no!
+
+Hamar. You won't come and say "how do you do" to the bay horse? A
+cavalry officer's wife must love horses next best to her husband.
+
+Signe. And he his wife next best to his horses.
+
+Hamar. What? Are you jealous of a horse?
+
+Signe. Oh, I know very well you have never been so fond of me as you are
+of horses.
+
+Hamar. Come along! (Pulls her up out of her chair.)
+
+Signe. But I don't feel the least interested in the bay horse.
+
+Hamar. Very well, then, I will go alone!
+
+Signe. No, I will come.
+
+Hamar (to VALBORG). Won't you come and welcome the bay horse too?
+
+Valborg. No, but I will go and welcome my father!
+
+Signe (looking back, as she goes). Yes, of course--father as well. (She
+and HAMAR go out.)
+
+(VALBORG goes to the farthest window and stands looking out of it. Her
+dress is the same colour as the long curtain, and a piece of statuary
+and some flowers conceal her from any one entering the room. SANNAES
+comes in, carrying a small saddle-bag and a cloak, which he puts down
+on a chair behind the door. As he turns round he sees the bouquet on the
+door.)
+
+Sannaes. There it is! Has she dropped it by accident, or did she throw
+it down? Never mind--she has had it in her hands. (Picks it up, kisses
+it, and is going to take it away.)
+
+Valborg (coming forward). Leave it alone!
+
+Sannaes (dropping the bouquet). You here, Miss Valborg--? I didn't see
+you--
+
+Valborg. But I can see what you are after. How dare you presume to think
+of persecuting me with your flowers and your--your red hands? (He puts
+his hands behind his back.) How dare you make me a laughing-stock to
+every one in the house, and I suppose to every one in the town?
+
+Sannaes. I--I--I--
+
+Valborg. And what about me? Don't you think I deserve a little
+consideration? You will be turned out of the house before long, if you
+do not take care--! Now be quick and get away before the others come in.
+(SANNAES turns away, holding his hands in front of him, and goes out by
+the verandah to the right. At the same moment TJAELDE is seen coming at
+the other end of the verandah, followed by HAMAR and SIGNE.)
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, it is a fine horse.
+
+Hamar. Fine? I don't believe there is its equal in the country.
+
+Tjaelde. I dare say. Did you notice that he hadn't turned a hair?
+
+Hamar. What glorious lungs! And such a beauty, too--his head, his legs,
+his neck--! I never saw such a beauty!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, he is a handsome beast. (Looks out of the verandah at the
+yacht.) Have you been out for a sail?
+
+Hamar. I was sailing among the islands last night, and came back this
+morning with the fishing-boats--a delightful sail!
+
+Tjaelde. I wish I had time to do that.
+
+Hamar. But surely it is only imagination on your part, to think that you
+never have time?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, well, perhaps I have time but not inclination.
+
+Signe. And how do things stand where you have been?
+
+Tjaelde. Badly.
+
+Valborg (coming forward). Welcome home, father!
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you, dear!
+
+Hamar. Is it not possible to save anything?
+
+Tjaelde. Not at present; that is why I took the horse.
+
+Hamar. Then the bay horse is the only thing you get out of the smash?
+
+Tjaelde. Do you know that I might say that horse has cost me three or
+four thousand pounds?
+
+Hamar. Well, that is its only defect, anyway! Still, if the worst comes
+to the worst, and you can afford it--the horse is priceless! (TJAELDE
+turns away, puts down his hat and coat and takes off his gloves.)
+
+Signe. It is beautiful to see your enthusiasm when you talk about
+horses. I rather think it is the only enthusiasm you have.
+
+Hamar. Yes, if I were not a cavalry officer I should like to be a horse!
+
+Signe. Thank you! And what should I be?
+
+Valborg. "Oh, were I but the saddle on thy back! Oh, were I but the whip
+about thy loins!"
+
+Hamar. "Oh, were I but the flowers in thy--." No, "hand" doesn't rhyme!
+
+Tjaelde. (coming forward, meets MRS. TJAELDE, who has come in from the
+right.) Well, my dear, how are you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, I find it more and more difficult to get about.
+
+Tjaelde. There is always something the matter with you, my dear! Can I
+have something to eat?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, it has been standing waiting for you. Here it comes.
+(A maid brings in a tray which she lays on the table.)
+
+Tjaelde. Good!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Will you have a cup of tea?
+
+Tjaelde. No, thank you.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. (sitting down beside him and pouring him out a glass of
+wine). And how have things gone with the Möllers?
+
+Tjaelde. Badly. I told you so already.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I didn't hear you.
+
+Valborg. I had a letter to-day from Nanna Möller. She tells me all about
+it--how none of the family knew anything about it till the officers of
+the courts came.
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, there must have been a dreadful scene.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Did he tell you anything about it?
+
+Tjaelde (as he eats). I didn't speak to him.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My dear! Why, you are old friends!
+
+Tjaelde. Bah! Old friends! He sat looking as if he had taken leave of
+his senses. Besides, I have had enough of that family. I didn't go there
+to hear them talk about their troubles.
+
+Signe. I suppose it was all very sad?
+
+Tjaelde (still eating). Shocking!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What will they have to live on?
+
+Tjaelde. What is allowed them by their creditors, of course.
+
+Signe. But all the things they had?
+
+Tjaelde. Sold.
+
+Signe. All those pretty things--their furniture, their carriages,
+their--?
+
+Tjaelde. All sold.
+
+Hamar. And his watch? It is the most beautiful watch I have ever
+seen--next to yours.
+
+Tjaelde. It had to go, of course, being jewellery. Give me some wine; I
+am hot and thirsty.
+
+Signe. Poor things!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Where are they going to live now?
+
+Tjaelde. In the house of one of the skippers of what was their fleet.
+Two small rooms and a kitchen.
+
+Signe. Two small rooms and a kitchen! (A pause.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What do they intend to do?
+
+Tjaelde. There was a subscription started to enable Mrs. Möller to get
+the job of catering for the Club.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Is the poor woman going to have more cooking to do!
+
+Signe. Did they send no messages to us?
+
+Tjaelde. Of course they did; but I didn't pay any attention to them.
+
+Hamar (who has been standing on the verandah). But Möller--what did he
+say? What did he do?
+
+Tjaelde. I don't know, I tell you.
+
+Valborg (who has been walking up and down the room during the preceding
+conversation). He has said and done quite enough already.
+
+Tjaelde (who has at last finished eating and drinking, is struck by her
+words). What do you mean by that, Valborg?
+
+Valborg. That if I were his daughter I would never forgive him.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My dear Valborg, don't say such things!
+
+Valborg. I mean it! A man who would bring such shame and misery upon his
+family does not deserve any mercy from them.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. We are all in need of mercy.
+
+Valborg. In one sense, yes. But what I mean is that I could never give
+him my respect or my affection again. He would have wronged me too
+cruelly.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Wronged you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Have you finished already, dear?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No more wine?
+
+Tjaelde. I said I had finished. Wronged you? How?
+
+Valborg. Well, I cannot imagine how one could be more cruelly wronged
+than to be allowed to assume a position that was nothing but a lie,
+to live up to means that had no real existence but were merely a
+sham--one's clothes a lie, one's very existence a lie! Suppose I were
+the sort of girl that found a certain delight in making use of her
+position as a rich man's daughter--in using it to the fullest possible
+extent; well, when I discovered that all that my father had given me was
+stolen-that all he had made me believe in was a lie--I am sure that then
+my anger and my shame would be beyond all bounds!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My child, you have never been tried. You don't know how
+such things may happen. You don't really know what you are saying!
+
+Hamar. Well it might do Möller good if he heard what she says!
+
+Valborg. He has heard it. His daughter said that to him.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. His own daughter! Child, child, is that what you write to
+each other about? God forgive you both!
+
+Valborg. Oh, He will forgive us, because we speak the truth.
+
+Mrs. Tialde. Child, child!
+
+Tjaelde. You evidently don't understand what business is--success one
+day and failure the next.
+
+Valborg. No one will ever persuade me that business is a lottery.
+
+Tjaelde. No, a sound business is not.
+
+Valborg. Exactly. It is the unsound sort that I condemn.
+
+Tjaelde. Still, even the soundest have their anxious moments.
+
+Valborg. If the anxious moments really foreshadow a crisis, no man of
+honour would keep his family o: his creditors in ignorance of the fact.
+My God, how Mr. Möller has deceived his!
+
+Signe. Valborg is always talking about business!
+
+Valborg. Yes, it has had an attraction for me ever since I was a child.
+I am not ashamed of that.
+
+Signe. You think you know all about it, anyway.
+
+Valborg. Oh, no; but you can easily get to know a little about anything
+you are fond of.
+
+Hamar. And one would need no great knowledge of business to condemn the
+way Möller went on. It was obvious to every one. And the way his family
+went on, too! Who went the pace as much as the Möllers? Think of his
+daughter's toilettes!
+
+Valborg. His daughter is my best friend. I don't want to hear her
+abused.
+
+Hamar. Your Highness will admit that it is possible to be the daughter
+of a _very_ rich man without being as proud and as vain as--as the lady
+I am not allowed to mention!
+
+Valborg. Nanna is neither proud nor vain. She is absolutely genuine.
+She had the aptitude for being exactly what she thought she was--a rich
+man's daughter.
+
+Hamar. Has she the "aptitude" for being a bankrupt's daughter now?
+
+Valborg. Certainly. She has sold all her trinkets, her dresses--every
+single thing she had. What she wears, she has either paid for herself or
+obtained by promising future payment.
+
+Hamar. May I ask if she kept her stockings?
+
+Valborg. She sent everything to a sale.
+
+Hamar. If I had known that I would certainly have attended it!
+
+Valborg. Yes, I daresay there was plenty to make fun of, and plenty of
+idle loafers, too, who were not ashamed to do so.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Children, children!
+
+Hamar. May I ask if Miss Nanna sent her own idleness to the sale with
+her other effects?--because I have never known any one with a finer
+supply of it!
+
+Valborg. She never thought she would need to work.
+
+Tjaelde (coming forward to VALBORG). To take up the thread of what we
+were saying: you don't understand what a business-man's hope is from one
+day to the other--always a renewed hope. That fact does not make him a
+swindler. He may be unduly sanguine, perhaps--a poet, if you like, who
+lives in a world of dreams--or he may be a real genius, who sees land
+ahead when no one else suspects it.
+
+Valborg. I don't think I misunderstand the real state of affairs. But
+perhaps you do, father. Because is not what you call hope, poetry,
+genius, merely speculating with what belongs to others, when a man knows
+that he owes more than he has got?
+
+Tjaelde. It may be very difficult to be certain even whether he does
+that or not.
+
+Valborg. Really? I should have thought his books would tell him--
+
+Tjaelde. About his assets and his liabilities, certainly. But values are
+fluctuating things; and he may always have in hand some venture which,
+though it cannot be specified, may alter the whole situation.
+
+Valborg. If he undeniably owes more than he possesses, any venture he
+undertakes must be a speculation with other people's money.
+
+Tjaelde. Well--perhaps that is so; but that does not mean that he steals
+the money--he only uses it in trust for them.
+
+Valborg. Entrusted to him on the false supposition that he is solvent.
+
+Tjaelde. But possibly that money may save the whole situation.
+
+Valborg. That does not alter the fact that he has got the use of it by a
+lie.
+
+Tjaelde. You use very harsh terms. (MRS. TJAELDE has once or twice been
+making signs to VALBORG, which the latter sees but pays no attention
+to.)
+
+Valborg. In that case the lie consists in the concealment.
+
+Tjaelde. But what do you want him to do? To lay all his cards on the
+table, and so ruin both himself and the others?
+
+Valborg. Yes, he ought to take every one concerned into his confidence.
+
+Tjaelde. Bah! In that case we should see a thousand failures every year,
+and fortunes lost one after the other everywhere! No, you have a level
+head, Valborg, but your ideas are narrow. Look here, where are the
+newspapers? (SIGNE, who has been talking confidentially to HAMAR on the
+verandah, comes forward.)
+
+Signe. I took them down to your office. I did not know you meant to stay
+in here.
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, bother the office! Please fetch them for me. (SIGNE goes
+out, followed by Hamar.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (in an undertone to VALBORG). Why will you never listen to
+your mother, Valborg? (VALBORG goes out to the verandah; leans on the
+edge of it, with her head on her hands, and looks out.)
+
+Tjaelde. I think I will change my coat. Oh no, I will wait till
+dinner-time.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Dinner! And here I am still sitting here!
+
+Tjaelde. Are we expecting any one?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, have you forgotten?
+
+Tjaelde. Of course, yes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (going out). What on earth am I to order?
+
+(TJAELDE comes forward as soon as he is alone, sits down on a chair with
+a weary, harassed expression, and buries his face in his hands with a
+sigh. SIGNE and HAMAR come back, she carrying some newspapers. HAMAR is
+going out to the verandah again, but SIGNE pulls him back.)
+
+Signe. Here you are, father. Here are--
+
+Tjaelde. What? Who?
+
+Signe (astonished). The newspapers.
+
+Tjaelde. Ah, yes. Give them to me.(Opens them hurriedly. They are mostly
+foreign papers, in which he scans the money articles one after another.)
+
+Signe (after a whispered conversation with HAMAR). Father!
+
+Tjaelde (without looking up from the papers).Well? (To himself,
+gloomily.) Down again, always down!
+
+Signe. Hamar and I want so much to go into town again to Aunt Ulla's.
+
+Tjaelde. But you know you were there only a fortnight ago. I received
+your bills yesterday. Have you seen them?
+
+Signe. No need for that, father, if _you_ have seen them! Why do you
+sigh?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh--because I see that stocks keep falling.
+
+Signe. Pooh! Why should you bother about that? Now you are sighing
+again. I am sure you know how horrid it is for those you love not to
+have what they want. You won't be so unkind to us, father?
+
+Tjaelde. No, my child, it can't be done.
+
+Signe. Why?
+
+Tjaelde. Because--because--well, because now that it is summer time so
+many people will be coming here whom we shall have to entertain.
+
+Signe. But entertaining people is the most tiresome thing I know, and
+Hamar agrees with me.
+
+Tjaelde. Don't you think I have to do tiresome things sometimes, my
+girl?
+
+Signe. Father dear, why are you talking so solemnly and ceremoniously?
+It sounds quite funny from you!
+
+Tjaelde. Seriously, my child, it is by no means an unimportant matter
+for a big business house like ours, with such a wide-spread connection,
+that people coming here from all quarters should find themselves
+hospitably received. You might do that much for me.
+
+Signe. Hamar and I will never have a moment alone at that rate.
+
+Tjaelde. I think you mostly squabble when you are alone.
+
+Signe. Squabble? That is a very ugly word, father.
+
+Tjaelde. Besides, you would be no more alone if you were in town.
+
+Signe. Oh, but it is quite different there!
+
+Tjaelde. So I should think--from the way you throw your money about!
+
+Signe (laughing). Throw our money about! What else have we to do? Isn't
+that what we are for? Daddy, listen--dear old dad--
+
+Tjaelde. No, dear--no.
+
+Signe. You have never been so horrid to me before.
+
+Hamar (who has been making signs to her to stop, whispers). Can't you be
+quiet! Don't you see he is put out about something?
+
+Signe (whispering). Well, you might have backed me up a little.
+
+Hamar (as before). No, I am a bit wiser than you.
+
+Signe (as before). You have been so odd lately. I am sure I don't know
+what you want?
+
+Hamar (as before). Oh, well, it doesn't matter now--because I am going
+to town alone.
+
+Signe (as before). What are you going to do?
+
+Hamar (going). I am going to town alone. I am sick of this!
+
+Signe (following him). Just you try! (Both go out by the verandah, to
+the right. TJAELDE lets the newspapers fall out of his hands with a
+heavy sigh.)
+
+Valborg (looking in from the verandah). Father! (TJAELDE starts.) There
+goes Mr. Berent, the lawyer from Christiania.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Berent? Where? On the wharf?
+
+Valborg. Yes. (Comes back into the room. TJAELDE looks out of the
+window.) The reason I told you was because I saw him yesterday at the
+timber-yard, and a little while before that, at the brewery and at the
+works.
+
+Tjaelde (to himself). What can that mean? (Aloud.) Oh, I know he is very
+fond of making little trips to all sorts of places in the summer. This
+year he has come here--and no doubt he likes to see the chief industries
+of the place. There is not much else here to see! But are you sure it is
+he? I think--
+
+Valborg (looking out). Yes, it is he. Look now, you know his walk--
+
+Tjaelde.--and his trick of crossing his feet--yes, it is he. It looks as
+if he were coming here.
+
+Valborg. No, he has turned away.
+
+Tjaelde. All the better! (To himself, thoughtfully.) Could it possibly
+mean--? (SANNAES comes in from the right.)
+
+Sannaes. Am I disturbing you, sir?
+
+Tjaelde. Is that you, Sannaes? (SANNAES, as he comes forward, sees
+VALBORG standing by the farther window. He appears frightened and hides
+his hands quickly behind his back.) What do you want? (VALBORG looks at
+SANNAES, then goes on to the verandah and out to the right.) What is it,
+man? What the deuce are you standing there for?
+
+Sannaes (bringing his hands from behind his back as soon as VALBORG has
+passed him, and looking after her.) I didn't like to ask you, before
+Miss Valborg, whether you are coming down to your office to-day or not.
+
+Tjaelde. Have you gone mad? Why on earth shouldn't you ask me that
+before Miss Valborg?
+
+Sannaes. I mean that--if not--I should like to speak to you here, if it
+is convenient.
+
+Tjaelde. Look here, Sannaes, you ought to try and get rid of your
+shyness; it doesn't suit a business man. A business man should be smart
+and active, and not let his wits go wool-gathering because he finds
+himself in the same room with a woman. I have often noticed it in
+you.--Now, what is it? Out with it!
+
+Sannaes. You are not coming to the office this morning, sir?
+
+Tjaelde. No, there is no post goes out before this evening.
+
+Sannaes. No. But there are some bills of exchange--
+
+Tjaelde. Bills? No.
+
+Sannaes. Yes, sir--that fourth one of Möller's that was protested, and
+the big English one.
+
+Tjaelde (angrily). Have they not been met yet? What does this mean?
+
+Sannaes. The manager of the bank wanted to see you first, sir!
+
+Tjaelde. Have you gone crazy--? (Collects himself.) There must be some
+misunderstanding, Sannaes.
+
+Sannaes. That is what I thought; so I spoke about it to the chief clerk,
+and to Mr. Holst as well.
+
+Tjaelde. And Mr. Holst said--?
+
+Sannaes. The same thing.
+
+Tjaelde (walking up and down). I will go and see him--or rather, I
+_won't_ go and see him; because this is evidently something that--. We
+have some days' grace yet, haven't we?
+
+Sannaes. Yes, sir.
+
+Tjaelde. And still no telegram from Mr. Lind?
+
+Sannaes. No, sir.
+
+Tjaelde (to himself). I can't understand it. (Aloud.) We will negotiate
+this matter direct with Christiania, Sannaes. That is what we will
+do--and leave these little local banks alone in future. That will do,
+Sannaes! (Makes a gesture of dismissal. Then says to himself:) That
+damned Möller! It has made them all suspicious! (Turns round and sees
+SANNAES still there.) What are you waiting for?
+
+Sannaes. It is settling day--and I have no money in the safe.
+
+Tjaelde. No money in the safe! A big business like this, and nothing in
+the safe on settling day! What kind of management is that, I should like
+to know? Must I teach you the A B C of business over and over again? One
+can never take a half day off, or hand over the control! of the tiniest
+part of the business--! I have no one, absolutely no one, that I can
+rely on! How have you let things get into such a state?
+
+Sannaes. Well, there was a third bill, which expired to-day--Holm and
+Co., for £400. I had relied upon the bank, unfortunately--so there was
+nothing for it but to empty the safe--here and at the brewery as well.
+
+Tjaelde (walking about restlessly). Hm--hm--hm!--Now, who can have put
+that into Holst's head?--Very well, that will do. (Dismisses SANNAES,
+who goes out but comes back immediately.)
+
+Sannaes (whispering). Here is Mr. Berent!
+
+Tjaelde (surprised). Coming here?
+
+Sannaes. He is just coming up the steps! (Goes out by the further door
+on the right.)
+
+Tjaelde. (calls after him in a whisper). Send up some wine and
+cakes!--It is just as I suspected! (Catches sight of himself in a
+mirror.) Good Lord, how bad I look! (Turns away painfully from the
+mirror; looks in it again, forces a smile to his face, and so, smiling,
+goes towards the verandah, where BERENT is seen coming in slowly from
+the left.)
+
+Tjaelde (greeting BERENT politely but with reserve). I feel honoured at
+receiving a visit from so distinguished a man.
+
+Berent. Mr. Tjaelde, I believe?
+
+Tjaelde. At your service! My eldest daughter has just been telling me
+that she had seen you walking about my property.
+
+Berent. Yes; an extensive property--and an extensive business.
+
+Tjaelde. Too extensive, Mr. Berent. Too many-sided. But one thing has
+led to another. Pray sit down.
+
+Berent. Thank you; it is very warm to-day. (A maid brings in cakes and
+wine, and puts them on the table.)
+
+Tjaelde. Let me give you a glass of wine?
+
+Berent. No, thank you.
+
+Tjaelde. Or something to eat?
+
+Berent. Nothing, thank you.
+
+Tjaelde (taking out his cigar-case). May I offer you a cigar? I can
+answer for their quality.
+
+Berent. I am very fond of a good cigar. But for the moment I will not
+take anything, thank you! (A pause. TJAELDE takes a seat.)
+
+Tjaelde (in a quiet, confidential voice). Have you been long here, Mr.
+Berent?
+
+Berent. Only a day or two. You have been away, have you not?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes--that unhappy affair of Mr. Möller's. A meeting of
+creditors after the sale.
+
+Berent. Times are hard just now.
+
+Tjaelde. Extraordinarily so!
+
+Berent. Do you think that Möller's failure will bring down any more
+firms with it-besides those we know of already, I mean?
+
+Tjaelde. I don't think so. His--his misfortune was an exceptional case
+in every respect.
+
+Berent. It has made the banks a little nervous, I hear.
+
+Tjaelde. I dare say.
+
+Berent. Of course you know the state of affairs here better than any
+one.
+
+Tjaelde. (with a smile). I am very much indebted to you for your
+flattering confidence in me.
+
+Berent. I suppose all this might have a bad effect upon the export trade
+of this part of the country?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes--it is really hard to tell; but the important thing
+certainly is to keep every one on their legs.
+
+Berent. That is your opinion?
+
+Tjaelde. Undoubtedly.
+
+Berent. As a general rule a crisis of this sort shows up the unsound
+elements in a commercial community.
+
+Tjaelde (with a smile). And for that reason this crisis should be
+allowed to take its natural course, you mean?
+
+Berent. That is my meaning.
+
+Tjaelde. Hm!--In some places it is possible that the dividing line
+between the sound firms and the unsound may not be very distinct.
+
+Berent. Can there really be any danger of such a thing here?
+
+Tjaelde. Well--you are expecting too much of my knowledge of affairs;
+but I should be inclined to think that there may. (A pause.)
+
+Berent. I have been instructed by the banks to prepare an opinion upon
+the situation--a fact which I have, so far, only confided to you.
+
+Tjaelde. I am much obliged.
+
+Berent. The smaller local banks here have combined, and are acting in
+concert.
+
+Tjaelde. Indeed? (A pause.) I suppose you have seen Mr. Holst, then?
+
+Berent. Of course. (A pause.) If we are to assist the sound firms and
+leave the others to their fate, the best way will certainly be for all
+alike to disclose their actual position.
+
+Tjaelde. Is that Mr. Holst's opinion too?
+
+Berent. It is. (A pause.) I have advised him for the present--at all
+events till we have all the balance-sheets--to say "no" to every request
+for an advance, without exception.
+
+Tjaelde. (with a look of relief). I understand!
+
+Berent. Only a temporary measure, of course--
+
+Tjaelde. Quite so!
+
+Berent.--but one that must apply to every one impartially.
+
+Tjaelde. Admirable!
+
+Berent. Not to treat every one alike would be to run the danger of
+throwing premature suspicion on individuals.
+
+Tjaelde. I quite agree.
+
+Berent. I am delighted to hear it. Then you will not misunderstand me
+if I ask you also to prepare a balance-sheet which shall show the actual
+position of your firm.
+
+Tjaelde. With the greatest pleasure, if by doing so I can assist the
+general welfare.
+
+Berent. I assure you, you can. It is by such means that public
+confidence is strengthened.
+
+Tjaelde. When do you want the balance-sheet? Of course, it can only be a
+summary one.
+
+Berent. Naturally. I will give myself the pleasure of calling for it.
+
+Tjaelde. By no means. I can let you have it at once, if you like. I am
+in the habit of frequently drawing up summary balance-sheets of that
+kind--as prices rise and fall, you know.
+
+Berent. Indeed? (Smiles.) You know, of course, what they say of
+swindlers--that they draw up three balance-sheets everyday, and all
+different! But you are teaching me, apparently--
+
+Tjaelde (laughing).--that others too, may have that bad habit!--though I
+haven't actually got as far as three a day!
+
+Berent. Of course I was only joking. (Gets up.)
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Of course. I will send it to the hotel in an
+hour's time; for I suppose you are staying in our only so-called hotel!
+Would you not care, for the rest of your stay, to move your things over
+here and make yourself at home in a couple of empty spare rooms that I
+have?
+
+Bercnt. Thank you, but the length of my stay is so uncertain; and the
+state of my health imposes habits upon me which are embarrassing to
+every one, and to myself most of all, when I am among strangers.
+
+Tjaelde. But at all events I hope you will dine with us to-day? I expect
+one or two friends. And perhaps a short sail afterwards; it is very
+pretty among the islands here.
+
+Berent. Thank you, but my health won't allow me such dissipations.
+
+Tjaelde. Ha, ha!--Well, if I can be of any further service to you--?
+
+Berent. I should be glad to have a talk with you before I leave,
+preferably as soon as possible.
+
+Tjaelde (somewhat surprised). You mean, after you have received all the
+balance-sheets?
+
+Berent. I have already managed to get most of them quietly, through Mr.
+Holst.
+
+Tjaelde (more surprised). Oh--so you mean to-day--?
+
+Berent. Would five o'clock suit you?
+
+Tjaelde. I am quite at your disposal! I will give myself the pleasure of
+calling upon you at five.
+
+Berent. No, I will come here at five o'clock. (Bows, and turns to go.)
+
+Tjaelde (following him). But you are the invalid--the older man--and a
+distinguished man--
+
+Berent. But you are at home here. Good-bye!
+
+Tjaelde. Let me thank you for the honour you have done me by calling
+upon me!
+
+Berent. Please don't bother to see me out.
+
+Tjaelde. Allow me to escort you?
+
+Berent. I can find the way quite well, thank you.
+
+Tjaelde. No doubt, no doubt-but I should feel it an honour!
+
+Berent. As you please! (As they are about to go down the verandah steps
+they are met by SIGNE and HAMAR, who are coming up arm in arm. Each
+couple draws aside to make room for the other.)
+
+Tjaelde. Let me introduce--no, I am sure Mr. Berent needs no
+introduction. This is my youngest daughter--and her fiancé, Lieutenant
+Hamar.
+
+Berent. I thought your regiment was at the manoeuvres, Lieutenant?
+
+Hamar. I have got furlough--
+
+Berent. On account of urgent business, no doubt! Good day!
+
+Tjaelde. Ha, ha, ha! (He and BERENT go down the steps.)
+
+Hamar. Insolent fellow! But he is like that to every one.
+
+Signe. Not to my father, as far as I could see.
+
+Hamar. Your father is insolent too.
+
+Signe. You shan't say such things of father!
+
+Hamar. What else do you call it, to laugh at such impertinence as
+Berent's.
+
+Signe. I call it good spirits! (Sits down in a rocking-chair and begins
+rocking herself.)
+
+Hamar. Oh, then, so you--. You are not very agreeable to-day.
+
+Signe (still rocking herself). No; do you know, sometimes I get so bored
+with you.
+
+Hamar. Yet you won't let me go away?
+
+Signe. Because I should be still worse bored without you.
+
+Hamar. Let me tell you this, I am not going to put up much longer with
+the way I am treated here!
+
+Signe. Very well. (Takes off her engagement ring and holds it between
+her finger and her thumb, as she rocks herself and hums a tune.)
+
+Hamar. Oh, I don't say anything about _you_; but look at Valborg! Look
+at your father! He hasn't even as much as offered me a mount on his new
+horse!
+
+Signe. He has had something else to think about--possibly something even
+more important than that. (Goes on humming.)
+
+Hamar. Oh, do be nice, Signe! You must admit that my feelings are very
+natural. Indeed, to speak quite candidly--because I know I can say
+anything to you--it seems to me that, as I am to be his son-in-law and
+am in a cavalry regiment, and as he has no sons of his own, I might
+almost expect that--that he would make me a present of the horse.
+
+Signe. Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. Does it seem so unreasonable to you?
+
+Signe. Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. Why do you laugh at what I say, Signe? It seems to me that it
+would reflect very well on your family if, when my friends admired my
+horse, I could say: "My father-in-law made me a present of it." Because,
+you know, there isn't a finer horse in the whole of Norway.
+
+Signe. And that is the reason why you should have it? Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. I won't stand it!
+
+Signe. The peerless lieutenant on the peerless horse! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. Signe, be quiet!
+
+Signe. You are so funny! (Begins to hum again.)
+
+Hamar. Listen, Signe! No one has so much influence with your father as
+you.--Oh, do listen! Can't you talk seriously for a moment?
+
+Signe. I should like to! (Goes on humming.)
+
+Hamar. My idea was that, if that horse were mine, I would stay here for
+the summer and break it in thoroughly. (SIGNE stops rocking herself and
+humming. HAMAR comes up to her chair and leans over her.) In that case
+I would not go back till the autumn, and then you could come with the
+horse and me into town. Wouldn't that be delightful?
+
+Signe (after looking at him for a moment). Oh, yes, my dear, you always
+have such delightful ideas!
+
+Hamar. Don't I! But the whole thing depends, of course, on whether you
+can get the horse from your father. Will you try, darling?
+
+Signe. And then you would stay here all the summer?
+
+Hamar. All the summer!
+
+Signe. So as to break in the horse.
+
+Hamar. Just to break in the horse!
+
+Signe. And I would go with you into town in the autumn--that was what
+you said, wasn't it?
+
+Hamar. Yes; wouldn't it be jolly?
+
+Signe. Shall you take the bay horse to stay with your Aunt Ulla too?
+
+Hamar (laughing). What?
+
+Signe. Well, you have spent your furlough here simply for the sake of
+that horse--I know that well enough--and you propose to stay here, just
+to break it in-and then you propose that the horse and I should go to
+your aunt's--
+
+Hamar. But, Signe, what do you--?
+
+Signe (beginning to rock herself furiously). Ugh! Go away!
+
+Hamar. Jealous of a horse! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Signe. Go away to the stables.
+
+Hamar. Is that meant for a punishment? Because it would be more amusing
+there than it is here.
+
+Signe (throwing down her ring). There! Let your horse wear that!
+
+Hamar. Every time you throw down that ring--
+
+Signe. Oh, you have said that so often! I am tired of that too! (Turns
+her chair round so as to turn her back on him.)
+
+Hamar. You are such a spoilt child that it would be absurd to take
+everything you say seriously--
+
+Signe. I am sick of that too, I tell you--for the hundred and twentieth
+time! Go away!
+
+Hamar. But can't you see how ridiculous it is of you to be jealous of a
+horse? Have you ever heard of anyone else behaving like that?
+
+Signe (jumping up). Oh, you make me want to shout and scream! I feel so
+ashamed of you! (Stamps her foot.) I despise you!
+
+Hamar (laughing). And all on account of the horse?
+
+Signe. No, on your own account--yours, yours! I feel so miserable
+sometimes, I should like to throw myself down on the floor and cry--or
+run away and never come back! Can't you let me alone! Can't you go away!
+
+Hamar. Yes--and I have not picked up the ring this time, either!
+
+Signe. Oh, do go!--go, go, go! (Bursts out crying and sits down.)
+
+Hamar. All right!--I see the steamer in the distance; I shall go home at
+once.
+
+Signe. Oh, you know as well as I do that that steamer goes the other
+way! Oh! (Cries. The masts and funnel of a steamer come into sight, and
+a trail of smoke passes over the sky. TJAELDE'S voice is heard outside,
+calling: "Hurry up! Take the lieutenant's boat; it is ready!" SIGNE
+jumps up.)
+
+Hamar. They are going to fetch some one from the steamer! (TJAELDE'S
+voice is heard again: "You get the boat out! He is coming here!" HAMAR
+runs to pick up the ring and comes back hurriedly to SIGNE.) Signe!
+
+Signe. No, I won't!
+
+Hamar. Signe, dear! What does this mean? What is it that I have done?
+
+Signe. I don't know, but I am wretchedly unhappy! (Bursts into tears.)
+
+Hamar. But you know that in the end I always do what you want? What more
+can you wish than that?
+
+Signe. I can't help it, I wish I were dead! It is always the same thing!
+(In tears again.)
+
+Hamar. But, Signe--you who have told me hundreds of times that you loved
+me!
+
+Signe. And so I do. But sometimes our engagement seems horrible!--No,
+don't come near me!
+
+Hamar. Signe! (TJAELDE'S voice is heard outside: "Of course, put your
+best coat on!" He calls louder: "Sannaes!" An answering voice is heard
+in the distance. TJAELDE continues: "Don't forget your gloves!") Dry
+your eyes, Signe! Don't let him see you have been crying. (He tries to
+give her the ring, but she turns away, wiping her eyes. TJAELDE comes up
+the steps on to the verandah.)
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, there you are! That's right. Mr. Lind is arriving by
+this steamer--I had a telegram from him just now. (Calls out over the
+verandah.) Come along with those flags! And get this boat out of the way
+and unstep her mast! She is moored up tight! (HAMAR runs to help him.)
+Yes, you cast her off! (HAMAR does so, and the boat is hauled away to
+the right. TJAELDE comes forward into the room.) Signe! (Looks at her.)
+What? Squabbling again?
+
+Signe. Father!
+
+Tjaelde. Well, this is no time for tomfoolery of that sort! You must all
+do the honours of the house to-day. Tell Valborg--
+
+Signe. Tell her yourself, please! You know Valborg only does just what
+she likes.
+
+Tjaelde. Don't talk such rubbish! This is an important moment--and you
+will all do as _I_ say! Tell Valborg that she is to make herself look
+nice and come to me here. And you do the same. (She goes.) Signe!
+
+Signe (stopping). Yes?
+
+Tjaelde. We must ask five or six more people to dinner. You must send
+word to Mr. Finne that we shall dine punctually at three o'clock,
+instead of four. Mr. Lind has to go away again by the next boat, at five
+o'clock. Do you understand?
+
+Signe. But has mother enough in the house for so many?
+
+Tjaelde. It is not a mere question of there being enough--it must be a
+very good dinner. I expect my larder to be kept thoroughly well stocked
+all through the summer. How often am I to repeat that?
+
+Signe (trying to repress her fears). But mother is feeling so ill
+to-day--
+
+Tjaelde. Oh! don't begin about that everlasting "feeling ill." There
+is no time to-day to feel ill. Now, be quick! (SIGNE goes out by the
+farther door. TJAELDE turns to HAMAR.) Get a pen and ink and some paper!
+We must draw up a list of guests, at once!
+
+Hamar (looking about). There is none here.
+
+Tjaelde (impatiently). Fetch some, then! (HAMAR goes into the next room.
+TJAELDE, after a long sigh of relief, reads a telegram he has in his
+hand. His hand trembles as he reads it slowly, repeating some passages
+twice.) "Letter received just as starting. Before taking charge of
+affairs, must have interview. Coming to-day earliest boat, return five
+o'clock. Have clear statement ready. Lind." I can hardly read it--but it
+is true! Yes, if I can only work this properly all doors will be open to
+me! (To HAMAR, who has come back.) Ah, there you are! It would take too
+long to write invitations. We will just draw up a list of names and
+one of my clerks shall run round to them all. Now then! (Dictates.) The
+Vicar--Oh, by the way, what is the champagne like?
+
+Hamar. Do you mean the new lot?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Hamar. The Vicar praised it highly.
+
+Tjaelde. Good. Well, then--
+
+Hamar (writing). The Vicar.
+
+Tjzlde. Mr. Ring.
+
+Hamar. Mr. Ring.
+
+Tjaelde. And--and--
+
+Hamar. Mr. Holst?
+
+Tjaelde. No, not Holst. (HAMAR appears greatly astonished. TJAELDE says
+to himself:) I can show him now that I have no need of him! (Suddenly,
+to HAMAR.) Mr. Holm. (To himself.) Holst's enemy!
+
+Hamar. Mr. Holm.
+
+Tjaelde (to himself). Although Holm is a boor. Still, it will annoy
+Holst. (Aloud.) The Chief Constable.
+
+Hamar. The Chief--
+
+Tjaelde. No, strike out the Chief Constable.
+
+Hamar. Chief Constable struck out.
+
+Tjaelde. Have we got the Vicar down?
+
+Hamar. He is number one on the list.
+
+Tjaelde. Of course, yes.
+
+Hamar. What about the Magistrate?
+
+Tjaelde. No, he lives too far off. Besides, unless he is the guest
+of honour and can talk shop all the time--. No! But, let me see. Mr.
+Knutzon--Knutzon with a "z."
+
+Hamar. Knutzon with a "z."
+
+Tjaelde. Oh!--and--Knudsen, too! Knudsen with an "s."
+
+Hamar. Knudsen with an "s."
+
+Tjaelde. How many have we got?
+
+Hamar. The Vicar, Ring, Holm, the Chief--oh, no, the Chief Constable was
+struck out; Knutzon with a "z," Knudsen with an "s "--that is one, two,
+three, four, five, six.
+
+Tjaelde. And Finne, you, and I make nine. We must have twelve.
+
+Hamar. What about some ladies?
+
+Tjaelde. No; ladies are out of place at a business dinner. They may do
+the honours afterwards, when we have got to the cigarette stage. But
+whom shall we--?
+
+Hamar. That new lawyer fellow? He's a smart chap--I can't remember his
+name?
+
+Tjaelde. No, he always wants to be speechifying wherever he goes.--Ah,
+Mr. Pram, the custom-house officer!
+
+Hamar. That man? He always gets drunk!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, but he doesn't get noisy with it. He does no harm--quite
+the contrary! Yes, put down Pram.
+
+Hamar. Mr. Pram.
+
+Tjaelde. It is a very difficult task, in such a small town, when you
+want to get a good set of people together. Ah!--Falbe! I forgot him. He
+is very neat, and no opinions.
+
+Hamar. Neat in his dress, do you mean?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, in his dress too-but I meant it more generally. Now, for
+the twelfth--Morten Schultz?
+
+Hamar. Morten Schultz! (Gets up.) No, really, I must take the liberty of
+protesting against him! Do you really know what he did the last time he
+was here, when you had a lot of guests? In the middle of dinner he took
+out his false teeth and began showing them to his neighbours. He wanted
+to have them passed round the table! If that is your idea of a good set
+of people--well!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, he is rather a rough diamond. But he is the richest man
+about here.
+
+Hamar (who has sat down again). Well in that case he really ought to
+afford himself a new wig! It is far from pleasant to sit beside him, I
+can assure you!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, I know he is a pig; but he is wide awake, and this would
+flatter him! You see, my young friend, when a man is very rich you must
+make certain allowances for him.
+
+Hamar. I can't understand what _you_ can hope to get out of him.
+
+Tjaelde. Hm, hm!--No, well, perhaps we had better leave him out?
+
+Hamar. Certainly!
+
+Tjaelde (to himself). Although Lind would understand the significance of
+Morten Schultz's being here--
+
+Hamar. And the things he says! Ladies have to leave the room!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, you are right. (Mutters to himself.) And, after all, I
+don't need him any longer. (Aloud.) But what about our twelfth, then?
+Let me see--.
+
+Hamar. Christopher Hansen?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, Lord! no. We should have to talk politics. No, let
+me see--. Yes, I think I might risk it! Hm, hm--yes, just the man!
+Jakobsen, the brewery manager.
+
+Hamar. Jakobsen?
+
+Tjaelde. Hm, hm! Jakobsen will do very well. I know Jakobsen.
+
+Hamar. Oh, he is a very good fellow--we all know that, but in polite
+society--!
+
+Tjaelde. Hm, hm, hm!--Put him down!
+
+Hamar (writing). Jakobsen. There, then! (Gets up.)
+
+Tjaelde. Now let Skogstad go with the list! Remember, three o'clock
+punctually! And be quick! (Calls after HAMAR, who is going out.) And
+come back when you have given him the list! There may be something more
+to do! (HAMAR goes out by the nearer door. TJAELDE takes a letter out of
+his pocket.) Ah, of course! Shall I send the balance-sheet to Berent?
+I am independent of the banks now. Still, I am not out of the wood yet.
+And, anyway, it is a very pretty balance-sheet! Holst would be sure to
+see it, and that might be useful--and it might annoy him, too. Besides,
+if I don't send it, they will think that my promising to send it had put
+me into a hole, and that Lind had helped me out of it. I risk least by
+sending it. (HAMAR comes back.) Look here, let him take this letter,
+too. It is for Mr. Berent, at the Hotel Victoria.
+
+Hamar. Is this an invitation? Because, if it is, we shall be thirteen at
+table.
+
+Tjaelde. It is not an invitation. Be quick, before he goes. (HAMAR goes
+out again.) Oh, if only it succeeds! Lind is the sort of man one can
+persuade--and I must, I must persuade him! (Looks at his watch.) I have
+four whole hours to do it in. I have never felt so hopeful--not for a
+long time. (Is lost in thought; then says quietly:) After all, sometimes
+a crisis is a good thing--like a big wave that carries one on!--They
+have all had their suspicions aroused now, and are all ready to get
+into a panic. (Sighs.) If only I could get safely out of my difficulties
+without any one's suspecting it!--Oh, this anxious fear, night and
+day!--all this mystery, these shifts, these concealments, this farce
+I have to keep up! I go about my business as if I were in a dream.
+(Despairingly.) This shall be the last time--my last performance of this
+sort! No more of it!--I only need a helping hand now, and I have got it!
+But _have_ I got it? that is the question. Oh! if only, after this, I
+could know what it was to have a good night's sleep and to wake in
+the morning free from anxiety!--to join them at meals with an easy
+conscience!--come home in the evening and feel that it was all done
+with! If only I had something to take my stand upon that I could call my
+own--really and truly my own! I hardly dare to believe that there is a
+chance--I have so often been disappointed! (HAMAR comes back.)
+
+Hamar. There--that's done!
+
+Tjaelde. Good Lord, what about a salute from our cannon? We must give
+him a salute!
+
+Hamar. We have powder.
+
+Tjaelde. Then send word up at once to Ole to see about it! (They hurry
+out. The curtain falls.)
+
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+SCENE I
+
+(SCENE.--The same room. The table, which has been drawn to one side, is
+covered with bottles of champagne aged dishes of fruit. MRS. TJAELDE and
+SIGNE, with a man-servant and a maid, are busy preparing it. Through
+the door on the right a lively conversation can be heard, and occasional
+bursts of laughter.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (in a tired voice). Now I think it is all ready.
+
+Signe. They are talking a long time over their dinner.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (looking at her watch). Yes, they will only have half an
+hour for their dessert, because Mr. Lind has to leave at five o'clock.
+
+Signe. Ah, they have finished at last! Listen, they are getting up from
+the table. (Amidst the loud noise of conversation the noise of chairs
+being pushed back is audible.) Here they come!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes; let us retreat. (The maid goes out by the farther
+door; SIGNE helps MRS. TJAELDE out after her. The man-servant begins
+opening the champagne. The guests come in from the dining-room, headed
+by LIND escorted by TJAELDE, whom he is assuring that the dinner was
+excellent, to which TJAELDE replies that it is impossible to do much in
+a small country town. Both look at their watches, and observe that there
+is only half an hour left. TJAELDE vainly endeavours to persuade LIND
+to stay longer. Close behind them come HOLM and RING, engaged in an
+animated dispute about timber prices, the former maintaining that they
+will fall still lower, the latter that they will rise speedily owing
+to the fall in the prices of coal and iron, a point of view which the
+former vigorously controverts. Immediately behind them comes the VICAR,
+escorted by HAMAR, who is a little tipsy. The VICAR is assuring him that
+he has no objection to parishioners repudiating the obligation to attend
+the services of their own priest, so long as they are compelled to pay
+him for those services whether they avail themselves of them or not;
+because order, which is an essential characteristic of the Heavenly
+Kingdom, must be maintained. HAMAR tries to get in a word or two about
+the bay horse, but without success. At the same time KNUTZON and FALBE
+are deep in a discussion about a dancer whom FALBE has seen at Hamburg.
+He is maintaining that she can leap six feet into the air, which KNUTZON
+ventures to doubt, but FALBE says there is no doubt about it, and he
+knows because he has once sat at the same dinner-table with her. FINNE,
+KNUDSEN, and JAKOBSEN follow them. JAKOBSEN is heard challenging any one
+to contradict him, while the others eagerly protest that he has entirely
+misunderstood their meaning. He affirms stoutly that he doesn't care a
+damn what they meant, but that his employer is the greatest business
+man and the finest fellow in the world, or at all events in Norway. PRAM
+comes in by himself, wrapt in tipsy contemplation. They all talk at the
+same time.)
+
+Tjaelde (rapping on a glass). Gentlemen! (There is a sudden silence,
+except for the sound of the voices of FALBE and JAKOBSEN, who are hushed
+down by the others.) Gentlemen! I am sorry dinner has occupied such a
+long time.
+
+All (unanimously). No, no!
+
+Tjaelde. Our distinguished guest has, unfortunately, to leave us in half
+an hour, so I should like to take the opportunity of saying a few words.
+Gentlemen, we have a prince among us to-day. I say a prince, because
+if it is true that it is the financiers that rule the world--and it is
+true, gentlemen--
+
+Pram (who is standing well forward, supporting himself by the edge of
+the table, says solemnly:) Yes.
+
+Tjaelde.--then our friend here is a prince! There is not a single
+important undertaking that he has not initiated, or at any rate backed
+with his name.
+
+Pram (lifting his glass). Mr. Lind, may I have the honour--?
+
+Voices. Sh! Sh!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, gentlemen, his name backs every enterprise. It would be
+impossible to carry one through that had not his backing.
+
+Pram (solemnly). His backing.
+
+Tjaelde. Am I not right, then, in describing him as a prince?
+
+Falbe (in a feeble voice). Yes.
+
+Tjaelde. Gentlemen, to-day his name is once more exercising its
+powerful, I might say its creative, influence upon circumstances. I may
+say that at this moment the country holds no truer benefactor than he.
+
+Pram. Great man.
+
+Tjaelde. Let us drink his health! May prosperity attend him and his, and
+may his name be deathless in Norway! Mr. Lind!
+
+All. Mr. Lind! Mr. Lind! (They all drink his health effusively.)
+
+Tjaelde (to HAMAR, whom he pulls forward somewhat roughly, as the others
+begin to help themselves to the dessert.) What has become of the salute?
+
+Hamar (in consternation).Good Lord, yes! (Rushes to the window, but
+comes back.) I have no handkerchief. I must have laid it down in the
+dining-room.
+
+Tjaelde. Here is mine!(Feels in his pocket for it.) One cannot rely
+on you for the least thing. The salute will be too late now. It is
+disgraceful! (HAMAR goes to the window and waves the handkerchief madly.
+At last the report of a cannon is heard. The guests are standing in a
+group, holding their dessert plates.)
+
+Holm. A little bit late!
+
+Knutzon. Rather behind the moment--
+
+Ring. A very important moment, however!
+
+Holm. A very unexpected one, anyway!
+
+Knutzon (jestingly). Allow me, amidst the cannon's roar, to introduce to
+you a man who has been led by the nose!
+
+Ring. Oh, Tjaelde knows what he is about!
+
+Tjaelde. Mr. Lind is kind enough to wish to propose a toast. (They all
+compose themselves into respectful silence.)
+
+Lind. Our worthy host has proposed my health in most flattering terms.
+I would merely add this, that wealth is entrusted to those who have it
+precisely in order that they may support industry, genius, and great
+undertakings.
+
+Pram (who has never changed his position). Nobly said.
+
+Lind. I am only an administrator of a trust, and too often a weak and
+short-sighted one.
+
+Pram. Beautiful.
+
+Lind. But I shall not be mistaken if I say that Mr. Tjaelde's many-sided
+activities, which we must all admire, rest upon a sound foundation; and
+of that fact no one, at the present moment, is better able to judge than
+I. (The guests look at one another in surprise.) Therefore I have no
+hesitation in saying that his activities are an honour to this town, to
+this district, to our whole country, and that therefore his genius and
+his energy deserve support. I propose the toast of "prosperity to the
+firm of Tjaelde!"
+
+All. Prosperity to the firm of Tjaelde!
+
+(HAMAR signals again with the handkerchief, and a cannon shot is heard.)
+
+Tjaelde. I thank you heartily, Mr. Lind! I am profoundly touched.
+
+Lind. I said no more than I am convinced of, Mr. Tjaelde!!
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you! (To HAMAR.) What do you mean by signalling for a
+salute for the host? Blockhead!
+
+Hamar. You said there was to be a salute when a toast was proposed,
+didn't you?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, you are a--!
+
+Hamar (to himself). Well, if ever again I--!
+
+Holm. Then it is an accomplished fact, I suppose?
+
+Knutzon. _Fait accompli_! That toast represents twenty thousand pounds,
+at least.
+
+Ring. Yes, Tjaelde knows what he is about! I have always said that!
+(FALBE is seen drinking ceremoniously with LIND. JAKOBSEN comes forward,
+talking to KNUDSEN.)
+
+Jakobsen (in a low voice). There isn't a word of truth in what you say!
+
+Knudsen. But, my dear Jakobsen, you misunderstand me!
+
+Jakobsen (louder). Hang it, I know my people!
+
+Knudsen. Don't talk so loud!
+
+Jakobsen (still louder). What I say any one may hear!
+
+Tjaelde. (at the same moment). The Vicar wishes to say a few words.
+
+Knudsen (to JAKOBSEN). Hush! The Vicar wishes to say a few words.
+
+Jakobsen. Have I got to hush because that damned--
+
+Tjaelde (in a voice of authority). The Vicar wishes to speak.
+
+Jakobsen. I beg your pardon!
+
+The Vicar (in a feeble voice). As the spiritual adviser of this
+household, I have the pleasing duty of invoking a blessing on the gifts
+that have been so richly showered upon our host and his friends. May
+they be to their souls' present good and eternal welfare!
+
+Pram. Amen.
+
+The Vicar. I am going to ask you to drink the health of our host's dear
+children--those lovely girls whose welfare has been the object of my
+prayers ever since they were confirmed--ever since that memorable day
+when household and religious duties began to walk side by side.
+
+Pram. Ah, yes!
+
+The Vicar. May they always in the future, as they have in the past,
+grow in the holy fear of God and in meekness and gratitude towards their
+parents!
+
+All. Miss Valborg, Miss Signe!
+
+Hamar (in a panic). Am I to signal?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, go to--!
+
+Hamar. Well, if ever again--!
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you very much, Mr. Vicar. Like you, I hope that the
+intimate relations between parent and child that exist here--
+
+The Vicar. It has always been a pleasure to me to come into your most
+hospitable house.
+
+Tjaelde. May I have the honour of drinking a glass of wine with you?
+(They drink to each other.)
+
+The Vicar. Excellent champagne, my dear sir!
+
+Lind (to HOLM). It pains me to hear what you say. Is it possible that
+this town, which owes so much to Mr. Tjaelde, repays him with such
+ingratitude?
+
+Holm (in a low voice). One never can quite confidently rely on him.
+
+Lind. Really? I have heard others sing his praises so loudly, you know.
+
+Holm (as before). You misunderstand me. I mean his position--
+
+Lind. His position? That must be merely envy! People are often so unjust
+towards those whose enterprise has lifted them above the heads of the
+crowd.
+
+Holm. At any rate I assure you it was not from--
+
+Lind (coldly). I don't doubt it. (Walks away from him.)
+
+Jakobsen (with whom TJAELDE has just drunk). Gentlemen!
+
+Knutzon (to HOLM, in passing). Is that boor really going to be allowed
+to make a speech! (Going up to LIND.) May I have the honour of drinking
+a glass of wine with you, Mr. Lind? (Several of the guests begin to
+talk, ostentatiously indifferent to JAKOBSEN who is trying to begin his
+speech.)
+
+Jakobsen (in a formidable voice). Gentlemen! (Silence ensues, and he
+continues in his usual voice.) Permit a common man to say a word, too,
+on this festive occasion. I was a poor little boy when I entered Mr.
+Tjaelde's employment; but he pulled me out of the gutter. (Laughter.) I
+am-what I am, gentlemen! And therefore if any here is qualified to talk
+about Mr. Tjaelde, it is I; because I know him. I know he is a fine
+fellow.
+
+Lind (to TJAELDE). Children and drunken men--
+
+Tjaelde (laughing).--speak the truth!
+
+Jakobsen. There are lots of people that will tell you one thing or
+another about him--and, of course, he may have his failings like all of
+us. But as I find myself in such fine company as this I am going to say
+that--that--devil take me if Mr. Tjaelde isn't too good for the lot of
+you! (Laughter.)
+
+Tjaelde. That's enough, Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen. No, it's not enough! Because there is one toast we have all
+forgotten, although we have all had such a splendid dinner. (Laughter.
+FALBE claps his hands and cries: "Bravo!") Yes, and it is nothing to
+laugh at; because it is the toast of Mrs. Tjaelde's health that we have
+not drunk!
+
+Lind. Bravo!
+
+Jakobsen. There's a wife and mother for you! I can tell you--and it's
+true--she goes about the house attending to her duties and preparing for
+our entertainment when all the time she is ill, and she takes the whole
+thing on her shoulders and says nothing. God bless her, I say!--and that
+is all I have to say.
+
+Several of the Guests (raising their glasses). Mrs. Tjaelde! Mrs.
+Tjaelde!
+
+Pram (grasping JAKOBSEN by the hand). That was fine of you, Jakobsen!
+(LIND joins them; PRAM steps aside respectfully.)
+
+Lind. Will you drink a glass of wine with me, Jakobsen?
+
+Jakobsen. Thank you, very much. I am only a common man--
+
+Lind. But a good-hearted one! Your health! (They drink to each other. A
+boat is seen putting in to shore below the verandah. Its crew of six men
+stand up and toss their oars in naval fashion. SANNAES is standing at
+the helm.)
+
+Holm (in a whisper, to KNUTZON). Tjaelde knew what he was doing when he
+invited Jakobsen!
+
+Knutzon (whispering). Just look at the boat!
+
+Ring. Tjaelde is a very clever fellow--a very clever fellow! (VALBORG,
+SIGNE and MRS. TJAELDE are seen coming up the verandah steps.)
+
+Tjaelde. Gentlemen, the moment of departure is at hand; I see the ladies
+coming to take leave of our distinguished guest. Let us take this last
+opportunity of gathering around him--round our prince--and thanking him
+for coming! Let us cheer him with three times three! (Cheers.)
+
+Lind. Thank you, gentlemen! There is so little time left that I must
+confine myself to merely bidding you all good-bye. (To MRS. TJAELDE.)
+Good-bye, my dear madam! You should have heard how your health was
+proposed and drunk just now. My warmest thanks for your hospitality, and
+forgive me for the trouble I have caused you. (To SIGNE.) Good-bye,
+Miss Signe. I am sorry time has not permitted me to have the honour of
+becoming better acquainted with you; you seem so full of spirit! But if,
+as you said, you are soon coming to Christiania--
+
+Signe. I shall then do myself the honour of calling upon your wife.
+
+Lind. Thank you, thank you--you will be most welcome. (To VALBORG.) Are
+you not feeling well, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg. Yes.
+
+Lind. You look so serious. (As VALBORG does not reply, he continues
+somewhat coldly:) Good-bye, Miss Valborg. (To HAMAR.) Good-bye,
+Mr.--Mr.--
+
+Tjaelde. Mr. Hamar.
+
+Lind. Ah, the young man that talked to me about a horse--your future
+son-in-law! Pray forgive me for not--
+
+Hamar. Don't mention it!
+
+Lind. Good-bye!
+
+Hamar. A pleasant journey, sir!
+
+Lind (coldly, to HOLM). Good-bye, Mr. Holm.
+
+Holm (imperturbably polite). I wish you a very pleasant journey, Mr.
+Lind.
+
+Lind (to PRAM). Good-bye, Mr. Pram.
+
+Pram (holds his hand, and seems as if he wanted to say something but
+could not. At last he finds his voice). I want to thank you for--for--I
+want to thank you for--for--
+
+Lind. You are an excellent fellow!
+
+Pram (in a relieved voice). I am so glad to hear it! Thank you.
+
+Lind (to KNUTZON). Good-bye, Mr.--
+
+Knutzon (hastily). Knutzon.
+
+Pram. With a "z."
+
+Lind (to KNUDSEN). Good-bye, Mr.--
+
+Knudsen. Knudsen, again.
+
+Pram. With an "s."
+
+Lind (to FALBE). Mr--?
+
+Falbe. Falbe.
+
+Lind. Good-bye, Mr. Falbe! (To RING.) I am delighted to see you looking
+so well, Mr. Ring.
+
+Ring (with a low bow). The same to you, sir!
+
+Lind. Good-bye, Mr. Vicar!
+
+The Vicar (holding his hand, impressively). Let me wish you good luck
+and happiness, Mr. Lind--
+
+Lind. Thank you. (Tries to get away.)
+
+The Vicar.--in your journey over the perilous seas to foreign lands!
+
+Lind. Thank you. (Tries to get away.)
+
+The Vicar. Let me wish you a safe return, Mr. Lind--
+
+Lind. Thank you very much. (Tries to get away.)
+
+The Vicar.--to our dear fatherland; a land, Mr. Lind, which possesses in
+you--
+
+Lind. You must excuse me, Mr. Vicar, but time presses.
+
+The Vicar. Let me thank you for the pleasure of our meeting to-day, Mr.
+Lind, for--
+
+Lind. Indeed, there is no occasion! Good-bye! (To JAKOBSEN.) Good-bye,
+Jakobsen, good-bye!
+
+Jakobsen. Good-bye, Mr. Lind! I am only a common man, I know; but that
+is no reason why I shouldn't wish you a pleasant journey too, is it?
+
+Lind. Certainly not, Jakobsen.--Good-bye, Mr. Finne! By the way--just a
+word! (In an undertone.) You said that Mr. Berent--. (Takes him aside.)
+
+Tjaelde (to HAMAR). Now, remember the salute this time!--No, no, no!
+Don't be in such a hurry! Wait till the boat puts off! You want to make
+a mess of it again!
+
+Hamar. Well, if ever again I--!
+
+Tjaelde (to LIND, who holds out his hand to him). Goodbye, Mr. Lind! (In
+a low voice.) No one has so much reason to thank you for your visit as
+I. You are the only one that can understand--.
+
+Lind (a shade coldly). Don't mention it, Mr. Tjaelde! Good luck to your
+business! (In warmer tones.) Good-bye everybody--and thank you all for
+your kindness! (The footman, who has for some time been holding out his
+hat to him, gives it him, and his coat to SANNAES. LIND steps on board
+the boat.)
+
+All. Good-bye, Mr. Lind, good-bye!
+
+Tjaelde. One cheer more! (Cheers and a cannon salute are heard together.
+The boat glides away. They all wave their handkerchiefs. TJAELDE hurries
+into the room.) I have no handkerchief; that blockhead has--. (Looks at
+VALBORG.) Why are you not waving?
+
+Valborg. Because I don't wish to. (TJAELDE looks at her, but says
+nothing. He goes into the other room and comes back with a table-napkin
+in each hand, and hurries on to the verandah.)
+
+Tjaelde (waving and shouting). Good-bye! Good-bye!
+
+Signe. Let us go out to the point and see the last of them!
+
+All. Yes, yes! (All but TJAELDE and VALBORG hurry off to the right.)
+
+Tjaelde (coming into the room). I saw Berent coming! (VALBORG goes out
+by the door on the right. TJAELDE comes forward, throws the napkins on
+to a table and himself into a chair.) Oh--oh! But this must be the last
+time.--I shan't need this sort of thing any more! Never again! (Gets up
+wearily.) Ah, I had forgotten. Berent!
+
+[The Curtain falls.]
+
+[The interval between this scene and the next should be as short as
+possible.]
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+(SCENE.-TJAELDE'S private office. On the left, a desk strewn with
+ledgers and papers. On the right, a stove. An easy chair by the stove.
+A table in the foreground to the right; on it an inkstand and pens. Two
+armchairs; one at the table facing the audience, the other at the side
+of the table. Windows on either side of the desk; a door beyond the
+stove. A door in the background, leading to other offices. A bell-pull
+hangs down the wall. A chair on either side of the door. Quite at the
+back, on the left, a staircase leading direct to TJAELDE'S bedroom.
+BERENT and TJAELDE come in from the back.)
+
+Tjaelde. You must excuse my receiving you here. But the other rooms are
+all upside down; we have had some people to dinner.
+
+Berent. I heard you had guests.
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, Mr. Lind from Christiana.
+
+Berent. Quite so.
+
+Tjaelde. Won't you sit down? (BERENT lays down his hat and coat on a
+chair by the door. He comes slowly forward, sits down at the side of the
+table, and takes some papers from his breast-pocket. TJAELDE sits down
+at the other chair by the table and watches him indifferently.)
+
+Berent. What we now want is some fixed standard by which to make our
+valuations, especially of real estate. Have you any objection to our
+making your business a basis for arriving at that?
+
+Tjaelde. None at all.
+
+Berent. Then may I make my comments on your own figures, and ask you a
+few questions about them?
+
+Tjaelde. By all means.
+
+Berent. Well, to begin with, let us take your properties immediately
+round here; they will give us the best idea of local values. For
+instance, take the Mjölstad forest; you have put that down, I see, at
+£16,500.
+
+Tjaelde (indifferently). Have I?
+
+Berent. You bought it for £10,000.
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, four years ago. Timber prices ruled low then.
+
+Berent. And since then you have cut down more than £20,000 worth of
+timber there.
+
+Tjaelde. Who told you so?
+
+Berent. Mr. Holst.
+
+Tjaelde. Holst knows nothing about it.
+
+Berent. We must try to be very accurate, you know.
+
+Tjaelde. Well, of course, the whole valuation is not my concern; but
+those whom it does concern will protest.
+
+Berent (taking no notice of his objection). So I think we will reduce
+the £16,500 to £10,000.
+
+Tjaelde. To £10,000! (Laughs.) As you please.
+
+Berent. Calculating by the same standard, we can scarcely put down the
+Stav forest at more than £4000.
+
+Tjaelde. Allow me to say that, if that is the way you are going to make
+your valuation, everybody in the place will have to go bankrupt!
+
+Berent (with a smile). We will risk that. You have put down your wharf
+and its contents at £12,000.
+
+Tjaelde. Including two ships in course of construction--
+
+Berent.--for which it would be difficult to find a purchaser, as they
+are so far from completion.
+
+Tjaelde. Indeed?
+
+Berent. So I think we cannot put down the wharf and its contents at a
+higher figure than £8,000--and I believe even that will turn out to be
+too high.
+
+Tjaelde. If you can find me another wharf as well stocked, and with the
+advantages that this one has, I will buy it whenever you like for £8000;
+I am certain I should be more than £4000 to the good over the bargain.
+
+Berent. May I go on?
+
+Tjaelde. If you like! I even feel a certain curiosity to view my
+possessions under such an entirely new light.
+
+Berent. As a matter of fact the items that are too highly valued are
+just those that comprise this property that you live on--its land, its
+gardens, its dwelling houses, warehouses, and quays-not to mention the
+brewery and the factory, which I shall come to later. Even regarded as
+business premises they seem to me to be over-valued.
+
+Tjaelde. Well?
+
+Berent, Moreover, the luxurious appointments of this house of yours,
+which would very probably be superfluous for any one else, cannot
+possibly be counted upon to realise their full value in a sale.
+Suppose--as is indeed most likely--that it were a countryman that bought
+the place?
+
+Tjaelde. You are reckoning me as turned out of it already, then!
+
+Berent. I am obliged to base all my calculations on what the property
+would fetch if sold now.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). What may you happen to value it at then?
+
+Berent. At less than half your valuation; that is to say at--
+
+Tjaelde. You must really forgive me if I use an expression which has
+been on the tip of my tongue for some time: this is scandalous! You
+force yourself into a man's house, and then, under pretext of asking for
+his opinion, you practically--on paper--rob him of his possessions!
+
+Berent. I don't understand you. I am trying to arrive at a basis for
+values hereabouts; and you said yourself, did you not, that it is a
+matter that does not concern you alone?
+
+Tjaelde. Certainly; but even in jest--if I may be allowed the
+expression--one does not take the statement that an honourable man has
+voluntarily offered and treat it as a mendacious document.
+
+Berent. There are many different points of view from which valuations
+can be made, obviously. I see nothing more in it than that.
+
+Tjaelde. But don't you understand that this is like cutting into my
+living flesh? Bit by bit, my property has been brought together or
+created by my own work, and preserved by the most strenuous exertions on
+my part under terribly trying conditions--it is bound up with my family,
+with all that is dear to me--it has become a part of my very life!
+
+Berent (with a bow). I understand that perfectly. You have put down the
+Brewery at--
+
+Tjaelde. No; I refuse to allow you to go on in this way. You must find
+some one else's property as a basis for your calculations--you must
+consult some one else, whose idea of business corresponds somewhat
+closer to your own ridiculous one.
+
+Berent (leaning back in his chair). That is a pity. The banks were
+anxious to be acquainted with your answers to my observations.
+
+Tjaelde. Have you sent my statement to the banks?
+
+Berent. With my remarks and comments on it, and Mr. Holst's.
+
+Tjaelde. This has been a trap, then? I believed I had to deal with a
+gentleman!
+
+Berent. The banks or I, what is the difference? It comes to the same
+thing, as I represent them unreservedly.
+
+Tjaelde. Such impudent audacity is unpardonable!
+
+Berent. I would suggest that we avoid hard words--at all events, for
+the moment--and rather consider the effect that will be produced by the
+balance-sheet sent in.
+
+Tjaelde. That some of us will see!
+
+Berent. The banking house of Lind & Co., for instance?
+
+Tjaelde. Do you mean to say that my balance-sheet, ornamented with
+marginal notes by you and Holst, is to be submitted to Mr. Lind's firm
+too?
+
+Berent. When the cannon-salutes and noise of your festivities
+enlightened me as to the situation, I took the liberty of making some
+inquiries of the banks.
+
+Tjaelde. So you have been spying here, too? You have been trying to
+undermine my business connections?
+
+Berent. Is your position such, then, that you are afraid?
+
+Tjaelde. The question is not my position, but your behaviour!
+
+Berent. I think we had better keep to the point. You have put down the
+Brewery at--
+
+Tjaelde. No; your conduct is so absolutely underhanded that, as an
+honest man, I must refuse all further dealing with you. I am, as I said
+before, accustomed to have to deal with gentlemen.
+
+Berent. I think you misunderstand the situation. Your indebtedness to
+the banks is so considerable that a settlement of it may reasonably be
+required of you. But to effect that you must work with us in the matter.
+
+Tjaelde (after a moment's thought). Very well! But, no more details--let
+me know your conclusions, briefly.
+
+Berent. My conclusions, briefly, are that you have estimated your assets
+at £90,800. I estimate them at £40,600.
+
+Tjaelde (quietly). That is to say, you make me out to have a deficit of
+about £30,000?
+
+Berent. As to that, I must point out that your estimate of your
+liabilities does not agree with mine, either.
+
+Tjaelde (quietly). Oh, of course not!
+
+Berent. For instance, the dividend that Möller's estate is to yield to
+you.
+
+Tjaelde. No more details! What do you put my total liabilities at?
+
+Berent. Let me see. Your total liabilities amount, according to your
+calculations, to £70,000. I estimate them at £80,000--to be precise, at
+£79,372.
+
+Tjaelde. That puts my deficit at about--
+
+Berent. At about £39,400--or, in round figures, £40,000.
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, by all means let us stick to round figures!
+
+Berent. So that the difference between your views of your balance-sheet
+and mine is that, whereas you give yourself a surplus of about £20,000,
+I give you a deficit of about £40,000.
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you very much.--Do you know my opinion of the whole
+matter? (BERENT looks up at him.) That I am in this room with a madman.
+
+Berent. I have had the same opinion for some time.--The stock of timber
+you hold in France I have not been able to deal with; you have forgotten
+to include it in your account. Perhaps it may make a little difference.
+
+Tjaelde. It is of no consequence! I have often enough heard people speak
+of your callousness and your heartlessness; but their account of you has
+come nowhere near the truth. I don't know why I have not turned you out
+of my house long before this; but you will have the goodness to leave it
+now!
+
+Berent. We shall both leave presently. But before we do, we must discuss
+the question of handing over the house to the Receiver in Bankruptcy.
+
+Tjaelde. Ha, ha, ha! Allow me to inform you that at this very moment
+a sum is being telegraphed to me which will be sufficient not only to
+cover my present liabilities, but to set me straight in every direction!
+
+Berent. The telegraph is a useful invention which is open to every one.
+
+Tjaelde (after a moment's thought). What do you mean by that?
+
+Berent. One effect of the noise of your festivities was that I used the
+telegraph also. Mr. Lind will receive, on board the boat, a telegram
+from his firm--and I doubt if the money you speak of will be
+forthcoming.
+
+Tjaelde. It is not true! You have not dared to do that!
+
+Berent. The facts are exactly as I state.
+
+Tjaelde. Give me my balance-sheet; let me look at it again. (Stretches
+out his hand to take it.)
+
+Berent (taking it up). Excuse me!
+
+Tjaelde. Do you presume to keep back my own balance-sheet in my own
+writing?
+
+Berent. Yes, and even to put it in my pocket. (Does so.) A fraudulent
+balance-sheet, dated and signed, is a document of some importance.
+
+Tjaelde. You are determined to ruin my private and public reputation?
+
+Berent. You have been working for that yourself for a long time. I know
+your position. For a month past I have been in correspondence with all
+the quarters in which you have business connections, both here any I
+abroad.
+
+Tjaelde. What underhanded deceitfulness an honest man is exposed to!
+Here have I been surrounded by spies for the last month! A plot between
+my business acquaintances and the banks! A snake creeping into my house
+and crawling over my accounts! But I will break up the conspiracy! And
+you will find out what it mean, to try and ruin a reputable firm by
+underhand devices!
+
+Berent. This is no time for fine phrases. Do you propose to surrender
+your property at once?
+
+Tjaelde. Ha, ha! I am to surrender it because you have made me out a
+bankrupt on your bit of paper!
+
+Berent. You might conceal the facts for a month, I know. But for your
+own sake, and especially for the sake of others, I would urgently advise
+you to end the matter at once. That was the reason of my journey here.
+
+Tjaelde. Ah, now the truth is out! And you came here pretending a
+friendly concern that the tangle should be straightened out! We were to
+distinguish between the sound and unsound firms, and you requested me,
+most politely, to give you my assistance in the matter!
+
+Berent. Exactly. But there is no question of anything unsound here
+except your own business and what is bound up with it.
+
+Tjaelde (when he has controlled himself). So you came into my house with
+the hidden design of ruining me?
+
+Berent. I must repeat that it is not I that am responsible for your
+bankruptcy; it is yourself.
+
+Tjaelde. And I must repeat that my bankruptcy only exists in your
+imagination! Much may happen in a month; and I have shown that I can
+find a way out of difficulties before now!
+
+Berent. That is to say, by involving yourself deeper and deeper in
+falsehood.
+
+Tjaelde. Only a man of business can understand such things. But, if you
+really understand them, I would say to you: "Give me £20,000 and I will
+save the situation entirely." That would be doing something worthy of
+your great powers; that would give you a reputation for penetration
+in discerning the real state of affairs; because by so doing you would
+safeguard the welfare of more than a thousand people, and ensure a
+prosperous future for the whole district!
+
+Berent. I don't rise to that bait.
+
+Tjaelde (after a moment's reflection). Do you want me to explain to you
+how £20,000 would be sufficient to set the whole complicated situation
+straight? Within three months remittances would be coming in. I can make
+it its clear as daylight to you--
+
+Berent.--that you would be falling from one disillusionment to another!
+That is what you have been doing for the last three years, from month to
+month.
+
+Tjaelde. Because the last three years have been bad years--horrible
+years! But we have reached the crisis; things must begin to improve now!
+
+Berent. That is what every defaulter thinks.
+
+Tjaelde. Do not drive me to despair! Have you any idea what I have gone
+through in these three years? Have you any idea what I am capable of?
+
+Berent. Of still further falsehood.
+
+Tjaelde. Take care!--It is quite true that I am standing on the edge of
+a precipice. It is true that for three years I have done everything
+in mortal power to save the situation! I maintain that there has been
+something heroic in the fight I have made. And that deserves some
+reward. You have unrestricted powers; every one trusts you. Realise
+for yourself what your mission is; do not let it be necessary for me to
+teach it you! Let me tell you this, emphatically: it will be a dreadful
+thing for _you_ if hundreds of people are to be ruined unnecessarily
+now!
+
+Berent. Let us make an end of this.
+
+Tjaelde. No, devil take me if I give up a fight like this with a
+senseless surrender!
+
+Berent. How do you propose to end it, then?
+
+Tjaelde. There is no issue to it that I have not turned over in my
+thoughts--thousands of times. _I_ know what I shall do! I won't be a
+mark for the jeers of this wretched little town, nor triumphed over by
+those who have envied me all round the countryside!
+
+Berent. What will you do, then?
+
+Tjaelde. You shall see! (Speaking more and more excitedly.) You won't
+help me under any conditions?
+
+Berent. No.
+
+Tjaelde. You insist that I shall surrender my estate, here and now?
+
+Berent. Yes.
+
+Tjaelde. Hell and damnation! You dare do that?
+
+Berent. Yes.
+
+Tjaelde (his agitation robbing him of his voice, which all at once sinks
+to a hoarse whisper). You have never known what despair is!--You don't
+know what an existence I have endured!-But if the decisive moment has
+come, and I have a man here in my office who _ought_ to save me but will
+not, then that man shall share what is in store for me.
+
+Berent (leaning back in his chair). This is beginning to be impressive.
+
+Tjaelde. No more jesting; you might regret it! (Goes to all the doors
+and locks them with a key which he takes out of his pocket; then unlocks
+his desk, and takes a revolver out of it.) How long do you suppose I
+have had this in here?
+
+Berent. Since you bought it, I suppose.
+
+Tjaelde. And why do you suppose I bought it?--Do you suppose that after
+I have been master of this town and the biggest man in the district, I
+would endure the disgrace of bankruptcy?
+
+Berent. You have been enduring it for a long time.
+
+Tjaelde. It is in your power now either to ruin me or to wave me. You
+have behaved in such a way that you deserve no mercy--and you shall have
+none! Report to the banks that they may give me the use of £14,000 for
+a year--I need no more than that--and I will save the situation for good
+and all. Think seriously, now! Remember my family, remember how long my
+firm has been established, remember the numbers that would be ruined if
+I were! And do not forget to think of your own family! Because, if you
+_don't_ agree to what I ask, neither of us shall leave this room alive!
+
+Berent (pointing to the revolver). Is it loaded?
+
+Tjaelde (putting his finger on the trigger). You will find that out in
+good time. You must answer me now!
+
+Berent. I have a suggestion to make. Shoot yourself first and me
+afterwards.
+
+Tjaelde (going up to him and holding the revolver to his head). I will
+soon quiet your pretty wit.
+
+Berent (getting up, and taking out of his pocket a paper which he
+unfolds). This is a formal surrender of your estate to the Receiver
+in Bankruptcy. If you sign it, you will be doing your duty to your
+creditors, to your family, and to yourself. Shooting yourself and me
+would only be adding an acted lie to all your others. Put away your
+revolver and take up your pen!
+
+Tjaelde. Never! I had resolved on this long ago. But you shall keep me
+company, now!
+
+Berent. Do what you please. But you cannot threaten me into a falsehood.
+
+Tjaelde (who has lowered the revolver, takes a step back, raises the
+revolver and aims at BERENT). Very well!
+
+Berent (walking up to TJAELDE and looking him straight in the eyes,
+while the latter reluctantly lowers the revolver). Do you suppose I
+don't know that a man who has for so long shivered with falsehood and
+terror in his inmost heart has lots of schemes but no courage? You
+_dare_ not do it!
+
+Tjaelde (furiously). I will show you! (Steps back and raises the
+revolver again.)
+
+Berent (following him). Shoot, and you will hear a report--that is what
+you are longing for, I suppose! Or, give up your plan of shooting, think
+of what you have done, confess, and afterwards hold your tongue!
+
+Tjaelde. No; may the devil take both you and me--
+
+Berent. And the horse?
+
+Tjaelde. The horse?
+
+Berent. I mean the magnificent charger on which you came galloping home
+from the sale of Möller's estate. You had better let some one shoot
+you on horseback--on what was your last and greatest piece of business
+duplicity! (Goes nearer to him and speaks more quietly.) Or--strip
+yourself of the tissue of lies which enfolds you, and your bankruptcy
+will bring you more blessing than your riches have ever done. (TJAELDE
+lets the revolver drop out of his hand, and sinks into a chair in an
+outburst of tears. There is silence for a moment.) You have made an
+amazing fight of it for these last three years. I do not believe I know
+any one who could have done what you have done. But you have lost the
+fight this time. Do not shrink now from a final settlement and the pain
+that it must cost you. Nothing else will cleanse your soul for you.
+
+Tjaelde (weeping unrestrainedly, with his face buried in his hands). Oh,
+oh!
+
+Berent. You have blamed me for my method of proceeding in the matter.
+My answer to that is that I forgive you for yours. (A pause.) Try now to
+look the situation in the face, and take it like a man.
+
+Tjaelde (as before). Oh!
+
+Berent. At the bottom of your heart you must be weary of it all; make an
+end of it all now!
+
+Tjaelde (as before). Oh!
+
+Berent (sitting down beside him, after a moment's pause). Wouldn't you
+like to feel your conscience clear again--to be able really to live with
+your wife and children? Because I am sure you have not done that for
+many a day.
+
+Tjaelde (as before). Oh!
+
+Berent. I have known many speculators in my time and have received
+many confessions. So I know what you have been robbed of for three
+years--never a good night's rest, never a meal eaten with a light heart.
+You have scarcely been conscious of what your children were doing or
+saying, except when accident brought you together. And your wife--
+
+Tjaelde. My wife!
+
+Berent. Yes, she has slaved hard enough to prepare these banquets that
+were to conceal the nakedness of the land. Indeed, she has been the
+hardest worked servant in your house.
+
+Tjaelde. My patient, good wife!
+
+Berent. I feel certain you would rather be the humblest labourer earning
+your daily bread than live through such suffering again.
+
+Tjaelde. A thousand times rather!
+
+Berent. Then can you hesitate to do what will give every man his due,
+and bring you back to truthfulness again? Take the paper and sign it!
+
+Tjaelde (falling on his knees). Mercy, mercy! You do not know what you
+are asking me. My own children will curse me. I have just heard of a
+child doing that to her father! And my business friends, who will be
+ruined with me--numbers of them--think of their families! Oh! What is to
+become of my work-people? Do you know there are more than four
+hundred of them? Think of them and their families, robbed of their
+livelihood!--Be merciful! I cannot, I dare not, do it! Save me, help me!
+It was horrible of me to try and threaten you; but now I implore you,
+for the sake of all those that deserve more than I, but to whom I shall
+devote the rest of my life in loyal work!
+
+Berent. I cannot save you, least of all with money that belongs to
+others. What you ask me to do would be disloyalty to them.
+
+Tjaelde. No, no! Publish my accounts openly--put me under trustees, if
+you like; but let me go on with the scheme that I believe will succeed!
+Every clear-headed man will see that it must succeed!
+
+Berent. Come and sit down. Let us discuss it. (TJAELDE sits down.) Isn't
+what you are now proposing exactly what you have been trying to do for
+the last three years? You _have_ been able to borrow the means; but what
+good has it done?
+
+Tjaelde. Times have been so bad!
+
+Berent (shaking his head). You have mixed up falsehood and truth for so
+long that you have forgotten the simplest laws of commerce. To speculate
+during bad times, on the chance of their becoming better, is all very
+well for those who can afford it. Others must leave such things alone.
+
+Tjaelde. But it is to the advantage of my creditors themselves, and of
+the banks too, that my estate should hold together!
+
+Berent. It is of no advantage to sound firms to prop up unsound ones.
+
+Tjaelde. But, surely, to avoid losing their capital--?
+
+Berent, Oh, perhaps in the Receiver's hands the estate may--
+
+Tjaelde (hopefully, half rising from his chair). Yes? Well?
+
+Berent. But not till you have been removed from the control of it.
+
+Tjaelde (sinking down again). Not till I have been removed from the
+control of it!
+
+Berent. On _its own_ resources I dare say the estate can hold out until
+better times come, but not on borrowed money.
+
+Tjaelde. Not on borrowed money--
+
+Berent. You understand the difference, of course?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, yes.
+
+Berent. Good. Then you must understand that there is nothing left for
+you to do but to sign this.
+
+Tjaelde. Nothing left but to sign--
+
+Berent. Here is the paper. Come, now!
+
+Tjaelde (rousing himself). Oh, I cannot, I cannot!
+
+Berent. Very well. But in that case the crash will come of itself in a
+short time, and everything will be worse than it is now.
+
+Tjaelde (falling on his knees).Mercy, mercy! I cannot let go of all
+hope! Think, after a fight like mine!
+
+Berent. Tell the truth and say: "I haven't the courage to face the
+consequences."
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, that is the truth.
+
+Berent. "I haven't the courage to begin an honest life."
+
+Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Berent. You don't know what you are saying, man!
+
+Tjaelde. No, I don't. But spare me!
+
+Berent (getting up). This is nothing but despair! I am sorry for you.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Yes, surely you must be? Try me! Ask me to do
+anything you like! Tell me what you--
+
+Berent. No, no! Before anything else, you must sign this.
+
+Tjaelde (sinking back into his chair). Oh!--How shall I ever dare to
+look any one in the face again?--I, who, have defied everything and
+deceived every one!
+
+Berent. The man who has enjoyed the respect which he did not deserve
+must some day undergo the humiliation which he has deserved. That is a
+law; and I cannot save you from that.
+
+Tjaelde. But they will be crueller to me than to any one else! I deserve
+it, I know; but I shall not be able to endure it!
+
+Berent. Hm! You are remarkably tough; your fight, these last three
+years, proves that.
+
+Tjaelde. Be merciful! Surely your ingenuity--your influence--_must_ be
+able to find some way out for me?
+
+Berent. Yes. The way out is for you to sign this.
+
+Tjaelde. Won't you even take it over from me by private contract? If you
+did that, everything would come right.
+
+Berent. Sign! Here is the paper! Every hour is precious.
+
+Tjaelde. Oh! (Takes up a pen; but turns to BERENT with a gesture of
+supplication.) Daren't you test me, after what I have just gone through?
+
+Berent. Yes, when you have signed. (TJAELDE signs the paper, and sinks
+back in his chair with an expression of the keenest anguish. BERENT
+takes the paper, folds it, and puts it in his pocket-book.) Now I will
+go to the Bankruptcy Court with this, and afterwards to the telegraph
+office. Probably the officials of the court will come this evening to
+make their inventory. So you ought to warn your family.
+
+Tjaelde. How shall I be able to do that? Give me a little time! Be
+merciful!
+
+Berent. The sooner the better for you--not to speak of the interests of
+all concerned. Well, I have finished for the present.
+
+Tjaelde. Don't desert me like this! Don't desert me!
+
+Berent. You would like your wife to come to you, wouldn't you?
+
+Tjaelde (resignedly). Yes.
+
+Berent (taking up the revolver). And this--I will not take it with me.
+There is no danger from it now. But I will put it in the desk, for the
+sake of the others. Now, if you or yours should need me, send word to
+me.
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you.
+
+Berent. I shall not leave the town until the worst is over.--Remember,
+night or day, if you need me, send word to me.
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you.
+
+Berent. And now will you unlock the door for me?
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Ah, of course. Excuse me!
+
+Berent (taking his hat and coat). Won't you call your wife now?
+
+Tjaelde. No. I must have a little time first. I have the worst part of
+it before me now.
+
+Berent. I believe you have, and that is just why--. (Takes hold of the
+bell-pull and rings the bell.)
+
+Tjaelde. What are you doing?
+
+Berent. I want, before I go, to be sure of your wife's coming to you.
+
+Tjaelde. You should not have done that! (An office-boy comes in. BERENT
+looks at TJAELDE.) Ask your mistress--ask my wife to come to me.
+
+Berent. At once, please. (The boy goes out.) Good-bye! (Goes out.
+TJAELDE sinks down on to a chair by the door.)
+
+[The Curtain falls.]
+
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+(SCENE.-The same as in the preceding act. TJAELDE is sitting alone, on
+the chair by the door, in the position he was in when the curtain fell
+on the last act. After sitting motionless for a considerable time, he
+suddenly gets up.)
+
+Tjaelde. How am I to begin? After her, there are the children; after
+them, all my work-people--and then all the others! If only I could get
+away! But the Receiver's men will be here.--I must have some air! (Goes
+to the nearest window.) What a beautiful day!--but not for me. (Opens
+the window and looks out.) My horse! No, I daren't look at it. Why is it
+saddled? Oh, of course I meant, after my talk with Berent, to--. But
+now everything is different! (Walks up and down once or twice, thinking;
+then says suddenly:) Yes, on that horse I might reach the outer harbour
+before the foreign boat sails! (Looks at his watch.) I can do it! And I
+shall be able to put behind me all--. (Stops, with a start, as he hears
+footsteps on the stair.) Who is there? What is it? (MRS. TJAELDE comes
+down the stair into the room.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You sent for me?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes. (Watching her.) Were you upstairs?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, I was resting.
+
+Tjaelde (sympathetically). Ah, you were sleeping, and I woke you up!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No, I was not asleep. (She has come slowly forward.)
+
+Tjaelde. You weren't asleep? (Apprehensively, to her.) I suppose you
+didn't--? (To himself.) No, I daren't ask her.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What did you want?
+
+Tjaelde. I wanted--. (Sees her eyes fixed on the revolver.) You are
+surprised at my having that out? I got it out because I am going on a
+journey.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (supporting herself on the desk). Going on a journey?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes. Mr. Berent has been here, as I dare say you know. (She
+does not answer.) Business, you know. I have to go abroad.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (faintly). Abroad?
+
+Tjaelde. Only for a few days. So I will only take my usual bag with a
+change of clothes and one or two shirts; but I must have it at once.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I don't think your bag has been unpacked since you brought
+it home to-day.
+
+Tjaelde. So much the better. Will you get it for me?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Are you going away now--at once?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, by the foreign boat--from the outer harbour.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You have no time to lose, then.
+
+Tjaelde. Are you not well?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Not very.
+
+Tiwlde. One of your attacks?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes!--but I must fetch your bag. (TJAELDE helps her over
+to the staircase.)
+
+Tjaelde. You are not well, my dear--but you will be better some day.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I only wish _you_ looked better.
+
+Tjaelde. We all have our burdens to bear.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. If only we could bear more together!
+
+Tjaelde. But you don't understand my affairs--and I have never had time
+to talk about yours.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No--that's it. (Begins to go upstairs slowly.)
+
+Tjaelde. Shall I help you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No, thank you, dear.
+
+Tjaelde (coming forward). Does she suspect? She is always like that--she
+takes all my courage away from me. But there is no other way! Now--about
+money? I surely have some gold here somewhere. (Goes to his desk, takes
+some gold out of a drawer and counts it; then lifts his head and sees
+MRS. TJAELDE who has sat down on the stair half-way up.) My dear, are
+you sitting down?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I felt faint for a moment. I will go up now. (Gets up and
+climbs the stair slowly.)
+
+Tjaelde. Poor thing, she is worn out. (Pulls himself together.)
+No--five, six, eight, ten--that is not enough. I must have some more.
+(Searches in the desk.) And when I run short I have my watch and chain.
+Twenty, twenty-four--that is all I can find. Ah, my papers! I must on
+no account forget them. The ground is falling away under me! Isn't she
+coming back? The bag was packed, surely?--Ah, how all this will make her
+suffer! But it will not be so bad for her if I am away. People will be
+more merciful, both to her and the children. Oh, my children! (Collects
+himself.) Only let me get away, away! Thoughts will follow me there, all
+the same!--Ah, here she is! (MRS. TJAELDE is seen coming down slowly,
+with a bag which is evidently, heavy.) Shall I help you, dear?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Thanks, will you take hold of the bag?
+
+Tjaelde (takes it; she comes slowly down). It is heavier than it was
+this morning.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Is it?
+
+Tjaelde. I have some papers to put in it. (Opens the bag.) But, my dear,
+there is money in this bag.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes--some gold that you have given me at odd times. I
+thought it might be useful to you now.
+
+Tjaelde. There is a large sum.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I don't believe you even know how much you have given me.
+
+Tjaelde. She knows everything!--My dear! (Opens his arms.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Henning! (They both burst into tears and fall into each
+other's arms. MRS. TJAELDE whispers to him:) Shall I call the children?
+
+Tjaelde (in a whisper). No, say nothing--till later! (They embrace
+again. He takes up the bag.) Go to the window, so that I can see you
+when I mount. (Shuts the bag and hurries to the door, but stops.) My
+dear!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes?
+
+Tjaelde. Forgive me!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Everything! (TJAELDE, as he is hurrying out, meets in the
+doorway an office-boy who is bringing him a letter. TJAELDE takes it,
+and the boy goes out.)
+
+Tjaelde. From Berent! (Opens the letter, stands in the doorway and reads
+it; then comes back into the room, with his bag in his hand, and reads
+it again.) "When I left your house, I saw a horse standing saddled at
+your door. To prevent misunderstanding, let me inform you that your
+house is watched by the police."
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (supporting herself on the desk). You can't go?
+
+Tjaelde. No. (A pause. He puts down the bag and wipes his forehead.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Henning, shall we pray together?
+
+Tjaelde. What do you mean?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Pray--pray to God to help us? (Bursts into tears. TJAELDE
+is silent. She falls on her knees.) Come, Henning! You see that all
+human ingenuity is of no avail!
+
+Tjaelde. I know that, only too well.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Well, try once, in this hour of our greatest need!
+(TJAELDE appears to be struggling with his emotion.) You never would!
+You have never confided in us, or in your God!--never opened your heart
+to any one!
+
+Tjaelde. Be quiet!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. But what you concealed by day, you used to talk of in
+the night. We mortals must talk, you know! But I have lain awake and
+listened to your distress. Now you know why I am no longer good for
+anything. No sleep at night, and none of your confidence in the daytime.
+I have suffered even more than you. (TJAELDE throws himself into a
+chair. She goes to him.) You wanted to run away. When we are afraid of
+our fellow-men, we have only Him to turn to. Do you think I should be
+alive now, if it were not for Him?
+
+Tjaelde. I have thrown myself imploringly at His feet, but always in
+vain!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Henning, Henning!
+
+Tjaelde. Why did He not bless my work and the fight I was making? It is
+all one now.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Ah, there is more to come.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Yes, the worst is before us now--
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde.--because it is in our own hearts! (A pause. VALBORG
+appears coming down the stair, but stops at the sight of the others.)
+What do you want, dear?
+
+Valborg (with suppressed emotion). From my room I can see the police
+watching the house. Are the Receiver's men coming now?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (sitting down). Yes, my child. After a terrible
+struggle--how terrible, his God and I alone know--your father has just
+sent in his declaration of bankruptcy. (VALBORG takes a step or two
+forward, then stands still. A pause.)
+
+Tjaelde (unable to control himself). Now I suppose you will say to me
+just what Möller's daughter said to him!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up). You won't do that, Valborg!--God alone can
+judge him.
+
+Tjaelde. Tell me how cruelly I have wronged you! Tell me that you will
+never be able to forgive me--(breaking down)--that I have lost your
+respect and your love for ever!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, my child!
+
+Tjaelde. That your anger and your shame know no bounds!
+
+Valborg. Oh, father, father! (Goes out by the door at the back. TJAELDE
+tries to cross the room, as if to follow her, but can only stagger as
+far as the staircase, to which he clings for support. MRS. TJAELDE sinks
+back into her chair. There is a long pause. Suddenly JAKOBSEN cones in
+from the outer once, dressed as before except that he has changed his
+coat. TJAELDE is not aware of his entrance until JAKOBSEN is close
+to him; then he stretches out his hands to him as if in entreaty, but
+JAKOBSEN goes right up to him and speaks in a voice choked with rage.)
+
+Jakobsen. You scoundrel! (TJAELDE recoils.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Jakobsen! Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (without heeding her). The Receiver's men are here. The books
+and papers at the Brewery have been seized. Work is at a standstill--and
+the same thing at the factory.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My God!
+
+Jakobsen. And I had made myself responsible for twice as much as
+I possessed! (He speaks low, but his voice vibrates with anger and
+emotion.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Dear Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (turning to her). Didn't I say to him, every time he told me
+to sign, "But I don't possess as much as that! It's not right!"--But he
+used to answer, "It is only a matter of form, Jakobsen." "Yes, but
+not an honourable form," I used to say. "It is a matter of form in
+business," he would say; "all business folk do it." And all I knew of
+business, I had learnt from him; so I trusted him. (With emotion.) And
+he made me do it time after time. And now I owe more than I shall ever
+be able to pay, all my life. I shall live and die a dishonoured man.
+What have you to say to that, Mrs. Tjaelde? (She does not answer him. He
+turns angrily upon TJAELDE.) Do you hear? Even _she_ can find nothing to
+say!--Scoundrel!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (in a voice broken with emotion). I have nothing but the
+deepest respect for you, Mrs. Tjaelde. But, you see, he has made me
+swindle other people! In his name I shall have ruined numbers of them.
+They trusted me, you see; just as I trusted him. I used to tell them
+that he was a benefactor to the whole countryside, and that therefore
+they ought to help him in these hard times. And now there will be many
+an honest family robbed of house and home by our treachery. And that is
+what he has brought me to! What heartless cruelty! (To TJAELDE.) I can
+tell I feel inclined to--. (Takes a threatening step towards him.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up). For my sake, Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (restraining himself). Yes, for your sake, ma'am; because I
+have the deepest respect for you. But how am I to face all those poor
+creatures that I have ruined? It will do them no good to explain to them
+how it has happened; that won't help them to get their daily bread! How
+shall I face my own wife! (With emotion.) She has had such faith in
+me, and in those I trusted. And my children, too? It is very hard on
+children, because they hear so much talk in the street. It won't be long
+before they hear what sort of a father they have got; and they will hear
+it from the children of the men I have ruined.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. As you feel how hard it is yourself, that should make you
+willing to spare others. Be merciful!
+
+Jakobsen. I have the deepest respect for you; but it is hard that in my
+home we should never again be able to eat a crust that we can properly
+call our own--for I owe more than I can ever live to repay! That is
+hard, Mrs. Tjaelde! What will become of my evenings with my children
+now?--of our Sundays together? No, I mean that he shall hear the truth
+from me. (Turns upon TJAELDE.) You scoundrel! You shan't escape me!
+(TJAELDE shrinks back in terror and tries to reach the office door, but
+at that moment the RECEIVER comes in, followed by two of his clerks and
+SANNAES. TJAELDE crosses the room, staggers to his desk, and leans upon
+it with his back turned to the newcomers.)
+
+The Receiver (coming up behind Tjaelde). Excuse me! May I have your
+books and papers? (TJAELDE gives a start, moves away to the stove, and
+supports himself on it.)
+
+Jakobsen (in a whisper, standing over him). Scoundrel! (TJAELDE moves
+away from him and sits down on a chair by the door, hiding his face in
+his hands.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up and whispering to JAKOBSEN), Jakobsen!
+Jakobsen! (He comes towards her.) He has never deliberately cheated
+any one! He has never been what you say, and never will be! (Sits down
+again.)
+
+Jakobsen. I have the deepest respect for _you_, Mrs. Tjaelde. But if
+_he_ is not a liar and swindler, there is no truth in anything! (Bursts
+into tears. MRS. TJAELDE hides her face in her hands as she leans back
+in her chair. A short silence. Then a confused noise of voices is
+heard without. The RECEIVER and his men stop their work of sorting and
+inventorying papers, and all look up.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (apprehensively). What is that? (SANNAES and the RECEIVER
+go to one window, and JAKOBSEN to another.)
+
+Jakobsen. It's the hands from the quay and the brewery and the factory
+and the warehouse. All work is stopped until further orders; but this is
+pay-day--and there is no pay for them! (The others resume their work.)
+
+Tjaelde (coming forward despairingly). I had forgotten that!
+
+Jakobsen (going up to him). Well, go out and face them, and they will
+let you know what you are!
+
+Tjaelde (in a low voice, as he takes up his saddle-bag). Here is money,
+but it is all in gold. Go into the town and get it changed, and pay
+them!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, do, Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (in lower tones). If _you_ ask me to, ma'am, I--So there is
+money in this bag? (Opens it.) And all done up in rolls. He meant to
+bolt, then!--and with the money his people had lent him. And yet you
+say he is not a scoundrel! (TJAELDE gives a groan. The noise of voices
+without grows louder.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (in a low voice). Be quick, or we shall have them in here.
+
+Jakobsen. I will go.
+
+The Receiver (interposing). Excuse me, but nothing must be taken away
+from here until it has been examined and inventoried.
+
+Jakobsen. It is pay-day, and this is the money for the wages.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Jakobsen is responsible for it, and will account for it.
+
+The Receiver. Oh, that alters the case. Mr. Jakobsen is a man of
+integrity. (Goes back to his work.)
+
+Jakobsen (to MRS. TJAELDE, in a low voice full of emotion). Did you hear
+that, Mrs. Tjaelde? He called me a man of integrity--and very soon not
+a single soul will call me that! (Goes out past TJAELDE to whom he
+whispers as he passes:) Scoundrel! I shall come back again!
+
+The Receiver (going up to TJAELDE). Excuse me, but I must ask you for
+the keys of your private rooms and cupboards.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (answering for her husband). My housekeeper shall go with
+you. Sannaes, here is the key of the cupboard. (SANNAES takes it from
+her.)
+
+The Receiver (looking at TJAELDE'S massive watch-chain). Whatever
+article of dress can be called a necessary, we have nothing to do with;
+but if it happens that it comrises jewellery of any great value--.
+(TJAELDE begins to take off the watch-chain.) No, no; keep it on. But it
+will have to be included in the inventory.
+
+Tjaelde. I don't wish to keep it.
+
+The Receiver. As you please. (Signs to one of his clerks to take it.)
+Good-day! (Meanwhile SIGNE and HAMAR have appeared at the door of the
+outer office, and have seen what passed. The RECEIVER, SANNAES, and the
+clerks try to open the door on the right, but find it locked.) This door
+is locked.
+
+Tjaelde (as if waking from a dream). Ah, of course! (Goes to the door
+and unlocks it.)
+
+Signe (rushing to MRS. TJAELDE and falling on her knees beside her).
+Mother!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, dear, the day of our trial has come! And I am
+afraid--afraid that it may find us all too weak.
+
+Signe. Mother, what is to become of us?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. We are in God's hands.
+
+Signe. I will go with Hamar to his aunt's. We will go at once.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. It is possible that his aunt may not be willing to have
+you now.
+
+Signe. Aunt Ulla! What do you mean?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I mean that you have been the rich man's daughter; and you
+do not know what the world is.
+
+Signe. Hamar, do you think Aunt Ulla would refuse to have me?
+
+Hamar (after a moment's thought). I don't know.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You hear that, my child. In the next few hours you will
+learn more than you have learnt in all your life.
+
+Signe (in a horrified whisper). Do you mean that even--?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Hush! (SIGNE hides her face in her mother's lap. A loud
+burst of laughter is heard outside.)
+
+Hamar (going to the nearest window). What is that? (SANNAES comes in
+through the right-hand door and goes to the other window. TJAELDE, SIGNE
+and MRS. TJAELDE get up.) The bay horse! They have got hold of it.
+
+Sannaes. They have led it up the steps, and are pretending to sell it by
+auction.
+
+Hamar. They are ill-treating it! (SANNAES runs out. HAMAR snatches up
+the revolver from the desk and looks to see if it is loaded.) I will--!
+
+Signe. What are you going to do? (As he starts to go out, she clings to
+him and prevents him.)
+
+Hamar. Let me go!
+
+Signe. Tell me first what you are going to do! Do you mean to go out
+among all those men--alone?
+
+Hamar. Yes.
+
+Signe (throwing her arms round him). You shan't go!
+
+Hamar. Take care, this is loaded!
+
+Signe. What are you going to do with it?
+
+Hamar (in a determined voice, as he shakes himself free of her). Put a
+bullet into the poor beast! It is too good for that crew. It shan't be
+put up for auction, either in joke or in earnest! (Goes to the farther
+window.) I shall get a better aim from here.
+
+Signe (following him, with a cry). You will hit some one!
+
+Hamar. No, I can aim too well for that. (Takes aim.)
+
+Signe. Father! If they hear a shot from here now--
+
+Tjaelde (starting up). The house belongs to my creditors now--and the
+revolver too!
+
+Hamar. No, I am past taking orders from you now! (TJAELDE snatches at
+the revolver, which goes off. SIGNE screams and rushes to her mother.
+Outside, but this time immediately below the window, two cries are
+heard: "They are shooting at us! They are shooting at us!" Then the
+noise of breaking glass is heard, and stones fly in through the windows,
+followed by shouts and ribald laughter. VALBORG, who has rushed in from
+the outer office, stands in front of her father to protect him, her face
+turned to the window. A voice is heard: "Follow me, my lads!")
+
+Hamar (pointing the revolver at the window). Yes, just you try it!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde and Signe. They are coming in here!
+
+Valborg. You shan't shoot! (Stands between him and the window.)
+
+Tjaelde. It is Sannaes with the police! (Cries of "Get back, there!" are
+heard; then a renewed uproar and a loud voice gradually dominating it;
+until at last the noise gradually lessens and ceases.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Thank God! We were in great danger. (Sinks into a chair.
+A pause.) Henning, where are you? (TJAELDE comes up behind her, and
+strokes her head with his hand, but turns away immediately to hide his
+deep emotion. A pause.)
+
+Signe (on her knees by her mother's side). But won't they come back?
+Hadn't we better go away from here?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Where to?
+
+Signe (despairingly). What is to become of us?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What God wills. (A pause. Meanwhile HAMAR, unobserved,
+has laid down the revolver on a chair and slipped out of the room by the
+door at the back.)
+
+Valborg (softly). Signe, look! (SIGNE gets up, looks round the room, and
+gives a little cry.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What is it?
+
+Signe. I knew he would!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (apprehensively). What is it?
+
+Valborg. Every rich family has its tame lieutenant--and ours has just
+left us. That's all.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up). Signe, my child!
+
+Signe (throwing herself into her arms). Mother!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. There will be no more pretence now. Do not let us regret
+it!
+
+Signe (in tears). Mother, mother!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Things are better as they are. Do you hear, dear? Don't
+cry!
+
+Signe. I am not crying! but I feel so ashamed--oh, so ashamed!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. It is I that ought to feel ashamed for never having had
+the courage to put a stop to what I saw was folly.
+
+Signe (as before). Mother!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Soon there will be no one else left to desert us; and we
+shall have nothing left that any one can rob us of, either.
+
+Valborg (comes forward evidently labouring under great emotion). Yes,
+there is, mother; _I_ mean to desert you.
+
+Signe. You, Valborg? Desert us? You?
+
+Valborg. Our home is going to be broken up, anyway. Each of us ought to
+shift for herself.
+
+Signe. But what am I to do? I don't know how to do anything.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (who has sunk back into her chair). What a bad mother I
+must have been, not to be able to keep my children together now!
+
+Valborg (impetuously). You know we cannot stay together now! You know we
+cannot put up with living on the charity of our creditors; we have done
+that too long!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Hush, remember your father is in the room. (A pause.) What
+do you want to do, Valborg?
+
+Valborg (after she has regained her self-control, quietly). I want to go
+into Mr. Holst's office, and learn commercial work--and keep myself.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You don't know what you are undertaking.
+
+Valborg. But I know what I am leaving.
+
+Signe. And I shall only be a burden to you, mother, because I can't do
+anything--
+
+Valborg. You _can_! Go out and earn a living; even if it is only as a
+servant, what does that matter? Don't live on our creditors--not for a
+day, not for an hour!
+
+Signe. And what is to become of mother, then?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Your mother will stay with your father.
+
+Signe. But all alone? You, who are so ill?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No, not alone! Your father and I will be together.
+(TJAELDE comes forward, kisses the hand she has stretched out to him,
+and falls on his knees by her chair, burying his face in her lap. She
+strokes his hair gently.) Forgive your father, children. That is the
+finest thing you can do. (TJAELDE gets up again and goes back to the
+other end of the room. A messenger comes in with a letter.)
+
+Signe (turning round anxiously). It is a letter from him! I can't stand
+any more! I won't have it! (The messenger hands the letter to TJAELDE.)
+
+Tjaelde. I accept no more letters.
+
+Valborg (looking at the letter). It is from Sannaes?
+
+Tjaelde. He, too!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Take it and read it, Valborg. Let us get it all over at
+once. (VALBORG takes the letter from the messenger, who goes out. She
+opens the letter, looks at it, and then reads it with emotion.) "Sir,--I
+have owed you everything since I entered your employment as a boy.
+Therefore do not take what I am going to say amiss. You know that about
+eight years ago I came into a little legacy. I have used the money to
+some advantage, having especially looked out for such investments as
+would not be affected by the uncertainties of high finance. The total
+sum, which now amounts to about £1400, I beg to offer to you as a token
+of respectful gratitude; because, in the end, I owe it to you that I
+have been able to make it that sum. Besides, you will be able to make
+many times better use of it than I could. If you need me, my dearest
+wish is to remain with you in the future. Forgive me for having seized
+just this moment for doing this; I could not do otherwise.--Your
+obedient servant, J. SANNAES." (While VALBORG has been reading, TJAELDE
+has come gradually forward, and is now standing beside his wife.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Though out of all those you have helped, Henning, only one
+comes to your aid at a time like this, you must feel that you have your
+reward. (TJAELDE nods, and goes to the back of the room again.) And you,
+children--do you see how loyally this man, a stranger, is standing by
+your father? (A pause. SIGNE stands by the desk, crying. TJAELDE walks
+up and down uneasily at the back of the room once or twice, then goes up
+the staircase.)
+
+Valborg. I should like to speak to Sannaes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, do, dear! I couldn't, just now; and I am sure your
+father couldn't either. You speak to him! (Gets up.) Come, Signe, you
+and I must have a talk; you must open your heart to me now.--Ah, when
+have we ever had a real talk together? (SIGNE goes to her.) Where is
+your father?
+
+Valborg. He went upstairs.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (leaning on SIGNE's arm). So he did. I am sure he must be
+longing to rest--although he won't find it easy to do that. It has been
+a terrible day; but surely God will turn it to our good! (Goes out
+with SIGNE. VALBORG goes to the back of the room and rings the bell. A
+messenger comes.)
+
+Valborg. If Mr. Sannaes is out there, please ask him to be so good as
+to come in here for a moment. (The messenger goes out.) Perhaps he won't
+come, when he hears it is I. (Listens.) Yes, he is coming!
+
+(SANNAES comes in, but stops short when he sees VALBORG, and hurriedly
+puts his hands behind his back.)
+
+Sannaes. Is it you, Miss Valborg, that want me?
+
+Valborg. Please come in. (SANNAES takes a few timid steps forward.
+VALBORG speaks in a more friendly tone.) Come in, then! (SANNAES comes
+further into the room.)
+
+Valborg. You have written a letter to my father.
+
+Sannaes (after a moment's pause). Yes.
+
+Valborg. And made him a most generous offer.
+
+Sannaes (as before). Oh, well--it was only natural that I should.
+
+Valborg. Do you think so? It doesn't seem so to me. It is an offer that
+honours the man that made it. (A pause.)
+
+Sannaes. I hope he means to accept it?
+
+Valborg. I don't know.
+
+Sannaes (sadly, after a moment's pause). Then he doesn't mean to? No--I
+suppose not.
+
+Valborg. I honestly don't know. It depends on whether he dare.
+
+Sannaes. Whether he dare?
+
+Valborg. Yes. (A pause.)
+
+Sannaes (evidently very shy of VALBORG). Have you any more orders for
+me, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg (with a smile). Orders? I am not giving you orders.--You have
+offered also to stay with my father for the future.
+
+Sannaes. Yes--that is to say, if he wishes me to.
+
+Valborg. I don't know. In that case there would be only he and my mother
+and you; no one else.
+
+Sannaes. Indeed? What about the others, then?
+
+Valborg. I don't know for certain what my sister means to do--but I am
+leaving home to-day.
+
+Sannaes. Then you are going to--
+
+Valborg.--to try and get a clerkship somewhere. So that it will be a bit
+lonely for you to be in my father's employment now. (A pause.) I expect
+you had not thought of it in that light?
+
+Sannaes. No--yes--that is to say, your father will have all the more
+need of me then.
+
+Valborg. Indeed he will. But what sort of a prospect is it for you
+to bind up your fortunes with my father's? The future is so very
+problematical, you know.
+
+Sannaes. What sort of a prospect--?
+
+Valborg. Yes, a young man should have some sort of a prospect before
+him.
+
+Sannaes. Yes--of course; that is to say, I only thought that at first it
+would be so difficult for him.
+
+Valborg. But I am thinking of you. Surely you have some plans for the
+future?
+
+Sannaes (embarrassed). Really I would rather not talk about myself.
+
+Valborg. But I want to.--You have something else in reserve, then?
+
+Sannaes. Well--if I must tell you--I have some well-to-do relations in
+America who have for a long time wanted me to go over there. I should
+soon be able to get, a good situation there.
+
+Valborg. Indeed?--But why haven't you accepted such a good offer long
+before this? (SANNAES does not answer.) You must have been sacrificing
+your best interests by staying so long with us? (SANNAES is still
+silent.) Any! it will be making a still greater sacrifice to stay with
+us now--
+
+Sannaes (struggling with his embarrassment). I have never thought of it
+as being that.
+
+Valborg. But my father can scarcely accept so much from you.
+
+Sannaes (in alarm). Why not?
+
+Valborg. Because it really would be too much.--And, in any case, I shall
+try to prevent him.
+
+Sannaes (almost imploringly). You, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg. Yes. You must not be misemployed any longer.
+
+Sannaes. Misemployed? In what I _myself_ desire so much?
+
+Valborg. When I have talked it over with my father, I think he will see
+my point.
+
+Sannaes (anxiously). What do you mean?
+
+Valborg (after a moment's reflection).--I mean, the reason of your
+having made such great sacrifices for us--and of your being willing to
+make still greater now. (A pause. SANNAES hangs his head, and is raising
+his hands to hide his face, when suddenly he puts them behind his back
+again. VALBORG continues, in gentle but firm tones:) I have taught
+myself, all my life, to look behind deeds and words for their motives.
+
+Sannaes (quietly, without raising his head). You have taught yourself to
+be cruelly bitter, hard and unjust.
+
+Valborg (starts, but collects herself, and says gently:) Don't say that,
+Mr. Sannaes! It is not hard-heartedness or bitterness that makes me
+think of your future now--and makes me wish to spare you disappointment.
+
+Sannaes (with a cry of pain). Miss Valborg!
+
+Valborg. Be honest with yourself, and you will be able to take a fairer
+view of what I have just said.
+
+Sannaes. Have you any more orders, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg. I give you no orders, as I have told you already. I am only
+bidding you good-bye; and I do it with grateful thanks to you for all
+your goodness to me--and to us all. Good-bye and good luck, Mr. Sannaes.
+(SANNAES bows.)Won't you shake hands? Ah, I forgot--I offended you.
+I beg your pardon for that. (SANNAES bows and turns to go.) Come, Mr.
+Sannaes--let us at least part as good friends! You are going to America,
+and I am going among strangers. Let us go away wishing one another well.
+
+Sannaes (moved). Good-bye, Miss Valborg. (Turns to go.)
+
+Valborg. Mr. Sannaes--shake hands!
+
+Sannaes (stopping). No, Miss Valborg.
+
+Valborg. Don't treat me uncivilly; I have not deserved that. (SANNAES
+again turns to go.) Mr. Sannaes!
+
+Sannaes (stopping). You might soil your fingers, Miss Valborg! (Walks
+proudly away.)
+
+Valborg (controlling herself with an effort). Well, we have offended
+each other now. But why should we not forgive each other as well?
+
+Sannaes. Because you have just offended me for the second time
+to-day--and more deeply than the first time.
+
+Valborg. Oh, this is too much! I spoke as I did, because I owed it to
+myself not to be put in a false position, and owed it to you to spare
+you future disappointment. And you call that insulting you! Which of us
+has insulted the other, I should like to know?
+
+Sannaes. You have, by thinking such things of me. Do you realise how
+cruelly you have spoilt the happiest action of my life?
+
+Valborg. I have done so quite unintentionally, then. I am only glad that
+I was mistaken.
+
+Sannes (bitterly). You are glad! So it really makes you glad to know
+that I am not a scoundrel!
+
+Valborg (quietly). Who said anything of the kind?
+
+Sannaes. You! You know the weak spot in my armour; but that you should
+on that account believe that I could lay a trap for you and try to trade
+on your father's misfortune, Miss Valborg--! No, I cannot shake hands
+with any one who has thought so badly of me as that! And, since you have
+so persistently insulted me that I have lost all the timidity I used
+to feel in your presence, let me tell you this openly; these hands
+(stretching out his hands to her) have grown red and ugly in loyal work
+for your father, and his daughter should have been above mocking at me
+for them! (Turns to go, but stops.) And, one word more. Ask your father
+for _his_ hand now, and hold fast to it, instead of deserting him on the
+very day that misfortune has overtaken him. That would be more to the
+point than worrying about _my_ future. I can look after that for myself.
+(Turns again to go, but comes back.) And when, in his service--which
+will be no easy service now--your hands bear the same honourable marks
+of work as mine do, and are as red as mine, then you will perhaps
+understand how you have hurt me! At present you cannot. (He goes quickly
+towards the door of the outer office.)
+
+Valborg (with a wry smile). What a temper! (More seriously.) And
+yet, after all--. (Looks after him. Just as SANNAES gets to the door
+TJAELDE'S voice is heard calling him from the top of the staircase.
+SANNAES answers him.)
+
+Tjaelde (coming down the stairs). Sannaes! Sannaes! I can see Jakobsen
+coming. (Hurries across the room as if pursued by fear. SANNAES follows
+him.) Of course he will be coming back to look for me again! It is
+cowardly of me to feel that I cannot stand it; but I cannot--not to-day,
+not now! I cannot stand any more! Stop him! Don't let him come in! I
+shall have to drink my cup of misery to the dregs; but (almost in a
+whisper) not all at one draught! (Hides his face in his hands.)
+
+Sannaes. He shan't come; don't be afraid! (Goes quickly out, with an air
+of determination.)
+
+Tjaelde. It is hard--oh, it is hard!
+
+Valborg (coming to his side). Father! (He looks at her, anxiously.) You
+may safely accept the money Sannaes offers you.
+
+Tjaelde (in surprise). What do you mean by that?
+
+Valborg. I mean--that, if you do, I will not forsake you either, but
+stay here with you too.
+
+Tjaelde (incredulously). You, Valborg?
+
+Valborg. Yes, you know I want to learn office work, and business; and I
+would rather learn in your office.
+
+Tjaelde (shyly). I don't understand what you--?
+
+Valborg. Don't you understand, dear? I believe I could become of some
+use in the office. And in that way, you know, we might begin afresh--and
+try, with God's help, to pay your creditors.
+
+Tjaelde (happily, but shyly). My child! Who put such a happy idea into
+your head?
+
+Valborg (putting an arm round his neck). Father, forgive me for all that
+I have neglected to do! You shall see how I will try and make up for it!
+How hard I shall work!
+
+Tjaelde (still half incredulous). My child! My child!
+
+Valborg. I feel--I cannot tell you how deeply--a craving for love and
+for work! (Throws both her arms round his neck.) Oh, father, how I love
+you!--and how I shall work for you!
+
+Tjaelde. Ah, that is the Valborg I have waited for, ever since you were
+a little child! But we had drifted away from one another, somehow.
+
+Valborg. No more about the past! Look forward, father, look forward!
+Concerns "that would not be affected by the uncertainties of high
+finance,"--weren't those his words?
+
+Tjaelde. So you were struck by that expression, too?
+
+Valborg. That may mean a future for us now! We will have a home all to
+ourselves--a little house down on the shore--and I shall help you, and
+Signe will help mother--we shall know what it is to live, for the first
+time!
+
+Tjaelde. What happiness it will be!
+
+Valborg. Only look forward, father! Look forward! A united family is
+invincible!
+
+Tjaelde. And to think that such help should come to me now!
+
+Valborg. Yes, now we are all going to our posts--and all together, where
+formerly you stood alone! You will have good fairies round you; wherever
+you look, you will see happy faces and busy fingers all day long; and we
+shall all enjoy our meals and our evenings together, just as we did when
+we were children!
+
+Tjaelde. That, above everything!
+
+Valborg. Ha, ha!--it is after the rain that the birds sing blithest, you
+know! And this time our happiness can never miscarry, because we shall
+have something worth living for!
+
+Tjaelde. Let us go to your mother! This will cheer her heart!
+
+Valborg. Ah, how I have learnt to love her! What has happened to-day has
+taught me.
+
+Tjaelde. It is for her that we shall all work now.
+
+Valborg. Yes--for her, for her. She shall rest now. Let us go to her!
+
+Tjaelde. Kiss me first, my dear. (His voice trembles.) It is so long
+since you did!
+
+Valborg (kissing him). Father!
+
+Tjaelde. Now let us go to your mother. (The curtain falls as they go out
+together.)
+
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+(SCENE.--In the garden of TJAELDE'S new home, on the shore of the fjord,
+three years later. A view of tranquil sunlit sea, dotted with boats, in
+the background. On the left a portion of the house is seen, with an open
+window within which VALBORG is seen writing at a desk. The garden is
+shaded with birch trees; flower-beds run round the house, and the whole
+atmosphere one of modest comfort. Two small garden tables and several
+chairs are in the foreground on the right. A chair standing by itself,
+further back, has evidently had a recent occupant. When the curtain
+rises the stage is empty, but VALBORG is visible at the open window.
+Soon afterwards TJAELDE comes in, wheeling MRS. TJAELDE in an invalid
+chair.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Another lovely day!
+
+Tjaelde. Tjaelde. Lovely! There was not a ripple on the sea last night.
+I saw a couple of steamers far out, and a sailing ship that had hove to,
+and the fisher-boats drifting silently in.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. And think of the storm that was raging two days ago!
+
+Tjaelde. And think of the storm that broke over our lives barely three
+years ago! I was thinking of that in the night.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Sit down here with me.
+
+Tjaelde. Shall we not continue our stroll?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. The sun is too hot.
+
+Tjaelde. Not for me.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You big strong man! It is too hot for me.
+
+Tjaelde (taking a chair). There you are, then.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (taking off his hat and wiping his forehead). You are very
+hot, dear. You have never looked so handsome as you do now!
+
+Tjaelde. That's just as well, as you have so much time to admire me now!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Now that I find getting about so difficult, you mean? Ah,
+that is only my pretence, so as to get you to wheel me about!
+
+Tjaelde (with a sigh). Ah, my dear, it is good of you to take it so
+cheerfully. But that you should be the only one of us to bear such hard
+traces of our misfortune--
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (interrupting him). Do you forget your own whitened hair?
+That is a sign of it, too, but a beautiful one! And, as for my being an
+invalid, I thank God every day for it! In the first place I have almost
+no pain, and then it gives me the opportunity to feel how good you are
+to me in every way.
+
+Tjaelde. You enjoy your life, then?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, indeed I do--and just as I should wish to.
+
+Tjaelde. Just to be spoiled, and yourself to spoil us?
+
+Valborg (from the window). I have finished the accounts, father.
+
+Tjaelde. Doesn't it come out at about what I said?
+
+Valborg. Almost exactly. Shall I enter it in the ledger at once?
+
+Tjaelde. Oho! You are glad then, as you seem in such it hurry?
+
+Valborg. Certainly! Such a good stroke of business!
+
+Tjaelde. And both you and Sannaes tried your best to dissuade me from
+it!
+
+Valborg. Such a pair of wiseacres!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Ah, your father is your master, my dear!
+
+Tjaelde. Tjaelde. Oh, it is easy enough to captain a small army that
+marches on, instead of a big one that is in retreat. (VALBORG goes on
+with her work.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. And yet it seemed hard enough for us to give it up.
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, yes--oh, yes. I can tell you, I was thinking of that last
+night. If God had given me what I begged for then, what state should we
+have been in now? I was thinking of that, too.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. It is the fact of the estate being at last wound up that
+has brought all these thoughts into your mind, dear?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Then I must confess that I, too, have scarcely been able
+to think of anything else since yesterday, when Sannaes went into town
+to settle it up. This a red-letter day! Signe is wrestling with a little
+banquet for us; we shall see what an artist she has become! Here she is!
+
+Tjaelde. I think I will just go and look over Valborg's accounts. (Goes
+to the window. SIGNE comes out of the house, wearing a cook's apron and
+carrying a basin.)
+
+Signe. Mother, you must taste my soup! (Offers her a spoonful.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Clever girl! (Tastes the soup.) Perhaps it would stand a
+little--. No, it is very good as it is. You are clever!
+
+Signe. Am I not! Will Sannaes be back soon?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Your father says we may expect him any moment.
+
+Tjaelde (at the window, to VALBORG). No, wait a moment. I will come in.
+(Goes into the house, and is seen within the window beside VALBORG.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My little Signe, I want to ask you something?
+
+Signe. Do you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What was in the letter you had yesterday evening?
+
+Signe. Aha, I might have guessed that was it! Nothing, mother.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Nothing that pained you, then?
+
+Signe. I slept like a top all night--so you can judge for yourself.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I am so glad. But, you know, there seems to me something a
+little forced in the gay way you say that?
+
+Signe. Does there? Well, it was something that I shall always be ashamed
+of; that is all.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I am thankful to hear it, for--
+
+Signe (interrupting her). That must be Sannaes. I hear wheels. Yes, here
+he is! He has come too soon; dinner won't be ready for half an hour yet.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. That doesn't matter.
+
+Signe. Father, here is Sannaes!
+
+Tjaelde (from within). Good! I will come out! (SIGNE goes into the house
+as TJAELDE comes out. SANNAES comes in a moment later.)
+
+Tjaelde and Mrs. Tjaelde. Welcome!
+
+Sannaes. Thank you! (Lays down his dust-coat and driving gloves on a
+chair, and comes forward.)
+
+Tjaelde. Well?
+
+Sannaes. Yes--your bankruptcy is discharged!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. And the result was--?
+
+Sannaes. Just about what we expected.
+
+Tjaelde. And, I suppose, just about what Mr. Berent wrote?
+
+Sannaes. Just about, except for one or two inconsiderable trifles. You
+can see for yourself. (Gives him a bundle of papers.) The high prices
+that have ruled of late, and good management, have altered the whole
+situation.
+
+Tjaelde (who has opened the papers and glanced at the totals). A deficit
+of £12,000.
+
+Sannaes. I made a declaration on your behalf, that you intended to
+try and repay that sum, but that you should be at liberty to do it in
+whatever way you found best. And so--
+
+Tjaelde. And so--?
+
+Sannaes.--I proferred on the spot rather more than half the amount you
+still owed Jakobsen.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Not really? (TJAELDE takes out a pencil and begins making
+calculations on the margins of the papers.)
+
+Sannaes. There was general satisfaction--and they all sent you their
+cordial congratulations.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. So that, if all goes well--
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, if things go as well with the business as they promise
+to, Sannaes, in twelve or fourteen years I shall have paid every one in
+full.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. We haven't much longer than that left to live, dear!
+
+Tjaelde. Then we shall die poor. And I shall not complain!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No, indeed! The honourable name you will leave to your
+children will be well worth it.
+
+Tjaelde. And they will inherit a sound business, which they can go on
+with if they choose.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Did you hear that, Valborg?
+
+Valborg (from the window). Every word! (SANNAES bows to her.) I must go
+in and tell Signe! (Moves away from the window.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What did Jakobsen say?--honest old Jakobsen?
+
+Sannaes. He was very much affected, as you would expect. He will
+certainly be coming out here to-day.
+
+Tjaelde (looking up from the papers). And Mr. Berent?
+
+Sannaes. He is coming hard on my heels. I was to give you his kind
+regards and tell you so.
+
+Tjaelde. Splendid! We owe him so much.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, he has been a true friend to us. But, talking of true
+friends, I have something particular to ask _you_, Sannaes.
+
+Sannaes. Me, Mrs. Tjaelde?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. The maid told me that yesterday, when you went into town,
+you took the greater part of your belongings with you. Is that so?
+
+Sannaes. Yes, Mrs. Tjaelde.
+
+Tjaelde. What does that mean? (To his wife.) You said nothing about it
+to me, my dear.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Because I thought it might be a misunderstanding. But now
+I must ask what was the meaning of it. Are you going away?
+
+Sannaes (fingering a chair, in evident confusion). Yes, Mrs. Tjaelde.
+
+Tjaelde. Where to? You never said anything about it.
+
+Sannaes. No; but I have always considered that I should have finished my
+task here as soon as the estate was finally wound up.
+
+Tjaelde and Mrs. Tjaelde. You mean to leave us?
+
+Sannaes. Yes.
+
+Tjaelde. But why?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Where do you mean to go?
+
+Sannaes. To my relations in America. I can now, without doing you any
+harm, withdraw my capital from the business by degrees and transfer it
+abroad.
+
+Tjaelde. And dissolve our partnership?
+
+Sannaes. You know that at any rate you had decided now to resume the old
+style of the firm's name.
+
+Tjaelde. That is true; but, Sannaes, what does it all mean? What is your
+reason?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Are you not happy here, where we are all so attached to
+you?
+
+Tjaelde. You have quite as good a prospect for the future here as in
+America.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. We held together in evil days; are we not to hold together
+now that good days have come?
+
+Sannaes. I owe you both so much.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Good heavens, it is we that owe you--
+
+Tjaelde.--more than we can ever repay. (Reproachfully.) Sannaes!
+
+(SIGNE comes in, having taken off her cooking apron.)
+
+Signe. Congratulations! Congratulations! Father mother! (Kisses them
+both.) Welcome, Sannaes!--But aren't you pleased?--now? (A pause.
+VALBORG comes in.)
+
+Valborg. What has happened?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Sannaes wants to leave us, my children (A pause.)
+
+Signe. But, Sannaes--!
+
+Tjaelde. Even if you want to go away, why have you never said a single
+word to us about it before? (To the others.) Or has he spoken to any of
+you? (MRS. TJAELDE shakes her head.)
+
+Signe. No.
+
+Sannaes. It was because--because--I wanted to be able to go as soon as I
+had told you. Otherwise it would be too hard to go.
+
+Tjaelde. You must have very serious grounds for it, then! Has anything
+happened to you to--to make it necessary? (SANNAES does not answer.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. And to make it impossible for you to trust any of us?
+
+Sannaes (shyly). I thought I had better keep it to myself. (A pause.)
+
+Tjaelde. That makes it still more painful for us--to think that you
+could go about in our little home circle here, where you have shared
+everything with us, carrying the secret of this intention hidden in your
+heart.
+
+Sannaes. Do not be hard on me! Believe me, if I could stay, I would; and
+if I could tell you the reason, I would. (A pause.)
+
+Signe (to her mother, in an undertone). Perhaps he wants to get married?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Would his being here with us make any difference to that?
+Any one that Sannaes loved would be dear to us.
+
+Tjaelde (going up to SANNAES and putting an arm round his shoulders).
+Tell one of us, then, if you cannot tell us all. Is it nothing we can
+help you in?
+
+Sannaes. No.
+
+Tjaelde. But can you judge of that alone? One does not always realise
+how much some one else's advice, on the experience of an older man, may
+help one.
+
+Sannaes. Unfortunately it is as I say.
+
+Tjaelde. It must be something very painful, then?
+
+Sannaes. Please--!
+
+Tjaelde. Well, Sannaes, you have quite cast a cloud over to-day's
+happiness for us. I shall miss you as I have never missed any one.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I cannot imagine the house without Sannaes!
+
+Tjaelde (to his wife). Come, dear, shall we go in again?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes--it is not nice out here any longer. (TJAELDE takes
+her into the house. SIGNE turns to VALBORG to go in with her, but when
+she comes close to her she gives a little cry. VALBORG takes her arm,
+and their eyes meet.)
+
+Signe. Where have my wits been? (She goes into the house, looking back
+at VALBORG and SANNAES. The latter is giving way to his emotion, but as
+soon as his eyes fall on VALBORG he recovers himself.)
+
+Valborg (impetuously). Sannaes!
+
+Sannaes. What are your orders, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg (turning away from him, then turning back, but avoiding his
+eyes). Do you really mean to leave us?
+
+Sannaes. Yes, Miss Valborg. (A pause.)
+
+Valborg. So we shall never stand back to back at our desks in the same
+room again?
+
+Sannaes. No, Miss Valborg.
+
+Valborg. That is a pity; I had become so accustomed to it.
+
+Sannaes. You will easily become accustomed to some one else's--back.
+
+Valborg. Ah, some one else is some one else.
+
+Sannaes. You must excuse me, Miss Valborg; I don't feel in the humour
+for jesting to-day. (Turn to go.)
+
+Valborg (looking up at him). Is this to be our parting, then? (A pause.)
+
+Sannaes. I thought of taking leave of you all this afternoon.
+
+Valborg (taking a step towards him). But ought not we two to settle our
+accounts first?
+
+Sannaes (coldly). No, Miss Valborg.
+
+Valborg. Do you feel then that everything between us has been just as it
+ought?
+
+Sannaes. God knows I don't!
+
+Valborg. But you think I am to blame?--Oh, well, it doesn't matter.
+
+Sannaes. I am quite willing to take the blame. Put anyway, it is all
+finished with now.
+
+Valborg. But if we were to share the blame? You cannot be quite
+indifferent as to which of us should take it?
+
+Sannaes. I confess I am not. But, as I said, I do not wish for any
+settling of accounts between us.
+
+Valborg. But I wish it.
+
+Sannaes. You will have plenty of time to settle it to your own
+satisfaction.
+
+Valborg. But, if I am in difficulties about it, I cannot do it alone.
+
+Sannaes. I do not think you will find any difficulty.
+
+Valborg. But if _I_ think so?--if I feel myself deeply wronged?
+
+Sannaes. I have told you that I am willing to take all the blame upon
+myself.
+
+Valborg. No, Sannaes--I don't want charity; I want to be understood. I
+have a question to ask you.
+
+Sannaes. As you will.
+
+Valborg. How was it that we got on so well for the first year after my
+father's failure-and even longer? Have you ever thought of that?
+
+Sannaes. Yes. I think it was because we never talked about anything but
+our work--about business.
+
+Valborg. You were my instructor.
+
+Sannaes. And when you no longer needed an instructor--
+
+Valborg.--we hardly spoke to one another.
+
+Sannaes (softly). No.
+
+Valborg. Well, what could I say or do, when every sign of friendship on
+my part went unnoticed?
+
+Sannaes. Unnoticed? Oh no, Miss Valborg, I noticed them.
+
+Valborg. That was my punishment, then!
+
+Sannas. God forbid I should do you an injustice. You had a motive which
+did you credit; you felt compassion for me, and so you could not help
+acting as you did. But, Miss Valborg, I refuse your compassion.
+
+Valborg. And suppose it were gratitude?
+
+Sannaes (softly). I dreaded that more than anything else! I had had a
+warning.
+
+Valborg. You must admit, Sannaes, that all this made you very difficult
+to deal with!
+
+Sannaes. I quite admit that. But, honestly, _you_ must admit that I
+had good reason to mistrust an interest in me that sprang from mere
+gratitude. Had circumstances been different, I should only have bored
+you cruelly; I knew that quite well. And I had no fancy for being an
+amusement for your idle hours.
+
+Valborg. How you have mistaken me!--If you will think of it, surely you
+must understand how different a girl, who has been accustomed to travel
+and society, becomes when she has to stay at home and work because it
+is her duty. She comes to judge men by an altogether different standard,
+too. The men that she used to think delightful are very likely to appear
+small in her eyes when it is a question of the demands life makes on
+ability or courage or self-sacrifice; while the men she used to laugh
+at are transformed in her eyes into models of what God meant men to
+be, when she is brought into close contact with them in her father's
+office.--Is there anything so surprising in that? (A pause.)
+
+Sannaes. Thank you, at all events, for saying that to me. It has done me
+good. But you should have said it sooner.
+
+Valborg (emphatically). How could I, when you misjudged everything I did
+or said? No; it was impossible until mistakes and misunderstandings had
+driven us so far apart that we could not endure them any longer (Turns
+away.)
+
+Sannaes. Perhaps you are right. I cannot at once recall all that has
+happened. If I have been mistaken, I shall by degrees find the knowledge
+of it a profound comfort.--You must excuse me, Miss Valborg, I have a
+number of things to see to. (Turns to go.)
+
+Valborg (anxiously). Sannaes, as you admit that you have judged
+me unjustly, don't you think you ought at least to give me--some
+satisfaction?
+
+Sannaes. You may be certain, Miss Valborg, that when I am balancing our
+account you shall not suffer any injustice. But I cannot do it now. All
+I have to do now is to get ready to go.
+
+Valborg. But you are not ready to go, Sannaes! You have not finished
+your work here yet! There is what I just spoke of--and something else
+that dates farther back than that.
+
+Sannaes. You must feel how painful it is for me to prolong this
+interview. (Turns to go.)
+
+Valborg. But surely you won't go without setting right something that I
+am going to beg you to?
+
+Sannas. What is that, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg. Something that happened a long time ago.
+
+Sannaes. If it is in my power, I will do what you ask.
+
+Valborg. It is.--Ever since that day you have never offered to shake
+hands with me.
+
+Sannaes. Have you really noticed that? (A pause.)
+
+Valborg (with a smile, turning away). Will you do so now?
+
+Sannaes (stepping nearer to her). Is this more than a mere whim?
+
+Valborg (concealing her emotion). How can you ask such a question now?
+
+Sannaes. Because all this time you have never once asked me to shake
+hands with you.
+
+Valborg. I wanted you to offer me your hand. (A pause.)
+
+Sannaes. Are you serious for once?
+
+Valborg. I mean it, seriously.
+
+Sannaes (in a happier voice). You really set a value on it?
+
+Valborg. A great value.
+
+Sannaes (going up to her). Here it is, then!
+
+Valborg (turning and taking his hand). I accept the hand you offer me.
+
+Sannaes (turning pale). What do you mean?
+
+Valborg. I mean that for some time past I have known that I should be
+proud to be the wife of a man who has loved me, and me alone, ever since
+he was a boy, and has saved my father and us all.
+
+Sannaes. Oh, Miss Valborg!
+
+Valborg. And you wanted to go away, rather than offer me your hand; and
+that, only because we had accepted help from you--and you did not think
+we were free agents! That was too much; and, as you would not speak, I
+had to!
+
+Sannaes (kneeling to her). Miss Valborg!
+
+Valborg. You have the most loyal nature, the most delicate mind, and the
+warmest heart I have ever known.
+
+Sannaes. This is a thousand times too much!
+
+Valborg. Next to God, I have to thank you that I have become what I
+am; and I feel that I can offer you a life's devotion such as you would
+rarely find in this world.
+
+Sannaes. I cannot answer because I scarcely realise what you are saying.
+But you are saying it because you are sorry for me, now that I have to
+go away, and feel that you owe me some gratitude. (Takes both her
+hand in his.) Let me speak! I know the truth better than you, and have
+thought over it far more than you. You are so immeasurably above me in
+ability, in education, in manners--and a wife should not be able to look
+down on her husband. At all events, I am too proud to be willing to be
+exposed to that. No, what you are feeling now is only the result of your
+beautiful nature, and the recollection of it will hallow all my life.
+All the pain and all the happiness I have known have come from you. Your
+life will be one of self-renunciation; but, God knows there are many
+such! And my burden will be lightened now, because I shall know
+that your good wishes will always be with me. (Gets up.) But part we
+must--and now more than ever! For I could not bear to be near you unless
+you were mine, and to make you mine would only mean misery for us both
+after a little while!
+
+Valborg. Sannaes--!
+
+Sannaes (holding her hands and interrupting her). I entreat you not to
+say anything more! You have too much power over me; do not use it to
+make me sin! For it would be that--a great sin--to put two honest hearts
+into a false position, where they would distress one another, even
+perhaps get to hate one another.
+
+Valborg. But let me--
+
+Sannas (letting go her hands and stepping back). No, you must not tempt
+me. Life with you would mean perpetual anxiety, for I should never
+feel equal to what it would demand of me! But now I can part from you
+comforted. There will be no bitterness in my heart now; and by degrees
+all my thoughts of the past and of you will turn to sweetness. God bless
+you! May every good fortune go with you! Good-bye! (Goes quickly towards
+the house.)
+
+Valborg. Sannaes! (Follows him.) Sannaes! Listen to me! (SANNAES takes
+up his coat and gloves, and, as he rushes out without looking where
+he is going, runs full tilt into BERENT who comes in at that moment
+followed by JAKOBSEN.)
+
+Sannaes. I beg your pardon! (Rushes out to the right.)
+
+Berent. Are you two playing a game of blind man's buff?
+
+Valborg. God knows we are!
+
+Berent. You need not be so emphatic about it! I have had forcible
+evidence of it. (Rubs his stomach and laughs.)
+
+Valborg. You must excuse me! Father is in there. (Points to the left and
+goes hurriedly out to the right.)
+
+Berent. We don't seem to be getting a particularly polite reception!
+
+Jakobsen. No, we seem to be rather in the way, Mr. Berent.
+
+Berent (laughing). It looks like it. But what has been going on?
+
+Jakobsen. I don't know. They looked as if they had been fighting, their
+faces were so flushed.
+
+Berent. They looked upset, you mean?
+
+Jakobsen. Yes, that's it. Ah, here is Mr. Tjaelde! (To himself.) Good
+Lord, how aged he looks! (Withdraws into the background as BERENT goes
+forward to greet TJAELDE, who comes in.)
+
+Tjaelde (to BERENT). I am delighted to see you! You are always welcome
+in our little home--and this year more welcome than ever!
+
+Berent. Because things are going better than ever this year! I
+congratulate you on your discharge--and also on your determination to
+pay everything in full!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, if God wills, I mean to--
+
+Berent. Well, things are going splendidly, aren't they?
+
+Tjaelde. So far, yes.
+
+Berent. You are over the worst of it, now that you have laid the
+foundations of a new business and laid them solidly.
+
+Tjaelde. One of the things that have given me the greatest encouragement
+has been the fact that I have won your confidence--and that has gained
+me the confidence of others.
+
+Berent. I could have done nothing unless you had first of all done
+everything. But don't let us say any more about it!--Well, the place
+looks even prettier than it did last year.
+
+Tjaelde. We do a little more to it each year, you know.
+
+Berent. And you are still all together here?
+
+Tjaelde. So far, yes.
+
+Berent. Ah, by the way, I can give you news of your deserter. (TJAELDE
+looks surprised.) I mean your lieutenant!
+
+Tjaelde. Oh--of him! Have you seen him?
+
+Berent. I was on the same boat coming here. There was a very rich girl
+on board.
+
+Tjaelde (laughing). Oh, I see!
+
+Berent. All the same, I don't think it came to any thing. It is rather
+like coming upon a herd of deer when you are stalking; after your first
+shot, you don't find it so easy to get another; they have grown wary!
+
+Jakobsen (who during this conversation has been screwing up his courage
+to address TJAELDE). I--I am a pig, I am! I know that!
+
+Tjaelde (taking his hand). Oh, come, Jakobsen--!
+
+Jakobsen. A great blundering pig!--But I know it now!
+
+Tjaelde. That's all right! I can tell you I am delighted to be able to
+set affairs straight between you and me.
+
+Jakobsen. I don't know what to answer. It goes to my heart! (Shakes his
+hand heartily.) You are a far better man than I,--and I said so to my
+wife. "He's a splendid fellow," I said.
+
+Tjaelde (releasing his hand). Let us forget everything except the happy
+days we have had together, Jakobsen! How do things go at the Brewery?
+
+Jakobsen. At the Brewery! As long as folk ladle beer into their stomachs
+at the rate they do now--
+
+Berent. Jakobsen was kind enough to drive me out here. We had a most
+amusing drive. He is a character.
+
+Jakobsen (in an anxious undertone, to TJAELDE). What does he mean by
+that?
+
+Tjaelde. That you are different from most people.
+
+Jakobsen. Ah!--I didn't feel sure, you know, whether he wasn't sitting
+there making game of me, all the way here.
+
+Tjaelde. How can you think such a thing? (To BERENT.) Do come into the
+house. Excuse my going first; but my wife is not always quite prepared
+to receive visitors since she has been able to do so little for herself.
+(Goes into the house.)
+
+Berent. I don't think Mr. Tjaelde seems to me to be looking in quite as
+good form as I expected?
+
+Jakobsen. Don't you? I didn't notice anything.
+
+Berent. Perhaps I am mistaken. I think he meant us to follow him in,
+didn't he?
+
+Jakobsen. So I understood.
+
+Berent. Then, as you have brought me so far, you must take me in to Mrs.
+Tjaelde.
+
+Jakobsen. I am quite at your service, sir. I have the deepest respect
+for Mrs. Tjaelde--(hurriedly)--and of course for Mr. Tjaelde too. Of
+course.
+
+Berent. Yes. Well, let us go in.
+
+Jakobsen. Let us go in. (He tries anxiously to keep in step with
+BERENT'S peculiar walk, but finds it difficult.)
+
+Berent. I think you had better not try. My step suits very few.
+
+Jakobsen. Oh, I shall manage--! (They go out to the left. SANNAES comes
+hurriedly in from the right, and crosses the stage; looks around; then
+comes across to the foreground and leans with his back against a tree.
+VALBORG comes in a moment later, comes forward, sees him, and laughs.)
+
+Sannaes. There, you see, Miss Valborg; you are laughing at me.
+
+Valborg. I don't know whether I want to laugh or to cry.
+
+Sannaes. Believe me, you are mistaken about this, Miss Valborg. You
+don't see things as plainly as I do.
+
+Valborg. Which of us was it that was mistaken to-day?--and had to beg
+pardon for it?
+
+Sannaes. It was I, I know. But this is impossible! A real union of
+hearts needs to be founded on more than respect--
+
+Valborg (laughing). On love?
+
+Sannaes. You misunderstand me. Could you go into society with me without
+feeling embarrassed? (VALBORG laughs.) You see, the mere idea of it
+makes you laugh.
+
+Valborg (laughing). I am laughing because you are magnifying the least
+important part of it into the most important.
+
+Sannaes. You know how awkward and shy--in fact downright frightened I am
+amongst those who--. (VALBORG laughs again.) There, you see--you can't
+help laughing at the idea!
+
+Valborg. I should perhaps even laugh at you when we were in society
+together! (Laughs.)
+
+Sannaes (seriously). But I should suffer horribly if you did.
+
+Valborg. Believe me, Sannaes, I love you well enough to be able to
+afford to have a little laugh sometimes at your little imperfections.
+Indeed, I often do! And suppose we were out in society, and I saw you
+weighed down under the necessity for pretty manners that do not come
+easy to you; if I did laugh at you, do you think there would be any
+unkindness behind my laughter? If others laughed at you, do you suppose
+I would not, the very next moment, take your arm and walk proudly down
+the room with you? I know what you really are, and others know it too!
+Thank God it is not only bad deeds that are known to others in this
+world!
+
+Sannaes. Your words intoxicate me and carry me off my feet!
+
+Valborg (earnestly). If you think I am only flattering you, let us put
+it to the test. Mr. Berent is here. He moves in the very best society,
+but he is superior to its littlenesses. Shall we take his opinion?
+Without betraying anything, I could make him give it in a moment.
+
+Sannaes (carried away). I want no one's opinion but yours!
+
+Valborg. That's right! If only you feel certain of my love--
+
+Sannaes (impetuously).--then nothing else will seem to matter; and that
+alone will be able to teach me all that I lack, in a very short time.
+
+Valborg. Look into my eyes!
+
+Sannaes (taking her hands). Yes!
+
+Valborg. Do you believe that nothing would ever make me ashamed of you!
+
+Sannaes. Yes, I believe that.
+
+Valborg (with emotion). Do you believe that I love you?
+
+Sannaes. Yes! (Falls on one knee.)
+
+Valborg. Deeply enough for my love to last all our lives--
+
+Sannaes. Yes, yes!
+
+Valborg. Then stay with me; and we will look after the old folk--and
+replace them when, in God's good time, they are taken from us. (SANNAES
+bursts into tears. TJAELDE, who has come to the window to show BERENT
+his ledgers, happens to look up and sees VALBORG and SANNAES.)
+
+Tjaelde (leaning out of the window, and speaking gently:) Valborg, what
+has happened?
+
+Valborg (quietly). Only that Sannaes and I are engaged to be married.
+
+Tjaelde. Is it possible! (To BERENT, who is immersed in the accounts.)
+Excuse me! (Hurries away from the window.)
+
+Sannaes (who, in his emotion has heard nothing). Forgive me! It has been
+such a long, hard struggle--and I feel overwhelmed!
+
+Valborg. Let us go in to my mother.
+
+Sannws (shrinking back). I can't, Miss Valborg--you must wait a little--
+
+Valborg. Here they come. (TJAELDE comes in wheeling MRS. TJAELDE in her
+chair. VALBORG runs to her mother and throws herself into her arms.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (softly). God be praised and thanked!
+
+Tjaelde (going up to SANNAES and embracing him). My son!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. So that was why Sannaes wanted to go away! Oh, Sannaes!
+(TJAELDE brings SANNAES up to her. SANNAES kneels and kisses her hand,
+then gets up and goes into the background, to recover himself. SIGNE
+comes in.)
+
+Signe. Mother, everything is ready now!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. So are things out here!
+
+Signe (looking round). Not really?
+
+Valborg (to SIGNE). Forgive me for never having told you!
+
+Signe. You certainly kept your secret well!
+
+Valborg. I kept long years of suffering secret--that was all! (SIGNE
+kisses her and whispers to her; then turns to SANNAES.)
+
+Signe. Sannaes! (Shakes his hand.) So we are to be brother and
+sister-in-law?
+
+Sannaes (embarrassed). Oh, Miss Signe--
+
+Signe. But you mustn't call me Miss Signe now, you know!
+
+Valborg. You must expect that! He calls me "Miss" Valborg still!
+
+Singe. Well, he won't be able to do that when you are married, anyway!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (to TJAELDE). But where are our friends?
+
+Tjaelde. Mr. Berent is in the office. There he is, at the window.
+
+Berent (at the window). Now I am coming straight out to congratulate
+you, with my friend Jakobsen. (Comes out.)
+
+Valborg (going to TJAELDE). Father!
+
+Tjaelde. My child!
+
+Valborg. If we had not known those bad days we should never have known
+this happy one! (He gives her a grip of the hand.)
+
+Tjaelde (to BERENT). Allow me to present to you my daughter Valborg's
+fiancé--Mr. Sannaes.
+
+Berent. I congratulate you on your choice, Miss Valborg--and I
+congratulate the whole family on such a son-in-law.
+
+Valborg (triumphantly). There, Sannaes!
+
+Jakobsen. May I too, though I am only a stupid sort of chap, say that
+this lad has been in love with you ever since he was in his teens--he
+hardly could be sooner than that. But I can tell you, honestly, I should
+never have credited you with having so much sense as to take him. (All
+laugh.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Signe is whispering to me that our dinner is getting cold.
+
+Signe. May I take my mother's place and ask you to take me in to dinner,
+Mr. Berent?
+
+Berent (offering her his arm). I am honoured!--But our bridal pair must
+go first!
+
+Valborg. Sannaes--?
+
+Sannaes (whispers, as he gives her his arm). To think that I have you
+on my arm! (They go into the house, followed by BERENT and SIGNE, and by
+JAKOBSEN.)
+
+Tjaelde (bending over his wife, as he prepares to wheel her chair in).
+My dear, God has blessed our house now!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My dear man!
+
+Curtain.
+
+
+
+
+
+THE KING
+
+A PLAY IN A PROLOGUE AND FOUR ACTS
+
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+     The KING.
+     HARALD GRAN, a rich manufacturer.
+     KOLL, Chief Magistrate of the district.
+     FLINK.
+     CLARA ERNST.
+     The PRINCESS.
+     BARONESS MARC.
+     ANNA, a deaf and dumb girl.
+     FALBE.
+     The MAYOR.
+     NATHALIE, his daughter.
+     ALSTAD.
+     VILHELM, his son.
+     The PARISH PRIEST.
+     BANG, a rich trader.
+     VINÄGER.
+     COUNT PLATEN.
+     The GENERAL.
+     MATILDE.
+     A Ballad Singer.
+     A Young Beggar.
+     A Servant of the King's.
+     Ladies and Gentlemen,
+     Masked Dancers,
+     Work-people,
+     Farmers, etc.
+
+
+
+
+PROLOGUE
+
+(SCENE.--A large gothic hall, brilliantly illuminated, in which a masked
+ball is taking place. At the rise of the curtain a ballet is being
+performed in the centre of the hall. Masked dancers are grouped around,
+watching it. Two of them, women, are conversing on the right of the
+stage.)
+
+First Mask. Have you heard that the King is to be here to-night?
+
+Second Mask. Yes, and since I heard it I have been imagining I saw him
+everywhere.
+
+First Mask (pointing). That is not he, is it?
+
+Second Mask. He is taller than that.
+
+First Mask. That one, then? Look, that one!
+
+Second Mask. That one has spoken to me. He has too old a voice.
+
+First Mask. Shall we see if we can find him?
+
+Second Mask. Yes, come along!
+
+(A number of girls, wearing similar costumes and all masked, have
+meanwhile collected on the left side of the stage.)
+
+First Girl. Are we all here?
+
+Second Girl. All but Matilde.
+
+Matilde. Here I am! Have you heard that the King is to be here?
+
+All. Really?
+
+Matilde. I don't know how he is dressed; but one of the masters of the
+ceremonies told me he was to be here.
+
+Several of the Girls. The dear King! (Two masked dancers, dressed as
+Cats, pass by.)
+
+Tom Cat. Do you hear that, my pet?
+
+Puss. Miau!
+
+Matilde. Let us try and discover him.
+
+All. Yes, yes!
+
+A Mask. And when we have discovered him--?
+
+Matilde. Let us all dance round him!
+
+All. Yes!
+
+Tom Cat (to Puss). You had better look after your virtue, Miss!
+
+Puss. Miau!
+
+Tom Cat. Miau! (They pass out of sight.)
+
+Matilde. Remember that we are all to meet here in a quarter of an hour!
+
+All. Yes! (They disperse. The ballet comes to a close amidst universal
+applause. Conversation among the dancers becomes general and animated.
+The BARONESS MARC, disguised as an Old Woman, comes forward, talking to
+another mask dressed as a Donkey.)
+
+Baroness. I will never forgive you for that, my lord chamberlain.
+
+The Donkey. But you frighten me clean out of my part, Baroness!
+
+Baroness. If only I could understand how it happened!
+
+The Donkey. After all, my dear Baroness, you cannot be expected to take
+out all your schoolmistresses and their senior pupils on a leash!
+
+Baroness. No, but I have particular reasons for wishing to look closely
+after _her_. (All this time she has been persistently looking round the
+room.) And in such a whirling crowd as this--
+
+The Donkey. Let us lose ourselves in it, then! (He brays as they go out.
+The PRINCESS, masked and dressed in a costume of the time of Louis
+XV., comes forward accompanied by a Cavalier in a costume of the same
+period.)
+
+Princess (continuing a discussion). And I say that if a king has such
+graces of mind and person as ours has, he may do anything he pleases.
+
+Cavalier. _Anything_, Princess?
+
+Princess. Anything that his mind prompts, provided that he do it
+beautifully. (A GENTLEMAN-IN-WAITING, dressed in a costume of the same
+period, approaches them.)
+
+Gentleman-in-Waiting. I cannot discover him, your Royal Highness!
+
+Princess. But he is here. He is _here_. And for a lady's sake. I am
+certain I am right.
+
+Cavalier. But I asked one of the masters of the ceremonies, and he knew
+nothing about it.
+
+Princess. Then it must have been one that has not been let into the
+secret.
+
+Cavalier. But, your Royal Highness--
+
+Princess. Don't keep calling me "your Royal Highness," but get me a
+description of the costume he is wearing. (The GENTLEMAN-IN-WAITING bows
+and goes away.) And you and I will go on hunting--
+
+Cavalier.--for the noble huntsman--
+
+Princess.--who is being hunted himself! (Moves away, but stops
+suddenly.) Who is that? (CLARA ERNST, masked and in peasant costume,
+comes forward followed by a masked figure wearing a domino. He is
+whispering to her over her shoulder. She keeps glancing about, as if
+looking for some one.)
+
+The Domino.--and there, in the enchanted castle, buried deep in the
+wooded park--
+
+Clara. Let me alone!
+
+The Domino.--there we shall be greeted by a babbling fountain of
+water--a nymph, holding the cup of joy high above her head--
+
+Clara (anxiously). What can have become of her?
+
+(Meanwhile one of the masked dancers has been following them, and now
+turns back to join others.)
+
+A Masked Dancer (pointing to the DOMINO). That is the King!
+
+Another (quickly). But who is _she_?
+
+The Domino.--on both sides, shady alleys leading to the doors of a
+secret retreat; and there--
+
+Clara (turning round). I despise you! (The dancing and music suddenly
+stop. General consternation.)
+
+The Baroness (starting forward as she hears CLARA voice.) Clara!
+
+The Domino (taking CLARA's hand and leading her apart from the others).
+Do you know who it is that you despise?
+
+Clara (greatly agitated). Yes, I know who you are!--and that is why,
+from the bottom of my heart, I despise you! (The music begins afresh,
+covering the general consternation that has spread among the dancers.
+The BARONESS comes forward with a cry of "Clara!" CLARA bursts into
+tears and throws herself into her arms. Curtain.)
+
+
+
+
+ACT I
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+(SCENE.--A large hall in Gran's factory. The walls are bare. On the
+left, about half-way forward, is a small platform. A meeting of the
+shareholders of a railway company is in progress. Facing the platform
+are seated the gentry; the common herd, mainly farmers and work-people,
+are sitting and standing about wherever they can find room. On the
+right, large windows are standing open; through these another crowd
+can be seen, listening from outside. GRAN is standing in front of the
+platform, speaking to the meeting.)
+
+Gran. And, as it was found impossible for the main line of the railway
+to touch our town, we determined, rather than allow all our exertions
+to be wasted, to construct a branch line on our own account. I had
+the honour to be elected chairman of the board of directors of this
+undertaking. No directors ever had more unrestricted powers than were
+given to us--possibly because there were no two opinions as to the route
+the line should take the natural formation of the ground indicated
+it unmistakably. It was only when we approached the question of the
+purchase of our rolling-stock that any dissension arose--not among the
+directors, but among the shareholders. As the majority of the latter
+are farmers and work-people, we had decided on buying only one class of
+railway carriage of a type slightly more comfortable than the ordinary
+third-class carriage. That is the extent of our misdeeds! To-day's
+meeting will probably show what the general sense on the matter is. Our
+powers being unlimited, we were under no obligation to consult any one
+in the matter; but, notwithstanding that, we decided to call a meeting
+of the shareholders and submit the question to them. And, on the
+directors' behalf, I must thank the shareholders for having attended in
+such numbers; young and old, men and women, I dare say quite a third
+of the total number of shareholders are present. The meeting will now
+proceed to elect a chairman. (Sits down.)
+
+The Mayor (after a pause). I beg to move that Mr. Koll, our chief
+magistrate, whom it is a great pleasure to see honouring this meeting
+with his presence, have the further kindness to take the chair.
+
+Gran. The motion before the meeting is that the Chief Magistrate shall
+take the chair. Shall I assume it to be carried? (Silence follows.)
+
+The Mayor. Yes. (Laughter.)
+
+Gran. The meeting should preferably elect some one who may be considered
+to be unaffected by considerations of party.
+
+Alstad (half rising, with his glasses in his hand). Then we shall have
+to send for some one that does not live in these parts! There is no one
+of that sort left here! (Sits down, amidst laughter.)
+
+The Priest. All authority springs from on high. Obedience to those set
+in authority over us is obedience to the Almighty. But it is against
+this very obedience that people are rebelling nowadays.
+
+Gran. It is precisely some one to be in authority over us that we want
+to elect. At present we have no one.
+
+The Priest. No, that's just it. Every meeting nowadays seems to claim
+authority on its own account. Let rather show our respect to actual
+authority--such respect as we would show to our fathers. (Sits down.)
+
+Gran. Then, as far as I can grasp the situation, the Chief Magistrate
+has been proposed and seconded?
+
+The Priest. Yes.
+
+Gran. Does any one wish to propose any one else? (Silence.)
+
+Alstad. May I request the Chief Magistrate to take the chair?
+
+Koll (getting up). I don't know that it is any great compliment to be
+elected in this way; but I will take the chair, for the sole reason of
+enabling the meeting to proceed to business. (Takes his place on the
+platform, and raps on the table with a mallet.) I declare the meeting
+open.
+
+Gran (getting up). Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+
+Gran. The motion proposed by the directors is this: "That only one class
+of railway carriage shall be purchased, slightly more comfortable than
+the ordinary third-class carriage." (Gives the motion in writing to the
+chairman, and sits down.)
+
+Koll. The following is the motion submitted to meeting. (Reads it out.)
+Who wishes to speak on the motion? (Silence.) Come, some one must
+speak on it--or I shall have to put it to the vote forthwith. (Silence,
+followed by laughter here and there.)
+
+The Priest. Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. The Priest will address the meeting.
+
+The Priest. I see, in this assembly, a number of young men, even a
+number of maidens; and I feel bound to ask whether young men, and even
+maidens, are to be allowed to take part in these proceedings?
+
+Koll. Any shareholder that is of age has the right to.
+
+The Priest. But St. Paul expressly tells us that women are not to speak
+in public places.
+
+Koll. Well, they can hold their tongues, then. (Laughter.)
+
+The Priest. But even the fact of voting at a railway meeting does not
+seem to me to be in accordance with the humility and modesty that both
+Nature and the Scriptures indicate as characteristic of woman. I believe
+it to be the first step on a wrong road. The apostle says--
+
+Koll. We must leave them to decide the matter for themselves. Does any
+one wish to--?
+
+The Priest (interrupting him). Mr. Chairman, if you will not permit me
+to quote the apostle, allow me at all events to say that the spectacle
+of a young man voting against his father, or a woman voting against her
+husband--
+
+Koll. Will you tell me who could prohibit it? Does any one wish to
+speak--?
+
+The Priest (interrupting). The Scriptures prohibit it, Mr.
+Chairman!--the Scriptures, which we are all bound to obey, even--
+
+Gran (getting up and interrupting him). Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+
+Gran. I only want to ask whether--
+
+The Priest. But _I_ was addressing the meeting!
+
+Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+
+The Priest. I protest against that ruling!
+
+Alstad (half rising). Our worthy Priest must obey authority. (Sits down
+amidst laughter.)
+
+The Priest. Not when it does an injustice! I appeal to the meeting!
+
+Koll. Very good!--Will those in favour of the Priest addressing the
+meeting kindly stand up? (No one gets up; and those who were previously
+standing bob down. Laughter.) Carried unanimously, that the Priest do
+not address the meeting. (The PRIEST sits down.) Mr. Gran will address
+the meeting.
+
+Gran (getting up). I withdraw from my right! (Renewed laughter.)
+
+The Mayor (getting up). Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. The Mayor will address the meeting.
+
+The Mayor. I am one of many to whom this proposal of the directors seems
+extraordinary, to say the least of it. Do they propose that the ladies
+of my family--I will leave myself out of the question, for as a public
+man I have to rub shoulders with all sorts of people--do they propose,
+I say, that ladies who have been delicately brought up shall travel with
+any Tom, Dick and Harry?--perhaps with convicts being conveyed to gaol,
+or with journeymen labourers? Is his honour the Chief Magistrate, who is
+a Commander of a noble Order of Knighthood, to travel side by side
+with a drunken navvy? Supposing the King were to pay a visit to this
+beautiful district, which has acquired such a reputation since so many
+of the best people from town have taken villas here; is his Majesty to
+make the journey in one of these third-class carriages, with the chance
+of travelling in company with tradesman stinking of stale cheese?--with
+folk who, moreover--well, perhaps in common decency I ought not to
+go on, as ladies are present. (Laughter.) "Economy," I hear some one
+suggest. That word is in great favour nowadays. But I should like to
+know what economy there is getting your clothes soiled? (Laughter.) Does
+a first-class carriage wear out sooner than a third class? It costs
+more to build, no doubt, but that is soon made up by the higher fares
+charged. I can discover no reasonable ground for this proposal, look at
+it how you will from the commercial point of view. One has to look
+at the _political_ aspect of the matter, to understand it; and I am
+reluctant to drag in politics. I will only say, in conclusion, that it
+must be those who have framed this proposal that expect to derive some
+profit from it; the railway certainly would derive none. (Sits down.)
+
+Koll. That last remark was a little like an accusation--
+
+The Mayor (getting up). I only alluded to what is in every one's mind.
+(Sits down.)
+
+Koll. A speaker is not in order in making accusations, even though they
+be assumed to be in every one's mind.--I see that Mr. Alstad wishes to
+speak.
+
+Alstad. Human nature is frail. That seems to me a sufficient explanation
+of how such a proposal came to be laid before us. But honestly--for we
+all ought to be honest!--it seems to me that any material advantage
+it might bring would be more than counterbalanced by loss of esteem.
+(Uproar.) There has been quite a different spirit in the place of late
+years--what with the factories, and the stranger workmen, and the summer
+visitors. We never used to have so much unrest or to hear so much of
+this talk about "equality." And now, if we are to give the impression
+that there is only one social class here--and that a third class--I
+know that I shall be by no means alone in feeling offended. We certainly
+don't want to sit on our work-people's laps; and, equally, we don't want
+to have them sitting on ours. (Sits down.)
+
+Gran. Our friend the Mayor is very fond of talking of his loyalty; but I
+must say I am surprised at his dragging the King even into this matter.
+As for the matter of the railway carriage in which one of so high degree
+would travel here--well, if our carriages are not good enough, surely
+his Majesty's private saloon can be used on our line as well as on
+the main line. And as for any of us ordinary mortals who are afraid of
+mixing with the common herd, surely they can sit together in carriages
+by themselves. The carriages would be separate; they would only be of
+the same kind. I think there would be little fear of their being exposed
+to intrusion on the part of our country-folk. _They_ are much more apt
+to be more timidly shy than is even desirable. On all small lines--even
+on many of the bigger ones--it is the less luxurious carriages, the
+second and third class, that for the cost of the more luxurious ones;
+it is the third class that pays for the first. But that some passengers
+should travel comfortably at the expense of those who travel less
+comfortably, is what we wish to avoid. (Applause.) An old resident of
+the yeoman class has reproached us with wishing to alter our customs.
+Well, if one of our old customs is the aristocratic one which makes the
+gulf that separates masters and men wider than it already is, all I can
+say is that the sooner it is abolished the better; for it is not a good
+custom; it is even a dangerous one. (Murmurs.) And as for the political
+aspect of the question--
+
+Koll. Don't you think we should leave politics out of the question?
+
+Gran (bows, with a laugh). That is just what I was going to say, Mr.
+Chairman; that we ought to leave politics out out of the question. (Sits
+down, amidst laughter applause. The audience, first the younger men and
+then the older farmers, begin arguing the matter with one another, more
+and more loudly.)
+
+Koll. I must beg the meeting to keep quiet, as long as this business is
+under discussion. The Mayor wishes to speak.
+
+The Mayor. I admit that I am loyal--
+
+Koll. Those people outside must be quiet!
+
+Alstad (going to the window). You must keep quiet!
+
+The Mayor. I admit I am loyal! I count it a point of honour, as a native
+of the place, to show his Majesty that our first thought when we planned
+this railway was, at that important moment, that his Majesty might
+possibly be pleased to manifest a desire to pay us a visit. "Let him use
+his own private saloon," we are told! No, Mr. Chairman, that is not the
+way to speak when we are speaking of his Majesty! And what about his
+Majesty's suite? Are they to travel third class? What I say is that we
+are casting a slight on his Majesty if we cast a slight on his railway
+carriage--I should say, on his suite. And I go farther than that. I say
+that his Majesty's functionaries are his Majesty's representatives, and
+that it is casting an additional slight upon his Majesty not to show
+a proper respect for them. I know that this jars upon the ears of many
+present; they do not consider that a man who holds a public office
+should be shown any more respect than any one else. The majority rules,
+and the majority only thinks of its own interests and those of its
+servile supporters. But even in this community of ours there is a
+minority that bears the burden of its affairs and represents its honour;
+and we will never consent to be dragged down into the mire of this
+"equality" into which you want to plunge each and every one of us!
+(Uproar.)
+
+Koll. The honourable speaker appears to me to be trenching upon
+politics--
+
+The Mayor. Possibly I am, Mr. Chairman; but what honest man can shirk
+the truth? Only compare the present state of things in this community
+with what was the case when everything here was as it should be; when
+the King and his officials were respected; when public affairs were in
+the hands of those who knew how to direct them; when we used to have
+singing competitions, shooting competitions, and other festal meetings
+of that kind. And--yes--well--compare, I say, the conditions in those
+days with our conditions to-day--that is to say, with all this talk of
+"the people;" as, for instance--
+
+Koll. It is railway carriages that we are discussing.
+
+The Mayor. Quite so! But what is it that is at the bottom of this
+proposal, Mr. Chairman? Does it not spring from that passion for
+destruction, for a universal levelling which aims at abolishing the
+monarchy, at destroying authority--
+
+The Priest. And the Church too, my friend!
+
+The Mayor.--and the Church, it is quite true! Yes, it is because they
+desire the Church and--
+
+Koll. It is railway carriages that we are discussing.
+
+The Mayor. Exactly. But an old public official like myself, who once was
+held in respect, when he sees the pillars of society tottering and feels
+the keenest pang of sorrow at--
+
+Koll. For the last time, it is railway carriages that we are discussing!
+
+The Mayor (overcome by his feelings). I have no more say. (Sits down.)
+
+Koll. Mr. Alstad wishes to speak.
+
+Alstad (getting up). The question before the meeting is itself a small
+matter; but it is the consequences of it that I fear. We may expect any
+proposal of the same kidney now. Never let it be said that our community
+was eager to range itself under this banner of "equality!" It bears too
+old and honoured a name for that! But there is one thing I want to say.
+We have always, before this, felt it an honour and a privilege to have
+the richest man in these parts living amongst us. But when we see him
+one of the most eager in support of a "popular" proposal of this sort,
+then it appears, to me at all events, to be absolutely unaccountable
+how--oh, well, I won't run the risk making what our chairman calls
+"accusations"; I will sit down and hold my tongue. I have the right to
+do that at all events. (Sits down.)
+
+Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+
+Flink. Three cheers for Mr. Gran! (Almost the whole meeting cheers
+lustily. KOLL shouts at them and hammers on the table with his mallet in
+vain.)
+
+Koll (when peace is restored). I must ask the meeting to show some
+respect for its chairman. If not, I will leave the chair.--Mr. Gran will
+address the meeting.
+
+Gran. The plan that we are proposing is no new one. It has been in
+practice for a long time. In America--
+
+The Priest, Alstad, and others. Yes, in America!
+
+The Mayor (getting up). Mr. Chairman, are we to have politics, after
+all?
+
+Koll. I cannot see that to mention America is to talk politics.
+
+The Mayor. Then what is politics, if America isn't?
+
+Koll. To talk politics is--for instance--to use the arguments your
+worship did. Mr. Gran will proceed.
+
+Gran. I see that the Priest wishes to speak. I shall be happy to give
+way.
+
+Koll. The Priest will address the meeting.
+
+The Priest. I see here, in this assembly, a number of those whom I am
+accustomed to address in more solemn surroundings. My dear
+parishioners, it was for your sake that I came here. You have heard
+for yourselves--the whole question is a political one; and, dear fellow
+Christians, let me entreat you to shun politics! Did not our Lord
+Himself say: "My kingdom is not of this world"? This freedom, this
+equality, of which they talk is not the soul's freedom, not that
+equality which--
+
+Koll. I would suggest to the reverend speaker that he should postpone
+his remarks until the next time he gets into the pulpit. (Slight
+laughter.)
+
+The Priest. One should be instant in season and out of season;
+therefore--
+
+Koll. I forbid you to continue.
+
+The Priest. It is written: "Thou shalt obey God rather than man"! My
+dear parishioners, let us all leave this meeting! Who will follow his
+priest? (Takes a few steps towards the door, but no one follows him.
+Laughter. He sighs deeply, and sits down again.)
+
+Koll. If no one else wishes to speak--
+
+Vinäger. Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. Mr. Vinäger wishes to speak.
+
+Vinäger. These proceedings remind me of China, and of the Chinese
+mandarins who will not allow any one of lesser degree to come near
+them--although at moments I have felt as if I were still in Europe
+in the presence of a still greater power, greater even than the Grand
+Turk--I mean this democratic envy which grudges others what it has
+not got itself. To reconcile both parties I should like to make the
+following suggestion. Build the carriages, as is often done, in two
+stories. Then those who wish to ensure their privacy can do so by
+sitting upstairs; and the others will be satisfied too, because they
+will all be in the same carriage after all. (Loud laughter.)
+
+Koll. If no one else wishes to speak (looks at GRAN, who shakes his
+head) I shall proceed to put the question to the vote. The motion
+submitted by the directors, which is now before the meeting, is as
+follows--
+
+The Mayor. Excuse me, but what of my motion wit h regard to a saloon for
+his Majesty?
+
+Koll. I did not understand your worship to mean your suggestion as a
+formal motion.
+
+The Mayor. I did, though.
+
+Koll. Then I will put it to the vote after the director, motion has been
+voted upon.
+
+The Mayor. A motion that concerns the King should take precedence of all
+others.
+
+Koll. Even the King is subject to the rules of logic. The directors'
+motion is: "That only one class of railway carriage shall be purchased,
+of a type slightly more comfortable than the ordinary third-class
+carriage." Will those in favour of the motion kindly go to the left--on
+this side of the room; those against the motion, to the right. (Nearly
+all go to the left. Cheers are heard outside, and are gradually taken
+up by those inside. KOLL hammers with his mallet.) Order, please! (The
+cheering ceases, but an animated conversation goes on.) The directors'
+motion is carried!
+
+The Mayor (shouting). I am sure every one did not understand the method
+of voting!
+
+Koll (hammering with his mallet). Order, order. (Quiet is gradually
+restored.) What did your worship say?
+
+The Mayor. That some people must have misunderstood the way of voting;
+because I see my daughter Natalie, who is a shareholder too, on the
+other side of the room. Of course she has made a mistake.
+
+Natalie. Oh no, father, I haven't. (Loud laughter, and applause.)
+
+The Priest. Ah, my poor deluded parishioners, I shall pray for you!
+
+The Mayor. Order!--The Mayor's motion--
+
+Alstad. I would suggest that the Mayor should withdraw it. We know what
+its fate would be in such a meeting as this.
+
+Koll. As long as I occupy the chair, I shall not permit any derogatory
+expressions to be applied to the meeting. Does the Mayor still insist on
+his motion being put? (Whispers to him: "Say no!")
+
+The Mayor. No.
+
+Koll. Then, as no one else wishes to speak, I declare the meeting at an
+end. (Every one begins to move about and discuss affairs vigorously.)
+
+Alstad (to his son VILHELM). So you have the face to vote with
+these--these Americans, against your old father, have you?
+
+Vilhelm. Well, father, I honestly think--
+
+Alstad. Just you wait till I get you home!
+
+Vilhelm. Oh, that's it, is it? Then I shan't go home--so there! I shall
+stay here and get drunk, I shall.
+
+Alstad. Oh, come, come!
+
+Vilhelm. Yes, I shall! I shall stay here and get drunk!
+
+Alstad. But, Vilhelm, listen to me! (Takes him by the arm. Meantime a
+STRANGER has taken KOLL and GRAN by the arm, to their manifest surprise,
+and brought the forward away from the crowd. He stands for a moment,
+looking them in the face, till suddenly KOLL gives a start and cries
+out: "The King!")
+
+The King. Hush!
+
+Gran. It really is--!
+
+The King (to GRAN). You are at home here; take up into a room--and give
+us some champagne. My throat is as dry as a lime-kiln!
+
+Curtain
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+(SCENE.--A room built in Gothic style, comfortably furnished and
+decorated with trophies of the chase. GRAN ushers in the KING and KOLL.)
+
+Gran. We can be quite alone here. (ANNA, a deaf and dumb girl of about
+fifteen, brings in some bottles of champagne, and, during the following
+dialogue, sets out glasses, refreshments, cigars, and pipes. She is
+quick and attentive to render the slightest service required of her;
+when not employed, she sits on a stool in the background. She talks to
+GRAN on her fingers, and receives orders from him in the same manner.)
+
+The King. Ah, this is like old times! I know the setting: "Gothic room
+in mediaeval style, decorated with trophies of the chase. Furnished with
+an eye to bachelor comfort!" You always had bachelor habits, you know,
+even when you were quite a boy. (To KOLL.) We never called him anything
+but "the Bachelor" on board ship. He never had a love affair in all the
+three years our cruise lasted; but the rest of us had them in every port
+we touched at!
+
+Koll. He is just the same in that respect now.
+
+Gran (offering the KING some champagne). Allow me!
+
+The King. Thanks; I shall be glad of it. (To KOLL.) Your health, my
+former tutor! (To GRAN.) And yours! (They drink.) Ah, that has done me
+good!--Well now, let me ask you this: isn't it true that, all through
+the meeting, you were talking nothing but republicanism, although you
+didn't actually mention the word?
+
+Koll (laughing). You are not far wrong.
+
+The King. And you, who in the old days were considered to be too
+advanced in your opinions to be retained as my tutor, are now not
+considered advanced enough! They nearly--threw you over, didn't they?
+
+Koll. Yes! That shows you, if I may say so, the result of government by
+a minority.
+
+The King. And the result of mixing with such people as our excellent
+friend the millionaire here, I suppose?
+
+Gran. It is always a mistake to lay the blame of public opinion on
+individuals.
+
+The King. I quite agree with you. And now it is time you knew the reason
+of my coming here--in the strictest incognito, as you see. By the way, I
+hope no one recognised me?
+
+Gran and Koll. Not a soul!
+
+(FLINK comes in.)
+
+Flink. Ah, here you are! (Comes forward, rubbing his hands delightedly.)
+Well, what did you think of the meeting, my boys?
+
+The King (aside to GRAN). Who is that?
+
+Gran (to the KING). We will get rid of him. (To FLINK.) Look here, old
+chap--!
+
+Flink (catching sight of the KING). Oh, I beg your pardon, I thought we
+were--
+
+Gran (obliged to introduce him). Let me introduce Mr.--? Mr.--? (Looks
+at the KING inquiringly.)
+
+The King. Speranza.
+
+Flink. An Italian?
+
+The King. In name only.
+
+Gran (completing the introduction). Mr. Flink.
+
+The King. Surely not A. B. Flink?
+
+Gran. Yes.
+
+The King (interested). Our peripatetic philosopher? (Shakes hands with
+him.) I have read one or two of your books.
+
+Flink (laughing). Really?
+
+The King. Are you meditating another expedition?
+
+Flink. That's it.
+
+The King. And on foot?
+
+Flink. Always on foot.
+
+The King. Upon my word, I don't believe there is a man in the country
+that can gauge popular opinion as accurately as you! Let us sit down and
+have a chat. Do you drink champagne?
+
+Flink. Yes--when I can't get anything better!
+
+The King (lifting his glass to FLINK). Your health, (They all drink, and
+then seat themselves.) What part the country were you in last?
+
+Flink. I have just been shooting with our friend here.
+
+The King. So he is your friend? He is mine, too! My best friend, ever
+since I was a boy. (He stretches out his hand; GRAN gets up and grasps
+it in both of his.)
+
+Koll (to FLINK, who is looking astonished). Mr. Speranza was a naval
+cadet at the same time as Gran.
+
+Flink. Really! Were they on the same ship?
+
+The King. Yes, we were on a cruise round the world together--
+
+Flink. Do you mean the time when the Prince went on account of his
+lungs?--the present King, I mean?
+
+The King. The Prince that afterwards became King--yes.
+
+Flink. There is quite a royal flavour about our little gathering, then!
+Here is the King's shipmate, and here is his tutor in jurisprudence--
+
+Koll. You are forgetting yourself! You are the King's tutor's tutor, you
+know--
+
+The King. Were you Koll's tutor? Really?
+
+Flink (with a laugh). Yes, I had that misfortune!
+
+The King. You hadn't so great a misfortune in your pupil as he had in
+his!
+
+Koll. The King was a very apt pupil.
+
+Flink (jestingly). He has shown traces of it in his reign, hasn't he!
+
+Koll. Don't speak ill of the King, please.
+
+Flink (ironically). Heaven forbid! (Takes a pinch of snuff.) I know
+all about his talent--his great talent, his genial talent! (Offers his
+snuff-box to the KING.)
+
+Gran. But it was public opinion we were talking about, Flink; is it very
+much like what we heard to-day?
+
+Flink. I wouldn't say that; your opinions are rather advanced in these
+parts.
+
+The King. Is the tendency republican, rather than monarchical?
+
+Flink. That depends how you look at it. The King has just been paying
+some visits in the country districts; he is, so to speak, the commercial
+traveller for his firm--as all kings and crown princes are. Of course he
+was cheered everywhere. But go and ask the agricultural classes if
+they set great store by the pomp and circumstance of royalty; they will
+unanimously answer: "It costs an infernal lot to keep up!" Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Gran. Your farmer is a realist.
+
+Flink. A brutal realist! Ha, ha, ha! Self-government is cheaper. He has
+it all at his fingers' ends, the scoundrel!
+
+The King. He is not a republican by conviction, then
+
+Flink. Not universally, no. At least, not _yet_. But things are moving
+that way; and our reactionary government is helping the movement--that,
+and the letter they get from America.
+
+The King. The letters they get from America?
+
+Koll. Letters from their relations in America.
+
+Gran. There is scarcely a family in the country now that has not
+relations in America.
+
+The King. And they write home about self-government?--about republican
+principles?
+
+Flink. And republican institutions. That is the situation!
+
+The King. Have you read any of these letters?
+
+Flink. Lots!
+
+The King. This is excellent champagne! (Drinks.)
+
+Gran. Let me fill your glasses. (They all drink.)
+
+Flink. It doesn't really agree with me.
+
+The King. But suppose the King were to establish democratic government?
+Suppose he were to live like an ordinary citizen in every way?
+
+Flink. In every way? What do you mean by that?
+
+The King. Kept house like an ordinary citizen--were married like an
+ordinary citizen--were to be found in his office at regular hours like
+any other official?
+
+Gran. And had no court, I suppose?
+
+The King. No. (KOLL and GRAN exchange glances.)
+
+Flink (shrugging his shoulders). It would be the last sensation left for
+him to try.
+
+The King (who did not observe his shrug, eagerly). That is so, isn't it?
+You agree with me as to that? I am delighted to have had this talk with
+you, Mr. Flink.
+
+Flink. The same to you, Mr.--Mr.--. (In an undertone, to KOLL.) Is he a
+republican?
+
+The King (who has overheard him). Am I a republican? I have had too
+much experience not to be! Ha, ha! (Takes up his glass.) Devilish good
+champagne, this!
+
+Flink (drinking). But, you know, Mr.--Mr. Republican--ha, ha!--(smiles
+and whispers)--the King simply would not be allowed to do what you
+suggest. Ha, ha!
+
+The King. What do you mean?
+
+Gran (aside to KOLL, who gets up). Are you sure this is right?
+
+Koll. It will do him good, anyway, to hear all sides.
+
+Flink (who has got up and gone to the table on the other side to get a
+pipe). He simply would not be allowed to, poor chap! What is monarchy,
+I ask you? Nothing more or less than an insurance business in which
+a whole crew of priests, officials, noblemen, landed proprietors,
+merchants and military men hold shares? And, goodness knows, _they_ are
+not going to give their director leave to commit any such folly! Ha, ha,
+ha!
+
+The King (getting up). Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Flink (vociferously, to him). Don't you think that is true?
+
+The King. Good Lord!--perfectly true! Ha, ha ha!
+
+Flink (who has cleaned and filled a pipe, but forgotten to light it,
+going up to the KING). And what do they insure themselves again,
+these beauties? (More seriously.) Against the great mass of the
+people--against _his_ people! (The KING looks at him and makes a
+movement of dislike.)
+
+Gran. Look here, Flink; suppose we go out into the garden for a little?
+These spring evenings are so lovely.
+
+Flink. Compared to a political talk, the loveliest spring evenings have
+no attraction for me--no more than warm water, offered me in place of
+fine cooling wine, would have. No, let us stay where we are. What is the
+matter with this pipe? (ANNA signs that she will put it right for him,
+but he does not understand.)
+
+Gran. Give her your pipe; she will put it right.
+
+Koll. What I have always said is that, if the King had an opportunity of
+understanding the situation, he would interfere.
+
+Flink. The King? He doesn't care a brass farthing about the whole
+matter! He has something else to do! Ha, ha!
+
+The King. Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Koll. The King is an unusually gifted man; he would not remain
+indifferent in the long run.
+
+Flink. He has so many unusual gifts that have gone to the devil--!
+
+The King. Tralalla! Tralalalalala! Tralala! It feels quite odd to be
+with you fellows again! (Drinks.)
+
+Flink (in an undertone, to GRAN). Is he drunk?
+
+The King (sitting down). Give me a cigar--! And let us discuss the
+matter a little more seriously. (KOLL and GRAN sit down.)
+
+Gran. As a matter of fact, it is not a thing that can be discussed.
+It must be tried. If, one day, the King were to say: "I mean to live
+a natural life among my people, and to withdraw my name from the
+old-established royal firm, which has lost all its reputation for
+honesty"--that day everything else would follow of itself.
+
+Flink. Yes, that day, I dare say!
+
+Gran. Remember you are the guest of a man who is a friend of the King's!
+
+The King. Don't play the domestic despot--you who are a republican! Let
+us have free discussion!
+
+Flink. I certainly don't intend to insult the King. He has never done me
+any harm. But surely you will allow me to doubt whether he is really the
+shining light you make him out to be?
+
+The King. That is true enough!
+
+Flink (eagerly). You agree with me as to that, then?
+
+The King. Absolutely! But--leaving him out of the question--suppose we
+_had_ a king who made himself independent of others, and, as a necessary
+consequence, rose superior to questions of party--?
+
+Flink (interrupting him). It is a vain supposition, my dear fellow! A
+king bound to no party? (Puffs at his pipe.) It wouldn't work!
+(Puffs again.) It wouldn't work!--It wouldn't work!--Falsehood is the
+foundation of constitutional monarchy. A king superior to questions of
+party? Rubbish!
+
+Gran. It would be expecting something superhuman of him, too.
+
+Flink. Of course it would!
+
+The King. But the president of a republic is even less independent of
+party, isn't he?
+
+Flink (turning to hint). He doesn't make any pretence that he isn't.
+Haha! That's the difference! (Comes forward, repeating to himself.) It
+is the falsehood that makes the difference.
+
+Koll. Oh, there are falsehoods enough in republics too, unfortunately!
+
+Flink. I know; but they are not old-established institutions! Ha, ha!
+
+The King. That is an idea you have got from Professor Ernst's writings.
+
+Flink (eagerly). Have you read them?
+
+The King. I have scarcely read anything else for the last few months.
+(KOLL and GRAN exchange glances.)
+
+Flink. Indeed?--Then there is no need for me to say anything more.
+
+Koll. But, after all this talk, we have got no further. Our friend
+(pointing to the KING) wants to know, I think, whether a real, serious
+attempt at what one might call "democratic monarchy" could not reckon on
+being understood and supported--
+
+The King (breaking in, eagerly). Yes, that's just it!
+
+Koll.--understood and supported by the most enlightened section of the
+people, who are weary of falsehood and long for a generous but secure
+measure of self-government.
+
+The King. That's just it!
+
+Flink (who was just going to sit down, jumps up again, lays down
+his pipe and stands with arms akimbo, as he says:) But what sort of
+ridiculous ideas are these? Aren't you republicans, then?
+
+Koll. I am not.
+
+Gran. I am; but that does not prevent my being of opinion that the
+change of government should be made gradually and gently--
+
+Flink. That would be treason!
+
+Gran. Treason!
+
+Flink. Treason against the truth--against our convictions!
+
+Koll. Don't let us use big words! Monarchy is strongly rooted in the
+existing order of things.
+
+Flink (with a laugh). In the insurance company!
+
+Koll. Well, call it so if you like. It _exists_; that is the point. And,
+since it exists, we must make it as honest and as serviceable as we can.
+
+The King. Your health, Koll! (Drinks to him.)
+
+Flink (moving away from them). No true republican would agree with you.
+
+Gran. You are wrong there. (FLINK gives a start of surprise.)
+
+The King (who has seen FLINK's surprise, gets up). Listen to me! Suppose
+we had a king who said: "Either you help me to establish a democratic
+monarchy--purged of all traces of absolutism, purged of falsehood--or
+else I abdicate--"
+
+Flink. Bah!
+
+The King. I only say, "suppose"! You know quite well that the cousin of
+the present king, the heir apparent, is a bigoted--
+
+Koll (who has been exchanging glances with GRAN while the KING was
+speaking, breaks in hurriedly). Don't go on!
+
+The King (with a laugh). I won't!--And his mother, who rules him--
+
+Flink.--is even worse!
+
+The King. What would be your choice, then? Would you help the king to
+establish a democratic monarchy or--?
+
+Flink (impetuously). I would ten thousand times rather have the bigoted
+prince, with all his own and his mother's follies!--the madder the
+better!
+
+Gran. No, no, no, no!
+
+The King (to GRAN and KOLL). We see his true colours now! (Moves away
+from them.)
+
+Koll (to FLINK). That is the way you republicans always ride your
+principles to death.
+
+Gran. Patriotism ought to come before--
+
+Flink.--before truth? No; a short sharp pang of agony is better than
+endless doubt and falsehood, my friend! That is true patriotism.
+
+Koll. Oh, these theories!--these phrases!
+
+Gran. I am a republican as well as you, and, I think, as sincere a one.
+But I should have no hesitation--
+
+Flink.--in playing the traitor?
+
+Gran. Why do you use such words as that?
+
+Flink. Words! Do you think it is nothing but words? No, my friend, if
+you did what--what I did not allow you to say--I should come here one
+day to call you to account. And if you refused to fight me, I should
+shoot you like a dog!
+
+Gran (gently). You would not do that.
+
+Flink (heatedly). Not do it?--Have I given you the deepest affection of
+which my heart is capable, only for you to turn traitor to it? Am I
+to see the man whose character is the crowning achievement of my life,
+betraying our cause--and, by reason of his great personal
+prestige, dragging thousands down with him? On the head of all the
+disillusionments I have suffered, am I to have this one in the evening
+of my life--? (Stops, overcome by his emotion. A pause.) You shouldn't
+jest about such things you know. (Walks away. ANNA has placed herself in
+front of GRAN, as if to protect him.)
+
+Koll. I think we had better change the subject, and go out for a little!
+
+The King (aside, to him). Yes, get him away!
+
+Flink (in the background, as if he were addressing an invisible
+audience). We must have discipline in the ranks!
+
+Koll. Gran, ask your maid to hurry up with the supper.
+
+Gran. Yes, I will.
+
+Koll (to the KING). What do you say to a turn in the garden, meanwhile?
+
+The King. By all means!
+
+Flink (coming forward to GRAN). This friendship of yours with the
+King--to which I had attached no particular importance--I hope it has
+not altogether--(Stops short.)
+
+Gran.--not altogether corrupted me, you mean?
+
+Flink. Exactly.
+
+The King (laughing). Politically?
+
+Flink. Politics are not unconnected with morals, sir!
+
+The King. But why get so heated, sir? We know that the present King is
+a--
+
+Koll (breaking in hurriedly). Don't say any more!
+
+The King (with a laugh). You said yourself that he doesn't care a brass
+farthing about the whole matter--he has something else to do! And so the
+whole thing ends in smoke!
+
+Flink (more amiably). I dare say you are right.
+
+The King. Of course I am. You are all agreed that, under his rule,
+republican sentiments are growing in real earnest.
+
+Flink. You are right! He couldn't help things on better if he were a
+republican himself, I assure you!
+
+The King. Perhaps he _is_ a republican?
+
+Flink (animatedly). Perhaps he _is_! Splendid! And works against his own
+interests--!
+
+The King. A sort of commercial traveller working for the downfall of his
+own firm!
+
+Flink (excitedly). For the downfall of his own firm! Splendid! Props
+up his reactionary rule by means of royal pronouncements, confidential
+communications, public speeches--
+
+The King.--in a suicidal manner!
+
+Flink. Splendidly suicidal! Ah, that makes you laugh, does it?
+
+Koll. Hush, some one might hear us!
+
+Flink. I don't care who hears us! (The KING bursts out laughing.) But
+you ought, as one of the King's officials, to stop _his_ laughing!
+(Points to the KING.) It's shocking!--It's high treason!
+
+Koll. Listen to me!
+
+Flink. You ought to arrest him for laughing like that! Suppose the
+King--
+
+Gran. That _is_ the King! (The KING goes on laughing. FLINK looks from
+him to the others, and from the others to him.)
+
+The King. This is too much for me! (Sits down. FLINK rushes out.)
+
+Koll. That was very bad of you.
+
+The King. I know it was; but forgive me! I couldn't help it! Ha, ha, ha,
+ha, ha!
+
+Koll. For all his queer ways, he is too good a fellow to be made a fool
+of.
+
+The King. Yes, scold me; I deserve it. But, all the same--ha, ha, ha,
+ha!
+
+Gran. Hush!--he is coming back. (The KING gets up as FLINK comes in
+again.)
+
+Flink. Your Majesty may be assured that I would never have expressed
+myself as I did in your Majesty's presence if I had been fairly treated
+and told whom I was addressing.
+
+The King. I know. The fault is mine alone.
+
+Flink. The fault is that of others--my so-called friends.
+
+The King (earnestly). By no means! It is mine--mine alone. I have had a
+scolding for it!--And in your presence I ask my friends' pardon; I have
+put them in a false position. And, in the next place, I ask for your
+forgiveness. My sense of humour got the better of me. (Laughs again.)
+
+Flink. Yes, it was extremely amusing.
+
+The King. It really was! And, after all, what have you to complain of?
+You had an opportunity of speaking your mind, any way!
+
+Flink. I certainly did!
+
+The King. Very well, then!--And when you wanted to show any respect, _I_
+prevented you. So I think we are quits.
+
+Flink. No, we are not.
+
+The King (impatiently). Indeed?--What do you want from me, then?
+
+Flink (proudly). Nothing!
+
+The King. I beg your pardon! I did not mean to offend you.
+
+Flink. You have done so to a degree that you are naturally incapable of
+appreciating. (Goes out.)
+
+The King. This is a nice business! (Laughs. Then notices GRAN, who is
+standing at his desk with his back to the KING, and goes up to him.) You
+are angry with me.
+
+Gran (looking up slowly). Yes.
+
+The King. Why didn't you stop me?
+
+Gran. It all happened too quickly. But to think that you could have the
+heart to do it--in my own house--to a man who was my father's oldest
+friend, and is mine--!
+
+The King. Harald! (Puts his arm round his shoulders.) Have I ever asked
+you for anything that you have not given me?
+
+Gran. No.
+
+The King. Then I ask you now to admit that you know that, if I had
+thought this would hurt you, I would never have done it--not for worlds!
+Do you still believe as well of me as that?
+
+Gran. Yes.
+
+The King. Thank you. Then I will admit to you, in return, that for
+months past I have lived in a state of horrible tension of mind; and
+that is why I jump too easily from one extreme to the other. So, my
+friends, you must forgive me! Or finish my scolding some other time!
+Because now I must talk to you of the matter which induced me to come
+here. You are the only ones I can turn to; so be good to me!--Shall we
+sit down again?
+
+Koll. As you please.
+
+The King (moving towards the table). I know you both want to ask me the
+same question: why I have never come before now. My answer is: because
+I have only now arrived at a clear conception of my own position. Some
+months ago some hard words that were used to me lit a fire in my heart
+and burnt out a heap of rubbish that had collected there. (ANNA fills
+their glasses.) Won't you send that girl away?
+
+Gran. She is deaf and dumb.
+
+The King. Poor girl! (Sits down.) When I came back from my cruise round
+the world, the old king was dead. My father had come to the throne, and
+I was crown prince, and I went with my father to the cathedral to attend
+a thanksgiving service for my safe return.
+
+Gran. I was there.
+
+The King. The whole thing was a novelty to me, and a solemn one. I was
+overcome with emotion. Seeing that, my father whispered to me: "Come
+farther forward, my boy! The people must see their future king praying."
+That finished it! I was not born to be a king; my soul was still too
+unsullied, and I spurned such falsehood with the deepest loathing. Just
+think of it!--to come back from three years at sea, and begin my life in
+that way--as if perpetually in front of a mirror! I won't dwell on it.
+But when my father died and I became king, I had become so accustomed to
+the atmosphere of falsehood I lived in that I no longer recognised
+truth when I saw it. The constitution prescribed my religion for me--and
+naturally I had none. And it was the same with everything--one thing
+after another! What else could you expect? The only tutor I valued--you,
+Koll--had been dismissed; they considered you to be too freethinking.
+
+Koll (smilingly). Oh, yes!
+
+The King. The only real friend that dated from my happier days--you,
+Harald, had been sent to the right about; you were a republican. It was
+while I was in despair over that loss that I fell really in love for the
+first time--with your sister, Harald. Banishment, again. What then?
+Why, then the craving that every healthy youth feels--the desire for
+love--was turned into dissolute channels. (Drinks.)
+
+Gran. I understand, well enough.
+
+The King. Well, put all those things together. That was what my life
+was--until just lately. Because lately something happened, my dear
+friends. And now you must help me! Because, to make a long story short,
+either I mean to be the chief official in my country in a peaceful,
+citizenlike, genuine way, or--as God is above me--I will no longer be
+king! (Gets up, and the others do so.)
+
+Koll. Ah, we have got it at last!
+
+The King. Do you think I don't know that our republican friend there
+spoke what is every thoughtful man's verdict upon me? (They are silent.)
+But how could I possibly undertake my task, as long as I believed
+everything to be make-believe and falsehood, without exception? Now I
+know the root of the falsehood! It is in our institutions; he was quite
+right. And one kind of falsehood begets another. You cannot imagine how
+ludicrous it appeared to me--who up till then had led such a sinful,
+miserable existence--when I saw honourable men pretending that I was a
+being of some superior mould! I! (Walks up and down, then stops.) It is
+the state--our institutions--that demand this falsehood both on their
+part and on mine. And that for the security and happiness of the
+country! (Moves about restlessly.) From the time I became crown prince
+they kept from me everything that might have instilled truth into
+me--friendship, love, religion, a vocation--for my vocation is quite
+another one; and it was all done in the name of my country! And now
+that I am king, they take away all responsibility from me as well--all
+responsibility for my own acts--the system demands it! Instead of an
+individual, what sort of a contemptible creature do they make of me! The
+kingly power, too?--that is in the hands of the people's representatives
+and the government. I don't complain of that; but what I do complain of
+is that they should pretend that _I_ have it, and that everything should
+be done in _my_ name; that I should be the recipient of petitions,
+cheers, acclamations, obeisances--as if the whole power and
+responsibility were centred in _my_ person! In me--from whom, in the
+interests of all, they have taken away everything! Is that not a pitiful
+and ludicrous falsehood? And, to make it credible, they endow me into
+the bargain with a halo of sanctity! "The King is sacred;" "Our Most
+Gracious Sovereign," "Your Majesty!" It becomes almost blasphemous!
+
+Gran. Quite true.
+
+The King. No, if that cannot be done away with, I can do away with
+myself. But it must be possible to do away with it! It cannot be
+necessary for a people, who are marching on the eternal path towards
+truth, to have a lie marching at the head of them!
+
+Koll. No, it is not necessary.
+
+The King (eagerly). And that is what you will help me to show them.
+
+Koll. I have no objection! There is life in the country yet!
+
+The King (to Gran). And you, my friend? Are you afraid of being shot by
+a mad republican if you help me?
+
+Gran. I am not particularly afraid of death, any way. But the maid is
+telling us that supper is served.
+
+The King. Yes, let us have supper!
+
+Koll. And then, to our task!
+
+Curtain
+
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+(SCENE.--A park with old lofty trees. In the foreground, to the right,
+an arbour with a seat. The KING is sitting, talking to BANG, who is a
+man of gross corpulence.)
+
+Bang. And I felt so well in every way that, I assure your Majesty, I
+used to feel it a pleasure to be alive.
+
+The King (drawing patterns in the dust with his walking stick). I can
+quite believe it.
+
+Bang. And then I was attacked by this pain in my heart and this
+difficulty in breathing. I run round and round this park, on an empty
+stomach, till I am absolutely exhausted.
+
+The King (absently). Couldn't you drive round, then?
+
+Bang. Drive?--But it is the exercise, your Majesty, that--
+
+The King. Of course. I was thinking of something else.
+
+Bang. I would not mind betting that I know what your Majesty was
+thinking of--if I may say so without impertinence.
+
+The King. What was it, then?
+
+Bang. Your Majesty was thinking of the socialists!
+
+The King. Of the--?
+
+Bang. The socialists!
+
+The King (looking amused). Why particularly of them?
+
+Bang. I was right, you see! Ha, ha, ha! (His laughter brings on a
+violent fit of coughing.) Your Majesty must excuse me; laughing always
+brings on my cough.--But, you know, the papers this morning are full of
+their goings on!
+
+The King. I have not read the paper.
+
+Bang. Then I can assure your Majesty that the way they are going on is
+dreadful. And just when we were all getting on so comfortably! What in
+the world do they want?
+
+The King. Probably they want to get on comfortably too.
+
+Bang. Aren't they well off as it is, the beasts? Excuse me, your
+Majesty, for losing my temper in your Majesty's presence.
+
+The King. Don't mention it.
+
+Bang. You are very good. These strikes, too--what is the object of them?
+To make every one poor? Every one can't be rich. However, I pin my faith
+to a strong monarchy. Your Majesty is the padlock on my cash-box!
+
+The King. I am what?
+
+Bang. The padlock on my cash-box! A figure of speech I ventured to apply
+to your Majesty.
+
+The King. I am much obliged!
+
+Bang. Heaven help us if the liberals come into power; their aim is to
+weaken the monarchy.
+
+(A BEGGAR BOY comes up to them.)
+
+Beggar Boy. Please, kind gentlemen, spare a penny! I've had nothing to
+eat to-day!
+
+Bang (taking no notice of him). Aren't there whispers of the sort about?
+But of course it can't be true.
+
+Beggar Boy (pertinaciously). Please, kind gentlemen, spare a penny! I've
+had nothing to eat to-day.
+
+Bang. You have no right to beg.
+
+The King. You have only the right to starve, my boy! Here! (Gives him
+a gold coin. The BEGGAR Boy backs away from him, staring at him, and
+gripping the coin in his fist.)
+
+Bang. He never even thanked you! Probably the son of a socialist!--I
+would never have opened this park to every one in the way your Majesty
+has done.
+
+The King. It saves the work-people a quarter of am hour if they can go
+through it to get to their work.
+
+(The GENERAL appears, driving the BEGGAR BOY before him with his stick.)
+
+The General (to the BEGGAR). A gentleman sitting on a seat gave it you?
+Point him out to me, then!
+
+Bang (getting up). Good morning, your Majesty!
+
+The King. Good morning! (Looks at his watch.)
+
+The General. That gentleman, do you say?
+
+The King (looking up). What is it?
+
+The General. Your Majesty? Allow me to welcome you back!
+
+The King. Thank you.
+
+The General. Excuse me, sir; but I saw this fellow with a gold coin in
+his hand, and stopped him. He says your Majesty gave it to him--?
+
+The King. It is quite true.
+
+The General. Oh--of course that alters the case! (To the BEGGAR.) It is
+the King. Have you thanked him? (The boy stands still, staring at the
+KING.)
+
+The King. Are you taking a morning walk on an empty stomach because of a
+weak heart, too?
+
+The General. Because of my stomach, sir--because of my stomach! It has
+struck work!
+
+The Beggar Boy. Ha, ha, ha! Ho, ho, ho! (Runs away.)
+
+The General. I am astonished at your Majesty's having thrown this park
+open to every one.
+
+The King. It saves the work-people a quarter of an hour if they can
+go through it to get to their work.--Well, General, it seems you have
+become religious all of a sudden?
+
+The General. Ha, ha, ha! Your Majesty has read my Order of the Day,
+then?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+The General (confidentially). Well, sir, you see things couldn't go on
+any longer as they were. (Whispers.) Debauchery in the ranks! I won't
+say anything about the officers; but when the men take to such courses
+openly--!
+
+The King. Oho!
+
+The General. My brother the bishop and I, between us, composed an Order
+of the Day on the subject of the necessity of religion--religion as the
+basis of discipline.
+
+The King. As a matter of fact the bishop was the first person I met here
+to-day.--Is he suffering from a disordered stomach, too?
+
+The General. More so than any of us, Sir! Ha, ha, ha! (The KING motions
+to him to sit down.) Thank you, Sir.--But, apart from that, I have had
+it in my mind for some time that in these troublous days there ought to
+be a closer co-operation between the Army and the Church--
+
+The King. In the matter of digestion, do you mean?
+
+The General. Ha, ha, ha!--But seriously, Sir, the time is approaching
+when such a co-operation will be the only safeguard of the throne.
+
+The King. Indeed?
+
+The General (hurriedly). That is to say, of course, the throne stands
+firm by itself--God forbid I should hint otherwise! But what I mean is
+that it is the Army ants the Church that must supply the monarchy with
+the necessary splendour and authority--
+
+The King. I suppose, then, that the monarchy has no longer any of its
+own?
+
+The General (jumping up). Heaven forbid that I should say such a thing!
+I would give my life in support of the monarchy!
+
+The King. You will have to die some day, unfortunately (Laughs as he
+gets up.) Who is that coming this way?
+
+The General (putting up his eyeglass). That? It is the Princess and
+Countess L'Estoque, Sir.
+
+The King. Is the Princess suffering from indigestion too?
+
+The General (confidentially). I fancy your Majesty knows best what the
+Princess is suffering from. (The KING moves away from him.) I made a
+mess of that! It comes of my trying to be too clever.--He is walking
+towards her. Perhaps there is something in it, after all? I must tell
+Falbe about it. (Turns to go.) Confound it, he saw that I was watching
+them! (Goes out. The KING returns to the arbour with the PRINCESS on his
+arm. The COUNTESS and one of the royal servants are seen crossing the
+park in the background.)
+
+The Princess. This is a most surprising meeting! When did your Majesty
+return?
+
+The King. Last night.--You look very charming, Princess! Such blushing
+cheeks!--and so early in the morning!
+
+The Princess. I suppose you think it is rouge?--No, Sir, it is nothing
+but pleasure at meeting you.
+
+The King. Flatterer! And I went pale at the sight of you.
+
+The Princess. Perhaps your conscience--?
+
+The King. I am sorry to say my conscience had nothing to do with it. But
+this morning I have been meeting so many people that are suffering from
+indigestion that, when I saw your Highness walking quickly along--
+
+The Princess. Make your mind easy! My reason for my morning walk is to
+keep my fat down. Later in the day I ride--for the same reason. I live
+for nothing else now.
+
+The King. It is a sacred vocation!
+
+The Princess. Because it is a royal one?
+
+The King. Do you attribute your sanctity to me? Wicked Princess!
+
+The Princess. Both my sanctity and any good fortune I enjoy. It
+is nothing but my relationship to your Majesty that induces the
+tradespeople to give me unlimited credit.
+
+The King. You don't feel any awkwardness about it, then?
+
+The Princess. Not a bit! The good folk have to maintain many worse
+parasites than me!--By the way, talking of parasites, is it true that
+you have pensioned off all your lords-in-waiting and their hangers-on?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+The Princess. Ha, ha, ha! But why did you make the special stipulation
+that they should live in Switzerland?
+
+The King. Because there is no court in Switzerland, and--
+
+The Princess. And so they could not fall into temptation again! I have
+had many a good laugh at the thought of it. But it has its serious side
+too, you know; because your Majesty cannot dispense with a court.
+
+The King. Why not?
+
+The Princess. Well, suppose some day you are "joined in the bonds of
+holy matrimony," as the parsons so beautifully put it?
+
+The King. If I were, it would be for the sake of knowing what family
+life is.
+
+The Princess. Like any other citizen?
+
+The King. Precisely.
+
+The Princess. Are you going to keep no servants?
+
+The King. As many as are necessary--but no more.
+
+The Princess. Then I must secure a place as chambermaid in your
+Majesty's household as soon as possible. Because if my financial
+circumstances are inquired into there will be nothing else left for me
+but that!
+
+The King. You have too sacred a vocation for that, Princess!
+
+The Princess. How pretty! Your Majesty is a poet, and poets are allowed
+to be enthusiastic about ideals. But the people are poets too, in their
+way; they like their figure-head to be well gilded, and don't mind
+paying for it. That is their poetry.
+
+The King. Are you certain of that?
+
+The Princess. Absolutely certain! It is a point of honour with them.
+
+The King. Then I have to weigh my honour against theirs! And my honour
+forbids me--for the honour of my people and their poetry--to keep up my
+palaces, my guards, and my court any longer! _Voilà tout_!
+
+The Princess. My dear King, certain positions carry with them certain
+duties!
+
+The King. Then I know higher duties than those!--But, Princess, here are
+we two seriously discussing--
+
+The Princess. Yes, but there is something at the bottom of it that is
+not to be laughed away. All tradition and all experience proclaim it to
+be the truth that a king--the kingly majesty--should be a dignity apart;
+and should be the ultimate source of law, surrounded with pomp and
+circumstance, and secure behind the fortified walls of wealth, rank,
+and hereditary nobility. If he steps out of that magic circle, the law's
+authority is weakened.
+
+The King. Has your Royal Highness breakfasted yet?
+
+The Princess. No. (Bursts out laughing.)
+
+The King. Because, if you had, I should have had great pleasure is
+giving you a lesson in history; but on an empty stomach that would be
+cruel.
+
+The Princess. Do you know--you used to be such an entertaining king, but
+this last year you have become so tedious!
+
+The King. Most beautiful of princesses! Do you really mean to say that
+I rise and fall in your estimation according as I have my pretty royal
+gew-gaws on or not?
+
+The Princess. In my estimation?
+
+The King. Or in any one's? You know the story of "The Emperor's New
+Clothes"?
+
+The Princess. Yes.
+
+The King. We don't keep up that pretence any longer.
+
+The Princess. But will every one understand?
+
+The King. You understand, don't you?
+
+The Princess. The people or I--that is all the same, I suppose! You are
+very flattering.
+
+The King. Heaven forbid that I should lump your Royal Highness together
+with the common herd; but--
+
+The Princess. We have already had proof of the fact that your Majesty
+does not hold the same place in _every one's_ estimation that you do in
+mine, at all events!
+
+The King. If I occupy a place of honour in your Royal Highness's heart,
+your Royal Highness may be certain that--
+
+The Princess. I will interrupt you to save you from speaking an untruth!
+Because the way to attain to a place of honour in your Majesty's heart
+is not to admire you as I do, but, on the contrary, to shout out: "I
+despise you!"--Au revoir!
+
+The King. You wicked, terrifying, dangerous--
+
+The Princess.--omniscient and ubiquitous Princess! (Makes a deep
+curtsey, and goes away.)
+
+The King (calling after her). In spite of everything, my heart goes with
+you--
+
+The Princess.--to show me the door! I know all about that! (To the
+COUNTESS.) Come, Countess! (Goes out. FALBE, an old gentleman in
+civilian dress, has come in from the side to which the KING'S back is
+turned.)
+
+The King. How the devil did she--?
+
+Falbe (coming up behind him). Your Majesty!
+
+The King (turning quickly). Ah, there you are!
+
+Falbe. Yes, sir--we have been walking about in the park for some time;
+your Majesty was engaged.
+
+The King. Not engaged--I was only deadening thoughts by gossiping. My
+anxiety was too much for me. So they have come?--both of them?
+
+Falbe. Both of them.
+
+The King. Can I believe it! (Appears overcome.) But--you must wait a
+moment! I can't, just at this moment--. I don't know what has come over
+me!
+
+Falbe. Are you unwell, sir? You look so pale.
+
+The King My nerves are not what they should be. Is there any water near
+here?
+
+Falbe (pointing, in astonishment). Why, there is the fountain, Sir!
+
+The King. Of course! Of course!--I don't seem able to collect my
+thoughts. And my mouth is as dry as--. Look here, I am going that way
+(points); and then you can--you can bring the ladies here.--She is here!
+She is here! (Goes out to the left, and turns round as he goes.) Don't
+forget to lock the gates of the inner park!
+
+Falbe. Of course not, Sir. (Goes out to the right, and returns bringing
+in the BARONESS MARC and CLARA.) His Majesty will be here in a moment.
+(Goes out to the right.)
+
+Clara. You must stay near enough for me to be able to call you.
+
+Baroness. Of course, my dear. Compose yourself; nothing can happen.
+
+Clara. I am so frightened.
+
+Baroness. Here is the King! (The KING comes in and bows to them.)
+
+The King. Excuse me, ladies, for having kept you waiting. I am very
+grateful to you both for coming.
+
+Baroness. We only came upon your Majesty's solemn promise--
+
+The King.--which shall be inviolable.
+
+Baroness. I understand that you wish to speak to Miss Ernst alone?
+
+The King. Your ladyship need only go up to the top of that little slope.
+(Points.) I can recommend the view from there.
+
+Baroness. The interview will not be a long one, I suppose?
+
+The King. If it is, I give your ladyship permission to come and
+interrupt us. (The BARONESS goes out. The KING turns to CLARA.) May I be
+permitted to thank you again--you especially--for having been so good as
+to grant me this interview?
+
+Clara. It will be the only one.
+
+The King. I know that. You have not condescended to answer one of my
+letters--
+
+Clara. I have not read them.
+
+The King.--so there was nothing left for me but to address myself to the
+Baroness. She was _obliged_ to listen to me, Miss Ernst.
+
+Clara (trembling). What has your Majesty to say to me?
+
+The King. Indeed, I can't tell it you in a single sentence. Won't you
+sit down? (CLARA remains standing.) You must not be afraid of me. I mean
+you no harm; I never could mean you any harm.
+
+Clara (in tears). Then what do you call the persecution that I have
+endured for more than a year?
+
+The King. If you had condescended to read a single one of my long and
+many letters you would have known I call it a passion that is stronger
+than--. (CLARA turns to go. The KING continues anxiously.) No, Miss
+Ernst, by everything you hold dear, I beg you not to leave me!
+
+Clara. Then you must not insult me!
+
+The King. If that is an insult your terms are very hard.
+
+Clara. Hard? No, but what you have done to me is hard! (Bursts into
+tears.)
+
+The King. Don't cry, Miss Ernst! You don't know how you hurt me!
+
+Clara (angrily). Do you know what it means to try and ruin a young
+girl's reputation?
+
+The King. I repeat that you are doing me an injustice
+
+Clara. An injustice?--Good God! Do you know who I am?
+
+The King (taking of his hat respectfully). You are the woman I love.
+
+Clara (quietly and with dignity). Your Majesty has solemnly promised not
+to insult me.
+
+The King. As sure as there is a heaven above us I will not, and could
+not, insult you! But I will obey your wishes.
+
+Clara. When a king says such a thing as--as you did just now, to a poor
+little governess, it is more than an insult! It is so cowardly, so base!
+And to think that you could have the heart to do it after what you have
+done to my father!
+
+The King. Your father?--I?
+
+Clara. Do you really not know who I am?
+
+The King I don't understand--
+
+Clara. Whose daughter I am, I mean?
+
+The King. I only know that your father's name is Ernst. (Suddenly.)
+Surely your father is not--?
+
+Clara. Professor Ernst.
+
+The King. The republican?
+
+Clara (slowly). Yes. (A pause.) I may remind your Majesty that he was
+sentenced for high treason. And why? Because he warned the young men at
+the university against the bad example set by the King! (A pause.)
+He was sentenced to a long term of imprisonment. In escaping from
+his prison he broke both his legs; and now he lives in exile--a
+cripple--supported by what money I am able to earn. (A pause.) You have
+ruined his life--and now you are trying to ruin mine too!
+
+The King. I beg of you--!
+
+Clara. I am ashamed of my tears. It is not compassion for myself or for
+my father that makes them flow; it is the heartless injustice of it all
+that overcomes me.
+
+The King. God knows, if only I could atone for the injustice--! But what
+can I do?
+
+Clara. You can let me alone, so that I may do my work in peace; that is
+what you can do! Neither he nor I ask for more than that--of you!
+
+The King. I must do more than that!
+
+Clara. No! Can you not understand that a girl who is persecuted by the
+king's attentions cannot be a governess? All you will achieve will be to
+rob me and my father of our bread!--Oh, God!
+
+The King. But my intention is not to--
+
+Clara (interrupting him). And you are not even man enough to be ashamed
+of yourself!
+
+The King. Yes, you may say what you please to me!
+
+Clara. I have nothing more to say to you. I have said what I have to
+say. (Turns to go.)
+
+The King. No, don't go! You have not even heard me yet. You don't even
+know what I want to beg of you!
+
+Clara. My dishonour.
+
+The King (vehemently). You misunderstand me utterly! If you had only
+read a single one of my letters you would have known that there is
+standing before you a man whom you have humbled. Ah, don't look so
+incredulous! It is true, if there is any truth in anything. You don't
+believe me? (Despairingly.) How am I to--! A man who has risked your
+contempt for more than a year, and has been faithful to you without even
+being allowed to see you or exchange a word with you--who has had no
+thought for anything or any one else--is not likely to be doing that out
+of mere idleness of heart! Do you not believe that, either?
+
+Clara. No.
+
+The King. Well, then, there must surely be some general truths that you,
+as Ernst's daughter, cannot refuse to believe! Let me ask you if you can
+understand how a man becomes what I was at the time when I repeatedly
+insulted you. You must know, from your father's books, in what an
+unnatural atmosphere a king is brought up, the soul-destroying sense of
+self-importance which all his surroundings foster, until, even in
+his dreams, he thinks himself something more than human; the doubtful
+channels into which his thoughts are forced, while any virtues that he
+has are trumpeted abroad, and his vices glossed over with tactful and
+humorous tolerance. Don't you think that a young king, full of eager
+life, as I was, may plead something in excuse of himself that no other
+man can?
+
+Clara. Yes, I admit that.
+
+The King. Then you must admit that the very position he has to assume as
+a constitutional monarch is an acted lie. Think what a king's vocation
+is; _can_ a vocation of that sort be hereditary? Can the finest and
+noblest vocation in the world be that?
+
+Clara. No!
+
+The King. Then suppose that he realises that himself; suppose that the
+young king is conscious, however dimly and partially, of the lie he is
+living--and suppose that, to escape from it, he rushes into a life of
+pleasure. Is it not conceivable that he may have some good in him, for
+all that? And then suppose that one morning, after a night of revelling,
+the sun shines into his room; and he seems to see upon the wall, in
+letters of fire, some words that were said to him the night before--true
+words (CLARA looks up at him in surprise)--the words: "I despise you!"
+(CLARA gives a start.) Words like that can burn out falsehood. And he,
+to whom they are said, may long to hear again the tones of the voice
+that spoke them. No man has ever hated what has given him new life. If
+you had read a single one of the letters which I felt impelled to write
+even if they were refused acceptance--you would not have called it
+persecution. (CLARA does not answer.) And, as for my persecution of your
+father--I am not going to make any excuses for myself; I will only
+ask you to remember that a king has no control over the law and its
+judgments. I feel the sincerest respect for your father.
+
+Clara. Thank you.
+
+The King. And it is just part of the falsehood I was speaking of, that
+he should be condemned for saying of me what I have said a thousand
+times of myself!
+
+Clara (softly). Dare I believe that?
+
+The King. Ah, if only you had read one of my letters! Or even the little
+book of poems I sent you last! I thought that, if you would not receive
+my letters, perhaps a book--
+
+Clara. I do not accept anonymous gifts.
+
+The King. I see you are on your guard--although I don't admit that the
+poems were mine! May I read it to you?
+
+Clara. I don't understand--.
+
+The King. One that I marked--for you. It will prove to you what you
+refuse to believe.
+
+Clara. But if the poem is not yours?
+
+The King. The fact that I have marked it shows that its sentiments apply
+to me. Will you let me read it to you? (CLARA looks up.) Do not be too
+much surprised, Miss Ernst! (Takes a slim volume from his pocket.) I
+found this somewhere. (Turns over the leaves.) It won't take long to
+read. May I?
+
+Clara. If only I understood--
+
+The King.--why I want to read it? Simply for the reason that you have
+forbidden me to speak to you--or to write to you; but not, as yet, to
+read to you! (CLARA smiles. A pause.) Do you know--a little event has
+just happened in my life?--and yet not such a little one, after all!
+
+Clara. What is that?
+
+The King. I have seen you smile for the first time.
+
+Clara. Your Majesty!
+
+The King. But, Miss Ernst, is it an insult, too, to see you smile?
+
+Clara (smiling). If I consent to hear the poem, shall not the Baroness--
+
+The King.--hear it also? With pleasure; but not at the same time!
+Please! Because I am a very bad reader. You can show it to the Baroness
+afterwards, if you like. (CLARA smiles.) May I?
+
+Clara. You are sure there is nothing in it that--
+
+The King. You can interrupt me, if you think fit. It is called "The
+Young Prince;" and it is about--no, I won't tell you what it is about
+unless you will be so good as to sit down, so that I can sit down
+too. If I stand up I shall be sure to begin declaiming, and I do that
+shockingly badly!--You can get up again when you like, you know! (CLARA
+smiles and sits down. The KING sits down beside her.) Now, then! "The
+Young Prince." (To himself.) I can scarcely breathe. (He begins to
+read.)
+
+ Full fed with early flattery and pride--
+
+(Breaks off.) Excuse me, Miss Ernst! I don't feel--
+
+Clara. Is your Majesty not well?
+
+The King. Quite well! It is only--. Now, then!
+
+ Full fed with early flattery and pride,
+ His sated soul was wearied all too young;
+ Honour and kingly pomp seemed naught to him
+ But whimsies from the people's folly sprung.
+
+ From such pretence he fled to what was real--
+ Fair women's arms, laughter and love and pleasure,
+ All the mad joy of life; whate'er he craved,
+ He found was given him in double measure.
+
+ Whate'er he craved--until one day a maiden
+ To whom he whispered, like a drunken sot,
+ "I'd give my life to make thee mine, my sweeting!"
+ Turned from him silently and answered not.
+
+ He sought by every means to win her to him;
+ But when his love with cold _contempt_ was met,
+ It was as if a judgment had been spoken
+ Upon his life, and doom thereon were set.
+
+ His boon companions left him; in his castles
+ None seemed to be awake but he alone,
+ Racked with remorse, enshrouded in the darkness
+ Of dull despair, yet longing to atone.
+
+ Then through the darkness she appeared! and humbly,
+ Emboldend by her gentleness of mien,
+ He sued once more: "If only thou wouldst listen!
+ If still 'twere not too late--"
+
+(His emotion overcomes him, and he stops suddenly, gets up, and walks
+away from CLARA. She gets up, as he comes back to her.) Excuse me! I had
+no intention of making a scene. But it made me think of--. (Breaks of
+again overcome by emotion, and moves a little way from her. There is a
+pause as he collects himself before returning to her.) As you can hear,
+Miss Ernst, it is nothing much of a poem--not written by a real poet,
+that is to say; a real poet would have exalted his theme, but this is a
+commonplace--
+
+Clara. Has your Majesty anything more to say to me? (A pause.)
+
+The King. If I have anything more to say to any one, it is to you.
+
+Clara. I beg your pardon.
+
+The King. No, it is I should beg yours. But I am sure you do not wish me
+to lie to you.
+
+Clara (turning her head away). No.
+
+The King. You have no confidence in me. (Control, his emotion.) Will you
+ever, I wonder, come to under stand that the only thing I crave for now
+is--one person's confidence!
+
+Clara. Any one who speaks as your Majesty has done to-day surely craves
+for more than that.
+
+The King. More than that, yes; but, first of all, one person's
+confidence.
+
+Clara (turning away). I don't understand--
+
+The King (interrupting her, with emotion). Your life has not been as
+empty and artificial as mine.
+
+Clara. But surely you have your task here to fill it with?
+
+The King. I remember reading once about the way a rock was undermined,
+and the mine filled with gunpowder with an electric wire leading to
+it. Just a slight pressure on a little button and the great rock was
+shattered into a thousand pieces. And in the same way everything is
+ready here; but the little pressure--to cause the explosion--is what I
+am waiting for!
+
+Clara. The metaphor is a little forced.
+
+The King. And yet it came into my mind as unconsciously as you broke
+off that twig just now. If I do not get what I lack, nothing can be
+accomplished--there can be no explosion! I shall abandon the whole thing
+and let myself go under.
+
+Clara. Go under?
+
+The King. Well, not like the hero of a sensational novel--not straight
+to the bottom like a stone--but like a dreamer carried off by pixies
+in a wood, with one name ever upon my lips! And the world would have to
+look after itself.
+
+Clara. But that is sheer recklessness.
+
+The King. I know it is; but I am reckless. I stake everything upon one
+throw! (A pause.)
+
+Clara. Heaven send you may win.
+
+The King. At least I am daring enough to hope that I may--and there are
+moments when I almost feel certain of victory!
+
+Clara (embarrassed). It is a lovely morning--
+
+The King.--for the time of year; yes. And it is lovelier here than it is
+anywhere else!
+
+Clara. I cannot really understand a course of action which implies a
+want of all sense of responsibility--
+
+The King. Every one has their own point of view. A scheme of life, to
+satisfy me, must have its greatest happiness hidden away at its core; in
+my case that would be to have a house of my own--all to myself, like any
+other citizen--from which I should go away to my work, and come back
+to as to a safe refuge. That is the button on the electric wire, do you
+understand? It is the little pressure on it that I am waiting for. (A
+pause.)
+
+Clara. Have you read my father's book, _Democratic Monarchy_?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+Clara. He wrote it when I was a child; and so I may say that I grew up
+amongst ideas like--like those I have heard from you to-day. All the
+friends that came to our house used to talk to me about it.
+
+The King. Then no doubt you heard the crown prince talked about, too!
+
+Clara. I think I heard his name oftener mentioned at home than any
+one's. I believe the book was written expressly for you.
+
+The King. I can feel that when I read it. If only I had been allowed to
+read it in those days! Do you remember how in it your father maintains,
+too, that all reform depends on the beating down of the hedge that
+surrounds royalty?--on a king's becoming, as he says, "wedded to
+his people" in the fullest sense of the word, not irregularly or
+surreptitiously? No king can share his people's thoughts if he lives
+apart from them in a great palace, married to a foreign princess. There
+is no national spirit behind a complicated court life of outlandish
+ceremonial.
+
+Clara (turning away her head). You should have heard how vehemently my
+father used to assert those ideas.
+
+The King. And yet he abandoned them.
+
+Clara. Became a republican, you mean?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+Clara. He was so disappointed. (A pause.)
+
+The King. I sometimes wonder every one isn't a republican! It must come
+to that in the end; I can see that. If only royalties nowadays thought
+seriously enough about it to realise it!
+
+Clara. It is made so difficult for them by those who surround them.
+
+The King. Yes, you see, that is another reason why any such reform must
+begin at home. Do you think that a king, who went every day to his work
+from a home that was in every respect like that of one of his people,
+could fail in the long run?
+
+Clara. There are so many different kinds of homes.
+
+The King. I mean a home that holds love instead of subservience--comfort
+instead of ceremony-truth instead of flattery; a home where--ah, well, I
+need not teach a woman what a home means.
+
+Clara. We make them what they are.
+
+The King. Surely; but they are especially what women make them. (A
+pause.)
+
+Clara. The sun is quite strong now.
+
+The King. But it can scarcely pierce through the screen of leaves here.
+
+Clara. When the sun shines down like this and the leaves tremble--
+
+The King. The sunshine seems to tremble too.
+
+Clara. Yes, but it makes one feel as if everything were trembling--even
+deep down into our hearts!
+
+The King. That is true.--Yes, its homes are the most precious things a
+nation makes. Their national characteristics mean reverence for their
+past and possibilities for their future.
+
+Clara. I understand better now what you meant.
+
+The King. When I said I wanted to begin at the beginning?
+
+Clara. Yes. (A pause.)
+
+The King. I cannot do otherwise. My heart must be in my work.
+
+Clara (smiling). My father had his heart in his work, too.
+
+The King. Forgive me--but don't you think it was just the want of
+an object in his life that led your father to push his theories too
+far?--an object outside himself, I mean?
+
+Clara. Perhaps. If my mother had lived--. (Stops.)
+
+The King.--he might have taken it differently; don't you think so?
+
+Clara. I have sometimes thought so. (A pause.)
+
+The King. How still it is! Not a sound!
+
+Clara. Yes, there is the fountain.
+
+The King. That is true; but one ends by hardly hearing a continuous
+sound like that.
+
+Clara. There is a tremulousness in _that_ too. (Looks round her.)
+
+The King. What are you looking for?
+
+Clara. It is time to look for the Baroness.
+
+The King. She is up on that slope. Shall I call her? Or--perhaps you
+would like to see a fine view?
+
+Clara. Yes.
+
+The King. Then let us go up to her together! (They go.)
+
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+(SCENE. An open place in the town. It is evening, and the square is
+badly lit. On the right is the club, a large building, standing alone;
+lights are shining from all its windows. Steps lead from the door, above
+which is a balcony. The square is full of people. In the background,
+standing on the lowest step of the pedestal of an equestrian statue,
+is a BALLAD SINGER, singing to the accompaniment of his guitar. Cigars,
+oranges, and other wares are being sold by hawkers. The singer's voice
+is heard before the curtain rises. The crowd gradually joins him in the
+refrain which he repeats after each verse of his ballad.)
+
+The Ballad Singer (sings).
+
+ The Princeling begged and begged and begged
+ Her love, on bended knee.
+ The Maid said craftily, "Nay, nay,
+ I doubt your high degree!"
+
+    Refrain.
+
+  She knew the might, the might, the might
+  Of love's distracting hour;
+  How royalty, with all its pomp,
+  Will curtsey to its power.
+
+ The Princeling said: "Consent, my dear,
+ And you shall marry me."
+ The Maiden answered mockingly,
+ "Over the left, maybe!"
+
+ "Nay, as my Queen, enchanting maid,
+ And that this very day!"
+ The Maiden answered him, "Gadzooks!"
+ And fainted right away.
+
+ Recovering, she sighed, "My Lord,
+ Princesses will be wroth;
+ On every side they sit and wait
+ To plight to you their troth."
+
+ He answered, "Bosh!"--"But what of those
+ Who counselled you before?"
+ "Whom do you mean?"--"Your ministers!"
+ "I'll show them to the door!"
+
+ "But think, my dear--your generals,
+ Your nobles, court, and priest;
+ They'll try to drag you from my side
+ Or shun us as the pest."
+
+ "Nay, be not feared! I'll make you more
+ By dozens at a word,
+ Who'll bow and grovel if they be
+ To rank and place preferred."
+
+ "But think of the republicans!
+ My father!--what if he--?"
+ "The cock that crows the loudest, then,
+ Prime minister shall be!"
+
+ "Suppose the people stoutly swear
+ They'll none of me?"--"Nay, nay,
+ An order here, a title there,
+ And all will homage pay."
+
+ "Then I am yours!"--"Hurrah!" He holds
+ Her tight his arms between;
+ "Nay, not so fast, my kingly love!
+ Not till I am your Queen!"
+
+  She knew the might, the might, the might
+  Of love's distracting hour;
+  How royalty, with all its pomp,
+  Will curtsey to its power.
+
+An Old Gentleman (to another). What is going on here?
+
+Second Old Gentleman. I don't know. I have only just come.
+
+A Workman. Why, the King is coming past here with her!
+
+First Old Gentleman. Coming past here with her? To hold a court at the
+palace?
+
+The Workman. Yes.
+
+Second Old Gentleman (taking a pinch of snuff). And I suppose those
+fellows in the club mean to make a demonstration?--hiss them, or
+something of that sort?
+
+The Workman. So they say.
+
+First Old Gentleman. Have they decided not to attend the court then?
+
+A Dandy. Unanimously decided.
+
+A Woman. It's filthy!
+
+The Dandy. I beg your pardon?
+
+The Woman. I say that those fellows in there will condescend to seduce
+our daughters, right enough; but they won't condescend to marry them.
+But, you see, the King does.
+
+The Workman. I am not sure it wouldn't be better if he didn't.
+
+The Woman. Well, I know people who say that she is quite a respectable
+person.
+
+The Dandy. I imagine that you have not read the newspapers?
+
+First Old Gentleman. Hm!--one has to be a little careful as to how far
+one believes the newspapers.
+
+Second Old Gentleman (offering him his snuff-box). I am delighted to
+hear you say that! There is such a lot of slander flying about. That
+bawdy ballad just now; for instance.
+
+The Woman. Yes, that's poking fun at _him_--I know that.
+
+The Dandy. You had better take care what you are saying, my good woman!
+
+The Woman. Ah, I only say what I know.
+
+(FLINK appears on the steps of the statue beside the BALLAD SINGER.)
+
+Flink. Stop your stupid songs! I want to speak!
+
+Voice in the Crowd. Who is that?
+
+Flink. You don't know me. I have never made public speeches--and least
+of all to street mobs.
+
+Voice in the Crowd. Why are you doing it now, then?
+
+Flink. Because I have been charged with a message to you! (The members
+of the club rush to the windows and on to the balcony and steps.
+Uproar.)
+
+Voice in the Crowd. Be quiet! Let us hear him!
+
+Flink. Listen to me, good people! You don't know me. But you used to
+know a tall chap, with long white hair and a big hat, who often made
+speeches to you. I mean Professor Ernst.
+
+Voice in the Crowd. Three cheers for Professor Ernst. (Cheers.)
+
+Flink. He was sent to prison, as you know, for high treason; escaped
+from prison, but broke his legs. Now he is living in exile, hopelessly
+crippled.
+
+Voice in the Crowd. He got a pardon.
+
+Another. No one knows where he is.
+
+Flink. I know where he is. He has charged me to deliver a message to you
+to-day.
+
+Voices from the Club. Bravo!
+
+Voices from the Crowd. Has he! Bravo, Ernst!
+
+Voices from the Club. Be quiet, down there!
+
+Flink. He made me promise that, on the day on which his daughter was to
+be presented at the palace as the King's betrothed, I would stand up
+in some public place where she would pass by, and say that it was being
+done against her father's will and in spite of his urgent entreaties and
+commands. (Loud cries of "Bravo!" from the club. A voice in the crowd:
+"That is just what we thought!") I am charged to announce publicly that
+he despises her for it and sends her his curse! (Fresh cries of "Bravo!"
+from the club. Voices in the crowd: "That's shocking!"--"No, he was
+quite right;" etc., etc. Uproar.) Quiet, good people!
+
+A Young Man in the Crowd. May I be allowed to ask a question? (Shouts of
+"Yes!" and "No!" and laughter are heard.)
+
+Flink. By all means.
+
+The Young Man. Did not Professor Ernst himself advocate a king's doing
+just what our King has done?
+
+Voices in the Crowd. Hear, hear!
+
+Flink. Yes, and in return was thrown into prison and is now an incurable
+cripple. No one has been more cruelly treated by the King's hirelings.
+And now here is his daughter willing to become Queen!
+
+Count Platen (from the club balcony). I don't see why you want to
+blame her! No; what I say is, that it is our dissolute King's fault
+altogether! (Renewed uproar. Cries of: "Turn him out!" from the club.)
+
+Flink. I had something more to say about those who--. But make those
+fellows at the club be quiet first.
+
+A Voice. They are fighting over there! (Laughter. Wild uproar is heard
+from the club, amidst which COUNT PLATEN'S voice is heard shouting: "Let
+me be! Let me alone!"--and other voices: "Don't let him go out!"--"He is
+drunk!" Eventually COUNT PLATEN comes out on to the steps, hatless and
+dishevelled.)
+
+Count Platen. I'm going to make a speech to you! I am better than that
+crew in there! (Cries of "Bravo!") What I say is, that the King is
+coming past here directly with a woman. (Applause, and laughter. Every
+one crowds towards him. The police try to pull him down. A free
+fight ensues.) Hiss them when they come! (Cries of "Throw him
+down!"--"Bravo!"--"Hurrah!") I, Count Platen, tell you to do so! Hiss
+him, howl at him, make a regular hullabaloo when he comes! I, Count
+Platen, tell you to! (Cries of "Three cheers for Count Platen!" are
+mingled with cries of "Three cheers for the King!" There is a general
+tumult. COUNT PLATEN is hustled up and down the steps, and tries to
+go on making his speech every time he comes up.) He is defiling the
+throne!--He wants to marry a traitor's daughter! Shame! I, Count Platen,
+say so! Here I stand--! (A trumpet-call is heard; then cries of "Here is
+the King!"--"No, it's the cavalry!"--"The cavalry are coming!"--"Clear
+the square!" A shot is heard, followed by a scream; the people take to
+their heels as another trumpet-call is heard. Curtain.)
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+(SCENE.--A room in the BARONESS' house. The BARONESS is sitting reading.
+A MAID enters and brings her a card.)
+
+Baroness (looking at the card). The Minister of the Interior!--Show him
+in! (GRAN comes in.) I am glad to see you back, your Excellency!--You
+have found him, then?
+
+Gran. Yes, we have discovered him.
+
+Baroness. And spoken to him?
+
+Gran. Yes.
+
+Baroness. May I send for his daughter?
+
+Gran. For heaven's sake
+
+Baroness. What is the matter?
+
+Gran. He is a dying man.
+
+Baroness. What!
+
+Gran. The King desires me to tell you that he has ordered a special
+train to be ready at 10 o'clock, so that as soon as the court is over
+she can go to her father. The King will accompany her.
+
+Baroness. That is kind of him!
+
+Gran. Then you will get ready everything that she needs for a night's
+journey?
+
+Baroness. Yes.
+
+Gran. And without her being aware of it? The King does not wish her to
+know anything of her father's condition till after the court.
+
+Baroness. The court is to be held, then?
+
+Gran. The court is to be held. After it is over, His Majesty will tell
+her the news himself.
+
+Baroness. I am thankful for that.--But what did Professor Ernst say? Why
+has he not answered his daughter's letter? Why has he hidden from her?
+Is he really irreconcilable?
+
+Gran. Irreconcilable? He hates her!
+
+Baroness. Good heavens!
+
+Gran. And not only her, but every one that has made common cause with
+the King--every one!
+
+Baroness. I suppose it was to be expected.--But won't you sit down?
+
+Gran (bows, but remains standing). I had a talk with his doctor before I
+saw him. He had some hesitation about letting me in. It was a fortnight
+since his patient had been able to move. But when I told him my errand,
+and that I had come from the King, he let me see him.
+
+Baroness. How did he look? He was a fine man once.
+
+Gran. He was sitting in a big chair, a mere paralysed wreck of a man.
+But when he saw me and realised who I was--and probably, too, what my
+errand was--he found the strength not only to move, but to seize both
+his crutches and raise himself on them! I shall never forget his gaunt
+ashen-grey face, the feverish gleam in his sunken eyes, his unkempt hair
+and beard--
+
+Baroness. He must have looked terrible!
+
+Gran. He was like a creature from beyond the grave--with an eternity of
+hatred in his eyes!
+
+Baroness. Oh, my God!
+
+Gran. When at last I could find my voice, I gave him his daughter's
+greeting, and asked if she might come and see him. A dark look came into
+his eyes, and his face flushed for a moment, as he gasped out: "May she
+be--." He could not finish the sentence. His crutches slipped from his
+grasp and he fell down, blood pouring from his mouth. The doctor rushed
+to him; and for a long time we thought he was dead.
+
+Baroness. But he came round?
+
+Gran. I waited an hour or two before I started back. Then the doctor
+told me that he had recovered consciousness, but that the end could
+certainly not be far off--perhaps not twenty-four hours.
+
+Baroness. It must have been a shock to you.
+
+Gran. It was.
+
+Baroness. But what did he mean by: "May she be--"
+
+Gran. That is what I have been wondering.
+
+Baroness. He cannot do her any harm, can he?
+
+Grad. He may give her the same reception that he gave me; if she goes.
+
+Baroness, Even if the King is with her?
+
+Gran. All the more then!
+
+Baroness. Oh, that would be horrible! But it won't prevent her going.
+
+Gran. Let us hope so!
+
+Baroness. I am certain of it! She has extraordinary strength of
+character--just like her father's.
+
+Gran. Yes, that is the one thing I rely on.
+
+Baroness. What do you mean? Your words sound so despondent!
+
+Gran. I mean what is perfectly true--that everything will depend upon
+her strength of character.
+
+Baroness. What about the King, then?
+
+Gran. I could say a great deal on that topic, Baroness; but (bows) you
+must excuse me--I haven't time now.
+
+Baroness. How are the elections going?
+
+Gran. They are going well--if nothing happens now?
+
+Baroness. What could happen?
+
+Gran. The situation is very strained; one must expect anything.
+
+Baroness. Are you anxious, your Excellency?
+
+Gran. I must beg leave to retire now. (A MAID comes in.)
+
+Maid (to GRAN). The Inspector of Police, who came with your Excellency,
+wishes to know if he may speak to your Excellency.
+
+Gran. I will come at once. (To the BARONESS.) There is rioting going on
+in the town, not far from here--in front of the club.
+
+Baroness (in alarm). What?--Isn't the King coming along that way?
+
+Gran. Don't be afraid! We have taken our precautions--Good-bye! (Goes
+out.)
+
+Baroness.--He has quite alarmed me--everything seems to come at the same
+time! She has had a suspicion that there was something amiss with her
+father; I have noticed that, but she hasn't wanted to speak about it.
+(CLARA comes in, dressed for the court.) Ah, there you are, my dear!
+Quite ready?
+
+Clara. Quite.
+
+Baroness (looking at her). Well, I daresay there have been royal brides
+more elaborately dressed, but I am sure there has never been one more
+charming. (Kisses her.)
+
+Clara. I think I hear a carriage?
+
+Baroness. I expect it is the King!
+
+Clara. I am afraid it is too early yet--but all the same I hope it is
+he!
+
+Baroness. Do you feel afraid?
+
+Clara. No, no--it is not that at all; it is something--something that
+you don't--a kind of feeling as if--as if some one were haunting me; and
+I know who it is. I only feel secure when the King is with me. I hope it
+may be he coming. (Goes to the window.)
+
+(The MAID comes in.)
+
+Maid. A lady wishes to speak to you, Miss Ernst--
+
+Baroness. A lady?
+
+Clara. Didn't she give her name?
+
+Maid. She is veiled--and very handsomely dressed.
+
+Clara (with decision). No! I can see no one.
+
+Baroness. No one that we do not know. (To the MAID.) You ought to know
+that.
+
+Maid (hesitatingly). But I think it is--. (The door opens and the
+PRINCESS comes in.)
+
+Baroness. What does this mean? Clara! leave us, my dear.
+
+Princess (drawing aside her veil). Do you know me?
+
+Clara and Baroness. The Princess!
+
+Princess. Are you Clara Ernst?
+
+Clara. Yes.
+
+Princess (haughtily, to the BARONESS). Leave us alone! (The BARONESS
+goes out.) Before going to the palace I wanted to come here--even at the
+risk of meeting the King.
+
+Clara. He has not come yet. (A long pause.)
+
+Princess. Have you thought well over what you are going to do?
+
+Clara. I think so.
+
+Princess. I don't think you have. Have you read what the papers say
+about it--every one of them--to-day?
+
+Clara. No. The King has advised me not to.
+
+Princess. But the letters that have been sent to you? I know letters
+have been written to you.
+
+Clara. The King has advised me not to read them either. He takes all the
+letters.
+
+Princess. Do you know that they are rioting in the streets close to
+here?
+
+Clara (in alarm). No!
+
+Princess. You will be received with hisses, hooting--perhaps with stone
+throwing. You didn't expect anything like that, did you?
+
+Clara. No.
+
+Princess. What shall you do?
+
+Clara (after a moment, quietly). I shall go with the King.
+
+Princess. A nice road you are dragging him along, truly! And I assure
+you that the farther you go along it, the worse it will become. You
+cannot possibly have prepared yourself for all that you will have to go
+through.
+
+Clara. I think I have.
+
+Princess (in surprise). What do you mean? How?
+
+Clara (bending her head). I have prayed to God.
+
+Princess. Pshaw! I mean that you cannot have considered the misery into
+which you are dragging the King--and the disgrace and trouble you are
+bringing upon all his people. (CLARA is silent.) You are young still;
+your heart cannot be altogether hardened yet, whatever your past may
+have been.
+
+Clara (proudly). I have no reason to be ashamed of my past.
+
+Princess. Indeed? What sort of a past has it been, then?
+
+Clara. One full of suffering, princess--and of work. (A pause.)
+
+Princess. Do you know what the King's past has been?
+
+Clara (drooping her head). Ah, yes.
+
+Princess. Yours will be tarred with the same brush--no matter what it
+really has been.
+
+Clara. I know that. He has told me so.
+
+Princess. Really!--After all, is it a sacrifice you are making for his
+sake? Do you love the King?
+
+Clara (faintly). Yes.
+
+Princess. Then listen to me. If you loved the King, you would have made
+a _real_ sacrifice for him. We are women, you and I; we can understand
+these things without many words. But such a sacrifice does not consist
+in consenting to be his queen.
+
+Clara. It is not I that wished it.
+
+Princess. You have allowed yourself to be persuaded?--Well, you are
+either deceiving yourself, my girl, or you are deceiving him. Perhaps
+you began with the one and are ending with the other. Anyway, it is time
+you had your eyes opened as to which of you it is that is making the
+sacrifice. Do you not know that, on your account, he is already the
+target for general contempt? (CLARA bursts into tears.) If that makes
+you repent, show it--show it by your deeds!
+
+Clara. I repent of nothing.
+
+Princess (in astonishment). What state of mind are you in, then?
+
+Clara. I have suffered terribly. But I pray God for strength to bear it.
+
+Princess. Don't talk nonsense! The whole thing is a horrible confusion
+of ideas--half remorse and half cant--the one so mixed up with the other
+in your mind that you cannot disentangle them. But, believe me, others
+feel very sure that sacred things and--and what I won't call bluntly by
+its name, go very ill together! So don't waste those airs on me; they
+only irritate me!
+
+Clara. Princess, don't be cruel to me. I _am_ suffering, all the same.
+
+Princess. Why on earth do you want to go any farther with the affair?
+If you aren't clear about it, take advice! Your father is opposed to it,
+isn't he?
+
+Clara. Yes. (Throws herself into a chair.)
+
+Princess. He has hidden himself away from you. You don't know where
+he is, or how he is--though you know he is crippled and ill. And,
+meanwhile, here you are in full dress, with a rose in your hair, waiting
+to set out to a court at the palace! Are you willing to pass through
+contemptuous rioting crowds, and over your sick father's body, to become
+queen? What callous levity! What a presumptuous mixture of what you
+think is love, duty, sacrifice, trial--with an unscrupulous ambition--!
+The King? Are you depending on him? He is a poet. He loves anything
+unusual or sensational. Resistance stimulates him; and that is what
+drives him into believing that his love will be unending. When you
+have been married a week, it will be all over. If he had not met with
+resistance, it would have been all over before this. I know the
+King better than you; for I know his faithlessness. It is like his
+love--unending! It hurts you to hear that, does it? Well, it hurts one's
+eyes to look at the sun. But I can tell you about these things. The only
+reason I had for coming was to tell you what I know. And now that I have
+seen you, I can tell you that I know one thing more--and I will tell you
+what it is. If you actually allow the King, with his ardent temperament,
+to stray into a path which will lead to the ruin of his career, your
+action will, in the fullness of time, recoil so appallingly upon
+your own head that it will kill you. I know you are one of those
+that faithlessness, remorse and contempt _would_ kill.--Don't look so
+beseechingly at me; I cannot retract a word of what I have said. But I
+can tell you now what I had decided upon before I came. _I_ will look
+after your future. I am not rich; but, as sure as I stand here before
+you, you shall live free from care--you shall have everything that you
+need--for the rest of your life. I want no thanks! I do it for the sake
+of the King, and for the sake of the country to which I belong. It is my
+duty. Only get up now and come with me to my carriage. (Offers CLARA her
+hand.)
+
+Clara. If it were as easy as that, I should have done it long, long ago.
+
+Princess (turns away. Then comes back). Get up. (Pulls her on to her
+feet.) Do you love the King?
+
+Clara. Do I love him? I am a motherless child, and have lived alone
+with a father who has been constantly persecuted on account of his
+principles; I shared his ideals from a very early age, and I have never
+abandoned them since. Then one day I was given the chance of making
+these ideals real. "What _I_ long to do, _you_ shall accomplish!"
+he said. There is something great about that, Princess--something
+all-powerful--a call from God Himself. Of that I am certain.
+
+Princess. It is merely a rhapsody of the King's--nothing else!
+
+Clara. Then I will make it real and live it! I have given my whole soul
+to it, and have strengthened his to the same end. It has been my ideal
+all my life.
+
+Princess. And you believe that it will last?
+
+Clara. Yes.
+
+Princess. Then let me beg you to believe this, too--it will last until
+he has attained his end.
+
+Clara. If you mean our marriage, let me tell you that _that_ is not our
+end.
+
+Princess (in surprise). What is, then?
+
+Clara. Our end is to accomplish something together. That task shall be
+consecrated and ennobled by our love. Yes, you may look at me! Those
+were his own words.
+
+Princess. That answer!--That thought!--But what certainty have you?
+
+Clara. Of what?
+
+Princess. That you did not put the thought into his mind?--and that the
+fire in his soul may not flicker out?
+
+Clara. If I needed any assurance, I should find it in the fact that he
+changed his whole life for my sake; he waited for me for more than a
+year. Has he ever done that for any one before? I am sure he has never
+needed to! (The PRINCESS winces.) It is those who have seduced that
+"ardent" temperament of his--you called it that yourself--that are to
+blame, and not I, Princess! (A pause.) I checked him to the best of
+my power when he came to me as he was wont to go to others. (A pause.)
+Indeed it is no sacrifice to become his wife. When one loves, there is
+no question of sacrifice. But the position in which I now stand exposes
+me to more suspicion than the humblest of his subjects, to more scorn
+than if I were his mistress. Think how you have spoken to me to-day
+yourself, Princess! (A pause.) It is no sacrifice to endure such things
+for the man one loves. It was not I that used the word "sacrifice,"
+either; and as for the sacrifice you implied that I ought to have made,
+I don't wish to understand what you meant by that, even though I am a
+woman as well as you! But if you knew, Princess, how hard a fight I have
+been through before I found the strength to cast in my lot with his,
+against my father's wish and against you all--you would not have spoken
+to me about making a sacrifice. At all events you would not have spoken
+to me as you have done to-day; because you are not cruel, and I know
+that at bottom you mean me well. (A longer pause.)
+
+Princess. This is more serious than I knew.--Poor child, your
+disappointment will be all the more serious.
+
+Clara. Not with him!
+
+Princess (half to herself). Is it possible he can be so changed? Was
+that what was needed to secure a hold on him--? (To CLARA.) Is he coming
+here to fetch you?
+
+Clara. Yes.
+
+Princess. What does he want to hold this court for? What is the good
+of throwing down this challenge to all the dignitaries of his
+kingdom?--especially if, after all, he means to live the life of an
+ordinary citizen?
+
+Clara. He wished it.
+
+Princess. An exciting episode in his rhapsody! Why did you not dissuade
+him?
+
+Clara. Because I agree with him.
+
+Princess. Perhaps you don't fully realise what it means?--what
+humiliation the King will have to undergo?
+
+Clara. I only know that it seems to me that these things should be done
+openly, and that he has plenty of courage.
+
+Princess. That is mere bravado. Are you going in that dress?--to court
+in that dress? (CLARA is silent.) I say it is mere bravado.
+
+Clara. I have no better dress.
+
+Princess. What do you mean? Surely the King can--? Are you jesting?
+
+Clara (shyly). I do not allow the King to give me anything; not until--.
+
+Princess. Doesn't he pay your expenses here, then? (Looks round the
+room.)
+
+Clara. No.
+
+Princess. It is the Baroness?
+
+Clara. She and I. We are both poor.
+
+Princess. Ah, yes--she has lost her post now, hasn't she?
+
+Clara. On my account--yes. And you, Princess, who have known her--for
+she was once your governess--can you really suppose that she would
+have been faithful to me if she did not trust me and feel that this was
+right? You treated her so contemptuously when you came in.
+
+Princess. I seem to have broken in upon the most incomprehensible
+romance!--Then you love the King? (CLARA nods her head.) He knows how to
+love, and make a woman happy! He is a dazzling creature!--We shall see
+now whether you are to suffer for all the hearts he has broken. You are
+not the first woman he has loved.
+
+Clara. Princess!
+
+Princess. Yes, let that sink into your mind! Your happiness is
+embroidered with tears!
+
+Clara. It is cruel of you to reproach me with it.
+
+Princess. Forgive me! I really did not mean that.--But there is still
+time to put on a more suitable dress. If you dare accept no gifts from
+the King--you might from some one else? A King's bride is a King's bride
+after all, you know!
+
+Clara. He told me I should not need anything more than this.
+
+Princess. Not in his eyes, I dare say. But we women know a little
+better!--If it were only a necklace? Will you accept this one? (Begins
+to unfasten hers.)
+
+Clara. I knew you were kind.--But I daren't.
+
+Princess. Why not?
+
+Clara. Because--because people would think that--. (Bursts into tears. A
+pause.)
+
+Princess. Listen, my child. The whole thing is sheer lunacy; but--as it
+cannot be altered--as soon as the court assembles I shall take my place
+at your side and not leave you till it is all over. Tell the King that!
+Good-bye!
+
+Clara (going towards her). Princess!
+
+Princess (kisses her, and whispers). Haven't you allowed him to kiss
+you, either?
+
+Clara (in a whisper). Yes, I have.
+
+Princess (kissing her once snore). Love him! (The sound of carriage
+wheels is heard. The BARONESS comes in.)
+
+Baroness. I hear the King's carriage.
+
+Princess. I don't wish to meet him. (Stretches out her hand to the
+BARONESS.) Baroness! (Points to the door through which the BARONESS has
+come in.) Can I get out that way?
+
+Baroness. Yes. (She takes the PRINCESS out. A moment later the MAID
+ushers in the KING, who is dressed in plain clothes and wearing no
+decorations.)
+
+The King. Clara!
+
+Clara. My friend! (They embrace.)
+
+The King. What does it mean?
+
+Clara. What?
+
+The King. The Princess' carriage here?
+
+Clara. She told me to greet you. She has just gone, and--
+
+The King. And--?
+
+Clara. She said as soon as the court assembled she would take her place
+beside me and stay there till we left the palace.
+
+The King. Is it possible?
+
+Clara. It is _true_.
+
+The King. You have conquered her! I know she could be conquered--she
+has a heart, as well as a head! It is a good omen!--So she offered to do
+_that_! What will our precious nobility have to say to that?
+
+Clara. They are about the streets, aren't they?
+
+The King. Ah, then you know?
+
+Clara. I know, too, that there has been rioting outside the club.
+
+The King. You know that too?--and are not afraid?
+
+Clara. Perhaps I might have been--but there is something else that I am
+more afraid of. (Draws closer to the KING.)
+
+The King. What is that?
+
+Clara. You know. (A pause.)
+
+The King. Have you been uneasy about him to-day too?
+
+Clara. All day--incessantly. Something must have happened.
+
+The King. Well, now I can tell you where he is.
+
+Clara (eagerly). At last! Have you found him?
+
+The King. Gran has been to see him.
+
+Clara. Thank God! Is it far from here?
+
+The King. This evening, immediately after the court, you and I will both
+start for there in a special train. We shall be there early to-morrow.
+
+Clara (throwing her arms round his neck). Thanks, thanks! How good you
+are! Thanks! How is he? Is he ill!
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+Clara. I knew it? And implacable?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+Clara. I feel it! (Nestles closer in his arms.)
+
+The King. Are you afraid?
+
+Clara. Yes!
+
+The King. Dear, when you see him perhaps your fear will go.
+
+Clara. Yes, only let me see him! Whatever he says, let me see him!
+
+The King. Within twelve hours from now you shall! And I shall be with
+you.
+
+Clara. The finest thing about you is your kindness. Oh, I am so glad you
+have come! I could not endure my fears any longer.
+
+The King. There are dissensions going on about you!
+
+Clara. Oh!--(Nestles in his arms again.)
+
+The King. Bear up!--It will soon be over.
+
+Clara. I believe it will. Yes, I know it will.--Let me walk about a
+little! (The KING walks up and down with her.)
+
+The King. And turn our thoughts to something else! Do you know where I
+have come from?
+
+Clara. Where?
+
+The King. From our little house in the park.
+
+Clara. Why, we drove past it yesterday!
+
+The King. You will feel only _one_ person's presence there! Wherever you
+go, you will be surrounded by the thoughts I have had of you there. If
+you look out of the window, or go out on to the balcony--on every rock,
+by each turn of the stream--on the lawns, under the trees, among the
+bushes--everywhere you will find a thousand thoughts of you hidden.
+Breathe the words "my darling girl," and they will all come clustering
+round you!--Let us sit down.
+
+Clara. It is all like a fairy tale.
+
+The King. And I am the latest fairy prince! (He sits down and draws
+her on to his knee.) And you are the little maid who comes, led by good
+fairies, to the enchanted castle to wake him. He has been kept asleep by
+wicked spells for many, many years.
+
+Clara. For many, many years!
+
+The King. I am not really _I_, nor you _you_. The monarch was bewitched
+long ago. He was turned into a wild beast who gave reign to his passion
+by night and slept by day. And now the maiden of humble degree has
+become a woman and freed him from the spells.
+
+Clara. Really! Ah, you are so clever at inventing things to cheat my
+fears away from me. And you always succeed. But after all, you know, I
+have no strength and no courage; I am so weak.
+
+The King. You have more strength than I!--more than any one I have ever
+known.
+
+Clara. No, don't say that; but--you may be sure of this!--if I did not
+feel that I had _some_ strength I would never try to throw in my lot
+with yours.
+
+The King. I will explain to you what you are! Some people are
+tremendously more spiritual, more delicately constituted than others;
+and they are a hundred times more sensitive. And they fancy that is
+weakness. But it is just they who draw their strength from _deeper_
+sources, through a thousand imperceptible channels. You will often find
+them with heads erect and valiant when others have gone under; they
+merely bend before the storm, with supple strength, when others break
+under it. You are like that!
+
+Clara. You are very ingenious when you start explaining me!
+
+The King. Well, listen to this! At the time when I was behaving so badly
+to you, your terror, every time I approached you, was so piteous that it
+was always before my eyes and rang in my ears like a cry of agony from
+a wounded heart. It is true! It filled me with terror, too. Do you
+call that weakness, to feel things so intensely that another person is
+influenced by your feelings against his will?
+
+Clara. No.
+
+The King. And then, when I found you again--the way you listened to me--
+
+Clara (stopping him with a kiss). Don't let us talk about it now!
+
+The King. What shall we talk about, then? It is a little too early to
+start yet.--Ah, I have it! We will talk about the impression you will
+make this evening when you come forward through the brightly lit rooms,
+radiant against the background of ugly calumny! That was prettily put,
+wasn't it? "Is _that_ she?" they will think. And then something will
+come into their eyes that will cheat them into thinking that pearls and
+gold are strewn over your hair, over your dress, over your--
+
+Clara (putting her hand over his mouth). No, no, no! Now I am going to
+tell you a little story!
+
+The King. Tell away!
+
+Clara. When I was a child, I saw a balloon being filled one day, and
+there was a horrible smell from the gas. Afterwards, when I saw the
+gleaming balloon rising in the air, I thought to myself: "Ah, that
+horrid smell was something burning; they had to burn it for the balloon
+to be able to rise." And after that, every time I heard anything horrid
+said about my father, I felt as if something was burning inside me, and
+I thought of the balloon and imagined I could smell the smell. And then
+all at once I imagined I saw it rising; the horrid part was burnt, and
+it was able to mount aloft! I assure you that balloon was a good genius
+to me. And now, years afterwards, when I have been a target for calumny
+myself--and you for my sake--I have felt just the same thing. Every word
+has burned; but I have got over it in a moment, and risen high, high
+above it all! I never seem to breathe so pure an atmosphere as a little
+while after something cruel has been said of me.
+
+The King. I shall certainly set to work and abuse you at once, if it
+has such delightful results! I will begin with a selection from to-day's
+papers: "You Aspasia! You Messalina! You Pompadour! You Phylloxera, that
+are eating into our whole moral vine-crop! You blue-eyed curse of the
+country, that are causing panics in the money-market, overthrowing
+ministries, and upsetting all calculations in the elections! You
+mischievous hobgoblin, who are pouring gall into the printers' ink and
+poison into the people's coffee, filling all the old ladies' heads with
+buzzing flies, and the King's Majesty with a million lover's follies!"
+Do you know that, besides all the harm you are doing to-day, you are
+hastening a revolution by ten years? You are! And no one can be sure
+whether you haven't been pursuing the same wicked courses for the last
+hundred years or more! All our royal and noble ancestors are turning in
+their graves because of you! And if our deceased queens have any noses
+left--
+
+Clara (interrupting him). The Baroness! (They get up. The BARONESS comes
+in wearing a cloak over her court dress and carrying CLARA'S cloak over
+her arm.)
+
+Baroness. I must take the liberty of disturbing you. Time is up!
+
+The King. We have been killing it by talking nonsense.
+
+Baroness. And that has put you in a good humour?
+
+The King (taking his hat). In the best of humours! Here, my darling
+(fastens CLARA'S cloak about her shoulders), here is the last scandalous
+bit of concealment for you! When we take it off again, you shall stand
+radiant in the light of your own truth. Come! (Gives her his arm, and
+they go trippingly up to the back of the room. Suddenly the phantom of
+an emaciated figure leaning on crutches appears in their path, staring
+at them. His hair and beard are in wild disorder, and blood is pouring
+from his mouth. CLARA gives a terrified scream.)
+
+The King. In Heaven's name, what is it?
+
+Clara. My father!
+
+The King. Where? (To the BARONESS.) Go and see! (The BARONESS opens the
+doors at the back and looks out).
+
+Baroness. I can see no one.
+
+The King. Look down the corridor!
+
+Baroness. No--no one there, either! (CLARA has sunk lifelessly into the
+KING'S arms. After one or two spasmodic twitchings of her hands, her
+arms slip away from him and her head falls back.)
+
+The King. Help, help!
+
+The Baroness (rushing to him with a shriek). Clara!
+
+Curtain.
+
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+(SCENE.--A room in GRAN's house; the same as in Act I, Scene II. GRAN
+is standing at his desk on the right. FLINK comes in carrying a
+pistol-case, which he puts down upon the table.)
+
+Gran. You?
+
+Flink. As you see. (Walks up and down for a little without speaking.)
+
+Gran. I haven't seen you since the day the King was here.
+
+Flink. No.--Have you taken your holidays?
+
+Gran. Yes; but, anyway, I am likely to have perpetual holidays now! The
+elections are going against us.
+
+Flink (walking about). So I hear. The clerical party and the
+reactionaries are winning.
+
+Gran. That would not have been so, but for her unhappy death--. (Breaks
+off, and sighs.)
+
+Flink. A judgment from heaven--that is what the parsons say, and the
+women, and the reactionaries--
+
+Gran.--and the landlords. And they really believe it.
+
+Flink (stopping). Well, don't you believe it?
+
+Gran (after a pause). At all events I interpret it differently from--
+
+Flink.--from the parson? Naturally. But can any one doubt the fact that
+it was the finger of fate?
+
+Gran. Then fate assumed her father's shape?
+
+Flink. Whether her father appeared to her at the moment of his death or
+not (shrugs his shoulders) is a matter in which I am not interested.
+I don't believe in such things. But that she was suffering pangs of
+conscience, I do believe. I believe it may have brought painful visions
+before her eyes.
+
+Gran. I knew her pretty well, and I will answer for it she had no guilty
+conscience. She was approaching her task with enthusiasm. Any one
+that knew her will tell you the same. With her the King was first and
+foremost.
+
+Flink. What did she die of, then? Of enthusiasm?
+
+Gran. Of being overwrought by the force of her emotions. Her task was
+too great for her. The time was not ripe for it. (Sadly.) Our experiment
+was bound to fail.
+
+Flink. You condemn it when you say that!--But with her last breath she
+called out: "My father!" And, just at that moment, he died, fifty miles
+away from her. Either she _saw_ him, or she _imagined_ she saw him,
+standing before her. But his bloodstained, maltreated, crippled form
+standing in the way of her criminal advance towards the throne--is that
+not a symbol of maltreated humanity revolting against monarchy at the
+very moment when monarchy wishes to atone! Its guilt through thousands
+of years is too black. Fate is inflexible.
+
+Gran. But with what result? Are we rid of monarchy yet?
+
+Flink. We are rid of that treacherous attempt to reconcile it with
+modern conditions. Thank God it emerges, hand in glove with the parsons
+and reactionaries, none the worse for its temporary eclipse.
+
+Gran. So everything is all right, I suppose?
+
+Flink. For the moment--yes. But there used to exist here a strong
+republican party, which enjoyed universal respect, and was making
+extraordinary progress. Where is it now?
+
+Gran. I knew that was why you came.
+
+Flink. I have come to call you to account.
+
+Gran. If I had been in your place I would not have acted so, towards a
+defeated and wounded friend.
+
+Flink. The republican party has often been defeated--but never despised
+till now. Who is to blame for that?
+
+Gran. None of us ever think we deserve contempt.
+
+Flink. A traitor always deserves it.
+
+Gran. It is but a step from the present state of things to a republic;
+and we shall have to take that step in the end.
+
+Flink. But at least we can do so without treachery.
+
+Gran. I honestly believe that what we did was right. It may have
+miscarried the first time, and may miscarry a second and a third; but it
+is the only possible solution.
+
+Flink. You pronounced your doom in those words.
+
+Gran (more attentively). What do you mean by that?
+
+Flink. We must make sure that such an attempt will not be made again.
+
+Gran. So that is it.--I begin to understand you now.
+
+Flink. The republican party is broken up. For a generation it will be
+annihilated by contempt. But a community without a republican party must
+be one without ideals and without any aspirations towards truth in its
+political life--and in other respects as well! That is what you are
+responsible for.
+
+Gran. You pay me too great a compliment.
+
+Flink. By no means! Your reputation, your personal qualities and
+associations are what have seduced them.
+
+Gran. Listen to me for a moment! You used to overrate me in the hopes
+you had of me. You are overrating me now in your censure. You are
+overrating the effects of our failure--you never seem to be able to do
+anything but overshoot your mark. For that reason you are a danger to
+your friends. You lure them on. When things go well you lure them on to
+excess of activity; when things go ill, you turn their despondency into
+despair. Your inordinate enthusiasm obscures your wits. _You_ are not
+called upon to sit in judgment upon any one; because you draw the pure
+truths that lie hidden in your soul into such a frenzied vortex of
+strife that you lose sight of them; and then they have so little of
+truth left in them that in your hands they can be answerable for crimes.
+
+Flink. Oh, spare me your dialectics!--because any skill you have in
+them, _I_ taught you! You cannot excuse your own sins by running over
+the list of mine; that is the only answer I have to make to you! I don't
+stand before you as the embodiment of truth; I am no braggart. No; but
+simply as one who has loved you deeply and now is as deeply offended by
+you, I ask this question of your conscience: What have you done with the
+love we had for one another? Where is the sacred cause we both used to
+uphold? Where is our honour--our friends--our future?
+
+Gran. I feel respect for your sorrow. Can you not feel any for mine? Or
+do you suppose that I am not suffering?
+
+Flink. You cannot act as you have done without bringing unhappiness upon
+yourself. But there are others to be considered besides you, and we have
+the right to call you to account. Answer me!
+
+Gran. And is it really you--you, my old friend--that propose to do that?
+
+Flink. God knows I would sooner some one else did it! But none can do it
+so fitly as I--because no one else has loved you as I have. I expected
+too much of you, you say? The only thing I wanted of you was that you
+should be faithful! I had so often been disappointed; but in you and
+your quiet strength I thought I had splendid security that, as long as
+you lived, our cause would bear itself proudly and confidently. It was
+your prestige that brought it into being; your wealth that supported it.
+It did not cry aloud for the blood of martyrs!--You were the happiness
+of my life; my soul renewed its strength from yours.
+
+Gran. Old friend--!
+
+Flink. I was old, and you were young! Your nature was a harmonious
+whole--it was what I needed to lean upon.
+
+Gran. Flink, my dear old friend--!
+
+Flink. And now, here you stand--a broken man, and our whole cause broken
+with you; all our lives broken--at least mine is--
+
+Gran. Don't say that!
+
+Flink. You have destroyed my faith in mankind--and in myself, for I see
+what a mistake I made; but it will be the last I shall make! I took you
+to my heart of hearts--and now, the only thing I can do is to call you
+to account!
+
+Gran. What do you want me to do? Tell me!
+
+Flink. We must stand face to face--armed! You must die! (A pause.)
+
+Gran (without seeming greatly surprised). Of the two of us, it will go
+hardest with you, old friend.
+
+Flink. You think your aim will be the surer of the two? (Goes towards
+the table.)
+
+Gran. I was not thinking of that--but of what your life would be
+afterwards. I know you.
+
+Flink (opening the pistol-case). You need not be anxious! My life
+afterwards will not be a long one. What you have done has robbed me of
+anything to live for in this generation, and I don't aspire to live till
+the next. So it is all over and done with! (Takes up the pistols.)
+
+Gran. Do you mean _here_--?
+
+Flink. Why not? We are alone here.
+
+Gran. The King is asleep in the next room. (Points to the door near his
+desk.)
+
+Flink. The King here?
+
+Gran. He came here to-night.
+
+Flink. Well, it will wake him up; he will have to wake up some time, any
+way.
+
+Gran. It would be horrible! No!
+
+Flink. Indeed? It is for his sake you have betrayed me. You did that as
+soon as ever you met him again. He has bewitched you. Let him hear and
+see what he has done! (Holds out the pistols.) Here!
+
+Gran. Wait. What you have just said brings a doubt into my mind. Is not
+revenge, after all, the motive for what you are doing?
+
+Flink. Revenge?
+
+Gran. Yes. Don't misunderstand me; I am not trying to shuffle out of
+it. If I were free to choose, I would choose death rather than anything
+else. The King knows that, too. But I ask because there ought to be some
+serious reason for anything that may happen. I am not going to stand up
+and face a sentiment of revenge that is so ill-grounded.
+
+Flink (laying the pistols down). I hate the man who has led you
+astray--that is true. When I was giving you the reasons why I took upon
+myself the task of calling you to account, perhaps I forgot that. I hate
+him. But the instrument that carries out a sentence is one thing; the
+sentence itself is quite another. You arc sentenced to death because you
+have betrayed our cause--and because you say that you were right to do
+so. The world shall learn what that costs. It costs a man's life.
+
+Gran. So be it!
+
+Flink. The pistols are loaded. I loaded them myself. I imagine that you
+still have trust in my honour?
+
+Gran (with a smile). Indeed I have.
+
+Flink. One of them has a blank cartridge in it; the other is fully
+loaded. Choose!
+
+Gran. But what do you mean? Suppose I were to--?
+
+Flink. Don't be afraid! Heaven will decide! _You_ will not choose the
+fully loaded one!--We shall stand face to face.
+
+Gran. You are settling everything--the sentence, the challenge, the
+choice of weapons, the regulations for the duel--!
+
+Flink. Are you dissatisfied with that?
+
+Gran. By no means! You are quite welcome! We are to have no seconds? So
+be it. But the place?
+
+Flink. The place? Here!
+
+Gran. Horrible!
+
+Flink. Why? (Holds out the two pistols to him. The door to the left is
+opened softly. ANNA looks in, sees what is going on, and rushes with
+a pitiful attempt at a scream to GRAN, putting her arms round him
+protectingly, and caressing him with every sign of the utmost terror.)
+
+Gran (bending down and kissing her). She is right! Why should I die for
+the sake of dull theories, when I can hold life in my arms as I do now?
+A man who is loved has something left, after all. I won't die!
+
+Flink. If you were not loved, my friend, you might be allowed to live. A
+cry of sorrow will be heard throughout the land, from the King's palace
+to the meanest hovel, when you have been shot. And that is just why
+I must do it! The louder the cry of sorrow, the greater will be the
+silence afterwards. And in that silence is to be found the answer to the
+question "Why?" The people will not allow themselves to be cheated any
+longer.
+
+Gran. Horrible! I won't do it! (Lifts ANNA in his arms as if she were a
+child.)
+
+Flink (going up to him). It is no mere theory that you are facing. Look
+at me!
+
+Gran. Old friend--_must_ it be?
+
+Flink. It _must_. I have nothing else left to do.
+
+Gran. But not here.
+
+Flink. Since it cannot be here, then come out into the park. (Puts the
+pistols into their case.) You owe me that.
+
+Gran (to ANNA). You must go, my dear!
+
+Flink (putting the pistol-case under his arm). No, let her stay here.
+But you come! (They all three move towards the door. ANNA will not let
+GRAN go, and there is a struggle until he, half commanding and half
+entreating, persuades her to stay behind. The two men go out, shutting
+the door after them. She throws herself against the door, but it has
+been locked on the outside. She sinks down to the floor in despair,
+then gets up, as if struck by a sudden idea, rushes into the room on the
+right, and almost immediately re-appears, dragging the KING after her.
+He is only half-dressed and has no shoes on.)
+
+The King. What is it? (A shot is heard.) What is it? (ANNA pulls him to
+the door. He tries to open it, but in vain. She rushes to the window,
+with the KING after her. Meanwhile the door is opened from outside, and
+FALBE comes in, evidently overcome with emotion.) What is it, Falbe?
+(ANNA runs out.)
+
+Falbe. His Excellency the Minister of the Interior--
+
+The King. Well, what of him?
+
+Falbe.--has been assassinated!
+
+The King. The Minister of the Interior?--Gran?
+
+Falbe. Yes.
+
+The King. Gran?--What did you say?
+
+Falbe. He has been assassinated!
+
+The King. Gran? Impossible!--Where? Why? I heard his voice only just
+now, here!
+
+Falbe. That fellow shot him--the grey-haired fellow--the republican
+
+The King. Flink? Yes, I heard his voice here too!
+
+Falbe. It was in the park! I saw it myself!
+
+The King. Saw it yourself? Wretch! (Rushes out.)
+
+Falbe. How could I prevent a madman--? (Follows the KING. The door
+stands open, and through it a man is seen running past, calling out:
+"Where?" Others follow him, and amidst the sound of hurrying feet,
+cries are heard of "Good God!"--"In the park, did you say?"--"A doctor!
+Fetch a doctor!"--"Who did it?"--"That fellow running towards
+the river!"--"After him! After him!"--"Fetch a barrow from the
+works!"--After a while the KING returns alone, looking distracted. He
+stands motionless and silent for some time.)
+
+The King. What a happy smile there was on his face! Just as she
+smiled!--Yes, it must be happiness! (Hides his face in his hands.) And
+he died for me too! My two only--. (Breaks down.) So that is the price
+they have to pay for loving me!--And at once! At once!--Of course! Of
+course! (The sound of the crowd returning is heard, and cries of: "This
+way!"--"Into the blue room!" Women and children come streaming in, all
+in tears, surrounding ANNA and the men that are carrying GRAN'S body,
+and follow them into the room on the left. Cries are heard of: "Why
+should he die?"--"He was so good!"--"What had he done to deserve
+it!"--"He was the best man in the world!")
+
+The King. "He was the best man in the world!" Yes. And he died for my
+sake! That means something good of me!--the best possible! Are they two
+together now, I wonder? Oh, let me have a sign!--or is that too much to
+ask? (The crowd come out again, sobbing and weeping, and cries are heard
+of: "He looks so beautiful and peaceful!"--"I can't bring myself to
+believe it!" When they see the KING, they hush their voices, and all go
+out as quietly as they can. When they have gone out, the MAYOR's voice
+is heard asking: "Is he in here?" and an answer: "No, in the blue room,
+over there." Then the GENERAL'S voice: "And the murderer escaped?"--An
+answer: "They are looking for him in the river!"--The GENERAL'S voice:
+"In the river? Did he jump into the river?"--The PRIEST's voice:
+"Shocking!" A few moments later the GENERAL with BANG, the MAYOR, and
+the PRIEST come in from the other room. They stop on seeing the KING,
+who is standing at the desk with his back to them, and whisper.)
+
+The General. Isn't that the King?
+
+The Others. The King?
+
+The Mayor. Is the King back? He must have come in the night!
+
+Bang. Let me see!--I know him personally.
+
+The General (holding him back). Of course it is the King.
+
+The Mayor. Really?
+
+Bang. I recognise him by his agitation! It is he.
+
+The General. Hush! Let us go quietly out again! (They begin to move
+off.)
+
+The Mayor. He is grieved. Naturally.
+
+Bang. First of all her death; and then this--!
+
+The Priest. It is the judgment of heaven!
+
+The King (turning round). Who is that? What? (Comes forward.) Who said
+that? (They all stop, take off their hats and bow.) Come back! (They
+come back hastily.) Who said: "It is the judgment of heaven"?
+
+The General. Your Majesty must forgive us--we were just taking a little
+stroll; I am here to spend Christmas with my friend Mr. Bang, who has a
+factory here--a branch of his works--and we happened to meet the Mayor
+and the Priest, and we joined company--and were strolling along when we
+heard a shot. A shot. We did not think anything more about it till we
+came nearer here and saw people running, and heard a great outcry and
+disturbance. Great disturbance--yes. We stopped, of course, and came to
+see what it was. Came to see what it was, of course. And they told us
+that the Minister of the Interior--
+
+The King. What is all that to me! (The GENERAL bows.) Who said: "It is
+the judgment of heaven"? (No one speaks.) Come, answer me!
+
+The Mayor. It was the Priest--I fancy.
+
+The King (to the PRIEST). Haven't you the courage to tell me so
+yourself?
+
+The General. Probably our reverend friend is unaccustomed to find
+himself in the presence of royalty.
+
+The Priest. It is the first time that--that I have had the honour of
+speaking to your Majesty--I did not feel self-possessed enough, for the
+moment, to--
+
+The King. But you were self-possessed enough when you said it! What did
+you mean by saying it was "the judgment of heaven"?--I am asking you
+what you meant by it.
+
+The Priest. I really don't quite know--it slipped out--
+
+The King. That is a lie! Some one said: "First of all her death, and
+then this." And you said: "It is the judgment of heaven."
+
+The Mayor. That is quite right, your Majesty.
+
+The King. First of all _her_ death? That meant the death of my
+betrothed, didn't it?
+
+Bang and The Priest. Yes, your Majesty.
+
+The King. "And then _this_" meant my friend--my dear friend! (With
+emotion.) Why did heaven condemn these two to death? (A pause.)
+
+The General. It is most regrettable that we should, quite involuntarily,
+have disturbed your Majesty at a moment when your Majesty's feelings
+are, naturally, so overcome--
+
+The King (interrupting him). I asked you why heaven condemned these two
+to death. (To the VICAR.) You are a clergyman; cudgel your brains!
+
+The Priest. Well, your Majesty, I was thinking that--I meant that--that
+heaven had in a miraculous way checked your Majesty--
+
+The General. "Ventured to check" would be more suitable, I think.
+
+The Priest.--from continuing in a course which many people thought so
+unfortunate--I mean, so fatal to the nation, and the church; had checked
+your Majesty--
+
+The General (in an undertone). Ventured to check.
+
+The Priest.--by taking away from your Majesty the two persons who--the
+two persons who--in the first place the one who--
+
+The King. The one who--?
+
+The Priest. Who was--
+
+The King. Who was--? A harlot that wanted to sit on the throne?
+
+The Priest. Those are your Majesty's word, not mine. (Wipes his
+forehead.)
+
+The King. Confess that they express what you meant!
+
+The Priest. I confess that I have heard--that people say--that--
+
+The King. Pray to heaven that for a single day your thoughts may be as
+pure as hers were every day. (Bursts into tears. Then says impetuously.)
+How long have you been a clergyman?
+
+The Priest. Fifteen years, your Majesty.
+
+The King. Then you were already ordained at the time when I was leading
+a dissolute life. Why did you never say anything to me then?
+
+The Priest. My most gracious King--
+
+The King. God is the only "most gracious King"! Do not speak blasphemy!
+
+The Priest. It was not my duty to--
+
+The General. Our friend is not a court chaplain. He has merely a parish
+in the town here--
+
+The Mayor. And his work lies chiefly among the factory hands.
+
+The King. And so it is not your duty to speak the truth to me--but
+to attack my dear dead friends by prating about heaven's judgment and
+repeating vile lies? Is that your duty?
+
+The Mayor. I only had the honour to know one of the--the deceased. Your
+Majesty honoured him with your friendship; the greatest honour a subject
+can enjoy. I should like to say that one would rarely find a nobler
+heart, a loftier mind, or more modest fidelity, than his.
+
+The General. I should like, if I may make so bold, to make use of
+the opportunity chance has afforded me of associating myself with my
+sovereign's sorrow, a sorrow for which his whole people must feel the
+deepest respect, but especially those who, in consequence of their high
+position, are more particularly called upon to be the pillars of the
+monarchy; to use this opportunity, I say--and to do so, I know, as the
+representative of many thousands of your Majesty's subjects--to voice
+the sympathy, the unfeigned grief, that will be poured forth at the news
+of this new loss which has wrung your Majesty's heart--a loss which
+will reawaken consternation in the country and make it more than ever
+necessary to take the severest possible measures against a party to
+which nothing is sacred, neither the King's person nor the highest
+dignities of office nor the inviolability of the home--a party whose
+very existence depends on sedition and ought no longer to be tolerated,
+but ought, as the enemy of the throne and of society, to be visited with
+all the terrors of the law, until--
+
+The King. What about compassion, my friend?
+
+The General. Compassion?
+
+The King. Not for the republicans--but for me!
+
+The General. It is just the compassion which the whole nation will feel
+for your Majesty that compels me, in spite of everything, to invoke the
+intervention of justice at this particular crisis! Terror--
+
+The King.--must be our weapon?
+
+The General. Yes! Can any one imagine a more priceless proof of the care
+that a people have for their King, than for the gravely anxious tones
+of their voice to be heard, at this solemn moment, crying: Down with the
+enemies of the throne!
+
+The King (turning away). No, _I_ haven't thews and sinews for that lie!
+
+The Mayor. I must say I altogether agree with the General. The feeling
+of affection, gratitude, esteem--
+
+The General.--the legacy of devotion that your Majesty's ancestors of
+blessed memory--
+
+The King (to the Priest). You, sir--what does my ancestors being "of
+blessed memory" mean?
+
+The Priest (after a moment's thought). It is a respectful manner of
+alluding to them, your Majesty.
+
+The King. A respectful lie, you mean. (A pause. ANNA comes out of the
+room on the left and throws herself at the KING'S feet, embracing his
+knees in despairing sorrow.) Ah, here comes a breath of truth!--And you
+come to me, my child, because you know that we two can mourn together.
+But I do not weep, as you do; because I know that for a long time he had
+been secretly praying for death. He has got his wish now. So you must
+not weep so bitterly. You must wish what he wished, you know. Ah, what
+grief there is in her eyes! (Sobs.)
+
+(The GENERAL signs to the others that they should all withdraw quietly,
+without turning round. They gradually do so; but the KING looks up and
+perceives what they are doing.)
+
+The General. Out of respect for your Majesty's grief, we were going to--
+
+The King. Silence! With my hand on the head of this poor creature, who
+used to trust so unassumingly and devotedly to his goodness of heart,
+I wish to say something in memory of my friend. (ANNA clings to him,
+weeping. The others come respectfully nearer, and wait.) Gran was
+the richest man in the country. Why was it that he had no fear of
+the people? Why was it that he believed that its salvation lay in the
+overthrow of the present state of affairs?
+
+Bang. Mr. Gran, with all his great qualities, was a visionary.
+
+The King. He had not inherited all of his vast fortune; he had amassed a
+great part of it himself.
+
+Bang. As a man of business, Mr. Gran was beyond all praise.
+
+The King. And yet a visionary? The two things are absolutely
+contradictory.--You once called me "the padlock on your cash-box."
+
+Bang. I allowed myself, with all respect, to make that jest--which,
+nevertheless, was nothing but the serious truth!
+
+The King. Why did he, who has met his death, consider that the security
+for _his_ cash-box came from those _below_ him, as long as he did what
+was right, and not from those above him? Because he understood the
+times. No question of selfishness stood in the way of his doing
+that.--That is my funeral oration over him!--(To ANNA.) Get up, my dear!
+Did you understand what I was saying? Do not weep so! (She clings to
+him, sobbing.)
+
+The Priest. He was a very great man! When your Majesty speaks so, I
+fully recognise it. But your Majesty may be certain that, though we may
+not have been so fortunate as to see so far ahead and so clearly--though
+our mental horizon may be narrow--we are none the less loyal to your
+Majesty for that, nor less devoted! It is our duty as subjects to say
+so, although your Majesty in your heaviness of heart seems to forget
+it-seems to forget that we, too, look for everything from your Majesty's
+favour, wisdom and justice. (Perspires freely.)
+
+The King. It is very strange! My dear friend never said anything like
+that to me. (A pause.) He had the most prosperous business in the
+country. When I came to him and asked him to abandon it, he did so at
+once. And in the end he died for me. That is the sort of man he was. (To
+ANNA.) Go in to him, my dear! You are the very picture of dumb loyalty.
+Although I do not deserve to have such as you to watch by my side,
+still, for the sake of him who is dead, I shall have you to do so when
+I too--. (Breaks off.) Yes, yes, go in there now! I shall come. Do you
+understand? I shall come. (ANNA moves towards the other room.) There,
+that's it! (He repeats his words to her every time she looks back as she
+goes.) Yes, directly!--That's it!--In a very little while! Go now!
+
+Bang. Excuse me, your Majesty, but it is terribly hot in here, and the
+affection of my heart which troubles me is attacking me painfully. Will
+your Majesty be pleased to allow me to withdraw?
+
+The Mayor. With all respect, I should like to be allowed to make the
+same request. Your Majesty is obviously very much upset, and I am sure
+we are all unwilling that our presence--which, indeed, was unintentional
+and unsought by us--should augment a distress of mind which is so
+natural in one of your Majesty's noble disposition, and so inevitable
+considering the deep sense of gratitude your Majesty must feel towards a
+friend who--
+
+The King (interrupting him). Hush, hush! Let us have a little respect
+for the truth in the presence of the dead! Do not misunderstand me--I do
+not mean to say that any of you would lie wilfully; but the atmosphere
+that surrounds a king is infected. And, as regards that--just a word or
+two. I have only a short time. But as a farewell message from me--
+
+The Priest. A farewell message?
+
+The King.--give my greeting to what is called Christianity in this
+country. Greet it from me! I have been thinking a great deal about
+Christian folk lately.
+
+The Priest. I am glad to hear it!
+
+The King. Your tone jars on me! Greet those who call themselves
+Christians--. Oh! come, come--don't crane your necks and bend your backs
+like that, as if the most precious words of wisdom were about to drop
+from my lips! (To himself.) Is it any use my saying anything serious to
+them? (Aloud.) I suppose you are Christians?
+
+The General. Why, of course! Faith is invaluable--
+
+The King.--in preserving discipline? (To the Mayor.) How about you?
+
+The Mayor. I was taught by my parents, of blessed memory--
+
+The King. Oh, so they are "of blessed memory" too, are they? Well, what
+did they teach you?
+
+The Mayor. To fear God, honour the King--
+
+The King.--and love the brotherhood! You are a public official, Mr.
+Mayor. That is what a Christian is, nowadays. (To BANG.) And you?
+
+Bang. Of late I have been able to go so little to church, because of my
+cough. And in that unwholesome atmosphere--
+
+The King.--you go to sleep. But you are a Christian?
+
+Bang. Undoubtedly!
+
+The King (to the Priest). And you are one, of course?
+
+The Priest. By the grace of God I hope so!
+
+The King (snapping his fingers). Yes, that is the regulation formula,
+my good fellow! You all answer by the card! Very well, then--you are
+a community of Christians; and it is not my fault if such a
+community refuses to take any serious interest in what really affects
+Christianity. Tell it from me that it ought to keep an eye on the
+monarchy.
+
+The Priest. Christianity has nothing to do with such things. It concerns
+only the souls of men!
+
+The King (aside). That voice. (Aloud.) I know--it does not concern
+itself with the air a patient breathes, but only with his lungs!
+Excellent!--All the same, Christianity ought to keep an eye on the
+monarchy. Ought to tear the falsehood away from it! Ought not to go in
+crowds to stare at a coronation in a church, like apes grinning at a
+peacock! I know what I felt at that moment. I had rehearsed it all once
+that morning already--ha, ha! Ask your Christianity if it may not be
+about time for it to interest itself a little in the monarchy? It
+seems to me that it scarcely ought any longer to allow monarchy, like
+a seductive harlot, to keep militarism before the people's eyes as
+an ideal--seeing that that is exactly contrary to the teachings of
+Christianity, or to encourage class divisions, luxury, hypocrisy and
+vanity. Monarchy has become so all-pervading a lie that it infects even
+the most upright of men.
+
+The Mayor. But I don't understand, your Majesty!
+
+The King. Don't you? You are an upright man yourself, Mr. Mayor--a most
+worthy man.
+
+The Mayor. I do not know whether your Majesty is pleased to jest again?
+
+The King. In sober earnest, I say you are one of the most upright of
+men.
+
+The Mayor. I cannot tell your Majesty how flattered I am to hear your
+Majesty say so!
+
+The King. Have you any decorations?
+
+The Mayor. Your Majesty's government has not, so far, deigned to cast
+their eyes on me.
+
+The King. That fault will be repaired. Be sure of that!
+
+The General (to the Mayor). To have that from his Majesty's own mouth
+is equivalent to seeing it gazetted. I am fortunate to be able to be the
+first to congratulate you!
+
+Bang. Allow me to congratulate you also!
+
+The Priest. And me too! I have had the honour of working hand in hand
+with you, Mr. Mayor, for many years; I know how well deserved such a
+distinction is.
+
+The Mayor. I feel quite overcome; but I must beg to be allowed to lay my
+thanks at your Majesty's feet. I trust I shall not prove unworthy of the
+distinction. One hesitates to make such confessions--but I am a candid
+man, and I admit that one of the chief aims of my ambition has been to
+be allowed some day to participate in--
+
+The King (interrupting him).--in this falsehood. That just points
+my moral. As long as even upright men's thoughts run in that mould,
+Christianity cannot pretend to have any real hold on the nation. As for
+your decoration, you are quite sure to get one from my successor.--In
+a word, Christianity must tackle monarchy! And if it cannot tear the
+falsehood from it without destroying it, then let it destroy it!
+
+The General. Your Majesty!
+
+The King (turning to him). The same thing applies to a standing army,
+which is a creation of monarchy's. I do not believe that such an
+institution--with all its temptations to power, all its inevitable vices
+and habits--could be tolerated if Christianity were a living thing. Away
+with it!
+
+The Priest. Really, your Majesty--!
+
+The King (turning to him). The same applies to an established
+church--another of monarchy's creations! If we had in our country a
+Christianity worth the name, that salvation trade would stink in men's
+nostrils. Away with it!
+
+The Mayor (reproachfully). Oh, your Majesty!
+
+The King (turning on him). The same applies to the artificial disparity
+of circumstances that you prate about with tears in your eyes! I heard
+you once. Class distinctions are fostered by monarchy.
+
+Bang. But equality is an impossibility!
+
+The King. If _you_ would only make it possible--which it can be
+made--even the socialists would cease to clamour for anything else. I
+tell you this: Christianity has destroyed ideals. Christianity lives on
+dogmas and formulas, instead of on ideals.
+
+The Priest. Its ideals lead us away from earth to heaven--
+
+The King. Not in a balloon, even if it were stuffed full of all the
+pages of the Bible! Christianity's ideals will lead to heaven only when
+they are realised on earth--never before.
+
+The Priest. May I venture to say that Christianity's ideal is a pious
+life.
+
+The King. Yes. But does not Christianity aim at more than that, or is it
+going to be content with making some few believers?
+
+The Priest. It is written: "Few are chosen."
+
+The King. Then it has given up the job in advance?
+
+The Mayor. I think our friend is right, that Christianity has never
+occupied itself with such things as your Majesty demands of it.
+
+The King. But what I mean is, could it not bring itself to do so?
+
+The Priest. If it did, it would lose sight of its _inner_ aim. The
+earliest communities are the model for a Christian people!
+
+The King (turning away from him). Oh, have any model you like, so long
+as it leads to something!
+
+The General. I must say I am astonished at the penetration your Majesty
+slows even into the deepest subjects.
+
+Bang. Yes, I have never heard anything like it! I have not had the
+advantage of a university education, so I don't really understand it.
+
+The King. And to think that I imagined that I should find my allies,
+my followers, in Christian people! One is so reluctant to give up _all_
+hope! I thought that a Christian nation would storm the strongholds of
+lies in our modern, so-called Christian communities--storm them, capture
+them!--and begin with monarchy, because that would need most courage,
+and because its falsehood lies deepest and goes farthest. I thought that
+Christianity would one day prove to be the salt of the earth. No, do
+_not_ greet Christianity from me. I have said nothing, and do not mean
+it. I am what men call a betrayed man--betrayed by all the most ideal
+powers of life. There! Now I have done!
+
+The General. But what does your Majesty mean? Betrayed? By whom? Who are
+the traitors? Really--!
+
+The King. Pooh! Think it over!--As a matter of fact I am the only one
+that has been foolish.
+
+Bang. Your Majesty, just now you were so full of vigour--!
+
+The King. Don't let that astonish you, my friend! I am a mixture of
+enthusiasm and world-weariness; the scion of a decrepit race is
+not likely to be any better than that, you know! And as for being a
+reformer--! Ha, ha! Well, I thank you all for having listened to me so
+patiently. Whatever I said had no significance--except perhaps that,
+like the oysters, I had to open my shell before I died.--Good-bye!
+
+The General. I really cannot find it in my heart to leave your Majesty
+when your Majesty is in so despondent a humour.
+
+The King. I am afraid you will have to try, my gallant friend!--Don't
+look so dejected, Mr. Mayor!--Suppose some day serious-minded men
+should feel just as humiliated at such falsehoods existing as you do
+now because you have not been allowed to participate in them. I might
+perhaps be able to endure being king then! But as things are now, I am
+not strong enough for the job. I feel as if I had been shouldered out
+of actual life on to this strip of carpet that I am standing on! That is
+what my attempts at reform have ended in!
+
+The Mayor. May I be allowed to say that the impression made on my mind
+by the somewhat painful scene we have just gone through is that your
+Majesty is overwrought.
+
+The King. Mad, you mean?
+
+The Mayor. God forbid I should use such a word of my King!
+
+The King. Always punctilious!--Well, judging by the fact that every one
+else considers themselves sane, I must undoubtedly be the mad one. It
+is as simple as a sum in arithmetic.--And, in all conscience, isn't
+it madness, when all is said and done, to take such trifles so much to
+heart?--to bother about a few miserable superannuated forms that are not
+of the slightest importance?--a few venerable, harmless prejudices?--a
+few foolish social customs and other trumpery affairs of that sort?
+
+The General. Quite so!
+
+The Mayor. Your Majesty is absolutely right!
+
+Bang. I quite agree!
+
+The Priest. It is exactly what I have been thinking all the time.
+
+The King. And probably we had better add to the list certain
+extravagant ideas--perhaps even certain dangerous ideas, like mine about
+Christianity?
+
+The Priest (hastily and impressively). Your Majesty is mistaken on the
+subject of Christianity.
+
+The Mayor. Christianity is entirely a personal matter, your Majesty.
+
+The General. Your Majesty expects too much of it. Now, as a comfort for
+the dying--!
+
+The King. And a powerful instrument of discipline.
+
+The General (smiling). Ah, your Majesty!
+
+Bang (confidentially). Christianity is no longer such a serious matter
+nowadays, except for certain persons--. (Glances at the PRIEST.)
+
+The King. All I have to say on the head of such unanimous approval
+is this: that in such a shallow society, where there is no particular
+distinction between lies and truth, because most things are mere
+forms without any deeper meaning--where ideals are considered to be
+extravagant, dangerous things--it is not so _very_ amusing to be alive.
+
+The General. Oh, your Majesty! Really, you--! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+The King. Don't you agree with me?--Ah, if only one could grapple with
+it!--but we should need to be many to do that, and better equipped than
+I am.
+
+The General. Better equipped than your Majesty? Your Majesty is the most
+gifted man in the whole country!
+
+All. Yes!
+
+The General. Yes--your Majesty must excuse me--I spoke involuntarily!
+
+The Mayor. There was a tone running through all your Majesty said that
+seemed to suggest that your Majesty was contemplating--. (Breaks off.)
+
+The King.--going away? Yes.
+
+All. Going away?
+
+The General. And abdicating? For heaven's sake, your Majesty--!
+
+Bang. That would mean handing us over to the crown prince--the pietist!
+
+The Priest (betraying his pleasure in spite of himself). And his mother!
+
+The King. You are pleased at the idea, parson! It will be a sight to
+see her and her son prancing along, with all of you in your best clothes
+following them! Hurrah!
+
+The General. Ha, ha, ha! Ho, ho, ho!
+
+Bang. Ha-ha-ha! (Coughs.) I get such a cough when I laugh.
+
+The King (seriously). I had no intention of provoking laughter in the
+presence of death. I can hear the sounds of mourning through the open
+door.
+
+The Mayor. With all due respect to the church--the vast majority of the
+nation have no desire for things to come to _that_--to the accession of
+a pietist to the throne. If your Majesty threatens to abdicate you will
+have us all at your feet.
+
+The General (with decision). The accession of a new king just now would
+be universally considered a national calamity. I will wager my life on
+that!
+
+Bang. And I too!
+
+The King. My excellent friends--you must take the consequences of your
+actions!
+
+The Mayor (despairingly). But _this_! Who ever imagined such a thing?
+
+The General and Bang. No one--no one!
+
+The King. So much the worse. What is it you are asking me to do? To
+stay where I am, so as to keep another man down? Is that work for a man?
+Shame!
+
+The Mayor (in distress). We ask more than that! Your Majesty is making a
+fatal mistake! The whole of your Majesty's dissatisfaction springs from
+the fact that you believe yourself to be deserted by your people because
+the elections are going contrary to what your Majesty had hoped. Nothing
+is further from the truth! The people fight shy of revolutionary ideas;
+but they love their King!
+
+Bang. They love their King!
+
+The King. And that white dove, who came confidently to my hand--she had
+some experience of what their love was!
+
+The Mayor. The King's associates may displease the people; ideas may
+alter; but love for their King endures!
+
+The Others. Endures!
+
+The King. Cease! Cease!
+
+The General (warmly). Your Majesty may command us to do anything except
+refrain from giving utterance to a free people's freely offered homage
+of devotion, loyalty, and love for its royal house!
+
+The Mayor (emotionally). There is no one who would not give his life for
+his King!
+
+Bang, The General, and The Priest. No one!
+
+The General. Try us! (They all press forward.)
+
+The King. Done with you! (Takes a revolver from his pocket.) Since
+yesterday I have carried this little thing in my pocket. (They all look
+alarmed.)
+
+The Priest. Merciful heavens!
+
+The King (holding out the revolver to him). Will you die for me? If so,
+I will continue to be King.
+
+The Priest. I? What does your Majesty mean? It would be a great sin!
+
+The King. You love me, I suppose?
+
+All (desperately). Yes, your Majesty!
+
+The King. Those who love, believe. Therefore, believe me when I say
+this: If there is a single one of you who, without thinking twice about
+it, will die for his King now--here--at once--then I shall consider that
+as a command laid upon me to go on living and working.
+
+The Mayor (in a terrified whisper). He is insane!
+
+The General (whispers). Yes!
+
+The King. I can hear you!--But I suppose you love your King, even if he
+is insane?
+
+All (in agitated tones). Yes, your Majesty!
+
+The King. Majesty, majesty! There is only One who has any majesty about
+Him--certainly not a madman! But if I have been driven mad by the lies
+that surround me, it would be a holy deed to make me sound again. You
+said you would die for me. Redeem your words! That will make me well
+again!--You, General?
+
+The General. My beloved King, it would be--as our reverend friend so
+aptly put it--a most dreadful sin.
+
+The King. You have let slip a splendid opportunity for showing your
+heroism.--You ought to have seen that I was only putting you to the
+test!--Good-bye! (Goes into the room on the left.)
+
+The General. Absolutely insane!
+
+The Others. Absolutely.
+
+The Mayor. Such great abilities, too! What might not have been made of
+him!
+
+Bang. The pity of it!
+
+The Priest. I got so alarmed.
+
+Bang. So did I! (A loud pistol-shot is heard.)
+
+The Priest. Another shot? (A pitiful woman's cry is heard from the other
+room.)
+
+The Mayor. What on earth was that?
+
+Bang. I daren't think!
+
+The Priest. Nor I! (An old woman rushes out of the room on the left,
+calling out: "Help!--Help!--The King!" and hurries out at the back,
+calling: "The King! Help, help!" The GENERAL and the MAYOR rush into
+the other room. Voices are heard outside asking: "The King?--Was it the
+King?" The confusion and uproar grows. In the midst of it ANNA comes
+stumbling out of the other room, her hands stretched out before her, as
+if she did not know where she was going. The noise and confusion grows
+louder every minute, and crowds of people come rushing into the room
+from outside as the Curtain falls.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Three Dramas, by Björnstjerne M. Björnson
+
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+
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en">
+  <head>
+    <title>
+      Three Dramas, by Björnstjerne Björnson
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve">
+
+    body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify}
+    P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; }
+    H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; }
+    hr  { width: 50%; text-align: center;}
+    .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; }
+    blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;}
+    .mynote    {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;}
+    .toc       { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;}
+    .toc2      { margin-left: 20%;}
+    div.fig    { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; }
+    div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; }
+    .figleft   {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;}
+    .figright  {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;}
+    .pagenum   {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal;
+               margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%;
+               text-align: right;}
+    pre        { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;}
+
+</style>
+  </head>
+  <body>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Three Dramas, by Björnstjerne M. Björnson
+
+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: Three Dramas
+       The Editor--The Bankrupt--The King
+
+Author: Björnstjerne M. Björnson
+
+Commentator: R. Farquharson Sharp
+
+Release Date: August 11, 2009 [EBook #7844]
+Last Updated: February 1, 2013
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THREE DRAMAS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Nicole Apostola, and David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h1>
+      THREE DRAMAS
+    </h1>
+    <h2>
+      THE EDITOR&mdash;THE BANKRUPT&mdash;THE KING
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      By Björnstjerne M. Björnson
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <blockquote>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big>
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        <br />
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION </a>
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        <br />
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>THE EDITOR</b> </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> ACT I </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> ACT II </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> ACT III </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> ACT IV </a>
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        <br />
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> <b>THE BANKRUPT</b> </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> ACT I </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> ACT II </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> ACT III </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> ACT IV </a>
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        <br />
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> <b>THE KING</b> </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_PROL"> PROLOGUE </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> ACT I </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> ACT II </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> ACT III </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> ACT IV </a>
+      </p>
+    </blockquote>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      INTRODUCTION
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The three plays here presented were the outcome of a period when
+      Björnson's views on many topics were undergoing a drastic revision and he
+      was abandoning much of his previous orthodoxy in many directions. Two of
+      them were written during, and one immediately after, a three years'
+      absence from Norway&mdash;years spent almost entirely in southern Europe.
+      [Note: Further details respecting Björnson's life will be found in the
+      Introduction to Three Comedies by Björnson, published in Everyman's
+      Library in 1912.] For nearly ten years previous to this voluntary exile,
+      Björnson had been immersed in theatrical management and political
+      propagandism. His political activities (guided by a more or less
+      pronounced republican tendency) centred in an agitation for a truer
+      equality between the kingdoms of Sweden and Norway, his point of view
+      being that Norway had come to be regarded too much as a mere appanage of
+      Sweden. Between that and his manifold and distracting cares as theatrical
+      director, he had let imaginative work slide for the time being; but his
+      years abroad had a recuperative effect, and, in addition, broadened his
+      mental outlook in a remarkable manner. Foreign travel, a wider
+      acquaintance with differing types of humanity, and, above all, a newly-won
+      acquaintance with the contemporary literature of other countries, made a
+      deep impression upon Björnson's vigorously receptive mind. He browsed
+      voraciously upon the works of foreign writers. Herbert Spencer, Darwin,
+      John Stuart Mill, Taine, Max-Müller, formed a portion of his mental
+      pabulum at this time&mdash;and the result was a significant alteration of
+      mental attitude on a number of questions, and a determination to make the
+      attempt to embody his theories in dramatic form. He had gained all at
+      once, as he wrote to Georg Brandes, the eminent Danish critic, "eyes that
+      saw and ears that heard." Up to this time the poet in him had been
+      predominant; now it was to be the social philosopher that held the reins.
+      Just as Ibsen did, so Björnson abandoned historical drama and artificial
+      comedy for an attempt at prose drama which should have at all events a
+      serious thesis. In this he anticipated Ibsen; for (unless we include the
+      satirical political comedy, <i>The League of Youth</i>, which was
+      published in 1869, among Ibsen's "social dramas") Ibsen did not enter the
+      field with <i>Pillars of Society</i> [Note: Published in <i>The Pretenders
+      and Two Other Plays</i>, in Everyman's Library, 1913.] until 1877, whereas
+      Björnson's <i>The Editor</i>, <i>The Bankrupt</i>, and <i>The King</i>
+      were all published between 1874 and 1877. Intellectual and literary life
+      in Denmark had been a good deal stirred and quickened in the early
+      seventies, and the influence of that awakening was inevitably felt by the
+      more eager spirits in the other Scandinavian countries. It is amusing to
+      note, as one Norwegian writer has pointed out, that this intellectual
+      upheaval (which, in its turn, was a reflection of that taking place in
+      outer Europe) came at a time when the bulk of the Scandinavian folk "were
+      congratulating themselves that the doubt and ferment of unrest which were
+      undermining the foundations of the great communities abroad had not had
+      the power to ruffle the placid surface of our good, old-fashioned,
+      Scandinavian orthodoxy." Björnson makes several sly hits in these plays
+      (as does Ibsen in <i>Pillars of Society</i>) at this distrust of the
+      opinions and manners of the larger communities outside of Scandinavia,
+      notably America, with which the Scandinavian countries were more
+      particularly in touch through emigration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Brandes characterises the impelling motive of these three plays as a
+      passionate appeal for a higher standard of truth&mdash;in journalism, in
+      finance, in monarchy: an appeal for less casuistry and more honesty. Such
+      a motive was characteristic of the vehement honesty of Björnson's own
+      character; he must always, as he says in one of his letters, go over to
+      the side of any one whom he believed to "hold the truth in his hands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <i>The Editor</i> (<i>Redaktören</i>) was written while Björnson was in
+      Florence, and was published at Copenhagen in 1874. It was at first not
+      accepted for performance at Christiania or Copenhagen, though an
+      unauthorised performance of it was given at one of the lesser Christiania
+      theatres in 1875, Meanwhile a Swedish version of it had been produced,
+      authoritatively, at Stockholm in February of that year. The play
+      eventually made its way on the Norwegian and Danish stage; but, before
+      that, it had been seen in German dress at Munich and Hamburg. As an
+      inevitable result of his recent activities as a political speaker and
+      pamphleteer, Björnson had come in for a good deal of vituperation in the
+      press, a fact which no doubt added some gall to the ink with which he drew
+      the portrait of the journalist in this play. The Stockholm critics,
+      indeed, had condemned <i>The Editor</i> as merely a pamphleteering attack
+      on the editor of a well-known journal. In answer to this criticism
+      Björnson wrote from Rome in March, 1875: "It is said that my play is a
+      pamphleteering attack on a certain individual. That is a deliberate lie. I
+      have studied the journalist type, which is here represented, in many other
+      countries besides my own. The chief characteristic of this type is to be
+      actuated by an inordinate egotism that is perpetually being inflamed by
+      passion; that makes use of bogeys to frighten people, and does this in
+      such a way that, while it makes all its honest contemporaries afraid of
+      any freedom of thought, it also produces the same result on every single
+      individual by means of reckless persecution. As I wished to portray that
+      type, I naturally took a good deal of the portrait from the representative
+      of the type that I knew best; but, like every artist who wishes to produce
+      a complete creation, I had to build it up from separate revelations of
+      itself. There can, therefore, be no question of any individual being
+      represented in my play except in so far as he may partially agree with the
+      type."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      However much Björnson may have written <i>The Editor</i> with a "purpose,"
+      his vivid dramatic sense kept him from becoming merely didactic. The
+      little tragedy that takes place amongst this homely group of people makes
+      quite a moving play, thanks to the skill with which the types are depicted&mdash;the
+      bourgeois father and mother, with their mixture of timidity and
+      self-interest; the manly, straightforward young politician, resolute to
+      carry on the work that has sapped his brother's life; the warped,
+      de-humanised nature of the journalist; the sturdy common-sense of the
+      yeoman farmer; and the doctor, the "family friend," as a sort of mocking
+      chorus. Besides its plea for a higher regard for truth, the play also
+      attacks the precept, preached by worldly wisdom, that we ought to harden
+      our natures to make ourselves invulnerable; a proposition which was
+      hateful to one of Björnson's persistently impressionable and ingenuous
+      nature. The fact remains, as Brandes grimly admits, that "nowadays we have
+      only a very qualified sympathy with public characters who succumb to the
+      persecution of the press." Brandes sees in the play, besides its obvious
+      motive, an allegory. Halvdan Rejn, the weary and dying politician, is (he
+      says) meant for Henrik Wergeland, a Norwegian poet-politician who had
+      similar struggles, sank under the weight of similar at tacks, died after a
+      long illness, and was far higher reputed after his death than during his
+      life. In Harald Rejn, with his honest enthusiasm and misjudged political
+      endeavours Brandes sees Björnson himself; while the yeoman brother,
+      Haakon, seems to him to typify the Norwegian people.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <i>The Bankrupt</i> (<i>En Fallit</i>: literally <i>A Bankruptcy</i>) was
+      partly written in Rome, partly in Tyrol, and published at Copenhagen in
+      1875. It was a thing entirely new to the Scandinavian stage for a
+      dramatist to deal seriously with the tragi-comedy of money, and, while
+      making a forcible plea for honesty, to contrive to produce a stirring and
+      entertaining play on what might seem so prosaic a foundation as business
+      finance. Some of the play's earliest critics dismissed it as "dry,"
+      "prosaic," "trivial," because of the nature of its subject; but it made a
+      speedy success on the boards, and very soon became a popular item in the
+      repertories of the Christiania, Bergen and Copenhagen theatres. It was
+      actually first performed, in a Swedish translation, at Stockholm, a few
+      days before it was produced at Christiania. Very soon, too, the play
+      reached Berlin, Munich, Vienna, and other German and Austrian theatres. It
+      was played in Paris, at the Théâtre Libre in 1894. The character of
+      Berent, the lawyer, which became a favourite one with the famous Swedish
+      actor Ernst Possart, was admittedly more or less of a portrait of a
+      well-known Norwegian lawyer, by name Dunker. When Björnson was writing the
+      play, he went to stay for some days with Dunker, who was to instruct him
+      as to the legal aspect of bankruptcy. Björnson took the opportunity of
+      studying the lawyer as well as the law.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <i>The King</i> (<i>Kongen</i>) was written at Aulestad, the Norwegian
+      home in which Björnson settled after his return from abroad, and was
+      published at Copenhagen in 1877. It is perhaps not surprising that the
+      play, with its curious blend of poetry and social philosophy, and its
+      somewhat exuberant (though always interesting) wordiness, was not at first
+      a conspicuous success on the stage; but the interest aroused by the
+      published book was enormous. It was widely read and vigorously discussed,
+      both in Scandinavia and abroad; and while, on the one hand, it brought
+      upon Björnson the most scurrilous abuse and the harshest criticism from
+      his political opponents, on the other hand a prominent compatriot of his
+      (whose opinion was worth having) gave it as his verdict, at a political
+      meeting held soon after the play's publication, that "the most notable
+      thing that has happened in Norway of late&mdash;or at any rate, one of the
+      most notable&mdash;in my opinion is this last book of Björnson's&mdash;<i>The
+      King</i>."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The idea of a "democratic monarchy"&mdash;a kind of reformed
+      constitutional monarchy, that should be a half-way house on the road to
+      republicanism&mdash;was not entirely new; Björnson's success was in
+      presenting the problem as seen from the <i>inside</i>&mdash;that is to
+      say, from the king's point of view. His opponents, of course, branded him
+      as a red-hot republican, which he was not. In a preface he wrote for a
+      later edition of the play, he says that he did not intend the play mainly
+      as an argument in favour of republicanism, but "to extend the boundaries
+      of free discussion"; but that, at the same time, he believed the republic
+      to be the ultimate form of government, and all European states to be
+      proceeding at varying rates of speed towards it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <i>The King</i> is composed of curiously incongruous elements. The railway
+      meeting in the first act is pure comedy of a kind to compare with the
+      meeting in Ibsen's <i>An Enemy of Society</i>; the last act is melodrama
+      with a large admixture of remarkably interesting social philosophy; the
+      intervening acts betray the poet that always underlay the dramatist in
+      Björnson. The crudity, again, of the melodramatic appearance of the wraith
+      of Clara's father in the third act, contrasts strangely with the mature
+      thoughtfulness of much of the last act and with the tender charm of what
+      has gone before: And&mdash;strangest incongruity of all in a play so
+      essentially "actual"&mdash;there is in the original, between each act, a
+      mysterious "mellemspil," or "interlude," in verse, consisting of somewhat
+      cryptic dialogues between Genii and Unseen Choirs in the clouds, between
+      an "Old Grey Man" and a "Chorus of Tyrants" in a desolate scene of snow
+      and ice, between Choruses of Men, Women, and Children in a sylvan
+      landscape, and so forth&mdash;their utterances being of the nature of the
+      obscurest choruses in the Greek dramatists, but for the most part with a
+      less obvious relevance to the play itself. Such a device leads the
+      present-day reader's thoughts inevitably to the use made of the "unseen
+      chorus," in a similar way, by Thomas Hardy in <i>The Dynasts</i>; but
+      Hardy's interludes are closely relevant to his drama and help it on its
+      way, which Björnson's do not. They have been entirely omitted in the
+      present translation, on the ground of their complete superfluity as well
+      as from the extreme difficulty of retaining their "atmosphere" in
+      translation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      None of the three plays in the present volume have previously been
+      translated into English. German, French, and Swedish versions of <i>The
+      Editor</i> are extant; German, Swedish, Finnish, French, and Hungarian of
+      <i>The Bankrupt</i>; French and Spanish of <i>The King</i>.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      R. FARQUHARSON SHARP. <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The following is a list of the works of Björnstjerne Björnson:&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      DRAMATIC AND POETIC WORKS.&mdash;Mellem Slagene (Between the Battles),
+      1857. Halte-Hulda (Lame Hulda), 1858. Kong Sverre (King Sverre), 1861.
+      Sigurd Slembe (Sigurd the Bastard), 1862; translated by W. M. Payne, 1888.
+      Maria Stuart i Skotland, 1864. De Nygifte (The Newly-Married Couple),
+      1865; translated by T. Soelfeldt, 1868; by S. and E. Hjerleid, 1870; as A
+      Lesson in Marriage, by G. I. Colbron, 1911. Sigurd Jorsalfar (Sigurd the
+      Crusader), 1872. Redaktören (The Editor), 1874. En Fallit (A Bankruptcy),
+      1874. Kongen (The King), 1877. Leonarda, 1879. Det ny System (The New
+      System), 1879. En Hanske, 1883; translated as A Gauntlet, by H. L.
+      Braekstad 1890; by Osman Edwards 1894. Over AEvne (Beyond our Strength),
+      Part I., 1883; translated as Pastor Sang, by W. Wilson, 1893; Part II.,
+      1895. Geografi og Kaerlighed (Geography and Love), 1885; Paul Lange og
+      Tora Parsberg, 1898; translated by H. L. Braekstad, 1899. Laboremus, 1901;
+      translation published by Chapman and Hall, 1901. Paa Storhove (At
+      Storhove), 1904; Daglannet, 1904; Naar den ny Vin blomstrer (When the
+      Vineyards are in Blossom), 1909; The Newly-Married Couple, Leonarda, and A
+      Gauntlet, translated by R. Farquharson Sharp (Everyman's Library), 1912.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Digte og Sange (Poems and Songs), 1870; Arnljot Gelline, 1870.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      FICTION.&mdash;Synnöve Solbakken 1857; translated as Trust and Trial, by
+      Mary Howitt, 1858; as Love and Life in Norway, by Hon. Augusta Bethell and
+      A. Plesner, 1870; as The Betrothal, in H. and A. Zimmern's Half-hours with
+      Foreign Novelists, 1880; also translated by Julie Sutter, 1881; by R. B.
+      Anderson, 1881. Arne, 1858; translated by T. Krag, 1861; by A. Plesner and
+      S. Rugeley-Powers, 1866; by R. B. Anderson, 1881; by W. Low (Bohn's
+      Library), 1890. Smaastykker (Sketches), 1860. En glad Gut, 1860;
+      translated as Ovind, by S. and E. Hjerleid 1869; as The Happy Boy, by R.
+      B. Anderson, 1881; as The Happy Lad (published by Blackie), 1882.
+      Fiskerjenten, 1868 translated as The Fisher Maiden, by M. E. Niles, 1869;
+      as The Fishing Girl, by A. Plesner and F. Richardson, 1870; as The Fishing
+      Girl, by S. and E. Hjerleid, 1871; as The Fisher Maiden, by R. B.
+      Anderson, 1882. Brude-Slaatten, 1873; translated as The Bridal March, by
+      R. B. Anderson, 1882; by J. E. Williams, 1893. Fortaellinger (Tales),
+      1872. Magnhild, 1877; translated by R. B. Anderson, 1883. Kaptejn Mansana,
+      1879; translated as Captain Mansana by R. B. Anderson, 1882. Det flager i
+      Byen og paa Havnen (Flags are Flying in Town and Port), 1884; translated
+      as The Heritage of the Kurts, by C Fairfax 1892. Paa Guds Veje, 1889;
+      translated as In God's Way, by E. Carmichael, 1890. Nye Fortaellinger (New
+      Tales), 1894; To Fortaelinger (Two Tales), 1901; Mary, 1906. Collected
+      edition of the Novels, translated into English, edited by E. Gosse, 13
+      vols., 1895-1909.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      [See Life of Björnson by W. M. Payne, 1910; E. Gosse's Study of the
+      Writings of Björnson, in edition of Novels, 1895; H. H. Boyesen's Essays
+      on Scandinavian Literature, 1895; G. Brandes' Critical Studies of Ibsen
+      and Björnson, 1899.]
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="play">
+      <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+      <h2>
+        THE EDITOR
+      </h2>
+      <h3>
+        A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS
+      </h3>
+      DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+     EVJE, a prosperous distiller.
+     MRS. EVJE. GERTRUD, their daughter, engaged to
+     HARALD REJN.
+     The DOCTOR.
+     The EDITOR.
+     HAAKON REJN, a yeoman farmer.
+     HALVDAN REJN and HARALD REJN, his brothers.
+     The DOCTOR'S ASSISTANT.
+     INGEBORG, maid to the Evjes.
+     JOHN, coachman to the Evjes.
+     HALVDAN REJN's HOUSEKEEPER.
+     HALVDAN REJN's MAID.
+     A Lamplighter.
+</pre>
+      <p>
+        The action takes place in a town in Norway.
+      </p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+      <div style="height: 4em;">
+        <br /><br /><br /><br />
+      </div>
+      <h2>
+        ACT I
+      </h2>
+      <p>
+        (SCENE.&mdash;The breakfast-room at the EVJES' house. A glass-cupboard,
+        in two partitions, stands against the left-hand wall, well forward. On
+        the top of it stand a variety of objects. Beyond it, a stove. At the
+        back of the room, a sideboard. In the middle of the room a small round
+        folding table, laid for four persons. There is an armchair by the stove;
+        a sofa on the right; chairs, etc. A door at the back of the room, and
+        another in the left-hand wall. There are paintings on the walls, and the
+        general impression of the room is one of snug comfort. EVJE, MRS. EVJE,
+        and GERTRUD are seated at the table. INGEBORG is standing by the
+        sideboard. Breakfast is proceeding in silence as the curtain rises.
+        INGEBORG takes away EVJE'S cup and re-fills it. As she brings it back to
+        him, a ring is heard at the bell. GERTRUD gets up.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Sit still; John will go to the door. (GERTRUD sits down again.
+        Directly afterwards, another ring is heard.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. What can John be doing?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg. I will go. (Goes out. She comes back, showing in HARALD REJN,
+        who hangs up his hat and coat in the hall before coming in.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Good morning!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje and Mrs. Evje. Good morning! (HARALD shakes hands with them.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (to GERTRUD, who is sitting on the right). Good morning, Gertrud!
+        Am I a bit late to-day? (GERTRUD, who has taken his hand, looks lovingly
+        at him but says nothing.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Yes, I suppose you have been for a long constitutional,
+        although the weather is none of the best.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. It is not; I expect we shall have a thick fog by the afternoon.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Did you have breakfast before you went out?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. I did, thanks. (To INGEBORG, who has come forward with a cup of
+        coffee.) No, thank you. I will sit down here while you are finishing.
+        (Sits down on the sofa behind GERTRUD.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. How is your brother Halvdan?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. A little better to-day, thanks&mdash;but of course we cannot
+        build on that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Is your eldest brother coming to see him?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Yes, we expect him every day. Probably his wife has come with
+        him, and that has been the reason of the delay; she finds it difficult
+        to get away.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Halvdan so often talks of her.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Yes, I believe she is the best friend he has.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. No wonder, then, that she wants to come and say good-bye to him.
+        By the way, have you seen how the paper bids him good-bye to-day?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Yes, I have seen it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (hurriedly). I hope Halvdan has not seen it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (smiling). No, it is a long time now since Halvdan read a
+        newspaper. (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Then I suppose you have read what they say about you too?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Naturally.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. It is worse than anything they have said about you before.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Well&mdash;of course, you know, my election meeting comes on
+        this evening.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I can tell you it has upset <i>us</i>.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Day after day we wake up to find our house invaded by these
+        abominations. That is a nice thought to begin your day's work with!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Is it so indispensable, then, to educated people to begin their
+        day by reading such things?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Well&mdash;one must have a paper.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. And most people read it. Besides, one can't deny that a lot of
+        what is in it is true, although its general tendency is to run everyone
+        down.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (getting up). Quite so, yes. (Leans over GERTRUD'S shoulder.)
+        Gertrud, have you read it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud (does not look at him, and hesitates for a moment; then says
+        gently): Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (under his breath). So that is it! (Walks away from her.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. We have had a little bit of a scene here, I must tell you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (walking up and down). Yes, I can understand that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I will repeat what I have said already: they write about <i>you</i>,
+        and <i>we</i> have to suffer for it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Yes, and Gertrud especially.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. No&mdash;I don't want anyone to consider me in the matter at
+        all. Besides, it is not what they say of you in the paper that hurts me&mdash;.
+        (Stops abruptly.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (who has come up to her). But what your parents are feeling about
+        it? Is that it? (GERTRUD does not answer.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (pushing back his plate). There, I have finished! (They rise from
+        the table. MRS. EVJE helps INGEBORG to clear away the things, which
+        INGEBORG carries out of the room.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Couldn't you wash your hands of politics, Harald? (GERTRUD
+        goes out to the left.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (who has followed GERTRUD with his eyes). We cannot deny that it
+        pains us considerably that in our old age our peaceful home should be
+        invaded by all this squabbling and abomination.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (who rung for INGEBORG to move the table). You have no need to
+        do it, either, Harald! You are a grown man, and your own master.
+        (INGEBORG comes in. HARALD helps her to move the table.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (to his wife). Don't let Ingeborg hear. Come along, we will go into
+        my room.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. You forget, all the windows are open there. I have had the
+        fire lit here, so that we could stay here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Very well&mdash;then we will sit here. (Sits down by the fire.)
+        Will you have a cigar?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. No, thanks. (INGEBORG goes out.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (taking a cigar and lighting it). As my wife said just now&mdash;couldn't
+        you wash your hands of politics, Harald? You, who have both talent and
+        means, need not be at a loss for a vocation in life.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (sitting down on the sofa). If I have any talent, it is for
+        politics&mdash;and so I intend to devote my means to that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. What do you propose to gain by it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. What any one who believes in a cause hopes to gain&mdash;that is
+        to say, to help it on.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. And to become a cabinet minister?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. I certainly can't do that any other way; well, I admit&mdash;that
+        <i>is</i> my idea.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. You will not be elected now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. That we shall see.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But suppose you are not re-elected to-morrow?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Then I must find some other way.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Always with the same object?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Always with the same object. (EVJE sighs.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (who has taken her sewing and sat down by the fire). Oh, these
+        politics!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. At any rate, they are the most prominent factors in life just
+        now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. We do not suppose we can exercise any influence over you. But at
+        any rate it is possible that you yourself have not considered the
+        position into which you have put the whole of us. (Both he and his wife
+        avoid looking at HARALD during this discussion.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Say what you really mean, dear&mdash;that he is making us all
+        thoroughly unhappy, and that is the truth!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (getting up, and walking up and down). Well, look here&mdash;I
+        have a proposal to make. It is, that you should abandon all opposition
+        to Gertrud's marrying me at once. To-day again my brother has expressed
+        the wish that we should be married by his bedside; so that he should be
+        able to take part in it. I scarcely need add how happy it would make me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But whether she is here at home or married to you, you know, her
+        parents' distress would be just as great every time their child was
+        persecuted.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Surely you can appreciate that!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. But what answer am I to give to my brother's request?&mdash;most
+        likely the last he will ever&mdash;. (Stops.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (after a pause). He is very kind to wish it, as he always is.
+        Nothing would make us happier; but we who are her parents do not
+        consider that you could make our daughter happy as long as you remain in
+        politics and on the lines on which you are now travelling.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (after a pause, during which he has stood still). That is to say,
+        you contemplate breaking off our engagement?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (looking at him quickly). Far from it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (at the same time). How can you say such a thing?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (turning towards the fire again). We have spoken about it to
+        Gertrud to-day&mdash;as to whether it would not be possible to induce
+        you to choose some other career.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. You understand now, why you found Gertrud upset. You must
+        listen to us now, as she did, in all friendliness.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (getting up and standing with his back to the fire). The first
+        thing I do in the morning is to read my paper. You know what was in it
+        to-day&mdash;the same as is in it now every day.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. No; I am sure it has never been as bad as to-day.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (walking up and down again). The election is just at hand!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Well&mdash;it is just as painful to us, her father and mother,
+        whether it is before or after the election. We are not accustomed to
+        associate with any one who has not first-class credentials&mdash;and now
+        we have to endure seeing doubt cast upon our own son-in-law's. Do not
+        misunderstand me; to my mind, for credentials to be first-class they
+        must not only actually be so, but must also be considered to be so by
+        people in general. (HARALD begins to walk up and down again.) The second
+        thing I do in the morning is to open my letters. Amongst to-day's were
+        several from friends we had invited to a party we thought of giving&mdash;if,
+        that is to say, your brother's illness took no sudden turn for the
+        worse. No fewer than ten of them refuse our invitation&mdash;most of
+        them making some excuse, and a few with a little more show of a real
+        reason; but one of them speaks straight out, and I have his letter here.
+        (Takes it from his pocket.) I have kept it for you. It is from my
+        father's old friend, the bishop. I haven't my spectacles&mdash;and for
+        me to have mislaid my spectacles will show you what a state of mind I am
+        in. I don't think I have done such a thing for&mdash;. Here, read it
+        yourself! Read it aloud!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (taking the letter). "My dear Mr. Evje. As you are my poor dear
+        friend's son, you must listen to the truth from me. I cannot willingly
+        come to your house while I might meet there a certain person who,
+        certainly, is one of you, but nevertheless is a person whom I cannot
+        hold in entire respect."
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Well, Harald, what do you think our feelings must be when we
+        read things like that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Do not imagine that, in spite of that, <i>we</i> do not hold you
+        in entire respect. We only ask you to ensure our daughter's happiness.
+        You can do that with a word.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. We know what you are, whatever people say&mdash;even if they
+        are bishops. But, in return, you ought to have confidence in our
+        judgment; and our advice to you is, have done with it! Marry Gertrud at
+        once, and go away for your honeymoon; by the time you come back, people
+        will have got something else to talk about&mdash;and you will have found
+        something else to occupy you as well.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. You must not misunderstand us. We mean no coercion. We are not
+        insisting on this alternative. If you wish to be married, you shall&mdash;without
+        feeling yourself obliged to change your vocation for <i>our</i> sakes.
+        We only want to make it clear that it would pain us&mdash;pain us very
+        deeply.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. If you want to take time to think it over, or want to talk it
+        over with Gertrud or with your brother, do! (GERTRUD comes in and goes
+        about the room looking for something.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. What are you looking for, dear?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Oh, for the&mdash;.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. I expect it is the newspaper; your grandfather has been
+        asking for it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Surely there is no need for <i>him</i> to read it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. He asked me for it, too. He knows quite well what has made us
+        all unhappy.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Can't you tell him? No, that wouldn't do.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (to GERTRUD). I suppose you have had to confess to him what is
+        the matter?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud (trying to conceal an emotion that is almost too much for her).
+        Yes. (Finds the paper, and goes out.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (when GERTRUD has gone). Poor child!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Does not what she is carrying to him, with all that it says about
+        you and about your brother, seem to you like an omen? I will tell you
+        how it strikes me. Your brother is a very much more gifted man than I
+        am; and although it is true, as that paper says, that nothing of all
+        that he has worked for has ever come to anything, still perhaps he may
+        nevertheless have accomplished more than either you or me, although we
+        have done a good deal between us to increase the prosperity of our town.
+        I feel that to be so, although I cannot express what I mean precisely.
+        But consider the reputation he will leave behind him. All educated
+        people will say just what that paper says to-day&mdash;and to-morrow he
+        will be forgotten. He will scarcely find a place in history, for history
+        only concerns itself with the great leaders of men. What does it all
+        come to, then? Neither present nor posthumous fame; but death&mdash;death
+        all the time. He is dying by inches now, dying of the most horrible
+        persecution; and the emotion that his end will cause among a few
+        individuals cannot be called posthumous fame. (HARALD begins to speak,
+        but checks himself.) Can <i>you</i> hope to make a better fight of it?
+        You think you are stronger? Very well; perhaps you may have the strength
+        to endure it until other times come and other opinions with them. But
+        there will be one by your side who will not have the strength to endure
+        it. Gertrud is not strong&mdash;she could never stand it; indeed now&mdash;already&mdash;.
+        (Is stopped by his emotion.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. She hides it from you, but she cannot hide it from us.
+        Besides, a friend of ours&mdash;our dear doctor&mdash;said only
+        yesterday&mdash;. (Breaks off in tears.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. We never told you, but he warned us some time ago; we had no idea
+        it was so serious, or that it had anything to do with this. But
+        yesterday he frightened us; he said she&mdash;. Well, you can ask him
+        yourself. He will be here directly. (HARALD fills a glass of water and
+        raises it to his lips, but sets it down again untasted.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (going to him). I am so sorry for you, Harald! To have this
+        come on you just now&mdash;when your splendid brother is at the point of
+        death, and you yourself are being persecuted! (A ring is heard at the
+        bell.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But it should be a warning to you! Sometimes a single movement
+        will change the course of a whole life.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. And do have a little confidence in us! (A ring is heard
+        again.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. What on earth has become of John to-day? That is the second time
+        the bell has rung.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. One of the maids is opening the door, I can hear.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I expect it is the doctor.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Yes, it is he&mdash;I know his ring. (A knock is heard at the
+        door.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Come in! (The DOCTOR comes in.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Good morning! (Lays down his hat and stick.) Well, so I hear
+        John has been up to his pranks again? The rascal is in bed.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje and Mrs. Evje. In bed?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Came home at four o'clock in the morning, drunk. Ill to-day,
+        naturally. Ingeborg asked me to go in and see him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Well!&mdash;I am determined to put an end to it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Yes, I have never been able to understand why you were so
+        lenient with John.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. He has been with us five years; and, besides, it makes people talk
+        so, if you have to send your servants away.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. But surely this sort of thing makes them talk much worse!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Well&mdash;he shall leave this very day.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (to HARALD). How are you, Rejn?&mdash;Oho! I understand. I
+        have come at an inopportune moment with my complaints of John? You have
+        all got something more serious on your minds?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Yes, we have had it out, as we agreed yesterday.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. You must forgive me, my dear Rejn, for having told my old
+        friends the whole truth yesterday. She (pointing to MRS. EVJE) was an
+        old playfellow of mine, and her husband and I have been friends from
+        boyhood; so we have no secrets from each other. And Gertrud's condition
+        makes me very uneasy.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Why have you never told me that before?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Goodness knows I have often enough given her parents hints
+        that she was not well; but they have only made up their minds that her
+        happiness in her engagement would quite cure her. They are a considerate
+        couple, these two dear people, you know; they didn't want to seem
+        interfering.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Their consideration&mdash;which I appreciate and have lately had
+        constant reason to be grateful for&mdash;has all at once become a more
+        powerful weapon than open opposition. It makes a duty of what I should
+        otherwise have felt to be unfair coercion. But now the situation is such
+        that I can neither go forward nor back. After what I have gone through,
+        you must see that I cannot withdraw on the very eve of the election&mdash;and
+        after the election it will be too late. On the other hand&mdash;(with
+        emotion)&mdash;I cannot, I dare not, go on with it if it is to cost me&mdash;.
+        (Breaks off.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (standing in front of the fire). There, there! Take time to think
+        it over, my dear boy; talk it over with her and with your brother.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (who has sat down on a chair to the left, a little away from
+        the others). I have just been to see your brother. A remarkable man! But
+        do you know what occurred to me as I sat there? He is dying because he
+        <i>is</i> a man. The only people that are fit for political life
+        nowadays are those whose hearts have been turned to stone. (Picks up
+        something from the table and gets up.) Ah, just look here! Here is a
+        fine specimen of petrifaction. It is a fragment of palm leaf of some
+        kind, found impressed in a bit of rock from Spitzbergen. I sent it you
+        myself, so I know it. That is what you have to be like to withstand
+        arctic storms!&mdash;it will take to harm. But your brother&mdash;well,
+        his life had been like that of the original palm tree, with the air
+        sighing through its branches; the change of climate was too sudden for
+        him. (Goes up to HARALD.) You have still to try it. Shall you be able to
+        kill all the humanity that is in you? If you can make yourself as
+        insensate a thing as this stone, I daresay you will be able to stand the
+        life. But are you willing to venture upon political life at such a
+        price? If you are&mdash;so be it; but remember that in that case you
+        must also kill all humanity in Gertrud&mdash;in these two&mdash;in every
+        one that is dear to you. Otherwise no one will understand you or follow
+        you. If you cannot do that, you will never be more than a dabbler in
+        politics&mdash;a quarter, an eighth part, of a politician&mdash;and all
+        your efforts, in what you consider your vocation, will be pitiable!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (who has been occupied at the back of the room, but now sits
+        down by the fare). That is quite true! I know cases of petrifaction like
+        that&mdash;and God preserve anyone that I love from it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (coming forward towards HARALD). I don't want to say anything to
+        hurt your feelings&mdash;least of all just now. But I just want to add
+        my warning, because I believe I have discovered that there is a danger
+        that persecution may make you hard.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Yes!&mdash;but do you suppose it is only politics that offer
+        that dangerous prospect?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. You are quite right! It is all the cry nowadays, "Harden
+        yourself!" It isn't only military men and doctors that have to be
+        hardened; commercial men have to be hardened, civil servants have to be
+        hardened, or dried up; and everybody else has to be hardened for life,
+        apparently. But what does it all mean? It means that we are to drive out
+        all warmth from our hearts, all desire from our imaginations. There is a
+        child's heart at the bottom of every one of our hearts-ever young, full
+        of laughter and tears; and that is what we shall have killed before we
+        are "fitted for the battle of life," as they put it. No, no&mdash;that
+        is what we ought to preserve; we were given it for that! (HARALD hides
+        his face in his hands, and sits so for some time.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Any mother or any wife knows that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (standing with his back to the fire). You want to bring back the
+        age of romance, doctor!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (with a laugh). Not its errors&mdash;because in those days
+        unclean minds brought to birth a great deal that was unclean.
+        (Seriously.) But what is it, when all is said and done, but a violent
+        protest on the part of the Teutonic people against the Romanesque spirit
+        and school&mdash;a remarkable school, but not <i>ours</i>. To us it
+        seems a barren, merely intellectual school&mdash;a mere mass of formulas
+        which led to a precocious development of the mind. And that was the
+        spirit it bred&mdash;critical and barren. But these schools of thought
+        are now all we have, and both of them are bad for us! They have no use
+        for the heart or the imagination; they do not breed faith or a longing
+        for high achievement. Look at <i>our</i> life! Is our life really our
+        own?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. No. You have only to think of our language, our tastes, our
+        society, our&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (interrupting her). Those are the externals of our life,
+        merely the externals! No, look within&mdash;look at such a view of life
+        as we were talking about, clamouring for "hardening"&mdash;is that ours?
+        Can we, for all our diligence, make as much way in it as, for instance,
+        a born Parisian journalist?&mdash;become like a bar of steel with a
+        point at each end, a pen-point and a sword-point? <i>We</i> can't do
+        that; the Teutonic temperament is not fitted for it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Oh, we are well on the way towards it. Look at the heartless
+        intolerance in our politics; it will soon match what you were
+        describing.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Everyone that disagrees with you is either an ambitious
+        scoundrel, or half mad, or a blockhead.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (laughing). Yes, and here in the north, in our small
+        communities, where a man meets all his enemies in the same barber's
+        shop, we feel it as keenly as if we were digging our knives into each
+        other! (Seriously.) We may laugh at it, but if we could add up the sum
+        of suffering that has been caused to families and to individuals&mdash;if
+        we could see the concrete total before us&mdash;we should be tempted to
+        believe that our liberty had been given to us as a curse! For it <i>is</i>
+        a cursed thing to destroy the humanity that is in us, and make us cruel
+        and hard to one another.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (getting up, but standing still). But, my good friends, if you
+        are of the same mind about that, and I with you&mdash;what is the next
+        thing to do?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. The next thing to do?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Naturally, to unite in making an end of it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (as she works). What can <i>we</i> do?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I am no politician and do not wish to become one.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (laughing, and sitting down). No, a politician is a
+        principle, swathed round with a printed set of directions for use. I
+        prefer to be allowed to be a human being.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. No one can fairly insist on your taking up any vocation to which
+        you do not feel you have a calling.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Of course not.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. But one certainly might insist on your not helping to maintain a
+        condition of affairs that you detest.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        All. We?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. This newspaper, which is the ultimate reason of all this
+        conversation we have had&mdash;you take it in.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Why, you take it in yourself!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. No. Every time there is anything nasty in it about me or mine,
+        it is sent to me anonymously.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (with a laugh). I don't take it in; I read my hall-porter's
+        copy.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. I have heard you say that before. I took an opportunity to ask
+        your hall-porter. He said <i>he</i> did not read it, and did not take it
+        in either.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (as before). Then I should like to know who does pay for it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. A newspaper is indispensable to a business man.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. An influential business man could by himself, or at any rate
+        with one or two others, start a paper that would be as useful again to
+        him as this one is.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. That is true enough; but, after all, if we agree with its
+        politics?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. I will accept help from any one whose opinions on public affairs
+        agree with my own. Who am I that I should pretend to judge him? But I
+        will not give him my help in anything that is malicious or wicked.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Pshaw!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Everyone who subscribes to, or contributes to, or gives any
+        information to a paper that is scurrilous, is giving his help to what is
+        wicked. And, moreover, every one who is on terms of friendship with a
+        man who is destroying public morality, is helping him to do it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (getting up). Does he still come here? (A silence.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. He and I are old schoolfellows&mdash;and I don't like breaking
+        with old acquaintances.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. He is a most amusing man, too&mdash;though I can't deny that
+        he is malicious. (The DOCTOR sits down again, humming to himself.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. But that is not all. Both you and the Doctor have&mdash;with
+        some eloquence&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (with a laugh). Thank you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald.&mdash;expressed your abhorrence of certain political tendencies
+        with which neither you nor I have any sympathy&mdash;which affront our
+        ideas of humane conduct. You do not feel called upon to enter actively
+        into the lists against them; but why do you try to prevent those who do
+        feel so called upon? You lament the existing state of things&mdash;and
+        yet you help to maintain it, and make a friend of the man who is its
+        champion!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (turning his head). Apparently we are on our defence, Evje!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. No&mdash;I am. I was told a little while ago that I was in a
+        fair way to become hardened and callous, and that I must abandon my
+        career&mdash;and that I must do so for Gertrud's sake, too, because she
+        would never be able to share the fight with me. I was told this at one
+        of the bitterest moments in my life. And that made me hesitate for a
+        moment. But now I have turned my face forward again, because you have
+        enlightened me! (A short, sharp cough is heard in the hall.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (getting up). That is he! (A knock is heard at the door; the
+        DOCTOR gets up and pushes his chair back. The EDITOR comes in.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Good morning, my children! How are you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (sitting down). I did not hear the bell.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. I don't suppose you did&mdash;I came in by the back door. I
+        took you by surprise, eh? Discussing me, too&mdash;what? (Laughs.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. You have given us enough reason to, to-day, any way.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Yes, haven't I? Such a thing for a man to do to his best
+        friends&mdash;eh?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. That is true.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. To his old schoolfellows&mdash;his neighbours&mdash;eh? I
+        expect it has disturbed your natural moderation&mdash;eh?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I pride myself on my moderation.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. As much as on your brandy!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Are you going to begin your nonsense again?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Good-morning, Doctor! Have you been making them a fine
+        speech this morning?&mdash;about my paper? or about humanity?&mdash;romanticism?
+        or catholicism?&mdash;eh? (Laughs.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (laughing). Certainly one of us two has made a fine speech
+        this morning!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Not me; mine was made yesterday!&mdash;How is your
+        hall-porter?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (laughing). Quite well, I am ashamed to say.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. There's a faithful subscriber to my paper, if you like! (The
+        DOCTOR laughs.) Well, Mrs. Evje, I can give you news of your man, Master
+        John!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Can you? It is more than I can.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Yes&mdash;he is in bed still. That is why I came in the back
+        way&mdash;to enquire after his health.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. But how&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. How is he after last night?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Really, I believe you know everything. We had no idea he was
+        out last night.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Oh, that is the very latest intelligence! He has been
+        figuring as a speaker&mdash;he was drunk, of course&mdash;before the
+        Association founded by his master's future son-in-law. And he made a
+        most effective speech&mdash;indeed, the speakers at that Association
+        always make most effective speeches! It was all about a Sliding Scale of
+        Taxation, Profit-Sharing for Workers, the necessity for a Labour
+        majority in Parliament, etc., etc., all the usual Socialist
+        rhodomontade. You see how infectious intellectual ideas are!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Well!&mdash;I shall turn him out of the house to-day!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. But that is not in accordance with your love of moderation,
+        Evje!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. It is a scandal.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (to EVJE). But not the worst. Because, if you want to avoid
+        that sort of thing, there are others you must turn out of the house.
+        (Glances towards HARALD.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. You seem determined to quarrel to-day?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Yes, with your "moderation."
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. You would be none the worse of a little of it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. "Brandy and Moderation" is your watchword&mdash;eh?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Do stop talking such nonsense!&mdash;I know one thing, and that is
+        that you seem to find the brandy from my distillery remarkably to your
+        taste!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (interrupting them). When you are in these provoking moods
+        there is always some grievance lurking at the back of your mind. Out
+        with it! I am a doctor, you know; I want to get at the cause of your
+        complaint!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. You were not very successful in that, you know, when you
+        said my maid had cholera, and she really only was&mdash;. (Laughs.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (laughing). Are you going to bring that story up again? Every
+        one is liable to make mistakes, you know&mdash;even you, my boy!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Certainly. But before making a mistake this time&mdash;ahem!&mdash;I
+        wanted first of all to enquire whether&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Ah! now it is coming!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor&mdash;whether you have any objection to my mentioning John in
+        my paper?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. What has John to do with us?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Just as much as the Association, where he delivered his
+        speech, has; it&mdash;ahem!&mdash;is one of the family institutions!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I have had no more to do with making John what he is than I have
+        had with making that Association what it is.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Your future son-in-law made the Association what it is, and
+        the Association has made John what he is.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Or, to put it the other way round: John is Mr. Evje's
+        servant; John has become an active member of the Association; therefore
+        Mr. Evje is a patron of the Association.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Or this way: John, being the well-known Mr. Evje's servant,
+        has for that reason become an active member of the Association which&mdash;as
+        he expressed it&mdash;his employer's future son-in-law "has had the
+        honour to found!"
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Surely you never mean to put that in the paper?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (laughing). They are John's own words.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mr. Evje. Of course, he would never put a tipsy man's maunderings into
+        the paper. (To his wife.) Don't you understand that he is joking?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (clearing his throat). It is already in type.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Oh, nonsense!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. The scene afforded an opportunity for an extremely amusing
+        sketch, without mentioning any names.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mr. Evje. I sincerely hope that
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (to EVJE). Oh, he is only teasing you! You know him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. What do you think of this? "Those who indirectly support so
+        dangerous an institution will have to face exposure."&mdash;I quite
+        agree with it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (getting up). What do you mean? Do you mean that my husband&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. A little fright will be a good discipline for him!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Is what you quoted meant as an accusation against us&mdash;whether
+        you are serious or whether you are joking?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. He is only trying to frighten you with a bogey; it is not
+        the first time, you know!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Yes, but what have <i>I</i> to be frightened of? I don't belong to
+        the Association.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. But persons who do belong to it frequent your house. A man
+        is known by the company he keeps.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. I really begin to think he <i>does</i> mean it seriously.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. It is too ugly a thing to jest about, you mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Is it possible that you seriously mean to allude to John as my
+        servant?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Isn't he your servant?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. And to put that in the paper for every one to read?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. No&mdash;only for those who read the paper.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. And you have come here to tell us that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Do you suppose I would do it without telling you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. It is perfectly shameless!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. It certainly is.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Is it your intention to quarrel with me?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Of course!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. With your own schoolfellow?&mdash;one who has been it true friend
+        to you in all your ups and downs? It is abominable!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Perhaps it was to ensure my holding my tongue that you have
+        been my friend!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. You <i>couldn't</i> behave in such a fashion to a friend!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (drily). To my own brother, if he stood in my way!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (to himself). This is too much! (Comes forward.) Is your hatred
+        for me so bitter that on my account you must persecute even my future
+        parents-in-law, your own old friends?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (who, as soon as HARALD came forward, has turned away to the
+        DOCTOR). Have you heard how people are being beaten up to go to the
+        meeting of electors to-night? The last political speeches of the
+        campaign must be made with red fire burning at the wings! (Laughs.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (coming up to him). No, you are not going to get out of it by
+        changing the subject. Is it really your intention to put my husband in
+        your paper?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. He is putting himself there.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I, who all my life have avoided being drawn into any political
+        party?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. What has Evje to do with Harald Rein's politics?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. He endorses them!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. No!&mdash;a thousand times no!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Why, only to-day
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. I can bear witness to that!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. It is no use protesting!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But you must believe our protestations!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Bah! You will see something more to-morrow&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Something more?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Against my husband?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. That scandal about the Stock Exchange Committee. No less
+        than three Letters to the Editor about it have been lying in my
+        pigeon-holes for some time.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (in bewilderment). Are you going to put nonsense of that sort in
+        your paper? The most respected men on the Exchange&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Members of the Committee&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. They are only respected men so long as they respect
+        themselves. When their chairman enters into connections which offend
+        public opinion, the whole crew of them must be made to feel what sort of
+        a man it is they are associating with.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. So on Mr. Rejn's account you are going to expose Evje, and
+        on Evje's account the Stock Exchange Committee? I suppose my turn will
+        come soon!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. It will come.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Indeed!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. The letters that have been sent to me are all from highly
+        respected men. That shows that public opinion has turned round; and
+        public opinion must be obeyed! (Throws out his hands.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (in a troubled voice). It is quite true that I have noticed in
+        several little ways that their temper&mdash;. (Looks round him, and
+        checks himself. Then speaks more confidently.) But it was just at such a
+        time that I looked for help from you, my friend. That is why I did not
+        bother myself much about it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (to EVJE). But you know it is you that are attacking me now!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. He?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. And, besides, I have no choice in the matter. You have made
+        your bed, and must lie on it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (growing angry again). But do you really mean that you don't feel
+        yourself how shocking such behaviour in an old friend is?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. "Old friend," "old schoolfellow," "neighbour,"&mdash;out
+        with the whole catalogue!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. I am sure you don't deserve to be either one or the other!
+        (The EDITOR laughs.) Think what you wrote to-day about Halvdan Rejn, who
+        is dying. A man could only write that who&mdash;who&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Well?&mdash;who?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Who has not an atom of heart.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Ha, ha! "The natural affections!"&mdash;"family
+        considerations!" Truth, my dear lady, has no family ties; it has no
+        respect even for a "dying man."
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Yes, indeed&mdash;every decent man has some respect for
+        suffering, and even wicked men are silent in the presence of death!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. "Sufferer"&mdash;"dying man"&mdash;"martyr," I suppose! Oh,
+        we know all that old story!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (coming forward). Let me tell you that you are a&mdash;person
+        with whom I will not condescend to argue. (Walks away from him.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (who has at once crossed the room). This theatrical flaunting
+        of the "dying man" before people's eyes, that a calculating brother has
+        permitted himself, is of course what is really shocking in the whole
+        affair. But I will tear the mask off him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (following him). Listen to me, now; listen! We are
+        gentlefolk, you know! And even if Mr. Rejn has let himself be so carried
+        away as to mention his dying brother on a public occasion&mdash;well, I
+        am not going to say that I approve of it, but surely it is excusable and&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (coming forward). I want none of your defence, thank you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. The one of you is just as mad as the other! (To the EDITOR.)
+        But what has all this to do with Evje, seeing that, after all, the whole
+        of this affair of the Rejns'&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (to the EDITOR, eagerly). I give you my word of honour that I have
+        never approved of Harald's utterances about his brother, either. I am a
+        man of moderation, as you know; I do not approve of his politics. Only
+        to-day&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. And what on earth have politics to do with the Stock Exchange
+        Committee?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Or with Evje's coachman!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. You might just as well take it into your head to write about my
+        clerks, or my workmen, or&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. His carpenters, or his brewers&mdash;or his horses!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (stands suddenly still and says, drily): You may assure
+        yourselves that things are quite sufficient as they are! (Begins to
+        button up his coat.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Is it so bad as all that!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Good gracious!&mdash;what is it then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (taking up his hat). You will be able to read it to-morrow,
+        together with some more about the "dying man." Good-bye!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje and Mrs. Evje (together.) But before you go&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Hush, hush! Let us remember we are gentlefolk! What will you
+        bet that the whole thing is not just a bogey to frighten you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (holding out his hand towards the DOCTOR). I hold Mr. Evje's
+        position in the town in the hollow of my hand!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (fuming). Is your object to ruin <i>that</i>, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. You will never succeed in that!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Hush, hush! let us remember we are gentlefolk!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. In my own house&mdash;my old schoolfellow&mdash;that he should
+        have the audacity&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. I have told you the truth openly. And, as far as that goes,
+        you have stood more than that from me in your own house, my boy. Because
+        the misfortune is that you are a coward.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. <i>I</i> a coward?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (laughing). Hush, hush! Let us remember we are gentlefolk!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Yes, I have been weak enough to be afraid of scandal, especially
+        in the newspapers, it is true; that is why I have put up with you too
+        long! But now you shall see that I am not a coward. Leave my house!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. That's right!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. But you must part like gentlefolk, you know.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Pooh! You will be sending me a message directly, to call me
+        back!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. You have the face to say that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (to EVJE). Come, dear, don't provoke him any more!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (turning to go). You daren't do otherwise.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. But part like gentlefolk&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (following the EDITOR). No, as sure as I live&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. You will be sending a message to call me back! Ha, ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Never, never!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. My dear&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Yes, you will&mdash;directly&mdash;this very day! Ha, ha,
+        ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Don't part like that! Part like gentle&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. No, I tell you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (laughing all the time). Yes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. My dear-remember you may bring on one of your attacks!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (at the door). You are too much of a coward! Ha! ha! (Goes
+        out.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (in a rage). No!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (sticking his head in at the door). Yes! (Goes away.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. What a visit! I cannot help laughing, all the same! Ha, ha,
+        ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Do you dare to laugh at that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. "Old schoolfellows"&mdash;ha, ha! "Moderation"&mdash;ha, ha!
+        "The same party"&mdash;ha, ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Oh, my husband is ill!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (faintly). Yes&mdash;a little water!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Water, water, Harald!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. One of his attacks&mdash;that is another affair altogether.
+        Here (takes a bottle from his pocket)&mdash;smell this! That's it! Now,
+        a little water! (Gives him some.) No danger this time. Cheer up, old
+        boy!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. What a scandal!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Yes, you will never be able to bear it, dear; I told you so.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. To think of <i>my</i> name appearing in the papers, when all my
+        life I have&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje.&mdash;done everything you could to keep clear of such things!
+        And you such a dear, good, upright man!&mdash;Oh, these politics are the
+        curse of the world!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (laughing). As I told you, you must go through a special
+        process of hardening before you can stand them.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. And think of public opinion&mdash;my position&mdash;my
+        connections! It is more than I can bear!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (to the Doctor). I am sure the first time he reads something
+        about himself in the paper, it will make him really ill! He won't be
+        able to stand it, I know.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Oh, he will get over it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. No, he won't. I am frightened at the mere thought of it. He
+        will never be able to bear it, never!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. When all my life I have tried to keep clear of such things&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. And now in your old age, though you deserve it no more than a
+        child does, to be dragged into it! If I could prevent that, I would
+        willingly take on my own shoulders whatever&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. No, no&mdash;not you! Not you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. But the thing is not necessarily done because he threatened
+        he would do it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Do you think&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. He is so dreadfully hot-headed, but I am sure he will think
+        twice&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje.&mdash;before he attacks a lifelong friend! Yes, that is so,
+        isn't it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Do you really think that there is any possibility then&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. I really can't say!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Nothing in the world is impossible!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. We were both so hot-headed.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Yes, it will have to be a more peaceable conversation than
+        that of a few minutes ago!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I don't know how it is&mdash;there is something so provoking about
+        him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Yes, and you have not been very well lately, either. I have
+        often said so to you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. No, I haven't. It has been just one thing after another! And all
+        my life I have tried to keep clear of such things!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. I will tell you what, old friend; I am sure the best thing
+        to do would be&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. What?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. I am sure you will not be easy in your mind until someone
+        has talked to him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Yes, couldn't that be done? Good gracious, that is not
+        sending a message to him!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But who would&mdash;? (A short silence.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. I don't know who would be best.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. All our old friends have deserted us; we shall soon have
+        none.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Well, at all events, you have me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Would you really be willing to&mdash;? Do you mean it? (Grasps his
+        hand.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Of course I will! He can't eat me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. How good you are! Of course you only need tell him&mdash;what
+        is quite true&mdash;that my husband would never be able to bear it! He,
+        who all these years&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje.&mdash;have put up with an incredible amount for his sake, both
+        from himself and from others!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Yes, that is true! And now you will go, dear friend&mdash;our
+        only friend!&mdash;and talk to him quite amicably and sensibly, won't
+        you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But don't delay! He is so hot-headed that we must find him before&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Oh, I will find him; he is always about the town.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. And tell him&mdash;ask him&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Oh, I know what to say to him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. That is right!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Thank you! I shall never forget how, at a moment when everything
+        threatened to overwhelm me, you were the only one to stand by me! Ah, I
+        feel as if a load had fallen off my shoulders! I feel all at once quite
+        happy again!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. That's right. You pull yourself together! I will see to
+        everything else.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Thanks, thanks! But make haste!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. I am off! My hat? (Turns, and sees HARALD, and says to
+        himself.) A-ha! He looks as if he had had about enough of this. It would
+        have been a joke to&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Oh, do make haste, my friend!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Yes, yes&mdash;if only I could find my hat.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. It is on the table.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. So it is!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Good luck to you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. And do it very tactfully!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (meaningly). And I hope you three will enjoy yourselves!
+        (Goes out.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. What a morning!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. We, who have always endeavoured to take everything quietly
+        and indulgently&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Yes, and to conduct our family affairs peaceably and
+        affectionately! (Jumps up and turns to HARALD.) The whole thing is <i>your</i>
+        fault!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Yes, it is Harald's fault! From the day this unfortunate
+        engagement came about, we have scarcely had a moment's peace here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. No, no, that is not the case! We must be reasonable. At first,
+        when Mr. Rejn had a fine future before him, when people vied with one
+        another to catch him, then the engagement was an honour to us as well as
+        to our daughter. But from the moment he took up these wretched politics&mdash;that
+        is to say, from the time his brother fell ill&mdash;well, he can see for
+        himself what the result has been to us!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. And he certainly must admit that it is not what we have
+        deserved; indeed it is more than a respected and well-bred family can
+        put up with.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. I quite agree that it is more than a respected and well-bred
+        family <i>ought</i> to put up with.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Oh, so <i>you</i> feel that too?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Certainly. And the only excuse I can see is that there are many
+        more in the same case. It is only in that way that such things become
+        possible.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I do not understand. Many more like&mdash;?&mdash;like whom?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Like you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. In what respect?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. I will explain. Most of the successful politicians nowadays have
+        not gained their position by means of any greatness of their own, but by
+        the pitiable weakness of others. Another age will form a different
+        estimate of them&mdash;see them in their proper perspective, and find
+        them to be much smaller men!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But what has that to do with us?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Well, just try to size up that man whom a little while ago you
+        turned out of your house and afterwards sent a message to&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. We sent <i>no</i> message to him!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. A friend of ours has gone to talk to him. That is quite a
+        different thing!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Well, take his measure by yours and yours by his! He went away,
+        and he will come back like a conquering hero. Will that be thanks to his
+        greatness, or his talent&mdash;to the loftiness of his opinions or his
+        feelings? No,&mdash;it will be thanks to your pitiable weakness.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Upon my word!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Well, I&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Do you think any one who has any pluck in his disposition would
+        consent to be a party to such a contemptible state of things? Think of
+        your own daughter, educated by that good old man who lies in there, but
+        an obedient child to you; think how she must be perpetually torn between
+        what she loves and respects and what she sees going on here! No wonder
+        she is ill! But remember this&mdash;she is not ill because she sticks to
+        me; she is ill because of your pitiable weakness!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. How can you dare to say such things! So you too&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Such an absolute want of respect!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Listen to me, once for all. I intend, God helping me, to take up
+        the fight that has killed my brother, the noblest man I know! And
+        Gertrud is going to take up <i>her</i> share in the fight, as I do mine.
+        But to come to this house as long as <i>he</i> comes here&mdash;to go
+        through what I have gone through to-day&mdash;sullies my self-respect to
+        such an extent, and offends my better feelings so deeply, that either he
+        never sets foot here again, or I do not!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje and Mrs. Evje. But&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (quietly). When I came here to-day, I thought we should be able
+        to arrange matters without my speaking out; but there is nothing else
+        for it, so good-bye! (Goes out. A moment's silence follows.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Is <i>he</i> giving <i>us</i> our dismissal? Or does he not
+        really mean to break with us?&mdash;My dear, what is the matter? (Goes
+        to her husband's side.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (without moving). Tell me, my dear&mdash;am I a bad man?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. You, a bad man?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Because, if I were not a bad, wicked man, they could not behave in
+        such a way to me, one after the other.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. But, my dear, you are the best and dearest and most
+        considerate of men! And they are shameless traitors to you, my dear
+        husband!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But how on earth, then, could it come about that I, who all my
+        life have tried to keep clear of such things&mdash;for I have, haven't
+        I?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Every one knows that, that knows anything about you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. How could it come about that in my old age I should be despised
+        and forsaken by everybody? Surely it is no crime to want to live in
+        peace, apart from all that sort of thing?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. No, indeed; that is what all decent people want to do.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Yes, I thought so too. But now you see!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. But <i>you</i> have been dreadfully unfortunate.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Why should I have been just the one to be dreadfully unfortunate?
+        Most people escape such things altogether.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (starting). Here is Gertrud.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Poor child!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. What on earth are we to say to her?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Be careful, my dear! be careful! (GERTRUD comes in quietly and
+        comes forward to them.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Did I see Harald go away?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Yes, my child, he&mdash;he went away.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Without saying good-bye to me?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. That's true, he didn't say good-bye to you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Were you expecting him to come into grandfather's room to say
+        good-bye to you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Yes. Tell me how things went here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Why were you not here, dear?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud (in astonishment). I here? You said you did not want me to be
+        present&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I remember, yes; we thought it would not be advisable.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud (still speaking quietly, but in growing alarm). But how did
+        things go, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. How did they go? Badly.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (hurriedly). That is to say, he did not behave at all well.
+        You must prepare yourself for the worst, my child!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Is it something very bad, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. You know he is a little hasty just now, when he has so much on his
+        hands. He lacks a proper sense of moderation&mdash;but he will learn it,
+        sure enough.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud (almost inaudibly). But what does it mean? Is he never coming
+        back?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Never coming back? What an extraordinary question! Of course he
+        will come back. He was only a little over-hasty, you know&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. And said he would never come back?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Come, come, my dear&mdash;you mustn't be alarmed.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. He talked such a lot, you know, that we must not attach any
+        particular importance to anything he said.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. So that is how it is!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. We must make allowances for all that he is going through just
+        now&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (suddenly). My child, you look so pale&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (going to her). Gertrud!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud (with a quiet movement of protest). I must give grandfather his
+        drink; that was really what I came for. And that was how I happened to
+        see Harald through the window. I will take grandfather his drink. (The
+        curtain falls as she goes out of the room.)
+      </p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+      <div style="height: 4em;">
+        <br /><br /><br /><br />
+      </div>
+      <h2>
+        ACT II
+      </h2>
+      <p>
+        (SCENE.&mdash;A street in the "villa quarter" of the town. Between it
+        and another street running parallel with it in the background, are two
+        houses standing in gardens, half of the facade of one of them projecting
+        into the stage on the right. On the left a third street runs at right
+        angles to the others, to the back of the stage. The left side of this
+        third street opens onto a well-wooded park. The house in the foreground
+        on the right is in two stories. There is a narrow strip of garden in
+        front of it, enclosed by an iron railing with a gate in it. The gate is
+        standing open. The entrance door to the house is immediately behind this
+        gate. There is light in a small window by the door; the ground floor
+        windows are in darkness; in those of the upper floor, light is visible
+        through heavy curtains. It is a wintry evening, and everything is
+        swathed in an unusually thick fog, in which the gas lamps in the streets
+        show dimmer and dimmer as they recede in the distance. As the curtain
+        goes up, a lamplighter is seen descending his ladder from a lamp-post,
+        where he has just lit the lamp at the corner of the house.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Lamplighter (as he reaches the ground). It's all one whether the
+        lamps are lit or not, in such a fog as this. (MRS. EVJE is seen drawing
+        back the curtain at a window on the first floor. She opens the window
+        and looks out.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. The fog is so thick, my dear, that I can't see across the
+        street.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (coming to the window, with fur coat and cap on). So it is!&mdash;Well,
+        so much the better, my dear! (They withdraw into the room; the window is
+        shut and the curtains drawn. Two passers-by come along the street from
+        the right, talking.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        First Passer-by. The Land of Fogs&mdash;the old idea of the land of Fogs
+        was that of a vision of confused and faint sensation, with the light of
+        the intelligence dimmed and blurred like these gas lamps in the fog.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Second Passer-by. It would be that, if our hearts did not often act as
+        guiding lights to our befogged intelligences. Look at this house behind
+        us&mdash;the brandy distiller's. The devilish workings of his
+        intelligence have befogged the whole country&mdash;befogged it with
+        brandy&mdash;and some such guiding light is much needed there.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        First Passer-by. Ah, well,&mdash;the old idea of the Land of Fogs was
+        that fogs were&mdash;. (The sound of their conversation dies away as
+        they pass into the park on the left. GERTRUD, closely veiled and wrapped
+        in furs, comes slowly out of the park. She stops at the corner and looks
+        down the street, then passed slowly along to the right, looking up at
+        the house as she goes. She is scarcely out of sight when the house-door
+        opens and EVJE comes out.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. This is about the time he comes home&mdash;I daren't go to his
+        house and ask for him; I don't know if he would admit me. I daren't
+        trust to the Doctor alone.&mdash;This uncertainty is dreadful! (He
+        starts at seeing GERTRUD, whom he does not recognise in the fog, walking
+        towards him. She turns suddenly and walks back the way she came.) Who
+        was that? She gave me quite a fright in this fog! Her furs seemed rather
+        like&mdash;no, no, it couldn't be. I must not let any one recognise me.
+        (Puts up the high collar of his coat, so that only his nose is visible.)
+        Both of them called me a coward, but they are very much mistaken. It is
+        not cowardice for a man who is respected and honoured to try and avoid
+        scandal. Hm! Naturally those who trade in scandals think otherwise!&mdash;To
+        act without attaching weight to the opinion of others, to disregard
+        one's own predilections, to put up with being laughed at&mdash;all for
+        the sake of preventing a scandal&mdash;that is to be strong and
+        courageous. And it <i>is</i> admirable, too; for it is admirable to act
+        fearlessly in the interest of one's family, and of one's business, and
+        of propriety. (Starts as he hears his door opened. JOHN has come along
+        the street and gone into the house.) Is that some one coming out of my
+        house? No, it is a man going in. And then to think of Harald Rejn
+        beginning that nonsense about my being a coward, because I refused to
+        become a party man! Every one ought to take sides in politics&mdash;that
+        is their cry. Hm! I should say it required rather more courage nowadays
+        to <i>refrain</i> from taking sides. (Starts again.) Who is that? Oh,
+        only that woman again. She is waiting for some one too. I expect we
+        shall both catch bad colds. (Walks up and down.) It is an odd sensation
+        to be walking up and down on the watch outside one's own house.
+        Cowardice? Pshaw! To let one's self be abused in a public street without
+        stirring a finger to prevent it, <i>that</i> would be cowardice. I only
+        hope he has not gone round the other way? There is much more traffic in
+        that street, and some one might easily&mdash;. I think I will take a
+        turn towards the town, and turn back when I am a little way from here;
+        it will look less suspicious. I must catch him, because his paper will
+        be going to press. (Looks up at his house.) My poor wife, sitting up
+        there dreadfully alarmed on my account! (Goes out to the right. As soon
+        as he has gone, the house-door opens and JOHN comes warily out.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        JOHN. So he has gone out, has he! Oh, well, he is bound to come in
+        again! I will wait and catch him, that I will! Tra, la, la, la, la! I
+        can play about here in the fog till he comes back; I have nothing to
+        lose! And it will be best to catch him in the street; he will make less
+        fuss, and can't run away from me! Tra, la, la, la, la! (Lounges out to
+        the right. A moment later, HARALD comes out of the park. He is dressed
+        much as EVJE is, but has not his coat-collar turned up.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. There is a light in her window! Then she is alone in her room.
+        What am I going to do now? Twice already I have come to look at that
+        light; now I have seen it&mdash;and must go away! Good-bye, my darling!
+        Be patient, and wait! I know your thoughts are with me now; and I know
+        you feel that mine are with you! (As he turns away from the house he
+        sees the veiled figure of GERTRUD, who, as soon as she has come nearer,
+        rushes to him, throws up her veil, and falls into his arms in a glad
+        embrace.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. I was certain that, if you could not go into the house again,
+        you would be out here! I knew you would not go away from me, dear!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. No&mdash;neither now nor ever.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. And, while I was walking up and down here in the fog, I felt
+        that though there might be all this gloom tend cold around us outside,
+        there was the brightness and warmth of certainty in our hearts.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Yes, our love is the one certainty for me! Fog may obscure the
+        goal I aim at, the road I have to I read, the very ground I stand on;
+        doubts may even for a while attack my faith; but my love for you shines
+        clear through it all!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Thank you, my darling! If that is so, there is nothing that we
+        cannot overcome!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Of course, you know what took place to-day?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. I can guess.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Is it true that you are ill? Why did you never tell me?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. No, the doctor is not telling the truth; I am not ill! Even if
+        I were, what matter? I should go on living as long as I could&mdash;and
+        should have done my duty before I gave in!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. That is the way to look at it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. But I am not ill! I suffer, it is true&mdash;and am likely to&mdash;every
+        time you are persecuted, or my parents on my account. Because <i>I</i>
+        have drawn them into all this that, they are so unfitted for, and that
+        is why it pains me so to see how unprepared it finds them&mdash;most of
+        all when, out of tenderness for me, they try to conceal it. But I can't
+        alter things. We are fighting for a cause that you believe to be right,
+        and so do I; surely that is better than never to suffer at all in any
+        good cause. Try me! Let me share the fight with you! I am not weak; it
+        is only that my heart is sore for those I love.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. You splendid, loyal creature!&mdash;and you are mine! (Embraces
+        her.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. You should hear what grandfather says!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Yes, how is the dear old gentleman?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Pretty well, thanks, though he never gets out now. But he is
+        following your work, and he says that what you are aiming at is right,
+        if you ask for God's guidance on your way. Harald&mdash;you will always
+        be the same as you are now&mdash;good and genuine&mdash;won't you, dear?
+        Not like the rest of them&mdash;nothing but bitterness and malice,
+        always talking of principles and consequences and all the rest of it,
+        and always attacking others? If one were obliged to be like that, it
+        would be a curse to be a politician.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. I will be what you make me! I think that behind every man's
+        public life you can see his private life&mdash;whether he has a real
+        home, and what it is like, or whether he only has a place he lives in&mdash;that
+        is to say, no real home.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. With God's help I shall try to make a bright, snug and cosy
+        home for you! And this fog is delightful, because it only makes the
+        thought of such a home all the cosier and snugger! It makes us seem so
+        alone, too; no one is out driving or walking; and we can talk as loud as
+        we please, because the fog deadens the sound of our voices. Oh, I feel
+        so happy again now! Do you know, I think it is rather nice to be
+        persecuted a little; it makes our meetings so much more precious!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. But, you know dear, to meet you like this&mdash;and just now&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud (as they walk up and down together). Yes, of course! I had
+        altogether forgotten how much you have to bear just now; I have been
+        chattering away&mdash;. Oh, I don't know how I could feel so happy,
+        because I am really dreadfully distressed. But, you know, I sit the
+        whole play beside grandfather, thinking, without even being able to
+        talk. I generally read aloud to him; now and then he makes a remark, but
+        he really lives more in the next world than in this one now. (They hear
+        a cough in the distance, and give a start, because they recognise it.
+        The EDITOR and EVJE, walking along together, EVJE apparently talking
+        very earnestly, are seen, indistinctly through the fog, in the street
+        running parallel with the one HARALD and GERTRUD are in. JOHN is seen
+        following them cautiously. They disappear into the park.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. I hear the enemy! I am sure I caught a glimpse of him over there
+        through the fog, talking to another man.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Is he always about the streets even in weather like this?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Well, we won't let him disturb us. (They begin walking up and
+        down again in front of the house.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Do you know whom I met out here? Father!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Really? Then it is as I thought; the other man over there was
+        your father!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Do you think it was? Poor father!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Yes, he is weak.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. But you must be good to him. He is so good himself. Think how
+        mother loves him; she is absolutely wrapped up in him, because he is so
+        good!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. He is a good man, and an able man. But, but, but&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. They have lived a very tranquil life. We of the younger
+        generation try to undertake heavier duties and greater responsibilities
+        than the older generation did. But we must not be angry with them.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. I am afraid it is only too easy to feel angry with them.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. No, do as grandfather does! If he thinks any one is going to be
+        amenable to it, he talks to them quietly; if not, he only behaves
+        affectionately to them. Do you understand, dear?&mdash;just
+        affectionately.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Well, to-day&mdash;ought I to have put up with their allowing
+        themselves to be treated in such an unseemly way, and their treating me
+        in such an unseemly way?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Was it really as bad as that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. You would not believe what it was like, I assure you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud (standing still). Poor father! Poor father! (Throws her arms
+        round HARALD'S neck.) Be good to them, Harald!&mdash;just because of
+        their faults, dear! We are their children, you know, and it is God's
+        commandment, even if we were not their children.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. If only I could take you up in my arms and carry you off home
+        with me now! Your love takes possession of my heart and my will, and
+        purifies both of them. I am at a crisis in my life now&mdash;and now you
+        should be on my side!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Listen!&mdash;to begin with, I will go with you to your meeting
+        to-night!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Yes, yes,&mdash;I will come and fetch you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Down at the door here!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Yes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. And, in the next place, I am going to walls into the town with
+        you now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. But then I shall have to see you home again.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Do you object?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. No, no! And you shall teach me a lot of things on the way!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Yes, you will be so wise before we get back! (They go out to
+        the right.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        (The EDITOR and EVJE come out of the park. JOHN follows them, unseen by
+        them, and slips past them to the right when they stop for a moment. The
+        following conversation is carried on in hurried tones, and every time
+        the EDITOR raises his voice EVJE hushes him, and speaks himself in a
+        persistently lowered voice.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But what concern of yours&mdash;or of the public's&mdash;are my
+        private affairs? I don't want to have anything to do with politics.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor, Well, then, you ought not to have had anything to do with <i>him</i>.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. When I first made his acquaintance he was not a politician.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Then you ought to have dropped him when he became one.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Ought I to have dropped you too, when you became one?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Let me repeat, for the last time, that we are not talking
+        about me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Hush, hush! What a fellow you are! You get into a rage if any one
+        chaffs you. But you want to hit out at everybody all round!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Do you suppose I am myself?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Who the devil are you, if you are not yourself?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. I am merely the servant of the public.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. The public executioner, that is to say?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Well, yes, if you prefer it. But you shall pay for that word
+        some day.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. There&mdash;you see! Always talking of paying for things!&mdash;of
+        revenge!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. You shall pay for it, I tell you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. You are absolutely mad!&mdash;Poof! I am sweating as if it were
+        the dog days! (Changes his tone.) Think of the time when we used to go
+        to school together&mdash;when you never could go to bed without first
+        coming to thank me for the jolly times we were having together!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. None of that nonsense! I am accustomed to be hated,
+        despised, spit upon, scourged; if any one speaks kindly to me, I do not
+        trust them!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. You must trust me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. No&mdash;and, besides, I observed very clearly to-day that
+        you had counted on having me in reserve if ever you got into a scrape.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Well, who doesn't count on his friends? Doesn't every one take
+        them into his reckoning?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. I don't; I have no friends.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Haven't you me? Do you think I would leave you in the lurch?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. That is hypocrisy! At times when I have needed it, the very
+        last thing you have thought of has been to give me any help!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Have I not helped you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. That is hypocrisy, too-to pretend you think I am speaking of
+        money. No; when I have been accused of being dishonourable&mdash;of
+        lying&mdash;you, the "old schoolfellow," the "old friend," the
+        "neighbour," have never once had the courage to come forward on my
+        behalf.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I never meddle with politics.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (with rising temper). More hypocrisy! Another of your damned
+        evasions!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Hush, hush, hush!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. You try to excuse yourself with a lie! You are doubly a
+        traitor!&mdash;And then you expect me to have compassion on you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. As sure as I stand here, I have never thought of deserting you,
+        however bad things were.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. And you have the face to take credit to yourself for that?
+        It is all calculation from beginning to end! You thought it would be the
+        best way of making me remember your loyalty, and reward you for it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. This is abominable!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Oh, you are cunning enough! You represent wealth of another
+        kind, which at first was not entirely irreproachably come by&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. There you go again!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor.&mdash;and want to give it the cachet of good society; so you
+        take care to keep friends with a newspaper that may be able to give you
+        a helping hand in gaining what you want. Can you deny it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. There may be a slight tinge of calculation even in our highest
+        purposes. But the misfortune about you is that you can see nothing but
+        the calculation, though it may be only an infinitesimal part of the
+        whole thing.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Oho&mdash;I have had experience of you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Then you must have had experience of your party's loyalty, too.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. My party's loyalty!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Well, after all, it keeps you where you are to-day.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. <i>It</i> keeps me there?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. And you have friends in that party-myself amongst others&mdash;who
+        certainly would rather stand outside altogether, but nevertheless give
+        you their advice and support when you are in difficulties. You cannot
+        deny that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. I have friends in the party? Oh yes; and if we lose a fight
+        these fine counsellors are the first to run away! They are always egging
+        me on and egging me on; but only let public opinion once get tired of
+        me, and they will throw me overboard without more ado! By that sort of
+        treachery they manage to fill the sails of the party craft with a new
+        breeze&mdash;and leave me to shift the best way I can!&mdash;they, for
+        whom I have fought with all my might and main! I despise my opponents&mdash;they
+        are either scoundrels and thieves, or they are blockheads and braggarts.
+        But my supporters are lick-spittles, fools, cravens. I despise the whole
+        pack of them, from first to last! If any one would give me the assurance
+        that if, as a pledge that I would never use a pen again, I were to chop
+        off my right hand I should thereby gain the prospect of a peaceful life
+        a thousand miles away from here, I believe I would do it!&mdash;I
+        despise the whole pack of them&mdash;oh, how I despise them!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But this is horrible! Do you find no comfort in religion? Or, at
+        all events, you have your paper!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. My paper, yes&mdash;but what good do you suppose that is to
+        me? And do you think I give the impression of being a religious man?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Then what do you work for?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Perhaps you think I work for your sake?&mdash;or for the
+        sake of prosperity, or order, or whatever it is you cowards or
+        self-seekers like to imagine it is that you personify? No, the whole
+        human race is not worth the powder and shot that they are holding at
+        each other's heads.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Then why do you come and almost threaten my life, if the whole
+        thing seems so worthless to you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Do you seriously suppose that I would give in, so as to
+        spare you or some other shopkeeper?&mdash;so that you should be able to
+        say triumphantly, "You see he didn't dare! He didn't dare quarrel with
+        Capital!"&mdash;or, "You see he has given in&mdash;he has turned tail!"
+        No; what I should like to do would be to lay a mine underground, and
+        blow myself and the whole lot of you sky high!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. And I and all the happiness of my family life are to be sacrificed
+        in order that you shall not have to give in on a side issue of no
+        importance!&mdash;Oh, I am chilled to the bone!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Ha, ha! It is good to hear you speaking like yourself again,
+        because it reminds me that it is time to put an end to this solemn
+        nonsense! (Looks at his watch.) A quarter past! You must be quick!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Are you really in earnest?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. I often play off jokes on you, it is true. But I don't know
+        how you will like this one to-morrow morning.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Then let me tell you that I solemnly refuse! I will not break off
+        the engagement! Put me in your paper, if you like; I am a free man.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Bah! nobody is that. Then you refuse? Good-bye! (Walks away
+        from EVJE.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (going after him). No, no&mdash;where are you going?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (stopping). Nowhere&mdash;or rather, I am going home.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But you won't really do what you said?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Ha! ha! ha! (Moves away.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (following him). No, listen! Listen to me for a minute.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (turning back). Do you think I have time to stop at all the
+        stations your vanity or your fright will invent on the way? (Moves
+        away.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. You mad creature&mdash;listen to me! (The EDITOR stops.) Tell me
+        exactly what you mean to do?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Fiddlesticks! (Moves on.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (following him). Do you mean to put in the paper that I have broken
+        off this match?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (stopping). Better than that&mdash;I shall spread the news in
+        the town; then it will get about, and all the journalists will get a
+        hold of it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Give me a day or two to think it over!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Oh, no&mdash;you are not going to catch me like that! It is
+        election time, and the other side must be made to feel that all decent
+        people have deserted them.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But it is a lie, you know!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. What is lying, and what is truth? But your resignation from
+        the Stock Exchange Committee and your subsequent failure to be elected
+        to any public position will be no lies, I can assure you! Public opinion
+        is not to be trifled with, you know!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. And this from you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Bah! Public opinion is a very faithless friend.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But who, after all, constitute public opinion?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Oh, no&mdash;you are not going to lead me into a trap again!
+        Besides&mdash;it would be very difficult to say exactly who does
+        constitute it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. This is really&mdash;! Then you won't put that in the paper?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. The news of a broken engagement travels quickest by
+        foot-post&mdash;ha, ha, ha! (Coughs; then adds seriously:) But won't
+        you, of your own accord, break off what are really absolutely
+        inadmissible relations with a man who scandalises all your
+        acquaintances?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Lay the blame on me, of course! I know his credentials are no
+        longer first class; but my daughter&mdash;ah, you would not be able to
+        understand that. The circumstances are quite exceptional, and&mdash;.
+        Look here, shall we go up and talk it over with my wife?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Ha, ha!&mdash;you turned me out of the house this morning!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Oh, forget all about that!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (looking at his watch). Half past! Now, without any more
+        evasions&mdash;will you, or will you not?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (with a struggle). No! I repeat, no! (The EDITOR moves away.) Yes,
+        yes!&mdash;It nearly kills me to do it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. "The Capitalist, secure in his position, who needs pay no
+        regard to," etc., etc.&mdash;that is the "common form," isn't it, you
+        man of first-class credentials? Ha, ha! Good-bye. I am going home to
+        send the boy to the printers; he has waited long enough. (Moves away.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (following him). You are the cruellest, hardest, most reckless&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (who has been laughing, suddenly becomes serious). Hush! Do
+        you see?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (turning round). What? Where?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Over there!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Those two?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Yes&mdash;your daughter and Mr. Harald Rejn.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But he swore this morning that he would never set foot in my house
+        again!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. But he will stay <i>outside</i> your house, as you see!
+        These gentlemen of the Opposition, when they give any assurance, always
+        do it with a mental reservation! You can't trust the beggars! Come round
+        the corner. (They do so.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. An assignation in the street in the fog! To think my daughter
+        would let herself be induced to do such a thing!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Evil communications corrupt good manners! You are a mere
+        bungler in delicate matters, Evje. You made a bad choice in that
+        quarter!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But he seemed to be&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Yes, yes, I know! A real gentleman would have guessed what
+        he would develop into. He has a brother, you know! (HARALD and GERTRUD
+        come in slowly, arm-in-arm.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. While your brother has been ill you have received many
+        gratifying proofs of the good feeling and goodwill that there is in this
+        town-haven't you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Yes, I have. I have found no ill-will against him, nothing but
+        kindness on all sides&mdash;with the exception of one person, of course.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. But even he has a heart! It has often seemed to me as if I
+        heard a cry of yearning and disappointment from it&mdash;and that just
+        when he spoke most bitterly.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Yes, it needs no very sharp sight to see that he, who makes so
+        many unhappy, is himself the unhappiest of all.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. What the deuce are they talking about?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. We cannot hear from here. And the fog deadens their voices.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Go a bit nearer, then!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Not before they separate. You only understand <i>him</i>!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (to GERTRUD). What are you holding there?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud (who has taken off her glove and then a ring from her finger).
+        The ring they gave me when I was confirmed. Give me your hand! No, take
+        your glove off!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Do you want me to try your ring on? I shall not be able to get
+        it on.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. On the little finger of your left hand? Yes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (putting it on). So I can. Well?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. You mustn't laugh at me. I have been beating up my courage to
+        do this all this time. It was really why I wanted to walk a little
+        farther with you first! I wanted to bring the conversation round to it,
+        you see! I am so convinced that your happiness, and consequently mine,
+        depends on your being able to be kind. You have got this meeting before
+        you to-night. It will be a decisive moment for you. If you, when you are
+        facing all this horrible persecution, can be a kind boy, you will win
+        all along the line! (Pulls at his buttons in an embarrassed way.) So I
+        wanted you to wear this ring to remind you. The diamonds in it sparkle;
+        they are like my tears when you are hard and forget us two. I know it is
+        stupid of me (wipes her eyes hastily), but now, when it comes to the
+        point, I can't say what I&mdash;. But do wear it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (kissing her). I will wear it! (Gently.) Its pure rays shall shed
+        a light on my life.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Thank you! (Throws her arms round him and kisses him.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. What they are doing now is all right! Ha, ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I won't stand it! (The EDITOR coughs loudly.) What are you doing?
+        (The EDITOR goes to the neighbouring house and rings the bell. The door
+        is opened and he goes in, laughing as he goes.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud (who has started from HARALD'S arms at the sound of the cough).
+        That is&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. It sounds like him! (Turns, and sees Evje.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Father! (Turns to run away, but stops.) No, it is cowardly to
+        run away. (Comes back, and stands at HARALD'S side. EVJE comes forward.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I should not have expected my daughter, a well-brought-up girl, to
+        make an assignation in the street with&mdash;with&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. With her fiancé.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje.&mdash;with a man who has made a mock of her father and mother, and
+        of his own doing has banished himself from our house.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. From your house, certainly; but not from my future wife.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. A nice explanation! Do you suppose we will consent to have as our
+        son-in-law a man who spurns her parents?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Father!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Be quiet, my child! You ought to have felt that yourself.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. But, father, you surely do not expect him to submit to your
+        being abused and himself ill-treated in our house?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Are you going to teach your parents&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud (putting her arm round his neck). I don't want to teach you
+        anything; because you know yourself, dear, that Harald is worth far more&mdash;and
+        far more to us&mdash;than the man who went away just now! (At this
+        moment the printer's boy, who has come out of the EDITOR'S house, runs
+        past them towards the town.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (seeing the boy, tries to get away). Go in now, Gertrud! I have
+        something I wish to talk to Mr. Rejn about.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. You have nothing to talk to Harald about that I cannot hear.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Yes, I have.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. But why may she not hear it? What you want is to break off our
+        engagement.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Father&mdash;! (Moves away from him.) Is that true?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Well-since it cannot be otherwise-it is true; that is to say, for
+        the moment. (Aside.) Good Lord, they can make it up right enough when
+        this is all over!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud (who is standing as if thunderstruck). I saw you with him!&mdash;Ah!
+        that is how it is! (Looks at her father, bursts into tears and rushes to
+        the door of their house, pulls the bell and disappears into the house.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. What is it? What is the matter with her?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. I think I know. She realises that her life's happiness has been
+        bought and sold. (Bows to EVJE.) Good-bye! (Goes out to the right.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (after standing dumb for some moments). Bought and sold? Some
+        people take everything so dreadfully solemnly. It is only a manoeuvre&mdash;to
+        get out of this difficulty. Why is it that I cannot get free of it! They
+        both of them exaggerate matters so absurdly; first of all this crazy
+        fellow, and then Harald with his "Good-bye," spoken as if the ground
+        were giving way beneath his feet! I&mdash;I&mdash;feel as if every one
+        had deserted me. I will go in to my wife&mdash;my dear, good wife; she
+        will understand me. She is sitting up there, full of anxiety about me.
+        (He turns towards his house; but, on reaching the garden gate, sees JOHN
+        standing there.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John (touching his hat respectfully). Excuse me, Mr. Evje&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. You, John! Go away! I told you never to set foot in my house
+        again.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John (very respectfully). But won't you allow me to stand outside your
+        house either, sir?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. No!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John (standing in EVJE'S way, but still with a show of great respect).
+        Not at the door here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. What are you standing in my way for, you scoundrel?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John. Shall I assist you to call for help, sir? (Calls out.) Help!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Be quiet, you drunken fool! Don't make a disturbance! What do you
+        want? Be quick!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John. I want, with all respect, to ask you, sir, why you have sent me
+        away.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Because you are a swine that gets drunk and then talks nonsense.
+        You don't know what a dilemma you have put me in.&mdash;Now go away from
+        here, quietly!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John. I know all about it! I was following you and the Editor all the
+        time, you know!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. What?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John. These articles, that were to go in the paper&mdash;the printing
+        was at a standstill, waiting for them.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Hush, hush, John! So you overheard that, did you? You are too
+        clever; you ought never to have been a servant.&mdash;Now, be off with
+        you! Here is a shilling or two for you. Good-bye.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John. Thank you very much, sir.&mdash;This was how it was, sir. You see,
+        I thought of the number of times I had run over to the printer's with
+        messages when that nice Editor gentleman was spending an evening with
+        you&mdash;and so I thought I might just as well run over with this one.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (starting back in alarm). What? What have you done?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John. Just to do you a good turn, sir, I ran along and told them they
+        might print those articles.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. What articles?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John. The ones about you, sir. "Print away," I said&mdash;and they
+        printed away. By Jove, how they worked, and then off to the post with
+        the papers!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. You had the impudence, you&mdash;! Ah, it's not true! I saw the
+        printer's boy myself, running to the office to countermand the
+        instructions.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John. I caught him up outside here and told him that a message had been
+        sent from Mr. Evje's house. And I gave him sixpence to go to the theatre
+        with; but he must have had to run for it, to be in time, because I am
+        sure it was after seven. Excuse me, sir, but it <i>is</i> after seven
+        now, isn't it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. You scoundrel! You vindictive brute!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John. You can have a look at the paper, sir, if you like.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Have <i>you</i> got a copy?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John. Yes, sir, the first copy struck off is always sent to the Editor,
+        so I volunteered to bring it to him. But you must be anxious to see it,
+        sir! (Holds it out to EVJE.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (snatching it from him). Give it to me! Let me see&mdash;. (Moves
+        towards his door, but stops.) No, my wife mustn't&mdash;. Here, under
+        the gas-lamp! This filthy fog! I can't&mdash;. (Feels in his pocket for
+        his glasses, and pasts them on.) Ah, that's better! (Holds the paper
+        under the light.) What a mischance! The blackguard&mdash;! Where is the
+        article, then? Oh, here&mdash;I can't see properly, my heart is beating
+        so!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John. Shall I run for the doctor, sir?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Will you go away, you&mdash;! (Holds the paper first up, and then
+        down, in his attempts to see better.) Ah, here it is! "The Stock
+        Exchange Committee"&mdash;oh! (Lowers the paper.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John (mimicking him). Oh!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (trying to read). What a vile thing to do!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John. Oh, go on! go on!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (as he reads). This beats everything I ever&mdash;Oh!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John. Oh! We <i>are</i> in a bad way!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (wiping his forehead). What a different thing it is to read
+        libellous attacks on others&mdash;and on one's self! (Goes on reading.)
+        Oh! Oh! What horrible, revolting rascality! What is it he says here? I
+        must read through it again! Oh, oh!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John. And often of a morning, when you have been reading the paper, I
+        have heard you laughing till the bed shook under you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Yes, I who have so often laughed at others! (Reads.) No, this is
+        beyond belief! I can't read any more! This will ruin my position in the
+        town; I can hear every one laughing at me&mdash;he knows all my
+        weaknesses, and has managed to make it all so hideously ludicrous!
+        (Tries to go on reading.) Why, here is some more! (Reads.) It begins
+        even worse than the other! (Lowers the paper, panting, then tries to go
+        on reading.) No, I can't&mdash;I can't! I must wait! Everything seems
+        going round and round&mdash;and my heart is beating so violently that I
+        know I shall have one of my attacks! What a devil it is that I have been
+        making a friend of! What a creature to have broken bread with!&mdash;an
+        unprincipled scoundrel! And the disgrace of it!&mdash;the disgrace! What
+        will they say at the Exchange? What will&mdash;? I shall not dare to go
+        out of my house, at least for some weeks! And then people will only say
+        I have taken to my bed! Oh, oh! I feel as if it were the end of
+        everything!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John (solicitously). Can I help you, sir?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Will you leave me alone&mdash;! No, I will have my revenge on him
+        immediately! I will go and ring his bell, and go into his house and call
+        him a scoundrel and spit in his face&mdash;! Did I bring my stick out
+        with me? Where is my stick? I will send my man for it, and then I will
+        thrash him round and round his own room!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John (eagerly). I will fetch it for you, sir!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (without hearing him). No, it would only make more scandal!&mdash;How
+        can I take my revenge? I must do him some injury&mdash;some real injury
+        that will seem to poison his food for him and rob him of his rest.
+        Scoundrels like that don't deserve sleep! It must be something, too,
+        that will make his family every bit as unhappy as mine will be when they
+        have read this&mdash;something that will make them hide their heads for
+        shame&mdash;something that will make them terrified every time their
+        door-bell rings, out of shame for what their servants may hear! No, no,
+        I am getting as evil-minded as he is, now!&mdash;What a horrible trade&mdash;for
+        ever sowing the seeds of sin and reaping a crop of curses! Now I
+        understand what Harald Rejn meant by saying that no one ought to give
+        his help to such things!&mdash;Heavens, hear my vow: never again will I
+        give my help to such things!&mdash;What am I to say to my wife&mdash;my
+        dear, good wife, who has no suspicion how disgraced I am! And Gertrud,
+        our good Gertrud&mdash;ah, at all events I can give her some pleasure at
+        once. I cannot conceal it from them; but I will tell them myself, so
+        that they shall not read it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John. Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (almost screaming at him). Once for all, can't you let me alone!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (leaning out of a window she has opened). The sound must have
+        come from the street, all the same. Are you there, my dear?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (drawing back in alarm). There she is! Shall I answer?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Are you there, my dear?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Yes, dear, here I am!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. So you are! I heard your voice, and looked all over the
+        house. What is the matter, dear?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Oh, I am so unhappy!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Good heavens, are you, dear? Come along in&mdash;or shall I
+        come down to you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. No, I will come in. Shut the window, or you will catch cold.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Do you know, Gertrud is sitting up here, crying?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Good gracious, is she? I will come up&mdash;I will come up!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John. I will help him up, ma'am! (Pretends to be doing so.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Is that you, John?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (in a low voice). Will you be off!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John. Yes, it is me, ma'am. He is so unwell.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Is he! Heavens, it is one of his attacks! Help him, John!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (as before). Don't you dare!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        John (who has rung the bell loudly). I do hope you will moon be better,
+        sir! (Calls up to the window.) I can leave him now, ma'am! (To EVJE, as
+        he goes.) This has been a bit of luck, for me; but you shall have some
+        more of it! (Disappears into the fog as EVJE goes into his house. The
+        two Passers-by, that were seen at the beginning of the scene, are now
+        indistinctly seen returning along the street at the back.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        First Passer-by. Well, the land of Fogs used to be thought by the
+        ancients to lie in the north, where all confused ideas come from&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Second Passer-by (who does not seem to be able to get a word in). But,
+        listen to me for a moment-do you think it means&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        [Curtain]
+      </p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+      <div style="height: 4em;">
+        <br /><br /><br /><br />
+      </div>
+      <h2>
+        ACT III
+      </h2>
+      <p>
+        (SCENE.&mdash;A room in HALVDAN REJN's house. He is lying, supported on
+        pillows, on a sofa on the left-hand side of the room. There is a table
+        in the background, and another near the sofa. A lamp is hanging from the
+        ceiling, and another standing on the table at the back. HAAKON REJN, his
+        dress proclaiming him to be a well-to-do yeoman farmer, is sitting on a
+        chair by the sofa.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. So she couldn't come?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. No; there are the youngsters, you know&mdash;she finds it
+        difficult to get away.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan (after a moment's silence). Remember to thank her for all her
+        kindness to me. The happiest moments of my life have been those Sundays
+        and evenings that she and you and I spent together at your house. (A
+        pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. She wanted very much to know how you were feeling&mdash;whether
+        you, who have suffered so much, are at peace now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. At peace? A man who has to die with all his work unfinished,
+        cannot easily root out all thoughts of that from his heart.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. You should try to lay in God's hands all that you have striven
+        for.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. That is what I struggle daily to do. (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. A sister of my wife's, who was a widow and badly off, died
+        leaving three young children. But she was glad to die. "Their Heavenly
+        Father will help them better when I am out of the way," she said. "I
+        took up too much room," she said; "I know I have often stood in their
+        way." (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. You tell that just as your wife would; she told me that story
+        once.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. I was to tell you from her that she believes you are to die in
+        order that what you have worked for may come to its fullest fruit. She
+        thinks that when you are gone, people will appreciate better what your
+        aims were.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. There is some comfort in the thought that I may be dying in
+        order that what I have loved may live. I have already given up
+        happiness-even honour-for it; I gladly give my life for it now. (A
+        pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. Do you bear ill-will to any of those who have opposed you so
+        cruelly?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. To no one.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. Not even to those whose doing it is that you are lying here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. No, to no one. (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. Could you bear to read something hateful about yourself to-day?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. I don't know.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. Then you have not done with it all yet.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. No, I know I have not. It is only sometimes that the busy world
+        outside seems to me like a ship sailing idly before the wind. More
+        often, I am back in the midst of it again&mdash;planning, hoping,
+        praying! I am young, you know, and have had to suffer so much&mdash;there
+        was so much I wanted to do. (Lifts a handkerchief to his forehead.
+        HAAKON helps him to wipe his face with it. A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. But it must be a comfort to you, too, that Harald is taking up
+        what you are laying down. There is good stuff in him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. And he never says more than is necessary. The country folk will
+        understand him all the better for it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. I hope so. As soon as he comes into my room I feel as if the
+        atmosphere were charged with electricity&mdash;I feel as if I <i>must</i>
+        have a part in what he is doing&mdash;and so I work, and tire myself
+        out. Ah, it often seems very hard to have to die, and leave undone a
+        great work that one has failed to accomplish!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. But you have made him what he is, you know&mdash;and many
+        others.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. I have started the fight, that is all. It is hard to have to
+        desert at the beginning of it!&mdash;But God is good, and will
+        understand; He will not be surprised at what my thoughts are full of,
+        when I go to Him. (A ring is heard at the bell.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. I expect that is Harald.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. No, he never rings. Besides, I expect he is taking a walk, to
+        think over what he is going to say to-night.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. Yes, I suppose it will be a big meeting. (The HOUSEKEEPER comes
+        in.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Housekeeper. Mr. Evje is here, sir, asking for Mr. Harald. I told
+        him we were expecting him every moment. Shall I ask him to come in?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. Yes, show him in. (HAAKON gets up, as EVJE is shown in.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (to HALVDAN). Good evening! (Sees HAAKON.) Ah, good evening! So you
+        have come? That is splendid. Is your wife with you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. No, she couldn't leave the children.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I see. (To HALVDAN.) And how are you? About the same? Of course,
+        yes.&mdash;Where is your brother?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. He has his meeting to-night, you know.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. His momentous meeting&mdash;I know! I am going to it myself!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan (turns his face towards him). You?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. My object in coming here was to take him home with me, so that we
+        could all go together to the meeting. We mean to go on to the platform
+        with him; I mean people to see that we are with him!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan (turning his face away). Really!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (to HAAKON). You never answered my letter, Mr. Rejn.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. No, I knew I was coming in to town.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Well&mdash;will you sell?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. No.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But, my dear Mr. Rejn, you have not sold a single potato to my
+        distillery for five years! And with a farm like yours! This year you had
+        the best crop in the whole valley.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. Oh, yes&mdash;it wasn't so bad.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Not so bad! It was an extraordinary crop; and, everywhere else
+        round about, the crops were very middling.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. Oh, yes&mdash;it might have been worse.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (laughing). I should think so! But then why won't you sell? (Turns
+        to HALVDAN.) I hope you will excuse our talking business in a sick-room;
+        a business man has to seize every opportunity, you know! (To HAAKON.)
+        You have never got higher prices elsewhere than you have from me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. No, so I believe; but I have my own reasons.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Your own reasons? What are they?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. I had a servant once&mdash;it is about five years ago now&mdash;a
+        good, capable fellow. He used to take potatoes for me to the distillery
+        every day, and every evening came back drunk. So I spoke to him
+        seriously about it; and his answer was: "How do you suppose our
+        brandy-merchants are to grow rich, if chaps like me don't drink pretty
+        hard?" You know the man; he went into your service afterwards. But from
+        that day I have never sold a potato to a distillery.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But, my dear Mr. Rejn, we cannot be held responsible for the use
+        to which such rascals put God's gifts!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. No&mdash;no&mdash;I suppose not; still, I am not going to have
+        anything more to do with it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (to HALVDAN). Do you think your brother will not be home before the
+        meeting?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. I should think he would; there is plenty of time yet.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. There is; but I should have liked to take him home with me first.
+        The fact is (laughs) I have promised my wife and daughter not to go home
+        without him. You know what women are! Shall I just go into his room and
+        wait for him? There is something I want to talk to him about, you know.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. I don't think there is a fire in there.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Oh, well, never mind&mdash;I will sit here. I have got a newspaper
+        to read, and you two must go on with your talk just as if I were not
+        here! I shall hear nothing, because I have something to read that
+        interests me. (He pulls a chair up to the table on the right with its
+        back to HALVDAN. HAAKON brings the lamp from the table at the back.) Ah,
+        thank you very much! Now, just talk away as if I were not here! (Takes
+        the paper from his pocket and sits down.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon (sitting down again beside his brother). I should have liked to
+        go to the meeting, too.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. Of course you must go! You will hear Harald tell them how each
+        nation has its own appointed task in the world; that is why it <i>is</i>
+        a nation. But, as long as it does not realise the fact, its politics
+        will be nothing but wrangling between the various class-interests&mdash;a
+        haphazard struggle for power. Our nation has never got beyond that
+        point! I have shouted myself to death over what is a mere market.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (to himself, striking the table with his fist). The whole
+        commercial community is insulted in this insult to me! I will stir them
+        up at the meeting, and insist on our taking our revenge in common!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. I don't think things will be any better until we are better
+        Christians. Men think of nothing nowadays but themselves and their
+        position.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (to himself). No, no-that wouldn't do. What would people say? They
+        would only say I was badly hit by this.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan (half to himself). A Christian nation, thinking of nothing but
+        its own interests&mdash;that is to say, power! Equality and Liberty have
+        no meaning for it. Haakon, it surely will be bliss for a wounded soul to
+        be taken into the Everlasting Love, high above all this so-called
+        Christianity of the world! For my soul is sorely wounded!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (to himself ). If only I could strike him dead!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. But may they all be forgiven!&mdash;You asked just now whether
+        I could bear to read something hateful about myself to-day. I think I
+        could.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. Then I can tell you the other message she gave me for you. I
+        have been a little shy of telling you that. It was that you should
+        remember that you must do more than forgive; you must pray for them. (A
+        pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan (with his hand over his eyes). I do.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (crumpling up the paper and throwing it on the floor). No, I won't
+        stand it! If the blackguard&mdash;. (Gets up in alarm, as he realises
+        what he has done, and is just going to pick up the paper; but at that
+        moment turns round facing the others, and lets it lie.) No, I won't
+        touch it again&mdash;never, as long as I live! (To the others.) You must
+        forgive me, but I was reading something that upset me very much. Your
+        brother will tell you all about it in the morning, no doubt. Poof&mdash;it
+        is very warm in here! But, of course, that is natural in a sick-room. I
+        don't think he can be coming now. I think, too, that I will go on, so as
+        not to be late for the meeting; there is sure to be a difficulty in
+        getting seats. I will get him to go home with me after the meeting,
+        instead. That will be better, after all.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. I was thinking of going to the meeting. Would you mind if I went
+        with you?&mdash;for I do not know the way myself.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. You will come with me, Mr. Rejn? (To himself.) That will be
+        splendid&mdash;to make my entrance in the company of one of our yeomen
+        farmers! (Aloud.) By all means let us go together! I feel flattered by
+        the opportunity, because I have always maintained that our yeomen are
+        the pick of the nation. Well, then&mdash;(to Halvdan) I hope you will
+        soon be feeling better, Mr. Rejn. God bless you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan (raising himself on his elbow, and looking at him with a smile).
+        Something must have gone amiss with you to-day.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Why do you say that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. Because as a rule you appear so composed so aloof from all this
+        squabbling.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje (impetuously). But, do what I like, I am not allowed to keep aloof
+        from it! I have no greater wish in the world than to do so, I can assure
+        you. Oh, well, your excellent brother&mdash;my future son-in-law, as I
+        am proud to call him&mdash;he will tell you all about it. Good-bye!&mdash;and&mdash;and&mdash;God
+        bless you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. Shall I tell your housekeeper to come to you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. Oh, no; but you might tell her to come in a little while.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. Good-bye for the present, then!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. Thank you for coming! Good-bye. (Sinks back on to the sofa. The
+        others go out, HAAKON turning round once at the door.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Halvdan. It is something in the paper that has disturbed his equanimity.
+        What can it be? The same thing that made Harald so gloomy to-day, I
+        wonder? (Gets half up.) It is lying there.&mdash;No! What interest have
+        I in all their petty spite now? (Sinks back again.) "Could you bear to
+        read something hateful about yourself to-day?" Haakon asked. Then I
+        suppose there is something about me in it to-day. (Puts his hand over
+        his heart.) My heart doesn't seem to be beating any the faster for my
+        knowing that. (Gets half up.) There it lies! (Sinks back again.) No, I
+        am only trying to tempt myself. All the same, I should like to know how
+        many stations I have passed on my journey to the great City of Peace!
+        Can their malice affect me still? Surely I have passed <i>that</i>
+        station?&mdash;It would be worth trying, to see. There it lies! (Takes
+        up a stick that is standing by the sofa.) Surely I can get over there by
+        myself? (Gets up from the sofa with the help of the stick, and smiles.)
+        I have not much strength left. (Takes a few steps.) Scarcely enough to
+        get across the floor. (A few more steps.) To think that I should have&mdash;so
+        much vanity&mdash;my weak point&mdash;. (His breath fails him, but he
+        gets as far as the chair on which EVJE was sitting, and sits down.) One
+        ought to have done with all that before the soul can get quite away from
+        the dust that&mdash;. (Begins to rake the paper towards him with his
+        stick.) And here am I, sitting here raking more of it towards me!&mdash;No,
+        let the thing lie! I won't soil my wings any more.&mdash;Poor Harald! He
+        has to take up the burden now! What a horrible bungle it is, that we
+        should be brought into the world to give each other as much pain as
+        possible! (Decidedly.) Well, I am going to see what legacy of
+        unhappiness I am leaving him! I want to have a vivid impression of the
+        misery I am escaping from. There is a certain comfort even in that.
+        (Bends down and picks up the paper, rests for a moment, and then unfolds
+        the paper.) But this is not to-day's paper; it is dated for to-morrow!
+        How can Evje have got hold of it? Yes, here is the date&mdash;Sunday.
+        "Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath Day!" On that day men's souls
+        should turn to God&mdash;and they offer Him <i>this</i>! It is after
+        reading <i>this</i> that these fine ladies and gentlemen go to church!
+        (Pushes the paper away from him.) Suppose these "Christians" were to be
+        brought to judgment one day without warning?&mdash;Let us think of
+        ourselves and not of others! (Lets his eye rest on the paper.) Does that
+        mean me? (Reads.) "Not yet actually dead, but already canonised by a
+        calculating brother&mdash;." (Checks himself.) God forgive them! (Reads
+        on.) "His teachings will no doubt obtain him a paean of praise, but this
+        will be&mdash;or, at least, so it is to be hoped&mdash;from within the
+        closely locked doors of the state's prisons and houses of correction"&mdash;(checks
+        himself a little)&mdash;"for that is whither he leads his followers."&mdash;Good
+        God, to think that they can say such things!&mdash;And yet, they said
+        worse things of <i>Him</i>! Peace! (Reads.) "No doubt he talks against
+        Socialism; no doubt he coquets with Christianity; but it is by these
+        very means that he has become so expert a seducer of men's
+        opinions-which was his aim all along." (Puts his hands before his face.)
+        I should not have read it; forgive me! I am too weak still!&mdash;Ah! I
+        feel&mdash;what is it? (Puts his hands suddenly to his heart, still
+        unconsciously grasping the newspaper in them.) I must get into my room&mdash;get
+        to bed! (Gets up with the help of his stick.) If only I can get there!
+        Oh, I feel it coming on!&mdash;I must&mdash;. (Tries to hurry, but when
+        he is halfway across the floor he stumbles, throws out his hands but
+        finds no support, staggers on for a few steps, and falls full length on
+        the threshold of his bedroom, so that half his length lies within the
+        door and half without. A moment later, the HOUSEKEEPER comes in.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Housekeeper (not observing that he is not still on the sofa). Won't
+        you go to bed now, sir? You can't stand so much in one day. (Goes to the
+        sofa.) Where is he? Surely he has not tried to walk in alone? (Hurries
+        across to the bedroom door and almost falls over his body. She starts
+        back with a scream.) Where is&mdash;? (Catches up the lamp, hurries
+        back, and bends over him; then calls out, screaming:) Help! Help! (Rings
+        the bell wildly. A MAID appears.) Mr. Halvdan is lying here! Heaven
+        knows whether he is dead or alive! Run for the Doctor! Leave the door
+        open behind you, and beg the first man you meet in the street to come up
+        here at once and help me. Tell them it is a matter of life and death!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Maid. Yes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Housekeeper. Hurry!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Maid (going out). Yes, yes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Housekeeper (coming back into the room). Is he alive or dead? I
+        haven't the courage to find out. And both his brothers away! (Cries.)
+        God grant some one comes soon!&mdash;Poor man, alone in his death as he
+        was in his life! But what was he doing <i>there</i>? Why did he get up
+        from the sofa? (Sees the paper.) Surely that can't be&mdash;? (Puts the
+        lamp on the floor and unfolds the paper.) Yes, it is the paper, right
+        enough! Who can have given it him? I can't look at it now; but if it is
+        like the number I read the other day (lets the paper fall, and gets up
+        with the lamp) then I understand everything&mdash;and may God requite
+        those that do such things! (The EDITOR rushes in.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Is it here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Housekeeper (holds the lamp to him, then starts back). What do <i>you</i>
+        want here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Where am I? A girl came running down the street and told me
+        I must come up here and help some one that was dying. What do you want
+        me to do?&mdash;or is it not here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Housekeeper. And it was <i>you</i> she met? It is the hand of God!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. What are you babbling about? If it is not here, say so at
+        once.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Housekeeper. Yes, it is here. There he lies!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Then oughtn't we to get him into bed?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Housekeeper. Yes. But do you know who it is you are helping?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (to himself). She is not very polite. (Aloud.) No; but what
+        does that matter?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Housekeeper. This much&mdash;that it is you that have killed him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. I&mdash;? She is mad.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Housekeeper. The man lying there is Halvdan Rejn. And he had been
+        reading about himself in your paper.&mdash;Come, now, and carry him in.
+        (She goes into the bedroom with the lamp. Her voice is heard from inside
+        the room.) Now, take hold of him and lift him. You can think afterwards.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (stoops to lift the body, but gets up again). I don't think
+        he is dead yet.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Housekeeper. All the more reason to make haste.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (stoops down again, but gets up once more.) Let me take his
+        head.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Housekeeper. Why?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. So that&mdash;if he should open his eyes
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Housekeeper.&mdash;he won't see you. (Comes out of the bedroom). Go
+        in there, then, and take his head. (He goes in.) What was that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (from inside the room). I slipped. There is something wet
+        here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Housekeeper. Yes, he has had a hemorrhage. Carefully, now. (They
+        carry him in. The stage remains empty for a moment. Then the EDITOR
+        comes back, wiping his forehead. He walks backwards and forwards,
+        treading on the paper as he goes, but without noticing it.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. What a horrible thing to happen!&mdash;Newspapers are not
+        meant for dying people.&mdash;It is not my fault.&mdash;Is this blood on
+        my hand? It is! (Wipes it with his handkerchief.) And now it is on my
+        handkerchief! (Throws it away.) No, it has my name on it. (Picks it up
+        again.) No one can say it is my fault. (Sits down, then gets up, wiping
+        his forehead with his handkerchief without noticing what he is doing.)
+        Ah, I hope I haven't put blood on my forehead? I seem to feel it there!
+        (Feels with his hand to see if his brow is wet.) No. (Sits down, then
+        gets up again.) Let me get away from here. (Stops.) To think that I
+        should be the one to come up! that it should just happen to-night that I
+        did not receive my paper, and so went out! It almost seems more than
+        accident. Indeed, I often had a foreboding that it would happen. (Stands
+        opposite the bedroom door.) But is he dead? I think I will go and fetch
+        the Doctor. Oh no, of course the maid has gone for him. He hasn't long
+        to live, anyway; I could see that. (Walks forward, pointing with his
+        finger.) "There goes the man that killed Halvdan Rejn! And his
+        punishment was that he had to lift up his bloodstained body himself."
+        That is what they will say; and they will look at me as if&mdash;. (Sits
+        down.) No, let me get away! (Takes a few steps, then stops suddenly.)
+        That article in to-morrow's paper! It is worse than the others! (Pulls
+        out his watch.) Too late&mdash;the post has gone! I would have given&mdash;.
+        (Checks himself.) I have nothing worth giving. In the morning It will be
+        known all over the town just as everyone is reading my fresh article.
+        There will be a riot; I shall be hunted like a wild beast. What shall I
+        do? I might sneak out of the town? Then they will gloat over me! I won't
+        allow them that pleasure! No, I cannot stay my hand utter a failure;
+        only after a victory. That is the cursed part of it-never, never to be
+        able to end it. Oh, for some one that could end it&mdash;end it, end it!
+        Oh, for one day of real peace! Shall <i>I</i> ever get that? (Sits
+        down.) No, no, I must get away! (Gets up.) To-morrow must take care of
+        itself. (Starts.) There is the paper he was reading! (Steps over it.) I
+        will take it away&mdash;and burn it. (Takes it up.) I cannot burn it
+        here; some one might come. (Is just going to put it into his pocket, as
+        it is, but takes it out again to fold it better.) A Sunday's paper,
+        apparently! Then it is <i>not</i> to-day's? An old number, I suppose.
+        Then the whole thing is a mistake! (Sighs with relief.) Let me look
+        again! (Opens the paper, tremblingly.) I don't deserve it, but&mdash;.
+        (Reads.) Sunday, the&mdash;. <i>To-morrow's</i> paper? <i>Here</i>? How
+        in all the world did it get here? (Appears horrified.) Here are the
+        articles about Evje! How on earth did they get in? Didn't I send a
+        message? Didn't I write? This on the top of everything else! Are even my
+        printers conspiring against me? Well, even if it ruins me, I shall go
+        on! They shall find out what I can do. How on earth can I be expected to
+        help it if a weak-minded fellow dies, or if my printers are drunk or my
+        manager has delirium tremens! I shall pursue my end through all chances
+        and in spite of all their tricks, and I shall crush them, crush them&mdash;I
+        shall&mdash;. (Gives way to a paroxysm of rage. At this moment the MAID
+        comes in with the DOCTOR'S ASSISTANT. The MAID rushes into the bedroom.
+        The EDITOR starts up.) Who is that? What do you want?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor's Assistant (coldly). What do <i>you</i> want here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. I? Oh, I was called up to help the sick man into his bed.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor's Assistant (as before). Ah!&mdash;so it was <i>you</i>! (A
+        pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Have you ever seen me before?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor's Assistant. Yes. I have heard you grind your teeth before
+        this. (Goes into the bedroom.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (after standing for a moment looking after him). They will
+        all look at me to-morrow like that-with those cold eyes. "Every man's
+        hand against him, and his hand against every man;" there can only be one
+        end to that. To-night, the meeting&mdash;and Harald Rejn will take them
+        by storm. To-morrow, his brother's death&mdash;and my new article in the
+        paper&mdash;and, in addition to that, those about Evje, who at present
+        is only angry. And the election in two days! Oh, yes, he will be elected
+        now. So I may as well give it all up at once. I would change places with
+        any wolf that has a lair to hide in. Those cold eyes of his! (Shudders.)
+        That is how every one will look at me to-morrow! They have pierced
+        through my armour! (The DOCTOR'S ASSISTANT comes back, and the EDITOR
+        makes an effort to resume his former confident manner.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor's Assistant. I don't know whether you will be glad to hear
+        that it is all over.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (under his breath). You brute!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor's Assistant. His old housekeeper does not feel equal to
+        coming here to tell you what his last words were. They were: "Forgive
+        him!" (Goes out.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (sitting down, then getting up again). No, I mustn't be found
+        here. (Walks about the room on tiptoe, as if he were afraid of waking
+        some one. When he comes opposite to the bedroom door, he turns towards
+        it, stretches out his arms and says:) Give me your forgiveness too!
+      </p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+      <div style="height: 4em;">
+        <br /><br /><br /><br />
+      </div>
+      <h2>
+        ACT IV
+      </h2>
+      <p>
+        (SCENE.&mdash;A large and handsomely furnished sitting-room at the
+        EVJE'S. The room is brightly lit and the fire burning. The entrance door
+        is on the right, and beyond it a door leading to the dining-room.
+        INGEBORG is busy taking the covers off the chairs, folding them
+        carefully as she does so. After a little, the bell rings. She goes to
+        open the door, and returns, showing in the DOCTOR.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Oho! Is it to be in here to-night?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg (who has resumed her work of making the room ready). Yes, sir.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Where are they all?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg. At the meeting, sir.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. All of them?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg. Yes, all of them. Miss Gertrud went first&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Yes, I saw her well enough!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg. And then the master, and a farmer gentleman with him, came in
+        to fetch the mistress.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (to himself). Something has happened here, then. (Aloud.)
+        Tell me, Ingeborg&mdash;has <i>he</i> been here again? You know who I
+        mean. (Coughs in imitation of the EDITOR'S cough.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg. Oh, the Editor; no, sir.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (to himself). I wonder what has happened. (Aloud.) Well,
+        evidently there is to be a festivity here to-night; and, as I see the
+        chairs are getting their covers taken off, I may as well take mine off
+        too. (Takes off his coat and gives it to INGEBORG, who carries it out.)
+        I don't blame Evje for wanting to celebrate Harald's success after a
+        meeting like that! He is not exactly eloquent in the ordinary sense of
+        the word&mdash;doesn't bother about his antitheses and climaxes and
+        paradoxes, and all that sort of nonsense; but he is a <i>man</i>! He
+        goes bail for what he says, and he says what he likes&mdash;ha, ha! And
+        that dear Gertrud, too! Follows him into the hall, and, as there isn't a
+        single seat left there, goes up on to the platform among the committee,
+        and sits there looking at him with those trustful blue eyes of hers, as
+        if there was no one else in the room! And <i>we</i> were all looking at
+        <i>her</i>! She helped him more than ten good speakers would have done,
+        I am sure. Her faith in him bred it in others, whether they liked it or
+        no. She is one who would die for her faith! Yes, yes! The man that gets
+        her&mdash;. (INGEBORG comes back.) Well! (Rubs his hands together.) Look
+        here, Ingeborg. (Very politely.) Do you know what is meant by the Rights
+        of Man?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg (going on with her work). No, sir. Something we have earned, I
+        suppose.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Yes, you earn them every day.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg. Our meals, perhaps?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (laughing). No, it isn't something to eat, unfortunately.
+        (Politely.) Do you ever read papers, Ingeborg?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg. Papers? Oh, you mean the price-lists they leave at the kitchen
+        door. Yes, sir; every day, before we go to market, I&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. No, I don't mean papers of that sort. I mean&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg. Oh, you mean the newspaper I take in to master's room every
+        morning. No, Sir, I don't read that. I am told there are such horrors in
+        it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Quite so. Don't you care to read about horrors, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg. Oh, we poor folk see enough of them in our everyday lives,
+        without reading about them!&mdash;But perhaps the gentry enjoy it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. You are a very wise woman. Let me tell you, though, that
+        there is a fight going on, about&mdash;oh, well, never mind what it is
+        about. And the Editor and Mr. Rejn, who both come to this house, are the
+        two chief fighters. Don't you want to know what they are fighting about?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg (going on unconcernedly with her work). Oh, so they are
+        fighting, are they? No, I don't care the least bit, sir!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (to himself). Ha, ha&mdash;the difference between Ingeborg
+        and me is that I am interested in the fight merely as a student of human
+        nature, and she is not interested in it at all. I wonder which is
+        farthest from any genuine belief in politics?&mdash;from our "duty as a
+        citizen," as they call it? (To INGEBORG.) Ingeborg, do you know what
+        your "duty as a citizen" means?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg. My "duty as a citizen"? That mean; paying fines, doesn't it,
+        sir?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Yes; and a very heavy fine, into the bargain!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg. The master was fined because the pavement was not swept. John
+        was ill.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Quite right, that was one of his duties as a citizen.&mdash;Tell
+        me, Ingeborg, are they expecting a lot of people here to-night?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg. No, sir, I have only laid table for quite a few.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. And what are they going to have?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg. Oh, one or two dishes and one or two sorts of wine&mdash;.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Aha! (A ring is heard at the bell. INGEBORG goes to the
+        door.) There they are! Now we shall have a fine time!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg (coming back with a letter). It is a note for you, sir.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Oh, bother I
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg. The man who brought it was not sure whether you would be at
+        the meeting or here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. How could he know&mdash;? (Putting on his glasses.) Oh, from
+        my assistant&mdash;that is quite another thing. Of course he wants my
+        help or my advice. Well, he shan't have it! I have run about quite
+        enough to-day. Tell the messenger that I haven't time! I have my Duties
+        as a Citizen to attend to! (Calls after her.) And my Manhood's Rights
+        too! (Opens the envelope.) No, I won't read it; if I do, the matter will
+        worry me all the evening. I know what I am. (Puts the note in his
+        pocket.) I mean to enjoy this evening! (Suddenly.) I wonder how our
+        friend the Editor is enjoying this evening! Was he at the meeting, I
+        wonder? A remarkable personality&mdash;but malignity itself!
+        Lion-hearted, though! He would fight till the last drop of his blood!
+        But what is it, really, that he is fighting for? That question has
+        always interested me, for I can't make it out. (To INGEBORG, who has
+        comeback.) Well?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg. The messenger has gone.&mdash;Yes, sir, I told him everything
+        you told me to.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Of course. You would! Why the deuce does any one pay any
+        attention to what I say! (The bell rings.) Here they are at last! Now we
+        shall have a delightful evening! (EVJE and MRS. EVJE come in.) I am
+        first, you see!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje and Mrs. Evje. Were you at the meeting, too?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Where else should I be?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Did you see me?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. There were so many people there, dear.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But I was standing on a seat.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Yes, he was standing on a seat!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. There were plenty of people doing that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I wanted to be seen!&mdash;There <i>have</i> been goings on here
+        to-day, my friend!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. You will never guess what has happened!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Anyway I can see that something has happened.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje and Mrs. Evje. Oh&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. What is it, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Those articles will be in to-morrow's paper.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. In the paper?&mdash;Yes, I didn't find him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But I found him!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (impatiently). Well?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I will tell you all about it another time. But I have read them&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. And he has told me all about them!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Are they very bad?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Oh&mdash;oh!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Oh&mdash;oh&mdash;oh!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (with a look of pleased curiosity.) As bad as all that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje and Mrs. Evje. Oh&mdash;oh&mdash;oh&mdash;oh!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. And <i>that</i> was why you went to the meeting!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Of course&mdash;tit for tat! It was my wife's idea.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. It was the obvious thing to do, dear.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Our whole family at the meeting!&mdash;So that all the town should
+        know that it was nothing but the meanest political persecution because I
+        had joined my son-in-law's party.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. We are party people now, you know!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Do you know, there is something exciting about being mixed up with
+        such things&mdash;something invigorating, something&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (stepping back). Are <i>you</i> bitten with it, too?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Yes, if I can't be left in peace, I shall become a party man.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (enthusiastically). Did you see Gertrud?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje and Mrs. Evje (with emotion). Our Gertrud! Yes, indeed we did!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Did you see her coming in with him!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje and Mrs. Evje (as before). Yes, we saw her coming in with him!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. I suppose you did not know she was going?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje and Mrs. Evje. Oh, yes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. She had said she would go with us&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But when we went to fetch her, the bird had flown!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. How pretty she looked, too! All the men were looking at her.
+        And how she looked at him!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. It made me want to cry. I had quite a job to prevent myself.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. You need not have minded, dear! God has given us great happiness.
+        Her faith in him and her love shone to from her eyes that it went to my
+        heart. I felt quite upset! (Wipes his eyes.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. And what about <i>him</i>&mdash;eh? I don't fancy any one
+        will think about stopping his career. We have been a pack of fools.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. That we have!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. He is not exactly eloquent, but&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. That is precisely what I was saying to my wife! He is not exactly
+        eloquent, but he is&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor.&mdash;a man!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. A man! My very words, weren't they, my dear?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Yes.&mdash;And I say he is so strong a man that he can afford
+        to be tender-hearted. For he certainly has been that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Yes, he has been that!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (laughing). In spite of his strength!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Oh, you may make the most of your&mdash;. Aha! (Loud ringing at
+        the bell is heard.) Here they are!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Let us go and meet them!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. No; look here&mdash;let us wait for them at the other side
+        of the room, so that they may make a triumphal progress up to us!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje and Mrs. Evje, Yes! (They go to the opposite end of the room, while
+        HARALD comes in rather quickly, with GERTRUD on his arm. As they cross
+        the room, the others cry out: "Bravo! Bravo!" and clap their hands.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud (still holding to HARALD's arm). And he is my man! My man!
+        (Throws her arms round his neck, crying with happiness, and kisses him;
+        then does the same to her mother, and then to her father, to whom she
+        whispers: Thank you!)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Oh&mdash;me too!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud (after a moment's hesitation). Yes&mdash;you too!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        (The DOCTOR helps her to take off her cloak, and talks to her,
+        whispering and laughing.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (shaking EVJE's hand). Good evening!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Forgive me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. With all my heart!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. And now everything is all right!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. For good!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje and Mrs. Evje. For good!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. And, thank you for coming to the meeting.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. It was no more than our duty! Look here&mdash;did you see me?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. The whole time! But, tell me, was it a delusion, or was it my
+        brother Haakon that was standing on the floor beside you, rather in the
+        shadow?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje and Mrs. Evje. It <i>was</i> he!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I fetched him from your brother Halvdan's.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. I am so glad! It must have pleased Haakon. Gertrud and I at
+        first thought of going in to see Halvdan before we came on here; but we
+        saw all his lights were out. He must be asleep.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I can give you news of him. He is all right.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. And Haakon?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Very well, too. A fine fellow! I wanted him to come home with us
+        now; but he said he was tired after his journey.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (to INGEBORG, who has come in from the dining room). Is it
+        ready?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg. Yes, ma'am.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Then come along. (INGEBORG opens the dining-room door.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor and Evje. Yes, come along!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. But we must go ceremoniously! Let us make a little festivity
+        of it to-night! You must head the procession, Evje&mdash;and then the
+        two young people Gertrud (taking HARALD's arm). Yes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. And Mrs. Evje and I will bring up the rear! (Offers her his
+        arm.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Forward!(The bell rings. He stops.) Who can it be&mdash;as late as
+        this?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Probably some friends on their way back from the meeting.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. We must wait a moment!(To INGEBORG, who is going to open the
+        door.)Put a leaf in the table, and lay places for as many as come.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ingeborg. Yes, ma'am. (The bell rings again, as she goes to open the
+        door.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. They are impatient! So much the better&mdash;it shows they
+        are in a good humour after the meeting! (A knock is heard at the door.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        All. Come in!(The EDITOR comes in, with no overcoat on, but wearing his
+        hat, which he forgets to take of till he is well into the room. He goes
+        straight up to EVJE, who has crossed over to the left-hand side of the
+        room.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        All (when they see him in the doorway). You! (GERTRUD clings closer to
+        HARALD.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. I wanted once more, as in the old days, not to go to bed
+        without&mdash;this time it is not a question of thanking you for the
+        happy time we have had together but without begging your pardon!(He
+        speaks quietly, but with suppressed emotion.)There has been some
+        unfortunate misunderstanding. Those articles have been printed, in spite
+        of my express instructions to the contrary&mdash;I do not know how.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I have read them.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. You have read them?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Yes, the copy of the paper that was meant for you came into my
+        hands.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. So that was it!&mdash;Forgive me, old friend! Won't you give
+        me your hand?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (coming forward). That he shall never do!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (glancing over his shoulder at her). Let no one come between
+        us at a moment like this! You don't know&mdash;. A hundred times in my
+        life I would have done what I am doing now, had I not been afraid that
+        people would call it affectation on my part and repulse me. Don't <i>you</i>
+        do that!&mdash;least of all now! Give me your hand, Evje! I beg you, in
+        the sight and hearing of you all&mdash;. (EVJE seems to vacillate.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. No, you shan't!&mdash;not while he has anything to do with a
+        newspaper. Otherwise it will all begin over again to-morrow. He is not
+        his own master, you know.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. I have done with it all.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Oh, you have said that so often! Nobody believes it. No; when
+        a man can push political hatred so far as to write about an old friend,
+        in whose house he has been a daily guest, as if he were a criminal&mdash;and
+        all because he doesn't like his son-in-law, or his servant&mdash;one
+        doesn't shake hands with him the very day his attacks appear in the
+        paper.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (who, all the tinge, has kept his back turned to MRS. EVJE,
+        and has not looked at her). Evje, you are a good-hearted fellow, I know.
+        Don't listen to what others say, now. This is a very bitter hour for me.
+        You would be doing a good deed! Give me your hand&mdash;or a word! I am
+        in such a state now that I must have visible signs of <i>some one's</i>
+        forgiveness, or I shall&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (emphatically). Yes, a little repentance will do you good! But
+        it will do you no good if you obtain forgiveness easily! You want to
+        learn, just for once, what it is to be wounded at heart. You are only
+        accustomed to deal with people whom you can flog one day and have at
+        your feet&mdash;either from fear or from vanity&mdash;the next. And have
+        we&mdash;God forgive us!&mdash;ever thought seriously the worse of you
+        for it? No; because we never understood what it was till we were hit by
+        it ourselves. But that is all the more reason why we should do our duty
+        now! Hatred shall be met with hatred!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (at the back of the room, to GERTRUD and HARALD). She is her
+        father's daughter, after all, when it comes to the point!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (turns upon MRS. EVJE, with his fist clenched, but restrains
+        himself from answering her). Then you won't shake hands, Evje? Not a
+        word of forgiveness?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I think my wife is right.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (controlling himself with difficulty). You are a weak man, I
+        know&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. What do you mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor.&mdash;but do not be weak this time! If you knew everything,
+        you would know you <i>must</i> not refuse me what I ask. There are
+        others concerned&mdash;and for that reason&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Let us go!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. No, stay! He shall not have his way again.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. Well, of all&mdash;! It is certainly true that those who are
+        hardest on sinners are those who have never been tempted themselves&mdash;and
+        the most merciless creature in the world is an injured woman.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Now he is coming out in his true colours!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (not without glee). Yes, that he is!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (controlling himself once more). Evje&mdash;you, who know me,
+        know what it must cost me to do this&mdash;and you can form some idea of
+        the need I am in. I have never&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I believe you; but I never can feel sure what your next move will
+        be. You have so many.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. My next move is to have done with it all, as sure as&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Don't believe him! A man who can ask for your sympathy one
+        moment and abuse you the next is not fit to promise anything&mdash;and
+        certainly not fit to be forgiven, either.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (with an outburst of passion). Then may everything evil
+        overtake me if I ever ask you or any one else for sympathy again! You
+        have succeeded in teaching me that I can do without it! I can rise above
+        your cowardly cruelty. (To EVJE.) You are a miserable, weak creature&mdash;and
+        have always been, for all your apparent good-natured shrewdness! (To
+        MRS. EVJE.) And as for you, who have often laughed so heartily at my
+        so-called malice, and now all at once have become so severely virtuous&mdash;why,
+        you are both like part-proprietors of my paper! You have taken all the
+        profit you could from me, as long as it served your purpose&mdash;I have
+        seen that for a long time! And all my pretended friends are like you&mdash;secret
+        holders of shares in me, so as to secure their own safety and the
+        persecution of others!&mdash;every bit as guilty as I am, only more
+        prudent, more timid, more cowardly&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Once more&mdash;leave this house, which you have outraged!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. And how dare you set foot in here again?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. No, I am not going until all the anger that is in my heart
+        has turned into fear in yours! Because now I will <i>not</i> have done
+        with it all! No&mdash;it is just through <i>his</i> death that respect
+        for me will revive&mdash;it will be like a rampart of bayonets round me!
+        "There goes one who can kill a man with a word, if he likes!" <i>That</i>
+        will make them treat me respectfully!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald and the Doctor. What does he mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (as he hears HARALD'S voice). And you&mdash;you mountebank,
+        who can stand up in public and seek applause before your brother's
+        corpse is cold&mdash;don't come talking rant to me! You are more
+        contemptible than I am! I couldn't have done that; I couldn't stand
+        there, as you are doing now, impatient to get to your champagne and
+        pretty speeches!&mdash;Oh, how I despise all such lying and
+        heartlessness! (They all look at him and at each other with a
+        questioning expression.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. Is my brother dead?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Is his brother dead?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Good God, is Halvdan dead?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. Is he dead? Impossible!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Is Rejn dead&mdash;and I&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. I saw him only a couple of hours ago, looking quite well.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (in a broken voice). Didn't you know?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        All (except the DOCTOR). No!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. Ah, that letter, that letter! (Looks in his pocket for it
+        and his glasses.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. I am the wretchedest man alive! (Sinks into a chair.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. I had a letter from my assistant, but I have not read it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Read it, read it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (reading). "I am writing in great haste. As I expect you will
+        be going to your old friends' after the meeting, and will meet Harald
+        Rejn there, the task will probably fall to you of telling him&mdash;(the
+        EDITOR gets up to go, but stands still)&mdash;that Halvdan Rejn died
+        about eight o'clock of a fresh attack of hemorrhage! (HARALD leaves
+        GERTRUD'S side and comes forward, with a cry. The EDITOR steadies
+        himself by holding on to the table.) No one was with him; he was found
+        lying across the threshold of his bedroom. A copy of the newspaper was
+        lying on the floor behind him." (HARALD, with a groan, advance
+        threateningly towards the EDITOR.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Harald, my ring!&mdash;my ring! (HARALD Stops, collects
+        himself, buries his face in his hands and bursts into uncontrollable
+        tears. GERTRUD puts her arms round him and holds him folded in them.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (laying a hand on HARALD's arm). "The housekeeper told me he
+        had only spoken two words, and they were 'Forgive him!'" (HARALD bursts
+        into tears.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor (after waiting for a little). "Apparently chance&mdash;or
+        perhaps something else&mdash;decreed that the maid who ran for help,
+        should meet the very man, who hats caused the tragedy, and that it
+        should be <i>he</i> who helped the housekeeper to lay him on his
+        deathbed." (All look at the EDITOR.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. That was why he came! (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud. Harald! (HARALD, who has turned away from her to struggle with
+        his emotion, does not turn round.) If <i>he</i> could forgive&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor (with a gesture of refusal). No!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud (quietly, to the EDITOR). If you want to deserve it, make an end
+        of all this!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Editor. It is all at an end! (To MRS. EVJE.) You were right. I knew
+        it myself, too. My armour is pierces pierced through. A child might
+        conquer me now&mdash;and this child has done so; for she has begged for
+        mercy for me, and no one has ever done that before. (Puts his hand over
+        his eyes, turns away, and goes out. As he is going out the bell rings. A
+        moment later, INGEBORG Shows in HAAKON REJN.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gertrud (who has put her arms round HARALD, whispers). Who is it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald. My brother. (Goes to meet HAAKON and throws himself into his
+        arms.) You had a talk with him this afternoon, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Let us all go to him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje and Gertrud. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje (to INGEBORG). Bring in our cloaks and hats again, and
+        afterwards clear the table. (INGEBORG does so.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (unable to control his emotion). Haakon, this is my future wife.
+        (Goes away from them.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. Well, my dear, your engagement has begun seriously; take all the
+        future seriously, too.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Doctor. You need not say that to <i>her</i>. What she needs is to
+        take life more lightly.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. Oh, yes&mdash;if she lays everything in God's hands she can
+        always take life lightly.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. It is our own fault, I expect, when we take it too lightly.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Evje. But sometimes we learn a lesson by that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Haakon. Oh, yes. Well, we must stand by one another, we who take life in
+        the same way.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Evje. Shall we go, children?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Harald (to HAAKON). Will you bring Gertrud, Haakon? I would rather go
+        alone. (They go out. The curtain falls.)
+      </p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+      <div style="height: 4em;">
+        <br /><br /><br /><br />
+      </div>
+      <h2>
+        THE BANKRUPT
+      </h2>
+      <h3>
+        A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS
+      </h3>
+      DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+     HENNING TJAELDE, merchant and brewer.
+     MRS. TJAELDE, his wife.
+     VALBORG and SIGNE, their daughters.
+     LIEUTENANT HAMAR, engaged to Signe.
+     SANNAES, Tjaelde's confidential clerk.
+     JAKOSSEN, manager of Tjaelde's brewery.
+     BERENT, a lawyer.
+     PRAM, a custom-house official.
+     An Agent.
+     The VICAR.
+     LIND, a guest.
+     FINNE, a guest.
+     RING, a guest.
+     HOLM, a guest.
+     KNUTZON, a guest.
+     KNUDSEN, a guest.
+     FALBE, a guest.
+</pre>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+      <div style="height: 4em;">
+        <br /><br /><br /><br />
+      </div>
+      <h2>
+        ACT I
+      </h2>
+      <p>
+        (SCENE.&mdash;A sitting-room in the TJAELDES' house, opening on a
+        verandah that is decorated with flowers. It is a hot summer's day. There
+        is a view of the sea beyond the verandah, and boats are visible among
+        the islands that fringe the coast. A good-sized yacht, with sails
+        spread, is lying close up under the verandah on the right. The room is
+        luxuriously furnished and full of flowers. There are two French windows
+        in the left-hand wall; two doors in the right-hand. A table in the
+        middle of the room; arm-chairs and rocking-chairs scattered about. A
+        sofa in the foreground on the right. LIEUTENANT HAMAR is lying on the
+        sofa, and SIGNE sitting in a rocking-chair.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. What shall we do with ourselves to-day?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (rocking herself). Hm! (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. That was a delicious sail we had last night. (Yawns.) But I am
+        sleepy to-day. Shall we go for a ride?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Hm! (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. I am too hot on this sofa. I think I will move. (Gets up. SIGNE
+        begins to hum an air as she rocks herself.) Play me something, Signe!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (singing her words to the air she has been humming). The piano is
+        out of tune.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Read to me, then!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (as before, looking out of the window). They are swimming the
+        horses. They are swimming the horses. They are swimming the horses.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. I think I will go and have a swim too. Or perhaps I will wait
+        till nearer lunch-time.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (as before). So as to have a better appetite&mdash;appetite&mdash;appetite.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        (MRS. TJAELDE comes in from the right, walking slowly.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. You look very thoughtful!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, I don't know what to order.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (as before). For dinner, I suppose you mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Do you expect any one?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, your father writes to me that Mr. Finne is coming.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (speaking). The most tiresome person possible, of course.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. How would boiled salmon and roast chicken do?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. We had that the other day.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. (With a sigh). There is nothing that we didn't. There is
+        so little choice in the market just now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Then we ought to send to town.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, these meals, these meals!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (yawning). They are the best thing in life, anyway.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. To eat, yes&mdash;but not to cook; I never will cook a dinner.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (sitting down at the table). One could put up with the
+        cooking. It's the having always to think of something fresh!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Why don't you get a chef from one of the hotels, as I have so
+        often advised you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, we have tried that, but he was more trouble than it
+        was worth.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Yes, because he had no invention. Get a French chef!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, and have to be always beside him to interpret!&mdash;But
+        I am no nearer this dinner. And lately I have been finding such
+        difficulty in getting about.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. I have never in my life heard so much talk about meals as I have
+        in this house.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. You see, you have never been in a prosperous
+        business-man's house before. Our friends are mostly business-men, of
+        course&mdash;and most of them have no greater pleasures than those of
+        the table.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. That's true.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Are you wearing <i>that</i> dress to-day?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. You have worn a different one every day.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Well, if Hamar is tired of both the blue one and the grey one,
+        what can I do?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. And I don't like this one any better than the others.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Indeed!&mdash;Then I really think you had better order me one
+        yourself.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Come to town with me, and I will!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Yes, mother&mdash;Hamar and I have made up our minds that we must
+        go back to town. [Note: There would be nothing contrary to Norwegian
+        ideas of propriety in Signe's proposal. In Norway an engaged couple
+        could travel alone; and the fiancée would go to stay in the house of her
+        future husband's relations.]
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. But you were there only a fortnight ago!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. And it is exactly a fortnight too long since we were there!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. (thoughtfully). Now, what <i>can</i> I order for dinner?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        (VALBORG comes into sight on the verandah.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (turning round and seeing VALBORG). Enter Her Highness!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (turning round). Carrying a bouquet! Oho! I have seen it before!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Have you? Did <i>you</i> give it her?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. No; I was coming through the garden&mdash;and saw it on the table
+        in Valborg's summerhouse. Is it your birthday, Valborg?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. No.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. I thought not. Perhaps there is some other festivity to-day?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. No. (SIGNE suddenly bursts out laughing.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Why do you laugh?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Because I understand! Ha, ha, ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. What do you understand?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Whose hands it is that have decked the altar! Ha, ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. I suppose you think they were mine?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. No, they were redder hands than yours! Ha, ha, ha, ha! (VALBORG
+        throws the bouquet down.) Oh, dear me, it doesn't do to laugh so much in
+        this heat. But it is delightful! To think he should have hit upon that
+        idea! Ha, ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (laughing). Do you mean&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (laughing). Yes! You must know that Valborg&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Signe!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe.&mdash;who has sent so many distinguished suitors about their
+        business, cannot escape from the attentions of a certain red pair of
+        hands&mdash;ha, ha, ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Do you mean Sannaes?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Yes! (Points out of the window.) There is the culprit! He is
+        waiting, Valborg, for you to come, in maiden meditation, with the
+        bouquet in your hands&mdash;as you came just now&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. (getting up). No, it is your father he is waiting for. Ah,
+        he sees him now. (Goes out by the verandah.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Yes, it really is father&mdash;riding a bay horse!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (getting up). On a bay horse! Let us go and say "how do you do" to
+        the bay horse!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. N&mdash;o, no!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. You won't come and say "how do you do" to the bay horse? A
+        cavalry officer's wife must love horses next best to her husband.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. And he his wife next best to his horses.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. What? Are you jealous of a horse?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Oh, I know very well you have never been so fond of me as you are
+        of horses.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Come along! (Pulls her up out of her chair.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. But I don't feel the least interested in the bay horse.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Very well, then, I will go alone!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. No, I will come.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (to VALBORG). Won't you come and welcome the bay horse too?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. No, but I will go and welcome my father!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (looking back, as she goes). Yes, of course&mdash;father as well.
+        (She and HAMAR go out.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        (VALBORG goes to the farthest window and stands looking out of it. Her
+        dress is the same colour as the long curtain, and a piece of statuary
+        and some flowers conceal her from any one entering the room. SANNAES
+        comes in, carrying a small saddle-bag and a cloak, which he puts down on
+        a chair behind the door. As he turns round he sees the bouquet on the
+        door.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. There it is! Has she dropped it by accident, or did she throw
+        it down? Never mind&mdash;she has had it in her hands. (Picks it up,
+        kisses it, and is going to take it away.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (coming forward). Leave it alone!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (dropping the bouquet). You here, Miss Valborg&mdash;? I didn't
+        see you&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. But I can see what you are after. How dare you presume to think
+        of persecuting me with your flowers and your&mdash;your red hands? (He
+        puts his hands behind his back.) How dare you make me a laughing-stock
+        to every one in the house, and I suppose to every one in the town?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. I&mdash;I&mdash;I&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. And what about me? Don't you think I deserve a little
+        consideration? You will be turned out of the house before long, if you
+        do not take care&mdash;! Now be quick and get away before the others
+        come in. (SANNAES turns away, holding his hands in front of him, and
+        goes out by the verandah to the right. At the same moment TJAELDE is
+        seen coming at the other end of the verandah, followed by HAMAR and
+        SIGNE.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes, it is a fine horse.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Fine? I don't believe there is its equal in the country.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I dare say. Did you notice that he hadn't turned a hair?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. What glorious lungs! And such a beauty, too&mdash;his head, his
+        legs, his neck&mdash;! I never saw such a beauty!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes, he is a handsome beast. (Looks out of the verandah at the
+        yacht.) Have you been out for a sail?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. I was sailing among the islands last night, and came back this
+        morning with the fishing-boats&mdash;a delightful sail!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I wish I had time to do that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. But surely it is only imagination on your part, to think that you
+        never have time?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Oh, well, perhaps I have time but not inclination.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. And how do things stand where you have been?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Badly.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (coming forward). Welcome home, father!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Thank you, dear!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Is it not possible to save anything?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Not at present; that is why I took the horse.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Then the bay horse is the only thing you get out of the smash?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Do you know that I might say that horse has cost me three or
+        four thousand pounds?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Well, that is its only defect, anyway! Still, if the worst comes
+        to the worst, and you can afford it&mdash;the horse is priceless!
+        (TJAELDE turns away, puts down his hat and coat and takes off his
+        gloves.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. It is beautiful to see your enthusiasm when you talk about
+        horses. I rather think it is the only enthusiasm you have.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Yes, if I were not a cavalry officer I should like to be a horse!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Thank you! And what should I be?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. "Oh, were I but the saddle on thy back! Oh, were I but the whip
+        about thy loins!"
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. "Oh, were I but the flowers in thy&mdash;." No, "hand" doesn't
+        rhyme!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. (coming forward, meets MRS. TJAELDE, who has come in from the
+        right.) Well, my dear, how are you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, I find it more and more difficult to get about.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. There is always something the matter with you, my dear! Can I
+        have something to eat?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, it has been standing waiting for you. Here it comes.
+        (A maid brings in a tray which she lays on the table.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Good!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Will you have a cup of tea?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No, thank you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. (sitting down beside him and pouring him out a glass of
+        wine). And how have things gone with the Möllers?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Badly. I told you so already.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. I didn't hear you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. I had a letter to-day from Nanna Möller. She tells me all about
+        it&mdash;how none of the family knew anything about it till the officers
+        of the courts came.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes, there must have been a dreadful scene.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Did he tell you anything about it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (as he eats). I didn't speak to him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. My dear! Why, you are old friends!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Bah! Old friends! He sat looking as if he had taken leave of
+        his senses. Besides, I have had enough of that family. I didn't go there
+        to hear them talk about their troubles.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. I suppose it was all very sad?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (still eating). Shocking!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. What will they have to live on?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. What is allowed them by their creditors, of course.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. But all the things they had?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Sold.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. All those pretty things&mdash;their furniture, their carriages,
+        their&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. All sold.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. And his watch? It is the most beautiful watch I have ever seen&mdash;next
+        to yours.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. It had to go, of course, being jewellery. Give me some wine; I
+        am hot and thirsty.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Poor things!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Where are they going to live now?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. In the house of one of the skippers of what was their fleet.
+        Two small rooms and a kitchen.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Two small rooms and a kitchen! (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. What do they intend to do?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. There was a subscription started to enable Mrs. Möller to get
+        the job of catering for the Club.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Is the poor woman going to have more cooking to do!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Did they send no messages to us?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Of course they did; but I didn't pay any attention to them.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (who has been standing on the verandah). But Möller&mdash;what did
+        he say? What did he do?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I don't know, I tell you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (who has been walking up and down the room during the preceding
+        conversation). He has said and done quite enough already.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (who has at last finished eating and drinking, is struck by her
+        words). What do you mean by that, Valborg?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. That if I were his daughter I would never forgive him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. My dear Valborg, don't say such things!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. I mean it! A man who would bring such shame and misery upon his
+        family does not deserve any mercy from them.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. We are all in need of mercy.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. In one sense, yes. But what I mean is that I could never give
+        him my respect or my affection again. He would have wronged me too
+        cruelly.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (getting up). Wronged you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Have you finished already, dear?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. No more wine?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I said I had finished. Wronged you? How?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Well, I cannot imagine how one could be more cruelly wronged
+        than to be allowed to assume a position that was nothing but a lie, to
+        live up to means that had no real existence but were merely a sham&mdash;one's
+        clothes a lie, one's very existence a lie! Suppose I were the sort of
+        girl that found a certain delight in making use of her position as a
+        rich man's daughter&mdash;in using it to the fullest possible extent;
+        well, when I discovered that all that my father had given me was
+        stolen-that all he had made me believe in was a lie&mdash;I am sure that
+        then my anger and my shame would be beyond all bounds!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. My child, you have never been tried. You don't know how
+        such things may happen. You don't really know what you are saying!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Well it might do Möller good if he heard what she says!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. He has heard it. His daughter said that to him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. His own daughter! Child, child, is that what you write to
+        each other about? God forgive you both!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Oh, He will forgive us, because we speak the truth.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tialde. Child, child!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. You evidently don't understand what business is&mdash;success
+        one day and failure the next.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. No one will ever persuade me that business is a lottery.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No, a sound business is not.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Exactly. It is the unsound sort that I condemn.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Still, even the soundest have their anxious moments.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. If the anxious moments really foreshadow a crisis, no man of
+        honour would keep his family o: his creditors in ignorance of the fact.
+        My God, how Mr. Möller has deceived his!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Valborg is always talking about business!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Yes, it has had an attraction for me ever since I was a child.
+        I am not ashamed of that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. You think you know all about it, anyway.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Oh, no; but you can easily get to know a little about anything
+        you are fond of.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. And one would need no great knowledge of business to condemn the
+        way Möller went on. It was obvious to every one. And the way his family
+        went on, too! Who went the pace as much as the Möllers? Think of his
+        daughter's toilettes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. His daughter is my best friend. I don't want to hear her
+        abused.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Your Highness will admit that it is possible to be the daughter
+        of a <i>very</i> rich man without being as proud and as vain as&mdash;as
+        the lady I am not allowed to mention!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Nanna is neither proud nor vain. She is absolutely genuine. She
+        had the aptitude for being exactly what she thought she was&mdash;a rich
+        man's daughter.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Has she the "aptitude" for being a bankrupt's daughter now?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Certainly. She has sold all her trinkets, her dresses&mdash;every
+        single thing she had. What she wears, she has either paid for herself or
+        obtained by promising future payment.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. May I ask if she kept her stockings?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. She sent everything to a sale.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. If I had known that I would certainly have attended it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Yes, I daresay there was plenty to make fun of, and plenty of
+        idle loafers, too, who were not ashamed to do so.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Children, children!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. May I ask if Miss Nanna sent her own idleness to the sale with
+        her other effects?&mdash;because I have never known any one with a finer
+        supply of it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. She never thought she would need to work.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (coming forward to VALBORG). To take up the thread of what we
+        were saying: you don't understand what a business-man's hope is from one
+        day to the other&mdash;always a renewed hope. That fact does not make
+        him a swindler. He may be unduly sanguine, perhaps&mdash;a poet, if you
+        like, who lives in a world of dreams&mdash;or he may be a real genius,
+        who sees land ahead when no one else suspects it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. I don't think I misunderstand the real state of affairs. But
+        perhaps you do, father. Because is not what you call hope, poetry,
+        genius, merely speculating with what belongs to others, when a man knows
+        that he owes more than he has got?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. It may be very difficult to be certain even whether he does
+        that or not.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Really? I should have thought his books would tell him&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. About his assets and his liabilities, certainly. But values are
+        fluctuating things; and he may always have in hand some venture which,
+        though it cannot be specified, may alter the whole situation.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. If he undeniably owes more than he possesses, any venture he
+        undertakes must be a speculation with other people's money.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Well&mdash;perhaps that is so; but that does not mean that he
+        steals the money&mdash;he only uses it in trust for them.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Entrusted to him on the false supposition that he is solvent.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. But possibly that money may save the whole situation.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. That does not alter the fact that he has got the use of it by a
+        lie.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. You use very harsh terms. (MRS. TJAELDE has once or twice been
+        making signs to VALBORG, which the latter sees but pays no attention
+        to.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. In that case the lie consists in the concealment.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. But what do you want him to do? To lay all his cards on the
+        table, and so ruin both himself and the others?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Yes, he ought to take every one concerned into his confidence.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Bah! In that case we should see a thousand failures every year,
+        and fortunes lost one after the other everywhere! No, you have a level
+        head, Valborg, but your ideas are narrow. Look here, where are the
+        newspapers? (SIGNE, who has been talking confidentially to HAMAR on the
+        verandah, comes forward.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. I took them down to your office. I did not know you meant to stay
+        in here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Oh, bother the office! Please fetch them for me. (SIGNE goes
+        out, followed by Hamar.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (in an undertone to VALBORG). Why will you never listen to
+        your mother, Valborg? (VALBORG goes out to the verandah; leans on the
+        edge of it, with her head on her hands, and looks out.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I think I will change my coat. Oh no, I will wait till
+        dinner-time.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Dinner! And here I am still sitting here!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Are we expecting any one?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, have you forgotten?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Of course, yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (going out). What on earth am I to order?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        (TJAELDE comes forward as soon as he is alone, sits down on a chair with
+        a weary, harassed expression, and buries his face in his hands with a
+        sigh. SIGNE and HAMAR come back, she carrying some newspapers. HAMAR is
+        going out to the verandah again, but SIGNE pulls him back.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Here you are, father. Here are&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. What? Who?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (astonished). The newspapers.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Ah, yes. Give them to me.(Opens them hurriedly. They are mostly
+        foreign papers, in which he scans the money articles one after another.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (after a whispered conversation with HAMAR). Father!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (without looking up from the papers).Well? (To himself,
+        gloomily.) Down again, always down!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Hamar and I want so much to go into town again to Aunt Ulla's.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. But you know you were there only a fortnight ago. I received
+        your bills yesterday. Have you seen them?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. No need for that, father, if <i>you</i> have seen them! Why do
+        you sigh?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Oh&mdash;because I see that stocks keep falling.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Pooh! Why should you bother about that? Now you are sighing
+        again. I am sure you know how horrid it is for those you love not to
+        have what they want. You won't be so unkind to us, father?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No, my child, it can't be done.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Why?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Because&mdash;because&mdash;well, because now that it is summer
+        time so many people will be coming here whom we shall have to entertain.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. But entertaining people is the most tiresome thing I know, and
+        Hamar agrees with me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Don't you think I have to do tiresome things sometimes, my
+        girl?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Father dear, why are you talking so solemnly and ceremoniously?
+        It sounds quite funny from you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Seriously, my child, it is by no means an unimportant matter
+        for a big business house like ours, with such a wide-spread connection,
+        that people coming here from all quarters should find themselves
+        hospitably received. You might do that much for me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Hamar and I will never have a moment alone at that rate.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I think you mostly squabble when you are alone.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Squabble? That is a very ugly word, father.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Besides, you would be no more alone if you were in town.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Oh, but it is quite different there!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. So I should think&mdash;from the way you throw your money
+        about!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (laughing). Throw our money about! What else have we to do? Isn't
+        that what we are for? Daddy, listen&mdash;dear old dad&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No, dear&mdash;no.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. You have never been so horrid to me before.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (who has been making signs to her to stop, whispers). Can't you be
+        quiet! Don't you see he is put out about something?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (whispering). Well, you might have backed me up a little.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (as before). No, I am a bit wiser than you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (as before). You have been so odd lately. I am sure I don't know
+        what you want?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (as before). Oh, well, it doesn't matter now&mdash;because I am
+        going to town alone.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (as before). What are you going to do?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (going). I am going to town alone. I am sick of this!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (following him). Just you try! (Both go out by the verandah, to
+        the right. TJAELDE lets the newspapers fall out of his hands with a
+        heavy sigh.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (looking in from the verandah). Father! (TJAELDE starts.) There
+        goes Mr. Berent, the lawyer from Christiania.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (getting up). Berent? Where? On the wharf?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Yes. (Comes back into the room. TJAELDE looks out of the
+        window.) The reason I told you was because I saw him yesterday at the
+        timber-yard, and a little while before that, at the brewery and at the
+        works.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (to himself). What can that mean? (Aloud.) Oh, I know he is very
+        fond of making little trips to all sorts of places in the summer. This
+        year he has come here&mdash;and no doubt he likes to see the chief
+        industries of the place. There is not much else here to see! But are you
+        sure it is he? I think&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (looking out). Yes, it is he. Look now, you know his walk&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde.&mdash;and his trick of crossing his feet&mdash;yes, it is he.
+        It looks as if he were coming here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. No, he has turned away.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. All the better! (To himself, thoughtfully.) Could it possibly
+        mean&mdash;? (SANNAES comes in from the right.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Am I disturbing you, sir?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Is that you, Sannaes? (SANNAES, as he comes forward, sees
+        VALBORG standing by the farther window. He appears frightened and hides
+        his hands quickly behind his back.) What do you want? (VALBORG looks at
+        SANNAES, then goes on to the verandah and out to the right.) What is it,
+        man? What the deuce are you standing there for?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (bringing his hands from behind his back as soon as VALBORG has
+        passed him, and looking after her.) I didn't like to ask you, before
+        Miss Valborg, whether you are coming down to your office to-day or not.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Have you gone mad? Why on earth shouldn't you ask me that
+        before Miss Valborg?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. I mean that&mdash;if not&mdash;I should like to speak to you
+        here, if it is convenient.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Look here, Sannaes, you ought to try and get rid of your
+        shyness; it doesn't suit a business man. A business man should be smart
+        and active, and not let his wits go wool-gathering because he finds
+        himself in the same room with a woman. I have often noticed it in you.&mdash;Now,
+        what is it? Out with it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. You are not coming to the office this morning, sir?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No, there is no post goes out before this evening.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. No. But there are some bills of exchange&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Bills? No.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Yes, sir&mdash;that fourth one of Möller's that was protested,
+        and the big English one.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (angrily). Have they not been met yet? What does this mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. The manager of the bank wanted to see you first, sir!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Have you gone crazy&mdash;? (Collects himself.) There must be
+        some misunderstanding, Sannaes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. That is what I thought; so I spoke about it to the chief clerk,
+        and to Mr. Holst as well.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. And Mr. Holst said&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. The same thing.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (walking up and down). I will go and see him&mdash;or rather, I
+        <i>won't</i> go and see him; because this is evidently something that&mdash;.
+        We have some days' grace yet, haven't we?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Yes, sir.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. And still no telegram from Mr. Lind?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. No, sir.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (to himself). I can't understand it. (Aloud.) We will negotiate
+        this matter direct with Christiania, Sannaes. That is what we will do&mdash;and
+        leave these little local banks alone in future. That will do, Sannaes!
+        (Makes a gesture of dismissal. Then says to himself:) That damned
+        Möller! It has made them all suspicious! (Turns round and sees SANNAES
+        still there.) What are you waiting for?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. It is settling day&mdash;and I have no money in the safe.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No money in the safe! A big business like this, and nothing in
+        the safe on settling day! What kind of management is that, I should like
+        to know? Must I teach you the A B C of business over and over again? One
+        can never take a half day off, or hand over the control! of the tiniest
+        part of the business&mdash;! I have no one, absolutely no one, that I
+        can rely on! How have you let things get into such a state?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Well, there was a third bill, which expired to-day&mdash;Holm
+        and Co., for £400. I had relied upon the bank, unfortunately&mdash;so
+        there was nothing for it but to empty the safe&mdash;here and at the
+        brewery as well.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (walking about restlessly). Hm&mdash;hm&mdash;hm!&mdash;Now, who
+        can have put that into Holst's head?&mdash;Very well, that will do.
+        (Dismisses SANNAES, who goes out but comes back immediately.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (whispering). Here is Mr. Berent!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (surprised). Coming here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. He is just coming up the steps! (Goes out by the further door
+        on the right.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. (calls after him in a whisper). Send up some wine and cakes!&mdash;It
+        is just as I suspected! (Catches sight of himself in a mirror.) Good
+        Lord, how bad I look! (Turns away painfully from the mirror; looks in it
+        again, forces a smile to his face, and so, smiling, goes towards the
+        verandah, where BERENT is seen coming in slowly from the left.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (greeting BERENT politely but with reserve). I feel honoured at
+        receiving a visit from so distinguished a man.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Mr. Tjaelde, I believe?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. At your service! My eldest daughter has just been telling me
+        that she had seen you walking about my property.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Yes; an extensive property&mdash;and an extensive business.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Too extensive, Mr. Berent. Too many-sided. But one thing has
+        led to another. Pray sit down.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Thank you; it is very warm to-day. (A maid brings in cakes and
+        wine, and puts them on the table.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Let me give you a glass of wine?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. No, thank you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Or something to eat?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Nothing, thank you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (taking out his cigar-case). May I offer you a cigar? I can
+        answer for their quality.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I am very fond of a good cigar. But for the moment I will not
+        take anything, thank you! (A pause. TJAELDE takes a seat.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (in a quiet, confidential voice). Have you been long here, Mr.
+        Berent?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Only a day or two. You have been away, have you not?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes&mdash;that unhappy affair of Mr. Möller's. A meeting of
+        creditors after the sale.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Times are hard just now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Extraordinarily so!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Do you think that Möller's failure will bring down any more
+        firms with it-besides those we know of already, I mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I don't think so. His&mdash;his misfortune was an exceptional
+        case in every respect.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. It has made the banks a little nervous, I hear.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I dare say.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Of course you know the state of affairs here better than any
+        one.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. (with a smile). I am very much indebted to you for your
+        flattering confidence in me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I suppose all this might have a bad effect upon the export trade
+        of this part of the country?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes&mdash;it is really hard to tell; but the important thing
+        certainly is to keep every one on their legs.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. That is your opinion?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Undoubtedly.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. As a general rule a crisis of this sort shows up the unsound
+        elements in a commercial community.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (with a smile). And for that reason this crisis should be
+        allowed to take its natural course, you mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. That is my meaning.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Hm!&mdash;In some places it is possible that the dividing line
+        between the sound firms and the unsound may not be very distinct.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Can there really be any danger of such a thing here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Well&mdash;you are expecting too much of my knowledge of
+        affairs; but I should be inclined to think that there may. (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I have been instructed by the banks to prepare an opinion upon
+        the situation&mdash;a fact which I have, so far, only confided to you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I am much obliged.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. The smaller local banks here have combined, and are acting in
+        concert.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Indeed? (A pause.) I suppose you have seen Mr. Holst, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Of course. (A pause.) If we are to assist the sound firms and
+        leave the others to their fate, the best way will certainly be for all
+        alike to disclose their actual position.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Is that Mr. Holst's opinion too?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. It is. (A pause.) I have advised him for the present&mdash;at
+        all events till we have all the balance-sheets&mdash;to say "no" to
+        every request for an advance, without exception.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. (with a look of relief). I understand!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Only a temporary measure, of course&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Quite so!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent.&mdash;but one that must apply to every one impartially.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Admirable!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Not to treat every one alike would be to run the danger of
+        throwing premature suspicion on individuals.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I quite agree.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I am delighted to hear it. Then you will not misunderstand me if
+        I ask you also to prepare a balance-sheet which shall show the actual
+        position of your firm.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. With the greatest pleasure, if by doing so I can assist the
+        general welfare.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I assure you, you can. It is by such means that public
+        confidence is strengthened.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. When do you want the balance-sheet? Of course, it can only be a
+        summary one.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Naturally. I will give myself the pleasure of calling for it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. By no means. I can let you have it at once, if you like. I am
+        in the habit of frequently drawing up summary balance-sheets of that
+        kind&mdash;as prices rise and fall, you know.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Indeed? (Smiles.) You know, of course, what they say of
+        swindlers&mdash;that they draw up three balance-sheets everyday, and all
+        different! But you are teaching me, apparently&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (laughing).&mdash;that others too, may have that bad habit!&mdash;though
+        I haven't actually got as far as three a day!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Of course I was only joking. (Gets up.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (getting up). Of course. I will send it to the hotel in an
+        hour's time; for I suppose you are staying in our only so-called hotel!
+        Would you not care, for the rest of your stay, to move your things over
+        here and make yourself at home in a couple of empty spare rooms that I
+        have?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bercnt. Thank you, but the length of my stay is so uncertain; and the
+        state of my health imposes habits upon me which are embarrassing to
+        every one, and to myself most of all, when I am among strangers.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. But at all events I hope you will dine with us to-day? I expect
+        one or two friends. And perhaps a short sail afterwards; it is very
+        pretty among the islands here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Thank you, but my health won't allow me such dissipations.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Ha, ha!&mdash;Well, if I can be of any further service to you&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I should be glad to have a talk with you before I leave,
+        preferably as soon as possible.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (somewhat surprised). You mean, after you have received all the
+        balance-sheets?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I have already managed to get most of them quietly, through Mr.
+        Holst.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (more surprised). Oh&mdash;so you mean to-day&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Would five o'clock suit you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I am quite at your disposal! I will give myself the pleasure of
+        calling upon you at five.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. No, I will come here at five o'clock. (Bows, and turns to go.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (following him). But you are the invalid&mdash;the older man&mdash;and
+        a distinguished man&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. But you are at home here. Good-bye!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Let me thank you for the honour you have done me by calling
+        upon me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Please don't bother to see me out.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Allow me to escort you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I can find the way quite well, thank you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No doubt, no doubt-but I should feel it an honour!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. As you please! (As they are about to go down the verandah steps
+        they are met by SIGNE and HAMAR, who are coming up arm in arm. Each
+        couple draws aside to make room for the other.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Let me introduce&mdash;no, I am sure Mr. Berent needs no
+        introduction. This is my youngest daughter&mdash;and her fiancé,
+        Lieutenant Hamar.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I thought your regiment was at the manoeuvres, Lieutenant?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. I have got furlough&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. On account of urgent business, no doubt! Good day!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Ha, ha, ha! (He and BERENT go down the steps.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Insolent fellow! But he is like that to every one.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Not to my father, as far as I could see.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Your father is insolent too.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. You shan't say such things of father!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. What else do you call it, to laugh at such impertinence as
+        Berent's.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. I call it good spirits! (Sits down in a rocking-chair and begins
+        rocking herself.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Oh, then, so you&mdash;. You are not very agreeable to-day.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (still rocking herself). No; do you know, sometimes I get so bored
+        with you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Yet you won't let me go away?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Because I should be still worse bored without you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Let me tell you this, I am not going to put up much longer with
+        the way I am treated here!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Very well. (Takes off her engagement ring and holds it between
+        her finger and her thumb, as she rocks herself and hums a tune.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Oh, I don't say anything about <i>you</i>; but look at Valborg!
+        Look at your father! He hasn't even as much as offered me a mount on his
+        new horse!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. He has had something else to think about&mdash;possibly something
+        even more important than that. (Goes on humming.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Oh, do be nice, Signe! You must admit that my feelings are very
+        natural. Indeed, to speak quite candidly&mdash;because I know I can say
+        anything to you&mdash;it seems to me that, as I am to be his son-in-law
+        and am in a cavalry regiment, and as he has no sons of his own, I might
+        almost expect that&mdash;that he would make me a present of the horse.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Ha, ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Does it seem so unreasonable to you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Ha, ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Why do you laugh at what I say, Signe? It seems to me that it
+        would reflect very well on your family if, when my friends admired my
+        horse, I could say: "My father-in-law made me a present of it." Because,
+        you know, there isn't a finer horse in the whole of Norway.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. And that is the reason why you should have it? Ha, ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. I won't stand it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. The peerless lieutenant on the peerless horse! Ha, ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Signe, be quiet!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. You are so funny! (Begins to hum again.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Listen, Signe! No one has so much influence with your father as
+        you.&mdash;Oh, do listen! Can't you talk seriously for a moment?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. I should like to! (Goes on humming.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. My idea was that, if that horse were mine, I would stay here for
+        the summer and break it in thoroughly. (SIGNE stops rocking herself and
+        humming. HAMAR comes up to her chair and leans over her.) In that case I
+        would not go back till the autumn, and then you could come with the
+        horse and me into town. Wouldn't that be delightful?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (after looking at him for a moment). Oh, yes, my dear, you always
+        have such delightful ideas!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Don't I! But the whole thing depends, of course, on whether you
+        can get the horse from your father. Will you try, darling?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. And then you would stay here all the summer?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. All the summer!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. So as to break in the horse.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Just to break in the horse!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. And I would go with you into town in the autumn&mdash;that was
+        what you said, wasn't it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Yes; wouldn't it be jolly?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Shall you take the bay horse to stay with your Aunt Ulla too?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (laughing). What?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Well, you have spent your furlough here simply for the sake of
+        that horse&mdash;I know that well enough&mdash;and you propose to stay
+        here, just to break it in-and then you propose that the horse and I
+        should go to your aunt's&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. But, Signe, what do you&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (beginning to rock herself furiously). Ugh! Go away!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Jealous of a horse! Ha, ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Go away to the stables.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Is that meant for a punishment? Because it would be more amusing
+        there than it is here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (throwing down her ring). There! Let your horse wear that!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Every time you throw down that ring&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Oh, you have said that so often! I am tired of that too! (Turns
+        her chair round so as to turn her back on him.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. You are such a spoilt child that it would be absurd to take
+        everything you say seriously&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. I am sick of that too, I tell you&mdash;for the hundred and
+        twentieth time! Go away!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. But can't you see how ridiculous it is of you to be jealous of a
+        horse? Have you ever heard of anyone else behaving like that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (jumping up). Oh, you make me want to shout and scream! I feel so
+        ashamed of you! (Stamps her foot.) I despise you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (laughing). And all on account of the horse?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. No, on your own account&mdash;yours, yours! I feel so miserable
+        sometimes, I should like to throw myself down on the floor and cry&mdash;or
+        run away and never come back! Can't you let me alone! Can't you go away!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Yes&mdash;and I have not picked up the ring this time, either!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Oh, do go!&mdash;go, go, go! (Bursts out crying and sits down.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. All right!&mdash;I see the steamer in the distance; I shall go
+        home at once.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Oh, you know as well as I do that that steamer goes the other
+        way! Oh! (Cries. The masts and funnel of a steamer come into sight, and
+        a trail of smoke passes over the sky. TJAELDE'S voice is heard outside,
+        calling: "Hurry up! Take the lieutenant's boat; it is ready!" SIGNE
+        jumps up.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. They are going to fetch some one from the steamer! (TJAELDE'S
+        voice is heard again: "You get the boat out! He is coming here!" HAMAR
+        runs to pick up the ring and comes back hurriedly to SIGNE.) Signe!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. No, I won't!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Signe, dear! What does this mean? What is it that I have done?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. I don't know, but I am wretchedly unhappy! (Bursts into tears.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. But you know that in the end I always do what you want? What more
+        can you wish than that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. I can't help it, I wish I were dead! It is always the same thing!
+        (In tears again.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. But, Signe&mdash;you who have told me hundreds of times that you
+        loved me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. And so I do. But sometimes our engagement seems horrible!&mdash;No,
+        don't come near me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Signe! (TJAELDE'S voice is heard outside: "Of course, put your
+        best coat on!" He calls louder: "Sannaes!" An answering voice is heard
+        in the distance. TJAELDE continues: "Don't forget your gloves!") Dry
+        your eyes, Signe! Don't let him see you have been crying. (He tries to
+        give her the ring, but she turns away, wiping her eyes. TJAELDE comes up
+        the steps on to the verandah.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Oh, there you are! That's right. Mr. Lind is arriving by this
+        steamer&mdash;I had a telegram from him just now. (Calls out over the
+        verandah.) Come along with those flags! And get this boat out of the way
+        and unstep her mast! She is moored up tight! (HAMAR runs to help him.)
+        Yes, you cast her off! (HAMAR does so, and the boat is hauled away to
+        the right. TJAELDE comes forward into the room.) Signe! (Looks at her.)
+        What? Squabbling again?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Father!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Well, this is no time for tomfoolery of that sort! You must all
+        do the honours of the house to-day. Tell Valborg&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Tell her yourself, please! You know Valborg only does just what
+        she likes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Don't talk such rubbish! This is an important moment&mdash;and
+        you will all do as <i>I</i> say! Tell Valborg that she is to make
+        herself look nice and come to me here. And you do the same. (She goes.)
+        Signe!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (stopping). Yes?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. We must ask five or six more people to dinner. You must send
+        word to Mr. Finne that we shall dine punctually at three o'clock,
+        instead of four. Mr. Lind has to go away again by the next boat, at five
+        o'clock. Do you understand?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. But has mother enough in the house for so many?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. It is not a mere question of there being enough&mdash;it must
+        be a very good dinner. I expect my larder to be kept thoroughly well
+        stocked all through the summer. How often am I to repeat that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (trying to repress her fears). But mother is feeling so ill to-day&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Oh! don't begin about that everlasting "feeling ill." There is
+        no time to-day to feel ill. Now, be quick! (SIGNE goes out by the
+        farther door. TJAELDE turns to HAMAR.) Get a pen and ink and some paper!
+        We must draw up a list of guests, at once!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (looking about). There is none here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (impatiently). Fetch some, then! (HAMAR goes into the next room.
+        TJAELDE, after a long sigh of relief, reads a telegram he has in his
+        hand. His hand trembles as he reads it slowly, repeating some passages
+        twice.) "Letter received just as starting. Before taking charge of
+        affairs, must have interview. Coming to-day earliest boat, return five
+        o'clock. Have clear statement ready. Lind." I can hardly read it&mdash;but
+        it is true! Yes, if I can only work this properly all doors will be open
+        to me! (To HAMAR, who has come back.) Ah, there you are! It would take
+        too long to write invitations. We will just draw up a list of names and
+        one of my clerks shall run round to them all. Now then! (Dictates.) The
+        Vicar&mdash;Oh, by the way, what is the champagne like?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Do you mean the new lot?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. The Vicar praised it highly.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Good. Well, then&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (writing). The Vicar.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjzlde. Mr. Ring.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Mr. Ring.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. And&mdash;and&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Mr. Holst?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No, not Holst. (HAMAR appears greatly astonished. TJAELDE says
+        to himself:) I can show him now that I have no need of him! (Suddenly,
+        to HAMAR.) Mr. Holm. (To himself.) Holst's enemy!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Mr. Holm.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (to himself). Although Holm is a boor. Still, it will annoy
+        Holst. (Aloud.) The Chief Constable.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. The Chief&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No, strike out the Chief Constable.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Chief Constable struck out.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Have we got the Vicar down?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. He is number one on the list.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Of course, yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. What about the Magistrate?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No, he lives too far off. Besides, unless he is the guest of
+        honour and can talk shop all the time&mdash;. No! But, let me see. Mr.
+        Knutzon&mdash;Knutzon with a "z."
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Knutzon with a "z."
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Oh!&mdash;and&mdash;Knudsen, too! Knudsen with an "s."
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Knudsen with an "s."
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. How many have we got?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. The Vicar, Ring, Holm, the Chief&mdash;oh, no, the Chief
+        Constable was struck out; Knutzon with a "z," Knudsen with an "s "&mdash;that
+        is one, two, three, four, five, six.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. And Finne, you, and I make nine. We must have twelve.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. What about some ladies?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No; ladies are out of place at a business dinner. They may do
+        the honours afterwards, when we have got to the cigarette stage. But
+        whom shall we&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. That new lawyer fellow? He's a smart chap&mdash;I can't remember
+        his name?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No, he always wants to be speechifying wherever he goes.&mdash;Ah,
+        Mr. Pram, the custom-house officer!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. That man? He always gets drunk!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes, but he doesn't get noisy with it. He does no harm&mdash;quite
+        the contrary! Yes, put down Pram.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Mr. Pram.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. It is a very difficult task, in such a small town, when you
+        want to get a good set of people together. Ah!&mdash;Falbe! I forgot
+        him. He is very neat, and no opinions.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Neat in his dress, do you mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes, in his dress too-but I meant it more generally. Now, for
+        the twelfth&mdash;Morten Schultz?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Morten Schultz! (Gets up.) No, really, I must take the liberty of
+        protesting against him! Do you really know what he did the last time he
+        was here, when you had a lot of guests? In the middle of dinner he took
+        out his false teeth and began showing them to his neighbours. He wanted
+        to have them passed round the table! If that is your idea of a good set
+        of people&mdash;well!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes, he is rather a rough diamond. But he is the richest man
+        about here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (who has sat down again). Well in that case he really ought to
+        afford himself a new wig! It is far from pleasant to sit beside him, I
+        can assure you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes, I know he is a pig; but he is wide awake, and this would
+        flatter him! You see, my young friend, when a man is very rich you must
+        make certain allowances for him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. I can't understand what <i>you</i> can hope to get out of him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Hm, hm!&mdash;No, well, perhaps we had better leave him out?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Certainly!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (to himself). Although Lind would understand the significance of
+        Morten Schultz's being here&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. And the things he says! Ladies have to leave the room!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes, you are right. (Mutters to himself.) And, after all, I
+        don't need him any longer. (Aloud.) But what about our twelfth, then?
+        Let me see&mdash;.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Christopher Hansen?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Oh, Lord! no. We should have to talk politics. No, let me see&mdash;.
+        Yes, I think I might risk it! Hm, hm&mdash;yes, just the man! Jakobsen,
+        the brewery manager.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Jakobsen?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Hm, hm! Jakobsen will do very well. I know Jakobsen.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Oh, he is a very good fellow&mdash;we all know that, but in
+        polite society&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Hm, hm, hm!&mdash;Put him down!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (writing). Jakobsen. There, then! (Gets up.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Now let Skogstad go with the list! Remember, three o'clock
+        punctually! And be quick! (Calls after HAMAR, who is going out.) And
+        come back when you have given him the list! There may be something more
+        to do! (HAMAR goes out by the nearer door. TJAELDE takes a letter out of
+        his pocket.) Ah, of course! Shall I send the balance-sheet to Berent? I
+        am independent of the banks now. Still, I am not out of the wood yet.
+        And, anyway, it is a very pretty balance-sheet! Holst would be sure to
+        see it, and that might be useful&mdash;and it might annoy him, too.
+        Besides, if I don't send it, they will think that my promising to send
+        it had put me into a hole, and that Lind had helped me out of it. I risk
+        least by sending it. (HAMAR comes back.) Look here, let him take this
+        letter, too. It is for Mr. Berent, at the Hotel Victoria.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Is this an invitation? Because, if it is, we shall be thirteen at
+        table.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. It is not an invitation. Be quick, before he goes. (HAMAR goes
+        out again.) Oh, if only it succeeds! Lind is the sort of man one can
+        persuade&mdash;and I must, I must persuade him! (Looks at his watch.) I
+        have four whole hours to do it in. I have never felt so hopeful&mdash;not
+        for a long time. (Is lost in thought; then says quietly:) After all,
+        sometimes a crisis is a good thing&mdash;like a big wave that carries
+        one on!&mdash;They have all had their suspicions aroused now, and are
+        all ready to get into a panic. (Sighs.) If only I could get safely out
+        of my difficulties without any one's suspecting it!&mdash;Oh, this
+        anxious fear, night and day!&mdash;all this mystery, these shifts, these
+        concealments, this farce I have to keep up! I go about my business as if
+        I were in a dream. (Despairingly.) This shall be the last time&mdash;my
+        last performance of this sort! No more of it!&mdash;I only need a
+        helping hand now, and I have got it! But <i>have</i> I got it? that is
+        the question. Oh! if only, after this, I could know what it was to have
+        a good night's sleep and to wake in the morning free from anxiety!&mdash;to
+        join them at meals with an easy conscience!&mdash;come home in the
+        evening and feel that it was all done with! If only I had something to
+        take my stand upon that I could call my own&mdash;really and truly my
+        own! I hardly dare to believe that there is a chance&mdash;I have so
+        often been disappointed! (HAMAR comes back.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. There&mdash;that's done!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Good Lord, what about a salute from our cannon? We must give
+        him a salute!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. We have powder.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Then send word up at once to Ole to see about it! (They hurry
+        out. The curtain falls.)
+      </p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+      <div style="height: 4em;">
+        <br /><br /><br /><br />
+      </div>
+      <h2>
+        ACT II
+      </h2>
+      <h3>
+        SCENE I
+      </h3>
+      <p>
+        (SCENE.&mdash;The same room. The table, which has been drawn to one
+        side, is covered with bottles of champagne aged dishes of fruit. MRS.
+        TJAELDE and SIGNE, with a man-servant and a maid, are busy preparing it.
+        Through the door on the right a lively conversation can be heard, and
+        occasional bursts of laughter.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (in a tired voice). Now I think it is all ready.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. They are talking a long time over their dinner.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (looking at her watch). Yes, they will only have half an
+        hour for their dessert, because Mr. Lind has to leave at five o'clock.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Ah, they have finished at last! Listen, they are getting up from
+        the table. (Amidst the loud noise of conversation the noise of chairs
+        being pushed back is audible.) Here they come!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes; let us retreat. (The maid goes out by the farther
+        door; SIGNE helps MRS. TJAELDE out after her. The man-servant begins
+        opening the champagne. The guests come in from the dining-room, headed
+        by LIND escorted by TJAELDE, whom he is assuring that the dinner was
+        excellent, to which TJAELDE replies that it is impossible to do much in
+        a small country town. Both look at their watches, and observe that there
+        is only half an hour left. TJAELDE vainly endeavours to persuade LIND to
+        stay longer. Close behind them come HOLM and RING, engaged in an
+        animated dispute about timber prices, the former maintaining that they
+        will fall still lower, the latter that they will rise speedily owing to
+        the fall in the prices of coal and iron, a point of view which the
+        former vigorously controverts. Immediately behind them comes the VICAR,
+        escorted by HAMAR, who is a little tipsy. The VICAR is assuring him that
+        he has no objection to parishioners repudiating the obligation to attend
+        the services of their own priest, so long as they are compelled to pay
+        him for those services whether they avail themselves of them or not;
+        because order, which is an essential characteristic of the Heavenly
+        Kingdom, must be maintained. HAMAR tries to get in a word or two about
+        the bay horse, but without success. At the same time KNUTZON and FALBE
+        are deep in a discussion about a dancer whom FALBE has seen at Hamburg.
+        He is maintaining that she can leap six feet into the air, which KNUTZON
+        ventures to doubt, but FALBE says there is no doubt about it, and he
+        knows because he has once sat at the same dinner-table with her. FINNE,
+        KNUDSEN, and JAKOBSEN follow them. JAKOBSEN is heard challenging any one
+        to contradict him, while the others eagerly protest that he has entirely
+        misunderstood their meaning. He affirms stoutly that he doesn't care a
+        damn what they meant, but that his employer is the greatest business man
+        and the finest fellow in the world, or at all events in Norway. PRAM
+        comes in by himself, wrapt in tipsy contemplation. They all talk at the
+        same time.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (rapping on a glass). Gentlemen! (There is a sudden silence,
+        except for the sound of the voices of FALBE and JAKOBSEN, who are hushed
+        down by the others.) Gentlemen! I am sorry dinner has occupied such a
+        long time.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        All (unanimously). No, no!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Our distinguished guest has, unfortunately, to leave us in half
+        an hour, so I should like to take the opportunity of saying a few words.
+        Gentlemen, we have a prince among us to-day. I say a prince, because if
+        it is true that it is the financiers that rule the world&mdash;and it is
+        true, gentlemen&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Pram (who is standing well forward, supporting himself by the edge of
+        the table, says solemnly:) Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde.&mdash;then our friend here is a prince! There is not a single
+        important undertaking that he has not initiated, or at any rate backed
+        with his name.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Pram (lifting his glass). Mr. Lind, may I have the honour&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Voices. Sh! Sh!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes, gentlemen, his name backs every enterprise. It would be
+        impossible to carry one through that had not his backing.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Pram (solemnly). His backing.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Am I not right, then, in describing him as a prince?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Falbe (in a feeble voice). Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Gentlemen, to-day his name is once more exercising its
+        powerful, I might say its creative, influence upon circumstances. I may
+        say that at this moment the country holds no truer benefactor than he.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Pram. Great man.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Let us drink his health! May prosperity attend him and his, and
+        may his name be deathless in Norway! Mr. Lind!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        All. Mr. Lind! Mr. Lind! (They all drink his health effusively.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (to HAMAR, whom he pulls forward somewhat roughly, as the others
+        begin to help themselves to the dessert.) What has become of the salute?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (in consternation).Good Lord, yes! (Rushes to the window, but
+        comes back.) I have no handkerchief. I must have laid it down in the
+        dining-room.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Here is mine!(Feels in his pocket for it.) One cannot rely on
+        you for the least thing. The salute will be too late now. It is
+        disgraceful! (HAMAR goes to the window and waves the handkerchief madly.
+        At last the report of a cannon is heard. The guests are standing in a
+        group, holding their dessert plates.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Holm. A little bit late!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Knutzon. Rather behind the moment&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ring. A very important moment, however!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Holm. A very unexpected one, anyway!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Knutzon (jestingly). Allow me, amidst the cannon's roar, to introduce to
+        you a man who has been led by the nose!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ring. Oh, Tjaelde knows what he is about!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Mr. Lind is kind enough to wish to propose a toast. (They all
+        compose themselves into respectful silence.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. Our worthy host has proposed my health in most flattering terms. I
+        would merely add this, that wealth is entrusted to those who have it
+        precisely in order that they may support industry, genius, and great
+        undertakings.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Pram (who has never changed his position). Nobly said.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. I am only an administrator of a trust, and too often a weak and
+        short-sighted one.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Pram. Beautiful.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. But I shall not be mistaken if I say that Mr. Tjaelde's many-sided
+        activities, which we must all admire, rest upon a sound foundation; and
+        of that fact no one, at the present moment, is better able to judge than
+        I. (The guests look at one another in surprise.) Therefore I have no
+        hesitation in saying that his activities are an honour to this town, to
+        this district, to our whole country, and that therefore his genius and
+        his energy deserve support. I propose the toast of "prosperity to the
+        firm of Tjaelde!"
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        All. Prosperity to the firm of Tjaelde!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        (HAMAR signals again with the handkerchief, and a cannon shot is heard.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I thank you heartily, Mr. Lind! I am profoundly touched.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. I said no more than I am convinced of, Mr. Tjaelde!!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Thank you! (To HAMAR.) What do you mean by signalling for a
+        salute for the host? Blockhead!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. You said there was to be a salute when a toast was proposed,
+        didn't you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Oh, you are a&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (to himself). Well, if ever again I&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Holm. Then it is an accomplished fact, I suppose?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Knutzon. <i>Fait accompli</i>! That toast represents twenty thousand
+        pounds, at least.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ring. Yes, Tjaelde knows what he is about! I have always said that!
+        (FALBE is seen drinking ceremoniously with LIND. JAKOBSEN comes forward,
+        talking to KNUDSEN.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen (in a low voice). There isn't a word of truth in what you say!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Knudsen. But, my dear Jakobsen, you misunderstand me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen (louder). Hang it, I know my people!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Knudsen. Don't talk so loud!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen (still louder). What I say any one may hear!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. (at the same moment). The Vicar wishes to say a few words.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Knudsen (to JAKOBSEN). Hush! The Vicar wishes to say a few words.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. Have I got to hush because that damned&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (in a voice of authority). The Vicar wishes to speak.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. I beg your pardon!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Vicar (in a feeble voice). As the spiritual adviser of this
+        household, I have the pleasing duty of invoking a blessing on the gifts
+        that have been so richly showered upon our host and his friends. May
+        they be to their souls' present good and eternal welfare!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Pram. Amen.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Vicar. I am going to ask you to drink the health of our host's dear
+        children&mdash;those lovely girls whose welfare has been the object of
+        my prayers ever since they were confirmed&mdash;ever since that
+        memorable day when household and religious duties began to walk side by
+        side.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Pram. Ah, yes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Vicar. May they always in the future, as they have in the past, grow
+        in the holy fear of God and in meekness and gratitude towards their
+        parents!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        All. Miss Valborg, Miss Signe!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (in a panic). Am I to signal?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Oh, go to&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Well, if ever again&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Thank you very much, Mr. Vicar. Like you, I hope that the
+        intimate relations between parent and child that exist here&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Vicar. It has always been a pleasure to me to come into your most
+        hospitable house.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. May I have the honour of drinking a glass of wine with you?
+        (They drink to each other.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Vicar. Excellent champagne, my dear sir!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind (to HOLM). It pains me to hear what you say. Is it possible that
+        this town, which owes so much to Mr. Tjaelde, repays him with such
+        ingratitude?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Holm (in a low voice). One never can quite confidently rely on him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. Really? I have heard others sing his praises so loudly, you know.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Holm (as before). You misunderstand me. I mean his position&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. His position? That must be merely envy! People are often so unjust
+        towards those whose enterprise has lifted them above the heads of the
+        crowd.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Holm. At any rate I assure you it was not from&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind (coldly). I don't doubt it. (Walks away from him.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen (with whom TJAELDE has just drunk). Gentlemen!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Knutzon (to HOLM, in passing). Is that boor really going to be allowed
+        to make a speech! (Going up to LIND.) May I have the honour of drinking
+        a glass of wine with you, Mr. Lind? (Several of the guests begin to
+        talk, ostentatiously indifferent to JAKOBSEN who is trying to begin his
+        speech.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen (in a formidable voice). Gentlemen! (Silence ensues, and he
+        continues in his usual voice.) Permit a common man to say a word, too,
+        on this festive occasion. I was a poor little boy when I entered Mr.
+        Tjaelde's employment; but he pulled me out of the gutter. (Laughter.) I
+        am-what I am, gentlemen! And therefore if any here is qualified to talk
+        about Mr. Tjaelde, it is I; because I know him. I know he is a fine
+        fellow.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind (to TJAELDE). Children and drunken men&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (laughing).&mdash;speak the truth!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. There are lots of people that will tell you one thing or
+        another about him&mdash;and, of course, he may have his failings like
+        all of us. But as I find myself in such fine company as this I am going
+        to say that&mdash;that&mdash;devil take me if Mr. Tjaelde isn't too good
+        for the lot of you! (Laughter.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. That's enough, Jakobsen!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. No, it's not enough! Because there is one toast we have all
+        forgotten, although we have all had such a splendid dinner. (Laughter.
+        FALBE claps his hands and cries: "Bravo!") Yes, and it is nothing to
+        laugh at; because it is the toast of Mrs. Tjaelde's health that we have
+        not drunk!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. Bravo!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. There's a wife and mother for you! I can tell you&mdash;and
+        it's true&mdash;she goes about the house attending to her duties and
+        preparing for our entertainment when all the time she is ill, and she
+        takes the whole thing on her shoulders and says nothing. God bless her,
+        I say!&mdash;and that is all I have to say.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Several of the Guests (raising their glasses). Mrs. Tjaelde! Mrs.
+        Tjaelde!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Pram (grasping JAKOBSEN by the hand). That was fine of you, Jakobsen!
+        (LIND joins them; PRAM steps aside respectfully.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. Will you drink a glass of wine with me, Jakobsen?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. Thank you, very much. I am only a common man&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. But a good-hearted one! Your health! (They drink to each other. A
+        boat is seen putting in to shore below the verandah. Its crew of six men
+        stand up and toss their oars in naval fashion. SANNAES is standing at
+        the helm.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Holm (in a whisper, to KNUTZON). Tjaelde knew what he was doing when he
+        invited Jakobsen!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Knutzon (whispering). Just look at the boat!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ring. Tjaelde is a very clever fellow&mdash;a very clever fellow!
+        (VALBORG, SIGNE and MRS. TJAELDE are seen coming up the verandah steps.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Gentlemen, the moment of departure is at hand; I see the ladies
+        coming to take leave of our distinguished guest. Let us take this last
+        opportunity of gathering around him&mdash;round our prince&mdash;and
+        thanking him for coming! Let us cheer him with three times three!
+        (Cheers.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. Thank you, gentlemen! There is so little time left that I must
+        confine myself to merely bidding you all good-bye. (To MRS. TJAELDE.)
+        Good-bye, my dear madam! You should have heard how your health was
+        proposed and drunk just now. My warmest thanks for your hospitality, and
+        forgive me for the trouble I have caused you. (To SIGNE.) Good-bye, Miss
+        Signe. I am sorry time has not permitted me to have the honour of
+        becoming better acquainted with you; you seem so full of spirit! But if,
+        as you said, you are soon coming to Christiania&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. I shall then do myself the honour of calling upon your wife.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. Thank you, thank you&mdash;you will be most welcome. (To VALBORG.)
+        Are you not feeling well, Miss Valborg?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. You look so serious. (As VALBORG does not reply, he continues
+        somewhat coldly:) Good-bye, Miss Valborg. (To HAMAR.) Good-bye, Mr.&mdash;Mr.&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Mr. Hamar.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. Ah, the young man that talked to me about a horse&mdash;your
+        future son-in-law! Pray forgive me for not&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Don't mention it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. Good-bye!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. A pleasant journey, sir!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind (coldly, to HOLM). Good-bye, Mr. Holm.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Holm (imperturbably polite). I wish you a very pleasant journey, Mr.
+        Lind.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind (to PRAM). Good-bye, Mr. Pram.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Pram (holds his hand, and seems as if he wanted to say something but
+        could not. At last he finds his voice). I want to thank you for&mdash;for&mdash;I
+        want to thank you for&mdash;for&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. You are an excellent fellow!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Pram (in a relieved voice). I am so glad to hear it! Thank you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind (to KNUTZON). Good-bye, Mr.&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Knutzon (hastily). Knutzon.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Pram. With a "z."
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind (to KNUDSEN). Good-bye, Mr.&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Knudsen. Knudsen, again.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Pram. With an "s."
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind (to FALBE). Mr&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Falbe. Falbe.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. Good-bye, Mr. Falbe! (To RING.) I am delighted to see you looking
+        so well, Mr. Ring.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Ring (with a low bow). The same to you, sir!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. Good-bye, Mr. Vicar!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Vicar (holding his hand, impressively). Let me wish you good luck
+        and happiness, Mr. Lind&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. Thank you. (Tries to get away.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Vicar.&mdash;in your journey over the perilous seas to foreign
+        lands!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. Thank you. (Tries to get away.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Vicar. Let me wish you a safe return, Mr. Lind&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. Thank you very much. (Tries to get away.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Vicar.&mdash;to our dear fatherland; a land, Mr. Lind, which
+        possesses in you&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. You must excuse me, Mr. Vicar, but time presses.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Vicar. Let me thank you for the pleasure of our meeting to-day, Mr.
+        Lind, for&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. Indeed, there is no occasion! Good-bye! (To JAKOBSEN.) Good-bye,
+        Jakobsen, good-bye!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. Good-bye, Mr. Lind! I am only a common man, I know; but that
+        is no reason why I shouldn't wish you a pleasant journey too, is it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind. Certainly not, Jakobsen.&mdash;Good-bye, Mr. Finne! By the way&mdash;just
+        a word! (In an undertone.) You said that Mr. Berent&mdash;. (Takes him
+        aside.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (to HAMAR). Now, remember the salute this time!&mdash;No, no,
+        no! Don't be in such a hurry! Wait till the boat puts off! You want to
+        make a mess of it again!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Well, if ever again I&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (to LIND, who holds out his hand to him). Goodbye, Mr. Lind! (In
+        a low voice.) No one has so much reason to thank you for your visit as
+        I. You are the only one that can understand&mdash;.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Lind (a shade coldly). Don't mention it, Mr. Tjaelde! Good luck to your
+        business! (In warmer tones.) Good-bye everybody&mdash;and thank you all
+        for your kindness! (The footman, who has for some time been holding out
+        his hat to him, gives it him, and his coat to SANNAES. LIND steps on
+        board the boat.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        All. Good-bye, Mr. Lind, good-bye!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. One cheer more! (Cheers and a cannon salute are heard together.
+        The boat glides away. They all wave their handkerchiefs. TJAELDE hurries
+        into the room.) I have no handkerchief; that blockhead has&mdash;.
+        (Looks at VALBORG.) Why are you not waving?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Because I don't wish to. (TJAELDE looks at her, but says
+        nothing. He goes into the other room and comes back with a table-napkin
+        in each hand, and hurries on to the verandah.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (waving and shouting). Good-bye! Good-bye!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Let us go out to the point and see the last of them!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        All. Yes, yes! (All but TJAELDE and VALBORG hurry off to the right.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (coming into the room). I saw Berent coming! (VALBORG goes out
+        by the door on the right. TJAELDE comes forward, throws the napkins on
+        to a table and himself into a chair.) Oh&mdash;oh! But this must be the
+        last time.&mdash;I shan't need this sort of thing any more! Never again!
+        (Gets up wearily.) Ah, I had forgotten. Berent!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        [The Curtain falls.]
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        [The interval between this scene and the next should be as short as
+        possible.]
+      </p>
+      SCENE II
+      <p>
+        (SCENE.-TJAELDE'S private office. On the left, a desk strewn with
+        ledgers and papers. On the right, a stove. An easy chair by the stove. A
+        table in the foreground to the right; on it an inkstand and pens. Two
+        armchairs; one at the table facing the audience, the other at the side
+        of the table. Windows on either side of the desk; a door beyond the
+        stove. A door in the background, leading to other offices. A bell-pull
+        hangs down the wall. A chair on either side of the door. Quite at the
+        back, on the left, a staircase leading direct to TJAELDE'S bedroom.
+        BERENT and TJAELDE come in from the back.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. You must excuse my receiving you here. But the other rooms are
+        all upside down; we have had some people to dinner.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I heard you had guests.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes, Mr. Lind from Christiana.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Quite so.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Won't you sit down? (BERENT lays down his hat and coat on a
+        chair by the door. He comes slowly forward, sits down at the side of the
+        table, and takes some papers from his breast-pocket. TJAELDE sits down
+        at the other chair by the table and watches him indifferently.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. What we now want is some fixed standard by which to make our
+        valuations, especially of real estate. Have you any objection to our
+        making your business a basis for arriving at that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. None at all.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Then may I make my comments on your own figures, and ask you a
+        few questions about them?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. By all means.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Well, to begin with, let us take your properties immediately
+        round here; they will give us the best idea of local values. For
+        instance, take the Mjölstad forest; you have put that down, I see, at
+        £16,500.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (indifferently). Have I?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. You bought it for £10,000.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes, four years ago. Timber prices ruled low then.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. And since then you have cut down more than £20,000 worth of
+        timber there.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Who told you so?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Mr. Holst.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Holst knows nothing about it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. We must try to be very accurate, you know.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Well, of course, the whole valuation is not my concern; but
+        those whom it does concern will protest.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent (taking no notice of his objection). So I think we will reduce
+        the £16,500 to £10,000.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. To £10,000! (Laughs.) As you please.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Calculating by the same standard, we can scarcely put down the
+        Stav forest at more than £4000.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Allow me to say that, if that is the way you are going to make
+        your valuation, everybody in the place will have to go bankrupt!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent (with a smile). We will risk that. You have put down your wharf
+        and its contents at £12,000.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Including two ships in course of construction&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent.&mdash;for which it would be difficult to find a purchaser, as
+        they are so far from completion.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Indeed?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. So I think we cannot put down the wharf and its contents at a
+        higher figure than £8,000&mdash;and I believe even that will turn out to
+        be too high.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. If you can find me another wharf as well stocked, and with the
+        advantages that this one has, I will buy it whenever you like for £8000;
+        I am certain I should be more than £4000 to the good over the bargain.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. May I go on?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. If you like! I even feel a certain curiosity to view my
+        possessions under such an entirely new light.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. As a matter of fact the items that are too highly valued are
+        just those that comprise this property that you live on&mdash;its land,
+        its gardens, its dwelling houses, warehouses, and quays-not to mention
+        the brewery and the factory, which I shall come to later. Even regarded
+        as business premises they seem to me to be over-valued.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Well?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent, Moreover, the luxurious appointments of this house of yours,
+        which would very probably be superfluous for any one else, cannot
+        possibly be counted upon to realise their full value in a sale. Suppose&mdash;as
+        is indeed most likely&mdash;that it were a countryman that bought the
+        place?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. You are reckoning me as turned out of it already, then!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I am obliged to base all my calculations on what the property
+        would fetch if sold now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (getting up). What may you happen to value it at then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. At less than half your valuation; that is to say at&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. You must really forgive me if I use an expression which has
+        been on the tip of my tongue for some time: this is scandalous! You
+        force yourself into a man's house, and then, under pretext of asking for
+        his opinion, you practically&mdash;on paper&mdash;rob him of his
+        possessions!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I don't understand you. I am trying to arrive at a basis for
+        values hereabouts; and you said yourself, did you not, that it is a
+        matter that does not concern you alone?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Certainly; but even in jest&mdash;if I may be allowed the
+        expression&mdash;one does not take the statement that an honourable man
+        has voluntarily offered and treat it as a mendacious document.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. There are many different points of view from which valuations
+        can be made, obviously. I see nothing more in it than that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. But don't you understand that this is like cutting into my
+        living flesh? Bit by bit, my property has been brought together or
+        created by my own work, and preserved by the most strenuous exertions on
+        my part under terribly trying conditions&mdash;it is bound up with my
+        family, with all that is dear to me&mdash;it has become a part of my
+        very life!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent (with a bow). I understand that perfectly. You have put down the
+        Brewery at&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No; I refuse to allow you to go on in this way. You must find
+        some one else's property as a basis for your calculations&mdash;you must
+        consult some one else, whose idea of business corresponds somewhat
+        closer to your own ridiculous one.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent (leaning back in his chair). That is a pity. The banks were
+        anxious to be acquainted with your answers to my observations.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Have you sent my statement to the banks?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. With my remarks and comments on it, and Mr. Holst's.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. This has been a trap, then? I believed I had to deal with a
+        gentleman!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. The banks or I, what is the difference? It comes to the same
+        thing, as I represent them unreservedly.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Such impudent audacity is unpardonable!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I would suggest that we avoid hard words&mdash;at all events,
+        for the moment&mdash;and rather consider the effect that will be
+        produced by the balance-sheet sent in.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. That some of us will see!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. The banking house of Lind &amp; Co., for instance?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Do you mean to say that my balance-sheet, ornamented with
+        marginal notes by you and Holst, is to be submitted to Mr. Lind's firm
+        too?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. When the cannon-salutes and noise of your festivities
+        enlightened me as to the situation, I took the liberty of making some
+        inquiries of the banks.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. So you have been spying here, too? You have been trying to
+        undermine my business connections?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Is your position such, then, that you are afraid?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. The question is not my position, but your behaviour!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I think we had better keep to the point. You have put down the
+        Brewery at&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No; your conduct is so absolutely underhanded that, as an
+        honest man, I must refuse all further dealing with you. I am, as I said
+        before, accustomed to have to deal with gentlemen.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I think you misunderstand the situation. Your indebtedness to
+        the banks is so considerable that a settlement of it may reasonably be
+        required of you. But to effect that you must work with us in the matter.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (after a moment's thought). Very well! But, no more details&mdash;let
+        me know your conclusions, briefly.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. My conclusions, briefly, are that you have estimated your assets
+        at £90,800. I estimate them at £40,600.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (quietly). That is to say, you make me out to have a deficit of
+        about £30,000?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. As to that, I must point out that your estimate of your
+        liabilities does not agree with mine, either.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (quietly). Oh, of course not!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. For instance, the dividend that Möller's estate is to yield to
+        you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No more details! What do you put my total liabilities at?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Let me see. Your total liabilities amount, according to your
+        calculations, to £70,000. I estimate them at £80,000&mdash;to be
+        precise, at £79,372.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. That puts my deficit at about&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. At about £39,400&mdash;or, in round figures, £40,000.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Oh, by all means let us stick to round figures!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. So that the difference between your views of your balance-sheet
+        and mine is that, whereas you give yourself a surplus of about £20,000,
+        I give you a deficit of about £40,000.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Thank you very much.&mdash;Do you know my opinion of the whole
+        matter? (BERENT looks up at him.) That I am in this room with a madman.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I have had the same opinion for some time.&mdash;The stock of
+        timber you hold in France I have not been able to deal with; you have
+        forgotten to include it in your account. Perhaps it may make a little
+        difference.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. It is of no consequence! I have often enough heard people speak
+        of your callousness and your heartlessness; but their account of you has
+        come nowhere near the truth. I don't know why I have not turned you out
+        of my house long before this; but you will have the goodness to leave it
+        now!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. We shall both leave presently. But before we do, we must discuss
+        the question of handing over the house to the Receiver in Bankruptcy.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Ha, ha, ha! Allow me to inform you that at this very moment a
+        sum is being telegraphed to me which will be sufficient not only to
+        cover my present liabilities, but to set me straight in every direction!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. The telegraph is a useful invention which is open to every one.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (after a moment's thought). What do you mean by that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. One effect of the noise of your festivities was that I used the
+        telegraph also. Mr. Lind will receive, on board the boat, a telegram
+        from his firm&mdash;and I doubt if the money you speak of will be
+        forthcoming.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. It is not true! You have not dared to do that!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. The facts are exactly as I state.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Give me my balance-sheet; let me look at it again. (Stretches
+        out his hand to take it.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent (taking it up). Excuse me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Do you presume to keep back my own balance-sheet in my own
+        writing?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Yes, and even to put it in my pocket. (Does so.) A fraudulent
+        balance-sheet, dated and signed, is a document of some importance.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. You are determined to ruin my private and public reputation?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. You have been working for that yourself for a long time. I know
+        your position. For a month past I have been in correspondence with all
+        the quarters in which you have business connections, both here any I
+        abroad.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. What underhanded deceitfulness an honest man is exposed to!
+        Here have I been surrounded by spies for the last month! A plot between
+        my business acquaintances and the banks! A snake creeping into my house
+        and crawling over my accounts! But I will break up the conspiracy! And
+        you will find out what it mean, to try and ruin a reputable firm by
+        underhand devices!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. This is no time for fine phrases. Do you propose to surrender
+        your property at once?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Ha, ha! I am to surrender it because you have made me out a
+        bankrupt on your bit of paper!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. You might conceal the facts for a month, I know. But for your
+        own sake, and especially for the sake of others, I would urgently advise
+        you to end the matter at once. That was the reason of my journey here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Ah, now the truth is out! And you came here pretending a
+        friendly concern that the tangle should be straightened out! We were to
+        distinguish between the sound and unsound firms, and you requested me,
+        most politely, to give you my assistance in the matter!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Exactly. But there is no question of anything unsound here
+        except your own business and what is bound up with it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (when he has controlled himself). So you came into my house with
+        the hidden design of ruining me?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I must repeat that it is not I that am responsible for your
+        bankruptcy; it is yourself.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. And I must repeat that my bankruptcy only exists in your
+        imagination! Much may happen in a month; and I have shown that I can
+        find a way out of difficulties before now!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. That is to say, by involving yourself deeper and deeper in
+        falsehood.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Only a man of business can understand such things. But, if you
+        really understand them, I would say to you: "Give me £20,000 and I will
+        save the situation entirely." That would be doing something worthy of
+        your great powers; that would give you a reputation for penetration in
+        discerning the real state of affairs; because by so doing you would
+        safeguard the welfare of more than a thousand people, and ensure a
+        prosperous future for the whole district!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I don't rise to that bait.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (after a moment's reflection). Do you want me to explain to you
+        how £20,000 would be sufficient to set the whole complicated situation
+        straight? Within three months remittances would be coming in. I can make
+        it its clear as daylight to you&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent.&mdash;that you would be falling from one disillusionment to
+        another! That is what you have been doing for the last three years, from
+        month to month.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Because the last three years have been bad years&mdash;horrible
+        years! But we have reached the crisis; things must begin to improve now!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. That is what every defaulter thinks.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Do not drive me to despair! Have you any idea what I have gone
+        through in these three years? Have you any idea what I am capable of?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Of still further falsehood.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Take care!&mdash;It is quite true that I am standing on the
+        edge of a precipice. It is true that for three years I have done
+        everything in mortal power to save the situation! I maintain that there
+        has been something heroic in the fight I have made. And that deserves
+        some reward. You have unrestricted powers; every one trusts you. Realise
+        for yourself what your mission is; do not let it be necessary for me to
+        teach it you! Let me tell you this, emphatically: it will be a dreadful
+        thing for <i>you</i> if hundreds of people are to be ruined
+        unnecessarily now!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Let us make an end of this.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No, devil take me if I give up a fight like this with a
+        senseless surrender!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. How do you propose to end it, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. There is no issue to it that I have not turned over in my
+        thoughts&mdash;thousands of times. <i>I</i> know what I shall do! I
+        won't be a mark for the jeers of this wretched little town, nor
+        triumphed over by those who have envied me all round the countryside!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. What will you do, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. You shall see! (Speaking more and more excitedly.) You won't
+        help me under any conditions?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. No.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. You insist that I shall surrender my estate, here and now?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Hell and damnation! You dare do that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (his agitation robbing him of his voice, which all at once sinks
+        to a hoarse whisper). You have never known what despair is!&mdash;You
+        don't know what an existence I have endured!-But if the decisive moment
+        has come, and I have a man here in my office who <i>ought</i> to save me
+        but will not, then that man shall share what is in store for me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent (leaning back in his chair). This is beginning to be impressive.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No more jesting; you might regret it! (Goes to all the doors
+        and locks them with a key which he takes out of his pocket; then unlocks
+        his desk, and takes a revolver out of it.) How long do you suppose I
+        have had this in here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Since you bought it, I suppose.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. And why do you suppose I bought it?&mdash;Do you suppose that
+        after I have been master of this town and the biggest man in the
+        district, I would endure the disgrace of bankruptcy?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. You have been enduring it for a long time.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. It is in your power now either to ruin me or to wave me. You
+        have behaved in such a way that you deserve no mercy&mdash;and you shall
+        have none! Report to the banks that they may give me the use of £14,000
+        for a year&mdash;I need no more than that&mdash;and I will save the
+        situation for good and all. Think seriously, now! Remember my family,
+        remember how long my firm has been established, remember the numbers
+        that would be ruined if I were! And do not forget to think of your own
+        family! Because, if you <i>don't</i> agree to what I ask, neither of us
+        shall leave this room alive!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent (pointing to the revolver). Is it loaded?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (putting his finger on the trigger). You will find that out in
+        good time. You must answer me now!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I have a suggestion to make. Shoot yourself first and me
+        afterwards.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (going up to him and holding the revolver to his head). I will
+        soon quiet your pretty wit.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent (getting up, and taking out of his pocket a paper which he
+        unfolds). This is a formal surrender of your estate to the Receiver in
+        Bankruptcy. If you sign it, you will be doing your duty to your
+        creditors, to your family, and to yourself. Shooting yourself and me
+        would only be adding an acted lie to all your others. Put away your
+        revolver and take up your pen!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Never! I had resolved on this long ago. But you shall keep me
+        company, now!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Do what you please. But you cannot threaten me into a falsehood.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (who has lowered the revolver, takes a step back, raises the
+        revolver and aims at BERENT). Very well!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent (walking up to TJAELDE and looking him straight in the eyes,
+        while the latter reluctantly lowers the revolver). Do you suppose I
+        don't know that a man who has for so long shivered with falsehood and
+        terror in his inmost heart has lots of schemes but no courage? You <i>dare</i>
+        not do it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (furiously). I will show you! (Steps back and raises the
+        revolver again.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent (following him). Shoot, and you will hear a report&mdash;that is
+        what you are longing for, I suppose! Or, give up your plan of shooting,
+        think of what you have done, confess, and afterwards hold your tongue!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No; may the devil take both you and me&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. And the horse?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. The horse?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I mean the magnificent charger on which you came galloping home
+        from the sale of Möller's estate. You had better let some one shoot you
+        on horseback&mdash;on what was your last and greatest piece of business
+        duplicity! (Goes nearer to him and speaks more quietly.) Or&mdash;strip
+        yourself of the tissue of lies which enfolds you, and your bankruptcy
+        will bring you more blessing than your riches have ever done. (TJAELDE
+        lets the revolver drop out of his hand, and sinks into a chair in an
+        outburst of tears. There is silence for a moment.) You have made an
+        amazing fight of it for these last three years. I do not believe I know
+        any one who could have done what you have done. But you have lost the
+        fight this time. Do not shrink now from a final settlement and the pain
+        that it must cost you. Nothing else will cleanse your soul for you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (weeping unrestrainedly, with his face buried in his hands). Oh,
+        oh!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. You have blamed me for my method of proceeding in the matter. My
+        answer to that is that I forgive you for yours. (A pause.) Try now to
+        look the situation in the face, and take it like a man.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (as before). Oh!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. At the bottom of your heart you must be weary of it all; make an
+        end of it all now!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (as before). Oh!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent (sitting down beside him, after a moment's pause). Wouldn't you
+        like to feel your conscience clear again&mdash;to be able really to live
+        with your wife and children? Because I am sure you have not done that
+        for many a day.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (as before). Oh!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I have known many speculators in my time and have received many
+        confessions. So I know what you have been robbed of for three years&mdash;never
+        a good night's rest, never a meal eaten with a light heart. You have
+        scarcely been conscious of what your children were doing or saying,
+        except when accident brought you together. And your wife&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. My wife!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Yes, she has slaved hard enough to prepare these banquets that
+        were to conceal the nakedness of the land. Indeed, she has been the
+        hardest worked servant in your house.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. My patient, good wife!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I feel certain you would rather be the humblest labourer earning
+        your daily bread than live through such suffering again.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. A thousand times rather!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Then can you hesitate to do what will give every man his due,
+        and bring you back to truthfulness again? Take the paper and sign it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (falling on his knees). Mercy, mercy! You do not know what you
+        are asking me. My own children will curse me. I have just heard of a
+        child doing that to her father! And my business friends, who will be
+        ruined with me&mdash;numbers of them&mdash;think of their families! Oh!
+        What is to become of my work-people? Do you know there are more than
+        four hundred of them? Think of them and their families, robbed of their
+        livelihood!&mdash;Be merciful! I cannot, I dare not, do it! Save me,
+        help me! It was horrible of me to try and threaten you; but now I
+        implore you, for the sake of all those that deserve more than I, but to
+        whom I shall devote the rest of my life in loyal work!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I cannot save you, least of all with money that belongs to
+        others. What you ask me to do would be disloyalty to them.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No, no! Publish my accounts openly&mdash;put me under trustees,
+        if you like; but let me go on with the scheme that I believe will
+        succeed! Every clear-headed man will see that it must succeed!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Come and sit down. Let us discuss it. (TJAELDE sits down.) Isn't
+        what you are now proposing exactly what you have been trying to do for
+        the last three years? You <i>have</i> been able to borrow the means; but
+        what good has it done?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Times have been so bad!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent (shaking his head). You have mixed up falsehood and truth for so
+        long that you have forgotten the simplest laws of commerce. To speculate
+        during bad times, on the chance of their becoming better, is all very
+        well for those who can afford it. Others must leave such things alone.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. But it is to the advantage of my creditors themselves, and of
+        the banks too, that my estate should hold together!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. It is of no advantage to sound firms to prop up unsound ones.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. But, surely, to avoid losing their capital&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent, Oh, perhaps in the Receiver's hands the estate may&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (hopefully, half rising from his chair). Yes? Well?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. But not till you have been removed from the control of it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (sinking down again). Not till I have been removed from the
+        control of it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. On <i>its own</i> resources I dare say the estate can hold out
+        until better times come, but not on borrowed money.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Not on borrowed money&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. You understand the difference, of course?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Oh, yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Good. Then you must understand that there is nothing left for
+        you to do but to sign this.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Nothing left but to sign&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Here is the paper. Come, now!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (rousing himself). Oh, I cannot, I cannot!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Very well. But in that case the crash will come of itself in a
+        short time, and everything will be worse than it is now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (falling on his knees).Mercy, mercy! I cannot let go of all
+        hope! Think, after a fight like mine!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Tell the truth and say: "I haven't the courage to face the
+        consequences."
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes, that is the truth.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. "I haven't the courage to begin an honest life."
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. You don't know what you are saying, man!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No, I don't. But spare me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent (getting up). This is nothing but despair! I am sorry for you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (getting up). Yes, surely you must be? Try me! Ask me to do
+        anything you like! Tell me what you&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. No, no! Before anything else, you must sign this.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (sinking back into his chair). Oh!&mdash;How shall I ever dare
+        to look any one in the face again?&mdash;I, who, have defied everything
+        and deceived every one!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. The man who has enjoyed the respect which he did not deserve
+        must some day undergo the humiliation which he has deserved. That is a
+        law; and I cannot save you from that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. But they will be crueller to me than to any one else! I deserve
+        it, I know; but I shall not be able to endure it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Hm! You are remarkably tough; your fight, these last three
+        years, proves that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Be merciful! Surely your ingenuity&mdash;your influence&mdash;<i>must</i>
+        be able to find some way out for me?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Yes. The way out is for you to sign this.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Won't you even take it over from me by private contract? If you
+        did that, everything would come right.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Sign! Here is the paper! Every hour is precious.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Oh! (Takes up a pen; but turns to BERENT with a gesture of
+        supplication.) Daren't you test me, after what I have just gone through?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Yes, when you have signed. (TJAELDE signs the paper, and sinks
+        back in his chair with an expression of the keenest anguish. BERENT
+        takes the paper, folds it, and puts it in his pocket-book.) Now I will
+        go to the Bankruptcy Court with this, and afterwards to the telegraph
+        office. Probably the officials of the court will come this evening to
+        make their inventory. So you ought to warn your family.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. How shall I be able to do that? Give me a little time! Be
+        merciful!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. The sooner the better for you&mdash;not to speak of the
+        interests of all concerned. Well, I have finished for the present.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Don't desert me like this! Don't desert me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. You would like your wife to come to you, wouldn't you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (resignedly). Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent (taking up the revolver). And this&mdash;I will not take it with
+        me. There is no danger from it now. But I will put it in the desk, for
+        the sake of the others. Now, if you or yours should need me, send word
+        to me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Thank you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I shall not leave the town until the worst is over.&mdash;Remember,
+        night or day, if you need me, send word to me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Thank you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. And now will you unlock the door for me?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (getting up). Ah, of course. Excuse me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent (taking his hat and coat). Won't you call your wife now?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No. I must have a little time first. I have the worst part of
+        it before me now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I believe you have, and that is just why&mdash;. (Takes hold of
+        the bell-pull and rings the bell.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. What are you doing?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I want, before I go, to be sure of your wife's coming to you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. You should not have done that! (An office-boy comes in. BERENT
+        looks at TJAELDE.) Ask your mistress&mdash;ask my wife to come to me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. At once, please. (The boy goes out.) Good-bye! (Goes out.
+        TJAELDE sinks down on to a chair by the door.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        [The Curtain falls.]
+      </p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+      <div style="height: 4em;">
+        <br /><br /><br /><br />
+      </div>
+      <h2>
+        ACT III
+      </h2>
+      <p>
+        (SCENE.-The same as in the preceding act. TJAELDE is sitting alone, on
+        the chair by the door, in the position he was in when the curtain fell
+        on the last act. After sitting motionless for a considerable time, he
+        suddenly gets up.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. How am I to begin? After her, there are the children; after
+        them, all my work-people&mdash;and then all the others! If only I could
+        get away! But the Receiver's men will be here.&mdash;I must have some
+        air! (Goes to the nearest window.) What a beautiful day!&mdash;but not
+        for me. (Opens the window and looks out.) My horse! No, I daren't look
+        at it. Why is it saddled? Oh, of course I meant, after my talk with
+        Berent, to&mdash;. But now everything is different! (Walks up and down
+        once or twice, thinking; then says suddenly:) Yes, on that horse I might
+        reach the outer harbour before the foreign boat sails! (Looks at his
+        watch.) I can do it! And I shall be able to put behind me all&mdash;.
+        (Stops, with a start, as he hears footsteps on the stair.) Who is there?
+        What is it? (MRS. TJAELDE comes down the stair into the room.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. You sent for me?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes. (Watching her.) Were you upstairs?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, I was resting.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (sympathetically). Ah, you were sleeping, and I woke you up!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. No, I was not asleep. (She has come slowly forward.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. You weren't asleep? (Apprehensively, to her.) I suppose you
+        didn't&mdash;? (To himself.) No, I daren't ask her.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. What did you want?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I wanted&mdash;. (Sees her eyes fixed on the revolver.) You are
+        surprised at my having that out? I got it out because I am going on a
+        journey.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (supporting herself on the desk). Going on a journey?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes. Mr. Berent has been here, as I dare say you know. (She
+        does not answer.) Business, you know. I have to go abroad.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (faintly). Abroad?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Only for a few days. So I will only take my usual bag with a
+        change of clothes and one or two shirts; but I must have it at once.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. I don't think your bag has been unpacked since you brought
+        it home to-day.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. So much the better. Will you get it for me?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Are you going away now&mdash;at once?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes, by the foreign boat&mdash;from the outer harbour.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. You have no time to lose, then.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Are you not well?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Not very.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tiwlde. One of your attacks?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes!&mdash;but I must fetch your bag. (TJAELDE helps her
+        over to the staircase.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. You are not well, my dear&mdash;but you will be better some
+        day.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. I only wish <i>you</i> looked better.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. We all have our burdens to bear.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. If only we could bear more together!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. But you don't understand my affairs&mdash;and I have never had
+        time to talk about yours.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. No&mdash;that's it. (Begins to go upstairs slowly.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Shall I help you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. No, thank you, dear.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (coming forward). Does she suspect? She is always like that&mdash;she
+        takes all my courage away from me. But there is no other way! Now&mdash;about
+        money? I surely have some gold here somewhere. (Goes to his desk, takes
+        some gold out of a drawer and counts it; then lifts his head and sees
+        MRS. TJAELDE who has sat down on the stair half-way up.) My dear, are
+        you sitting down?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. I felt faint for a moment. I will go up now. (Gets up and
+        climbs the stair slowly.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Poor thing, she is worn out. (Pulls himself together.) No&mdash;five,
+        six, eight, ten&mdash;that is not enough. I must have some more.
+        (Searches in the desk.) And when I run short I have my watch and chain.
+        Twenty, twenty-four&mdash;that is all I can find. Ah, my papers! I must
+        on no account forget them. The ground is falling away under me! Isn't
+        she coming back? The bag was packed, surely?&mdash;Ah, how all this will
+        make her suffer! But it will not be so bad for her if I am away. People
+        will be more merciful, both to her and the children. Oh, my children!
+        (Collects himself.) Only let me get away, away! Thoughts will follow me
+        there, all the same!&mdash;Ah, here she is! (MRS. TJAELDE is seen coming
+        down slowly, with a bag which is evidently, heavy.) Shall I help you,
+        dear?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Thanks, will you take hold of the bag?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (takes it; she comes slowly down). It is heavier than it was
+        this morning.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Is it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I have some papers to put in it. (Opens the bag.) But, my dear,
+        there is money in this bag.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes&mdash;some gold that you have given me at odd times. I
+        thought it might be useful to you now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. There is a large sum.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. I don't believe you even know how much you have given me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. She knows everything!&mdash;My dear! (Opens his arms.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Henning! (They both burst into tears and fall into each
+        other's arms. MRS. TJAELDE whispers to him:) Shall I call the children?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (in a whisper). No, say nothing&mdash;till later! (They embrace
+        again. He takes up the bag.) Go to the window, so that I can see you
+        when I mount. (Shuts the bag and hurries to the door, but stops.) My
+        dear!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Forgive me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Everything! (TJAELDE, as he is hurrying out, meets in the
+        doorway an office-boy who is bringing him a letter. TJAELDE takes it,
+        and the boy goes out.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. From Berent! (Opens the letter, stands in the doorway and reads
+        it; then comes back into the room, with his bag in his hand, and reads
+        it again.) "When I left your house, I saw a horse standing saddled at
+        your door. To prevent misunderstanding, let me inform you that your
+        house is watched by the police."
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (supporting herself on the desk). You can't go?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. No. (A pause. He puts down the bag and wipes his forehead.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Henning, shall we pray together?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. What do you mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Pray&mdash;pray to God to help us? (Bursts into tears.
+        TJAELDE is silent. She falls on her knees.) Come, Henning! You see that
+        all human ingenuity is of no avail!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I know that, only too well.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Well, try once, in this hour of our greatest need!
+        (TJAELDE appears to be struggling with his emotion.) You never would!
+        You have never confided in us, or in your God!&mdash;never opened your
+        heart to any one!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Be quiet!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. But what you concealed by day, you used to talk of in the
+        night. We mortals must talk, you know! But I have lain awake and
+        listened to your distress. Now you know why I am no longer good for
+        anything. No sleep at night, and none of your confidence in the daytime.
+        I have suffered even more than you. (TJAELDE throws himself into a
+        chair. She goes to him.) You wanted to run away. When we are afraid of
+        our fellow-men, we have only Him to turn to. Do you think I should be
+        alive now, if it were not for Him?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I have thrown myself imploringly at His feet, but always in
+        vain!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Henning, Henning!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Why did He not bless my work and the fight I was making? It is
+        all one now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Ah, there is more to come.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (getting up). Yes, the worst is before us now&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde.&mdash;because it is in our own hearts! (A pause. VALBORG
+        appears coming down the stair, but stops at the sight of the others.)
+        What do you want, dear?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (with suppressed emotion). From my room I can see the police
+        watching the house. Are the Receiver's men coming now?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (sitting down). Yes, my child. After a terrible struggle&mdash;how
+        terrible, his God and I alone know&mdash;your father has just sent in
+        his declaration of bankruptcy. (VALBORG takes a step or two forward,
+        then stands still. A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (unable to control himself). Now I suppose you will say to me
+        just what Möller's daughter said to him!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up). You won't do that, Valborg!&mdash;God alone
+        can judge him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Tell me how cruelly I have wronged you! Tell me that you will
+        never be able to forgive me&mdash;(breaking down)&mdash;that I have lost
+        your respect and your love for ever!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, my child!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. That your anger and your shame know no bounds!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Oh, father, father! (Goes out by the door at the back. TJAELDE
+        tries to cross the room, as if to follow her, but can only stagger as
+        far as the staircase, to which he clings for support. MRS. TJAELDE sinks
+        back into her chair. There is a long pause. Suddenly JAKOBSEN cones in
+        from the outer once, dressed as before except that he has changed his
+        coat. TJAELDE is not aware of his entrance until JAKOBSEN is close to
+        him; then he stretches out his hands to him as if in entreaty, but
+        JAKOBSEN goes right up to him and speaks in a voice choked with rage.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. You scoundrel! (TJAELDE recoils.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Jakobsen! Jakobsen!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen (without heeding her). The Receiver's men are here. The books
+        and papers at the Brewery have been seized. Work is at a standstill&mdash;and
+        the same thing at the factory.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. My God!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. And I had made myself responsible for twice as much as I
+        possessed! (He speaks low, but his voice vibrates with anger and
+        emotion.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Dear Jakobsen!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen (turning to her). Didn't I say to him, every time he told me to
+        sign, "But I don't possess as much as that! It's not right!"&mdash;But
+        he used to answer, "It is only a matter of form, Jakobsen." "Yes, but
+        not an honourable form," I used to say. "It is a matter of form in
+        business," he would say; "all business folk do it." And all I knew of
+        business, I had learnt from him; so I trusted him. (With emotion.) And
+        he made me do it time after time. And now I owe more than I shall ever
+        be able to pay, all my life. I shall live and die a dishonoured man.
+        What have you to say to that, Mrs. Tjaelde? (She does not answer him. He
+        turns angrily upon TJAELDE.) Do you hear? Even <i>she</i> can find
+        nothing to say!&mdash;Scoundrel!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Jakobsen!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen (in a voice broken with emotion). I have nothing but the
+        deepest respect for you, Mrs. Tjaelde. But, you see, he has made me
+        swindle other people! In his name I shall have ruined numbers of them.
+        They trusted me, you see; just as I trusted him. I used to tell them
+        that he was a benefactor to the whole countryside, and that therefore
+        they ought to help him in these hard times. And now there will be many
+        an honest family robbed of house and home by our treachery. And that is
+        what he has brought me to! What heartless cruelty! (To TJAELDE.) I can
+        tell I feel inclined to&mdash;. (Takes a threatening step towards him.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up). For my sake, Jakobsen!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen (restraining himself). Yes, for your sake, ma'am; because I
+        have the deepest respect for you. But how am I to face all those poor
+        creatures that I have ruined? It will do them no good to explain to them
+        how it has happened; that won't help them to get their daily bread! How
+        shall I face my own wife! (With emotion.) She has had such faith in me,
+        and in those I trusted. And my children, too? It is very hard on
+        children, because they hear so much talk in the street. It won't be long
+        before they hear what sort of a father they have got; and they will hear
+        it from the children of the men I have ruined.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. As you feel how hard it is yourself, that should make you
+        willing to spare others. Be merciful!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. I have the deepest respect for you; but it is hard that in my
+        home we should never again be able to eat a crust that we can properly
+        call our own&mdash;for I owe more than I can ever live to repay! That is
+        hard, Mrs. Tjaelde! What will become of my evenings with my children
+        now?&mdash;of our Sundays together? No, I mean that he shall hear the
+        truth from me. (Turns upon TJAELDE.) You scoundrel! You shan't escape
+        me! (TJAELDE shrinks back in terror and tries to reach the office door,
+        but at that moment the RECEIVER comes in, followed by two of his clerks
+        and SANNAES. TJAELDE crosses the room, staggers to his desk, and leans
+        upon it with his back turned to the newcomers.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Receiver (coming up behind Tjaelde). Excuse me! May I have your
+        books and papers? (TJAELDE gives a start, moves away to the stove, and
+        supports himself on it.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen (in a whisper, standing over him). Scoundrel! (TJAELDE moves
+        away from him and sits down on a chair by the door, hiding his face in
+        his hands.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up and whispering to JAKOBSEN), Jakobsen!
+        Jakobsen! (He comes towards her.) He has never deliberately cheated any
+        one! He has never been what you say, and never will be! (Sits down
+        again.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. I have the deepest respect for <i>you</i>, Mrs. Tjaelde. But
+        if <i>he</i> is not a liar and swindler, there is no truth in anything!
+        (Bursts into tears. MRS. TJAELDE hides her face in her hands as she
+        leans back in her chair. A short silence. Then a confused noise of
+        voices is heard without. The RECEIVER and his men stop their work of
+        sorting and inventorying papers, and all look up.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (apprehensively). What is that? (SANNAES and the RECEIVER
+        go to one window, and JAKOBSEN to another.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. It's the hands from the quay and the brewery and the factory
+        and the warehouse. All work is stopped until further orders; but this is
+        pay-day&mdash;and there is no pay for them! (The others resume their
+        work.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (coming forward despairingly). I had forgotten that!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen (going up to him). Well, go out and face them, and they will
+        let you know what you are!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (in a low voice, as he takes up his saddle-bag). Here is money,
+        but it is all in gold. Go into the town and get it changed, and pay
+        them!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, do, Jakobsen!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen (in lower tones). If <i>you</i> ask me to, ma'am, I&mdash;So
+        there is money in this bag? (Opens it.) And all done up in rolls. He
+        meant to bolt, then!&mdash;and with the money his people had lent him.
+        And yet you say he is not a scoundrel! (TJAELDE gives a groan. The noise
+        of voices without grows louder.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (in a low voice). Be quick, or we shall have them in here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. I will go.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Receiver (interposing). Excuse me, but nothing must be taken away
+        from here until it has been examined and inventoried.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. It is pay-day, and this is the money for the wages.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Jakobsen is responsible for it, and will account for it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Receiver. Oh, that alters the case. Mr. Jakobsen is a man of
+        integrity. (Goes back to his work.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen (to MRS. TJAELDE, in a low voice full of emotion). Did you hear
+        that, Mrs. Tjaelde? He called me a man of integrity&mdash;and very soon
+        not a single soul will call me that! (Goes out past TJAELDE to whom he
+        whispers as he passes:) Scoundrel! I shall come back again!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Receiver (going up to TJAELDE). Excuse me, but I must ask you for
+        the keys of your private rooms and cupboards.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (answering for her husband). My housekeeper shall go with
+        you. Sannaes, here is the key of the cupboard. (SANNAES takes it from
+        her.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Receiver (looking at TJAELDE'S massive watch-chain). Whatever
+        article of dress can be called a necessary, we have nothing to do with;
+        but if it happens that it comrises jewellery of any great value&mdash;.
+        (TJAELDE begins to take off the watch-chain.) No, no; keep it on. But it
+        will have to be included in the inventory.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I don't wish to keep it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Receiver. As you please. (Signs to one of his clerks to take it.)
+        Good-day! (Meanwhile SIGNE and HAMAR have appeared at the door of the
+        outer office, and have seen what passed. The RECEIVER, SANNAES, and the
+        clerks try to open the door on the right, but find it locked.) This door
+        is locked.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (as if waking from a dream). Ah, of course! (Goes to the door
+        and unlocks it.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (rushing to MRS. TJAELDE and falling on her knees beside her).
+        Mother!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, dear, the day of our trial has come! And I am afraid&mdash;afraid
+        that it may find us all too weak.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Mother, what is to become of us?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. We are in God's hands.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. I will go with Hamar to his aunt's. We will go at once.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. It is possible that his aunt may not be willing to have
+        you now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Aunt Ulla! What do you mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. I mean that you have been the rich man's daughter; and you
+        do not know what the world is.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Hamar, do you think Aunt Ulla would refuse to have me?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (after a moment's thought). I don't know.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. You hear that, my child. In the next few hours you will
+        learn more than you have learnt in all your life.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (in a horrified whisper). Do you mean that even&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Hush! (SIGNE hides her face in her mother's lap. A loud
+        burst of laughter is heard outside.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (going to the nearest window). What is that? (SANNAES comes in
+        through the right-hand door and goes to the other window. TJAELDE, SIGNE
+        and MRS. TJAELDE get up.) The bay horse! They have got hold of it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. They have led it up the steps, and are pretending to sell it by
+        auction.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. They are ill-treating it! (SANNAES runs out. HAMAR snatches up
+        the revolver from the desk and looks to see if it is loaded.) I will&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. What are you going to do? (As he starts to go out, she clings to
+        him and prevents him.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Let me go!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Tell me first what you are going to do! Do you mean to go out
+        among all those men&mdash;alone?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (throwing her arms round him). You shan't go!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. Take care, this is loaded!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. What are you going to do with it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (in a determined voice, as he shakes himself free of her). Put a
+        bullet into the poor beast! It is too good for that crew. It shan't be
+        put up for auction, either in joke or in earnest! (Goes to the farther
+        window.) I shall get a better aim from here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (following him, with a cry). You will hit some one!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. No, I can aim too well for that. (Takes aim.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Father! If they hear a shot from here now&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (starting up). The house belongs to my creditors now&mdash;and
+        the revolver too!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar. No, I am past taking orders from you now! (TJAELDE snatches at
+        the revolver, which goes off. SIGNE screams and rushes to her mother.
+        Outside, but this time immediately below the window, two cries are
+        heard: "They are shooting at us! They are shooting at us!" Then the
+        noise of breaking glass is heard, and stones fly in through the windows,
+        followed by shouts and ribald laughter. VALBORG, who has rushed in from
+        the outer office, stands in front of her father to protect him, her face
+        turned to the window. A voice is heard: "Follow me, my lads!")
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Hamar (pointing the revolver at the window). Yes, just you try it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde and Signe. They are coming in here!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. You shan't shoot! (Stands between him and the window.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. It is Sannaes with the police! (Cries of "Get back, there!" are
+        heard; then a renewed uproar and a loud voice gradually dominating it;
+        until at last the noise gradually lessens and ceases.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Thank God! We were in great danger. (Sinks into a chair. A
+        pause.) Henning, where are you? (TJAELDE comes up behind her, and
+        strokes her head with his hand, but turns away immediately to hide his
+        deep emotion. A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (on her knees by her mother's side). But won't they come back?
+        Hadn't we better go away from here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Where to?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (despairingly). What is to become of us?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. What God wills. (A pause. Meanwhile HAMAR, unobserved, has
+        laid down the revolver on a chair and slipped out of the room by the
+        door at the back.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (softly). Signe, look! (SIGNE gets up, looks round the room, and
+        gives a little cry.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. What is it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. I knew he would!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (apprehensively). What is it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Every rich family has its tame lieutenant&mdash;and ours has
+        just left us. That's all.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up). Signe, my child!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (throwing herself into her arms). Mother!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. There will be no more pretence now. Do not let us regret
+        it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (in tears). Mother, mother!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Things are better as they are. Do you hear, dear? Don't
+        cry!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. I am not crying! but I feel so ashamed&mdash;oh, so ashamed!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. It is I that ought to feel ashamed for never having had
+        the courage to put a stop to what I saw was folly.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (as before). Mother!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Soon there will be no one else left to desert us; and we
+        shall have nothing left that any one can rob us of, either.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (comes forward evidently labouring under great emotion). Yes,
+        there is, mother; <i>I</i> mean to desert you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. You, Valborg? Desert us? You?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Our home is going to be broken up, anyway. Each of us ought to
+        shift for herself.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. But what am I to do? I don't know how to do anything.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (who has sunk back into her chair). What a bad mother I
+        must have been, not to be able to keep my children together now!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (impetuously). You know we cannot stay together now! You know we
+        cannot put up with living on the charity of our creditors; we have done
+        that too long!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Hush, remember your father is in the room. (A pause.) What
+        do you want to do, Valborg?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (after she has regained her self-control, quietly). I want to go
+        into Mr. Holst's office, and learn commercial work&mdash;and keep
+        myself.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. You don't know what you are undertaking.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. But I know what I am leaving.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. And I shall only be a burden to you, mother, because I can't do
+        anything&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. You <i>can</i>! Go out and earn a living; even if it is only as
+        a servant, what does that matter? Don't live on our creditors&mdash;not
+        for a day, not for an hour!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. And what is to become of mother, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Your mother will stay with your father.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. But all alone? You, who are so ill?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. No, not alone! Your father and I will be together.
+        (TJAELDE comes forward, kisses the hand she has stretched out to him,
+        and falls on his knees by her chair, burying his face in her lap. She
+        strokes his hair gently.) Forgive your father, children. That is the
+        finest thing you can do. (TJAELDE gets up again and goes back to the
+        other end of the room. A messenger comes in with a letter.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (turning round anxiously). It is a letter from him! I can't stand
+        any more! I won't have it! (The messenger hands the letter to TJAELDE.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I accept no more letters.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (looking at the letter). It is from Sannaes?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. He, too!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Take it and read it, Valborg. Let us get it all over at
+        once. (VALBORG takes the letter from the messenger, who goes out. She
+        opens the letter, looks at it, and then reads it with emotion.) "Sir,&mdash;I
+        have owed you everything since I entered your employment as a boy.
+        Therefore do not take what I am going to say amiss. You know that about
+        eight years ago I came into a little legacy. I have used the money to
+        some advantage, having especially looked out for such investments as
+        would not be affected by the uncertainties of high finance. The total
+        sum, which now amounts to about £1400, I beg to offer to you as a token
+        of respectful gratitude; because, in the end, I owe it to you that I
+        have been able to make it that sum. Besides, you will be able to make
+        many times better use of it than I could. If you need me, my dearest
+        wish is to remain with you in the future. Forgive me for having seized
+        just this moment for doing this; I could not do otherwise.&mdash;Your
+        obedient servant, J. SANNAES." (While VALBORG has been reading, TJAELDE
+        has come gradually forward, and is now standing beside his wife.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Though out of all those you have helped, Henning, only one
+        comes to your aid at a time like this, you must feel that you have your
+        reward. (TJAELDE nods, and goes to the back of the room again.) And you,
+        children&mdash;do you see how loyally this man, a stranger, is standing
+        by your father? (A pause. SIGNE stands by the desk, crying. TJAELDE
+        walks up and down uneasily at the back of the room once or twice, then
+        goes up the staircase.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. I should like to speak to Sannaes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, do, dear! I couldn't, just now; and I am sure your
+        father couldn't either. You speak to him! (Gets up.) Come, Signe, you
+        and I must have a talk; you must open your heart to me now.&mdash;Ah,
+        when have we ever had a real talk together? (SIGNE goes to her.) Where
+        is your father?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. He went upstairs.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (leaning on SIGNE's arm). So he did. I am sure he must be
+        longing to rest&mdash;although he won't find it easy to do that. It has
+        been a terrible day; but surely God will turn it to our good! (Goes out
+        with SIGNE. VALBORG goes to the back of the room and rings the bell. A
+        messenger comes.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. If Mr. Sannaes is out there, please ask him to be so good as to
+        come in here for a moment. (The messenger goes out.) Perhaps he won't
+        come, when he hears it is I. (Listens.) Yes, he is coming!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        (SANNAES comes in, but stops short when he sees VALBORG, and hurriedly
+        puts his hands behind his back.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Is it you, Miss Valborg, that want me?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Please come in. (SANNAES takes a few timid steps forward.
+        VALBORG speaks in a more friendly tone.) Come in, then! (SANNAES comes
+        further into the room.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. You have written a letter to my father.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (after a moment's pause). Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. And made him a most generous offer.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (as before). Oh, well&mdash;it was only natural that I should.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Do you think so? It doesn't seem so to me. It is an offer that
+        honours the man that made it. (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. I hope he means to accept it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. I don't know.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (sadly, after a moment's pause). Then he doesn't mean to? No&mdash;I
+        suppose not.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. I honestly don't know. It depends on whether he dare.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Whether he dare?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Yes. (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (evidently very shy of VALBORG). Have you any more orders for
+        me, Miss Valborg?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (with a smile). Orders? I am not giving you orders.&mdash;You
+        have offered also to stay with my father for the future.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Yes&mdash;that is to say, if he wishes me to.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. I don't know. In that case there would be only he and my mother
+        and you; no one else.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Indeed? What about the others, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. I don't know for certain what my sister means to do&mdash;but I
+        am leaving home to-day.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Then you are going to&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg.&mdash;to try and get a clerkship somewhere. So that it will be
+        a bit lonely for you to be in my father's employment now. (A pause.) I
+        expect you had not thought of it in that light?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. No&mdash;yes&mdash;that is to say, your father will have all
+        the more need of me then.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Indeed he will. But what sort of a prospect is it for you to
+        bind up your fortunes with my father's? The future is so very
+        problematical, you know.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. What sort of a prospect&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Yes, a young man should have some sort of a prospect before
+        him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Yes&mdash;of course; that is to say, I only thought that at
+        first it would be so difficult for him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. But I am thinking of you. Surely you have some plans for the
+        future?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (embarrassed). Really I would rather not talk about myself.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. But I want to.&mdash;You have something else in reserve, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Well&mdash;if I must tell you&mdash;I have some well-to-do
+        relations in America who have for a long time wanted me to go over
+        there. I should soon be able to get, a good situation there.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Indeed?&mdash;But why haven't you accepted such a good offer
+        long before this? (SANNAES does not answer.) You must have been
+        sacrificing your best interests by staying so long with us? (SANNAES is
+        still silent.) Any! it will be making a still greater sacrifice to stay
+        with us now&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (struggling with his embarrassment). I have never thought of it
+        as being that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. But my father can scarcely accept so much from you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (in alarm). Why not?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Because it really would be too much.&mdash;And, in any case, I
+        shall try to prevent him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (almost imploringly). You, Miss Valborg?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Yes. You must not be misemployed any longer.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Misemployed? In what I <i>myself</i> desire so much?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. When I have talked it over with my father, I think he will see
+        my point.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (anxiously). What do you mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (after a moment's reflection).&mdash;I mean, the reason of your
+        having made such great sacrifices for us&mdash;and of your being willing
+        to make still greater now. (A pause. SANNAES hangs his head, and is
+        raising his hands to hide his face, when suddenly he puts them behind
+        his back again. VALBORG continues, in gentle but firm tones:) I have
+        taught myself, all my life, to look behind deeds and words for their
+        motives.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (quietly, without raising his head). You have taught yourself to
+        be cruelly bitter, hard and unjust.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (starts, but collects herself, and says gently:) Don't say that,
+        Mr. Sannaes! It is not hard-heartedness or bitterness that makes me
+        think of your future now&mdash;and makes me wish to spare you
+        disappointment.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (with a cry of pain). Miss Valborg!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Be honest with yourself, and you will be able to take a fairer
+        view of what I have just said.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Have you any more orders, Miss Valborg?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. I give you no orders, as I have told you already. I am only
+        bidding you good-bye; and I do it with grateful thanks to you for all
+        your goodness to me&mdash;and to us all. Good-bye and good luck, Mr.
+        Sannaes. (SANNAES bows.)Won't you shake hands? Ah, I forgot&mdash;I
+        offended you. I beg your pardon for that. (SANNAES bows and turns to
+        go.) Come, Mr. Sannaes&mdash;let us at least part as good friends! You
+        are going to America, and I am going among strangers. Let us go away
+        wishing one another well.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (moved). Good-bye, Miss Valborg. (Turns to go.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Mr. Sannaes&mdash;shake hands!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (stopping). No, Miss Valborg.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Don't treat me uncivilly; I have not deserved that. (SANNAES
+        again turns to go.) Mr. Sannaes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (stopping). You might soil your fingers, Miss Valborg! (Walks
+        proudly away.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (controlling herself with an effort). Well, we have offended
+        each other now. But why should we not forgive each other as well?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Because you have just offended me for the second time to-day&mdash;and
+        more deeply than the first time.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Oh, this is too much! I spoke as I did, because I owed it to
+        myself not to be put in a false position, and owed it to you to spare
+        you future disappointment. And you call that insulting you! Which of us
+        has insulted the other, I should like to know?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. You have, by thinking such things of me. Do you realise how
+        cruelly you have spoilt the happiest action of my life?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. I have done so quite unintentionally, then. I am only glad that
+        I was mistaken.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannes (bitterly). You are glad! So it really makes you glad to know
+        that I am not a scoundrel!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (quietly). Who said anything of the kind?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. You! You know the weak spot in my armour; but that you should
+        on that account believe that I could lay a trap for you and try to trade
+        on your father's misfortune, Miss Valborg&mdash;! No, I cannot shake
+        hands with any one who has thought so badly of me as that! And, since
+        you have so persistently insulted me that I have lost all the timidity I
+        used to feel in your presence, let me tell you this openly; these hands
+        (stretching out his hands to her) have grown red and ugly in loyal work
+        for your father, and his daughter should have been above mocking at me
+        for them! (Turns to go, but stops.) And, one word more. Ask your father
+        for <i>his</i> hand now, and hold fast to it, instead of deserting him
+        on the very day that misfortune has overtaken him. That would be more to
+        the point than worrying about <i>my</i> future. I can look after that
+        for myself. (Turns again to go, but comes back.) And when, in his
+        service&mdash;which will be no easy service now&mdash;your hands bear
+        the same honourable marks of work as mine do, and are as red as mine,
+        then you will perhaps understand how you have hurt me! At present you
+        cannot. (He goes quickly towards the door of the outer office.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (with a wry smile). What a temper! (More seriously.) And yet,
+        after all&mdash;. (Looks after him. Just as SANNAES gets to the door
+        TJAELDE'S voice is heard calling him from the top of the staircase.
+        SANNAES answers him.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (coming down the stairs). Sannaes! Sannaes! I can see Jakobsen
+        coming. (Hurries across the room as if pursued by fear. SANNAES follows
+        him.) Of course he will be coming back to look for me again! It is
+        cowardly of me to feel that I cannot stand it; but I cannot&mdash;not
+        to-day, not now! I cannot stand any more! Stop him! Don't let him come
+        in! I shall have to drink my cup of misery to the dregs; but (almost in
+        a whisper) not all at one draught! (Hides his face in his hands.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. He shan't come; don't be afraid! (Goes quickly out, with an air
+        of determination.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. It is hard&mdash;oh, it is hard!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (coming to his side). Father! (He looks at her, anxiously.) You
+        may safely accept the money Sannaes offers you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (in surprise). What do you mean by that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. I mean&mdash;that, if you do, I will not forsake you either,
+        but stay here with you too.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (incredulously). You, Valborg?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Yes, you know I want to learn office work, and business; and I
+        would rather learn in your office.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (shyly). I don't understand what you&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Don't you understand, dear? I believe I could become of some
+        use in the office. And in that way, you know, we might begin afresh&mdash;and
+        try, with God's help, to pay your creditors.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (happily, but shyly). My child! Who put such a happy idea into
+        your head?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (putting an arm round his neck). Father, forgive me for all that
+        I have neglected to do! You shall see how I will try and make up for it!
+        How hard I shall work!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (still half incredulous). My child! My child!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. I feel&mdash;I cannot tell you how deeply&mdash;a craving for
+        love and for work! (Throws both her arms round his neck.) Oh, father,
+        how I love you!&mdash;and how I shall work for you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Ah, that is the Valborg I have waited for, ever since you were
+        a little child! But we had drifted away from one another, somehow.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. No more about the past! Look forward, father, look forward!
+        Concerns "that would not be affected by the uncertainties of high
+        finance,"&mdash;weren't those his words?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. So you were struck by that expression, too?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. That may mean a future for us now! We will have a home all to
+        ourselves&mdash;a little house down on the shore&mdash;and I shall help
+        you, and Signe will help mother&mdash;we shall know what it is to live,
+        for the first time!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. What happiness it will be!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Only look forward, father! Look forward! A united family is
+        invincible!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. And to think that such help should come to me now!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Yes, now we are all going to our posts&mdash;and all together,
+        where formerly you stood alone! You will have good fairies round you;
+        wherever you look, you will see happy faces and busy fingers all day
+        long; and we shall all enjoy our meals and our evenings together, just
+        as we did when we were children!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. That, above everything!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Ha, ha!&mdash;it is after the rain that the birds sing
+        blithest, you know! And this time our happiness can never miscarry,
+        because we shall have something worth living for!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Let us go to your mother! This will cheer her heart!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Ah, how I have learnt to love her! What has happened to-day has
+        taught me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. It is for her that we shall all work now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Yes&mdash;for her, for her. She shall rest now. Let us go to
+        her!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Kiss me first, my dear. (His voice trembles.) It is so long
+        since you did!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (kissing him). Father!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Now let us go to your mother. (The curtain falls as they go out
+        together.)
+      </p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+      <div style="height: 4em;">
+        <br /><br /><br /><br />
+      </div>
+      <h2>
+        ACT IV
+      </h2>
+      <p>
+        (SCENE.&mdash;In the garden of TJAELDE'S new home, on the shore of the
+        fjord, three years later. A view of tranquil sunlit sea, dotted with
+        boats, in the background. On the left a portion of the house is seen,
+        with an open window within which VALBORG is seen writing at a desk. The
+        garden is shaded with birch trees; flower-beds run round the house, and
+        the whole atmosphere one of modest comfort. Two small garden tables and
+        several chairs are in the foreground on the right. A chair standing by
+        itself, further back, has evidently had a recent occupant. When the
+        curtain rises the stage is empty, but VALBORG is visible at the open
+        window. Soon afterwards TJAELDE comes in, wheeling MRS. TJAELDE in an
+        invalid chair.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Another lovely day!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Tjaelde. Lovely! There was not a ripple on the sea last night.
+        I saw a couple of steamers far out, and a sailing ship that had hove to,
+        and the fisher-boats drifting silently in.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. And think of the storm that was raging two days ago!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. And think of the storm that broke over our lives barely three
+        years ago! I was thinking of that in the night.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Sit down here with me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Shall we not continue our stroll?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. The sun is too hot.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Not for me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. You big strong man! It is too hot for me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (taking a chair). There you are, then.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (taking off his hat and wiping his forehead). You are very
+        hot, dear. You have never looked so handsome as you do now!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. That's just as well, as you have so much time to admire me now!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Now that I find getting about so difficult, you mean? Ah,
+        that is only my pretence, so as to get you to wheel me about!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (with a sigh). Ah, my dear, it is good of you to take it so
+        cheerfully. But that you should be the only one of us to bear such hard
+        traces of our misfortune&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (interrupting him). Do you forget your own whitened hair?
+        That is a sign of it, too, but a beautiful one! And, as for my being an
+        invalid, I thank God every day for it! In the first place I have almost
+        no pain, and then it gives me the opportunity to feel how good you are
+        to me in every way.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. You enjoy your life, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, indeed I do&mdash;and just as I should wish to.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Just to be spoiled, and yourself to spoil us?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (from the window). I have finished the accounts, father.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Doesn't it come out at about what I said?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Almost exactly. Shall I enter it in the ledger at once?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Oho! You are glad then, as you seem in such it hurry?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Certainly! Such a good stroke of business!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. And both you and Sannaes tried your best to dissuade me from
+        it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Such a pair of wiseacres!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Ah, your father is your master, my dear!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Tjaelde. Oh, it is easy enough to captain a small army that
+        marches on, instead of a big one that is in retreat. (VALBORG goes on
+        with her work.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. And yet it seemed hard enough for us to give it up.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes, yes&mdash;oh, yes. I can tell you, I was thinking of that
+        last night. If God had given me what I begged for then, what state
+        should we have been in now? I was thinking of that, too.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. It is the fact of the estate being at last wound up that
+        has brought all these thoughts into your mind, dear?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Then I must confess that I, too, have scarcely been able
+        to think of anything else since yesterday, when Sannaes went into town
+        to settle it up. This a red-letter day! Signe is wrestling with a little
+        banquet for us; we shall see what an artist she has become! Here she is!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. I think I will just go and look over Valborg's accounts. (Goes
+        to the window. SIGNE comes out of the house, wearing a cook's apron and
+        carrying a basin.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Mother, you must taste my soup! (Offers her a spoonful.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Clever girl! (Tastes the soup.) Perhaps it would stand a
+        little&mdash;. No, it is very good as it is. You are clever!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Am I not! Will Sannaes be back soon?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Your father says we may expect him any moment.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (at the window, to VALBORG). No, wait a moment. I will come in.
+        (Goes into the house, and is seen within the window beside VALBORG.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. My little Signe, I want to ask you something?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Do you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. What was in the letter you had yesterday evening?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Aha, I might have guessed that was it! Nothing, mother.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Nothing that pained you, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. I slept like a top all night&mdash;so you can judge for yourself.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. I am so glad. But, you know, there seems to me something a
+        little forced in the gay way you say that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Does there? Well, it was something that I shall always be ashamed
+        of; that is all.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. I am thankful to hear it, for&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (interrupting her). That must be Sannaes. I hear wheels. Yes, here
+        he is! He has come too soon; dinner won't be ready for half an hour yet.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. That doesn't matter.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Father, here is Sannaes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (from within). Good! I will come out! (SIGNE goes into the house
+        as TJAELDE comes out. SANNAES comes in a moment later.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde and Mrs. Tjaelde. Welcome!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Thank you! (Lays down his dust-coat and driving gloves on a
+        chair, and comes forward.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Well?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Yes&mdash;your bankruptcy is discharged!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. And the result was&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Just about what we expected.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. And, I suppose, just about what Mr. Berent wrote?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Just about, except for one or two inconsiderable trifles. You
+        can see for yourself. (Gives him a bundle of papers.) The high prices
+        that have ruled of late, and good management, have altered the whole
+        situation.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (who has opened the papers and glanced at the totals). A deficit
+        of £12,000.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. I made a declaration on your behalf, that you intended to try
+        and repay that sum, but that you should be at liberty to do it in
+        whatever way you found best. And so&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. And so&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes.&mdash;I proferred on the spot rather more than half the amount
+        you still owed Jakobsen.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Not really? (TJAELDE takes out a pencil and begins making
+        calculations on the margins of the papers.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. There was general satisfaction&mdash;and they all sent you
+        their cordial congratulations.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. So that, if all goes well&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes, if things go as well with the business as they promise to,
+        Sannaes, in twelve or fourteen years I shall have paid every one in
+        full.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. We haven't much longer than that left to live, dear!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Then we shall die poor. And I shall not complain!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. No, indeed! The honourable name you will leave to your
+        children will be well worth it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. And they will inherit a sound business, which they can go on
+        with if they choose.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Did you hear that, Valborg?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (from the window). Every word! (SANNAES bows to her.) I must go
+        in and tell Signe! (Moves away from the window.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. What did Jakobsen say?&mdash;honest old Jakobsen?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. He was very much affected, as you would expect. He will
+        certainly be coming out here to-day.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (looking up from the papers). And Mr. Berent?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. He is coming hard on my heels. I was to give you his kind
+        regards and tell you so.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Splendid! We owe him so much.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, he has been a true friend to us. But, talking of true
+        friends, I have something particular to ask <i>you</i>, Sannaes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Me, Mrs. Tjaelde?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. The maid told me that yesterday, when you went into town,
+        you took the greater part of your belongings with you. Is that so?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Yes, Mrs. Tjaelde.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. What does that mean? (To his wife.) You said nothing about it
+        to me, my dear.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Because I thought it might be a misunderstanding. But now
+        I must ask what was the meaning of it. Are you going away?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (fingering a chair, in evident confusion). Yes, Mrs. Tjaelde.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Where to? You never said anything about it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. No; but I have always considered that I should have finished my
+        task here as soon as the estate was finally wound up.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde and Mrs. Tjaelde. You mean to leave us?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. But why?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Where do you mean to go?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. To my relations in America. I can now, without doing you any
+        harm, withdraw my capital from the business by degrees and transfer it
+        abroad.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. And dissolve our partnership?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. You know that at any rate you had decided now to resume the old
+        style of the firm's name.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. That is true; but, Sannaes, what does it all mean? What is your
+        reason?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Are you not happy here, where we are all so attached to
+        you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. You have quite as good a prospect for the future here as in
+        America.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. We held together in evil days; are we not to hold together
+        now that good days have come?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. I owe you both so much.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Good heavens, it is we that owe you&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde.&mdash;more than we can ever repay. (Reproachfully.) Sannaes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        (SIGNE comes in, having taken off her cooking apron.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Congratulations! Congratulations! Father mother! (Kisses them
+        both.) Welcome, Sannaes!&mdash;But aren't you pleased?&mdash;now? (A
+        pause. VALBORG comes in.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. What has happened?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Sannaes wants to leave us, my children (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. But, Sannaes&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Even if you want to go away, why have you never said a single
+        word to us about it before? (To the others.) Or has he spoken to any of
+        you? (MRS. TJAELDE shakes her head.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. No.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. It was because&mdash;because&mdash;I wanted to be able to go as
+        soon as I had told you. Otherwise it would be too hard to go.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. You must have very serious grounds for it, then! Has anything
+        happened to you to&mdash;to make it necessary? (SANNAES does not
+        answer.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. And to make it impossible for you to trust any of us?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (shyly). I thought I had better keep it to myself. (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. That makes it still more painful for us&mdash;to think that you
+        could go about in our little home circle here, where you have shared
+        everything with us, carrying the secret of this intention hidden in your
+        heart.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Do not be hard on me! Believe me, if I could stay, I would; and
+        if I could tell you the reason, I would. (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (to her mother, in an undertone). Perhaps he wants to get married?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Would his being here with us make any difference to that?
+        Any one that Sannaes loved would be dear to us.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (going up to SANNAES and putting an arm round his shoulders).
+        Tell one of us, then, if you cannot tell us all. Is it nothing we can
+        help you in?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. No.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. But can you judge of that alone? One does not always realise
+        how much some one else's advice, on the experience of an older man, may
+        help one.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Unfortunately it is as I say.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. It must be something very painful, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Please&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Well, Sannaes, you have quite cast a cloud over to-day's
+        happiness for us. I shall miss you as I have never missed any one.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. I cannot imagine the house without Sannaes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (to his wife). Come, dear, shall we go in again?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes&mdash;it is not nice out here any longer. (TJAELDE
+        takes her into the house. SIGNE turns to VALBORG to go in with her, but
+        when she comes close to her she gives a little cry. VALBORG takes her
+        arm, and their eyes meet.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Where have my wits been? (She goes into the house, looking back
+        at VALBORG and SANNAES. The latter is giving way to his emotion, but as
+        soon as his eyes fall on VALBORG he recovers himself.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (impetuously). Sannaes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. What are your orders, Miss Valborg?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (turning away from him, then turning back, but avoiding his
+        eyes). Do you really mean to leave us?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Yes, Miss Valborg. (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. So we shall never stand back to back at our desks in the same
+        room again?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. No, Miss Valborg.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. That is a pity; I had become so accustomed to it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. You will easily become accustomed to some one else's&mdash;back.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Ah, some one else is some one else.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. You must excuse me, Miss Valborg; I don't feel in the humour
+        for jesting to-day. (Turn to go.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (looking up at him). Is this to be our parting, then? (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. I thought of taking leave of you all this afternoon.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (taking a step towards him). But ought not we two to settle our
+        accounts first?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (coldly). No, Miss Valborg.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Do you feel then that everything between us has been just as it
+        ought?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. God knows I don't!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. But you think I am to blame?&mdash;Oh, well, it doesn't matter.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. I am quite willing to take the blame. Put anyway, it is all
+        finished with now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. But if we were to share the blame? You cannot be quite
+        indifferent as to which of us should take it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. I confess I am not. But, as I said, I do not wish for any
+        settling of accounts between us.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. But I wish it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. You will have plenty of time to settle it to your own
+        satisfaction.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. But, if I am in difficulties about it, I cannot do it alone.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. I do not think you will find any difficulty.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. But if <i>I</i> think so?&mdash;if I feel myself deeply
+        wronged?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. I have told you that I am willing to take all the blame upon
+        myself.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. No, Sannaes&mdash;I don't want charity; I want to be
+        understood. I have a question to ask you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. As you will.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. How was it that we got on so well for the first year after my
+        father's failure-and even longer? Have you ever thought of that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Yes. I think it was because we never talked about anything but
+        our work&mdash;about business.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. You were my instructor.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. And when you no longer needed an instructor&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg.&mdash;we hardly spoke to one another.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (softly). No.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Well, what could I say or do, when every sign of friendship on
+        my part went unnoticed?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Unnoticed? Oh no, Miss Valborg, I noticed them.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. That was my punishment, then!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannas. God forbid I should do you an injustice. You had a motive which
+        did you credit; you felt compassion for me, and so you could not help
+        acting as you did. But, Miss Valborg, I refuse your compassion.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. And suppose it were gratitude?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (softly). I dreaded that more than anything else! I had had a
+        warning.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. You must admit, Sannaes, that all this made you very difficult
+        to deal with!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. I quite admit that. But, honestly, <i>you</i> must admit that I
+        had good reason to mistrust an interest in me that sprang from mere
+        gratitude. Had circumstances been different, I should only have bored
+        you cruelly; I knew that quite well. And I had no fancy for being an
+        amusement for your idle hours.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. How you have mistaken me!&mdash;If you will think of it, surely
+        you must understand how different a girl, who has been accustomed to
+        travel and society, becomes when she has to stay at home and work
+        because it is her duty. She comes to judge men by an altogether
+        different standard, too. The men that she used to think delightful are
+        very likely to appear small in her eyes when it is a question of the
+        demands life makes on ability or courage or self-sacrifice; while the
+        men she used to laugh at are transformed in her eyes into models of what
+        God meant men to be, when she is brought into close contact with them in
+        her father's office.&mdash;Is there anything so surprising in that? (A
+        pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Thank you, at all events, for saying that to me. It has done me
+        good. But you should have said it sooner.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (emphatically). How could I, when you misjudged everything I did
+        or said? No; it was impossible until mistakes and misunderstandings had
+        driven us so far apart that we could not endure them any longer (Turns
+        away.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Perhaps you are right. I cannot at once recall all that has
+        happened. If I have been mistaken, I shall by degrees find the knowledge
+        of it a profound comfort.&mdash;You must excuse me, Miss Valborg, I have
+        a number of things to see to. (Turns to go.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (anxiously). Sannaes, as you admit that you have judged me
+        unjustly, don't you think you ought at least to give me&mdash;some
+        satisfaction?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. You may be certain, Miss Valborg, that when I am balancing our
+        account you shall not suffer any injustice. But I cannot do it now. All
+        I have to do now is to get ready to go.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. But you are not ready to go, Sannaes! You have not finished
+        your work here yet! There is what I just spoke of&mdash;and something
+        else that dates farther back than that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. You must feel how painful it is for me to prolong this
+        interview. (Turns to go.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. But surely you won't go without setting right something that I
+        am going to beg you to?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannas. What is that, Miss Valborg?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Something that happened a long time ago.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. If it is in my power, I will do what you ask.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. It is.&mdash;Ever since that day you have never offered to
+        shake hands with me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Have you really noticed that? (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (with a smile, turning away). Will you do so now?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (stepping nearer to her). Is this more than a mere whim?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (concealing her emotion). How can you ask such a question now?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Because all this time you have never once asked me to shake
+        hands with you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. I wanted you to offer me your hand. (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Are you serious for once?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. I mean it, seriously.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (in a happier voice). You really set a value on it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. A great value.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (going up to her). Here it is, then!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (turning and taking his hand). I accept the hand you offer me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (turning pale). What do you mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. I mean that for some time past I have known that I should be
+        proud to be the wife of a man who has loved me, and me alone, ever since
+        he was a boy, and has saved my father and us all.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Oh, Miss Valborg!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. And you wanted to go away, rather than offer me your hand; and
+        that, only because we had accepted help from you&mdash;and you did not
+        think we were free agents! That was too much; and, as you would not
+        speak, I had to!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (kneeling to her). Miss Valborg!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. You have the most loyal nature, the most delicate mind, and the
+        warmest heart I have ever known.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. This is a thousand times too much!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Next to God, I have to thank you that I have become what I am;
+        and I feel that I can offer you a life's devotion such as you would
+        rarely find in this world.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. I cannot answer because I scarcely realise what you are saying.
+        But you are saying it because you are sorry for me, now that I have to
+        go away, and feel that you owe me some gratitude. (Takes both her hand
+        in his.) Let me speak! I know the truth better than you, and have
+        thought over it far more than you. You are so immeasurably above me in
+        ability, in education, in manners&mdash;and a wife should not be able to
+        look down on her husband. At all events, I am too proud to be willing to
+        be exposed to that. No, what you are feeling now is only the result of
+        your beautiful nature, and the recollection of it will hallow all my
+        life. All the pain and all the happiness I have known have come from
+        you. Your life will be one of self-renunciation; but, God knows there
+        are many such! And my burden will be lightened now, because I shall know
+        that your good wishes will always be with me. (Gets up.) But part we
+        must&mdash;and now more than ever! For I could not bear to be near you
+        unless you were mine, and to make you mine would only mean misery for us
+        both after a little while!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Sannaes&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (holding her hands and interrupting her). I entreat you not to
+        say anything more! You have too much power over me; do not use it to
+        make me sin! For it would be that&mdash;a great sin&mdash;to put two
+        honest hearts into a false position, where they would distress one
+        another, even perhaps get to hate one another.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. But let me&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannas (letting go her hands and stepping back). No, you must not tempt
+        me. Life with you would mean perpetual anxiety, for I should never feel
+        equal to what it would demand of me! But now I can part from you
+        comforted. There will be no bitterness in my heart now; and by degrees
+        all my thoughts of the past and of you will turn to sweetness. God bless
+        you! May every good fortune go with you! Good-bye! (Goes quickly towards
+        the house.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Sannaes! (Follows him.) Sannaes! Listen to me! (SANNAES takes
+        up his coat and gloves, and, as he rushes out without looking where he
+        is going, runs full tilt into BERENT who comes in at that moment
+        followed by JAKOBSEN.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. I beg your pardon! (Rushes out to the right.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Are you two playing a game of blind man's buff?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. God knows we are!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. You need not be so emphatic about it! I have had forcible
+        evidence of it. (Rubs his stomach and laughs.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. You must excuse me! Father is in there. (Points to the left and
+        goes hurriedly out to the right.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. We don't seem to be getting a particularly polite reception!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. No, we seem to be rather in the way, Mr. Berent.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent (laughing). It looks like it. But what has been going on?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. I don't know. They looked as if they had been fighting, their
+        faces were so flushed.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. They looked upset, you mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. Yes, that's it. Ah, here is Mr. Tjaelde! (To himself.) Good
+        Lord, how aged he looks! (Withdraws into the background as BERENT goes
+        forward to greet TJAELDE, who comes in.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (to BERENT). I am delighted to see you! You are always welcome
+        in our little home&mdash;and this year more welcome than ever!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Because things are going better than ever this year! I
+        congratulate you on your discharge&mdash;and also on your determination
+        to pay everything in full!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Yes, if God wills, I mean to&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Well, things are going splendidly, aren't they?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. So far, yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. You are over the worst of it, now that you have laid the
+        foundations of a new business and laid them solidly.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. One of the things that have given me the greatest encouragement
+        has been the fact that I have won your confidence&mdash;and that has
+        gained me the confidence of others.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I could have done nothing unless you had first of all done
+        everything. But don't let us say any more about it!&mdash;Well, the
+        place looks even prettier than it did last year.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. We do a little more to it each year, you know.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. And you are still all together here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. So far, yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Ah, by the way, I can give you news of your deserter. (TJAELDE
+        looks surprised.) I mean your lieutenant!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Oh&mdash;of him! Have you seen him?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I was on the same boat coming here. There was a very rich girl
+        on board.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (laughing). Oh, I see!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. All the same, I don't think it came to any thing. It is rather
+        like coming upon a herd of deer when you are stalking; after your first
+        shot, you don't find it so easy to get another; they have grown wary!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen (who during this conversation has been screwing up his courage
+        to address TJAELDE). I&mdash;I am a pig, I am! I know that!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (taking his hand). Oh, come, Jakobsen&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. A great blundering pig!&mdash;But I know it now!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. That's all right! I can tell you I am delighted to be able to
+        set affairs straight between you and me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. I don't know what to answer. It goes to my heart! (Shakes his
+        hand heartily.) You are a far better man than I,&mdash;and I said so to
+        my wife. "He's a splendid fellow," I said.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (releasing his hand). Let us forget everything except the happy
+        days we have had together, Jakobsen! How do things go at the Brewery?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. At the Brewery! As long as folk ladle beer into their stomachs
+        at the rate they do now&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Jakobsen was kind enough to drive me out here. We had a most
+        amusing drive. He is a character.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen (in an anxious undertone, to TJAELDE). What does he mean by
+        that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. That you are different from most people.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. Ah!&mdash;I didn't feel sure, you know, whether he wasn't
+        sitting there making game of me, all the way here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. How can you think such a thing? (To BERENT.) Do come into the
+        house. Excuse my going first; but my wife is not always quite prepared
+        to receive visitors since she has been able to do so little for herself.
+        (Goes into the house.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I don't think Mr. Tjaelde seems to me to be looking in quite as
+        good form as I expected?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. Don't you? I didn't notice anything.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Perhaps I am mistaken. I think he meant us to follow him in,
+        didn't he?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. So I understood.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Then, as you have brought me so far, you must take me in to Mrs.
+        Tjaelde.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. I am quite at your service, sir. I have the deepest respect
+        for Mrs. Tjaelde&mdash;(hurriedly)&mdash;and of course for Mr. Tjaelde
+        too. Of course.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. Yes. Well, let us go in.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. Let us go in. (He tries anxiously to keep in step with
+        BERENT'S peculiar walk, but finds it difficult.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I think you had better not try. My step suits very few.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. Oh, I shall manage&mdash;! (They go out to the left. SANNAES
+        comes hurriedly in from the right, and crosses the stage; looks around;
+        then comes across to the foreground and leans with his back against a
+        tree. VALBORG comes in a moment later, comes forward, sees him, and
+        laughs.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. There, you see, Miss Valborg; you are laughing at me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. I don't know whether I want to laugh or to cry.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Believe me, you are mistaken about this, Miss Valborg. You
+        don't see things as plainly as I do.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Which of us was it that was mistaken to-day?&mdash;and had to
+        beg pardon for it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. It was I, I know. But this is impossible! A real union of
+        hearts needs to be founded on more than respect&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (laughing). On love?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. You misunderstand me. Could you go into society with me without
+        feeling embarrassed? (VALBORG laughs.) You see, the mere idea of it
+        makes you laugh.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (laughing). I am laughing because you are magnifying the least
+        important part of it into the most important.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. You know how awkward and shy&mdash;in fact downright frightened
+        I am amongst those who&mdash;. (VALBORG laughs again.) There, you see&mdash;you
+        can't help laughing at the idea!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. I should perhaps even laugh at you when we were in society
+        together! (Laughs.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (seriously). But I should suffer horribly if you did.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Believe me, Sannaes, I love you well enough to be able to
+        afford to have a little laugh sometimes at your little imperfections.
+        Indeed, I often do! And suppose we were out in society, and I saw you
+        weighed down under the necessity for pretty manners that do not come
+        easy to you; if I did laugh at you, do you think there would be any
+        unkindness behind my laughter? If others laughed at you, do you suppose
+        I would not, the very next moment, take your arm and walk proudly down
+        the room with you? I know what you really are, and others know it too!
+        Thank God it is not only bad deeds that are known to others in this
+        world!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Your words intoxicate me and carry me off my feet!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (earnestly). If you think I am only flattering you, let us put
+        it to the test. Mr. Berent is here. He moves in the very best society,
+        but he is superior to its littlenesses. Shall we take his opinion?
+        Without betraying anything, I could make him give it in a moment.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (carried away). I want no one's opinion but yours!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. That's right! If only you feel certain of my love&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (impetuously).&mdash;then nothing else will seem to matter; and
+        that alone will be able to teach me all that I lack, in a very short
+        time.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Look into my eyes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (taking her hands). Yes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Do you believe that nothing would ever make me ashamed of you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Yes, I believe that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (with emotion). Do you believe that I love you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Yes! (Falls on one knee.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Deeply enough for my love to last all our lives&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes. Yes, yes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Then stay with me; and we will look after the old folk&mdash;and
+        replace them when, in God's good time, they are taken from us. (SANNAES
+        bursts into tears. TJAELDE, who has come to the window to show BERENT
+        his ledgers, happens to look up and sees VALBORG and SANNAES.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (leaning out of the window, and speaking gently:) Valborg, what
+        has happened?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (quietly). Only that Sannaes and I are engaged to be married.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Is it possible! (To BERENT, who is immersed in the accounts.)
+        Excuse me! (Hurries away from the window.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (who, in his emotion has heard nothing). Forgive me! It has been
+        such a long, hard struggle&mdash;and I feel overwhelmed!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Let us go in to my mother.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannws (shrinking back). I can't, Miss Valborg&mdash;you must wait a
+        little&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Here they come. (TJAELDE comes in wheeling MRS. TJAELDE in her
+        chair. VALBORG runs to her mother and throws herself into her arms.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (softly). God be praised and thanked!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (going up to SANNAES and embracing him). My son!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. So that was why Sannaes wanted to go away! Oh, Sannaes!
+        (TJAELDE brings SANNAES up to her. SANNAES kneels and kisses her hand,
+        then gets up and goes into the background, to recover himself. SIGNE
+        comes in.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Mother, everything is ready now!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. So are things out here!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe (looking round). Not really?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (to SIGNE). Forgive me for never having told you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. You certainly kept your secret well!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. I kept long years of suffering secret&mdash;that was all!
+        (SIGNE kisses her and whispers to her; then turns to SANNAES.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. Sannaes! (Shakes his hand.) So we are to be brother and
+        sister-in-law?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (embarrassed). Oh, Miss Signe&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. But you mustn't call me Miss Signe now, you know!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. You must expect that! He calls me "Miss" Valborg still!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Singe. Well, he won't be able to do that when you are married, anyway!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde (to TJAELDE). But where are our friends?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. Mr. Berent is in the office. There he is, at the window.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent (at the window). Now I am coming straight out to congratulate
+        you, with my friend Jakobsen. (Comes out.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (going to TJAELDE). Father!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde. My child!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. If we had not known those bad days we should never have known
+        this happy one! (He gives her a grip of the hand.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (to BERENT). Allow me to present to you my daughter Valborg's
+        fiancé&mdash;Mr. Sannaes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent. I congratulate you on your choice, Miss Valborg&mdash;and I
+        congratulate the whole family on such a son-in-law.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg (triumphantly). There, Sannaes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Jakobsen. May I too, though I am only a stupid sort of chap, say that
+        this lad has been in love with you ever since he was in his teens&mdash;he
+        hardly could be sooner than that. But I can tell you, honestly, I should
+        never have credited you with having so much sense as to take him. (All
+        laugh.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. Signe is whispering to me that our dinner is getting cold.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Signe. May I take my mother's place and ask you to take me in to dinner,
+        Mr. Berent?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Berent (offering her his arm). I am honoured!&mdash;But our bridal pair
+        must go first!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Valborg. Sannaes&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Sannaes (whispers, as he gives her his arm). To think that I have you on
+        my arm! (They go into the house, followed by BERENT and SIGNE, and by
+        JAKOBSEN.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tjaelde (bending over his wife, as he prepares to wheel her chair in).
+        My dear, God has blessed our house now!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Mrs. Tjaelde. My dear man!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Curtain.
+      </p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+      <div style="height: 4em;">
+        <br /><br /><br /><br />
+      </div>
+      <h2>
+        THE KING
+      </h2>
+      <h3>
+        A PLAY IN A PROLOGUE AND FOUR ACTS
+      </h3>
+      DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+     The KING.
+     HARALD GRAN, a rich manufacturer.
+     KOLL, Chief Magistrate of the district.
+     FLINK.
+     CLARA ERNST.
+     The PRINCESS.
+     BARONESS MARC.
+     ANNA, a deaf and dumb girl.
+     FALBE.
+     The MAYOR.
+     NATHALIE, his daughter.
+     ALSTAD.
+     VILHELM, his son.
+     The PARISH PRIEST.
+     BANG, a rich trader.
+     VINÄGER.
+     COUNT PLATEN.
+     The GENERAL.
+     MATILDE.
+     A Ballad Singer.
+     A Young Beggar.
+     A Servant of the King's.
+     Ladies and Gentlemen,
+     Masked Dancers,
+     Work-people,
+     Farmers, etc.
+</pre>
+      <a name="link2H_PROL" id="link2H_PROL">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+      <div style="height: 4em;">
+        <br /><br /><br /><br />
+      </div>
+      <h2>
+        PROLOGUE
+      </h2>
+      <p>
+        (SCENE.&mdash;A large gothic hall, brilliantly illuminated, in which a
+        masked ball is taking place. At the rise of the curtain a ballet is
+        being performed in the centre of the hall. Masked dancers are grouped
+        around, watching it. Two of them, women, are conversing on the right of
+        the stage.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        First Mask. Have you heard that the King is to be here to-night?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Second Mask. Yes, and since I heard it I have been imagining I saw him
+        everywhere.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        First Mask (pointing). That is not he, is it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Second Mask. He is taller than that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        First Mask. That one, then? Look, that one!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Second Mask. That one has spoken to me. He has too old a voice.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        First Mask. Shall we see if we can find him?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Second Mask. Yes, come along!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        (A number of girls, wearing similar costumes and all masked, have
+        meanwhile collected on the left side of the stage.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        First Girl. Are we all here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Second Girl. All but Matilde.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Matilde. Here I am! Have you heard that the King is to be here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        All. Really?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Matilde. I don't know how he is dressed; but one of the masters of the
+        ceremonies told me he was to be here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Several of the Girls. The dear King! (Two masked dancers, dressed as
+        Cats, pass by.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tom Cat. Do you hear that, my pet?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Puss. Miau!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Matilde. Let us try and discover him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        All. Yes, yes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        A Mask. And when we have discovered him&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Matilde. Let us all dance round him!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        All. Yes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tom Cat (to Puss). You had better look after your virtue, Miss!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Puss. Miau!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Tom Cat. Miau! (They pass out of sight.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Matilde. Remember that we are all to meet here in a quarter of an hour!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        All. Yes! (They disperse. The ballet comes to a close amidst universal
+        applause. Conversation among the dancers becomes general and animated.
+        The BARONESS MARC, disguised as an Old Woman, comes forward, talking to
+        another mask dressed as a Donkey.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. I will never forgive you for that, my lord chamberlain.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Donkey. But you frighten me clean out of my part, Baroness!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. If only I could understand how it happened!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Donkey. After all, my dear Baroness, you cannot be expected to take
+        out all your schoolmistresses and their senior pupils on a leash!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. No, but I have particular reasons for wishing to look closely
+        after <i>her</i>. (All this time she has been persistently looking round
+        the room.) And in such a whirling crowd as this&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Donkey. Let us lose ourselves in it, then! (He brays as they go out.
+        The PRINCESS, masked and dressed in a costume of the time of Louis XV.,
+        comes forward accompanied by a Cavalier in a costume of the same
+        period.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess (continuing a discussion). And I say that if a king has such
+        graces of mind and person as ours has, he may do anything he pleases.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Cavalier. <i>Anything</i>, Princess?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Anything that his mind prompts, provided that he do it
+        beautifully. (A GENTLEMAN-IN-WAITING, dressed in a costume of the same
+        period, approaches them.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gentleman-in-Waiting. I cannot discover him, your Royal Highness!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. But he is here. He is <i>here</i>. And for a lady's sake. I am
+        certain I am right.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Cavalier. But I asked one of the masters of the ceremonies, and he knew
+        nothing about it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Then it must have been one that has not been let into the
+        secret.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Cavalier. But, your Royal Highness&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Don't keep calling me "your Royal Highness," but get me a
+        description of the costume he is wearing. (The GENTLEMAN-IN-WAITING bows
+        and goes away.) And you and I will go on hunting&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Cavalier.&mdash;for the noble huntsman&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess.&mdash;who is being hunted himself! (Moves away, but stops
+        suddenly.) Who is that? (CLARA ERNST, masked and in peasant costume,
+        comes forward followed by a masked figure wearing a domino. He is
+        whispering to her over her shoulder. She keeps glancing about, as if
+        looking for some one.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Domino.&mdash;and there, in the enchanted castle, buried deep in the
+        wooded park&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Let me alone!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Domino.&mdash;there we shall be greeted by a babbling fountain of
+        water&mdash;a nymph, holding the cup of joy high above her head&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (anxiously). What can have become of her?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        (Meanwhile one of the masked dancers has been following them, and now
+        turns back to join others.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        A Masked Dancer (pointing to the DOMINO). That is the King!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Another (quickly). But who is <i>she</i>?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Domino.&mdash;on both sides, shady alleys leading to the doors of a
+        secret retreat; and there&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (turning round). I despise you! (The dancing and music suddenly
+        stop. General consternation.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Baroness (starting forward as she hears CLARA voice.) Clara!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Domino (taking CLARA's hand and leading her apart from the others).
+        Do you know who it is that you despise?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (greatly agitated). Yes, I know who you are!&mdash;and that is
+        why, from the bottom of my heart, I despise you! (The music begins
+        afresh, covering the general consternation that has spread among the
+        dancers. The BARONESS comes forward with a cry of "Clara!" CLARA bursts
+        into tears and throws herself into her arms. Curtain.)
+      </p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+      <div style="height: 4em;">
+        <br /><br /><br /><br />
+      </div>
+      <h2>
+        ACT I
+      </h2>
+      SCENE I
+      <p>
+        (SCENE.&mdash;A large hall in Gran's factory. The walls are bare. On the
+        left, about half-way forward, is a small platform. A meeting of the
+        shareholders of a railway company is in progress. Facing the platform
+        are seated the gentry; the common herd, mainly farmers and work-people,
+        are sitting and standing about wherever they can find room. On the
+        right, large windows are standing open; through these another crowd can
+        be seen, listening from outside. GRAN is standing in front of the
+        platform, speaking to the meeting.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. And, as it was found impossible for the main line of the railway
+        to touch our town, we determined, rather than allow all our exertions to
+        be wasted, to construct a branch line on our own account. I had the
+        honour to be elected chairman of the board of directors of this
+        undertaking. No directors ever had more unrestricted powers than were
+        given to us&mdash;possibly because there were no two opinions as to the
+        route the line should take the natural formation of the ground indicated
+        it unmistakably. It was only when we approached the question of the
+        purchase of our rolling-stock that any dissension arose&mdash;not among
+        the directors, but among the shareholders. As the majority of the latter
+        are farmers and work-people, we had decided on buying only one class of
+        railway carriage of a type slightly more comfortable than the ordinary
+        third-class carriage. That is the extent of our misdeeds! To-day's
+        meeting will probably show what the general sense on the matter is. Our
+        powers being unlimited, we were under no obligation to consult any one
+        in the matter; but, notwithstanding that, we decided to call a meeting
+        of the shareholders and submit the question to them. And, on the
+        directors' behalf, I must thank the shareholders for having attended in
+        such numbers; young and old, men and women, I dare say quite a third of
+        the total number of shareholders are present. The meeting will now
+        proceed to elect a chairman. (Sits down.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor (after a pause). I beg to move that Mr. Koll, our chief
+        magistrate, whom it is a great pleasure to see honouring this meeting
+        with his presence, have the further kindness to take the chair.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. The motion before the meeting is that the Chief Magistrate shall
+        take the chair. Shall I assume it to be carried? (Silence follows.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. Yes. (Laughter.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. The meeting should preferably elect some one who may be considered
+        to be unaffected by considerations of party.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Alstad (half rising, with his glasses in his hand). Then we shall have
+        to send for some one that does not live in these parts! There is no one
+        of that sort left here! (Sits down, amidst laughter.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. All authority springs from on high. Obedience to those set
+        in authority over us is obedience to the Almighty. But it is against
+        this very obedience that people are rebelling nowadays.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. It is precisely some one to be in authority over us that we want
+        to elect. At present we have no one.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. No, that's just it. Every meeting nowadays seems to claim
+        authority on its own account. Let rather show our respect to actual
+        authority&mdash;such respect as we would show to our fathers. (Sits
+        down.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Then, as far as I can grasp the situation, the Chief Magistrate
+        has been proposed and seconded?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Does any one wish to propose any one else? (Silence.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Alstad. May I request the Chief Magistrate to take the chair?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll (getting up). I don't know that it is any great compliment to be
+        elected in this way; but I will take the chair, for the sole reason of
+        enabling the meeting to proceed to business. (Takes his place on the
+        platform, and raps on the table with a mallet.) I declare the meeting
+        open.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran (getting up). Mr. Chairman!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. The motion proposed by the directors is this: "That only one class
+        of railway carriage shall be purchased, slightly more comfortable than
+        the ordinary third-class carriage." (Gives the motion in writing to the
+        chairman, and sits down.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. The following is the motion submitted to meeting. (Reads it out.)
+        Who wishes to speak on the motion? (Silence.) Come, some one must speak
+        on it&mdash;or I shall have to put it to the vote forthwith. (Silence,
+        followed by laughter here and there.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. Mr. Chairman!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. The Priest will address the meeting.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. I see, in this assembly, a number of young men, even a
+        number of maidens; and I feel bound to ask whether young men, and even
+        maidens, are to be allowed to take part in these proceedings?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Any shareholder that is of age has the right to.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. But St. Paul expressly tells us that women are not to speak
+        in public places.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Well, they can hold their tongues, then. (Laughter.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. But even the fact of voting at a railway meeting does not
+        seem to me to be in accordance with the humility and modesty that both
+        Nature and the Scriptures indicate as characteristic of woman. I believe
+        it to be the first step on a wrong road. The apostle says&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. We must leave them to decide the matter for themselves. Does any
+        one wish to&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest (interrupting him). Mr. Chairman, if you will not permit me
+        to quote the apostle, allow me at all events to say that the spectacle
+        of a young man voting against his father, or a woman voting against her
+        husband&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Will you tell me who could prohibit it? Does any one wish to speak&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest (interrupting). The Scriptures prohibit it, Mr. Chairman!&mdash;the
+        Scriptures, which we are all bound to obey, even&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran (getting up and interrupting him). Mr. Chairman!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. I only want to ask whether&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. But <i>I</i> was addressing the meeting!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. I protest against that ruling!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Alstad (half rising). Our worthy Priest must obey authority. (Sits down
+        amidst laughter.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. Not when it does an injustice! I appeal to the meeting!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Very good!&mdash;Will those in favour of the Priest addressing the
+        meeting kindly stand up? (No one gets up; and those who were previously
+        standing bob down. Laughter.) Carried unanimously, that the Priest do
+        not address the meeting. (The PRIEST sits down.) Mr. Gran will address
+        the meeting.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran (getting up). I withdraw from my right! (Renewed laughter.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor (getting up). Mr. Chairman!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. The Mayor will address the meeting.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. I am one of many to whom this proposal of the directors seems
+        extraordinary, to say the least of it. Do they propose that the ladies
+        of my family&mdash;I will leave myself out of the question, for as a
+        public man I have to rub shoulders with all sorts of people&mdash;do
+        they propose, I say, that ladies who have been delicately brought up
+        shall travel with any Tom, Dick and Harry?&mdash;perhaps with convicts
+        being conveyed to gaol, or with journeymen labourers? Is his honour the
+        Chief Magistrate, who is a Commander of a noble Order of Knighthood, to
+        travel side by side with a drunken navvy? Supposing the King were to pay
+        a visit to this beautiful district, which has acquired such a reputation
+        since so many of the best people from town have taken villas here; is
+        his Majesty to make the journey in one of these third-class carriages,
+        with the chance of travelling in company with tradesman stinking of
+        stale cheese?&mdash;with folk who, moreover&mdash;well, perhaps in
+        common decency I ought not to go on, as ladies are present. (Laughter.)
+        "Economy," I hear some one suggest. That word is in great favour
+        nowadays. But I should like to know what economy there is getting your
+        clothes soiled? (Laughter.) Does a first-class carriage wear out sooner
+        than a third class? It costs more to build, no doubt, but that is soon
+        made up by the higher fares charged. I can discover no reasonable ground
+        for this proposal, look at it how you will from the commercial point of
+        view. One has to look at the <i>political</i> aspect of the matter, to
+        understand it; and I am reluctant to drag in politics. I will only say,
+        in conclusion, that it must be those who have framed this proposal that
+        expect to derive some profit from it; the railway certainly would derive
+        none. (Sits down.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. That last remark was a little like an accusation&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor (getting up). I only alluded to what is in every one's mind.
+        (Sits down.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. A speaker is not in order in making accusations, even though they
+        be assumed to be in every one's mind.&mdash;I see that Mr. Alstad wishes
+        to speak.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Alstad. Human nature is frail. That seems to me a sufficient explanation
+        of how such a proposal came to be laid before us. But honestly&mdash;for
+        we all ought to be honest!&mdash;it seems to me that any material
+        advantage it might bring would be more than counterbalanced by loss of
+        esteem. (Uproar.) There has been quite a different spirit in the place
+        of late years&mdash;what with the factories, and the stranger workmen,
+        and the summer visitors. We never used to have so much unrest or to hear
+        so much of this talk about "equality." And now, if we are to give the
+        impression that there is only one social class here&mdash;and that a
+        third class&mdash;I know that I shall be by no means alone in feeling
+        offended. We certainly don't want to sit on our work-people's laps; and,
+        equally, we don't want to have them sitting on ours. (Sits down.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Our friend the Mayor is very fond of talking of his loyalty; but I
+        must say I am surprised at his dragging the King even into this matter.
+        As for the matter of the railway carriage in which one of so high degree
+        would travel here&mdash;well, if our carriages are not good enough,
+        surely his Majesty's private saloon can be used on our line as well as
+        on the main line. And as for any of us ordinary mortals who are afraid
+        of mixing with the common herd, surely they can sit together in
+        carriages by themselves. The carriages would be separate; they would
+        only be of the same kind. I think there would be little fear of their
+        being exposed to intrusion on the part of our country-folk. <i>They</i>
+        are much more apt to be more timidly shy than is even desirable. On all
+        small lines&mdash;even on many of the bigger ones&mdash;it is the less
+        luxurious carriages, the second and third class, that for the cost of
+        the more luxurious ones; it is the third class that pays for the first.
+        But that some passengers should travel comfortably at the expense of
+        those who travel less comfortably, is what we wish to avoid. (Applause.)
+        An old resident of the yeoman class has reproached us with wishing to
+        alter our customs. Well, if one of our old customs is the aristocratic
+        one which makes the gulf that separates masters and men wider than it
+        already is, all I can say is that the sooner it is abolished the better;
+        for it is not a good custom; it is even a dangerous one. (Murmurs.) And
+        as for the political aspect of the question&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Don't you think we should leave politics out of the question?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran (bows, with a laugh). That is just what I was going to say, Mr.
+        Chairman; that we ought to leave politics out out of the question. (Sits
+        down, amidst laughter applause. The audience, first the younger men and
+        then the older farmers, begin arguing the matter with one another, more
+        and more loudly.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. I must beg the meeting to keep quiet, as long as this business is
+        under discussion. The Mayor wishes to speak.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. I admit that I am loyal&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Those people outside must be quiet!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Alstad (going to the window). You must keep quiet!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. I admit I am loyal! I count it a point of honour, as a native
+        of the place, to show his Majesty that our first thought when we planned
+        this railway was, at that important moment, that his Majesty might
+        possibly be pleased to manifest a desire to pay us a visit. "Let him use
+        his own private saloon," we are told! No, Mr. Chairman, that is not the
+        way to speak when we are speaking of his Majesty! And what about his
+        Majesty's suite? Are they to travel third class? What I say is that we
+        are casting a slight on his Majesty if we cast a slight on his railway
+        carriage&mdash;I should say, on his suite. And I go farther than that. I
+        say that his Majesty's functionaries are his Majesty's representatives,
+        and that it is casting an additional slight upon his Majesty not to show
+        a proper respect for them. I know that this jars upon the ears of many
+        present; they do not consider that a man who holds a public office
+        should be shown any more respect than any one else. The majority rules,
+        and the majority only thinks of its own interests and those of its
+        servile supporters. But even in this community of ours there is a
+        minority that bears the burden of its affairs and represents its honour;
+        and we will never consent to be dragged down into the mire of this
+        "equality" into which you want to plunge each and every one of us!
+        (Uproar.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. The honourable speaker appears to me to be trenching upon politics&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. Possibly I am, Mr. Chairman; but what honest man can shirk
+        the truth? Only compare the present state of things in this community
+        with what was the case when everything here was as it should be; when
+        the King and his officials were respected; when public affairs were in
+        the hands of those who knew how to direct them; when we used to have
+        singing competitions, shooting competitions, and other festal meetings
+        of that kind. And&mdash;yes&mdash;well&mdash;compare, I say, the
+        conditions in those days with our conditions to-day&mdash;that is to
+        say, with all this talk of "the people;" as, for instance&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. It is railway carriages that we are discussing.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. Quite so! But what is it that is at the bottom of this
+        proposal, Mr. Chairman? Does it not spring from that passion for
+        destruction, for a universal levelling which aims at abolishing the
+        monarchy, at destroying authority&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. And the Church too, my friend!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor.&mdash;and the Church, it is quite true! Yes, it is because
+        they desire the Church and&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. It is railway carriages that we are discussing.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. Exactly. But an old public official like myself, who once was
+        held in respect, when he sees the pillars of society tottering and feels
+        the keenest pang of sorrow at&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. For the last time, it is railway carriages that we are discussing!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor (overcome by his feelings). I have no more say. (Sits down.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Mr. Alstad wishes to speak.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Alstad (getting up). The question before the meeting is itself a small
+        matter; but it is the consequences of it that I fear. We may expect any
+        proposal of the same kidney now. Never let it be said that our community
+        was eager to range itself under this banner of "equality!" It bears too
+        old and honoured a name for that! But there is one thing I want to say.
+        We have always, before this, felt it an honour and a privilege to have
+        the richest man in these parts living amongst us. But when we see him
+        one of the most eager in support of a "popular" proposal of this sort,
+        then it appears, to me at all events, to be absolutely unaccountable how&mdash;oh,
+        well, I won't run the risk making what our chairman calls "accusations";
+        I will sit down and hold my tongue. I have the right to do that at all
+        events. (Sits down.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Three cheers for Mr. Gran! (Almost the whole meeting cheers
+        lustily. KOLL shouts at them and hammers on the table with his mallet in
+        vain.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll (when peace is restored). I must ask the meeting to show some
+        respect for its chairman. If not, I will leave the chair.&mdash;Mr. Gran
+        will address the meeting.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. The plan that we are proposing is no new one. It has been in
+        practice for a long time. In America&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest, Alstad, and others. Yes, in America!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor (getting up). Mr. Chairman, are we to have politics, after
+        all?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. I cannot see that to mention America is to talk politics.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. Then what is politics, if America isn't?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. To talk politics is&mdash;for instance&mdash;to use the arguments
+        your worship did. Mr. Gran will proceed.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. I see that the Priest wishes to speak. I shall be happy to give
+        way.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. The Priest will address the meeting.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. I see here, in this assembly, a number of those whom I am
+        accustomed to address in more solemn surroundings. My dear parishioners,
+        it was for your sake that I came here. You have heard for yourselves&mdash;the
+        whole question is a political one; and, dear fellow Christians, let me
+        entreat you to shun politics! Did not our Lord Himself say: "My kingdom
+        is not of this world"? This freedom, this equality, of which they talk
+        is not the soul's freedom, not that equality which&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. I would suggest to the reverend speaker that he should postpone
+        his remarks until the next time he gets into the pulpit. (Slight
+        laughter.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. One should be instant in season and out of season; therefore&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. I forbid you to continue.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. It is written: "Thou shalt obey God rather than man"! My
+        dear parishioners, let us all leave this meeting! Who will follow his
+        priest? (Takes a few steps towards the door, but no one follows him.
+        Laughter. He sighs deeply, and sits down again.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. If no one else wishes to speak&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Vinäger. Mr. Chairman!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Mr. Vinäger wishes to speak.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Vinäger. These proceedings remind me of China, and of the Chinese
+        mandarins who will not allow any one of lesser degree to come near them&mdash;although
+        at moments I have felt as if I were still in Europe in the presence of a
+        still greater power, greater even than the Grand Turk&mdash;I mean this
+        democratic envy which grudges others what it has not got itself. To
+        reconcile both parties I should like to make the following suggestion.
+        Build the carriages, as is often done, in two stories. Then those who
+        wish to ensure their privacy can do so by sitting upstairs; and the
+        others will be satisfied too, because they will all be in the same
+        carriage after all. (Loud laughter.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. If no one else wishes to speak (looks at GRAN, who shakes his
+        head) I shall proceed to put the question to the vote. The motion
+        submitted by the directors, which is now before the meeting, is as
+        follows&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. Excuse me, but what of my motion wit h regard to a saloon for
+        his Majesty?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. I did not understand your worship to mean your suggestion as a
+        formal motion.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. I did, though.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Then I will put it to the vote after the director, motion has been
+        voted upon.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. A motion that concerns the King should take precedence of all
+        others.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Even the King is subject to the rules of logic. The directors'
+        motion is: "That only one class of railway carriage shall be purchased,
+        of a type slightly more comfortable than the ordinary third-class
+        carriage." Will those in favour of the motion kindly go to the left&mdash;on
+        this side of the room; those against the motion, to the right. (Nearly
+        all go to the left. Cheers are heard outside, and are gradually taken up
+        by those inside. KOLL hammers with his mallet.) Order, please! (The
+        cheering ceases, but an animated conversation goes on.) The directors'
+        motion is carried!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor (shouting). I am sure every one did not understand the method
+        of voting!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll (hammering with his mallet). Order, order. (Quiet is gradually
+        restored.) What did your worship say?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. That some people must have misunderstood the way of voting;
+        because I see my daughter Natalie, who is a shareholder too, on the
+        other side of the room. Of course she has made a mistake.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Natalie. Oh no, father, I haven't. (Loud laughter, and applause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. Ah, my poor deluded parishioners, I shall pray for you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. Order!&mdash;The Mayor's motion&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Alstad. I would suggest that the Mayor should withdraw it. We know what
+        its fate would be in such a meeting as this.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. As long as I occupy the chair, I shall not permit any derogatory
+        expressions to be applied to the meeting. Does the Mayor still insist on
+        his motion being put? (Whispers to him: "Say no!")
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. No.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Then, as no one else wishes to speak, I declare the meeting at an
+        end. (Every one begins to move about and discuss affairs vigorously.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Alstad (to his son VILHELM). So you have the face to vote with these&mdash;these
+        Americans, against your old father, have you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Vilhelm. Well, father, I honestly think&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Alstad. Just you wait till I get you home!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Vilhelm. Oh, that's it, is it? Then I shan't go home&mdash;so there! I
+        shall stay here and get drunk, I shall.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Alstad. Oh, come, come!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Vilhelm. Yes, I shall! I shall stay here and get drunk!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Alstad. But, Vilhelm, listen to me! (Takes him by the arm. Meantime a
+        STRANGER has taken KOLL and GRAN by the arm, to their manifest surprise,
+        and brought the forward away from the crowd. He stands for a moment,
+        looking them in the face, till suddenly KOLL gives a start and cries
+        out: "The King!")
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Hush!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. It really is&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (to GRAN). You are at home here; take up into a room&mdash;and
+        give us some champagne. My throat is as dry as a lime-kiln!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Curtain
+      </p>
+      SCENE II
+      <p>
+        (SCENE.&mdash;A room built in Gothic style, comfortably furnished and
+        decorated with trophies of the chase. GRAN ushers in the KING and KOLL.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. We can be quite alone here. (ANNA, a deaf and dumb girl of about
+        fifteen, brings in some bottles of champagne, and, during the following
+        dialogue, sets out glasses, refreshments, cigars, and pipes. She is
+        quick and attentive to render the slightest service required of her;
+        when not employed, she sits on a stool in the background. She talks to
+        GRAN on her fingers, and receives orders from him in the same manner.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Ah, this is like old times! I know the setting: "Gothic room
+        in mediaeval style, decorated with trophies of the chase. Furnished with
+        an eye to bachelor comfort!" You always had bachelor habits, you know,
+        even when you were quite a boy. (To KOLL.) We never called him anything
+        but "the Bachelor" on board ship. He never had a love affair in all the
+        three years our cruise lasted; but the rest of us had them in every port
+        we touched at!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. He is just the same in that respect now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran (offering the KING some champagne). Allow me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Thanks; I shall be glad of it. (To KOLL.) Your health, my
+        former tutor! (To GRAN.) And yours! (They drink.) Ah, that has done me
+        good!&mdash;Well now, let me ask you this: isn't it true that, all
+        through the meeting, you were talking nothing but republicanism,
+        although you didn't actually mention the word?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll (laughing). You are not far wrong.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. And you, who in the old days were considered to be too
+        advanced in your opinions to be retained as my tutor, are now not
+        considered advanced enough! They nearly&mdash;threw you over, didn't
+        they?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Yes! That shows you, if I may say so, the result of government by
+        a minority.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. And the result of mixing with such people as our excellent
+        friend the millionaire here, I suppose?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. It is always a mistake to lay the blame of public opinion on
+        individuals.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I quite agree with you. And now it is time you knew the reason
+        of my coming here&mdash;in the strictest incognito, as you see. By the
+        way, I hope no one recognised me?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran and Koll. Not a soul!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        (FLINK comes in.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Ah, here you are! (Comes forward, rubbing his hands delightedly.)
+        Well, what did you think of the meeting, my boys?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (aside to GRAN). Who is that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran (to the KING). We will get rid of him. (To FLINK.) Look here, old
+        chap&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (catching sight of the KING). Oh, I beg your pardon, I thought we
+        were&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran (obliged to introduce him). Let me introduce Mr.&mdash;? Mr.&mdash;?
+        (Looks at the KING inquiringly.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Speranza.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. An Italian?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. In name only.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran (completing the introduction). Mr. Flink.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Surely not A. B. Flink?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (interested). Our peripatetic philosopher? (Shakes hands with
+        him.) I have read one or two of your books.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (laughing). Really?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Are you meditating another expedition?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. That's it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. And on foot?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Always on foot.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Upon my word, I don't believe there is a man in the country
+        that can gauge popular opinion as accurately as you! Let us sit down and
+        have a chat. Do you drink champagne?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Yes&mdash;when I can't get anything better!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (lifting his glass to FLINK). Your health, (They all drink, and
+        then seat themselves.) What part the country were you in last?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. I have just been shooting with our friend here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. So he is your friend? He is mine, too! My best friend, ever
+        since I was a boy. (He stretches out his hand; GRAN gets up and grasps
+        it in both of his.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll (to FLINK, who is looking astonished). Mr. Speranza was a naval
+        cadet at the same time as Gran.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Really! Were they on the same ship?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Yes, we were on a cruise round the world together&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Do you mean the time when the Prince went on account of his
+        lungs?&mdash;the present King, I mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. The Prince that afterwards became King&mdash;yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. There is quite a royal flavour about our little gathering, then!
+        Here is the King's shipmate, and here is his tutor in jurisprudence&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. You are forgetting yourself! You are the King's tutor's tutor, you
+        know&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Were you Koll's tutor? Really?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (with a laugh). Yes, I had that misfortune!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. You hadn't so great a misfortune in your pupil as he had in
+        his!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. The King was a very apt pupil.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (jestingly). He has shown traces of it in his reign, hasn't he!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Don't speak ill of the King, please.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (ironically). Heaven forbid! (Takes a pinch of snuff.) I know all
+        about his talent&mdash;his great talent, his genial talent! (Offers his
+        snuff-box to the KING.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. But it was public opinion we were talking about, Flink; is it very
+        much like what we heard to-day?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. I wouldn't say that; your opinions are rather advanced in these
+        parts.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Is the tendency republican, rather than monarchical?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. That depends how you look at it. The King has just been paying
+        some visits in the country districts; he is, so to speak, the commercial
+        traveller for his firm&mdash;as all kings and crown princes are. Of
+        course he was cheered everywhere. But go and ask the agricultural
+        classes if they set great store by the pomp and circumstance of royalty;
+        they will unanimously answer: "It costs an infernal lot to keep up!" Ha,
+        ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Your farmer is a realist.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. A brutal realist! Ha, ha, ha! Self-government is cheaper. He has
+        it all at his fingers' ends, the scoundrel!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. He is not a republican by conviction, then
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Not universally, no. At least, not <i>yet</i>. But things are
+        moving that way; and our reactionary government is helping the movement&mdash;that,
+        and the letter they get from America.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. The letters they get from America?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Letters from their relations in America.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. There is scarcely a family in the country now that has not
+        relations in America.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. And they write home about self-government?&mdash;about
+        republican principles?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. And republican institutions. That is the situation!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Have you read any of these letters?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Lots!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. This is excellent champagne! (Drinks.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Let me fill your glasses. (They all drink.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. It doesn't really agree with me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. But suppose the King were to establish democratic government?
+        Suppose he were to live like an ordinary citizen in every way?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. In every way? What do you mean by that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Kept house like an ordinary citizen&mdash;were married like an
+        ordinary citizen&mdash;were to be found in his office at regular hours
+        like any other official?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. And had no court, I suppose?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. No. (KOLL and GRAN exchange glances.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (shrugging his shoulders). It would be the last sensation left for
+        him to try.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (who did not observe his shrug, eagerly). That is so, isn't it?
+        You agree with me as to that? I am delighted to have had this talk with
+        you, Mr. Flink.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. The same to you, Mr.&mdash;Mr.&mdash;. (In an undertone, to
+        KOLL.) Is he a republican?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (who has overheard him). Am I a republican? I have had too much
+        experience not to be! Ha, ha! (Takes up his glass.) Devilish good
+        champagne, this!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (drinking). But, you know, Mr.&mdash;Mr. Republican&mdash;ha, ha!&mdash;(smiles
+        and whispers)&mdash;the King simply would not be allowed to do what you
+        suggest. Ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. What do you mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran (aside to KOLL, who gets up). Are you sure this is right?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. It will do him good, anyway, to hear all sides.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (who has got up and gone to the table on the other side to get a
+        pipe). He simply would not be allowed to, poor chap! What is monarchy, I
+        ask you? Nothing more or less than an insurance business in which a
+        whole crew of priests, officials, noblemen, landed proprietors,
+        merchants and military men hold shares? And, goodness knows, <i>they</i>
+        are not going to give their director leave to commit any such folly! Ha,
+        ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (getting up). Ha, ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (vociferously, to him). Don't you think that is true?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Good Lord!&mdash;perfectly true! Ha, ha ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (who has cleaned and filled a pipe, but forgotten to light it,
+        going up to the KING). And what do they insure themselves again, these
+        beauties? (More seriously.) Against the great mass of the people&mdash;against
+        <i>his</i> people! (The KING looks at him and makes a movement of
+        dislike.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Look here, Flink; suppose we go out into the garden for a little?
+        These spring evenings are so lovely.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Compared to a political talk, the loveliest spring evenings have
+        no attraction for me&mdash;no more than warm water, offered me in place
+        of fine cooling wine, would have. No, let us stay where we are. What is
+        the matter with this pipe? (ANNA signs that she will put it right for
+        him, but he does not understand.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Give her your pipe; she will put it right.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. What I have always said is that, if the King had an opportunity of
+        understanding the situation, he would interfere.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. The King? He doesn't care a brass farthing about the whole
+        matter! He has something else to do! Ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Ha, ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. The King is an unusually gifted man; he would not remain
+        indifferent in the long run.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. He has so many unusual gifts that have gone to the devil&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Tralalla! Tralalalalala! Tralala! It feels quite odd to be
+        with you fellows again! (Drinks.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (in an undertone, to GRAN). Is he drunk?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (sitting down). Give me a cigar&mdash;! And let us discuss the
+        matter a little more seriously. (KOLL and GRAN sit down.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. As a matter of fact, it is not a thing that can be discussed. It
+        must be tried. If, one day, the King were to say: "I mean to live a
+        natural life among my people, and to withdraw my name from the
+        old-established royal firm, which has lost all its reputation for
+        honesty"&mdash;that day everything else would follow of itself.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Yes, that day, I dare say!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Remember you are the guest of a man who is a friend of the King's!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Don't play the domestic despot&mdash;you who are a republican!
+        Let us have free discussion!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. I certainly don't intend to insult the King. He has never done me
+        any harm. But surely you will allow me to doubt whether he is really the
+        shining light you make him out to be?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. That is true enough!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (eagerly). You agree with me as to that, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Absolutely! But&mdash;leaving him out of the question&mdash;suppose
+        we <i>had</i> a king who made himself independent of others, and, as a
+        necessary consequence, rose superior to questions of party&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (interrupting him). It is a vain supposition, my dear fellow! A
+        king bound to no party? (Puffs at his pipe.) It wouldn't work! (Puffs
+        again.) It wouldn't work!&mdash;It wouldn't work!&mdash;Falsehood is the
+        foundation of constitutional monarchy. A king superior to questions of
+        party? Rubbish!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. It would be expecting something superhuman of him, too.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Of course it would!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. But the president of a republic is even less independent of
+        party, isn't he?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (turning to hint). He doesn't make any pretence that he isn't.
+        Haha! That's the difference! (Comes forward, repeating to himself.) It
+        is the falsehood that makes the difference.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Oh, there are falsehoods enough in republics too, unfortunately!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. I know; but they are not old-established institutions! Ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. That is an idea you have got from Professor Ernst's writings.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (eagerly). Have you read them?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I have scarcely read anything else for the last few months.
+        (KOLL and GRAN exchange glances.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Indeed?&mdash;Then there is no need for me to say anything more.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. But, after all this talk, we have got no further. Our friend
+        (pointing to the KING) wants to know, I think, whether a real, serious
+        attempt at what one might call "democratic monarchy" could not reckon on
+        being understood and supported&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (breaking in, eagerly). Yes, that's just it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll.&mdash;understood and supported by the most enlightened section of
+        the people, who are weary of falsehood and long for a generous but
+        secure measure of self-government.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. That's just it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (who was just going to sit down, jumps up again, lays down his
+        pipe and stands with arms akimbo, as he says:) But what sort of
+        ridiculous ideas are these? Aren't you republicans, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. I am not.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. I am; but that does not prevent my being of opinion that the
+        change of government should be made gradually and gently&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. That would be treason!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Treason!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Treason against the truth&mdash;against our convictions!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Don't let us use big words! Monarchy is strongly rooted in the
+        existing order of things.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (with a laugh). In the insurance company!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Well, call it so if you like. It <i>exists</i>; that is the point.
+        And, since it exists, we must make it as honest and as serviceable as we
+        can.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Your health, Koll! (Drinks to him.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (moving away from them). No true republican would agree with you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. You are wrong there. (FLINK gives a start of surprise.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (who has seen FLINK's surprise, gets up). Listen to me! Suppose
+        we had a king who said: "Either you help me to establish a democratic
+        monarchy&mdash;purged of all traces of absolutism, purged of falsehood&mdash;or
+        else I abdicate&mdash;"
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Bah!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I only say, "suppose"! You know quite well that the cousin of
+        the present king, the heir apparent, is a bigoted&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll (who has been exchanging glances with GRAN while the KING was
+        speaking, breaks in hurriedly). Don't go on!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (with a laugh). I won't!&mdash;And his mother, who rules him&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink.&mdash;is even worse!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. What would be your choice, then? Would you help the king to
+        establish a democratic monarchy or&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (impetuously). I would ten thousand times rather have the bigoted
+        prince, with all his own and his mother's follies!&mdash;the madder the
+        better!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. No, no, no, no!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (to GRAN and KOLL). We see his true colours now! (Moves away
+        from them.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll (to FLINK). That is the way you republicans always ride your
+        principles to death.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Patriotism ought to come before&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink.&mdash;before truth? No; a short sharp pang of agony is better
+        than endless doubt and falsehood, my friend! That is true patriotism.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Oh, these theories!&mdash;these phrases!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. I am a republican as well as you, and, I think, as sincere a one.
+        But I should have no hesitation&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink.&mdash;in playing the traitor?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Why do you use such words as that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Words! Do you think it is nothing but words? No, my friend, if
+        you did what&mdash;what I did not allow you to say&mdash;I should come
+        here one day to call you to account. And if you refused to fight me, I
+        should shoot you like a dog!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran (gently). You would not do that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (heatedly). Not do it?&mdash;Have I given you the deepest
+        affection of which my heart is capable, only for you to turn traitor to
+        it? Am I to see the man whose character is the crowning achievement of
+        my life, betraying our cause&mdash;and, by reason of his great personal
+        prestige, dragging thousands down with him? On the head of all the
+        disillusionments I have suffered, am I to have this one in the evening
+        of my life&mdash;? (Stops, overcome by his emotion. A pause.) You
+        shouldn't jest about such things you know. (Walks away. ANNA has placed
+        herself in front of GRAN, as if to protect him.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. I think we had better change the subject, and go out for a little!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (aside, to him). Yes, get him away!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (in the background, as if he were addressing an invisible
+        audience). We must have discipline in the ranks!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Gran, ask your maid to hurry up with the supper.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Yes, I will.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll (to the KING). What do you say to a turn in the garden, meanwhile?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. By all means!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (coming forward to GRAN). This friendship of yours with the King&mdash;to
+        which I had attached no particular importance&mdash;I hope it has not
+        altogether&mdash;(Stops short.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran.&mdash;not altogether corrupted me, you mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Exactly.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (laughing). Politically?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Politics are not unconnected with morals, sir!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. But why get so heated, sir? We know that the present King is a&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll (breaking in hurriedly). Don't say any more!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (with a laugh). You said yourself that he doesn't care a brass
+        farthing about the whole matter&mdash;he has something else to do! And
+        so the whole thing ends in smoke!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (more amiably). I dare say you are right.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Of course I am. You are all agreed that, under his rule,
+        republican sentiments are growing in real earnest.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. You are right! He couldn't help things on better if he were a
+        republican himself, I assure you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Perhaps he <i>is</i> a republican?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (animatedly). Perhaps he <i>is</i>! Splendid! And works against
+        his own interests&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. A sort of commercial traveller working for the downfall of his
+        own firm!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (excitedly). For the downfall of his own firm! Splendid! Props up
+        his reactionary rule by means of royal pronouncements, confidential
+        communications, public speeches&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King.&mdash;in a suicidal manner!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Splendidly suicidal! Ah, that makes you laugh, does it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Hush, some one might hear us!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. I don't care who hears us! (The KING bursts out laughing.) But
+        you ought, as one of the King's officials, to stop <i>his</i> laughing!
+        (Points to the KING.) It's shocking!&mdash;It's high treason!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Listen to me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. You ought to arrest him for laughing like that! Suppose the King&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. That <i>is</i> the King! (The KING goes on laughing. FLINK looks
+        from him to the others, and from the others to him.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. This is too much for me! (Sits down. FLINK rushes out.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. That was very bad of you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I know it was; but forgive me! I couldn't help it! Ha, ha, ha,
+        ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. For all his queer ways, he is too good a fellow to be made a fool
+        of.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Yes, scold me; I deserve it. But, all the same&mdash;ha, ha,
+        ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Hush!&mdash;he is coming back. (The KING gets up as FLINK comes in
+        again.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Your Majesty may be assured that I would never have expressed
+        myself as I did in your Majesty's presence if I had been fairly treated
+        and told whom I was addressing.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I know. The fault is mine alone.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. The fault is that of others&mdash;my so-called friends.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (earnestly). By no means! It is mine&mdash;mine alone. I have
+        had a scolding for it!&mdash;And in your presence I ask my friends'
+        pardon; I have put them in a false position. And, in the next place, I
+        ask for your forgiveness. My sense of humour got the better of me.
+        (Laughs again.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Yes, it was extremely amusing.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. It really was! And, after all, what have you to complain of?
+        You had an opportunity of speaking your mind, any way!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. I certainly did!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Very well, then!&mdash;And when you wanted to show any
+        respect, <i>I</i> prevented you. So I think we are quits.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. No, we are not.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (impatiently). Indeed?&mdash;What do you want from me, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (proudly). Nothing!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I beg your pardon! I did not mean to offend you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. You have done so to a degree that you are naturally incapable of
+        appreciating. (Goes out.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. This is a nice business! (Laughs. Then notices GRAN, who is
+        standing at his desk with his back to the KING, and goes up to him.) You
+        are angry with me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran (looking up slowly). Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Why didn't you stop me?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. It all happened too quickly. But to think that you could have the
+        heart to do it&mdash;in my own house&mdash;to a man who was my father's
+        oldest friend, and is mine&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Harald! (Puts his arm round his shoulders.) Have I ever asked
+        you for anything that you have not given me?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. No.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Then I ask you now to admit that you know that, if I had
+        thought this would hurt you, I would never have done it&mdash;not for
+        worlds! Do you still believe as well of me as that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Thank you. Then I will admit to you, in return, that for
+        months past I have lived in a state of horrible tension of mind; and
+        that is why I jump too easily from one extreme to the other. So, my
+        friends, you must forgive me! Or finish my scolding some other time!
+        Because now I must talk to you of the matter which induced me to come
+        here. You are the only ones I can turn to; so be good to me!&mdash;Shall
+        we sit down again?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. As you please.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (moving towards the table). I know you both want to ask me the
+        same question: why I have never come before now. My answer is: because I
+        have only now arrived at a clear conception of my own position. Some
+        months ago some hard words that were used to me lit a fire in my heart
+        and burnt out a heap of rubbish that had collected there. (ANNA fills
+        their glasses.) Won't you send that girl away?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. She is deaf and dumb.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Poor girl! (Sits down.) When I came back from my cruise round
+        the world, the old king was dead. My father had come to the throne, and
+        I was crown prince, and I went with my father to the cathedral to attend
+        a thanksgiving service for my safe return.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. I was there.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. The whole thing was a novelty to me, and a solemn one. I was
+        overcome with emotion. Seeing that, my father whispered to me: "Come
+        farther forward, my boy! The people must see their future king praying."
+        That finished it! I was not born to be a king; my soul was still too
+        unsullied, and I spurned such falsehood with the deepest loathing. Just
+        think of it!&mdash;to come back from three years at sea, and begin my
+        life in that way&mdash;as if perpetually in front of a mirror! I won't
+        dwell on it. But when my father died and I became king, I had become so
+        accustomed to the atmosphere of falsehood I lived in that I no longer
+        recognised truth when I saw it. The constitution prescribed my religion
+        for me&mdash;and naturally I had none. And it was the same with
+        everything&mdash;one thing after another! What else could you expect?
+        The only tutor I valued&mdash;you, Koll&mdash;had been dismissed; they
+        considered you to be too freethinking.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll (smilingly). Oh, yes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. The only real friend that dated from my happier days&mdash;you,
+        Harald, had been sent to the right about; you were a republican. It was
+        while I was in despair over that loss that I fell really in love for the
+        first time&mdash;with your sister, Harald. Banishment, again. What then?
+        Why, then the craving that every healthy youth feels&mdash;the desire
+        for love&mdash;was turned into dissolute channels. (Drinks.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. I understand, well enough.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Well, put all those things together. That was what my life was&mdash;until
+        just lately. Because lately something happened, my dear friends. And now
+        you must help me! Because, to make a long story short, either I mean to
+        be the chief official in my country in a peaceful, citizenlike, genuine
+        way, or&mdash;as God is above me&mdash;I will no longer be king! (Gets
+        up, and the others do so.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. Ah, we have got it at last!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Do you think I don't know that our republican friend there
+        spoke what is every thoughtful man's verdict upon me? (They are silent.)
+        But how could I possibly undertake my task, as long as I believed
+        everything to be make-believe and falsehood, without exception? Now I
+        know the root of the falsehood! It is in our institutions; he was quite
+        right. And one kind of falsehood begets another. You cannot imagine how
+        ludicrous it appeared to me&mdash;who up till then had led such a
+        sinful, miserable existence&mdash;when I saw honourable men pretending
+        that I was a being of some superior mould! I! (Walks up and down, then
+        stops.) It is the state&mdash;our institutions&mdash;that demand this
+        falsehood both on their part and on mine. And that for the security and
+        happiness of the country! (Moves about restlessly.) From the time I
+        became crown prince they kept from me everything that might have
+        instilled truth into me&mdash;friendship, love, religion, a vocation&mdash;for
+        my vocation is quite another one; and it was all done in the name of my
+        country! And now that I am king, they take away all responsibility from
+        me as well&mdash;all responsibility for my own acts&mdash;the system
+        demands it! Instead of an individual, what sort of a contemptible
+        creature do they make of me! The kingly power, too?&mdash;that is in the
+        hands of the people's representatives and the government. I don't
+        complain of that; but what I do complain of is that they should pretend
+        that <i>I</i> have it, and that everything should be done in <i>my</i>
+        name; that I should be the recipient of petitions, cheers, acclamations,
+        obeisances&mdash;as if the whole power and responsibility were centred
+        in <i>my</i> person! In me&mdash;from whom, in the interests of all,
+        they have taken away everything! Is that not a pitiful and ludicrous
+        falsehood? And, to make it credible, they endow me into the bargain with
+        a halo of sanctity! "The King is sacred;" "Our Most Gracious Sovereign,"
+        "Your Majesty!" It becomes almost blasphemous!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Quite true.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. No, if that cannot be done away with, I can do away with
+        myself. But it must be possible to do away with it! It cannot be
+        necessary for a people, who are marching on the eternal path towards
+        truth, to have a lie marching at the head of them!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. No, it is not necessary.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (eagerly). And that is what you will help me to show them.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. I have no objection! There is life in the country yet!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (to Gran). And you, my friend? Are you afraid of being shot by
+        a mad republican if you help me?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. I am not particularly afraid of death, any way. But the maid is
+        telling us that supper is served.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Yes, let us have supper!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Koll. And then, to our task!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Curtain
+      </p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+      <div style="height: 4em;">
+        <br /><br /><br /><br />
+      </div>
+      <h2>
+        ACT II
+      </h2>
+      <p>
+        (SCENE.&mdash;A park with old lofty trees. In the foreground, to the
+        right, an arbour with a seat. The KING is sitting, talking to BANG, who
+        is a man of gross corpulence.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. And I felt so well in every way that, I assure your Majesty, I
+        used to feel it a pleasure to be alive.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (drawing patterns in the dust with his walking stick). I can
+        quite believe it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. And then I was attacked by this pain in my heart and this
+        difficulty in breathing. I run round and round this park, on an empty
+        stomach, till I am absolutely exhausted.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (absently). Couldn't you drive round, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. Drive?&mdash;But it is the exercise, your Majesty, that&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Of course. I was thinking of something else.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. I would not mind betting that I know what your Majesty was
+        thinking of&mdash;if I may say so without impertinence.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. What was it, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. Your Majesty was thinking of the socialists!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Of the&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. The socialists!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (looking amused). Why particularly of them?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. I was right, you see! Ha, ha, ha! (His laughter brings on a
+        violent fit of coughing.) Your Majesty must excuse me; laughing always
+        brings on my cough.&mdash;But, you know, the papers this morning are
+        full of their goings on!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I have not read the paper.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. Then I can assure your Majesty that the way they are going on is
+        dreadful. And just when we were all getting on so comfortably! What in
+        the world do they want?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Probably they want to get on comfortably too.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. Aren't they well off as it is, the beasts? Excuse me, your
+        Majesty, for losing my temper in your Majesty's presence.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Don't mention it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. You are very good. These strikes, too&mdash;what is the object of
+        them? To make every one poor? Every one can't be rich. However, I pin my
+        faith to a strong monarchy. Your Majesty is the padlock on my cash-box!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I am what?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. The padlock on my cash-box! A figure of speech I ventured to apply
+        to your Majesty.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I am much obliged!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. Heaven help us if the liberals come into power; their aim is to
+        weaken the monarchy.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        (A BEGGAR BOY comes up to them.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Beggar Boy. Please, kind gentlemen, spare a penny! I've had nothing to
+        eat to-day!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang (taking no notice of him). Aren't there whispers of the sort about?
+        But of course it can't be true.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Beggar Boy (pertinaciously). Please, kind gentlemen, spare a penny! I've
+        had nothing to eat to-day.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. You have no right to beg.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. You have only the right to starve, my boy! Here! (Gives him a
+        gold coin. The BEGGAR Boy backs away from him, staring at him, and
+        gripping the coin in his fist.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. He never even thanked you! Probably the son of a socialist!&mdash;I
+        would never have opened this park to every one in the way your Majesty
+        has done.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. It saves the work-people a quarter of am hour if they can go
+        through it to get to their work.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        (The GENERAL appears, driving the BEGGAR BOY before him with his stick.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General (to the BEGGAR). A gentleman sitting on a seat gave it you?
+        Point him out to me, then!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang (getting up). Good morning, your Majesty!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Good morning! (Looks at his watch.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. That gentleman, do you say?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (looking up). What is it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Your Majesty? Allow me to welcome you back!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Thank you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Excuse me, sir; but I saw this fellow with a gold coin in
+        his hand, and stopped him. He says your Majesty gave it to him&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. It is quite true.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Oh&mdash;of course that alters the case! (To the BEGGAR.)
+        It is the King. Have you thanked him? (The boy stands still, staring at
+        the KING.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Are you taking a morning walk on an empty stomach because of a
+        weak heart, too?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Because of my stomach, sir&mdash;because of my stomach! It
+        has struck work!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Beggar Boy. Ha, ha, ha! Ho, ho, ho! (Runs away.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. I am astonished at your Majesty's having thrown this park
+        open to every one.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. It saves the work-people a quarter of an hour if they can go
+        through it to get to their work.&mdash;Well, General, it seems you have
+        become religious all of a sudden?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Ha, ha, ha! Your Majesty has read my Order of the Day,
+        then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General (confidentially). Well, sir, you see things couldn't go on
+        any longer as they were. (Whispers.) Debauchery in the ranks! I won't
+        say anything about the officers; but when the men take to such courses
+        openly&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Oho!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. My brother the bishop and I, between us, composed an Order
+        of the Day on the subject of the necessity of religion&mdash;religion as
+        the basis of discipline.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. As a matter of fact the bishop was the first person I met here
+        to-day.&mdash;Is he suffering from a disordered stomach, too?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. More so than any of us, Sir! Ha, ha, ha! (The KING motions
+        to him to sit down.) Thank you, Sir.&mdash;But, apart from that, I have
+        had it in my mind for some time that in these troublous days there ought
+        to be a closer co-operation between the Army and the Church&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. In the matter of digestion, do you mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Ha, ha, ha!&mdash;But seriously, Sir, the time is
+        approaching when such a co-operation will be the only safeguard of the
+        throne.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Indeed?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General (hurriedly). That is to say, of course, the throne stands
+        firm by itself&mdash;God forbid I should hint otherwise! But what I mean
+        is that it is the Army ants the Church that must supply the monarchy
+        with the necessary splendour and authority&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I suppose, then, that the monarchy has no longer any of its
+        own?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General (jumping up). Heaven forbid that I should say such a thing!
+        I would give my life in support of the monarchy!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. You will have to die some day, unfortunately (Laughs as he
+        gets up.) Who is that coming this way?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General (putting up his eyeglass). That? It is the Princess and
+        Countess L'Estoque, Sir.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Is the Princess suffering from indigestion too?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General (confidentially). I fancy your Majesty knows best what the
+        Princess is suffering from. (The KING moves away from him.) I made a
+        mess of that! It comes of my trying to be too clever.&mdash;He is
+        walking towards her. Perhaps there is something in it, after all? I must
+        tell Falbe about it. (Turns to go.) Confound it, he saw that I was
+        watching them! (Goes out. The KING returns to the arbour with the
+        PRINCESS on his arm. The COUNTESS and one of the royal servants are seen
+        crossing the park in the background.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. This is a most surprising meeting! When did your Majesty
+        return?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Last night.&mdash;You look very charming, Princess! Such
+        blushing cheeks!&mdash;and so early in the morning!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. I suppose you think it is rouge?&mdash;No, Sir, it is
+        nothing but pleasure at meeting you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Flatterer! And I went pale at the sight of you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. Perhaps your conscience&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I am sorry to say my conscience had nothing to do with it. But
+        this morning I have been meeting so many people that are suffering from
+        indigestion that, when I saw your Highness walking quickly along&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. Make your mind easy! My reason for my morning walk is to
+        keep my fat down. Later in the day I ride&mdash;for the same reason. I
+        live for nothing else now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. It is a sacred vocation!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. Because it is a royal one?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Do you attribute your sanctity to me? Wicked Princess!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. Both my sanctity and any good fortune I enjoy. It is
+        nothing but my relationship to your Majesty that induces the
+        tradespeople to give me unlimited credit.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. You don't feel any awkwardness about it, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. Not a bit! The good folk have to maintain many worse
+        parasites than me!&mdash;By the way, talking of parasites, is it true
+        that you have pensioned off all your lords-in-waiting and their
+        hangers-on?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. Ha, ha, ha! But why did you make the special stipulation
+        that they should live in Switzerland?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Because there is no court in Switzerland, and&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. And so they could not fall into temptation again! I have
+        had many a good laugh at the thought of it. But it has its serious side
+        too, you know; because your Majesty cannot dispense with a court.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Why not?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. Well, suppose some day you are "joined in the bonds of
+        holy matrimony," as the parsons so beautifully put it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. If I were, it would be for the sake of knowing what family
+        life is.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. Like any other citizen?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Precisely.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. Are you going to keep no servants?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. As many as are necessary&mdash;but no more.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. Then I must secure a place as chambermaid in your
+        Majesty's household as soon as possible. Because if my financial
+        circumstances are inquired into there will be nothing else left for me
+        but that!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. You have too sacred a vocation for that, Princess!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. How pretty! Your Majesty is a poet, and poets are allowed
+        to be enthusiastic about ideals. But the people are poets too, in their
+        way; they like their figure-head to be well gilded, and don't mind
+        paying for it. That is their poetry.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Are you certain of that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. Absolutely certain! It is a point of honour with them.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Then I have to weigh my honour against theirs! And my honour
+        forbids me&mdash;for the honour of my people and their poetry&mdash;to
+        keep up my palaces, my guards, and my court any longer! <i>Voilà tout</i>!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. My dear King, certain positions carry with them certain
+        duties!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Then I know higher duties than those!&mdash;But, Princess,
+        here are we two seriously discussing&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. Yes, but there is something at the bottom of it that is
+        not to be laughed away. All tradition and all experience proclaim it to
+        be the truth that a king&mdash;the kingly majesty&mdash;should be a
+        dignity apart; and should be the ultimate source of law, surrounded with
+        pomp and circumstance, and secure behind the fortified walls of wealth,
+        rank, and hereditary nobility. If he steps out of that magic circle, the
+        law's authority is weakened.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Has your Royal Highness breakfasted yet?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. No. (Bursts out laughing.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Because, if you had, I should have had great pleasure is
+        giving you a lesson in history; but on an empty stomach that would be
+        cruel.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. Do you know&mdash;you used to be such an entertaining
+        king, but this last year you have become so tedious!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Most beautiful of princesses! Do you really mean to say that I
+        rise and fall in your estimation according as I have my pretty royal
+        gew-gaws on or not?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. In my estimation?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Or in any one's? You know the story of "The Emperor's New
+        Clothes"?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. We don't keep up that pretence any longer.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. But will every one understand?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. You understand, don't you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. The people or I&mdash;that is all the same, I suppose! You
+        are very flattering.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Heaven forbid that I should lump your Royal Highness together
+        with the common herd; but&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. We have already had proof of the fact that your Majesty
+        does not hold the same place in <i>every one's</i> estimation that you
+        do in mine, at all events!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. If I occupy a place of honour in your Royal Highness's heart,
+        your Royal Highness may be certain that&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess. I will interrupt you to save you from speaking an untruth!
+        Because the way to attain to a place of honour in your Majesty's heart
+        is not to admire you as I do, but, on the contrary, to shout out: "I
+        despise you!"&mdash;Au revoir!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. You wicked, terrifying, dangerous&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess.&mdash;omniscient and ubiquitous Princess! (Makes a deep
+        curtsey, and goes away.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (calling after her). In spite of everything, my heart goes with
+        you&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Princess.&mdash;to show me the door! I know all about that! (To the
+        COUNTESS.) Come, Countess! (Goes out. FALBE, an old gentleman in
+        civilian dress, has come in from the side to which the KING'S back is
+        turned.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. How the devil did she&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Falbe (coming up behind him). Your Majesty!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (turning quickly). Ah, there you are!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Falbe. Yes, sir&mdash;we have been walking about in the park for some
+        time; your Majesty was engaged.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Not engaged&mdash;I was only deadening thoughts by gossiping.
+        My anxiety was too much for me. So they have come?&mdash;both of them?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Falbe. Both of them.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Can I believe it! (Appears overcome.) But&mdash;you must wait
+        a moment! I can't, just at this moment&mdash;. I don't know what has
+        come over me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Falbe. Are you unwell, sir? You look so pale.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King My nerves are not what they should be. Is there any water near
+        here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Falbe (pointing, in astonishment). Why, there is the fountain, Sir!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Of course! Of course!&mdash;I don't seem able to collect my
+        thoughts. And my mouth is as dry as&mdash;. Look here, I am going that
+        way (points); and then you can&mdash;you can bring the ladies here.&mdash;She
+        is here! She is here! (Goes out to the left, and turns round as he
+        goes.) Don't forget to lock the gates of the inner park!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Falbe. Of course not, Sir. (Goes out to the right, and returns bringing
+        in the BARONESS MARC and CLARA.) His Majesty will be here in a moment.
+        (Goes out to the right.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. You must stay near enough for me to be able to call you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. Of course, my dear. Compose yourself; nothing can happen.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I am so frightened.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. Here is the King! (The KING comes in and bows to them.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Excuse me, ladies, for having kept you waiting. I am very
+        grateful to you both for coming.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. We only came upon your Majesty's solemn promise&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King.&mdash;which shall be inviolable.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. I understand that you wish to speak to Miss Ernst alone?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Your ladyship need only go up to the top of that little slope.
+        (Points.) I can recommend the view from there.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. The interview will not be a long one, I suppose?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. If it is, I give your ladyship permission to come and
+        interrupt us. (The BARONESS goes out. The KING turns to CLARA.) May I be
+        permitted to thank you again&mdash;you especially&mdash;for having been
+        so good as to grant me this interview?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. It will be the only one.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I know that. You have not condescended to answer one of my
+        letters&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I have not read them.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King.&mdash;so there was nothing left for me but to address myself
+        to the Baroness. She was <i>obliged</i> to listen to me, Miss Ernst.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (trembling). What has your Majesty to say to me?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Indeed, I can't tell it you in a single sentence. Won't you
+        sit down? (CLARA remains standing.) You must not be afraid of me. I mean
+        you no harm; I never could mean you any harm.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (in tears). Then what do you call the persecution that I have
+        endured for more than a year?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. If you had condescended to read a single one of my long and
+        many letters you would have known I call it a passion that is stronger
+        than&mdash;. (CLARA turns to go. The KING continues anxiously.) No, Miss
+        Ernst, by everything you hold dear, I beg you not to leave me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Then you must not insult me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. If that is an insult your terms are very hard.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Hard? No, but what you have done to me is hard! (Bursts into
+        tears.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Don't cry, Miss Ernst! You don't know how you hurt me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (angrily). Do you know what it means to try and ruin a young
+        girl's reputation?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I repeat that you are doing me an injustice
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. An injustice?&mdash;Good God! Do you know who I am?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (taking of his hat respectfully). You are the woman I love.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (quietly and with dignity). Your Majesty has solemnly promised not
+        to insult me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. As sure as there is a heaven above us I will not, and could
+        not, insult you! But I will obey your wishes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. When a king says such a thing as&mdash;as you did just now, to a
+        poor little governess, it is more than an insult! It is so cowardly, so
+        base! And to think that you could have the heart to do it after what you
+        have done to my father!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Your father?&mdash;I?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Do you really not know who I am?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King I don't understand&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Whose daughter I am, I mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I only know that your father's name is Ernst. (Suddenly.)
+        Surely your father is not&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Professor Ernst.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. The republican?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (slowly). Yes. (A pause.) I may remind your Majesty that he was
+        sentenced for high treason. And why? Because he warned the young men at
+        the university against the bad example set by the King! (A pause.) He
+        was sentenced to a long term of imprisonment. In escaping from his
+        prison he broke both his legs; and now he lives in exile&mdash;a cripple&mdash;supported
+        by what money I am able to earn. (A pause.) You have ruined his life&mdash;and
+        now you are trying to ruin mine too!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I beg of you&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I am ashamed of my tears. It is not compassion for myself or for
+        my father that makes them flow; it is the heartless injustice of it all
+        that overcomes me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. God knows, if only I could atone for the injustice&mdash;! But
+        what can I do?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. You can let me alone, so that I may do my work in peace; that is
+        what you can do! Neither he nor I ask for more than that&mdash;of you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I must do more than that!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. No! Can you not understand that a girl who is persecuted by the
+        king's attentions cannot be a governess? All you will achieve will be to
+        rob me and my father of our bread!&mdash;Oh, God!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. But my intention is not to&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (interrupting him). And you are not even man enough to be ashamed
+        of yourself!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Yes, you may say what you please to me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I have nothing more to say to you. I have said what I have to
+        say. (Turns to go.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. No, don't go! You have not even heard me yet. You don't even
+        know what I want to beg of you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. My dishonour.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (vehemently). You misunderstand me utterly! If you had only
+        read a single one of my letters you would have known that there is
+        standing before you a man whom you have humbled. Ah, don't look so
+        incredulous! It is true, if there is any truth in anything. You don't
+        believe me? (Despairingly.) How am I to&mdash;! A man who has risked
+        your contempt for more than a year, and has been faithful to you without
+        even being allowed to see you or exchange a word with you&mdash;who has
+        had no thought for anything or any one else&mdash;is not likely to be
+        doing that out of mere idleness of heart! Do you not believe that,
+        either?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. No.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Well, then, there must surely be some general truths that you,
+        as Ernst's daughter, cannot refuse to believe! Let me ask you if you can
+        understand how a man becomes what I was at the time when I repeatedly
+        insulted you. You must know, from your father's books, in what an
+        unnatural atmosphere a king is brought up, the soul-destroying sense of
+        self-importance which all his surroundings foster, until, even in his
+        dreams, he thinks himself something more than human; the doubtful
+        channels into which his thoughts are forced, while any virtues that he
+        has are trumpeted abroad, and his vices glossed over with tactful and
+        humorous tolerance. Don't you think that a young king, full of eager
+        life, as I was, may plead something in excuse of himself that no other
+        man can?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Yes, I admit that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Then you must admit that the very position he has to assume as
+        a constitutional monarch is an acted lie. Think what a king's vocation
+        is; <i>can</i> a vocation of that sort be hereditary? Can the finest and
+        noblest vocation in the world be that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. No!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Then suppose that he realises that himself; suppose that the
+        young king is conscious, however dimly and partially, of the lie he is
+        living&mdash;and suppose that, to escape from it, he rushes into a life
+        of pleasure. Is it not conceivable that he may have some good in him,
+        for all that? And then suppose that one morning, after a night of
+        revelling, the sun shines into his room; and he seems to see upon the
+        wall, in letters of fire, some words that were said to him the night
+        before&mdash;true words (CLARA looks up at him in surprise)&mdash;the
+        words: "I despise you!" (CLARA gives a start.) Words like that can burn
+        out falsehood. And he, to whom they are said, may long to hear again the
+        tones of the voice that spoke them. No man has ever hated what has given
+        him new life. If you had read a single one of the letters which I felt
+        impelled to write even if they were refused acceptance&mdash;you would
+        not have called it persecution. (CLARA does not answer.) And, as for my
+        persecution of your father&mdash;I am not going to make any excuses for
+        myself; I will only ask you to remember that a king has no control over
+        the law and its judgments. I feel the sincerest respect for your father.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Thank you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. And it is just part of the falsehood I was speaking of, that
+        he should be condemned for saying of me what I have said a thousand
+        times of myself!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (softly). Dare I believe that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Ah, if only you had read one of my letters! Or even the little
+        book of poems I sent you last! I thought that, if you would not receive
+        my letters, perhaps a book&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I do not accept anonymous gifts.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I see you are on your guard&mdash;although I don't admit that
+        the poems were mine! May I read it to you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I don't understand&mdash;.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. One that I marked&mdash;for you. It will prove to you what you
+        refuse to believe.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. But if the poem is not yours?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. The fact that I have marked it shows that its sentiments apply
+        to me. Will you let me read it to you? (CLARA looks up.) Do not be too
+        much surprised, Miss Ernst! (Takes a slim volume from his pocket.) I
+        found this somewhere. (Turns over the leaves.) It won't take long to
+        read. May I?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. If only I understood&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King.&mdash;why I want to read it? Simply for the reason that you
+        have forbidden me to speak to you&mdash;or to write to you; but not, as
+        yet, to read to you! (CLARA smiles. A pause.) Do you know&mdash;a little
+        event has just happened in my life?&mdash;and yet not such a little one,
+        after all!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. What is that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I have seen you smile for the first time.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Your Majesty!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. But, Miss Ernst, is it an insult, too, to see you smile?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (smiling). If I consent to hear the poem, shall not the Baroness&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King.&mdash;hear it also? With pleasure; but not at the same time!
+        Please! Because I am a very bad reader. You can show it to the Baroness
+        afterwards, if you like. (CLARA smiles.) May I?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. You are sure there is nothing in it that&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. You can interrupt me, if you think fit. It is called "The
+        Young Prince;" and it is about&mdash;no, I won't tell you what it is
+        about unless you will be so good as to sit down, so that I can sit down
+        too. If I stand up I shall be sure to begin declaiming, and I do that
+        shockingly badly!&mdash;You can get up again when you like, you know!
+        (CLARA smiles and sits down. The KING sits down beside her.) Now, then!
+        "The Young Prince." (To himself.) I can scarcely breathe. (He begins to
+        read.)
+      </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ Full fed with early flattery and pride&mdash;
+</pre>
+      <p>
+        (Breaks off.) Excuse me, Miss Ernst! I don't feel&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Is your Majesty not well?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Quite well! It is only&mdash;. Now, then!
+      </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ Full fed with early flattery and pride,
+ His sated soul was wearied all too young;
+ Honour and kingly pomp seemed naught to him
+ But whimsies from the people's folly sprung.
+
+ From such pretence he fled to what was real&mdash;
+ Fair women's arms, laughter and love and pleasure,
+ All the mad joy of life; whate'er he craved,
+ He found was given him in double measure.
+
+ Whate'er he craved&mdash;until one day a maiden
+ To whom he whispered, like a drunken sot,
+ "I'd give my life to make thee mine, my sweeting!"
+ Turned from him silently and answered not.
+
+ He sought by every means to win her to him;
+ But when his love with cold <i>contempt</i> was met,
+ It was as if a judgment had been spoken
+ Upon his life, and doom thereon were set.
+
+ His boon companions left him; in his castles
+ None seemed to be awake but he alone,
+ Racked with remorse, enshrouded in the darkness
+ Of dull despair, yet longing to atone.
+
+ Then through the darkness she appeared! and humbly,
+ Emboldend by her gentleness of mien,
+ He sued once more: "If only thou wouldst listen!
+ If still 'twere not too late&mdash;"
+</pre>
+      <p>
+        (His emotion overcomes him, and he stops suddenly, gets up, and walks
+        away from CLARA. She gets up, as he comes back to her.) Excuse me! I had
+        no intention of making a scene. But it made me think of&mdash;. (Breaks
+        of again overcome by emotion, and moves a little way from her. There is
+        a pause as he collects himself before returning to her.) As you can
+        hear, Miss Ernst, it is nothing much of a poem&mdash;not written by a
+        real poet, that is to say; a real poet would have exalted his theme, but
+        this is a commonplace&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Has your Majesty anything more to say to me? (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. If I have anything more to say to any one, it is to you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I beg your pardon.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. No, it is I should beg yours. But I am sure you do not wish me
+        to lie to you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (turning her head away). No.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. You have no confidence in me. (Control, his emotion.) Will you
+        ever, I wonder, come to under stand that the only thing I crave for now
+        is&mdash;one person's confidence!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Any one who speaks as your Majesty has done to-day surely craves
+        for more than that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. More than that, yes; but, first of all, one person's
+        confidence.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (turning away). I don't understand&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (interrupting her, with emotion). Your life has not been as
+        empty and artificial as mine.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. But surely you have your task here to fill it with?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I remember reading once about the way a rock was undermined,
+        and the mine filled with gunpowder with an electric wire leading to it.
+        Just a slight pressure on a little button and the great rock was
+        shattered into a thousand pieces. And in the same way everything is
+        ready here; but the little pressure&mdash;to cause the explosion&mdash;is
+        what I am waiting for!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. The metaphor is a little forced.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. And yet it came into my mind as unconsciously as you broke off
+        that twig just now. If I do not get what I lack, nothing can be
+        accomplished&mdash;there can be no explosion! I shall abandon the whole
+        thing and let myself go under.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Go under?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Well, not like the hero of a sensational novel&mdash;not
+        straight to the bottom like a stone&mdash;but like a dreamer carried off
+        by pixies in a wood, with one name ever upon my lips! And the world
+        would have to look after itself.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. But that is sheer recklessness.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I know it is; but I am reckless. I stake everything upon one
+        throw! (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Heaven send you may win.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. At least I am daring enough to hope that I may&mdash;and there
+        are moments when I almost feel certain of victory!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (embarrassed). It is a lovely morning&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King.&mdash;for the time of year; yes. And it is lovelier here than
+        it is anywhere else!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I cannot really understand a course of action which implies a
+        want of all sense of responsibility&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Every one has their own point of view. A scheme of life, to
+        satisfy me, must have its greatest happiness hidden away at its core; in
+        my case that would be to have a house of my own&mdash;all to myself,
+        like any other citizen&mdash;from which I should go away to my work, and
+        come back to as to a safe refuge. That is the button on the electric
+        wire, do you understand? It is the little pressure on it that I am
+        waiting for. (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Have you read my father's book, <i>Democratic Monarchy</i>?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. He wrote it when I was a child; and so I may say that I grew up
+        amongst ideas like&mdash;like those I have heard from you to-day. All
+        the friends that came to our house used to talk to me about it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Then no doubt you heard the crown prince talked about, too!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I think I heard his name oftener mentioned at home than any
+        one's. I believe the book was written expressly for you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I can feel that when I read it. If only I had been allowed to
+        read it in those days! Do you remember how in it your father maintains,
+        too, that all reform depends on the beating down of the hedge that
+        surrounds royalty?&mdash;on a king's becoming, as he says, "wedded to
+        his people" in the fullest sense of the word, not irregularly or
+        surreptitiously? No king can share his people's thoughts if he lives
+        apart from them in a great palace, married to a foreign princess. There
+        is no national spirit behind a complicated court life of outlandish
+        ceremonial.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (turning away her head). You should have heard how vehemently my
+        father used to assert those ideas.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. And yet he abandoned them.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Became a republican, you mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. He was so disappointed. (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I sometimes wonder every one isn't a republican! It must come
+        to that in the end; I can see that. If only royalties nowadays thought
+        seriously enough about it to realise it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. It is made so difficult for them by those who surround them.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Yes, you see, that is another reason why any such reform must
+        begin at home. Do you think that a king, who went every day to his work
+        from a home that was in every respect like that of one of his people,
+        could fail in the long run?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. There are so many different kinds of homes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I mean a home that holds love instead of subservience&mdash;comfort
+        instead of ceremony-truth instead of flattery; a home where&mdash;ah,
+        well, I need not teach a woman what a home means.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. We make them what they are.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Surely; but they are especially what women make them. (A
+        pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. The sun is quite strong now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. But it can scarcely pierce through the screen of leaves here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. When the sun shines down like this and the leaves tremble&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. The sunshine seems to tremble too.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Yes, but it makes one feel as if everything were trembling&mdash;even
+        deep down into our hearts!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. That is true.&mdash;Yes, its homes are the most precious
+        things a nation makes. Their national characteristics mean reverence for
+        their past and possibilities for their future.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I understand better now what you meant.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. When I said I wanted to begin at the beginning?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Yes. (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I cannot do otherwise. My heart must be in my work.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (smiling). My father had his heart in his work, too.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Forgive me&mdash;but don't you think it was just the want of
+        an object in his life that led your father to push his theories too far?&mdash;an
+        object outside himself, I mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Perhaps. If my mother had lived&mdash;. (Stops.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King.&mdash;he might have taken it differently; don't you think so?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I have sometimes thought so. (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. How still it is! Not a sound!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Yes, there is the fountain.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. That is true; but one ends by hardly hearing a continuous
+        sound like that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. There is a tremulousness in <i>that</i> too. (Looks round her.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. What are you looking for?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. It is time to look for the Baroness.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. She is up on that slope. Shall I call her? Or&mdash;perhaps
+        you would like to see a fine view?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Then let us go up to her together! (They go.)
+      </p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+      <div style="height: 4em;">
+        <br /><br /><br /><br />
+      </div>
+      <h2>
+        ACT III
+      </h2>
+      SCENE I
+      <p>
+        (SCENE. An open place in the town. It is evening, and the square is
+        badly lit. On the right is the club, a large building, standing alone;
+        lights are shining from all its windows. Steps lead from the door, above
+        which is a balcony. The square is full of people. In the background,
+        standing on the lowest step of the pedestal of an equestrian statue, is
+        a BALLAD SINGER, singing to the accompaniment of his guitar. Cigars,
+        oranges, and other wares are being sold by hawkers. The singer's voice
+        is heard before the curtain rises. The crowd gradually joins him in the
+        refrain which he repeats after each verse of his ballad.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Ballad Singer (sings).
+      </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ The Princeling begged and begged and begged
+ Her love, on bended knee.
+ The Maid said craftily, "Nay, nay,
+ I doubt your high degree!"
+
+    Refrain.
+
+  She knew the might, the might, the might
+  Of love's distracting hour;
+  How royalty, with all its pomp,
+  Will curtsey to its power.
+
+ The Princeling said: "Consent, my dear,
+ And you shall marry me."
+ The Maiden answered mockingly,
+ "Over the left, maybe!"
+
+ "Nay, as my Queen, enchanting maid,
+ And that this very day!"
+ The Maiden answered him, "Gadzooks!"
+ And fainted right away.
+
+ Recovering, she sighed, "My Lord,
+ Princesses will be wroth;
+ On every side they sit and wait
+ To plight to you their troth."
+
+ He answered, "Bosh!"&mdash;"But what of those
+ Who counselled you before?"
+ "Whom do you mean?"&mdash;"Your ministers!"
+ "I'll show them to the door!"
+
+ "But think, my dear&mdash;your generals,
+ Your nobles, court, and priest;
+ They'll try to drag you from my side
+ Or shun us as the pest."
+
+ "Nay, be not feared! I'll make you more
+ By dozens at a word,
+ Who'll bow and grovel if they be
+ To rank and place preferred."
+
+ "But think of the republicans!
+ My father!&mdash;what if he&mdash;?"
+ "The cock that crows the loudest, then,
+ Prime minister shall be!"
+
+ "Suppose the people stoutly swear
+ They'll none of me?"&mdash;"Nay, nay,
+ An order here, a title there,
+ And all will homage pay."
+
+ "Then I am yours!"&mdash;"Hurrah!" He holds
+ Her tight his arms between;
+ "Nay, not so fast, my kingly love!
+ Not till I am your Queen!"
+
+  She knew the might, the might, the might
+  Of love's distracting hour;
+  How royalty, with all its pomp,
+  Will curtsey to its power.
+</pre>
+      <p>
+        An Old Gentleman (to another). What is going on here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Second Old Gentleman. I don't know. I have only just come.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        A Workman. Why, the King is coming past here with her!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        First Old Gentleman. Coming past here with her? To hold a court at the
+        palace?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Workman. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Second Old Gentleman (taking a pinch of snuff). And I suppose those
+        fellows in the club mean to make a demonstration?&mdash;hiss them, or
+        something of that sort?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Workman. So they say.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        First Old Gentleman. Have they decided not to attend the court then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        A Dandy. Unanimously decided.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        A Woman. It's filthy!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Dandy. I beg your pardon?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Woman. I say that those fellows in there will condescend to seduce
+        our daughters, right enough; but they won't condescend to marry them.
+        But, you see, the King does.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Workman. I am not sure it wouldn't be better if he didn't.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Woman. Well, I know people who say that she is quite a respectable
+        person.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Dandy. I imagine that you have not read the newspapers?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        First Old Gentleman. Hm!&mdash;one has to be a little careful as to how
+        far one believes the newspapers.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Second Old Gentleman (offering him his snuff-box). I am delighted to
+        hear you say that! There is such a lot of slander flying about. That
+        bawdy ballad just now; for instance.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Woman. Yes, that's poking fun at <i>him</i>&mdash;I know that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Dandy. You had better take care what you are saying, my good woman!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Woman. Ah, I only say what I know.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        (FLINK appears on the steps of the statue beside the BALLAD SINGER.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Stop your stupid songs! I want to speak!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Voice in the Crowd. Who is that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. You don't know me. I have never made public speeches&mdash;and
+        least of all to street mobs.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Voice in the Crowd. Why are you doing it now, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Because I have been charged with a message to you! (The members
+        of the club rush to the windows and on to the balcony and steps.
+        Uproar.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Voice in the Crowd. Be quiet! Let us hear him!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Listen to me, good people! You don't know me. But you used to
+        know a tall chap, with long white hair and a big hat, who often made
+        speeches to you. I mean Professor Ernst.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Voice in the Crowd. Three cheers for Professor Ernst. (Cheers.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. He was sent to prison, as you know, for high treason; escaped
+        from prison, but broke his legs. Now he is living in exile, hopelessly
+        crippled.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Voice in the Crowd. He got a pardon.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Another. No one knows where he is.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. I know where he is. He has charged me to deliver a message to you
+        to-day.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Voices from the Club. Bravo!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Voices from the Crowd. Has he! Bravo, Ernst!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Voices from the Club. Be quiet, down there!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. He made me promise that, on the day on which his daughter was to
+        be presented at the palace as the King's betrothed, I would stand up in
+        some public place where she would pass by, and say that it was being
+        done against her father's will and in spite of his urgent entreaties and
+        commands. (Loud cries of "Bravo!" from the club. A voice in the crowd:
+        "That is just what we thought!") I am charged to announce publicly that
+        he despises her for it and sends her his curse! (Fresh cries of "Bravo!"
+        from the club. Voices in the crowd: "That's shocking!"&mdash;"No, he was
+        quite right;" etc., etc. Uproar.) Quiet, good people!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        A Young Man in the Crowd. May I be allowed to ask a question? (Shouts of
+        "Yes!" and "No!" and laughter are heard.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. By all means.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Young Man. Did not Professor Ernst himself advocate a king's doing
+        just what our King has done?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Voices in the Crowd. Hear, hear!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Yes, and in return was thrown into prison and is now an incurable
+        cripple. No one has been more cruelly treated by the King's hirelings.
+        And now here is his daughter willing to become Queen!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Count Platen (from the club balcony). I don't see why you want to blame
+        her! No; what I say is, that it is our dissolute King's fault
+        altogether! (Renewed uproar. Cries of: "Turn him out!" from the club.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. I had something more to say about those who&mdash;. But make
+        those fellows at the club be quiet first.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        A Voice. They are fighting over there! (Laughter. Wild uproar is heard
+        from the club, amidst which COUNT PLATEN'S voice is heard shouting: "Let
+        me be! Let me alone!"&mdash;and other voices: "Don't let him go out!"&mdash;"He
+        is drunk!" Eventually COUNT PLATEN comes out on to the steps, hatless
+        and dishevelled.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Count Platen. I'm going to make a speech to you! I am better than that
+        crew in there! (Cries of "Bravo!") What I say is, that the King is
+        coming past here directly with a woman. (Applause, and laughter. Every
+        one crowds towards him. The police try to pull him down. A free fight
+        ensues.) Hiss them when they come! (Cries of "Throw him down!"&mdash;"Bravo!"&mdash;"Hurrah!")
+        I, Count Platen, tell you to do so! Hiss him, howl at him, make a
+        regular hullabaloo when he comes! I, Count Platen, tell you to! (Cries
+        of "Three cheers for Count Platen!" are mingled with cries of "Three
+        cheers for the King!" There is a general tumult. COUNT PLATEN is hustled
+        up and down the steps, and tries to go on making his speech every time
+        he comes up.) He is defiling the throne!&mdash;He wants to marry a
+        traitor's daughter! Shame! I, Count Platen, say so! Here I stand&mdash;!
+        (A trumpet-call is heard; then cries of "Here is the King!"&mdash;"No,
+        it's the cavalry!"&mdash;"The cavalry are coming!"&mdash;"Clear the
+        square!" A shot is heard, followed by a scream; the people take to their
+        heels as another trumpet-call is heard. Curtain.)
+      </p>
+      SCENE II
+      <p>
+        (SCENE.&mdash;A room in the BARONESS' house. The BARONESS is sitting
+        reading. A MAID enters and brings her a card.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness (looking at the card). The Minister of the Interior!&mdash;Show
+        him in! (GRAN comes in.) I am glad to see you back, your Excellency!&mdash;You
+        have found him, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Yes, we have discovered him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. And spoken to him?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. May I send for his daughter?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. For heaven's sake
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. What is the matter?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. He is a dying man.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. What!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. The King desires me to tell you that he has ordered a special
+        train to be ready at 10 o'clock, so that as soon as the court is over
+        she can go to her father. The King will accompany her.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. That is kind of him!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Then you will get ready everything that she needs for a night's
+        journey?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. And without her being aware of it? The King does not wish her to
+        know anything of her father's condition till after the court.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. The court is to be held, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. The court is to be held. After it is over, His Majesty will tell
+        her the news himself.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. I am thankful for that.&mdash;But what did Professor Ernst
+        say? Why has he not answered his daughter's letter? Why has he hidden
+        from her? Is he really irreconcilable?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Irreconcilable? He hates her!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. Good heavens!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. And not only her, but every one that has made common cause with
+        the King&mdash;every one!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. I suppose it was to be expected.&mdash;But won't you sit down?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran (bows, but remains standing). I had a talk with his doctor before I
+        saw him. He had some hesitation about letting me in. It was a fortnight
+        since his patient had been able to move. But when I told him my errand,
+        and that I had come from the King, he let me see him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. How did he look? He was a fine man once.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. He was sitting in a big chair, a mere paralysed wreck of a man.
+        But when he saw me and realised who I was&mdash;and probably, too, what
+        my errand was&mdash;he found the strength not only to move, but to seize
+        both his crutches and raise himself on them! I shall never forget his
+        gaunt ashen-grey face, the feverish gleam in his sunken eyes, his
+        unkempt hair and beard&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. He must have looked terrible!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. He was like a creature from beyond the grave&mdash;with an
+        eternity of hatred in his eyes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. Oh, my God!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. When at last I could find my voice, I gave him his daughter's
+        greeting, and asked if she might come and see him. A dark look came into
+        his eyes, and his face flushed for a moment, as he gasped out: "May she
+        be&mdash;." He could not finish the sentence. His crutches slipped from
+        his grasp and he fell down, blood pouring from his mouth. The doctor
+        rushed to him; and for a long time we thought he was dead.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. But he came round?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. I waited an hour or two before I started back. Then the doctor
+        told me that he had recovered consciousness, but that the end could
+        certainly not be far off&mdash;perhaps not twenty-four hours.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. It must have been a shock to you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. It was.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. But what did he mean by: "May she be&mdash;"
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. That is what I have been wondering.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. He cannot do her any harm, can he?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Grad. He may give her the same reception that he gave me; if she goes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness, Even if the King is with her?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. All the more then!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. Oh, that would be horrible! But it won't prevent her going.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Let us hope so!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. I am certain of it! She has extraordinary strength of
+        character&mdash;just like her father's.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Yes, that is the one thing I rely on.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. What do you mean? Your words sound so despondent!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. I mean what is perfectly true&mdash;that everything will depend
+        upon her strength of character.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. What about the King, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. I could say a great deal on that topic, Baroness; but (bows) you
+        must excuse me&mdash;I haven't time now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. How are the elections going?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. They are going well&mdash;if nothing happens now?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. What could happen?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. The situation is very strained; one must expect anything.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. Are you anxious, your Excellency?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. I must beg leave to retire now. (A MAID comes in.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Maid (to GRAN). The Inspector of Police, who came with your Excellency,
+        wishes to know if he may speak to your Excellency.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. I will come at once. (To the BARONESS.) There is rioting going on
+        in the town, not far from here&mdash;in front of the club.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness (in alarm). What?&mdash;Isn't the King coming along that way?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Don't be afraid! We have taken our precautions&mdash;Good-bye!
+        (Goes out.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness.&mdash;He has quite alarmed me&mdash;everything seems to come
+        at the same time! She has had a suspicion that there was something amiss
+        with her father; I have noticed that, but she hasn't wanted to speak
+        about it. (CLARA comes in, dressed for the court.) Ah, there you are, my
+        dear! Quite ready?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Quite.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness (looking at her). Well, I daresay there have been royal brides
+        more elaborately dressed, but I am sure there has never been one more
+        charming. (Kisses her.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I think I hear a carriage?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. I expect it is the King!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I am afraid it is too early yet&mdash;but all the same I hope it
+        is he!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. Do you feel afraid?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. No, no&mdash;it is not that at all; it is something&mdash;something
+        that you don't&mdash;a kind of feeling as if&mdash;as if some one were
+        haunting me; and I know who it is. I only feel secure when the King is
+        with me. I hope it may be he coming. (Goes to the window.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        (The MAID comes in.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Maid. A lady wishes to speak to you, Miss Ernst&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. A lady?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Didn't she give her name?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Maid. She is veiled&mdash;and very handsomely dressed.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (with decision). No! I can see no one.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. No one that we do not know. (To the MAID.) You ought to know
+        that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Maid (hesitatingly). But I think it is&mdash;. (The door opens and the
+        PRINCESS comes in.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. What does this mean? Clara! leave us, my dear.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess (drawing aside her veil). Do you know me?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara and Baroness. The Princess!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Are you Clara Ernst?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess (haughtily, to the BARONESS). Leave us alone! (The BARONESS
+        goes out.) Before going to the palace I wanted to come here&mdash;even
+        at the risk of meeting the King.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. He has not come yet. (A long pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Have you thought well over what you are going to do?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I think so.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. I don't think you have. Have you read what the papers say
+        about it&mdash;every one of them&mdash;to-day?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. No. The King has advised me not to.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. But the letters that have been sent to you? I know letters
+        have been written to you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. The King has advised me not to read them either. He takes all the
+        letters.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Do you know that they are rioting in the streets close to
+        here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (in alarm). No!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. You will be received with hisses, hooting&mdash;perhaps with
+        stone throwing. You didn't expect anything like that, did you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. No.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. What shall you do?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (after a moment, quietly). I shall go with the King.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. A nice road you are dragging him along, truly! And I assure
+        you that the farther you go along it, the worse it will become. You
+        cannot possibly have prepared yourself for all that you will have to go
+        through.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I think I have.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess (in surprise). What do you mean? How?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (bending her head). I have prayed to God.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Pshaw! I mean that you cannot have considered the misery into
+        which you are dragging the King&mdash;and the disgrace and trouble you
+        are bringing upon all his people. (CLARA is silent.) You are young
+        still; your heart cannot be altogether hardened yet, whatever your past
+        may have been.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (proudly). I have no reason to be ashamed of my past.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Indeed? What sort of a past has it been, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. One full of suffering, princess&mdash;and of work. (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Do you know what the King's past has been?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (drooping her head). Ah, yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Yours will be tarred with the same brush&mdash;no matter what
+        it really has been.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I know that. He has told me so.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Really!&mdash;After all, is it a sacrifice you are making for
+        his sake? Do you love the King?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (faintly). Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Then listen to me. If you loved the King, you would have made
+        a <i>real</i> sacrifice for him. We are women, you and I; we can
+        understand these things without many words. But such a sacrifice does
+        not consist in consenting to be his queen.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. It is not I that wished it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. You have allowed yourself to be persuaded?&mdash;Well, you are
+        either deceiving yourself, my girl, or you are deceiving him. Perhaps
+        you began with the one and are ending with the other. Anyway, it is time
+        you had your eyes opened as to which of you it is that is making the
+        sacrifice. Do you not know that, on your account, he is already the
+        target for general contempt? (CLARA bursts into tears.) If that makes
+        you repent, show it&mdash;show it by your deeds!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I repent of nothing.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess (in astonishment). What state of mind are you in, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I have suffered terribly. But I pray God for strength to bear it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Don't talk nonsense! The whole thing is a horrible confusion
+        of ideas&mdash;half remorse and half cant&mdash;the one so mixed up with
+        the other in your mind that you cannot disentangle them. But, believe
+        me, others feel very sure that sacred things and&mdash;and what I won't
+        call bluntly by its name, go very ill together! So don't waste those
+        airs on me; they only irritate me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Princess, don't be cruel to me. I <i>am</i> suffering, all the
+        same.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Why on earth do you want to go any farther with the affair? If
+        you aren't clear about it, take advice! Your father is opposed to it,
+        isn't he?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Yes. (Throws herself into a chair.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. He has hidden himself away from you. You don't know where he
+        is, or how he is&mdash;though you know he is crippled and ill. And,
+        meanwhile, here you are in full dress, with a rose in your hair, waiting
+        to set out to a court at the palace! Are you willing to pass through
+        contemptuous rioting crowds, and over your sick father's body, to become
+        queen? What callous levity! What a presumptuous mixture of what you
+        think is love, duty, sacrifice, trial&mdash;with an unscrupulous
+        ambition&mdash;! The King? Are you depending on him? He is a poet. He
+        loves anything unusual or sensational. Resistance stimulates him; and
+        that is what drives him into believing that his love will be unending.
+        When you have been married a week, it will be all over. If he had not
+        met with resistance, it would have been all over before this. I know the
+        King better than you; for I know his faithlessness. It is like his love&mdash;unending!
+        It hurts you to hear that, does it? Well, it hurts one's eyes to look at
+        the sun. But I can tell you about these things. The only reason I had
+        for coming was to tell you what I know. And now that I have seen you, I
+        can tell you that I know one thing more&mdash;and I will tell you what
+        it is. If you actually allow the King, with his ardent temperament, to
+        stray into a path which will lead to the ruin of his career, your action
+        will, in the fullness of time, recoil so appallingly upon your own head
+        that it will kill you. I know you are one of those that faithlessness,
+        remorse and contempt <i>would</i> kill.&mdash;Don't look so beseechingly
+        at me; I cannot retract a word of what I have said. But I can tell you
+        now what I had decided upon before I came. <i>I</i> will look after your
+        future. I am not rich; but, as sure as I stand here before you, you
+        shall live free from care&mdash;you shall have everything that you need&mdash;for
+        the rest of your life. I want no thanks! I do it for the sake of the
+        King, and for the sake of the country to which I belong. It is my duty.
+        Only get up now and come with me to my carriage. (Offers CLARA her
+        hand.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. If it were as easy as that, I should have done it long, long ago.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess (turns away. Then comes back). Get up. (Pulls her on to her
+        feet.) Do you love the King?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Do I love him? I am a motherless child, and have lived alone with
+        a father who has been constantly persecuted on account of his
+        principles; I shared his ideals from a very early age, and I have never
+        abandoned them since. Then one day I was given the chance of making
+        these ideals real. "What <i>I</i> long to do, <i>you</i> shall
+        accomplish!" he said. There is something great about that, Princess&mdash;something
+        all-powerful&mdash;a call from God Himself. Of that I am certain.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. It is merely a rhapsody of the King's&mdash;nothing else!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Then I will make it real and live it! I have given my whole soul
+        to it, and have strengthened his to the same end. It has been my ideal
+        all my life.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. And you believe that it will last?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Then let me beg you to believe this, too&mdash;it will last
+        until he has attained his end.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. If you mean our marriage, let me tell you that <i>that</i> is not
+        our end.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess (in surprise). What is, then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Our end is to accomplish something together. That task shall be
+        consecrated and ennobled by our love. Yes, you may look at me! Those
+        were his own words.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. That answer!&mdash;That thought!&mdash;But what certainty have
+        you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Of what?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. That you did not put the thought into his mind?&mdash;and that
+        the fire in his soul may not flicker out?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. If I needed any assurance, I should find it in the fact that he
+        changed his whole life for my sake; he waited for me for more than a
+        year. Has he ever done that for any one before? I am sure he has never
+        needed to! (The PRINCESS winces.) It is those who have seduced that
+        "ardent" temperament of his&mdash;you called it that yourself&mdash;that
+        are to blame, and not I, Princess! (A pause.) I checked him to the best
+        of my power when he came to me as he was wont to go to others. (A
+        pause.) Indeed it is no sacrifice to become his wife. When one loves,
+        there is no question of sacrifice. But the position in which I now stand
+        exposes me to more suspicion than the humblest of his subjects, to more
+        scorn than if I were his mistress. Think how you have spoken to me
+        to-day yourself, Princess! (A pause.) It is no sacrifice to endure such
+        things for the man one loves. It was not I that used the word
+        "sacrifice," either; and as for the sacrifice you implied that I ought
+        to have made, I don't wish to understand what you meant by that, even
+        though I am a woman as well as you! But if you knew, Princess, how hard
+        a fight I have been through before I found the strength to cast in my
+        lot with his, against my father's wish and against you all&mdash;you
+        would not have spoken to me about making a sacrifice. At all events you
+        would not have spoken to me as you have done to-day; because you are not
+        cruel, and I know that at bottom you mean me well. (A longer pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. This is more serious than I knew.&mdash;Poor child, your
+        disappointment will be all the more serious.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Not with him!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess (half to herself). Is it possible he can be so changed? Was
+        that what was needed to secure a hold on him&mdash;? (To CLARA.) Is he
+        coming here to fetch you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. What does he want to hold this court for? What is the good of
+        throwing down this challenge to all the dignitaries of his kingdom?&mdash;especially
+        if, after all, he means to live the life of an ordinary citizen?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. He wished it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. An exciting episode in his rhapsody! Why did you not dissuade
+        him?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Because I agree with him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Perhaps you don't fully realise what it means?&mdash;what
+        humiliation the King will have to undergo?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I only know that it seems to me that these things should be done
+        openly, and that he has plenty of courage.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. That is mere bravado. Are you going in that dress?&mdash;to
+        court in that dress? (CLARA is silent.) I say it is mere bravado.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I have no better dress.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. What do you mean? Surely the King can&mdash;? Are you jesting?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (shyly). I do not allow the King to give me anything; not until&mdash;.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Doesn't he pay your expenses here, then? (Looks round the
+        room.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. No.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. It is the Baroness?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. She and I. We are both poor.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Ah, yes&mdash;she has lost her post now, hasn't she?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. On my account&mdash;yes. And you, Princess, who have known her&mdash;for
+        she was once your governess&mdash;can you really suppose that she would
+        have been faithful to me if she did not trust me and feel that this was
+        right? You treated her so contemptuously when you came in.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. I seem to have broken in upon the most incomprehensible
+        romance!&mdash;Then you love the King? (CLARA nods her head.) He knows
+        how to love, and make a woman happy! He is a dazzling creature!&mdash;We
+        shall see now whether you are to suffer for all the hearts he has
+        broken. You are not the first woman he has loved.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Princess!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Yes, let that sink into your mind! Your happiness is
+        embroidered with tears!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. It is cruel of you to reproach me with it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Forgive me! I really did not mean that.&mdash;But there is
+        still time to put on a more suitable dress. If you dare accept no gifts
+        from the King&mdash;you might from some one else? A King's bride is a
+        King's bride after all, you know!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. He told me I should not need anything more than this.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Not in his eyes, I dare say. But we women know a little
+        better!&mdash;If it were only a necklace? Will you accept this one?
+        (Begins to unfasten hers.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I knew you were kind.&mdash;But I daren't.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Why not?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Because&mdash;because people would think that&mdash;. (Bursts
+        into tears. A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. Listen, my child. The whole thing is sheer lunacy; but&mdash;as
+        it cannot be altered&mdash;as soon as the court assembles I shall take
+        my place at your side and not leave you till it is all over. Tell the
+        King that! Good-bye!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (going towards her). Princess!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess (kisses her, and whispers). Haven't you allowed him to kiss
+        you, either?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (in a whisper). Yes, I have.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess (kissing her once snore). Love him! (The sound of carriage
+        wheels is heard. The BARONESS comes in.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. I hear the King's carriage.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Princess. I don't wish to meet him. (Stretches out her hand to the
+        BARONESS.) Baroness! (Points to the door through which the BARONESS has
+        come in.) Can I get out that way?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. Yes. (She takes the PRINCESS out. A moment later the MAID
+        ushers in the KING, who is dressed in plain clothes and wearing no
+        decorations.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Clara!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. My friend! (They embrace.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. What does it mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. What?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. The Princess' carriage here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. She told me to greet you. She has just gone, and&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. And&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. She said as soon as the court assembled she would take her place
+        beside me and stay there till we left the palace.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Is it possible?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. It is <i>true</i>.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. You have conquered her! I know she could be conquered&mdash;she
+        has a heart, as well as a head! It is a good omen!&mdash;So she offered
+        to do <i>that</i>! What will our precious nobility have to say to that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. They are about the streets, aren't they?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Ah, then you know?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I know, too, that there has been rioting outside the club.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. You know that too?&mdash;and are not afraid?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Perhaps I might have been&mdash;but there is something else that
+        I am more afraid of. (Draws closer to the KING.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. What is that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. You know. (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Have you been uneasy about him to-day too?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. All day&mdash;incessantly. Something must have happened.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Well, now I can tell you where he is.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (eagerly). At last! Have you found him?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Gran has been to see him.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Thank God! Is it far from here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. This evening, immediately after the court, you and I will both
+        start for there in a special train. We shall be there early to-morrow.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (throwing her arms round his neck). Thanks, thanks! How good you
+        are! Thanks! How is he? Is he ill!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I knew it? And implacable?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I feel it! (Nestles closer in his arms.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Are you afraid?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Yes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Dear, when you see him perhaps your fear will go.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Yes, only let me see him! Whatever he says, let me see him!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Within twelve hours from now you shall! And I shall be with
+        you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. The finest thing about you is your kindness. Oh, I am so glad you
+        have come! I could not endure my fears any longer.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. There are dissensions going on about you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Oh!&mdash;(Nestles in his arms again.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Bear up!&mdash;It will soon be over.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. I believe it will. Yes, I know it will.&mdash;Let me walk about a
+        little! (The KING walks up and down with her.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. And turn our thoughts to something else! Do you know where I
+        have come from?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Where?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. From our little house in the park.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Why, we drove past it yesterday!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. You will feel only <i>one</i> person's presence there!
+        Wherever you go, you will be surrounded by the thoughts I have had of
+        you there. If you look out of the window, or go out on to the balcony&mdash;on
+        every rock, by each turn of the stream&mdash;on the lawns, under the
+        trees, among the bushes&mdash;everywhere you will find a thousand
+        thoughts of you hidden. Breathe the words "my darling girl," and they
+        will all come clustering round you!&mdash;Let us sit down.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. It is all like a fairy tale.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. And I am the latest fairy prince! (He sits down and draws her
+        on to his knee.) And you are the little maid who comes, led by good
+        fairies, to the enchanted castle to wake him. He has been kept asleep by
+        wicked spells for many, many years.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. For many, many years!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I am not really <i>I</i>, nor you <i>you</i>. The monarch was
+        bewitched long ago. He was turned into a wild beast who gave reign to
+        his passion by night and slept by day. And now the maiden of humble
+        degree has become a woman and freed him from the spells.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. Really! Ah, you are so clever at inventing things to cheat my
+        fears away from me. And you always succeed. But after all, you know, I
+        have no strength and no courage; I am so weak.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. You have more strength than I!&mdash;more than any one I have
+        ever known.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. No, don't say that; but&mdash;you may be sure of this!&mdash;if I
+        did not feel that I had <i>some</i> strength I would never try to throw
+        in my lot with yours.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I will explain to you what you are! Some people are
+        tremendously more spiritual, more delicately constituted than others;
+        and they are a hundred times more sensitive. And they fancy that is
+        weakness. But it is just they who draw their strength from <i>deeper</i>
+        sources, through a thousand imperceptible channels. You will often find
+        them with heads erect and valiant when others have gone under; they
+        merely bend before the storm, with supple strength, when others break
+        under it. You are like that!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. You are very ingenious when you start explaining me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Well, listen to this! At the time when I was behaving so badly
+        to you, your terror, every time I approached you, was so piteous that it
+        was always before my eyes and rang in my ears like a cry of agony from a
+        wounded heart. It is true! It filled me with terror, too. Do you call
+        that weakness, to feel things so intensely that another person is
+        influenced by your feelings against his will?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. No.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. And then, when I found you again&mdash;the way you listened to
+        me&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (stopping him with a kiss). Don't let us talk about it now!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. What shall we talk about, then? It is a little too early to
+        start yet.&mdash;Ah, I have it! We will talk about the impression you
+        will make this evening when you come forward through the brightly lit
+        rooms, radiant against the background of ugly calumny! That was prettily
+        put, wasn't it? "Is <i>that</i> she?" they will think. And then
+        something will come into their eyes that will cheat them into thinking
+        that pearls and gold are strewn over your hair, over your dress, over
+        your&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (putting her hand over his mouth). No, no, no! Now I am going to
+        tell you a little story!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Tell away!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. When I was a child, I saw a balloon being filled one day, and
+        there was a horrible smell from the gas. Afterwards, when I saw the
+        gleaming balloon rising in the air, I thought to myself: "Ah, that
+        horrid smell was something burning; they had to burn it for the balloon
+        to be able to rise." And after that, every time I heard anything horrid
+        said about my father, I felt as if something was burning inside me, and
+        I thought of the balloon and imagined I could smell the smell. And then
+        all at once I imagined I saw it rising; the horrid part was burnt, and
+        it was able to mount aloft! I assure you that balloon was a good genius
+        to me. And now, years afterwards, when I have been a target for calumny
+        myself&mdash;and you for my sake&mdash;I have felt just the same thing.
+        Every word has burned; but I have got over it in a moment, and risen
+        high, high above it all! I never seem to breathe so pure an atmosphere
+        as a little while after something cruel has been said of me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I shall certainly set to work and abuse you at once, if it has
+        such delightful results! I will begin with a selection from to-day's
+        papers: "You Aspasia! You Messalina! You Pompadour! You Phylloxera, that
+        are eating into our whole moral vine-crop! You blue-eyed curse of the
+        country, that are causing panics in the money-market, overthrowing
+        ministries, and upsetting all calculations in the elections! You
+        mischievous hobgoblin, who are pouring gall into the printers' ink and
+        poison into the people's coffee, filling all the old ladies' heads with
+        buzzing flies, and the King's Majesty with a million lover's follies!"
+        Do you know that, besides all the harm you are doing to-day, you are
+        hastening a revolution by ten years? You are! And no one can be sure
+        whether you haven't been pursuing the same wicked courses for the last
+        hundred years or more! All our royal and noble ancestors are turning in
+        their graves because of you! And if our deceased queens have any noses
+        left&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara (interrupting him). The Baroness! (They get up. The BARONESS comes
+        in wearing a cloak over her court dress and carrying CLARA'S cloak over
+        her arm.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. I must take the liberty of disturbing you. Time is up!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. We have been killing it by talking nonsense.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. And that has put you in a good humour?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (taking his hat). In the best of humours! Here, my darling
+        (fastens CLARA'S cloak about her shoulders), here is the last scandalous
+        bit of concealment for you! When we take it off again, you shall stand
+        radiant in the light of your own truth. Come! (Gives her his arm, and
+        they go trippingly up to the back of the room. Suddenly the phantom of
+        an emaciated figure leaning on crutches appears in their path, staring
+        at them. His hair and beard are in wild disorder, and blood is pouring
+        from his mouth. CLARA gives a terrified scream.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. In Heaven's name, what is it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Clara. My father!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Where? (To the BARONESS.) Go and see! (The BARONESS opens the
+        doors at the back and looks out).
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. I can see no one.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Look down the corridor!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Baroness. No&mdash;no one there, either! (CLARA has sunk lifelessly into
+        the KING'S arms. After one or two spasmodic twitchings of her hands, her
+        arms slip away from him and her head falls back.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Help, help!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Baroness (rushing to him with a shriek). Clara!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Curtain.
+      </p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+      <div style="height: 4em;">
+        <br /><br /><br /><br />
+      </div>
+      <h2>
+        ACT IV
+      </h2>
+      <p>
+        (SCENE.&mdash;A room in GRAN's house; the same as in Act I, Scene II.
+        GRAN is standing at his desk on the right. FLINK comes in carrying a
+        pistol-case, which he puts down upon the table.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. You?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. As you see. (Walks up and down for a little without speaking.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. I haven't seen you since the day the King was here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. No.&mdash;Have you taken your holidays?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Yes; but, anyway, I am likely to have perpetual holidays now! The
+        elections are going against us.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (walking about). So I hear. The clerical party and the
+        reactionaries are winning.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. That would not have been so, but for her unhappy death&mdash;.
+        (Breaks off, and sighs.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. A judgment from heaven&mdash;that is what the parsons say, and
+        the women, and the reactionaries&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran.&mdash;and the landlords. And they really believe it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (stopping). Well, don't you believe it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran (after a pause). At all events I interpret it differently from&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink.&mdash;from the parson? Naturally. But can any one doubt the fact
+        that it was the finger of fate?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Then fate assumed her father's shape?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Whether her father appeared to her at the moment of his death or
+        not (shrugs his shoulders) is a matter in which I am not interested. I
+        don't believe in such things. But that she was suffering pangs of
+        conscience, I do believe. I believe it may have brought painful visions
+        before her eyes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. I knew her pretty well, and I will answer for it she had no guilty
+        conscience. She was approaching her task with enthusiasm. Any one that
+        knew her will tell you the same. With her the King was first and
+        foremost.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. What did she die of, then? Of enthusiasm?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Of being overwrought by the force of her emotions. Her task was
+        too great for her. The time was not ripe for it. (Sadly.) Our experiment
+        was bound to fail.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. You condemn it when you say that!&mdash;But with her last breath
+        she called out: "My father!" And, just at that moment, he died, fifty
+        miles away from her. Either she <i>saw</i> him, or she <i>imagined</i>
+        she saw him, standing before her. But his bloodstained, maltreated,
+        crippled form standing in the way of her criminal advance towards the
+        throne&mdash;is that not a symbol of maltreated humanity revolting
+        against monarchy at the very moment when monarchy wishes to atone! Its
+        guilt through thousands of years is too black. Fate is inflexible.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. But with what result? Are we rid of monarchy yet?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. We are rid of that treacherous attempt to reconcile it with
+        modern conditions. Thank God it emerges, hand in glove with the parsons
+        and reactionaries, none the worse for its temporary eclipse.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. So everything is all right, I suppose?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. For the moment&mdash;yes. But there used to exist here a strong
+        republican party, which enjoyed universal respect, and was making
+        extraordinary progress. Where is it now?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. I knew that was why you came.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. I have come to call you to account.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. If I had been in your place I would not have acted so, towards a
+        defeated and wounded friend.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. The republican party has often been defeated&mdash;but never
+        despised till now. Who is to blame for that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. None of us ever think we deserve contempt.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. A traitor always deserves it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. It is but a step from the present state of things to a republic;
+        and we shall have to take that step in the end.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. But at least we can do so without treachery.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. I honestly believe that what we did was right. It may have
+        miscarried the first time, and may miscarry a second and a third; but it
+        is the only possible solution.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. You pronounced your doom in those words.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran (more attentively). What do you mean by that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. We must make sure that such an attempt will not be made again.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. So that is it.&mdash;I begin to understand you now.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. The republican party is broken up. For a generation it will be
+        annihilated by contempt. But a community without a republican party must
+        be one without ideals and without any aspirations towards truth in its
+        political life&mdash;and in other respects as well! That is what you are
+        responsible for.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. You pay me too great a compliment.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. By no means! Your reputation, your personal qualities and
+        associations are what have seduced them.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Listen to me for a moment! You used to overrate me in the hopes
+        you had of me. You are overrating me now in your censure. You are
+        overrating the effects of our failure&mdash;you never seem to be able to
+        do anything but overshoot your mark. For that reason you are a danger to
+        your friends. You lure them on. When things go well you lure them on to
+        excess of activity; when things go ill, you turn their despondency into
+        despair. Your inordinate enthusiasm obscures your wits. <i>You</i> are
+        not called upon to sit in judgment upon any one; because you draw the
+        pure truths that lie hidden in your soul into such a frenzied vortex of
+        strife that you lose sight of them; and then they have so little of
+        truth left in them that in your hands they can be answerable for crimes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Oh, spare me your dialectics!&mdash;because any skill you have in
+        them, <i>I</i> taught you! You cannot excuse your own sins by running
+        over the list of mine; that is the only answer I have to make to you! I
+        don't stand before you as the embodiment of truth; I am no braggart. No;
+        but simply as one who has loved you deeply and now is as deeply offended
+        by you, I ask this question of your conscience: What have you done with
+        the love we had for one another? Where is the sacred cause we both used
+        to uphold? Where is our honour&mdash;our friends&mdash;our future?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. I feel respect for your sorrow. Can you not feel any for mine? Or
+        do you suppose that I am not suffering?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. You cannot act as you have done without bringing unhappiness upon
+        yourself. But there are others to be considered besides you, and we have
+        the right to call you to account. Answer me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. And is it really you&mdash;you, my old friend&mdash;that propose
+        to do that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. God knows I would sooner some one else did it! But none can do it
+        so fitly as I&mdash;because no one else has loved you as I have. I
+        expected too much of you, you say? The only thing I wanted of you was
+        that you should be faithful! I had so often been disappointed; but in
+        you and your quiet strength I thought I had splendid security that, as
+        long as you lived, our cause would bear itself proudly and confidently.
+        It was your prestige that brought it into being; your wealth that
+        supported it. It did not cry aloud for the blood of martyrs!&mdash;You
+        were the happiness of my life; my soul renewed its strength from yours.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Old friend&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. I was old, and you were young! Your nature was a harmonious whole&mdash;it
+        was what I needed to lean upon.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Flink, my dear old friend&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. And now, here you stand&mdash;a broken man, and our whole cause
+        broken with you; all our lives broken&mdash;at least mine is&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Don't say that!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. You have destroyed my faith in mankind&mdash;and in myself, for I
+        see what a mistake I made; but it will be the last I shall make! I took
+        you to my heart of hearts&mdash;and now, the only thing I can do is to
+        call you to account!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. What do you want me to do? Tell me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. We must stand face to face&mdash;armed! You must die! (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran (without seeming greatly surprised). Of the two of us, it will go
+        hardest with you, old friend.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. You think your aim will be the surer of the two? (Goes towards
+        the table.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. I was not thinking of that&mdash;but of what your life would be
+        afterwards. I know you.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (opening the pistol-case). You need not be anxious! My life
+        afterwards will not be a long one. What you have done has robbed me of
+        anything to live for in this generation, and I don't aspire to live till
+        the next. So it is all over and done with! (Takes up the pistols.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Do you mean <i>here</i>&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Why not? We are alone here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. The King is asleep in the next room. (Points to the door near his
+        desk.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. The King here?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. He came here to-night.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Well, it will wake him up; he will have to wake up some time, any
+        way.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. It would be horrible! No!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Indeed? It is for his sake you have betrayed me. You did that as
+        soon as ever you met him again. He has bewitched you. Let him hear and
+        see what he has done! (Holds out the pistols.) Here!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Wait. What you have just said brings a doubt into my mind. Is not
+        revenge, after all, the motive for what you are doing?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Revenge?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Yes. Don't misunderstand me; I am not trying to shuffle out of it.
+        If I were free to choose, I would choose death rather than anything
+        else. The King knows that, too. But I ask because there ought to be some
+        serious reason for anything that may happen. I am not going to stand up
+        and face a sentiment of revenge that is so ill-grounded.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (laying the pistols down). I hate the man who has led you astray&mdash;that
+        is true. When I was giving you the reasons why I took upon myself the
+        task of calling you to account, perhaps I forgot that. I hate him. But
+        the instrument that carries out a sentence is one thing; the sentence
+        itself is quite another. You arc sentenced to death because you have
+        betrayed our cause&mdash;and because you say that you were right to do
+        so. The world shall learn what that costs. It costs a man's life.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. So be it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. The pistols are loaded. I loaded them myself. I imagine that you
+        still have trust in my honour?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran (with a smile). Indeed I have.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. One of them has a blank cartridge in it; the other is fully
+        loaded. Choose!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. But what do you mean? Suppose I were to&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Don't be afraid! Heaven will decide! <i>You</i> will not choose
+        the fully loaded one!&mdash;We shall stand face to face.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. You are settling everything&mdash;the sentence, the challenge, the
+        choice of weapons, the regulations for the duel&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Are you dissatisfied with that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. By no means! You are quite welcome! We are to have no seconds? So
+        be it. But the place?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. The place? Here!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Horrible!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Why? (Holds out the two pistols to him. The door to the left is
+        opened softly. ANNA looks in, sees what is going on, and rushes with a
+        pitiful attempt at a scream to GRAN, putting her arms round him
+        protectingly, and caressing him with every sign of the utmost terror.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran (bending down and kissing her). She is right! Why should I die for
+        the sake of dull theories, when I can hold life in my arms as I do now?
+        A man who is loved has something left, after all. I won't die!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. If you were not loved, my friend, you might be allowed to live. A
+        cry of sorrow will be heard throughout the land, from the King's palace
+        to the meanest hovel, when you have been shot. And that is just why I
+        must do it! The louder the cry of sorrow, the greater will be the
+        silence afterwards. And in that silence is to be found the answer to the
+        question "Why?" The people will not allow themselves to be cheated any
+        longer.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Horrible! I won't do it! (Lifts ANNA in his arms as if she were a
+        child.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (going up to him). It is no mere theory that you are facing. Look
+        at me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. Old friend&mdash;<i>must</i> it be?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. It <i>must</i>. I have nothing else left to do.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran. But not here.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink. Since it cannot be here, then come out into the park. (Puts the
+        pistols into their case.) You owe me that.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Gran (to ANNA). You must go, my dear!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Flink (putting the pistol-case under his arm). No, let her stay here.
+        But you come! (They all three move towards the door. ANNA will not let
+        GRAN go, and there is a struggle until he, half commanding and half
+        entreating, persuades her to stay behind. The two men go out, shutting
+        the door after them. She throws herself against the door, but it has
+        been locked on the outside. She sinks down to the floor in despair, then
+        gets up, as if struck by a sudden idea, rushes into the room on the
+        right, and almost immediately re-appears, dragging the KING after her.
+        He is only half-dressed and has no shoes on.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. What is it? (A shot is heard.) What is it? (ANNA pulls him to
+        the door. He tries to open it, but in vain. She rushes to the window,
+        with the KING after her. Meanwhile the door is opened from outside, and
+        FALBE comes in, evidently overcome with emotion.) What is it, Falbe?
+        (ANNA runs out.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Falbe. His Excellency the Minister of the Interior&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Well, what of him?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Falbe.&mdash;has been assassinated!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. The Minister of the Interior?&mdash;Gran?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Falbe. Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Gran?&mdash;What did you say?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Falbe. He has been assassinated!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Gran? Impossible!&mdash;Where? Why? I heard his voice only
+        just now, here!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Falbe. That fellow shot him&mdash;the grey-haired fellow&mdash;the
+        republican
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Flink? Yes, I heard his voice here too!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Falbe. It was in the park! I saw it myself!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Saw it yourself? Wretch! (Rushes out.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Falbe. How could I prevent a madman&mdash;? (Follows the KING. The door
+        stands open, and through it a man is seen running past, calling out:
+        "Where?" Others follow him, and amidst the sound of hurrying feet, cries
+        are heard of "Good God!"&mdash;"In the park, did you say?"&mdash;"A
+        doctor! Fetch a doctor!"&mdash;"Who did it?"&mdash;"That fellow running
+        towards the river!"&mdash;"After him! After him!"&mdash;"Fetch a barrow
+        from the works!"&mdash;After a while the KING returns alone, looking
+        distracted. He stands motionless and silent for some time.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. What a happy smile there was on his face! Just as she smiled!&mdash;Yes,
+        it must be happiness! (Hides his face in his hands.) And he died for me
+        too! My two only&mdash;. (Breaks down.) So that is the price they have
+        to pay for loving me!&mdash;And at once! At once!&mdash;Of course! Of
+        course! (The sound of the crowd returning is heard, and cries of: "This
+        way!"&mdash;"Into the blue room!" Women and children come streaming in,
+        all in tears, surrounding ANNA and the men that are carrying GRAN'S
+        body, and follow them into the room on the left. Cries are heard of:
+        "Why should he die?"&mdash;"He was so good!"&mdash;"What had he done to
+        deserve it!"&mdash;"He was the best man in the world!")
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. "He was the best man in the world!" Yes. And he died for my
+        sake! That means something good of me!&mdash;the best possible! Are they
+        two together now, I wonder? Oh, let me have a sign!&mdash;or is that too
+        much to ask? (The crowd come out again, sobbing and weeping, and cries
+        are heard of: "He looks so beautiful and peaceful!"&mdash;"I can't bring
+        myself to believe it!" When they see the KING, they hush their voices,
+        and all go out as quietly as they can. When they have gone out, the
+        MAYOR's voice is heard asking: "Is he in here?" and an answer: "No, in
+        the blue room, over there." Then the GENERAL'S voice: "And the murderer
+        escaped?"&mdash;An answer: "They are looking for him in the river!"&mdash;The
+        GENERAL'S voice: "In the river? Did he jump into the river?"&mdash;The
+        PRIEST's voice: "Shocking!" A few moments later the GENERAL with BANG,
+        the MAYOR, and the PRIEST come in from the other room. They stop on
+        seeing the KING, who is standing at the desk with his back to them, and
+        whisper.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Isn't that the King?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Others. The King?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. Is the King back? He must have come in the night!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. Let me see!&mdash;I know him personally.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General (holding him back). Of course it is the King.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. Really?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. I recognise him by his agitation! It is he.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Hush! Let us go quietly out again! (They begin to move
+        off.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. He is grieved. Naturally.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. First of all her death; and then this&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. It is the judgment of heaven!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (turning round). Who is that? What? (Comes forward.) Who said
+        that? (They all stop, take off their hats and bow.) Come back! (They
+        come back hastily.) Who said: "It is the judgment of heaven"?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Your Majesty must forgive us&mdash;we were just taking a
+        little stroll; I am here to spend Christmas with my friend Mr. Bang, who
+        has a factory here&mdash;a branch of his works&mdash;and we happened to
+        meet the Mayor and the Priest, and we joined company&mdash;and were
+        strolling along when we heard a shot. A shot. We did not think anything
+        more about it till we came nearer here and saw people running, and heard
+        a great outcry and disturbance. Great disturbance&mdash;yes. We stopped,
+        of course, and came to see what it was. Came to see what it was, of
+        course. And they told us that the Minister of the Interior&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. What is all that to me! (The GENERAL bows.) Who said: "It is
+        the judgment of heaven"? (No one speaks.) Come, answer me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. It was the Priest&mdash;I fancy.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (to the PRIEST). Haven't you the courage to tell me so
+        yourself?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Probably our reverend friend is unaccustomed to find
+        himself in the presence of royalty.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. It is the first time that&mdash;that I have had the honour
+        of speaking to your Majesty&mdash;I did not feel self-possessed enough,
+        for the moment, to&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. But you were self-possessed enough when you said it! What did
+        you mean by saying it was "the judgment of heaven"?&mdash;I am asking
+        you what you meant by it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. I really don't quite know&mdash;it slipped out&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. That is a lie! Some one said: "First of all her death, and
+        then this." And you said: "It is the judgment of heaven."
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. That is quite right, your Majesty.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. First of all <i>her</i> death? That meant the death of my
+        betrothed, didn't it?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang and The Priest. Yes, your Majesty.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. "And then <i>this</i>" meant my friend&mdash;my dear friend!
+        (With emotion.) Why did heaven condemn these two to death? (A pause.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. It is most regrettable that we should, quite involuntarily,
+        have disturbed your Majesty at a moment when your Majesty's feelings
+        are, naturally, so overcome&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (interrupting him). I asked you why heaven condemned these two
+        to death. (To the VICAR.) You are a clergyman; cudgel your brains!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. Well, your Majesty, I was thinking that&mdash;I meant that&mdash;that
+        heaven had in a miraculous way checked your Majesty&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. "Ventured to check" would be more suitable, I think.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest.&mdash;from continuing in a course which many people thought
+        so unfortunate&mdash;I mean, so fatal to the nation, and the church; had
+        checked your Majesty&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General (in an undertone). Ventured to check.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest.&mdash;by taking away from your Majesty the two persons who&mdash;the
+        two persons who&mdash;in the first place the one who&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. The one who&mdash;?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. Who was&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Who was&mdash;? A harlot that wanted to sit on the throne?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. Those are your Majesty's word, not mine. (Wipes his
+        forehead.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Confess that they express what you meant!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. I confess that I have heard&mdash;that people say&mdash;that&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Pray to heaven that for a single day your thoughts may be as
+        pure as hers were every day. (Bursts into tears. Then says impetuously.)
+        How long have you been a clergyman?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. Fifteen years, your Majesty.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Then you were already ordained at the time when I was leading
+        a dissolute life. Why did you never say anything to me then?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. My most gracious King&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. God is the only "most gracious King"! Do not speak blasphemy!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. It was not my duty to&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Our friend is not a court chaplain. He has merely a parish
+        in the town here&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. And his work lies chiefly among the factory hands.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. And so it is not your duty to speak the truth to me&mdash;but
+        to attack my dear dead friends by prating about heaven's judgment and
+        repeating vile lies? Is that your duty?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. I only had the honour to know one of the&mdash;the deceased.
+        Your Majesty honoured him with your friendship; the greatest honour a
+        subject can enjoy. I should like to say that one would rarely find a
+        nobler heart, a loftier mind, or more modest fidelity, than his.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. I should like, if I may make so bold, to make use of the
+        opportunity chance has afforded me of associating myself with my
+        sovereign's sorrow, a sorrow for which his whole people must feel the
+        deepest respect, but especially those who, in consequence of their high
+        position, are more particularly called upon to be the pillars of the
+        monarchy; to use this opportunity, I say&mdash;and to do so, I know, as
+        the representative of many thousands of your Majesty's subjects&mdash;to
+        voice the sympathy, the unfeigned grief, that will be poured forth at
+        the news of this new loss which has wrung your Majesty's heart&mdash;a
+        loss which will reawaken consternation in the country and make it more
+        than ever necessary to take the severest possible measures against a
+        party to which nothing is sacred, neither the King's person nor the
+        highest dignities of office nor the inviolability of the home&mdash;a
+        party whose very existence depends on sedition and ought no longer to be
+        tolerated, but ought, as the enemy of the throne and of society, to be
+        visited with all the terrors of the law, until&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. What about compassion, my friend?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Compassion?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Not for the republicans&mdash;but for me!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. It is just the compassion which the whole nation will feel
+        for your Majesty that compels me, in spite of everything, to invoke the
+        intervention of justice at this particular crisis! Terror&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King.&mdash;must be our weapon?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Yes! Can any one imagine a more priceless proof of the care
+        that a people have for their King, than for the gravely anxious tones of
+        their voice to be heard, at this solemn moment, crying: Down with the
+        enemies of the throne!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (turning away). No, <i>I</i> haven't thews and sinews for that
+        lie!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. I must say I altogether agree with the General. The feeling
+        of affection, gratitude, esteem&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General.&mdash;the legacy of devotion that your Majesty's ancestors
+        of blessed memory&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (to the Priest). You, sir&mdash;what does my ancestors being
+        "of blessed memory" mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest (after a moment's thought). It is a respectful manner of
+        alluding to them, your Majesty.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. A respectful lie, you mean. (A pause. ANNA comes out of the
+        room on the left and throws herself at the KING'S feet, embracing his
+        knees in despairing sorrow.) Ah, here comes a breath of truth!&mdash;And
+        you come to me, my child, because you know that we two can mourn
+        together. But I do not weep, as you do; because I know that for a long
+        time he had been secretly praying for death. He has got his wish now. So
+        you must not weep so bitterly. You must wish what he wished, you know.
+        Ah, what grief there is in her eyes! (Sobs.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        (The GENERAL signs to the others that they should all withdraw quietly,
+        without turning round. They gradually do so; but the KING looks up and
+        perceives what they are doing.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Out of respect for your Majesty's grief, we were going to&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Silence! With my hand on the head of this poor creature, who
+        used to trust so unassumingly and devotedly to his goodness of heart, I
+        wish to say something in memory of my friend. (ANNA clings to him,
+        weeping. The others come respectfully nearer, and wait.) Gran was the
+        richest man in the country. Why was it that he had no fear of the
+        people? Why was it that he believed that its salvation lay in the
+        overthrow of the present state of affairs?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. Mr. Gran, with all his great qualities, was a visionary.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. He had not inherited all of his vast fortune; he had amassed a
+        great part of it himself.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. As a man of business, Mr. Gran was beyond all praise.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. And yet a visionary? The two things are absolutely
+        contradictory.&mdash;You once called me "the padlock on your cash-box."
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. I allowed myself, with all respect, to make that jest&mdash;which,
+        nevertheless, was nothing but the serious truth!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Why did he, who has met his death, consider that the security
+        for <i>his</i> cash-box came from those <i>below</i> him, as long as he
+        did what was right, and not from those above him? Because he understood
+        the times. No question of selfishness stood in the way of his doing
+        that.&mdash;That is my funeral oration over him!&mdash;(To ANNA.) Get
+        up, my dear! Did you understand what I was saying? Do not weep so! (She
+        clings to him, sobbing.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. He was a very great man! When your Majesty speaks so, I
+        fully recognise it. But your Majesty may be certain that, though we may
+        not have been so fortunate as to see so far ahead and so clearly&mdash;though
+        our mental horizon may be narrow&mdash;we are none the less loyal to
+        your Majesty for that, nor less devoted! It is our duty as subjects to
+        say so, although your Majesty in your heaviness of heart seems to forget
+        it-seems to forget that we, too, look for everything from your Majesty's
+        favour, wisdom and justice. (Perspires freely.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. It is very strange! My dear friend never said anything like
+        that to me. (A pause.) He had the most prosperous business in the
+        country. When I came to him and asked him to abandon it, he did so at
+        once. And in the end he died for me. That is the sort of man he was. (To
+        ANNA.) Go in to him, my dear! You are the very picture of dumb loyalty.
+        Although I do not deserve to have such as you to watch by my side,
+        still, for the sake of him who is dead, I shall have you to do so when I
+        too&mdash;. (Breaks off.) Yes, yes, go in there now! I shall come. Do
+        you understand? I shall come. (ANNA moves towards the other room.)
+        There, that's it! (He repeats his words to her every time she looks back
+        as she goes.) Yes, directly!&mdash;That's it!&mdash;In a very little
+        while! Go now!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. Excuse me, your Majesty, but it is terribly hot in here, and the
+        affection of my heart which troubles me is attacking me painfully. Will
+        your Majesty be pleased to allow me to withdraw?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. With all respect, I should like to be allowed to make the
+        same request. Your Majesty is obviously very much upset, and I am sure
+        we are all unwilling that our presence&mdash;which, indeed, was
+        unintentional and unsought by us&mdash;should augment a distress of mind
+        which is so natural in one of your Majesty's noble disposition, and so
+        inevitable considering the deep sense of gratitude your Majesty must
+        feel towards a friend who&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (interrupting him). Hush, hush! Let us have a little respect
+        for the truth in the presence of the dead! Do not misunderstand me&mdash;I
+        do not mean to say that any of you would lie wilfully; but the
+        atmosphere that surrounds a king is infected. And, as regards that&mdash;just
+        a word or two. I have only a short time. But as a farewell message from
+        me&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. A farewell message?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King.&mdash;give my greeting to what is called Christianity in this
+        country. Greet it from me! I have been thinking a great deal about
+        Christian folk lately.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. I am glad to hear it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Your tone jars on me! Greet those who call themselves
+        Christians&mdash;. Oh! come, come&mdash;don't crane your necks and bend
+        your backs like that, as if the most precious words of wisdom were about
+        to drop from my lips! (To himself.) Is it any use my saying anything
+        serious to them? (Aloud.) I suppose you are Christians?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Why, of course! Faith is invaluable&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King.&mdash;in preserving discipline? (To the Mayor.) How about you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. I was taught by my parents, of blessed memory&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Oh, so they are "of blessed memory" too, are they? Well, what
+        did they teach you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. To fear God, honour the King&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King.&mdash;and love the brotherhood! You are a public official, Mr.
+        Mayor. That is what a Christian is, nowadays. (To BANG.) And you?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. Of late I have been able to go so little to church, because of my
+        cough. And in that unwholesome atmosphere&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King.&mdash;you go to sleep. But you are a Christian?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. Undoubtedly!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (to the Priest). And you are one, of course?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. By the grace of God I hope so!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (snapping his fingers). Yes, that is the regulation formula, my
+        good fellow! You all answer by the card! Very well, then&mdash;you are a
+        community of Christians; and it is not my fault if such a community
+        refuses to take any serious interest in what really affects
+        Christianity. Tell it from me that it ought to keep an eye on the
+        monarchy.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. Christianity has nothing to do with such things. It concerns
+        only the souls of men!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (aside). That voice. (Aloud.) I know&mdash;it does not concern
+        itself with the air a patient breathes, but only with his lungs!
+        Excellent!&mdash;All the same, Christianity ought to keep an eye on the
+        monarchy. Ought to tear the falsehood away from it! Ought not to go in
+        crowds to stare at a coronation in a church, like apes grinning at a
+        peacock! I know what I felt at that moment. I had rehearsed it all once
+        that morning already&mdash;ha, ha! Ask your Christianity if it may not
+        be about time for it to interest itself a little in the monarchy? It
+        seems to me that it scarcely ought any longer to allow monarchy, like a
+        seductive harlot, to keep militarism before the people's eyes as an
+        ideal&mdash;seeing that that is exactly contrary to the teachings of
+        Christianity, or to encourage class divisions, luxury, hypocrisy and
+        vanity. Monarchy has become so all-pervading a lie that it infects even
+        the most upright of men.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. But I don't understand, your Majesty!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Don't you? You are an upright man yourself, Mr. Mayor&mdash;a
+        most worthy man.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. I do not know whether your Majesty is pleased to jest again?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. In sober earnest, I say you are one of the most upright of
+        men.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. I cannot tell your Majesty how flattered I am to hear your
+        Majesty say so!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Have you any decorations?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. Your Majesty's government has not, so far, deigned to cast
+        their eyes on me.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. That fault will be repaired. Be sure of that!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General (to the Mayor). To have that from his Majesty's own mouth is
+        equivalent to seeing it gazetted. I am fortunate to be able to be the
+        first to congratulate you!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. Allow me to congratulate you also!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. And me too! I have had the honour of working hand in hand
+        with you, Mr. Mayor, for many years; I know how well deserved such a
+        distinction is.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. I feel quite overcome; but I must beg to be allowed to lay my
+        thanks at your Majesty's feet. I trust I shall not prove unworthy of the
+        distinction. One hesitates to make such confessions&mdash;but I am a
+        candid man, and I admit that one of the chief aims of my ambition has
+        been to be allowed some day to participate in&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (interrupting him).&mdash;in this falsehood. That just points
+        my moral. As long as even upright men's thoughts run in that mould,
+        Christianity cannot pretend to have any real hold on the nation. As for
+        your decoration, you are quite sure to get one from my successor.&mdash;In
+        a word, Christianity must tackle monarchy! And if it cannot tear the
+        falsehood from it without destroying it, then let it destroy it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Your Majesty!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (turning to him). The same thing applies to a standing army,
+        which is a creation of monarchy's. I do not believe that such an
+        institution&mdash;with all its temptations to power, all its inevitable
+        vices and habits&mdash;could be tolerated if Christianity were a living
+        thing. Away with it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. Really, your Majesty&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (turning to him). The same applies to an established church&mdash;another
+        of monarchy's creations! If we had in our country a Christianity worth
+        the name, that salvation trade would stink in men's nostrils. Away with
+        it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor (reproachfully). Oh, your Majesty!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (turning on him). The same applies to the artificial disparity
+        of circumstances that you prate about with tears in your eyes! I heard
+        you once. Class distinctions are fostered by monarchy.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. But equality is an impossibility!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. If <i>you</i> would only make it possible&mdash;which it can
+        be made&mdash;even the socialists would cease to clamour for anything
+        else. I tell you this: Christianity has destroyed ideals. Christianity
+        lives on dogmas and formulas, instead of on ideals.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. Its ideals lead us away from earth to heaven&mdash;
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Not in a balloon, even if it were stuffed full of all the
+        pages of the Bible! Christianity's ideals will lead to heaven only when
+        they are realised on earth&mdash;never before.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. May I venture to say that Christianity's ideal is a pious
+        life.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Yes. But does not Christianity aim at more than that, or is it
+        going to be content with making some few believers?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. It is written: "Few are chosen."
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Then it has given up the job in advance?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. I think our friend is right, that Christianity has never
+        occupied itself with such things as your Majesty demands of it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. But what I mean is, could it not bring itself to do so?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. If it did, it would lose sight of its <i>inner</i> aim. The
+        earliest communities are the model for a Christian people!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (turning away from him). Oh, have any model you like, so long
+        as it leads to something!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. I must say I am astonished at the penetration your Majesty
+        slows even into the deepest subjects.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. Yes, I have never heard anything like it! I have not had the
+        advantage of a university education, so I don't really understand it.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. And to think that I imagined that I should find my allies, my
+        followers, in Christian people! One is so reluctant to give up <i>all</i>
+        hope! I thought that a Christian nation would storm the strongholds of
+        lies in our modern, so-called Christian communities&mdash;storm them,
+        capture them!&mdash;and begin with monarchy, because that would need
+        most courage, and because its falsehood lies deepest and goes farthest.
+        I thought that Christianity would one day prove to be the salt of the
+        earth. No, do <i>not</i> greet Christianity from me. I have said
+        nothing, and do not mean it. I am what men call a betrayed man&mdash;betrayed
+        by all the most ideal powers of life. There! Now I have done!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. But what does your Majesty mean? Betrayed? By whom? Who are
+        the traitors? Really&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Pooh! Think it over!&mdash;As a matter of fact I am the only
+        one that has been foolish.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. Your Majesty, just now you were so full of vigour&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Don't let that astonish you, my friend! I am a mixture of
+        enthusiasm and world-weariness; the scion of a decrepit race is not
+        likely to be any better than that, you know! And as for being a reformer&mdash;!
+        Ha, ha! Well, I thank you all for having listened to me so patiently.
+        Whatever I said had no significance&mdash;except perhaps that, like the
+        oysters, I had to open my shell before I died.&mdash;Good-bye!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. I really cannot find it in my heart to leave your Majesty
+        when your Majesty is in so despondent a humour.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I am afraid you will have to try, my gallant friend!&mdash;Don't
+        look so dejected, Mr. Mayor!&mdash;Suppose some day serious-minded men
+        should feel just as humiliated at such falsehoods existing as you do now
+        because you have not been allowed to participate in them. I might
+        perhaps be able to endure being king then! But as things are now, I am
+        not strong enough for the job. I feel as if I had been shouldered out of
+        actual life on to this strip of carpet that I am standing on! That is
+        what my attempts at reform have ended in!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. May I be allowed to say that the impression made on my mind
+        by the somewhat painful scene we have just gone through is that your
+        Majesty is overwrought.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Mad, you mean?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. God forbid I should use such a word of my King!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Always punctilious!&mdash;Well, judging by the fact that every
+        one else considers themselves sane, I must undoubtedly be the mad one.
+        It is as simple as a sum in arithmetic.&mdash;And, in all conscience,
+        isn't it madness, when all is said and done, to take such trifles so
+        much to heart?&mdash;to bother about a few miserable superannuated forms
+        that are not of the slightest importance?&mdash;a few venerable,
+        harmless prejudices?&mdash;a few foolish social customs and other
+        trumpery affairs of that sort?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Quite so!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. Your Majesty is absolutely right!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. I quite agree!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. It is exactly what I have been thinking all the time.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. And probably we had better add to the list certain extravagant
+        ideas&mdash;perhaps even certain dangerous ideas, like mine about
+        Christianity?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest (hastily and impressively). Your Majesty is mistaken on the
+        subject of Christianity.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. Christianity is entirely a personal matter, your Majesty.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Your Majesty expects too much of it. Now, as a comfort for
+        the dying&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. And a powerful instrument of discipline.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General (smiling). Ah, your Majesty!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang (confidentially). Christianity is no longer such a serious matter
+        nowadays, except for certain persons&mdash;. (Glances at the PRIEST.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. All I have to say on the head of such unanimous approval is
+        this: that in such a shallow society, where there is no particular
+        distinction between lies and truth, because most things are mere forms
+        without any deeper meaning&mdash;where ideals are considered to be
+        extravagant, dangerous things&mdash;it is not so <i>very</i> amusing to
+        be alive.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Oh, your Majesty! Really, you&mdash;! Ha, ha, ha!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Don't you agree with me?&mdash;Ah, if only one could grapple
+        with it!&mdash;but we should need to be many to do that, and better
+        equipped than I am.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Better equipped than your Majesty? Your Majesty is the most
+        gifted man in the whole country!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        All. Yes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Yes&mdash;your Majesty must excuse me&mdash;I spoke
+        involuntarily!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. There was a tone running through all your Majesty said that
+        seemed to suggest that your Majesty was contemplating&mdash;. (Breaks
+        off.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King.&mdash;going away? Yes.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        All. Going away?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. And abdicating? For heaven's sake, your Majesty&mdash;!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. That would mean handing us over to the crown prince&mdash;the
+        pietist!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest (betraying his pleasure in spite of himself). And his mother!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. You are pleased at the idea, parson! It will be a sight to see
+        her and her son prancing along, with all of you in your best clothes
+        following them! Hurrah!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Ha, ha, ha! Ho, ho, ho!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. Ha-ha-ha! (Coughs.) I get such a cough when I laugh.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (seriously). I had no intention of provoking laughter in the
+        presence of death. I can hear the sounds of mourning through the open
+        door.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. With all due respect to the church&mdash;the vast majority of
+        the nation have no desire for things to come to <i>that</i>&mdash;to the
+        accession of a pietist to the throne. If your Majesty threatens to
+        abdicate you will have us all at your feet.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General (with decision). The accession of a new king just now would
+        be universally considered a national calamity. I will wager my life on
+        that!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. And I too!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. My excellent friends&mdash;you must take the consequences of
+        your actions!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor (despairingly). But <i>this</i>! Who ever imagined such a
+        thing?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General and Bang. No one&mdash;no one!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. So much the worse. What is it you are asking me to do? To stay
+        where I am, so as to keep another man down? Is that work for a man?
+        Shame!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor (in distress). We ask more than that! Your Majesty is making a
+        fatal mistake! The whole of your Majesty's dissatisfaction springs from
+        the fact that you believe yourself to be deserted by your people because
+        the elections are going contrary to what your Majesty had hoped. Nothing
+        is further from the truth! The people fight shy of revolutionary ideas;
+        but they love their King!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. They love their King!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. And that white dove, who came confidently to my hand&mdash;she
+        had some experience of what their love was!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. The King's associates may displease the people; ideas may
+        alter; but love for their King endures!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Others. Endures!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Cease! Cease!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General (warmly). Your Majesty may command us to do anything except
+        refrain from giving utterance to a free people's freely offered homage
+        of devotion, loyalty, and love for its royal house!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor (emotionally). There is no one who would not give his life for
+        his King!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang, The General, and The Priest. No one!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Try us! (They all press forward.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Done with you! (Takes a revolver from his pocket.) Since
+        yesterday I have carried this little thing in my pocket. (They all look
+        alarmed.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. Merciful heavens!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King (holding out the revolver to him). Will you die for me? If so,
+        I will continue to be King.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. I? What does your Majesty mean? It would be a great sin!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. You love me, I suppose?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        All (desperately). Yes, your Majesty!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Those who love, believe. Therefore, believe me when I say
+        this: If there is a single one of you who, without thinking twice about
+        it, will die for his King now&mdash;here&mdash;at once&mdash;then I
+        shall consider that as a command laid upon me to go on living and
+        working.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor (in a terrified whisper). He is insane!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General (whispers). Yes!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. I can hear you!&mdash;But I suppose you love your King, even
+        if he is insane?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        All (in agitated tones). Yes, your Majesty!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. Majesty, majesty! There is only One who has any majesty about
+        Him&mdash;certainly not a madman! But if I have been driven mad by the
+        lies that surround me, it would be a holy deed to make me sound again.
+        You said you would die for me. Redeem your words! That will make me well
+        again!&mdash;You, General?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. My beloved King, it would be&mdash;as our reverend friend
+        so aptly put it&mdash;a most dreadful sin.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The King. You have let slip a splendid opportunity for showing your
+        heroism.&mdash;You ought to have seen that I was only putting you to the
+        test!&mdash;Good-bye! (Goes into the room on the left.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The General. Absolutely insane!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Others. Absolutely.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. Such great abilities, too! What might not have been made of
+        him!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. The pity of it!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. I got so alarmed.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. So did I! (A loud pistol-shot is heard.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. Another shot? (A pitiful woman's cry is heard from the other
+        room.)
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Mayor. What on earth was that?
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Bang. I daren't think!
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        The Priest. Nor I! (An old woman rushes out of the room on the left,
+        calling out: "Help!&mdash;Help!&mdash;The King!" and hurries out at the
+        back, calling: "The King! Help, help!" The GENERAL and the MAYOR rush
+        into the other room. Voices are heard outside asking: "The King?&mdash;Was
+        it the King?" The confusion and uproar grows. In the midst of it ANNA
+        comes stumbling out of the other room, her hands stretched out before
+        her, as if she did not know where she was going. The noise and confusion
+        grows louder every minute, and crowds of people come rushing into the
+        room from outside as the Curtain falls.)
+      </p>
+      <br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Three Dramas, by Björnstjerne M. Björnson
+
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+</pre>
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+</html>
diff --git a/7844.txt b/7844.txt
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Three Dramas, by Bjornstjerne M. Bjornson
+
+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: Three Dramas
+       The Editor--The Bankrupt--The King
+
+Author: Bjornstjerne M. Bjornson
+
+Commentator: R. Farquharson Sharp
+
+Release Date: April, 2005  [EBook #7844]
+Posting Date: August 11, 2009
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THREE DRAMAS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Nicole Apostola
+
+
+
+
+
+THREE DRAMAS
+
+THE EDITOR--THE BANKRUPT--THE KING
+
+
+By Bjornstjerne Bjornson
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+     THE EDITOR
+     THE BANKRUPT
+     THE KING
+
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+The three plays here presented were the outcome of a period when
+Bjornson's views on many topics were undergoing a drastic revision and
+he was abandoning much of his previous orthodoxy in many directions. Two
+of them were written during, and one immediately after, a three years'
+absence from Norway--years spent almost entirely in southern Europe.
+[Note: Further details respecting Bjornson's life will be found in the
+Introduction to Three Comedies by Bjornson, published in Everyman's
+Library in 1912.] For nearly ten years previous to this voluntary
+exile, Bjornson had been immersed in theatrical management and political
+propagandism. His political activities (guided by a more or less
+pronounced republican tendency) centred in an agitation for a truer
+equality between the kingdoms of Sweden and Norway, his point of view
+being that Norway had come to be regarded too much as a mere appanage
+of Sweden. Between that and his manifold and distracting cares as
+theatrical director, he had let imaginative work slide for the time
+being; but his years abroad had a recuperative effect, and, in addition,
+broadened his mental outlook in a remarkable manner. Foreign travel, a
+wider acquaintance with differing types of humanity, and, above all,
+a newly-won acquaintance with the contemporary literature of other
+countries, made a deep impression upon Bjornson's vigorously receptive
+mind. He browsed voraciously upon the works of foreign writers. Herbert
+Spencer, Darwin, John Stuart Mill, Taine, Max-Mueller, formed a portion
+of his mental pabulum at this time--and the result was a significant
+alteration of mental attitude on a number of questions, and a
+determination to make the attempt to embody his theories in dramatic
+form. He had gained all at once, as he wrote to Georg Brandes, the
+eminent Danish critic, "eyes that saw and ears that heard." Up to this
+time the poet in him had been predominant; now it was to be the
+social philosopher that held the reins. Just as Ibsen did, so Bjornson
+abandoned historical drama and artificial comedy for an attempt at
+prose drama which should have at all events a serious thesis. In this
+he anticipated Ibsen; for (unless we include the satirical political
+comedy, _The League of Youth_, which was published in 1869, among
+Ibsen's "social dramas") Ibsen did not enter the field with _Pillars of
+Society_ [Note: Published in _The Pretenders and Two Other Plays_, in
+Everyman's Library, 1913.] until 1877, whereas Bjornson's _The Editor_,
+_The Bankrupt_, and _The King_ were all published between 1874 and 1877.
+Intellectual and literary life in Denmark had been a good deal stirred
+and quickened in the early seventies, and the influence of that
+awakening was inevitably felt by the more eager spirits in the other
+Scandinavian countries. It is amusing to note, as one Norwegian writer
+has pointed out, that this intellectual upheaval (which, in its turn,
+was a reflection of that taking place in outer Europe) came at a time
+when the bulk of the Scandinavian folk "were congratulating themselves
+that the doubt and ferment of unrest which were undermining the
+foundations of the great communities abroad had not had the power to
+ruffle the placid surface of our good, old-fashioned, Scandinavian
+orthodoxy." Bjornson makes several sly hits in these plays (as does
+Ibsen in _Pillars of Society_) at this distrust of the opinions and
+manners of the larger communities outside of Scandinavia, notably
+America, with which the Scandinavian countries were more particularly in
+touch through emigration.
+
+Brandes characterises the impelling motive of these three plays as a
+passionate appeal for a higher standard of truth--in journalism, in
+finance, in monarchy: an appeal for less casuistry and more honesty.
+Such a motive was characteristic of the vehement honesty of Bjornson's
+own character; he must always, as he says in one of his letters, go
+over to the side of any one whom he believed to "hold the truth in his
+hands."
+
+_The Editor_ (_Redaktoeren_) was written while Bjornson was in Florence,
+and was published at Copenhagen in 1874. It was at first not accepted
+for performance at Christiania or Copenhagen, though an unauthorised
+performance of it was given at one of the lesser Christiania theatres
+in 1875, Meanwhile a Swedish version of it had been produced,
+authoritatively, at Stockholm in February of that year. The play
+eventually made its way on the Norwegian and Danish stage; but, before
+that, it had been seen in German dress at Munich and Hamburg. As an
+inevitable result of his recent activities as a political speaker and
+pamphleteer, Bjornson had come in for a good deal of vituperation in the
+press, a fact which no doubt added some gall to the ink with which he
+drew the portrait of the journalist in this play. The Stockholm critics,
+indeed, had condemned _The Editor_ as merely a pamphleteering attack on
+the editor of a well-known journal. In answer to this criticism
+Bjornson wrote from Rome in March, 1875: "It is said that my play is a
+pamphleteering attack on a certain individual. That is a deliberate lie.
+I have studied the journalist type, which is here represented, in many
+other countries besides my own. The chief characteristic of this type
+is to be actuated by an inordinate egotism that is perpetually being
+inflamed by passion; that makes use of bogeys to frighten people,
+and does this in such a way that, while it makes all its honest
+contemporaries afraid of any freedom of thought, it also produces the
+same result on every single individual by means of reckless persecution.
+As I wished to portray that type, I naturally took a good deal of the
+portrait from the representative of the type that I knew best; but, like
+every artist who wishes to produce a complete creation, I had to build
+it up from separate revelations of itself. There can, therefore, be no
+question of any individual being represented in my play except in so far
+as he may partially agree with the type."
+
+However much Bjornson may have written _The Editor_ with a "purpose,"
+his vivid dramatic sense kept him from becoming merely didactic. The
+little tragedy that takes place amongst this homely group of people
+makes quite a moving play, thanks to the skill with which the types
+are depicted--the bourgeois father and mother, with their mixture of
+timidity and self-interest; the manly, straightforward young politician,
+resolute to carry on the work that has sapped his brother's life; the
+warped, de-humanised nature of the journalist; the sturdy common-sense
+of the yeoman farmer; and the doctor, the "family friend," as a sort of
+mocking chorus. Besides its plea for a higher regard for truth, the play
+also attacks the precept, preached by worldly wisdom, that we ought to
+harden our natures to make ourselves invulnerable; a proposition
+which was hateful to one of Bjornson's persistently impressionable
+and ingenuous nature. The fact remains, as Brandes grimly admits, that
+"nowadays we have only a very qualified sympathy with public characters
+who succumb to the persecution of the press." Brandes sees in the play,
+besides its obvious motive, an allegory. Halvdan Rejn, the weary and
+dying politician, is (he says) meant for Henrik Wergeland, a Norwegian
+poet-politician who had similar struggles, sank under the weight of
+similar at tacks, died after a long illness, and was far higher reputed
+after his death than during his life. In Harald Rejn, with his honest
+enthusiasm and misjudged political endeavours Brandes sees Bjornson
+himself; while the yeoman brother, Haakon, seems to him to typify the
+Norwegian people.
+
+_The Bankrupt_ (_En Fallit_: literally _A Bankruptcy_) was partly
+written in Rome, partly in Tyrol, and published at Copenhagen in 1875.
+It was a thing entirely new to the Scandinavian stage for a dramatist
+to deal seriously with the tragi-comedy of money, and, while making
+a forcible plea for honesty, to contrive to produce a stirring and
+entertaining play on what might seem so prosaic a foundation as business
+finance. Some of the play's earliest critics dismissed it as "dry,"
+"prosaic," "trivial," because of the nature of its subject; but it made
+a speedy success on the boards, and very soon became a popular item in
+the repertories of the Christiania, Bergen and Copenhagen theatres. It
+was actually first performed, in a Swedish translation, at Stockholm, a
+few days before it was produced at Christiania. Very soon, too, the play
+reached Berlin, Munich, Vienna, and other German and Austrian theatres.
+It was played in Paris, at the Theatre Libre in 1894. The character of
+Berent, the lawyer, which became a favourite one with the famous Swedish
+actor Ernst Possart, was admittedly more or less of a portrait of a
+well-known Norwegian lawyer, by name Dunker. When Bjornson was writing
+the play, he went to stay for some days with Dunker, who was to instruct
+him as to the legal aspect of bankruptcy. Bjornson took the opportunity
+of studying the lawyer as well as the law.
+
+_The King_ (_Kongen_) was written at Aulestad, the Norwegian home in
+which Bjornson settled after his return from abroad, and was published
+at Copenhagen in 1877. It is perhaps not surprising that the play, with
+its curious blend of poetry and social philosophy, and its somewhat
+exuberant (though always interesting) wordiness, was not at first
+a conspicuous success on the stage; but the interest aroused by
+the published book was enormous. It was widely read and vigorously
+discussed, both in Scandinavia and abroad; and while, on the one hand,
+it brought upon Bjornson the most scurrilous abuse and the harshest
+criticism from his political opponents, on the other hand a prominent
+compatriot of his (whose opinion was worth having) gave it as his
+verdict, at a political meeting held soon after the play's publication,
+that "the most notable thing that has happened in Norway of late--or at
+any rate, one of the most notable--in my opinion is this last book of
+Bjornson's--_The King_."
+
+The idea of a "democratic monarchy"--a kind of reformed constitutional
+monarchy, that should be a half-way house on the road to
+republicanism--was not entirely new; Bjornson's success was in
+presenting the problem as seen from the _inside_--that is to say, from
+the king's point of view. His opponents, of course, branded him as a
+red-hot republican, which he was not. In a preface he wrote for a later
+edition of the play, he says that he did not intend the play mainly as
+an argument in favour of republicanism, but "to extend the boundaries of
+free discussion"; but that, at the same time, he believed the republic
+to be the ultimate form of government, and all European states to be
+proceeding at varying rates of speed towards it.
+
+_The King_ is composed of curiously incongruous elements. The railway
+meeting in the first act is pure comedy of a kind to compare with the
+meeting in Ibsen's _An Enemy of Society_; the last act is melodrama
+with a large admixture of remarkably interesting social philosophy; the
+intervening acts betray the poet that always underlay the dramatist
+in Bjornson. The crudity, again, of the melodramatic appearance of the
+wraith of Clara's father in the third act, contrasts strangely with the
+mature thoughtfulness of much of the last act and with the tender charm
+of what has gone before: And--strangest incongruity of all in a play
+so essentially "actual"--there is in the original, between each act,
+a mysterious "mellemspil," or "interlude," in verse, consisting of
+somewhat cryptic dialogues between Genii and Unseen Choirs in the
+clouds, between an "Old Grey Man" and a "Chorus of Tyrants" in a
+desolate scene of snow and ice, between Choruses of Men, Women, and
+Children in a sylvan landscape, and so forth--their utterances being of
+the nature of the obscurest choruses in the Greek dramatists, but for
+the most part with a less obvious relevance to the play itself. Such
+a device leads the present-day reader's thoughts inevitably to the use
+made of the "unseen chorus," in a similar way, by Thomas Hardy in _The
+Dynasts_; but Hardy's interludes are closely relevant to his drama and
+help it on its way, which Bjornson's do not. They have been entirely
+omitted in the present translation, on the ground of their complete
+superfluity as well as from the extreme difficulty of retaining their
+"atmosphere" in translation.
+
+None of the three plays in the present volume have previously been
+translated into English. German, French, and Swedish versions of _The
+Editor_ are extant; German, Swedish, Finnish, French, and Hungarian of
+_The Bankrupt_; French and Spanish of _The King_.
+
+R. FARQUHARSON SHARP.
+
+
+
+The following is a list of the works of Bjornstjerne Bjornson:--
+
+DRAMATIC AND POETIC WORKS.--Mellem Slagene (Between the Battles), 1857.
+Halte-Hulda (Lame Hulda), 1858. Kong Sverre (King Sverre), 1861. Sigurd
+Slembe (Sigurd the Bastard), 1862; translated by W. M. Payne, 1888.
+Maria Stuart i Skotland, 1864. De Nygifte (The Newly-Married Couple),
+1865; translated by T. Soelfeldt, 1868; by S. and E. Hjerleid, 1870; as
+A Lesson in Marriage, by G. I. Colbron, 1911. Sigurd Jorsalfar (Sigurd
+the Crusader), 1872. Redaktoeren (The Editor), 1874. En Fallit (A
+Bankruptcy), 1874. Kongen (The King), 1877. Leonarda, 1879. Det
+ny System (The New System), 1879. En Hanske, 1883; translated as A
+Gauntlet, by H. L. Braekstad 1890; by Osman Edwards 1894. Over AEvne
+(Beyond our Strength), Part I., 1883; translated as Pastor Sang, by
+W. Wilson, 1893; Part II., 1895. Geografi og Kaerlighed (Geography and
+Love), 1885; Paul Lange og Tora Parsberg, 1898; translated by H. L.
+Braekstad, 1899. Laboremus, 1901; translation published by Chapman and
+Hall, 1901. Paa Storhove (At Storhove), 1904; Daglannet, 1904; Naar
+den ny Vin blomstrer (When the Vineyards are in Blossom), 1909; The
+Newly-Married Couple, Leonarda, and A Gauntlet, translated by R.
+Farquharson Sharp (Everyman's Library), 1912.
+
+Digte og Sange (Poems and Songs), 1870; Arnljot Gelline, 1870.
+
+
+FICTION.--Synnoeve Solbakken 1857; translated as Trust and Trial, by Mary
+Howitt, 1858; as Love and Life in Norway, by Hon. Augusta Bethell and A.
+Plesner, 1870; as The Betrothal, in H. and A. Zimmern's Half-hours with
+Foreign Novelists, 1880; also translated by Julie Sutter, 1881; by R. B.
+Anderson, 1881. Arne, 1858; translated by T. Krag, 1861; by A. Plesner
+and S. Rugeley-Powers, 1866; by R. B. Anderson, 1881; by W. Low (Bohn's
+Library), 1890. Smaastykker (Sketches), 1860. En glad Gut, 1860;
+translated as Ovind, by S. and E. Hjerleid 1869; as The Happy Boy, by
+R. B. Anderson, 1881; as The Happy Lad (published by Blackie), 1882.
+Fiskerjenten, 1868 translated as The Fisher Maiden, by M. E. Niles,
+1869; as The Fishing Girl, by A. Plesner and F. Richardson, 1870; as The
+Fishing Girl, by S. and E. Hjerleid, 1871; as The Fisher Maiden, by R.
+B. Anderson, 1882. Brude-Slaatten, 1873; translated as The Bridal March,
+by R. B. Anderson, 1882; by J. E. Williams, 1893. Fortaellinger (Tales),
+1872. Magnhild, 1877; translated by R. B. Anderson, 1883. Kaptejn
+Mansana, 1879; translated as Captain Mansana by R. B. Anderson, 1882.
+Det flager i Byen og paa Havnen (Flags are Flying in Town and Port),
+1884; translated as The Heritage of the Kurts, by C Fairfax 1892. Paa
+Guds Veje, 1889; translated as In God's Way, by E. Carmichael, 1890.
+Nye Fortaellinger (New Tales), 1894; To Fortaelinger (Two Tales), 1901;
+Mary, 1906. Collected edition of the Novels, translated into English,
+edited by E. Gosse, 13 vols., 1895-1909.
+
+[See Life of Bjornson by W. M. Payne, 1910; E. Gosse's Study of the
+Writings of Bjornson, in edition of Novels, 1895; H. H. Boyesen's Essays
+on Scandinavian Literature, 1895; G. Brandes' Critical Studies of Ibsen
+and Bjornson, 1899.]
+
+
+
+
+
+THE EDITOR
+
+A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+     EVJE, a prosperous distiller.
+     MRS. EVJE. GERTRUD, their daughter, engaged to
+     HARALD REJN.
+     The DOCTOR.
+     The EDITOR.
+     HAAKON REJN, a yeoman farmer.
+     HALVDAN REJN and HARALD REJN, his brothers.
+     The DOCTOR'S ASSISTANT.
+     INGEBORG, maid to the Evjes.
+     JOHN, coachman to the Evjes.
+     HALVDAN REJN's HOUSEKEEPER.
+     HALVDAN REJN's MAID.
+     A Lamplighter.
+
+The action takes place in a town in Norway.
+
+
+
+
+ACT I
+
+(SCENE.--The breakfast-room at the EVJES' house. A glass-cupboard, in
+two partitions, stands against the left-hand wall, well forward. On the
+top of it stand a variety of objects. Beyond it, a stove. At the back of
+the room, a sideboard. In the middle of the room a small round folding
+table, laid for four persons. There is an armchair by the stove; a sofa
+on the right; chairs, etc. A door at the back of the room, and another
+in the left-hand wall. There are paintings on the walls, and the general
+impression of the room is one of snug comfort. EVJE, MRS. EVJE, and
+GERTRUD are seated at the table. INGEBORG is standing by the sideboard.
+Breakfast is proceeding in silence as the curtain rises. INGEBORG takes
+away EVJE'S cup and re-fills it. As she brings it back to him, a ring is
+heard at the bell. GERTRUD gets up.)
+
+Evje. Sit still; John will go to the door. (GERTRUD sits down again.
+Directly afterwards, another ring is heard.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. What can John be doing?
+
+Ingeborg. I will go. (Goes out. She comes back, showing in HARALD REJN,
+who hangs up his hat and coat in the hall before coming in.)
+
+Harald. Good morning!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Good morning! (HARALD shakes hands with them.)
+
+Harald (to GERTRUD, who is sitting on the right). Good morning, Gertrud!
+Am I a bit late to-day? (GERTRUD, who has taken his hand, looks lovingly
+at him but says nothing.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, I suppose you have been for a long constitutional,
+although the weather is none of the best.
+
+Harald. It is not; I expect we shall have a thick fog by the afternoon.
+
+Evje. Did you have breakfast before you went out?
+
+Harald. I did, thanks. (To INGEBORG, who has come forward with a cup of
+coffee.) No, thank you. I will sit down here while you are finishing.
+(Sits down on the sofa behind GERTRUD.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. How is your brother Halvdan?
+
+Harald. A little better to-day, thanks--but of course we cannot build on
+that.
+
+Evje. Is your eldest brother coming to see him?
+
+Harald. Yes, we expect him every day. Probably his wife has come with
+him, and that has been the reason of the delay; she finds it difficult
+to get away.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Halvdan so often talks of her.
+
+Harald. Yes, I believe she is the best friend he has.
+
+Evje. No wonder, then, that she wants to come and say good-bye to him.
+By the way, have you seen how the paper bids him good-bye to-day?
+
+Harald. Yes, I have seen it.
+
+Mrs. Evje (hurriedly). I hope Halvdan has not seen it?
+
+Harald (smiling). No, it is a long time now since Halvdan read a
+newspaper. (A pause.)
+
+Evje. Then I suppose you have read what they say about you too?
+
+Harald. Naturally.
+
+Mrs. Evje. It is worse than anything they have said about you before.
+
+Harald. Well--of course, you know, my election meeting comes on this
+evening.
+
+Evje. I can tell you it has upset _us_.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Day after day we wake up to find our house invaded by these
+abominations. That is a nice thought to begin your day's work with!
+
+Harald. Is it so indispensable, then, to educated people to begin their
+day by reading such things?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Well--one must have a paper.
+
+Evje. And most people read it. Besides, one can't deny that a lot of
+what is in it is true, although its general tendency is to run everyone
+down.
+
+Harald (getting up). Quite so, yes. (Leans over GERTRUD'S shoulder.)
+Gertrud, have you read it?
+
+Gertrud (does not look at him, and hesitates for a moment; then says
+gently): Yes.
+
+Harald (under his breath). So that is it! (Walks away from her.)
+
+Evje. We have had a little bit of a scene here, I must tell you.
+
+Harald (walking up and down). Yes, I can understand that.
+
+Evje. I will repeat what I have said already: they write about _you_,
+and _we_ have to suffer for it.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, and Gertrud especially.
+
+Gertrud. No--I don't want anyone to consider me in the matter at all.
+Besides, it is not what they say of you in the paper that hurts me--.
+(Stops abruptly.)
+
+Harald (who has come up to her). But what your parents are feeling about
+it? Is that it? (GERTRUD does not answer.)
+
+Evje (pushing back his plate). There, I have finished! (They rise from
+the table. MRS. EVJE helps INGEBORG to clear away the things, which
+INGEBORG carries out of the room.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Couldn't you wash your hands of politics, Harald? (GERTRUD
+goes out to the left.)
+
+Evje (who has followed GERTRUD with his eyes). We cannot deny that it
+pains us considerably that in our old age our peaceful home should be
+invaded by all this squabbling and abomination.
+
+Mrs. Evje (who rung for INGEBORG to move the table). You have no need
+to do it, either, Harald! You are a grown man, and your own master.
+(INGEBORG comes in. HARALD helps her to move the table.)
+
+Evje (to his wife). Don't let Ingeborg hear. Come along, we will go into
+my room.
+
+Mrs. Evje. You forget, all the windows are open there. I have had the
+fire lit here, so that we could stay here.
+
+Evje. Very well--then we will sit here. (Sits down by the fire.) Will
+you have a cigar?
+
+Harald. No, thanks. (INGEBORG goes out.)
+
+Evje (taking a cigar and lighting it). As my wife said just
+now--couldn't you wash your hands of politics, Harald? You, who have
+both talent and means, need not be at a loss for a vocation in life.
+
+Harald (sitting down on the sofa). If I have any talent, it is for
+politics--and so I intend to devote my means to that.
+
+Evje. What do you propose to gain by it?
+
+Harald. What any one who believes in a cause hopes to gain--that is to
+say, to help it on.
+
+Evje. And to become a cabinet minister?
+
+Harald. I certainly can't do that any other way; well, I admit--that
+_is_ my idea.
+
+Evje. You will not be elected now.
+
+Harald. That we shall see.
+
+Evje. But suppose you are not re-elected to-morrow?
+
+Harald. Then I must find some other way.
+
+Evje. Always with the same object?
+
+Harald. Always with the same object. (EVJE sighs.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (who has taken her sewing and sat down by the fire). Oh, these
+politics!
+
+Harald. At any rate, they are the most prominent factors in life just
+now.
+
+Evje. We do not suppose we can exercise any influence over you. But
+at any rate it is possible that you yourself have not considered the
+position into which you have put the whole of us. (Both he and his wife
+avoid looking at HARALD during this discussion.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Say what you really mean, dear--that he is making us all
+thoroughly unhappy, and that is the truth!
+
+Harald (getting up, and walking up and down). Well, look here--I have
+a proposal to make. It is, that you should abandon all opposition to
+Gertrud's marrying me at once. To-day again my brother has expressed the
+wish that we should be married by his bedside; so that he should be able
+to take part in it. I scarcely need add how happy it would make me.
+
+Evje. But whether she is here at home or married to you, you know, her
+parents' distress would be just as great every time their child was
+persecuted.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Surely you can appreciate that!
+
+Harald. But what answer am I to give to my brother's request?--most
+likely the last he will ever--. (Stops.)
+
+Evje (after a pause). He is very kind to wish it, as he always is.
+Nothing would make us happier; but we who are her parents do not
+consider that you could make our daughter happy as long as you remain in
+politics and on the lines on which you are now travelling.
+
+Harald (after a pause, during which he has stood still). That is to say,
+you contemplate breaking off our engagement?
+
+Evje (looking at him quickly). Far from it!
+
+Mrs. Evje (at the same time). How can you say such a thing?
+
+Evje (turning towards the fire again). We have spoken about it to
+Gertrud to-day--as to whether it would not be possible to induce you to
+choose some other career.
+
+Mrs. Evje. You understand now, why you found Gertrud upset. You must
+listen to us now, as she did, in all friendliness.
+
+Evje (getting up and standing with his back to the fire). The first
+thing I do in the morning is to read my paper. You know what was in it
+to-day--the same as is in it now every day.
+
+Mrs. Evje. No; I am sure it has never been as bad as to-day.
+
+Harald (walking up and down again). The election is just at hand!
+
+Evje. Well--it is just as painful to us, her father and mother, whether
+it is before or after the election. We are not accustomed to associate
+with any one who has not first-class credentials--and now we have to
+endure seeing doubt cast upon our own son-in-law's. Do not misunderstand
+me; to my mind, for credentials to be first-class they must not only
+actually be so, but must also be considered to be so by people in
+general. (HARALD begins to walk up and down again.) The second thing I
+do in the morning is to open my letters. Amongst to-day's were several
+from friends we had invited to a party we thought of giving--if, that
+is to say, your brother's illness took no sudden turn for the worse. No
+fewer than ten of them refuse our invitation--most of them making some
+excuse, and a few with a little more show of a real reason; but one of
+them speaks straight out, and I have his letter here. (Takes it from his
+pocket.) I have kept it for you. It is from my father's old friend,
+the bishop. I haven't my spectacles--and for me to have mislaid my
+spectacles will show you what a state of mind I am in. I don't think I
+have done such a thing for--. Here, read it yourself! Read it aloud!
+
+Harald (taking the letter). "My dear Mr. Evje. As you are my poor dear
+friend's son, you must listen to the truth from me. I cannot willingly
+come to your house while I might meet there a certain person who,
+certainly, is one of you, but nevertheless is a person whom I cannot
+hold in entire respect."
+
+Mrs. Evje. Well, Harald, what do you think our feelings must be when we
+read things like that?
+
+Evje. Do not imagine that, in spite of that, _we_ do not hold you in
+entire respect. We only ask you to ensure our daughter's happiness. You
+can do that with a word.
+
+Mrs. Evje. We know what you are, whatever people say--even if they are
+bishops. But, in return, you ought to have confidence in our judgment;
+and our advice to you is, have done with it! Marry Gertrud at once, and
+go away for your honeymoon; by the time you come back, people will have
+got something else to talk about--and you will have found something else
+to occupy you as well.
+
+Evje. You must not misunderstand us. We mean no coercion. We are
+not insisting on this alternative. If you wish to be married, you
+shall--without feeling yourself obliged to change your vocation for
+_our_ sakes. We only want to make it clear that it would pain us--pain
+us very deeply.
+
+Mrs. Evje. If you want to take time to think it over, or want to talk it
+over with Gertrud or with your brother, do! (GERTRUD comes in and goes
+about the room looking for something.)
+
+Evje. What are you looking for, dear?
+
+Gertrud. Oh, for the--.
+
+Mrs. Evje. I expect it is the newspaper; your grandfather has been
+asking for it.
+
+Evje. Surely there is no need for _him_ to read it?
+
+Mrs. Evje. He asked me for it, too. He knows quite well what has made us
+all unhappy.
+
+Evje. Can't you tell him? No, that wouldn't do.
+
+Mrs. Evje (to GERTRUD). I suppose you have had to confess to him what is
+the matter?
+
+Gertrud (trying to conceal an emotion that is almost too much for her).
+Yes. (Finds the paper, and goes out.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (when GERTRUD has gone). Poor child!
+
+Evje. Does not what she is carrying to him, with all that it says about
+you and about your brother, seem to you like an omen? I will tell you
+how it strikes me. Your brother is a very much more gifted man than I
+am; and although it is true, as that paper says, that nothing of all
+that he has worked for has ever come to anything, still perhaps he may
+nevertheless have accomplished more than either you or me, although we
+have done a good deal between us to increase the prosperity of our town.
+I feel that to be so, although I cannot express what I mean precisely.
+But consider the reputation he will leave behind him. All educated
+people will say just what that paper says to-day--and to-morrow he will
+be forgotten. He will scarcely find a place in history, for history only
+concerns itself with the great leaders of men. What does it all come
+to, then? Neither present nor posthumous fame; but death--death all the
+time. He is dying by inches now, dying of the most horrible persecution;
+and the emotion that his end will cause among a few individuals cannot
+be called posthumous fame. (HARALD begins to speak, but checks himself.)
+Can _you_ hope to make a better fight of it? You think you are stronger?
+Very well; perhaps you may have the strength to endure it until other
+times come and other opinions with them. But there will be one by
+your side who will not have the strength to endure it. Gertrud is not
+strong--she could never stand it; indeed now--already--. (Is stopped by
+his emotion.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. She hides it from you, but she cannot hide it from us.
+Besides, a friend of ours--our dear doctor--said only yesterday--.
+(Breaks off in tears.)
+
+Evje. We never told you, but he warned us some time ago; we had no
+idea it was so serious, or that it had anything to do with this.
+But yesterday he frightened us; he said she--. Well, you can ask him
+yourself. He will be here directly. (HARALD fills a glass of water and
+raises it to his lips, but sets it down again untasted.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (going to him). I am so sorry for you, Harald! To have this
+come on you just now--when your splendid brother is at the point of
+death, and you yourself are being persecuted! (A ring is heard at the
+bell.)
+
+Evje. But it should be a warning to you! Sometimes a single movement
+will change the course of a whole life.
+
+Mrs. Evje. And do have a little confidence in us! (A ring is heard
+again.)
+
+Evje. What on earth has become of John to-day? That is the second time
+the bell has rung.
+
+Mrs. Evje. One of the maids is opening the door, I can hear.
+
+Evje. I expect it is the doctor.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, it is he--I know his ring. (A knock is heard at the
+door.)
+
+Evje. Come in! (The DOCTOR comes in.)
+
+The Doctor. Good morning! (Lays down his hat and stick.) Well, so I hear
+John has been up to his pranks again? The rascal is in bed.
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. In bed?
+
+The Doctor. Came home at four o'clock in the morning, drunk. Ill to-day,
+naturally. Ingeborg asked me to go in and see him.
+
+Evje. Well!--I am determined to put an end to it!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, I have never been able to understand why you were so
+lenient with John.
+
+Evje. He has been with us five years; and, besides, it makes people talk
+so, if you have to send your servants away.
+
+Mrs. Evje. But surely this sort of thing makes them talk much worse!
+
+Evje. Well--he shall leave this very day.
+
+The Doctor (to HARALD). How are you, Rejn?--Oho! I understand. I have
+come at an inopportune moment with my complaints of John? You have all
+got something more serious on your minds?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, we have had it out, as we agreed yesterday.
+
+The Doctor. You must forgive me, my dear Rejn, for having told my old
+friends the whole truth yesterday. She (pointing to MRS. EVJE) was an
+old playfellow of mine, and her husband and I have been friends from
+boyhood; so we have no secrets from each other. And Gertrud's condition
+makes me very uneasy.
+
+Harald. Why have you never told me that before?
+
+The Doctor. Goodness knows I have often enough given her parents hints
+that she was not well; but they have only made up their minds that her
+happiness in her engagement would quite cure her. They are a considerate
+couple, these two dear people, you know; they didn't want to seem
+interfering.
+
+Harald. Their consideration--which I appreciate and have lately had
+constant reason to be grateful for--has all at once become a more
+powerful weapon than open opposition. It makes a duty of what I should
+otherwise have felt to be unfair coercion. But now the situation is such
+that I can neither go forward nor back. After what I have gone through,
+you must see that I cannot withdraw on the very eve of the election--and
+after the election it will be too late. On the other hand--(with
+emotion)--I cannot, I dare not, go on with it if it is to cost me--.
+(Breaks off.)
+
+Evje (standing in front of the fire). There, there! Take time to think
+it over, my dear boy; talk it over with her and with your brother.
+
+The Doctor (who has sat down on a chair to the left, a little away from
+the others). I have just been to see your brother. A remarkable man! But
+do you know what occurred to me as I sat there? He is dying because he
+_is_ a man. The only people that are fit for political life nowadays are
+those whose hearts have been turned to stone. (Picks up something from
+the table and gets up.) Ah, just look here! Here is a fine specimen
+of petrifaction. It is a fragment of palm leaf of some kind, found
+impressed in a bit of rock from Spitzbergen. I sent it you myself, so
+I know it. That is what you have to be like to withstand arctic
+storms!--it will take to harm. But your brother--well, his life had been
+like that of the original palm tree, with the air sighing through its
+branches; the change of climate was too sudden for him. (Goes up to
+HARALD.) You have still to try it. Shall you be able to kill all the
+humanity that is in you? If you can make yourself as insensate a thing
+as this stone, I daresay you will be able to stand the life. But are you
+willing to venture upon political life at such a price? If you are--so
+be it; but remember that in that case you must also kill all humanity
+in Gertrud--in these two--in every one that is dear to you. Otherwise no
+one will understand you or follow you. If you cannot do that, you will
+never be more than a dabbler in politics--a quarter, an eighth part, of
+a politician--and all your efforts, in what you consider your vocation,
+will be pitiable!
+
+Mrs. Evje (who has been occupied at the back of the room, but now sits
+down by the fare). That is quite true! I know cases of petrifaction like
+that--and God preserve anyone that I love from it!
+
+Evje (coming forward towards HARALD). I don't want to say anything to
+hurt your feelings--least of all just now. But I just want to add my
+warning, because I believe I have discovered that there is a danger that
+persecution may make you hard.
+
+Harald. Yes!--but do you suppose it is only politics that offer that
+dangerous prospect?
+
+The Doctor. You are quite right! It is all the cry nowadays, "Harden
+yourself!" It isn't only military men and doctors that have to be
+hardened; commercial men have to be hardened, civil servants have to be
+hardened, or dried up; and everybody else has to be hardened for life,
+apparently. But what does it all mean? It means that we are to drive out
+all warmth from our hearts, all desire from our imaginations. There is a
+child's heart at the bottom of every one of our hearts-ever young, full
+of laughter and tears; and that is what we shall have killed before we
+are "fitted for the battle of life," as they put it. No, no--that is
+what we ought to preserve; we were given it for that! (HARALD hides his
+face in his hands, and sits so for some time.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Any mother or any wife knows that.
+
+Evje (standing with his back to the fire). You want to bring back the
+age of romance, doctor!
+
+The Doctor (with a laugh). Not its errors--because in those days unclean
+minds brought to birth a great deal that was unclean. (Seriously.) But
+what is it, when all is said and done, but a violent protest on the
+part of the Teutonic people against the Romanesque spirit and school--a
+remarkable school, but not _ours_. To us it seems a barren, merely
+intellectual school--a mere mass of formulas which led to a precocious
+development of the mind. And that was the spirit it bred--critical and
+barren. But these schools of thought are now all we have, and both of
+them are bad for us! They have no use for the heart or the imagination;
+they do not breed faith or a longing for high achievement. Look at _our_
+life! Is our life really our own?
+
+Mrs. Evje. No. You have only to think of our language, our tastes, our
+society, our--
+
+The Doctor (interrupting her). Those are the externals of our life,
+merely the externals! No, look within--look at such a view of life as
+we were talking about, clamouring for "hardening"--is that ours? Can we,
+for all our diligence, make as much way in it as, for instance, a born
+Parisian journalist?--become like a bar of steel with a point at each
+end, a pen-point and a sword-point? _We_ can't do that; the Teutonic
+temperament is not fitted for it.
+
+Evje. Oh, we are well on the way towards it. Look at the heartless
+intolerance in our politics; it will soon match what you were
+describing.
+
+Harald. Everyone that disagrees with you is either an ambitious
+scoundrel, or half mad, or a blockhead.
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Yes, and here in the north, in our small
+communities, where a man meets all his enemies in the same barber's
+shop, we feel it as keenly as if we were digging our knives into each
+other! (Seriously.) We may laugh at it, but if we could add up the sum
+of suffering that has been caused to families and to individuals--if we
+could see the concrete total before us--we should be tempted to believe
+that our liberty had been given to us as a curse! For it _is_ a cursed
+thing to destroy the humanity that is in us, and make us cruel and hard
+to one another.
+
+Harald (getting up, but standing still). But, my good friends, if you
+are of the same mind about that, and I with you--what is the next thing
+to do?
+
+The Doctor. The next thing to do?
+
+Harald. Naturally, to unite in making an end of it.
+
+Mrs. Evje (as she works). What can _we_ do?
+
+Evje. I am no politician and do not wish to become one.
+
+The Doctor (laughing, and sitting down). No, a politician is a
+principle, swathed round with a printed set of directions for use. I
+prefer to be allowed to be a human being.
+
+Harald. No one can fairly insist on your taking up any vocation to which
+you do not feel you have a calling.
+
+The Doctor. Of course not.
+
+Harald. But one certainly might insist on your not helping to maintain a
+condition of affairs that you detest.
+
+All. We?
+
+Harald. This newspaper, which is the ultimate reason of all this
+conversation we have had--you take it in.
+
+Evje. Why, you take it in yourself!
+
+Harald. No. Every time there is anything nasty in it about me or mine,
+it is sent to me anonymously.
+
+The Doctor (with a laugh). I don't take it in; I read my hall-porter's
+copy.
+
+Harald. I have heard you say that before. I took an opportunity to ask
+your hall-porter. He said _he_ did not read it, and did not take it in
+either.
+
+The Doctor (as before). Then I should like to know who does pay for it!
+
+Evje. A newspaper is indispensable to a business man.
+
+Harald. An influential business man could by himself, or at any rate
+with one or two others, start a paper that would be as useful again to
+him as this one is.
+
+Evje. That is true enough; but, after all, if we agree with its
+politics?
+
+Harald. I will accept help from any one whose opinions on public affairs
+agree with my own. Who am I that I should pretend to judge him? But I
+will not give him my help in anything that is malicious or wicked.
+
+The Doctor. Pshaw!
+
+Harald. Everyone who subscribes to, or contributes to, or gives any
+information to a paper that is scurrilous, is giving his help to what
+is wicked. And, moreover, every one who is on terms of friendship with a
+man who is destroying public morality, is helping him to do it.
+
+The Doctor (getting up). Does he still come here? (A silence.)
+
+Evje. He and I are old schoolfellows--and I don't like breaking with old
+acquaintances.
+
+Mrs. Evje. He is a most amusing man, too--though I can't deny that he is
+malicious. (The DOCTOR sits down again, humming to himself.)
+
+Harald. But that is not all. Both you and the Doctor have--with some
+eloquence--
+
+The Doctor (with a laugh). Thank you!
+
+Harald.--expressed your abhorrence of certain political tendencies with
+which neither you nor I have any sympathy--which affront our ideas of
+humane conduct. You do not feel called upon to enter actively into the
+lists against them; but why do you try to prevent those who do feel so
+called upon? You lament the existing state of things--and yet you help
+to maintain it, and make a friend of the man who is its champion!
+
+The Doctor (turning his head). Apparently we are on our defence, Evje!
+
+Harald. No--I am. I was told a little while ago that I was in a fair way
+to become hardened and callous, and that I must abandon my career--and
+that I must do so for Gertrud's sake, too, because she would never be
+able to share the fight with me. I was told this at one of the bitterest
+moments in my life. And that made me hesitate for a moment. But now I
+have turned my face forward again, because you have enlightened me! (A
+short, sharp cough is heard in the hall.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (getting up). That is he! (A knock is heard at the door; the
+DOCTOR gets up and pushes his chair back. The EDITOR comes in.)
+
+The Editor. Good morning, my children! How are you?
+
+Mrs. Evje (sitting down). I did not hear the bell.
+
+The Editor. I don't suppose you did--I came in by the back door. I took
+you by surprise, eh? Discussing me, too--what? (Laughs.)
+
+Evje. You have given us enough reason to, to-day, any way.
+
+The Editor. Yes, haven't I? Such a thing for a man to do to his best
+friends--eh?
+
+Evje. That is true.
+
+The Editor. To his old schoolfellows--his neighbours--eh? I expect it
+has disturbed your natural moderation--eh?
+
+Evje. I pride myself on my moderation.
+
+The Editor. As much as on your brandy!
+
+Evje. Are you going to begin your nonsense again?
+
+The Editor. Good-morning, Doctor! Have you been making them a fine
+speech this morning?--about my paper? or about humanity?--romanticism?
+or catholicism?--eh? (Laughs.)
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Certainly one of us two has made a fine speech
+this morning!
+
+The Editor. Not me; mine was made yesterday!--How is your hall-porter?
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Quite well, I am ashamed to say.
+
+The Editor. There's a faithful subscriber to my paper, if you like! (The
+DOCTOR laughs.) Well, Mrs. Evje, I can give you news of your man, Master
+John!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Can you? It is more than I can.
+
+The Editor. Yes--he is in bed still. That is why I came in the back
+way--to enquire after his health.
+
+Mrs. Evje. But how--?
+
+The Editor. How is he after last night?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Really, I believe you know everything. We had no idea he was
+out last night.
+
+The Editor. Oh, that is the very latest intelligence! He has been
+figuring as a speaker--he was drunk, of course--before the Association
+founded by his master's future son-in-law. And he made a most effective
+speech--indeed, the speakers at that Association always make most
+effective speeches! It was all about a Sliding Scale of Taxation,
+Profit-Sharing for Workers, the necessity for a Labour majority in
+Parliament, etc., etc., all the usual Socialist rhodomontade. You see
+how infectious intellectual ideas are!
+
+Evje. Well!--I shall turn him out of the house to-day!
+
+The Editor. But that is not in accordance with your love of moderation,
+Evje!
+
+Evje. It is a scandal.
+
+The Editor (to EVJE). But not the worst. Because, if you want to avoid
+that sort of thing, there are others you must turn out of the house.
+(Glances towards HARALD.)
+
+Evje. You seem determined to quarrel to-day?
+
+The Editor. Yes, with your "moderation."
+
+Evje. You would be none the worse of a little of it.
+
+The Editor. "Brandy and Moderation" is your watchword--eh?
+
+Evje. Do stop talking such nonsense!--I know one thing, and that is that
+you seem to find the brandy from my distillery remarkably to your taste!
+
+The Doctor (interrupting them). When you are in these provoking moods
+there is always some grievance lurking at the back of your mind. Out
+with it! I am a doctor, you know; I want to get at the cause of your
+complaint!
+
+The Editor. You were not very successful in that, you know, when you
+said my maid had cholera, and she really only was--. (Laughs.)
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Are you going to bring that story up again? Every
+one is liable to make mistakes, you know--even you, my boy!
+
+The Editor. Certainly. But before making a mistake this time--ahem!--I
+wanted first of all to enquire whether--
+
+The Doctor. Ah! now it is coming!
+
+The Editor--whether you have any objection to my mentioning John in my
+paper?
+
+Mrs. Evje. What has John to do with us?
+
+The Editor. Just as much as the Association, where he delivered his
+speech, has; it--ahem!--is one of the family institutions!
+
+Evje. I have had no more to do with making John what he is than I have
+had with making that Association what it is.
+
+The Editor. Your future son-in-law made the Association what it is, and
+the Association has made John what he is.
+
+The Doctor. Or, to put it the other way round: John is Mr. Evje's
+servant; John has become an active member of the Association; therefore
+Mr. Evje is a patron of the Association.
+
+The Editor. Or this way: John, being the well-known Mr. Evje's servant,
+has for that reason become an active member of the Association which--as
+he expressed it--his employer's future son-in-law "has had the honour to
+found!"
+
+Mrs. Evje. Surely you never mean to put that in the paper?
+
+The Editor (laughing). They are John's own words.
+
+Mr. Evje. Of course, he would never put a tipsy man's maunderings into
+the paper. (To his wife.) Don't you understand that he is joking?
+
+The Editor (clearing his throat). It is already in type.
+
+The Doctor. Oh, nonsense!
+
+The Editor. The scene afforded an opportunity for an extremely amusing
+sketch, without mentioning any names.
+
+Mr. Evje. I sincerely hope that
+
+The Doctor (to EVJE). Oh, he is only teasing you! You know him.
+
+The Editor. What do you think of this? "Those who indirectly support
+so dangerous an institution will have to face exposure."--I quite agree
+with it.
+
+Mrs. Evje (getting up). What do you mean? Do you mean that my husband--?
+
+The Editor. A little fright will be a good discipline for him!
+
+Evje. Is what you quoted meant as an accusation against us--whether you
+are serious or whether you are joking?
+
+The Doctor. He is only trying to frighten you with a bogey; it is not
+the first time, you know!
+
+Evje. Yes, but what have _I_ to be frightened of? I don't belong to the
+Association.
+
+The Editor. But persons who do belong to it frequent your house. A man
+is known by the company he keeps.
+
+Mrs. Evje. I really begin to think he _does_ mean it seriously.
+
+The Editor. It is too ugly a thing to jest about, you mean?
+
+Evje. Is it possible that you seriously mean to allude to John as my
+servant?
+
+The Editor. Isn't he your servant?
+
+Evje. And to put that in the paper for every one to read?
+
+The Editor. No--only for those who read the paper.
+
+Evje. And you have come here to tell us that?
+
+The Editor. Do you suppose I would do it without telling you?
+
+Mrs. Evje. It is perfectly shameless!
+
+The Editor. It certainly is.
+
+Evje. Is it your intention to quarrel with me?
+
+The Editor. Of course!
+
+Evje. With your own schoolfellow?--one who has been it true friend to
+you in all your ups and downs? It is abominable!
+
+The Editor. Perhaps it was to ensure my holding my tongue that you have
+been my friend!
+
+Mrs. Evje. You _couldn't_ behave in such a fashion to a friend!
+
+The Editor (drily). To my own brother, if he stood in my way!
+
+Harald (to himself). This is too much! (Comes forward.) Is your hatred
+for me so bitter that on my account you must persecute even my future
+parents-in-law, your own old friends?
+
+The Editor (who, as soon as HARALD came forward, has turned away to
+the DOCTOR). Have you heard how people are being beaten up to go to
+the meeting of electors to-night? The last political speeches of the
+campaign must be made with red fire burning at the wings! (Laughs.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (coming up to him). No, you are not going to get out of it by
+changing the subject. Is it really your intention to put my husband in
+your paper?
+
+The Editor. He is putting himself there.
+
+Evje. I, who all my life have avoided being drawn into any political
+party?
+
+The Doctor. What has Evje to do with Harald Rein's politics?
+
+The Editor. He endorses them!
+
+Mrs. Evje. No!--a thousand times no!
+
+Evje. Why, only to-day
+
+The Doctor. I can bear witness to that!
+
+The Editor. It is no use protesting!
+
+Evje. But you must believe our protestations!
+
+The Editor. Bah! You will see something more to-morrow--
+
+Evje. Something more?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Against my husband?
+
+The Editor. That scandal about the Stock Exchange Committee. No
+less than three Letters to the Editor about it have been lying in my
+pigeon-holes for some time.
+
+Evje (in bewilderment). Are you going to put nonsense of that sort in
+your paper? The most respected men on the Exchange--?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Members of the Committee--?
+
+The Editor. They are only respected men so long as they respect
+themselves. When their chairman enters into connections which offend
+public opinion, the whole crew of them must be made to feel what sort of
+a man it is they are associating with.
+
+The Doctor. So on Mr. Rejn's account you are going to expose Evje, and
+on Evje's account the Stock Exchange Committee? I suppose my turn will
+come soon!
+
+The Editor. It will come.
+
+The Doctor. Indeed!
+
+The Editor. The letters that have been sent to me are all from highly
+respected men. That shows that public opinion has turned round; and
+public opinion must be obeyed! (Throws out his hands.)
+
+Evje (in a troubled voice). It is quite true that I have noticed in
+several little ways that their temper--. (Looks round him, and checks
+himself. Then speaks more confidently.) But it was just at such a time
+that I looked for help from you, my friend. That is why I did not bother
+myself much about it.
+
+The Editor (to EVJE). But you know it is you that are attacking me now!
+
+Evje. I?
+
+Mrs. Evje. He?
+
+The Editor. And, besides, I have no choice in the matter. You have made
+your bed, and must lie on it.
+
+Evje (growing angry again). But do you really mean that you don't feel
+yourself how shocking such behaviour in an old friend is?
+
+The Editor. "Old friend," "old schoolfellow," "neighbour,"--out with the
+whole catalogue!
+
+Mrs. Evje. I am sure you don't deserve to be either one or the other!
+(The EDITOR laughs.) Think what you wrote to-day about Halvdan Rejn, who
+is dying. A man could only write that who--who--
+
+The Editor. Well?--who?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Who has not an atom of heart.
+
+The Editor. Ha, ha! "The natural affections!"--"family considerations!"
+Truth, my dear lady, has no family ties; it has no respect even for a
+"dying man."
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, indeed--every decent man has some respect for suffering,
+and even wicked men are silent in the presence of death!
+
+The Editor. "Sufferer"--"dying man"--"martyr," I suppose! Oh, we know
+all that old story!
+
+Harald (coming forward). Let me tell you that you are a--person with
+whom I will not condescend to argue. (Walks away from him.)
+
+The Editor (who has at once crossed the room). This theatrical flaunting
+of the "dying man" before people's eyes, that a calculating brother has
+permitted himself, is of course what is really shocking in the whole
+affair. But I will tear the mask off him.
+
+The Doctor (following him). Listen to me, now; listen! We are
+gentlefolk, you know! And even if Mr. Rejn has let himself be so carried
+away as to mention his dying brother on a public occasion--well, I am
+not going to say that I approve of it, but surely it is excusable and--
+
+Harald (coming forward). I want none of your defence, thank you!
+
+The Doctor. The one of you is just as mad as the other! (To the EDITOR.)
+But what has all this to do with Evje, seeing that, after all, the whole
+of this affair of the Rejns'--
+
+Evje (to the EDITOR, eagerly). I give you my word of honour that I have
+never approved of Harald's utterances about his brother, either. I am a
+man of moderation, as you know; I do not approve of his politics. Only
+to-day--
+
+Mrs. Evje. And what on earth have politics to do with the Stock Exchange
+Committee?
+
+The Doctor. Or with Evje's coachman!
+
+Evje. You might just as well take it into your head to write about my
+clerks, or my workmen, or--
+
+The Doctor. His carpenters, or his brewers--or his horses!
+
+The Editor (stands suddenly still and says, drily): You may assure
+yourselves that things are quite sufficient as they are! (Begins to
+button up his coat.)
+
+Evje. Is it so bad as all that!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Good gracious!--what is it then?
+
+The Editor (taking up his hat). You will be able to read it to-morrow,
+together with some more about the "dying man." Good-bye!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje (together.) But before you go--
+
+The Doctor. Hush, hush! Let us remember we are gentlefolk! What will you
+bet that the whole thing is not just a bogey to frighten you?
+
+The Editor (holding out his hand towards the DOCTOR). I hold Mr. Evje's
+position in the town in the hollow of my hand!
+
+Evje (fuming). Is your object to ruin _that_, then?
+
+Mrs. Evje. You will never succeed in that!
+
+The Doctor. Hush, hush! let us remember we are gentlefolk!
+
+Evje. In my own house--my old schoolfellow--that he should have the
+audacity--!
+
+The Editor. I have told you the truth openly. And, as far as that goes,
+you have stood more than that from me in your own house, my boy. Because
+the misfortune is that you are a coward.
+
+Evje. _I_ a coward?
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Hush, hush! Let us remember we are gentlefolk!
+
+Evje. Yes, I have been weak enough to be afraid of scandal, especially
+in the newspapers, it is true; that is why I have put up with you too
+long! But now you shall see that I am not a coward. Leave my house!
+
+Mrs. Evje. That's right!
+
+The Doctor. But you must part like gentlefolk, you know.
+
+The Editor. Pooh! You will be sending me a message directly, to call me
+back!
+
+Evje. You have the face to say that?
+
+Mrs. Evje (to EVJE). Come, dear, don't provoke him any more!
+
+The Editor (turning to go). You daren't do otherwise.
+
+The Doctor. But part like gentlefolk--!
+
+Evje (following the EDITOR). No, as sure as I live--
+
+The Editor. You will be sending a message to call me back! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Evje. Never, never!
+
+Mrs. Evje. My dear--!
+
+The Editor. Yes, you will--directly--this very day! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+The Doctor. Don't part like that! Part like gentle--
+
+Evje. No, I tell you!
+
+The Editor (laughing all the time). Yes!
+
+Mrs. Evje. My dear-remember you may bring on one of your attacks!
+
+The Editor (at the door). You are too much of a coward! Ha! ha! (Goes
+out.)
+
+Evje (in a rage). No!
+
+The Editor (sticking his head in at the door). Yes! (Goes away.)
+
+The Doctor. What a visit! I cannot help laughing, all the same! Ha, ha,
+ha, ha!
+
+Evje. Do you dare to laugh at that?
+
+The Doctor. "Old schoolfellows"--ha, ha! "Moderation"--ha, ha! "The same
+party"--ha, ha, ha!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Oh, my husband is ill!
+
+Evje (faintly). Yes--a little water!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Water, water, Harald!
+
+The Doctor. One of his attacks--that is another affair altogether. Here
+(takes a bottle from his pocket)--smell this! That's it! Now, a little
+water! (Gives him some.) No danger this time. Cheer up, old boy!
+
+Evje. What a scandal!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, you will never be able to bear it, dear; I told you so.
+
+Evje. To think of _my_ name appearing in the papers, when all my life I
+have--
+
+Mrs. Evje.--done everything you could to keep clear of such things! And
+you such a dear, good, upright man!--Oh, these politics are the curse of
+the world!
+
+The Doctor (laughing). As I told you, you must go through a special
+process of hardening before you can stand them.
+
+Evje. And think of public opinion--my position--my connections! It is
+more than I can bear!
+
+Mrs. Evje (to the Doctor). I am sure the first time he reads something
+about himself in the paper, it will make him really ill! He won't be
+able to stand it, I know.
+
+The Doctor. Oh, he will get over it.
+
+Mrs. Evje. No, he won't. I am frightened at the mere thought of it. He
+will never be able to bear it, never!
+
+Evje. When all my life I have tried to keep clear of such things--!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And now in your old age, though you deserve it no more than
+a child does, to be dragged into it! If I could prevent that, I would
+willingly take on my own shoulders whatever--
+
+Evje. No, no--not you! Not you!
+
+The Doctor. But the thing is not necessarily done because he threatened
+he would do it.
+
+Evje. Do you think--?
+
+The Doctor. He is so dreadfully hot-headed, but I am sure he will think
+twice--
+
+Mrs. Evje.--before he attacks a lifelong friend! Yes, that is so, isn't
+it!
+
+Evje. Do you really think that there is any possibility then--?
+
+The Doctor. I really can't say!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Nothing in the world is impossible!
+
+Evje. We were both so hot-headed.
+
+The Doctor. Yes, it will have to be a more peaceable conversation than
+that of a few minutes ago!
+
+Evje. I don't know how it is--there is something so provoking about him.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, and you have not been very well lately, either. I have
+often said so to you.
+
+Evje. No, I haven't. It has been just one thing after another! And all
+my life I have tried to keep clear of such things!
+
+The Doctor. I will tell you what, old friend; I am sure the best thing
+to do would be--
+
+Evje. What?
+
+The Doctor. I am sure you will not be easy in your mind until someone
+has talked to him.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, couldn't that be done? Good gracious, that is not
+sending a message to him!
+
+Evje. But who would--? (A short silence.)
+
+The Doctor. I don't know who would be best.
+
+Mrs. Evje. All our old friends have deserted us; we shall soon have
+none.
+
+The Doctor. Well, at all events, you have me.
+
+Evje. Would you really be willing to--? Do you mean it? (Grasps his
+hand.)
+
+The Doctor. Of course I will! He can't eat me!
+
+Mrs. Evje. How good you are! Of course you only need tell him--what is
+quite true--that my husband would never be able to bear it! He, who all
+these years--
+
+Evje.--have put up with an incredible amount for his sake, both from
+himself and from others!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, that is true! And now you will go, dear friend--our only
+friend!--and talk to him quite amicably and sensibly, won't you?
+
+Evje. But don't delay! He is so hot-headed that we must find him
+before--
+
+The Doctor. Oh, I will find him; he is always about the town.
+
+Evje. And tell him--ask him--
+
+The Doctor. Oh, I know what to say to him.
+
+Mrs. Evje. That is right!
+
+Evje. Thank you! I shall never forget how, at a moment when everything
+threatened to overwhelm me, you were the only one to stand by me! Ah, I
+feel as if a load had fallen off my shoulders! I feel all at once quite
+happy again!
+
+The Doctor. That's right. You pull yourself together! I will see to
+everything else.
+
+Evje. Thanks, thanks! But make haste!
+
+The Doctor. I am off! My hat? (Turns, and sees HARALD, and says to
+himself.) A-ha! He looks as if he had had about enough of this. It would
+have been a joke to--
+
+Evje. Oh, do make haste, my friend!
+
+The Doctor. Yes, yes--if only I could find my hat.
+
+Mrs. Evje. It is on the table.
+
+The Doctor. So it is!
+
+Evje. Good luck to you!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And do it very tactfully!
+
+The Doctor (meaningly). And I hope you three will enjoy yourselves!
+(Goes out.)
+
+Evje. What a morning!
+
+Mrs. Evje. We, who have always endeavoured to take everything quietly
+and indulgently--
+
+Evje. Yes, and to conduct our family affairs peaceably and
+affectionately! (Jumps up and turns to HARALD.) The whole thing is
+_your_ fault!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, it is Harald's fault! From the day this unfortunate
+engagement came about, we have scarcely had a moment's peace here.
+
+Evje. No, no, that is not the case! We must be reasonable. At first,
+when Mr. Rejn had a fine future before him, when people vied with one
+another to catch him, then the engagement was an honour to us as well
+as to our daughter. But from the moment he took up these wretched
+politics--that is to say, from the time his brother fell ill--well, he
+can see for himself what the result has been to us!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And he certainly must admit that it is not what we have
+deserved; indeed it is more than a respected and well-bred family can
+put up with.
+
+Harald. I quite agree that it is more than a respected and well-bred
+family _ought_ to put up with.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Oh, so _you_ feel that too?
+
+Harald. Certainly. And the only excuse I can see is that there are many
+more in the same case. It is only in that way that such things become
+possible.
+
+Evje. I do not understand. Many more like--?--like whom?
+
+Harald. Like you!
+
+Mrs. Evje. In what respect?
+
+Harald. I will explain. Most of the successful politicians nowadays have
+not gained their position by means of any greatness of their own, but
+by the pitiable weakness of others. Another age will form a different
+estimate of them--see them in their proper perspective, and find them to
+be much smaller men!
+
+Evje. But what has that to do with us?
+
+Harald. Well, just try to size up that man whom a little while ago you
+turned out of your house and afterwards sent a message to--
+
+Evje. We sent _no_ message to him!
+
+Mrs. Evje. A friend of ours has gone to talk to him. That is quite a
+different thing!
+
+Harald. Well, take his measure by yours and yours by his! He went away,
+and he will come back like a conquering hero. Will that be thanks to
+his greatness, or his talent--to the loftiness of his opinions or his
+feelings? No,--it will be thanks to your pitiable weakness.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Upon my word!
+
+Evje. Well, I--!
+
+Harald. Do you think any one who has any pluck in his disposition would
+consent to be a party to such a contemptible state of things? Think of
+your own daughter, educated by that good old man who lies in there, but
+an obedient child to you; think how she must be perpetually torn between
+what she loves and respects and what she sees going on here! No wonder
+she is ill! But remember this--she is not ill because she sticks to me;
+she is ill because of your pitiable weakness!
+
+Mrs. Evje. How can you dare to say such things! So you too--!
+
+Evje. Such an absolute want of respect!
+
+Harald. Listen to me, once for all. I intend, God helping me, to take
+up the fight that has killed my brother, the noblest man I know! And
+Gertrud is going to take up _her_ share in the fight, as I do mine. But
+to come to this house as long as _he_ comes here--to go through what I
+have gone through to-day--sullies my self-respect to such an extent,
+and offends my better feelings so deeply, that either he never sets foot
+here again, or I do not!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. But--!
+
+Harald (quietly). When I came here to-day, I thought we should be able
+to arrange matters without my speaking out; but there is nothing else
+for it, so good-bye! (Goes out. A moment's silence follows.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Is _he_ giving _us_ our dismissal? Or does he not really mean
+to break with us?--My dear, what is the matter? (Goes to her husband's
+side.)
+
+Evje (without moving). Tell me, my dear--am I a bad man?
+
+Mrs. Evje. You, a bad man?
+
+Evje. Because, if I were not a bad, wicked man, they could not behave in
+such a way to me, one after the other.
+
+Mrs. Evje. But, my dear, you are the best and dearest and most
+considerate of men! And they are shameless traitors to you, my dear
+husband!
+
+Evje. But how on earth, then, could it come about that I, who all my
+life have tried to keep clear of such things--for I have, haven't I?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Every one knows that, that knows anything about you.
+
+Evje. How could it come about that in my old age I should be despised
+and forsaken by everybody? Surely it is no crime to want to live in
+peace, apart from all that sort of thing?
+
+Mrs. Evje. No, indeed; that is what all decent people want to do.
+
+Evje. Yes, I thought so too. But now you see!
+
+Mrs. Evje. But _you_ have been dreadfully unfortunate.
+
+Evje. Why should I have been just the one to be dreadfully unfortunate?
+Most people escape such things altogether.
+
+Mrs. Evje (starting). Here is Gertrud.
+
+Evje. Poor child!
+
+Mrs. Evje. What on earth are we to say to her?
+
+Evje. Be careful, my dear! be careful! (GERTRUD comes in quietly and
+comes forward to them.)
+
+Gertrud. Did I see Harald go away?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, my child, he--he went away.
+
+Gertrud. Without saying good-bye to me?
+
+Evje. That's true, he didn't say good-bye to you.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Were you expecting him to come into grandfather's room to say
+good-bye to you?
+
+Gertrud. Yes. Tell me how things went here?
+
+Evje. Why were you not here, dear?
+
+Gertrud (in astonishment). I here? You said you did not want me to be
+present--
+
+Evje. I remember, yes; we thought it would not be advisable.
+
+Gertrud (still speaking quietly, but in growing alarm). But how did
+things go, then?
+
+Evje. How did they go? Badly.
+
+Mrs. Evje (hurriedly). That is to say, he did not behave at all well.
+You must prepare yourself for the worst, my child!
+
+Gertrud. Is it something very bad, then?
+
+Evje. You know he is a little hasty just now, when he has so much on his
+hands. He lacks a proper sense of moderation--but he will learn it, sure
+enough.
+
+Gertrud (almost inaudibly). But what does it mean? Is he never coming
+back?
+
+Evje. Never coming back? What an extraordinary question! Of course he
+will come back. He was only a little over-hasty, you know--
+
+Gertrud. And said he would never come back?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Come, come, my dear--you mustn't be alarmed.
+
+Evje. He talked such a lot, you know, that we must not attach any
+particular importance to anything he said.
+
+Gertrud. So that is how it is!
+
+Mrs. Evje. We must make allowances for all that he is going through just
+now--
+
+Evje (suddenly). My child, you look so pale--
+
+Mrs. Evje (going to her). Gertrud!
+
+Gertrud (with a quiet movement of protest). I must give grandfather his
+drink; that was really what I came for. And that was how I happened to
+see Harald through the window. I will take grandfather his drink. (The
+curtain falls as she goes out of the room.)
+
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+(SCENE.--A street in the "villa quarter" of the town. Between it and
+another street running parallel with it in the background, are two
+houses standing in gardens, half of the facade of one of them projecting
+into the stage on the right. On the left a third street runs at right
+angles to the others, to the back of the stage. The left side of this
+third street opens onto a well-wooded park. The house in the foreground
+on the right is in two stories. There is a narrow strip of garden in
+front of it, enclosed by an iron railing with a gate in it. The gate is
+standing open. The entrance door to the house is immediately behind this
+gate. There is light in a small window by the door; the ground floor
+windows are in darkness; in those of the upper floor, light is visible
+through heavy curtains. It is a wintry evening, and everything is
+swathed in an unusually thick fog, in which the gas lamps in the streets
+show dimmer and dimmer as they recede in the distance. As the curtain
+goes up, a lamplighter is seen descending his ladder from a lamp-post,
+where he has just lit the lamp at the corner of the house.)
+
+The Lamplighter (as he reaches the ground). It's all one whether the
+lamps are lit or not, in such a fog as this. (MRS. EVJE is seen drawing
+back the curtain at a window on the first floor. She opens the window
+and looks out.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. The fog is so thick, my dear, that I can't see across the
+street.
+
+Evje (coming to the window, with fur coat and cap on). So it is!--Well,
+so much the better, my dear! (They withdraw into the room; the window is
+shut and the curtains drawn. Two passers-by come along the street from
+the right, talking.)
+
+First Passer-by. The Land of Fogs--the old idea of the land of Fogs was
+that of a vision of confused and faint sensation, with the light of the
+intelligence dimmed and blurred like these gas lamps in the fog.
+
+Second Passer-by. It would be that, if our hearts did not often act as
+guiding lights to our befogged intelligences. Look at this house behind
+us--the brandy distiller's. The devilish workings of his intelligence
+have befogged the whole country--befogged it with brandy--and some such
+guiding light is much needed there.
+
+First Passer-by. Ah, well,--the old idea of the Land of Fogs was that
+fogs were--. (The sound of their conversation dies away as they pass
+into the park on the left. GERTRUD, closely veiled and wrapped in furs,
+comes slowly out of the park. She stops at the corner and looks down the
+street, then passed slowly along to the right, looking up at the house
+as she goes. She is scarcely out of sight when the house-door opens and
+EVJE comes out.)
+
+Evje. This is about the time he comes home--I daren't go to his house
+and ask for him; I don't know if he would admit me. I daren't trust to
+the Doctor alone.--This uncertainty is dreadful! (He starts at seeing
+GERTRUD, whom he does not recognise in the fog, walking towards him. She
+turns suddenly and walks back the way she came.) Who was that? She gave
+me quite a fright in this fog! Her furs seemed rather like--no, no,
+it couldn't be. I must not let any one recognise me. (Puts up the high
+collar of his coat, so that only his nose is visible.) Both of them
+called me a coward, but they are very much mistaken. It is not cowardice
+for a man who is respected and honoured to try and avoid scandal. Hm!
+Naturally those who trade in scandals think otherwise!--To act without
+attaching weight to the opinion of others, to disregard one's own
+predilections, to put up with being laughed at--all for the sake of
+preventing a scandal--that is to be strong and courageous. And it _is_
+admirable, too; for it is admirable to act fearlessly in the interest
+of one's family, and of one's business, and of propriety. (Starts as he
+hears his door opened. JOHN has come along the street and gone into the
+house.) Is that some one coming out of my house? No, it is a man going
+in. And then to think of Harald Rejn beginning that nonsense about my
+being a coward, because I refused to become a party man! Every one
+ought to take sides in politics--that is their cry. Hm! I should say it
+required rather more courage nowadays to _refrain_ from taking sides.
+(Starts again.) Who is that? Oh, only that woman again. She is waiting
+for some one too. I expect we shall both catch bad colds. (Walks up and
+down.) It is an odd sensation to be walking up and down on the watch
+outside one's own house. Cowardice? Pshaw! To let one's self be abused
+in a public street without stirring a finger to prevent it, _that_ would
+be cowardice. I only hope he has not gone round the other way? There is
+much more traffic in that street, and some one might easily--. I think I
+will take a turn towards the town, and turn back when I am a little way
+from here; it will look less suspicious. I must catch him, because his
+paper will be going to press. (Looks up at his house.) My poor wife,
+sitting up there dreadfully alarmed on my account! (Goes out to the
+right. As soon as he has gone, the house-door opens and JOHN comes
+warily out.)
+
+JOHN. So he has gone out, has he! Oh, well, he is bound to come in
+again! I will wait and catch him, that I will! Tra, la, la, la, la! I
+can play about here in the fog till he comes back; I have nothing to
+lose! And it will be best to catch him in the street; he will make less
+fuss, and can't run away from me! Tra, la, la, la, la! (Lounges out to
+the right. A moment later, HARALD comes out of the park. He is dressed
+much as EVJE is, but has not his coat-collar turned up.)
+
+Harald. There is a light in her window! Then she is alone in her room.
+What am I going to do now? Twice already I have come to look at that
+light; now I have seen it--and must go away! Good-bye, my darling! Be
+patient, and wait! I know your thoughts are with me now; and I know you
+feel that mine are with you! (As he turns away from the house he sees
+the veiled figure of GERTRUD, who, as soon as she has come nearer,
+rushes to him, throws up her veil, and falls into his arms in a glad
+embrace.)
+
+Gertrud. I was certain that, if you could not go into the house again,
+you would be out here! I knew you would not go away from me, dear!
+
+Harald. No--neither now nor ever.
+
+Gertrud. And, while I was walking up and down here in the fog, I felt
+that though there might be all this gloom tend cold around us outside,
+there was the brightness and warmth of certainty in our hearts.
+
+Harald. Yes, our love is the one certainty for me! Fog may obscure the
+goal I aim at, the road I have to I read, the very ground I stand on;
+doubts may even for a while attack my faith; but my love for you shines
+clear through it all!
+
+Gertrud. Thank you, my darling! If that is so, there is nothing that we
+cannot overcome!
+
+Harald. Of course, you know what took place to-day?
+
+Gertrud. I can guess.
+
+Harald. Is it true that you are ill? Why did you never tell me?
+
+Gertrud. No, the doctor is not telling the truth; I am not ill! Even
+if I were, what matter? I should go on living as long as I could--and
+should have done my duty before I gave in!
+
+Harald. That is the way to look at it!
+
+Gertrud. But I am not ill! I suffer, it is true--and am likely to--every
+time you are persecuted, or my parents on my account. Because _I_ have
+drawn them into all this that, they are so unfitted for, and that is why
+it pains me so to see how unprepared it finds them--most of all when,
+out of tenderness for me, they try to conceal it. But I can't alter
+things. We are fighting for a cause that you believe to be right, and
+so do I; surely that is better than never to suffer at all in any good
+cause. Try me! Let me share the fight with you! I am not weak; it is
+only that my heart is sore for those I love.
+
+Harald. You splendid, loyal creature!--and you are mine! (Embraces her.)
+
+Gertrud. You should hear what grandfather says!
+
+Harald. Yes, how is the dear old gentleman?
+
+Gertrud. Pretty well, thanks, though he never gets out now. But he is
+following your work, and he says that what you are aiming at is right,
+if you ask for God's guidance on your way. Harald--you will always be
+the same as you are now--good and genuine--won't you, dear? Not like
+the rest of them--nothing but bitterness and malice, always talking of
+principles and consequences and all the rest of it, and always attacking
+others? If one were obliged to be like that, it would be a curse to be a
+politician.
+
+Harald. I will be what you make me! I think that behind every man's
+public life you can see his private life--whether he has a real home,
+and what it is like, or whether he only has a place he lives in--that is
+to say, no real home.
+
+Gertrud. With God's help I shall try to make a bright, snug and cosy
+home for you! And this fog is delightful, because it only makes the
+thought of such a home all the cosier and snugger! It makes us seem so
+alone, too; no one is out driving or walking; and we can talk as loud as
+we please, because the fog deadens the sound of our voices. Oh, I
+feel so happy again now! Do you know, I think it is rather nice to be
+persecuted a little; it makes our meetings so much more precious!
+
+Harald. But, you know dear, to meet you like this--and just now--
+
+Gertrud (as they walk up and down together). Yes, of course! I had
+altogether forgotten how much you have to bear just now; I have been
+chattering away--. Oh, I don't know how I could feel so happy, because
+I am really dreadfully distressed. But, you know, I sit the whole
+play beside grandfather, thinking, without even being able to talk.
+I generally read aloud to him; now and then he makes a remark, but he
+really lives more in the next world than in this one now. (They hear a
+cough in the distance, and give a start, because they recognise it. The
+EDITOR and EVJE, walking along together, EVJE apparently talking very
+earnestly, are seen, indistinctly through the fog, in the street running
+parallel with the one HARALD and GERTRUD are in. JOHN is seen following
+them cautiously. They disappear into the park.)
+
+Harald. I hear the enemy! I am sure I caught a glimpse of him over there
+through the fog, talking to another man.
+
+Gertrud. Is he always about the streets even in weather like this?
+
+Harald. Well, we won't let him disturb us. (They begin walking up and
+down again in front of the house.)
+
+Gertrud. Do you know whom I met out here? Father!
+
+Harald. Really? Then it is as I thought; the other man over there was
+your father!
+
+Gertrud. Do you think it was? Poor father!
+
+Harald. Yes, he is weak.
+
+Gertrud. But you must be good to him. He is so good himself. Think how
+mother loves him; she is absolutely wrapped up in him, because he is so
+good!
+
+Harald. He is a good man, and an able man. But, but, but--
+
+Gertrud. They have lived a very tranquil life. We of the younger
+generation try to undertake heavier duties and greater responsibilities
+than the older generation did. But we must not be angry with them.
+
+Harald. I am afraid it is only too easy to feel angry with them.
+
+Gertrud. No, do as grandfather does! If he thinks any one is going to
+be amenable to it, he talks to them quietly; if not, he only behaves
+affectionately to them. Do you understand, dear?--just affectionately.
+
+Harald. Well, to-day--ought I to have put up with their allowing
+themselves to be treated in such an unseemly way, and their treating me
+in such an unseemly way?
+
+Gertrud. Was it really as bad as that?
+
+Harald. You would not believe what it was like, I assure you!
+
+Gertrud (standing still). Poor father! Poor father! (Throws her arms
+round HARALD'S neck.) Be good to them, Harald!--just because of
+their faults, dear! We are their children, you know, and it is God's
+commandment, even if we were not their children.
+
+Harald. If only I could take you up in my arms and carry you off home
+with me now! Your love takes possession of my heart and my will, and
+purifies both of them. I am at a crisis in my life now--and now you
+should be on my side!
+
+Gertrud. Listen!--to begin with, I will go with you to your meeting
+to-night!
+
+Harald. Yes, yes,--I will come and fetch you!
+
+Gertrud. Down at the door here!
+
+Harald. Yes!
+
+Gertrud. And, in the next place, I am going to walls into the town with
+you now.
+
+Harald. But then I shall have to see you home again.
+
+Gertrud. Do you object?
+
+Harald. No, no! And you shall teach me a lot of things on the way!
+
+Gertrud. Yes, you will be so wise before we get back! (They go out to
+the right.)
+
+(The EDITOR and EVJE come out of the park. JOHN follows them, unseen by
+them, and slips past them to the right when they stop for a moment. The
+following conversation is carried on in hurried tones, and every time
+the EDITOR raises his voice EVJE hushes him, and speaks himself in a
+persistently lowered voice.)
+
+Evje. But what concern of yours--or of the public's--are my private
+affairs? I don't want to have anything to do with politics.
+
+The Editor, Well, then, you ought not to have had anything to do with
+_him_.
+
+Evje. When I first made his acquaintance he was not a politician.
+
+The Editor. Then you ought to have dropped him when he became one.
+
+Evje. Ought I to have dropped you too, when you became one?
+
+The Editor. Let me repeat, for the last time, that we are not talking
+about me!
+
+Evje. Hush, hush! What a fellow you are! You get into a rage if any one
+chaffs you. But you want to hit out at everybody all round!
+
+The Editor. Do you suppose I am myself?
+
+Evje. Who the devil are you, if you are not yourself?
+
+The Editor. I am merely the servant of the public.
+
+Evje. The public executioner, that is to say?
+
+The Editor. Well, yes, if you prefer it. But you shall pay for that word
+some day.
+
+Evje. There--you see! Always talking of paying for things!--of revenge!
+
+The Editor. You shall pay for it, I tell you!
+
+Evje. You are absolutely mad!--Poof! I am sweating as if it were the dog
+days! (Changes his tone.) Think of the time when we used to go to school
+together--when you never could go to bed without first coming to thank
+me for the jolly times we were having together!
+
+The Editor. None of that nonsense! I am accustomed to be hated,
+despised, spit upon, scourged; if any one speaks kindly to me, I do not
+trust them!
+
+Evje. You must trust me!
+
+The Editor. No--and, besides, I observed very clearly to-day that you
+had counted on having me in reserve if ever you got into a scrape.
+
+Evje. Well, who doesn't count on his friends? Doesn't every one take
+them into his reckoning?
+
+The Editor. I don't; I have no friends.
+
+Evje. Haven't you me? Do you think I would leave you in the lurch?
+
+The Editor. That is hypocrisy! At times when I have needed it, the very
+last thing you have thought of has been to give me any help!
+
+Evje. Have I not helped you?
+
+The Editor. That is hypocrisy, too-to pretend you think I am speaking
+of money. No; when I have been accused of being dishonourable--of
+lying--you, the "old schoolfellow," the "old friend," the "neighbour,"
+have never once had the courage to come forward on my behalf.
+
+Evje. I never meddle with politics.
+
+The Editor (with rising temper). More hypocrisy! Another of your damned
+evasions!
+
+Evje. Hush, hush, hush!
+
+The Editor. You try to excuse yourself with a lie! You are doubly a
+traitor!--And then you expect me to have compassion on you!
+
+Evje. As sure as I stand here, I have never thought of deserting you,
+however bad things were.
+
+The Editor. And you have the face to take credit to yourself for that?
+It is all calculation from beginning to end! You thought it would be the
+best way of making me remember your loyalty, and reward you for it.
+
+Evje. This is abominable!
+
+The Editor. Oh, you are cunning enough! You represent wealth of another
+kind, which at first was not entirely irreproachably come by--
+
+Evje. There you go again!
+
+The Editor.--and want to give it the cachet of good society; so you take
+care to keep friends with a newspaper that may be able to give you a
+helping hand in gaining what you want. Can you deny it?
+
+Evje. There may be a slight tinge of calculation even in our highest
+purposes. But the misfortune about you is that you can see nothing but
+the calculation, though it may be only an infinitesimal part of the
+whole thing.
+
+The Editor. Oho--I have had experience of you!
+
+Evje. Then you must have had experience of your party's loyalty, too.
+
+The Editor. My party's loyalty!
+
+Evje. Well, after all, it keeps you where you are to-day.
+
+The Editor. _It_ keeps me there?
+
+Evje. And you have friends in that party-myself amongst others--who
+certainly would rather stand outside altogether, but nevertheless give
+you their advice and support when you are in difficulties. You cannot
+deny that.
+
+The Editor. I have friends in the party? Oh yes; and if we lose a fight
+these fine counsellors are the first to run away! They are always egging
+me on and egging me on; but only let public opinion once get tired of
+me, and they will throw me overboard without more ado! By that sort of
+treachery they manage to fill the sails of the party craft with a new
+breeze--and leave me to shift the best way I can!--they, for whom I
+have fought with all my might and main! I despise my opponents--they are
+either scoundrels and thieves, or they are blockheads and braggarts.
+But my supporters are lick-spittles, fools, cravens. I despise the whole
+pack of them, from first to last! If any one would give me the assurance
+that if, as a pledge that I would never use a pen again, I were to chop
+off my right hand I should thereby gain the prospect of a peaceful life
+a thousand miles away from here, I believe I would do it!--I despise the
+whole pack of them--oh, how I despise them!
+
+Evje. But this is horrible! Do you find no comfort in religion? Or, at
+all events, you have your paper!
+
+The Editor. My paper, yes--but what good do you suppose that is to me?
+And do you think I give the impression of being a religious man?
+
+Evje. Then what do you work for?
+
+The Editor. Perhaps you think I work for your sake?--or for the sake of
+prosperity, or order, or whatever it is you cowards or self-seekers like
+to imagine it is that you personify? No, the whole human race is not
+worth the powder and shot that they are holding at each other's heads.
+
+Evje. Then why do you come and almost threaten my life, if the whole
+thing seems so worthless to you?
+
+The Editor. Do you seriously suppose that I would give in, so as to
+spare you or some other shopkeeper?--so that you should be able to
+say triumphantly, "You see he didn't dare! He didn't dare quarrel with
+Capital!"--or, "You see he has given in--he has turned tail!" No; what
+I should like to do would be to lay a mine underground, and blow myself
+and the whole lot of you sky high!
+
+Evje. And I and all the happiness of my family life are to be sacrificed
+in order that you shall not have to give in on a side issue of no
+importance!--Oh, I am chilled to the bone!
+
+The Editor. Ha, ha! It is good to hear you speaking like yourself again,
+because it reminds me that it is time to put an end to this solemn
+nonsense! (Looks at his watch.) A quarter past! You must be quick!
+
+Evje. Are you really in earnest?
+
+The Editor. I often play off jokes on you, it is true. But I don't know
+how you will like this one to-morrow morning.
+
+Evje. Then let me tell you that I solemnly refuse! I will not break off
+the engagement! Put me in your paper, if you like; I am a free man.
+
+The Editor. Bah! nobody is that. Then you refuse? Good-bye! (Walks away
+from EVJE.)
+
+Evje (going after him). No, no--where are you going?
+
+The Editor (stopping). Nowhere--or rather, I am going home.
+
+Evje. But you won't really do what you said?
+
+The Editor. Ha! ha! ha! (Moves away.)
+
+Evje (following him). No, listen! Listen to me for a minute.
+
+The Editor (turning back). Do you think I have time to stop at all
+the stations your vanity or your fright will invent on the way? (Moves
+away.)
+
+Evje. You mad creature--listen to me! (The EDITOR stops.) Tell me
+exactly what you mean to do?
+
+The Editor. Fiddlesticks! (Moves on.)
+
+Evje (following him). Do you mean to put in the paper that I have broken
+off this match?
+
+The Editor (stopping). Better than that--I shall spread the news in the
+town; then it will get about, and all the journalists will get a hold of
+it.
+
+Evje. Give me a day or two to think it over!
+
+The Editor. Oh, no--you are not going to catch me like that! It is
+election time, and the other side must be made to feel that all decent
+people have deserted them.
+
+Evje. But it is a lie, you know!
+
+The Editor. What is lying, and what is truth? But your resignation from
+the Stock Exchange Committee and your subsequent failure to be elected
+to any public position will be no lies, I can assure you! Public opinion
+is not to be trifled with, you know!
+
+Evje. And this from you!
+
+The Editor. Bah! Public opinion is a very faithless friend.
+
+Evje. But who, after all, constitute public opinion?
+
+The Editor. Oh, no--you are not going to lead me into a trap again!
+Besides--it would be very difficult to say exactly who does constitute
+it.
+
+Evje. This is really--! Then you won't put that in the paper?
+
+The Editor. The news of a broken engagement travels quickest by
+foot-post--ha, ha, ha! (Coughs; then adds seriously:) But won't you,
+of your own accord, break off what are really absolutely inadmissible
+relations with a man who scandalises all your acquaintances?
+
+Evje. Lay the blame on me, of course! I know his credentials are no
+longer first class; but my daughter--ah, you would not be able to
+understand that. The circumstances are quite exceptional, and--. Look
+here, shall we go up and talk it over with my wife?
+
+The Editor. Ha, ha!--you turned me out of the house this morning!
+
+Evje. Oh, forget all about that!
+
+The Editor (looking at his watch). Half past! Now, without any more
+evasions--will you, or will you not?
+
+Evje (with a struggle). No! I repeat, no! (The EDITOR moves away.) Yes,
+yes!--It nearly kills me to do it!
+
+The Editor. "The Capitalist, secure in his position, who needs pay no
+regard to," etc., etc.--that is the "common form," isn't it, you man of
+first-class credentials? Ha, ha! Good-bye. I am going home to send the
+boy to the printers; he has waited long enough. (Moves away.)
+
+Evje (following him). You are the cruellest, hardest, most reckless--
+
+The Editor (who has been laughing, suddenly becomes serious). Hush! Do
+you see?
+
+Evje (turning round). What? Where?
+
+The Editor. Over there!
+
+Evje. Those two?
+
+The Editor. Yes--your daughter and Mr. Harald Rejn.
+
+Evje. But he swore this morning that he would never set foot in my house
+again!
+
+The Editor. But he will stay _outside_ your house, as you see! These
+gentlemen of the Opposition, when they give any assurance, always do it
+with a mental reservation! You can't trust the beggars! Come round the
+corner. (They do so.)
+
+Evje. An assignation in the street in the fog! To think my daughter
+would let herself be induced to do such a thing!
+
+The Editor. Evil communications corrupt good manners! You are a mere
+bungler in delicate matters, Evje. You made a bad choice in that
+quarter!
+
+Evje. But he seemed to be--
+
+The Editor. Yes, yes, I know! A real gentleman would have guessed what
+he would develop into. He has a brother, you know! (HARALD and GERTRUD
+come in slowly, arm-in-arm.)
+
+Gertrud. While your brother has been ill you have received many
+gratifying proofs of the good feeling and goodwill that there is in this
+town-haven't you?
+
+Harald. Yes, I have. I have found no ill-will against him, nothing but
+kindness on all sides--with the exception of one person, of course.
+
+Gertrud. But even he has a heart! It has often seemed to me as if I
+heard a cry of yearning and disappointment from it--and that just when
+he spoke most bitterly.
+
+Harald. Yes, it needs no very sharp sight to see that he, who makes so
+many unhappy, is himself the unhappiest of all.
+
+The Editor. What the deuce are they talking about?
+
+Evje. We cannot hear from here. And the fog deadens their voices.
+
+The Editor. Go a bit nearer, then!
+
+Evje. Not before they separate. You only understand _him_!
+
+Harald (to GERTRUD). What are you holding there?
+
+Gertrud (who has taken off her glove and then a ring from her finger).
+The ring they gave me when I was confirmed. Give me your hand! No, take
+your glove off!
+
+Harald. Do you want me to try your ring on? I shall not be able to get
+it on.
+
+Gertrud. On the little finger of your left hand? Yes!
+
+Harald (putting it on). So I can. Well?
+
+Gertrud. You mustn't laugh at me. I have been beating up my courage
+to do this all this time. It was really why I wanted to walk a little
+farther with you first! I wanted to bring the conversation round to it,
+you see! I am so convinced that your happiness, and consequently mine,
+depends on your being able to be kind. You have got this meeting before
+you to-night. It will be a decisive moment for you. If you, when you are
+facing all this horrible persecution, can be a kind boy, you will win
+all along the line! (Pulls at his buttons in an embarrassed way.) So I
+wanted you to wear this ring to remind you. The diamonds in it sparkle;
+they are like my tears when you are hard and forget us two. I know it
+is stupid of me (wipes her eyes hastily), but now, when it comes to the
+point, I can't say what I--. But do wear it!
+
+Harald (kissing her). I will wear it! (Gently.) Its pure rays shall shed
+a light on my life.
+
+Gertrud. Thank you! (Throws her arms round him and kisses him.)
+
+The Editor. What they are doing now is all right! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Evje. I won't stand it! (The EDITOR coughs loudly.) What are you doing?
+(The EDITOR goes to the neighbouring house and rings the bell. The door
+is opened and he goes in, laughing as he goes.)
+
+Gertrud (who has started from HARALD'S arms at the sound of the cough).
+That is--!
+
+Harald. It sounds like him! (Turns, and sees Evje.)
+
+Gertrud. Father! (Turns to run away, but stops.) No, it is cowardly to
+run away. (Comes back, and stands at HARALD'S side. EVJE comes forward.)
+
+Evje. I should not have expected my daughter, a well-brought-up girl, to
+make an assignation in the street with--with--
+
+Gertrud. With her fiance.
+
+Evje.--with a man who has made a mock of her father and mother, and of
+his own doing has banished himself from our house.
+
+Harald. From your house, certainly; but not from my future wife.
+
+Evje. A nice explanation! Do you suppose we will consent to have as our
+son-in-law a man who spurns her parents?
+
+Gertrud. Father!
+
+Evje. Be quiet, my child! You ought to have felt that yourself.
+
+Gertrud. But, father, you surely do not expect him to submit to your
+being abused and himself ill-treated in our house?
+
+Evje. Are you going to teach your parents--?
+
+Gertrud (putting her arm round his neck). I don't want to teach you
+anything; because you know yourself, dear, that Harald is worth far
+more--and far more to us--than the man who went away just now! (At this
+moment the printer's boy, who has come out of the EDITOR'S house, runs
+past them towards the town.)
+
+Evje (seeing the boy, tries to get away). Go in now, Gertrud! I have
+something I wish to talk to Mr. Rejn about.
+
+Gertrud. You have nothing to talk to Harald about that I cannot hear.
+
+Evje. Yes, I have.
+
+Harald. But why may she not hear it? What you want is to break off our
+engagement.
+
+Gertrud. Father--! (Moves away from him.) Is that true?
+
+Evje. Well-since it cannot be otherwise-it is true; that is to say, for
+the moment. (Aside.) Good Lord, they can make it up right enough when
+this is all over!
+
+Gertrud (who is standing as if thunderstruck). I saw you with him!--Ah!
+that is how it is! (Looks at her father, bursts into tears and rushes to
+the door of their house, pulls the bell and disappears into the house.)
+
+Evje. What is it? What is the matter with her?
+
+Harald. I think I know. She realises that her life's happiness has been
+bought and sold. (Bows to EVJE.) Good-bye! (Goes out to the right.)
+
+Evje (after standing dumb for some moments). Bought and sold?
+Some people take everything so dreadfully solemnly. It is only a
+manoeuvre--to get out of this difficulty. Why is it that I cannot get
+free of it! They both of them exaggerate matters so absurdly; first of
+all this crazy fellow, and then Harald with his "Good-bye," spoken as if
+the ground were giving way beneath his feet! I--I--feel as if every one
+had deserted me. I will go in to my wife--my dear, good wife; she will
+understand me. She is sitting up there, full of anxiety about me. (He
+turns towards his house; but, on reaching the garden gate, sees JOHN
+standing there.)
+
+John (touching his hat respectfully). Excuse me, Mr. Evje--
+
+Evje. You, John! Go away! I told you never to set foot in my house
+again.
+
+John (very respectfully). But won't you allow me to stand outside your
+house either, sir?
+
+Evje. No!
+
+John (standing in EVJE'S way, but still with a show of great respect).
+Not at the door here?
+
+Evje. What are you standing in my way for, you scoundrel?
+
+John. Shall I assist you to call for help, sir? (Calls out.) Help!
+
+Evje. Be quiet, you drunken fool! Don't make a disturbance! What do you
+want? Be quick!
+
+John. I want, with all respect, to ask you, sir, why you have sent me
+away.
+
+Evje. Because you are a swine that gets drunk and then talks nonsense.
+You don't know what a dilemma you have put me in.--Now go away from
+here, quietly!
+
+John. I know all about it! I was following you and the Editor all the
+time, you know!
+
+Evje. What?
+
+John. These articles, that were to go in the paper--the printing was at
+a standstill, waiting for them.
+
+Evje. Hush, hush, John! So you overheard that, did you? You are too
+clever; you ought never to have been a servant.--Now, be off with you!
+Here is a shilling or two for you. Good-bye.
+
+John. Thank you very much, sir.--This was how it was, sir. You see,
+I thought of the number of times I had run over to the printer's with
+messages when that nice Editor gentleman was spending an evening with
+you--and so I thought I might just as well run over with this one.
+
+Evje (starting back in alarm). What? What have you done?
+
+John. Just to do you a good turn, sir, I ran along and told them they
+might print those articles.
+
+Evje. What articles?
+
+John. The ones about you, sir. "Print away," I said--and they printed
+away. By Jove, how they worked, and then off to the post with the
+papers!
+
+Evje. You had the impudence, you--! Ah, it's not true! I saw the
+printer's boy myself, running to the office to countermand the
+instructions.
+
+John. I caught him up outside here and told him that a message had been
+sent from Mr. Evje's house. And I gave him sixpence to go to the theatre
+with; but he must have had to run for it, to be in time, because I am
+sure it was after seven. Excuse me, sir, but it _is_ after seven now,
+isn't it?
+
+Evje. You scoundrel! You vindictive brute!
+
+John. You can have a look at the paper, sir, if you like.
+
+Evje. Have _you_ got a copy?
+
+John. Yes, sir, the first copy struck off is always sent to the Editor,
+so I volunteered to bring it to him. But you must be anxious to see it,
+sir! (Holds it out to EVJE.)
+
+Evje (snatching it from him). Give it to me! Let me see--. (Moves
+towards his door, but stops.) No, my wife mustn't--. Here, under the
+gas-lamp! This filthy fog! I can't--. (Feels in his pocket for his
+glasses, and pasts them on.) Ah, that's better! (Holds the paper under
+the light.) What a mischance! The blackguard--! Where is the article,
+then? Oh, here--I can't see properly, my heart is beating so!
+
+John. Shall I run for the doctor, sir?
+
+Evje. Will you go away, you--! (Holds the paper first up, and then down,
+in his attempts to see better.) Ah, here it is! "The Stock Exchange
+Committee"--oh! (Lowers the paper.)
+
+John (mimicking him). Oh!
+
+Evje (trying to read). What a vile thing to do!
+
+John. Oh, go on! go on!
+
+Evje (as he reads). This beats everything I ever--Oh!
+
+John. Oh! We _are_ in a bad way!
+
+Evje (wiping his forehead). What a different thing it is to read
+libellous attacks on others--and on one's self! (Goes on reading.) Oh!
+Oh! What horrible, revolting rascality! What is it he says here? I must
+read through it again! Oh, oh!
+
+John. And often of a morning, when you have been reading the paper, I
+have heard you laughing till the bed shook under you!
+
+Evje. Yes, I who have so often laughed at others! (Reads.) No, this is
+beyond belief! I can't read any more! This will ruin my position in the
+town; I can hear every one laughing at me--he knows all my weaknesses,
+and has managed to make it all so hideously ludicrous! (Tries to go on
+reading.) Why, here is some more! (Reads.) It begins even worse than the
+other! (Lowers the paper, panting, then tries to go on reading.) No, I
+can't--I can't! I must wait! Everything seems going round and round--and
+my heart is beating so violently that I know I shall have one of my
+attacks! What a devil it is that I have been making a friend of! What a
+creature to have broken bread with!--an unprincipled scoundrel! And the
+disgrace of it!--the disgrace! What will they say at the Exchange? What
+will--? I shall not dare to go out of my house, at least for some weeks!
+And then people will only say I have taken to my bed! Oh, oh! I feel as
+if it were the end of everything!
+
+John (solicitously). Can I help you, sir?
+
+Evje. Will you leave me alone--! No, I will have my revenge on him
+immediately! I will go and ring his bell, and go into his house and call
+him a scoundrel and spit in his face--! Did I bring my stick out with
+me? Where is my stick? I will send my man for it, and then I will thrash
+him round and round his own room!
+
+John (eagerly). I will fetch it for you, sir!
+
+Evje (without hearing him). No, it would only make more scandal!--How
+can I take my revenge? I must do him some injury--some real injury that
+will seem to poison his food for him and rob him of his rest. Scoundrels
+like that don't deserve sleep! It must be something, too, that will
+make his family every bit as unhappy as mine will be when they have
+read this--something that will make them hide their heads for
+shame--something that will make them terrified every time their
+door-bell rings, out of shame for what their servants may hear! No, no,
+I am getting as evil-minded as he is, now!--What a horrible trade--for
+ever sowing the seeds of sin and reaping a crop of curses! Now I
+understand what Harald Rejn meant by saying that no one ought to give
+his help to such things!--Heavens, hear my vow: never again will I give
+my help to such things!--What am I to say to my wife--my dear, good
+wife, who has no suspicion how disgraced I am! And Gertrud, our good
+Gertrud--ah, at all events I can give her some pleasure at once. I
+cannot conceal it from them; but I will tell them myself, so that they
+shall not read it.
+
+John. Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?
+
+Evje (almost screaming at him). Once for all, can't you let me alone!
+
+Mrs. Evje (leaning out of a window she has opened). The sound must have
+come from the street, all the same. Are you there, my dear?
+
+Evje (drawing back in alarm). There she is! Shall I answer?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Are you there, my dear?
+
+Evje. Yes, dear, here I am!
+
+Mrs. Evje. So you are! I heard your voice, and looked all over the
+house. What is the matter, dear?
+
+Evje. Oh, I am so unhappy!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Good heavens, are you, dear? Come along in--or shall I come
+down to you?
+
+Evje. No, I will come in. Shut the window, or you will catch cold.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Do you know, Gertrud is sitting up here, crying?
+
+Evje. Good gracious, is she? I will come up--I will come up!
+
+John. I will help him up, ma'am! (Pretends to be doing so.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Is that you, John?
+
+Evje (in a low voice). Will you be off!
+
+John. Yes, it is me, ma'am. He is so unwell.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Is he! Heavens, it is one of his attacks! Help him, John!
+
+Evje (as before). Don't you dare!
+
+John (who has rung the bell loudly). I do hope you will moon be better,
+sir! (Calls up to the window.) I can leave him now, ma'am! (To EVJE, as
+he goes.) This has been a bit of luck, for me; but you shall have some
+more of it! (Disappears into the fog as EVJE goes into his house. The
+two Passers-by, that were seen at the beginning of the scene, are now
+indistinctly seen returning along the street at the back.)
+
+First Passer-by. Well, the land of Fogs used to be thought by the
+ancients to lie in the north, where all confused ideas come from--
+
+Second Passer-by (who does not seem to be able to get a word in). But,
+listen to me for a moment-do you think it means--?
+
+[Curtain]
+
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+(SCENE.--A room in HALVDAN REJN's house. He is lying, supported on
+pillows, on a sofa on the left-hand side of the room. There is a table
+in the background, and another near the sofa. A lamp is hanging from the
+ceiling, and another standing on the table at the back. HAAKON REJN, his
+dress proclaiming him to be a well-to-do yeoman farmer, is sitting on a
+chair by the sofa.)
+
+Halvdan. So she couldn't come?
+
+Haakon. No; there are the youngsters, you know--she finds it difficult
+to get away.
+
+Halvdan (after a moment's silence). Remember to thank her for all her
+kindness to me. The happiest moments of my life have been those Sundays
+and evenings that she and you and I spent together at your house. (A
+pause.)
+
+Haakon. She wanted very much to know how you were feeling--whether you,
+who have suffered so much, are at peace now.
+
+Halvdan. At peace? A man who has to die with all his work unfinished,
+cannot easily root out all thoughts of that from his heart.
+
+Haakon. You should try to lay in God's hands all that you have striven
+for.
+
+Halvdan. That is what I struggle daily to do. (A pause.)
+
+Haakon. A sister of my wife's, who was a widow and badly off, died
+leaving three young children. But she was glad to die. "Their Heavenly
+Father will help them better when I am out of the way," she said. "I
+took up too much room," she said; "I know I have often stood in their
+way." (A pause.)
+
+Halvdan. You tell that just as your wife would; she told me that story
+once.
+
+Haakon. I was to tell you from her that she believes you are to die in
+order that what you have worked for may come to its fullest fruit. She
+thinks that when you are gone, people will appreciate better what your
+aims were.
+
+Halvdan. There is some comfort in the thought that I may be dying
+in order that what I have loved may live. I have already given up
+happiness-even honour-for it; I gladly give my life for it now. (A
+pause.)
+
+Haakon. Do you bear ill-will to any of those who have opposed you so
+cruelly?
+
+Halvdan. To no one.
+
+Haakon. Not even to those whose doing it is that you are lying here?
+
+Halvdan. No, to no one. (A pause.)
+
+Haakon. Could you bear to read something hateful about yourself to-day?
+
+Halvdan. I don't know.
+
+Haakon. Then you have not done with it all yet.
+
+Halvdan. No, I know I have not. It is only sometimes that the busy
+world outside seems to me like a ship sailing idly before the wind. More
+often, I am back in the midst of it again--planning, hoping, praying! I
+am young, you know, and have had to suffer so much--there was so much I
+wanted to do. (Lifts a handkerchief to his forehead. HAAKON helps him to
+wipe his face with it. A pause.)
+
+Haakon. But it must be a comfort to you, too, that Harald is taking up
+what you are laying down. There is good stuff in him.
+
+Halvdan. Yes.
+
+Haakon. And he never says more than is necessary. The country folk will
+understand him all the better for it.
+
+Halvdan. I hope so. As soon as he comes into my room I feel as if the
+atmosphere were charged with electricity--I feel as if I _must_ have
+a part in what he is doing--and so I work, and tire myself out. Ah, it
+often seems very hard to have to die, and leave undone a great work that
+one has failed to accomplish!
+
+Haakon. But you have made him what he is, you know--and many others.
+
+Halvdan. I have started the fight, that is all. It is hard to have to
+desert at the beginning of it!--But God is good, and will understand; He
+will not be surprised at what my thoughts are full of, when I go to Him.
+(A ring is heard at the bell.)
+
+Haakon. I expect that is Harald.
+
+Halvdan. No, he never rings. Besides, I expect he is taking a walk, to
+think over what he is going to say to-night.
+
+Haakon. Yes, I suppose it will be a big meeting. (The HOUSEKEEPER comes
+in.)
+
+The Housekeeper. Mr. Evje is here, sir, asking for Mr. Harald. I told
+him we were expecting him every moment. Shall I ask him to come in?
+
+Halvdan. Yes, show him in. (HAAKON gets up, as EVJE is shown in.)
+
+Evje (to HALVDAN). Good evening! (Sees HAAKON.) Ah, good evening! So you
+have come? That is splendid. Is your wife with you?
+
+Haakon. No, she couldn't leave the children.
+
+Evje. I see. (To HALVDAN.) And how are you? About the same? Of course,
+yes.--Where is your brother?
+
+Halvdan. He has his meeting to-night, you know.
+
+Evje. His momentous meeting--I know! I am going to it myself!
+
+Halvdan (turns his face towards him). You?
+
+Evje. My object in coming here was to take him home with me, so that we
+could all go together to the meeting. We mean to go on to the platform
+with him; I mean people to see that we are with him!
+
+Halvdan (turning his face away). Really!
+
+Evje (to HAAKON). You never answered my letter, Mr. Rejn.
+
+Haakon. No, I knew I was coming in to town.
+
+Evje. Well--will you sell?
+
+Haakon. No.
+
+Evje. But, my dear Mr. Rejn, you have not sold a single potato to my
+distillery for five years! And with a farm like yours! This year you had
+the best crop in the whole valley.
+
+Haakon. Oh, yes--it wasn't so bad.
+
+Evje. Not so bad! It was an extraordinary crop; and, everywhere else
+round about, the crops were very middling.
+
+Haakon. Oh, yes--it might have been worse.
+
+Evje (laughing). I should think so! But then why won't you sell? (Turns
+to HALVDAN.) I hope you will excuse our talking business in a sick-room;
+a business man has to seize every opportunity, you know! (To HAAKON.)
+You have never got higher prices elsewhere than you have from me.
+
+Haakon. No, so I believe; but I have my own reasons.
+
+Evje. Your own reasons? What are they?
+
+Haakon. I had a servant once--it is about five years ago now--a good,
+capable fellow. He used to take potatoes for me to the distillery every
+day, and every evening came back drunk. So I spoke to him seriously
+about it; and his answer was: "How do you suppose our brandy-merchants
+are to grow rich, if chaps like me don't drink pretty hard?" You know
+the man; he went into your service afterwards. But from that day I have
+never sold a potato to a distillery.
+
+Evje. But, my dear Mr. Rejn, we cannot be held responsible for the use
+to which such rascals put God's gifts!
+
+Haakon. No--no--I suppose not; still, I am not going to have anything
+more to do with it.
+
+Evje (to HALVDAN). Do you think your brother will not be home before the
+meeting?
+
+Halvdan. I should think he would; there is plenty of time yet.
+
+Evje. There is; but I should have liked to take him home with me first.
+The fact is (laughs) I have promised my wife and daughter not to go home
+without him. You know what women are! Shall I just go into his room and
+wait for him? There is something I want to talk to him about, you know.
+
+Halvdan. I don't think there is a fire in there.
+
+Evje. Oh, well, never mind--I will sit here. I have got a newspaper to
+read, and you two must go on with your talk just as if I were not here!
+I shall hear nothing, because I have something to read that interests
+me. (He pulls a chair up to the table on the right with its back to
+HALVDAN. HAAKON brings the lamp from the table at the back.) Ah, thank
+you very much! Now, just talk away as if I were not here! (Takes the
+paper from his pocket and sits down.)
+
+Haakon (sitting down again beside his brother). I should have liked to
+go to the meeting, too.
+
+Halvdan. Of course you must go! You will hear Harald tell them how each
+nation has its own appointed task in the world; that is why it _is_ a
+nation. But, as long as it does not realise the fact, its politics
+will be nothing but wrangling between the various class-interests--a
+haphazard struggle for power. Our nation has never got beyond that
+point! I have shouted myself to death over what is a mere market.
+
+Evje (to himself, striking the table with his fist). The whole
+commercial community is insulted in this insult to me! I will stir them
+up at the meeting, and insist on our taking our revenge in common!
+
+Haakon. I don't think things will be any better until we are better
+Christians. Men think of nothing nowadays but themselves and their
+position.
+
+Evje (to himself). No, no-that wouldn't do. What would people say? They
+would only say I was badly hit by this.
+
+Halvdan (half to himself). A Christian nation, thinking of nothing but
+its own interests--that is to say, power! Equality and Liberty have no
+meaning for it. Haakon, it surely will be bliss for a wounded soul to
+be taken into the Everlasting Love, high above all this so-called
+Christianity of the world! For my soul is sorely wounded!
+
+Evje (to himself ). If only I could strike him dead!
+
+Halvdan. But may they all be forgiven!--You asked just now whether I
+could bear to read something hateful about myself to-day. I think I
+could.
+
+Haakon. Then I can tell you the other message she gave me for you.
+I have been a little shy of telling you that. It was that you should
+remember that you must do more than forgive; you must pray for them. (A
+pause.)
+
+Halvdan (with his hand over his eyes). I do.
+
+Evje (crumpling up the paper and throwing it on the floor). No, I won't
+stand it! If the blackguard--. (Gets up in alarm, as he realises what
+he has done, and is just going to pick up the paper; but at that moment
+turns round facing the others, and lets it lie.) No, I won't touch it
+again--never, as long as I live! (To the others.) You must forgive me,
+but I was reading something that upset me very much. Your brother will
+tell you all about it in the morning, no doubt. Poof--it is very warm in
+here! But, of course, that is natural in a sick-room. I don't think he
+can be coming now. I think, too, that I will go on, so as not to be late
+for the meeting; there is sure to be a difficulty in getting seats. I
+will get him to go home with me after the meeting, instead. That will be
+better, after all.
+
+Haakon. I was thinking of going to the meeting. Would you mind if I went
+with you?--for I do not know the way myself.
+
+Evje. You will come with me, Mr. Rejn? (To himself.) That will be
+splendid--to make my entrance in the company of one of our yeomen
+farmers! (Aloud.) By all means let us go together! I feel flattered by
+the opportunity, because I have always maintained that our yeomen are
+the pick of the nation. Well, then--(to Halvdan) I hope you will soon be
+feeling better, Mr. Rejn. God bless you!
+
+Halvdan (raising himself on his elbow, and looking at him with a smile).
+Something must have gone amiss with you to-day.
+
+Evje. Why do you say that?
+
+Halvdan. Because as a rule you appear so composed so aloof from all this
+squabbling.
+
+Evje (impetuously). But, do what I like, I am not allowed to keep aloof
+from it! I have no greater wish in the world than to do so, I can assure
+you. Oh, well, your excellent brother--my future son-in-law,
+as I am proud to call him--he will tell you all about it.
+Good-bye!--and--and--God bless you!
+
+Haakon. Shall I tell your housekeeper to come to you?
+
+Halvdan. Oh, no; but you might tell her to come in a little while.
+
+Haakon. Good-bye for the present, then!
+
+Halvdan. Thank you for coming! Good-bye. (Sinks back on to the sofa. The
+others go out, HAAKON turning round once at the door.)
+
+Halvdan. It is something in the paper that has disturbed his equanimity.
+What can it be? The same thing that made Harald so gloomy to-day, I
+wonder? (Gets half up.) It is lying there.--No! What interest have I in
+all their petty spite now? (Sinks back again.) "Could you bear to read
+something hateful about yourself to-day?" Haakon asked. Then I suppose
+there is something about me in it to-day. (Puts his hand over his
+heart.) My heart doesn't seem to be beating any the faster for my
+knowing that. (Gets half up.) There it lies! (Sinks back again.) No, I
+am only trying to tempt myself. All the same, I should like to know how
+many stations I have passed on my journey to the great City of
+Peace! Can their malice affect me still? Surely I have passed _that_
+station?--It would be worth trying, to see. There it lies! (Takes up
+a stick that is standing by the sofa.) Surely I can get over there by
+myself? (Gets up from the sofa with the help of the stick, and smiles.)
+I have not much strength left. (Takes a few steps.) Scarcely enough
+to get across the floor. (A few more steps.) To think that I should
+have--so much vanity--my weak point--. (His breath fails him, but he
+gets as far as the chair on which EVJE was sitting, and sits down.) One
+ought to have done with all that before the soul can get quite away from
+the dust that--. (Begins to rake the paper towards him with his stick.)
+And here am I, sitting here raking more of it towards me!--No, let the
+thing lie! I won't soil my wings any more.--Poor Harald! He has to
+take up the burden now! What a horrible bungle it is, that we should
+be brought into the world to give each other as much pain as possible!
+(Decidedly.) Well, I am going to see what legacy of unhappiness I
+am leaving him! I want to have a vivid impression of the misery I am
+escaping from. There is a certain comfort even in that. (Bends down and
+picks up the paper, rests for a moment, and then unfolds the paper.) But
+this is not to-day's paper; it is dated for to-morrow! How can Evje have
+got hold of it? Yes, here is the date--Sunday. "Remember that thou keep
+holy the Sabbath Day!" On that day men's souls should turn to God--and
+they offer Him _this_! It is after reading _this_ that these fine ladies
+and gentlemen go to church! (Pushes the paper away from him.) Suppose
+these "Christians" were to be brought to judgment one day without
+warning?--Let us think of ourselves and not of others! (Lets his eye
+rest on the paper.) Does that mean me? (Reads.) "Not yet actually dead,
+but already canonised by a calculating brother--." (Checks himself.)
+God forgive them! (Reads on.) "His teachings will no doubt obtain him
+a paean of praise, but this will be--or, at least, so it is to be
+hoped--from within the closely locked doors of the state's prisons and
+houses of correction"--(checks himself a little)--"for that is whither
+he leads his followers."--Good God, to think that they can say such
+things!--And yet, they said worse things of _Him_! Peace! (Reads.) "No
+doubt he talks against Socialism; no doubt he coquets with Christianity;
+but it is by these very means that he has become so expert a seducer of
+men's opinions-which was his aim all along." (Puts his hands before his
+face.) I should not have read it; forgive me! I am too weak still!--Ah!
+I feel--what is it? (Puts his hands suddenly to his heart, still
+unconsciously grasping the newspaper in them.) I must get into my
+room--get to bed! (Gets up with the help of his stick.) If only I can
+get there! Oh, I feel it coming on!--I must--. (Tries to hurry, but when
+he is halfway across the floor he stumbles, throws out his hands but
+finds no support, staggers on for a few steps, and falls full length on
+the threshold of his bedroom, so that half his length lies within the
+door and half without. A moment later, the HOUSEKEEPER comes in.)
+
+The Housekeeper (not observing that he is not still on the sofa). Won't
+you go to bed now, sir? You can't stand so much in one day. (Goes to the
+sofa.) Where is he? Surely he has not tried to walk in alone? (Hurries
+across to the bedroom door and almost falls over his body. She starts
+back with a scream.) Where is--? (Catches up the lamp, hurries back, and
+bends over him; then calls out, screaming:) Help! Help! (Rings the bell
+wildly. A MAID appears.) Mr. Halvdan is lying here! Heaven knows whether
+he is dead or alive! Run for the Doctor! Leave the door open behind you,
+and beg the first man you meet in the street to come up here at once and
+help me. Tell them it is a matter of life and death!
+
+Maid. Yes!
+
+The Housekeeper. Hurry!
+
+Maid (going out). Yes, yes!
+
+The Housekeeper (coming back into the room). Is he alive or dead? I
+haven't the courage to find out. And both his brothers away! (Cries.)
+God grant some one comes soon!--Poor man, alone in his death as he was
+in his life! But what was he doing _there_? Why did he get up from the
+sofa? (Sees the paper.) Surely that can't be--? (Puts the lamp on the
+floor and unfolds the paper.) Yes, it is the paper, right enough! Who
+can have given it him? I can't look at it now; but if it is like the
+number I read the other day (lets the paper fall, and gets up with the
+lamp) then I understand everything--and may God requite those that do
+such things! (The EDITOR rushes in.)
+
+The Editor. Is it here?
+
+The Housekeeper (holds the lamp to him, then starts back). What do _you_
+want here?
+
+The Editor. Where am I? A girl came running down the street and told me
+I must come up here and help some one that was dying. What do you want
+me to do?--or is it not here?
+
+The Housekeeper. And it was _you_ she met? It is the hand of God!
+
+The Editor. What are you babbling about? If it is not here, say so at
+once.
+
+The Housekeeper. Yes, it is here. There he lies!
+
+The Editor. Then oughtn't we to get him into bed?
+
+The Housekeeper. Yes. But do you know who it is you are helping?
+
+The Editor (to himself). She is not very polite. (Aloud.) No; but what
+does that matter?
+
+The Housekeeper. This much--that it is you that have killed him.
+
+The Editor. I--? She is mad.
+
+The Housekeeper. The man lying there is Halvdan Rejn. And he had been
+reading about himself in your paper.--Come, now, and carry him in. (She
+goes into the bedroom with the lamp. Her voice is heard from inside the
+room.) Now, take hold of him and lift him. You can think afterwards.
+
+The Editor (stoops to lift the body, but gets up again). I don't think
+he is dead yet.
+
+The Housekeeper. All the more reason to make haste.
+
+The Editor (stoops down again, but gets up once more.) Let me take his
+head.
+
+The Housekeeper. Why?
+
+The Editor. So that--if he should open his eyes
+
+The Housekeeper.--he won't see you. (Comes out of the bedroom). Go in
+there, then, and take his head. (He goes in.) What was that?
+
+The Editor (from inside the room). I slipped. There is something wet
+here.
+
+The Housekeeper. Yes, he has had a hemorrhage. Carefully, now. (They
+carry him in. The stage remains empty for a moment. Then the EDITOR
+comes back, wiping his forehead. He walks backwards and forwards,
+treading on the paper as he goes, but without noticing it.)
+
+The Editor. What a horrible thing to happen!--Newspapers are not meant
+for dying people.--It is not my fault.--Is this blood on my hand? It
+is! (Wipes it with his handkerchief.) And now it is on my handkerchief!
+(Throws it away.) No, it has my name on it. (Picks it up again.) No one
+can say it is my fault. (Sits down, then gets up, wiping his forehead
+with his handkerchief without noticing what he is doing.) Ah, I hope I
+haven't put blood on my forehead? I seem to feel it there! (Feels
+with his hand to see if his brow is wet.) No. (Sits down, then gets up
+again.) Let me get away from here. (Stops.) To think that I should be
+the one to come up! that it should just happen to-night that I did not
+receive my paper, and so went out! It almost seems more than accident.
+Indeed, I often had a foreboding that it would happen. (Stands opposite
+the bedroom door.) But is he dead? I think I will go and fetch the
+Doctor. Oh no, of course the maid has gone for him. He hasn't long
+to live, anyway; I could see that. (Walks forward, pointing with
+his finger.) "There goes the man that killed Halvdan Rejn! And his
+punishment was that he had to lift up his bloodstained body himself."
+That is what they will say; and they will look at me as if--. (Sits
+down.) No, let me get away! (Takes a few steps, then stops suddenly.)
+That article in to-morrow's paper! It is worse than the others! (Pulls
+out his watch.) Too late--the post has gone! I would have given--.
+(Checks himself.) I have nothing worth giving. In the morning It will
+be known all over the town just as everyone is reading my fresh article.
+There will be a riot; I shall be hunted like a wild beast. What shall I
+do? I might sneak out of the town? Then they will gloat over me! I won't
+allow them that pleasure! No, I cannot stay my hand utter a failure;
+only after a victory. That is the cursed part of it-never, never to be
+able to end it. Oh, for some one that could end it--end it, end it! Oh,
+for one day of real peace! Shall _I_ ever get that? (Sits down.) No,
+no, I must get away! (Gets up.) To-morrow must take care of itself.
+(Starts.) There is the paper he was reading! (Steps over it.) I will
+take it away--and burn it. (Takes it up.) I cannot burn it here; some
+one might come. (Is just going to put it into his pocket, as it is, but
+takes it out again to fold it better.) A Sunday's paper, apparently!
+Then it is _not_ to-day's? An old number, I suppose. Then the whole
+thing is a mistake! (Sighs with relief.) Let me look again! (Opens the
+paper, tremblingly.) I don't deserve it, but--. (Reads.) Sunday, the--.
+_To-morrow's_ paper? _Here_? How in all the world did it get here?
+(Appears horrified.) Here are the articles about Evje! How on earth did
+they get in? Didn't I send a message? Didn't I write? This on the top of
+everything else! Are even my printers conspiring against me? Well, even
+if it ruins me, I shall go on! They shall find out what I can do. How on
+earth can I be expected to help it if a weak-minded fellow dies, or if
+my printers are drunk or my manager has delirium tremens! I shall pursue
+my end through all chances and in spite of all their tricks, and I shall
+crush them, crush them--I shall--. (Gives way to a paroxysm of rage.
+At this moment the MAID comes in with the DOCTOR'S ASSISTANT. The MAID
+rushes into the bedroom. The EDITOR starts up.) Who is that? What do you
+want?
+
+The Doctor's Assistant (coldly). What do _you_ want here?
+
+The Editor. I? Oh, I was called up to help the sick man into his bed.
+
+The Doctor's Assistant (as before). Ah!--so it was _you_! (A pause.)
+
+The Editor. Have you ever seen me before?
+
+The Doctor's Assistant. Yes. I have heard you grind your teeth before
+this. (Goes into the bedroom.)
+
+The Editor (after standing for a moment looking after him). They will
+all look at me to-morrow like that-with those cold eyes. "Every man's
+hand against him, and his hand against every man;" there can only be one
+end to that. To-night, the meeting--and Harald Rejn will take them
+by storm. To-morrow, his brother's death--and my new article in the
+paper--and, in addition to that, those about Evje, who at present is
+only angry. And the election in two days! Oh, yes, he will be elected
+now. So I may as well give it all up at once. I would change places with
+any wolf that has a lair to hide in. Those cold eyes of his! (Shudders.)
+That is how every one will look at me to-morrow! They have pierced
+through my armour! (The DOCTOR'S ASSISTANT comes back, and the EDITOR
+makes an effort to resume his former confident manner.)
+
+The Doctor's Assistant. I don't know whether you will be glad to hear
+that it is all over.
+
+The Editor (under his breath). You brute!
+
+The Doctor's Assistant. His old housekeeper does not feel equal to
+coming here to tell you what his last words were. They were: "Forgive
+him!" (Goes out.)
+
+The Editor (sitting down, then getting up again). No, I mustn't be found
+here. (Walks about the room on tiptoe, as if he were afraid of waking
+some one. When he comes opposite to the bedroom door, he turns towards
+it, stretches out his arms and says:) Give me your forgiveness too!
+
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+(SCENE.--A large and handsomely furnished sitting-room at the EVJE'S.
+The room is brightly lit and the fire burning. The entrance door is on
+the right, and beyond it a door leading to the dining-room. INGEBORG
+is busy taking the covers off the chairs, folding them carefully as she
+does so. After a little, the bell rings. She goes to open the door, and
+returns, showing in the DOCTOR.)
+
+The Doctor. Oho! Is it to be in here to-night?
+
+Ingeborg (who has resumed her work of making the room ready). Yes, sir.
+
+The Doctor. Where are they all?
+
+Ingeborg. At the meeting, sir.
+
+The Doctor. All of them?
+
+Ingeborg. Yes, all of them. Miss Gertrud went first--
+
+The Doctor. Yes, I saw her well enough!
+
+Ingeborg. And then the master, and a farmer gentleman with him, came in
+to fetch the mistress.
+
+The Doctor (to himself). Something has happened here, then. (Aloud.)
+Tell me, Ingeborg--has _he_ been here again? You know who I mean.
+(Coughs in imitation of the EDITOR'S cough.)
+
+Ingeborg. Oh, the Editor; no, sir.
+
+The Doctor (to himself). I wonder what has happened. (Aloud.) Well,
+evidently there is to be a festivity here to-night; and, as I see the
+chairs are getting their covers taken off, I may as well take mine off
+too. (Takes off his coat and gives it to INGEBORG, who carries it out.)
+I don't blame Evje for wanting to celebrate Harald's success after a
+meeting like that! He is not exactly eloquent in the ordinary sense
+of the word--doesn't bother about his antitheses and climaxes and
+paradoxes, and all that sort of nonsense; but he is a _man_! He goes
+bail for what he says, and he says what he likes--ha, ha! And that dear
+Gertrud, too! Follows him into the hall, and, as there isn't a single
+seat left there, goes up on to the platform among the committee, and
+sits there looking at him with those trustful blue eyes of hers, as if
+there was no one else in the room! And _we_ were all looking at _her_!
+She helped him more than ten good speakers would have done, I am sure.
+Her faith in him bred it in others, whether they liked it or no. She
+is one who would die for her faith! Yes, yes! The man that gets her--.
+(INGEBORG comes back.) Well! (Rubs his hands together.) Look here,
+Ingeborg. (Very politely.) Do you know what is meant by the Rights of
+Man?
+
+Ingeborg (going on with her work). No, sir. Something we have earned, I
+suppose.
+
+The Doctor. Yes, you earn them every day.
+
+Ingeborg. Our meals, perhaps?
+
+The Doctor (laughing). No, it isn't something to eat, unfortunately.
+(Politely.) Do you ever read papers, Ingeborg?
+
+Ingeborg. Papers? Oh, you mean the price-lists they leave at the kitchen
+door. Yes, sir; every day, before we go to market, I--
+
+The Doctor. No, I don't mean papers of that sort. I mean--
+
+Ingeborg. Oh, you mean the newspaper I take in to master's room every
+morning. No, Sir, I don't read that. I am told there are such horrors in
+it.
+
+The Doctor. Quite so. Don't you care to read about horrors, then?
+
+Ingeborg. Oh, we poor folk see enough of them in our everyday lives,
+without reading about them!--But perhaps the gentry enjoy it.
+
+The Doctor. You are a very wise woman. Let me tell you, though, that
+there is a fight going on, about--oh, well, never mind what it is about.
+And the Editor and Mr. Rejn, who both come to this house, are the two
+chief fighters. Don't you want to know what they are fighting about?
+
+Ingeborg (going on unconcernedly with her work). Oh, so they are
+fighting, are they? No, I don't care the least bit, sir!
+
+The Doctor (to himself). Ha, ha--the difference between Ingeborg and
+me is that I am interested in the fight merely as a student of human
+nature, and she is not interested in it at all. I wonder which is
+farthest from any genuine belief in politics?--from our "duty as a
+citizen," as they call it? (To INGEBORG.) Ingeborg, do you know what
+your "duty as a citizen" means?
+
+Ingeborg. My "duty as a citizen"? That mean; paying fines, doesn't it,
+sir?
+
+The Doctor. Yes; and a very heavy fine, into the bargain!
+
+Ingeborg. The master was fined because the pavement was not swept. John
+was ill.
+
+The Doctor. Quite right, that was one of his duties as a citizen.--Tell
+me, Ingeborg, are they expecting a lot of people here to-night?
+
+Ingeborg. No, sir, I have only laid table for quite a few.
+
+The Doctor. And what are they going to have?
+
+Ingeborg. Oh, one or two dishes and one or two sorts of wine--.
+
+The Doctor. Aha! (A ring is heard at the bell. INGEBORG goes to the
+door.) There they are! Now we shall have a fine time!
+
+Ingeborg (coming back with a letter). It is a note for you, sir.
+
+The Doctor. Oh, bother I
+
+Ingeborg. The man who brought it was not sure whether you would be at
+the meeting or here.
+
+The Doctor. How could he know--? (Putting on his glasses.) Oh, from my
+assistant--that is quite another thing. Of course he wants my help or my
+advice. Well, he shan't have it! I have run about quite enough to-day.
+Tell the messenger that I haven't time! I have my Duties as a Citizen
+to attend to! (Calls after her.) And my Manhood's Rights too! (Opens the
+envelope.) No, I won't read it; if I do, the matter will worry me all
+the evening. I know what I am. (Puts the note in his pocket.) I mean to
+enjoy this evening! (Suddenly.) I wonder how our friend the Editor is
+enjoying this evening! Was he at the meeting, I wonder? A remarkable
+personality--but malignity itself! Lion-hearted, though! He would fight
+till the last drop of his blood! But what is it, really, that he is
+fighting for? That question has always interested me, for I can't make
+it out. (To INGEBORG, who has comeback.) Well?
+
+Ingeborg. The messenger has gone.--Yes, sir, I told him everything you
+told me to.
+
+The Doctor. Of course. You would! Why the deuce does any one pay any
+attention to what I say! (The bell rings.) Here they are at last! Now
+we shall have a delightful evening! (EVJE and MRS. EVJE come in.) I am
+first, you see!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Were you at the meeting, too?
+
+The Doctor. Where else should I be?
+
+Evje. Did you see me?
+
+Mrs. Evje. There were so many people there, dear.
+
+Evje. But I was standing on a seat.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, he was standing on a seat!
+
+The Doctor. There were plenty of people doing that.
+
+Evje. I wanted to be seen!--There _have_ been goings on here to-day, my
+friend!
+
+Mrs. Evje. You will never guess what has happened!
+
+The Doctor. Anyway I can see that something has happened.
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Oh--!
+
+The Doctor. What is it, then?
+
+Evje. Those articles will be in to-morrow's paper.
+
+The Doctor. In the paper?--Yes, I didn't find him.
+
+Evje. But I found him!
+
+The Doctor (impatiently). Well?
+
+Evje. I will tell you all about it another time. But I have read them--
+
+Mrs. Evje. And he has told me all about them!
+
+The Doctor. Are they very bad?
+
+Evje. Oh--oh!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Oh--oh--oh!
+
+The Doctor (with a look of pleased curiosity.) As bad as all that?
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Oh--oh--oh--oh!
+
+The Doctor. And _that_ was why you went to the meeting!
+
+Evje. Of course--tit for tat! It was my wife's idea.
+
+Mrs. Evje. It was the obvious thing to do, dear.
+
+Evje. Our whole family at the meeting!--So that all the town should know
+that it was nothing but the meanest political persecution because I had
+joined my son-in-law's party.
+
+Mrs. Evje. We are party people now, you know!
+
+Evje. Do you know, there is something exciting about being mixed up with
+such things--something invigorating, something--
+
+The Doctor (stepping back). Are _you_ bitten with it, too?
+
+Evje. Yes, if I can't be left in peace, I shall become a party man.
+
+The Doctor (enthusiastically). Did you see Gertrud?
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje (with emotion). Our Gertrud! Yes, indeed we did!
+
+The Doctor. Did you see her coming in with him!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje (as before). Yes, we saw her coming in with him!
+
+The Doctor. I suppose you did not know she was going?
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Oh, yes!
+
+Mrs. Evje. She had said she would go with us--
+
+Evje. But when we went to fetch her, the bird had flown!
+
+The Doctor. How pretty she looked, too! All the men were looking at her.
+And how she looked at him!
+
+Mrs. Evje. It made me want to cry. I had quite a job to prevent myself.
+
+Evje. You need not have minded, dear! God has given us great happiness.
+Her faith in him and her love shone to from her eyes that it went to my
+heart. I felt quite upset! (Wipes his eyes.)
+
+The Doctor. And what about _him_--eh? I don't fancy any one will think
+about stopping his career. We have been a pack of fools.
+
+Evje. That we have!
+
+The Doctor. He is not exactly eloquent, but--
+
+Evje. That is precisely what I was saying to my wife! He is not exactly
+eloquent, but he is--
+
+The Doctor.--a man!
+
+Evje. A man! My very words, weren't they, my dear?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes.--And I say he is so strong a man that he can afford to
+be tender-hearted. For he certainly has been that.
+
+Evje. Yes, he has been that!
+
+The Doctor (laughing). In spite of his strength!
+
+Evje. Oh, you may make the most of your--. Aha! (Loud ringing at the
+bell is heard.) Here they are!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Let us go and meet them!
+
+The Doctor. No; look here--let us wait for them at the other side of the
+room, so that they may make a triumphal progress up to us!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje, Yes! (They go to the opposite end of the room, while
+HARALD comes in rather quickly, with GERTRUD on his arm. As they cross
+the room, the others cry out: "Bravo! Bravo!" and clap their hands.)
+
+Gertrud (still holding to HARALD's arm). And he is my man! My man!
+(Throws her arms round his neck, crying with happiness, and kisses him;
+then does the same to her mother, and then to her father, to whom she
+whispers: Thank you!)
+
+The Doctor. Oh--me too!
+
+Gertrud (after a moment's hesitation). Yes--you too!
+
+(The DOCTOR helps her to take off her cloak, and talks to her,
+whispering and laughing.)
+
+Harald (shaking EVJE's hand). Good evening!
+
+Evje. Forgive me!
+
+Harald. With all my heart!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And now everything is all right!
+
+Harald. For good!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. For good!
+
+Harald. And, thank you for coming to the meeting.
+
+Evje. It was no more than our duty! Look here--did you see me?
+
+Harald. The whole time! But, tell me, was it a delusion, or was it my
+brother Haakon that was standing on the floor beside you, rather in the
+shadow?
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. It _was_ he!
+
+Evje. I fetched him from your brother Halvdan's.
+
+Harald. I am so glad! It must have pleased Haakon. Gertrud and I at
+first thought of going in to see Halvdan before we came on here; but we
+saw all his lights were out. He must be asleep.
+
+Evje. I can give you news of him. He is all right.
+
+Harald. And Haakon?
+
+Evje. Very well, too. A fine fellow! I wanted him to come home with us
+now; but he said he was tired after his journey.
+
+Mrs. Evje (to INGEBORG, who has come in from the dining room). Is it
+ready?
+
+Ingeborg. Yes, ma'am.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Then come along. (INGEBORG opens the dining-room door.)
+
+The Doctor and Evje. Yes, come along!
+
+The Doctor. But we must go ceremoniously! Let us make a little festivity
+of it to-night! You must head the procession, Evje--and then the two
+young people Gertrud (taking HARALD's arm). Yes!
+
+The Doctor. And Mrs. Evje and I will bring up the rear! (Offers her his
+arm.)
+
+Evje. Forward!(The bell rings. He stops.) Who can it be--as late as
+this?
+
+The Doctor. Probably some friends on their way back from the meeting.
+
+Mrs. Evje. We must wait a moment!(To INGEBORG, who is going to open the
+door.)Put a leaf in the table, and lay places for as many as come.
+
+Ingeborg. Yes, ma'am. (The bell rings again, as she goes to open the
+door.)
+
+The Doctor. They are impatient! So much the better--it shows they are in
+a good humour after the meeting! (A knock is heard at the door.)
+
+All. Come in!(The EDITOR comes in, with no overcoat on, but wearing his
+hat, which he forgets to take of till he is well into the room. He goes
+straight up to EVJE, who has crossed over to the left-hand side of the
+room.)
+
+All (when they see him in the doorway). You! (GERTRUD clings closer to
+HARALD.)
+
+The Editor. I wanted once more, as in the old days, not to go to bed
+without--this time it is not a question of thanking you for the happy
+time we have had together but without begging your pardon!(He speaks
+quietly, but with suppressed emotion.)There has been some unfortunate
+misunderstanding. Those articles have been printed, in spite of my
+express instructions to the contrary--I do not know how.
+
+Evje. I have read them.
+
+The Editor. You have read them?
+
+Evje. Yes, the copy of the paper that was meant for you came into my
+hands.
+
+The Editor. So that was it!--Forgive me, old friend! Won't you give me
+your hand?
+
+Mrs. Evje (coming forward). That he shall never do!
+
+The Editor (glancing over his shoulder at her). Let no one come between
+us at a moment like this! You don't know--. A hundred times in my life
+I would have done what I am doing now, had I not been afraid that people
+would call it affectation on my part and repulse me. Don't _you_ do
+that!--least of all now! Give me your hand, Evje! I beg you, in the
+sight and hearing of you all--. (EVJE seems to vacillate.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. No, you shan't!--not while he has anything to do with a
+newspaper. Otherwise it will all begin over again to-morrow. He is not
+his own master, you know.
+
+The Editor. I have done with it all.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Oh, you have said that so often! Nobody believes it. No; when
+a man can push political hatred so far as to write about an old friend,
+in whose house he has been a daily guest, as if he were a criminal--and
+all because he doesn't like his son-in-law, or his servant--one doesn't
+shake hands with him the very day his attacks appear in the paper.
+
+The Editor (who, all the tinge, has kept his back turned to MRS. EVJE,
+and has not looked at her). Evje, you are a good-hearted fellow, I know.
+Don't listen to what others say, now. This is a very bitter hour for me.
+You would be doing a good deed! Give me your hand--or a word! I am
+in such a state now that I must have visible signs of _some one's_
+forgiveness, or I shall--!
+
+Mrs. Evje (emphatically). Yes, a little repentance will do you good!
+But it will do you no good if you obtain forgiveness easily! You want
+to learn, just for once, what it is to be wounded at heart. You are only
+accustomed to deal with people whom you can flog one day and have at
+your feet--either from fear or from vanity--the next. And have we--God
+forgive us!--ever thought seriously the worse of you for it? No; because
+we never understood what it was till we were hit by it ourselves. But
+that is all the more reason why we should do our duty now! Hatred shall
+be met with hatred!
+
+The Doctor (at the back of the room, to GERTRUD and HARALD). She is her
+father's daughter, after all, when it comes to the point!
+
+The Editor (turns upon MRS. EVJE, with his fist clenched, but restrains
+himself from answering her). Then you won't shake hands, Evje? Not a
+word of forgiveness?
+
+Evje. I think my wife is right.
+
+The Editor (controlling himself with difficulty). You are a weak man, I
+know--
+
+Evje. What do you mean?
+
+The Editor.--but do not be weak this time! If you knew everything,
+you would know you _must_ not refuse me what I ask. There are others
+concerned--and for that reason--
+
+The Doctor. Let us go!
+
+Mrs. Evje. No, stay! He shall not have his way again.
+
+The Editor. Well, of all--! It is certainly true that those who are
+hardest on sinners are those who have never been tempted themselves--and
+the most merciless creature in the world is an injured woman.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Now he is coming out in his true colours!
+
+The Doctor (not without glee). Yes, that he is!
+
+The Editor (controlling himself once more). Evje--you, who know me, know
+what it must cost me to do this--and you can form some idea of the need
+I am in. I have never--
+
+Evje. I believe you; but I never can feel sure what your next move will
+be. You have so many.
+
+The Editor. My next move is to have done with it all, as sure as--
+
+Mrs. Evje. Don't believe him! A man who can ask for your sympathy
+one moment and abuse you the next is not fit to promise anything--and
+certainly not fit to be forgiven, either.
+
+The Editor (with an outburst of passion). Then may everything evil
+overtake me if I ever ask you or any one else for sympathy again! You
+have succeeded in teaching me that I can do without it! I can rise
+above your cowardly cruelty. (To EVJE.) You are a miserable, weak
+creature--and have always been, for all your apparent good-natured
+shrewdness! (To MRS. EVJE.) And as for you, who have often laughed so
+heartily at my so-called malice, and now all at once have become so
+severely virtuous--why, you are both like part-proprietors of my paper!
+You have taken all the profit you could from me, as long as it served
+your purpose--I have seen that for a long time! And all my pretended
+friends are like you--secret holders of shares in me, so as to secure
+their own safety and the persecution of others!--every bit as guilty as
+I am, only more prudent, more timid, more cowardly--!
+
+Evje. Once more--leave this house, which you have outraged!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And how dare you set foot in here again?
+
+The Editor. No, I am not going until all the anger that is in my heart
+has turned into fear in yours! Because now I will _not_ have done with
+it all! No--it is just through _his_ death that respect for me will
+revive--it will be like a rampart of bayonets round me! "There goes
+one who can kill a man with a word, if he likes!" _That_ will make them
+treat me respectfully!
+
+Harald and the Doctor. What does he mean?
+
+The Editor (as he hears HARALD'S voice). And you--you mountebank, who
+can stand up in public and seek applause before your brother's corpse
+is cold--don't come talking rant to me! You are more contemptible than I
+am! I couldn't have done that; I couldn't stand there, as you are doing
+now, impatient to get to your champagne and pretty speeches!--Oh, how I
+despise all such lying and heartlessness! (They all look at him and at
+each other with a questioning expression.)
+
+Harald. Is my brother dead?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Is his brother dead?
+
+Gertrud. Good God, is Halvdan dead?
+
+Evje. Is he dead? Impossible!
+
+The Doctor. Is Rejn dead--and I--?
+
+Evje. I saw him only a couple of hours ago, looking quite well.
+
+The Editor (in a broken voice). Didn't you know?
+
+All (except the DOCTOR). No!
+
+The Doctor. Ah, that letter, that letter! (Looks in his pocket for it
+and his glasses.)
+
+The Editor. I am the wretchedest man alive! (Sinks into a chair.)
+
+The Doctor. I had a letter from my assistant, but I have not read it!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Read it, read it!
+
+The Doctor (reading). "I am writing in great haste. As I expect you will
+be going to your old friends' after the meeting, and will meet Harald
+Rejn there, the task will probably fall to you of telling him--(the
+EDITOR gets up to go, but stands still)--that Halvdan Rejn died about
+eight o'clock of a fresh attack of hemorrhage! (HARALD leaves GERTRUD'S
+side and comes forward, with a cry. The EDITOR steadies himself by
+holding on to the table.) No one was with him; he was found lying across
+the threshold of his bedroom. A copy of the newspaper was lying on the
+floor behind him." (HARALD, with a groan, advance threateningly towards
+the EDITOR.)
+
+Gertrud. Harald, my ring!--my ring! (HARALD Stops, collects himself,
+buries his face in his hands and bursts into uncontrollable tears.
+GERTRUD puts her arms round him and holds him folded in them.)
+
+The Doctor (laying a hand on HARALD's arm). "The housekeeper told me he
+had only spoken two words, and they were 'Forgive him!'" (HARALD bursts
+into tears.)
+
+The Doctor (after waiting for a little). "Apparently chance--or perhaps
+something else--decreed that the maid who ran for help, should meet the
+very man, who hats caused the tragedy, and that it should be _he_ who
+helped the housekeeper to lay him on his deathbed." (All look at the
+EDITOR.)
+
+Evje. That was why he came! (A pause.)
+
+Gertrud. Harald! (HARALD, who has turned away from her to struggle with
+his emotion, does not turn round.) If _he_ could forgive--
+
+The Editor (with a gesture of refusal). No!
+
+Gertrud (quietly, to the EDITOR). If you want to deserve it, make an end
+of all this!
+
+The Editor. It is all at an end! (To MRS. EVJE.) You were right. I knew
+it myself, too. My armour is pierces pierced through. A child might
+conquer me now--and this child has done so; for she has begged for mercy
+for me, and no one has ever done that before. (Puts his hand over his
+eyes, turns away, and goes out. As he is going out the bell rings. A
+moment later, INGEBORG Shows in HAAKON REJN.)
+
+Gertrud (who has put her arms round HARALD, whispers). Who is it?
+
+Harald. My brother. (Goes to meet HAAKON and throws himself into his
+arms.) You had a talk with him this afternoon, then?
+
+Haakon. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Let us all go to him.
+
+Evje and Gertrud. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Evje (to INGEBORG). Bring in our cloaks and hats again, and
+afterwards clear the table. (INGEBORG does so.)
+
+Harald (unable to control his emotion). Haakon, this is my future wife.
+(Goes away from them.)
+
+Haakon. Well, my dear, your engagement has begun seriously; take all the
+future seriously, too.
+
+The Doctor. You need not say that to _her_. What she needs is to take
+life more lightly.
+
+Haakon. Oh, yes--if she lays everything in God's hands she can always
+take life lightly.
+
+Mrs. Evje. It is our own fault, I expect, when we take it too lightly.
+
+Evje. But sometimes we learn a lesson by that.
+
+Haakon. Oh, yes. Well, we must stand by one another, we who take life in
+the same way.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Shall we go, children?
+
+Harald (to HAAKON). Will you bring Gertrud, Haakon? I would rather go
+alone. (They go out. The curtain falls.)
+
+
+
+
+
+THE BANKRUPT
+
+A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS
+
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+     HENNING TJAELDE, merchant and brewer.
+     MRS. TJAELDE, his wife.
+     VALBORG and SIGNE, their daughters.
+     LIEUTENANT HAMAR, engaged to Signe.
+     SANNAES, Tjaelde's confidential clerk.
+     JAKOSSEN, manager of Tjaelde's brewery.
+     BERENT, a lawyer.
+     PRAM, a custom-house official.
+     An Agent.
+     The VICAR.
+     LIND, a guest.
+     FINNE, a guest.
+     RING, a guest.
+     HOLM, a guest.
+     KNUTZON, a guest.
+     KNUDSEN, a guest.
+     FALBE, a guest.
+
+
+
+
+ACT I
+
+(SCENE.--A sitting-room in the TJAELDES' house, opening on a verandah
+that is decorated with flowers. It is a hot summer's day. There is a
+view of the sea beyond the verandah, and boats are visible among the
+islands that fringe the coast. A good-sized yacht, with sails spread, is
+lying close up under the verandah on the right. The room is luxuriously
+furnished and full of flowers. There are two French windows in the
+left-hand wall; two doors in the right-hand. A table in the middle of
+the room; arm-chairs and rocking-chairs scattered about. A sofa in the
+foreground on the right. LIEUTENANT HAMAR is lying on the sofa, and
+SIGNE sitting in a rocking-chair.)
+
+Hamar. What shall we do with ourselves to-day?
+
+Signe (rocking herself). Hm! (A pause.)
+
+Hamar. That was a delicious sail we had last night. (Yawns.) But I am
+sleepy to-day. Shall we go for a ride?
+
+Signe. Hm! (A pause.)
+
+Hamar. I am too hot on this sofa. I think I will move. (Gets up. SIGNE
+begins to hum an air as she rocks herself.) Play me something, Signe!
+
+Signe (singing her words to the air she has been humming). The piano is
+out of tune.
+
+Hamar. Read to me, then!
+
+Signe (as before, looking out of the window). They are swimming the
+horses. They are swimming the horses. They are swimming the horses.
+
+Hamar. I think I will go and have a swim too. Or perhaps I will wait
+till nearer lunch-time.
+
+Signe (as before). So as to have a better appetite--appetite--appetite.
+
+(MRS. TJAELDE comes in from the right, walking slowly.)
+
+Hamar. You look very thoughtful!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, I don't know what to order.
+
+Signe (as before). For dinner, I suppose you mean?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Hamar. Do you expect any one?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, your father writes to me that Mr. Finne is coming.
+
+Signe (speaking). The most tiresome person possible, of course.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. How would boiled salmon and roast chicken do?
+
+Signe. We had that the other day.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. (With a sigh). There is nothing that we didn't. There is
+so little choice in the market just now.
+
+Signe. Then we ought to send to town.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, these meals, these meals!
+
+Hamar (yawning). They are the best thing in life, anyway.
+
+Signe. To eat, yes--but not to cook; I never will cook a dinner.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (sitting down at the table). One could put up with the
+cooking. It's the having always to think of something fresh!
+
+Hamar. Why don't you get a chef from one of the hotels, as I have so
+often advised you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, we have tried that, but he was more trouble than it
+was worth.
+
+Hamar. Yes, because he had no invention. Get a French chef!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, and have to be always beside him to interpret!--But I
+am no nearer this dinner. And lately I have been finding such difficulty
+in getting about.
+
+Hamar. I have never in my life heard so much talk about meals as I have
+in this house.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You see, you have never been in a prosperous
+business-man's house before. Our friends are mostly business-men, of
+course--and most of them have no greater pleasures than those of the
+table.
+
+Signe. That's true.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Are you wearing _that_ dress to-day?
+
+Signe. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You have worn a different one every day.
+
+Signe. Well, if Hamar is tired of both the blue one and the grey one,
+what can I do?
+
+Hamar. And I don't like this one any better than the others.
+
+Signe. Indeed!--Then I really think you had better order me one
+yourself.
+
+Hamar. Come to town with me, and I will!
+
+Signe. Yes, mother--Hamar and I have made up our minds that we must go
+back to town. [Note: There would be nothing contrary to Norwegian ideas
+of propriety in Signe's proposal. In Norway an engaged couple could
+travel alone; and the fiancee would go to stay in the house of her
+future husband's relations.]
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. But you were there only a fortnight ago!
+
+Hamar. And it is exactly a fortnight too long since we were there!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. (thoughtfully). Now, what _can_ I order for dinner?
+
+(VALBORG comes into sight on the verandah.)
+
+Signe (turning round and seeing VALBORG). Enter Her Highness!
+
+Hamar (turning round). Carrying a bouquet! Oho! I have seen it before!
+
+Signe. Have you? Did _you_ give it her?
+
+Hamar. No; I was coming through the garden--and saw it on the table in
+Valborg's summerhouse. Is it your birthday, Valborg?
+
+Valborg. No.
+
+Hamar. I thought not. Perhaps there is some other festivity to-day?
+
+Valborg. No. (SIGNE suddenly bursts out laughing.)
+
+Hamar. Why do you laugh?
+
+Signe. Because I understand! Ha, ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. What do you understand?
+
+Signe. Whose hands it is that have decked the altar! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. I suppose you think they were mine?
+
+Signe. No, they were redder hands than yours! Ha, ha, ha, ha! (VALBORG
+throws the bouquet down.) Oh, dear me, it doesn't do to laugh so much in
+this heat. But it is delightful! To think he should have hit upon that
+idea! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar (laughing). Do you mean--?
+
+Signe (laughing). Yes! You must know that Valborg--
+
+Valborg. Signe!
+
+Signe.--who has sent so many distinguished suitors about their business,
+cannot escape from the attentions of a certain red pair of hands--ha,
+ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. Do you mean Sannaes?
+
+Signe. Yes! (Points out of the window.) There is the culprit! He is
+waiting, Valborg, for you to come, in maiden meditation, with the
+bouquet in your hands--as you came just now--
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. (getting up). No, it is your father he is waiting for. Ah,
+he sees him now. (Goes out by the verandah.)
+
+Signe. Yes, it really is father--riding a bay horse!
+
+Hamar (getting up). On a bay horse! Let us go and say "how do you do" to
+the bay horse!
+
+Signe. N--o, no!
+
+Hamar. You won't come and say "how do you do" to the bay horse? A
+cavalry officer's wife must love horses next best to her husband.
+
+Signe. And he his wife next best to his horses.
+
+Hamar. What? Are you jealous of a horse?
+
+Signe. Oh, I know very well you have never been so fond of me as you are
+of horses.
+
+Hamar. Come along! (Pulls her up out of her chair.)
+
+Signe. But I don't feel the least interested in the bay horse.
+
+Hamar. Very well, then, I will go alone!
+
+Signe. No, I will come.
+
+Hamar (to VALBORG). Won't you come and welcome the bay horse too?
+
+Valborg. No, but I will go and welcome my father!
+
+Signe (looking back, as she goes). Yes, of course--father as well. (She
+and HAMAR go out.)
+
+(VALBORG goes to the farthest window and stands looking out of it. Her
+dress is the same colour as the long curtain, and a piece of statuary
+and some flowers conceal her from any one entering the room. SANNAES
+comes in, carrying a small saddle-bag and a cloak, which he puts down
+on a chair behind the door. As he turns round he sees the bouquet on the
+door.)
+
+Sannaes. There it is! Has she dropped it by accident, or did she throw
+it down? Never mind--she has had it in her hands. (Picks it up, kisses
+it, and is going to take it away.)
+
+Valborg (coming forward). Leave it alone!
+
+Sannaes (dropping the bouquet). You here, Miss Valborg--? I didn't see
+you--
+
+Valborg. But I can see what you are after. How dare you presume to think
+of persecuting me with your flowers and your--your red hands? (He puts
+his hands behind his back.) How dare you make me a laughing-stock to
+every one in the house, and I suppose to every one in the town?
+
+Sannaes. I--I--I--
+
+Valborg. And what about me? Don't you think I deserve a little
+consideration? You will be turned out of the house before long, if you
+do not take care--! Now be quick and get away before the others come in.
+(SANNAES turns away, holding his hands in front of him, and goes out by
+the verandah to the right. At the same moment TJAELDE is seen coming at
+the other end of the verandah, followed by HAMAR and SIGNE.)
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, it is a fine horse.
+
+Hamar. Fine? I don't believe there is its equal in the country.
+
+Tjaelde. I dare say. Did you notice that he hadn't turned a hair?
+
+Hamar. What glorious lungs! And such a beauty, too--his head, his legs,
+his neck--! I never saw such a beauty!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, he is a handsome beast. (Looks out of the verandah at the
+yacht.) Have you been out for a sail?
+
+Hamar. I was sailing among the islands last night, and came back this
+morning with the fishing-boats--a delightful sail!
+
+Tjaelde. I wish I had time to do that.
+
+Hamar. But surely it is only imagination on your part, to think that you
+never have time?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, well, perhaps I have time but not inclination.
+
+Signe. And how do things stand where you have been?
+
+Tjaelde. Badly.
+
+Valborg (coming forward). Welcome home, father!
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you, dear!
+
+Hamar. Is it not possible to save anything?
+
+Tjaelde. Not at present; that is why I took the horse.
+
+Hamar. Then the bay horse is the only thing you get out of the smash?
+
+Tjaelde. Do you know that I might say that horse has cost me three or
+four thousand pounds?
+
+Hamar. Well, that is its only defect, anyway! Still, if the worst comes
+to the worst, and you can afford it--the horse is priceless! (TJAELDE
+turns away, puts down his hat and coat and takes off his gloves.)
+
+Signe. It is beautiful to see your enthusiasm when you talk about
+horses. I rather think it is the only enthusiasm you have.
+
+Hamar. Yes, if I were not a cavalry officer I should like to be a horse!
+
+Signe. Thank you! And what should I be?
+
+Valborg. "Oh, were I but the saddle on thy back! Oh, were I but the whip
+about thy loins!"
+
+Hamar. "Oh, were I but the flowers in thy--." No, "hand" doesn't rhyme!
+
+Tjaelde. (coming forward, meets MRS. TJAELDE, who has come in from the
+right.) Well, my dear, how are you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, I find it more and more difficult to get about.
+
+Tjaelde. There is always something the matter with you, my dear! Can I
+have something to eat?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, it has been standing waiting for you. Here it comes.
+(A maid brings in a tray which she lays on the table.)
+
+Tjaelde. Good!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Will you have a cup of tea?
+
+Tjaelde. No, thank you.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. (sitting down beside him and pouring him out a glass of
+wine). And how have things gone with the Moellers?
+
+Tjaelde. Badly. I told you so already.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I didn't hear you.
+
+Valborg. I had a letter to-day from Nanna Moeller. She tells me all about
+it--how none of the family knew anything about it till the officers of
+the courts came.
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, there must have been a dreadful scene.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Did he tell you anything about it?
+
+Tjaelde (as he eats). I didn't speak to him.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My dear! Why, you are old friends!
+
+Tjaelde. Bah! Old friends! He sat looking as if he had taken leave of
+his senses. Besides, I have had enough of that family. I didn't go there
+to hear them talk about their troubles.
+
+Signe. I suppose it was all very sad?
+
+Tjaelde (still eating). Shocking!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What will they have to live on?
+
+Tjaelde. What is allowed them by their creditors, of course.
+
+Signe. But all the things they had?
+
+Tjaelde. Sold.
+
+Signe. All those pretty things--their furniture, their carriages,
+their--?
+
+Tjaelde. All sold.
+
+Hamar. And his watch? It is the most beautiful watch I have ever
+seen--next to yours.
+
+Tjaelde. It had to go, of course, being jewellery. Give me some wine; I
+am hot and thirsty.
+
+Signe. Poor things!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Where are they going to live now?
+
+Tjaelde. In the house of one of the skippers of what was their fleet.
+Two small rooms and a kitchen.
+
+Signe. Two small rooms and a kitchen! (A pause.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What do they intend to do?
+
+Tjaelde. There was a subscription started to enable Mrs. Moeller to get
+the job of catering for the Club.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Is the poor woman going to have more cooking to do!
+
+Signe. Did they send no messages to us?
+
+Tjaelde. Of course they did; but I didn't pay any attention to them.
+
+Hamar (who has been standing on the verandah). But Moeller--what did he
+say? What did he do?
+
+Tjaelde. I don't know, I tell you.
+
+Valborg (who has been walking up and down the room during the preceding
+conversation). He has said and done quite enough already.
+
+Tjaelde (who has at last finished eating and drinking, is struck by her
+words). What do you mean by that, Valborg?
+
+Valborg. That if I were his daughter I would never forgive him.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My dear Valborg, don't say such things!
+
+Valborg. I mean it! A man who would bring such shame and misery upon his
+family does not deserve any mercy from them.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. We are all in need of mercy.
+
+Valborg. In one sense, yes. But what I mean is that I could never give
+him my respect or my affection again. He would have wronged me too
+cruelly.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Wronged you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Have you finished already, dear?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No more wine?
+
+Tjaelde. I said I had finished. Wronged you? How?
+
+Valborg. Well, I cannot imagine how one could be more cruelly wronged
+than to be allowed to assume a position that was nothing but a lie,
+to live up to means that had no real existence but were merely a
+sham--one's clothes a lie, one's very existence a lie! Suppose I were
+the sort of girl that found a certain delight in making use of her
+position as a rich man's daughter--in using it to the fullest possible
+extent; well, when I discovered that all that my father had given me was
+stolen-that all he had made me believe in was a lie--I am sure that then
+my anger and my shame would be beyond all bounds!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My child, you have never been tried. You don't know how
+such things may happen. You don't really know what you are saying!
+
+Hamar. Well it might do Moeller good if he heard what she says!
+
+Valborg. He has heard it. His daughter said that to him.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. His own daughter! Child, child, is that what you write to
+each other about? God forgive you both!
+
+Valborg. Oh, He will forgive us, because we speak the truth.
+
+Mrs. Tialde. Child, child!
+
+Tjaelde. You evidently don't understand what business is--success one
+day and failure the next.
+
+Valborg. No one will ever persuade me that business is a lottery.
+
+Tjaelde. No, a sound business is not.
+
+Valborg. Exactly. It is the unsound sort that I condemn.
+
+Tjaelde. Still, even the soundest have their anxious moments.
+
+Valborg. If the anxious moments really foreshadow a crisis, no man of
+honour would keep his family o: his creditors in ignorance of the fact.
+My God, how Mr. Moeller has deceived his!
+
+Signe. Valborg is always talking about business!
+
+Valborg. Yes, it has had an attraction for me ever since I was a child.
+I am not ashamed of that.
+
+Signe. You think you know all about it, anyway.
+
+Valborg. Oh, no; but you can easily get to know a little about anything
+you are fond of.
+
+Hamar. And one would need no great knowledge of business to condemn the
+way Moeller went on. It was obvious to every one. And the way his family
+went on, too! Who went the pace as much as the Moellers? Think of his
+daughter's toilettes!
+
+Valborg. His daughter is my best friend. I don't want to hear her
+abused.
+
+Hamar. Your Highness will admit that it is possible to be the daughter
+of a _very_ rich man without being as proud and as vain as--as the lady
+I am not allowed to mention!
+
+Valborg. Nanna is neither proud nor vain. She is absolutely genuine.
+She had the aptitude for being exactly what she thought she was--a rich
+man's daughter.
+
+Hamar. Has she the "aptitude" for being a bankrupt's daughter now?
+
+Valborg. Certainly. She has sold all her trinkets, her dresses--every
+single thing she had. What she wears, she has either paid for herself or
+obtained by promising future payment.
+
+Hamar. May I ask if she kept her stockings?
+
+Valborg. She sent everything to a sale.
+
+Hamar. If I had known that I would certainly have attended it!
+
+Valborg. Yes, I daresay there was plenty to make fun of, and plenty of
+idle loafers, too, who were not ashamed to do so.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Children, children!
+
+Hamar. May I ask if Miss Nanna sent her own idleness to the sale with
+her other effects?--because I have never known any one with a finer
+supply of it!
+
+Valborg. She never thought she would need to work.
+
+Tjaelde (coming forward to VALBORG). To take up the thread of what we
+were saying: you don't understand what a business-man's hope is from one
+day to the other--always a renewed hope. That fact does not make him a
+swindler. He may be unduly sanguine, perhaps--a poet, if you like, who
+lives in a world of dreams--or he may be a real genius, who sees land
+ahead when no one else suspects it.
+
+Valborg. I don't think I misunderstand the real state of affairs. But
+perhaps you do, father. Because is not what you call hope, poetry,
+genius, merely speculating with what belongs to others, when a man knows
+that he owes more than he has got?
+
+Tjaelde. It may be very difficult to be certain even whether he does
+that or not.
+
+Valborg. Really? I should have thought his books would tell him--
+
+Tjaelde. About his assets and his liabilities, certainly. But values are
+fluctuating things; and he may always have in hand some venture which,
+though it cannot be specified, may alter the whole situation.
+
+Valborg. If he undeniably owes more than he possesses, any venture he
+undertakes must be a speculation with other people's money.
+
+Tjaelde. Well--perhaps that is so; but that does not mean that he steals
+the money--he only uses it in trust for them.
+
+Valborg. Entrusted to him on the false supposition that he is solvent.
+
+Tjaelde. But possibly that money may save the whole situation.
+
+Valborg. That does not alter the fact that he has got the use of it by a
+lie.
+
+Tjaelde. You use very harsh terms. (MRS. TJAELDE has once or twice been
+making signs to VALBORG, which the latter sees but pays no attention
+to.)
+
+Valborg. In that case the lie consists in the concealment.
+
+Tjaelde. But what do you want him to do? To lay all his cards on the
+table, and so ruin both himself and the others?
+
+Valborg. Yes, he ought to take every one concerned into his confidence.
+
+Tjaelde. Bah! In that case we should see a thousand failures every year,
+and fortunes lost one after the other everywhere! No, you have a level
+head, Valborg, but your ideas are narrow. Look here, where are the
+newspapers? (SIGNE, who has been talking confidentially to HAMAR on the
+verandah, comes forward.)
+
+Signe. I took them down to your office. I did not know you meant to stay
+in here.
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, bother the office! Please fetch them for me. (SIGNE goes
+out, followed by Hamar.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (in an undertone to VALBORG). Why will you never listen to
+your mother, Valborg? (VALBORG goes out to the verandah; leans on the
+edge of it, with her head on her hands, and looks out.)
+
+Tjaelde. I think I will change my coat. Oh no, I will wait till
+dinner-time.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Dinner! And here I am still sitting here!
+
+Tjaelde. Are we expecting any one?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, have you forgotten?
+
+Tjaelde. Of course, yes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (going out). What on earth am I to order?
+
+(TJAELDE comes forward as soon as he is alone, sits down on a chair with
+a weary, harassed expression, and buries his face in his hands with a
+sigh. SIGNE and HAMAR come back, she carrying some newspapers. HAMAR is
+going out to the verandah again, but SIGNE pulls him back.)
+
+Signe. Here you are, father. Here are--
+
+Tjaelde. What? Who?
+
+Signe (astonished). The newspapers.
+
+Tjaelde. Ah, yes. Give them to me.(Opens them hurriedly. They are mostly
+foreign papers, in which he scans the money articles one after another.)
+
+Signe (after a whispered conversation with HAMAR). Father!
+
+Tjaelde (without looking up from the papers).Well? (To himself,
+gloomily.) Down again, always down!
+
+Signe. Hamar and I want so much to go into town again to Aunt Ulla's.
+
+Tjaelde. But you know you were there only a fortnight ago. I received
+your bills yesterday. Have you seen them?
+
+Signe. No need for that, father, if _you_ have seen them! Why do you
+sigh?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh--because I see that stocks keep falling.
+
+Signe. Pooh! Why should you bother about that? Now you are sighing
+again. I am sure you know how horrid it is for those you love not to
+have what they want. You won't be so unkind to us, father?
+
+Tjaelde. No, my child, it can't be done.
+
+Signe. Why?
+
+Tjaelde. Because--because--well, because now that it is summer time so
+many people will be coming here whom we shall have to entertain.
+
+Signe. But entertaining people is the most tiresome thing I know, and
+Hamar agrees with me.
+
+Tjaelde. Don't you think I have to do tiresome things sometimes, my
+girl?
+
+Signe. Father dear, why are you talking so solemnly and ceremoniously?
+It sounds quite funny from you!
+
+Tjaelde. Seriously, my child, it is by no means an unimportant matter
+for a big business house like ours, with such a wide-spread connection,
+that people coming here from all quarters should find themselves
+hospitably received. You might do that much for me.
+
+Signe. Hamar and I will never have a moment alone at that rate.
+
+Tjaelde. I think you mostly squabble when you are alone.
+
+Signe. Squabble? That is a very ugly word, father.
+
+Tjaelde. Besides, you would be no more alone if you were in town.
+
+Signe. Oh, but it is quite different there!
+
+Tjaelde. So I should think--from the way you throw your money about!
+
+Signe (laughing). Throw our money about! What else have we to do? Isn't
+that what we are for? Daddy, listen--dear old dad--
+
+Tjaelde. No, dear--no.
+
+Signe. You have never been so horrid to me before.
+
+Hamar (who has been making signs to her to stop, whispers). Can't you be
+quiet! Don't you see he is put out about something?
+
+Signe (whispering). Well, you might have backed me up a little.
+
+Hamar (as before). No, I am a bit wiser than you.
+
+Signe (as before). You have been so odd lately. I am sure I don't know
+what you want?
+
+Hamar (as before). Oh, well, it doesn't matter now--because I am going
+to town alone.
+
+Signe (as before). What are you going to do?
+
+Hamar (going). I am going to town alone. I am sick of this!
+
+Signe (following him). Just you try! (Both go out by the verandah, to
+the right. TJAELDE lets the newspapers fall out of his hands with a
+heavy sigh.)
+
+Valborg (looking in from the verandah). Father! (TJAELDE starts.) There
+goes Mr. Berent, the lawyer from Christiania.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Berent? Where? On the wharf?
+
+Valborg. Yes. (Comes back into the room. TJAELDE looks out of the
+window.) The reason I told you was because I saw him yesterday at the
+timber-yard, and a little while before that, at the brewery and at the
+works.
+
+Tjaelde (to himself). What can that mean? (Aloud.) Oh, I know he is very
+fond of making little trips to all sorts of places in the summer. This
+year he has come here--and no doubt he likes to see the chief industries
+of the place. There is not much else here to see! But are you sure it is
+he? I think--
+
+Valborg (looking out). Yes, it is he. Look now, you know his walk--
+
+Tjaelde.--and his trick of crossing his feet--yes, it is he. It looks as
+if he were coming here.
+
+Valborg. No, he has turned away.
+
+Tjaelde. All the better! (To himself, thoughtfully.) Could it possibly
+mean--? (SANNAES comes in from the right.)
+
+Sannaes. Am I disturbing you, sir?
+
+Tjaelde. Is that you, Sannaes? (SANNAES, as he comes forward, sees
+VALBORG standing by the farther window. He appears frightened and hides
+his hands quickly behind his back.) What do you want? (VALBORG looks at
+SANNAES, then goes on to the verandah and out to the right.) What is it,
+man? What the deuce are you standing there for?
+
+Sannaes (bringing his hands from behind his back as soon as VALBORG has
+passed him, and looking after her.) I didn't like to ask you, before
+Miss Valborg, whether you are coming down to your office to-day or not.
+
+Tjaelde. Have you gone mad? Why on earth shouldn't you ask me that
+before Miss Valborg?
+
+Sannaes. I mean that--if not--I should like to speak to you here, if it
+is convenient.
+
+Tjaelde. Look here, Sannaes, you ought to try and get rid of your
+shyness; it doesn't suit a business man. A business man should be smart
+and active, and not let his wits go wool-gathering because he finds
+himself in the same room with a woman. I have often noticed it in
+you.--Now, what is it? Out with it!
+
+Sannaes. You are not coming to the office this morning, sir?
+
+Tjaelde. No, there is no post goes out before this evening.
+
+Sannaes. No. But there are some bills of exchange--
+
+Tjaelde. Bills? No.
+
+Sannaes. Yes, sir--that fourth one of Moeller's that was protested, and
+the big English one.
+
+Tjaelde (angrily). Have they not been met yet? What does this mean?
+
+Sannaes. The manager of the bank wanted to see you first, sir!
+
+Tjaelde. Have you gone crazy--? (Collects himself.) There must be some
+misunderstanding, Sannaes.
+
+Sannaes. That is what I thought; so I spoke about it to the chief clerk,
+and to Mr. Holst as well.
+
+Tjaelde. And Mr. Holst said--?
+
+Sannaes. The same thing.
+
+Tjaelde (walking up and down). I will go and see him--or rather, I
+_won't_ go and see him; because this is evidently something that--. We
+have some days' grace yet, haven't we?
+
+Sannaes. Yes, sir.
+
+Tjaelde. And still no telegram from Mr. Lind?
+
+Sannaes. No, sir.
+
+Tjaelde (to himself). I can't understand it. (Aloud.) We will negotiate
+this matter direct with Christiania, Sannaes. That is what we will
+do--and leave these little local banks alone in future. That will do,
+Sannaes! (Makes a gesture of dismissal. Then says to himself:) That
+damned Moeller! It has made them all suspicious! (Turns round and sees
+SANNAES still there.) What are you waiting for?
+
+Sannaes. It is settling day--and I have no money in the safe.
+
+Tjaelde. No money in the safe! A big business like this, and nothing in
+the safe on settling day! What kind of management is that, I should like
+to know? Must I teach you the A B C of business over and over again? One
+can never take a half day off, or hand over the control! of the tiniest
+part of the business--! I have no one, absolutely no one, that I can
+rely on! How have you let things get into such a state?
+
+Sannaes. Well, there was a third bill, which expired to-day--Holm and
+Co., for L400. I had relied upon the bank, unfortunately--so there was
+nothing for it but to empty the safe--here and at the brewery as well.
+
+Tjaelde (walking about restlessly). Hm--hm--hm!--Now, who can have put
+that into Holst's head?--Very well, that will do. (Dismisses SANNAES,
+who goes out but comes back immediately.)
+
+Sannaes (whispering). Here is Mr. Berent!
+
+Tjaelde (surprised). Coming here?
+
+Sannaes. He is just coming up the steps! (Goes out by the further door
+on the right.)
+
+Tjaelde. (calls after him in a whisper). Send up some wine and
+cakes!--It is just as I suspected! (Catches sight of himself in a
+mirror.) Good Lord, how bad I look! (Turns away painfully from the
+mirror; looks in it again, forces a smile to his face, and so, smiling,
+goes towards the verandah, where BERENT is seen coming in slowly from
+the left.)
+
+Tjaelde (greeting BERENT politely but with reserve). I feel honoured at
+receiving a visit from so distinguished a man.
+
+Berent. Mr. Tjaelde, I believe?
+
+Tjaelde. At your service! My eldest daughter has just been telling me
+that she had seen you walking about my property.
+
+Berent. Yes; an extensive property--and an extensive business.
+
+Tjaelde. Too extensive, Mr. Berent. Too many-sided. But one thing has
+led to another. Pray sit down.
+
+Berent. Thank you; it is very warm to-day. (A maid brings in cakes and
+wine, and puts them on the table.)
+
+Tjaelde. Let me give you a glass of wine?
+
+Berent. No, thank you.
+
+Tjaelde. Or something to eat?
+
+Berent. Nothing, thank you.
+
+Tjaelde (taking out his cigar-case). May I offer you a cigar? I can
+answer for their quality.
+
+Berent. I am very fond of a good cigar. But for the moment I will not
+take anything, thank you! (A pause. TJAELDE takes a seat.)
+
+Tjaelde (in a quiet, confidential voice). Have you been long here, Mr.
+Berent?
+
+Berent. Only a day or two. You have been away, have you not?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes--that unhappy affair of Mr. Moeller's. A meeting of
+creditors after the sale.
+
+Berent. Times are hard just now.
+
+Tjaelde. Extraordinarily so!
+
+Berent. Do you think that Moeller's failure will bring down any more
+firms with it-besides those we know of already, I mean?
+
+Tjaelde. I don't think so. His--his misfortune was an exceptional case
+in every respect.
+
+Berent. It has made the banks a little nervous, I hear.
+
+Tjaelde. I dare say.
+
+Berent. Of course you know the state of affairs here better than any
+one.
+
+Tjaelde. (with a smile). I am very much indebted to you for your
+flattering confidence in me.
+
+Berent. I suppose all this might have a bad effect upon the export trade
+of this part of the country?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes--it is really hard to tell; but the important thing
+certainly is to keep every one on their legs.
+
+Berent. That is your opinion?
+
+Tjaelde. Undoubtedly.
+
+Berent. As a general rule a crisis of this sort shows up the unsound
+elements in a commercial community.
+
+Tjaelde (with a smile). And for that reason this crisis should be
+allowed to take its natural course, you mean?
+
+Berent. That is my meaning.
+
+Tjaelde. Hm!--In some places it is possible that the dividing line
+between the sound firms and the unsound may not be very distinct.
+
+Berent. Can there really be any danger of such a thing here?
+
+Tjaelde. Well--you are expecting too much of my knowledge of affairs;
+but I should be inclined to think that there may. (A pause.)
+
+Berent. I have been instructed by the banks to prepare an opinion upon
+the situation--a fact which I have, so far, only confided to you.
+
+Tjaelde. I am much obliged.
+
+Berent. The smaller local banks here have combined, and are acting in
+concert.
+
+Tjaelde. Indeed? (A pause.) I suppose you have seen Mr. Holst, then?
+
+Berent. Of course. (A pause.) If we are to assist the sound firms and
+leave the others to their fate, the best way will certainly be for all
+alike to disclose their actual position.
+
+Tjaelde. Is that Mr. Holst's opinion too?
+
+Berent. It is. (A pause.) I have advised him for the present--at all
+events till we have all the balance-sheets--to say "no" to every request
+for an advance, without exception.
+
+Tjaelde. (with a look of relief). I understand!
+
+Berent. Only a temporary measure, of course--
+
+Tjaelde. Quite so!
+
+Berent.--but one that must apply to every one impartially.
+
+Tjaelde. Admirable!
+
+Berent. Not to treat every one alike would be to run the danger of
+throwing premature suspicion on individuals.
+
+Tjaelde. I quite agree.
+
+Berent. I am delighted to hear it. Then you will not misunderstand me
+if I ask you also to prepare a balance-sheet which shall show the actual
+position of your firm.
+
+Tjaelde. With the greatest pleasure, if by doing so I can assist the
+general welfare.
+
+Berent. I assure you, you can. It is by such means that public
+confidence is strengthened.
+
+Tjaelde. When do you want the balance-sheet? Of course, it can only be a
+summary one.
+
+Berent. Naturally. I will give myself the pleasure of calling for it.
+
+Tjaelde. By no means. I can let you have it at once, if you like. I am
+in the habit of frequently drawing up summary balance-sheets of that
+kind--as prices rise and fall, you know.
+
+Berent. Indeed? (Smiles.) You know, of course, what they say of
+swindlers--that they draw up three balance-sheets everyday, and all
+different! But you are teaching me, apparently--
+
+Tjaelde (laughing).--that others too, may have that bad habit!--though I
+haven't actually got as far as three a day!
+
+Berent. Of course I was only joking. (Gets up.)
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Of course. I will send it to the hotel in an
+hour's time; for I suppose you are staying in our only so-called hotel!
+Would you not care, for the rest of your stay, to move your things over
+here and make yourself at home in a couple of empty spare rooms that I
+have?
+
+Bercnt. Thank you, but the length of my stay is so uncertain; and the
+state of my health imposes habits upon me which are embarrassing to
+every one, and to myself most of all, when I am among strangers.
+
+Tjaelde. But at all events I hope you will dine with us to-day? I expect
+one or two friends. And perhaps a short sail afterwards; it is very
+pretty among the islands here.
+
+Berent. Thank you, but my health won't allow me such dissipations.
+
+Tjaelde. Ha, ha!--Well, if I can be of any further service to you--?
+
+Berent. I should be glad to have a talk with you before I leave,
+preferably as soon as possible.
+
+Tjaelde (somewhat surprised). You mean, after you have received all the
+balance-sheets?
+
+Berent. I have already managed to get most of them quietly, through Mr.
+Holst.
+
+Tjaelde (more surprised). Oh--so you mean to-day--?
+
+Berent. Would five o'clock suit you?
+
+Tjaelde. I am quite at your disposal! I will give myself the pleasure of
+calling upon you at five.
+
+Berent. No, I will come here at five o'clock. (Bows, and turns to go.)
+
+Tjaelde (following him). But you are the invalid--the older man--and a
+distinguished man--
+
+Berent. But you are at home here. Good-bye!
+
+Tjaelde. Let me thank you for the honour you have done me by calling
+upon me!
+
+Berent. Please don't bother to see me out.
+
+Tjaelde. Allow me to escort you?
+
+Berent. I can find the way quite well, thank you.
+
+Tjaelde. No doubt, no doubt-but I should feel it an honour!
+
+Berent. As you please! (As they are about to go down the verandah steps
+they are met by SIGNE and HAMAR, who are coming up arm in arm. Each
+couple draws aside to make room for the other.)
+
+Tjaelde. Let me introduce--no, I am sure Mr. Berent needs no
+introduction. This is my youngest daughter--and her fiance, Lieutenant
+Hamar.
+
+Berent. I thought your regiment was at the manoeuvres, Lieutenant?
+
+Hamar. I have got furlough--
+
+Berent. On account of urgent business, no doubt! Good day!
+
+Tjaelde. Ha, ha, ha! (He and BERENT go down the steps.)
+
+Hamar. Insolent fellow! But he is like that to every one.
+
+Signe. Not to my father, as far as I could see.
+
+Hamar. Your father is insolent too.
+
+Signe. You shan't say such things of father!
+
+Hamar. What else do you call it, to laugh at such impertinence as
+Berent's.
+
+Signe. I call it good spirits! (Sits down in a rocking-chair and begins
+rocking herself.)
+
+Hamar. Oh, then, so you--. You are not very agreeable to-day.
+
+Signe (still rocking herself). No; do you know, sometimes I get so bored
+with you.
+
+Hamar. Yet you won't let me go away?
+
+Signe. Because I should be still worse bored without you.
+
+Hamar. Let me tell you this, I am not going to put up much longer with
+the way I am treated here!
+
+Signe. Very well. (Takes off her engagement ring and holds it between
+her finger and her thumb, as she rocks herself and hums a tune.)
+
+Hamar. Oh, I don't say anything about _you_; but look at Valborg! Look
+at your father! He hasn't even as much as offered me a mount on his new
+horse!
+
+Signe. He has had something else to think about--possibly something even
+more important than that. (Goes on humming.)
+
+Hamar. Oh, do be nice, Signe! You must admit that my feelings are very
+natural. Indeed, to speak quite candidly--because I know I can say
+anything to you--it seems to me that, as I am to be his son-in-law and
+am in a cavalry regiment, and as he has no sons of his own, I might
+almost expect that--that he would make me a present of the horse.
+
+Signe. Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. Does it seem so unreasonable to you?
+
+Signe. Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. Why do you laugh at what I say, Signe? It seems to me that it
+would reflect very well on your family if, when my friends admired my
+horse, I could say: "My father-in-law made me a present of it." Because,
+you know, there isn't a finer horse in the whole of Norway.
+
+Signe. And that is the reason why you should have it? Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. I won't stand it!
+
+Signe. The peerless lieutenant on the peerless horse! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. Signe, be quiet!
+
+Signe. You are so funny! (Begins to hum again.)
+
+Hamar. Listen, Signe! No one has so much influence with your father as
+you.--Oh, do listen! Can't you talk seriously for a moment?
+
+Signe. I should like to! (Goes on humming.)
+
+Hamar. My idea was that, if that horse were mine, I would stay here for
+the summer and break it in thoroughly. (SIGNE stops rocking herself and
+humming. HAMAR comes up to her chair and leans over her.) In that case
+I would not go back till the autumn, and then you could come with the
+horse and me into town. Wouldn't that be delightful?
+
+Signe (after looking at him for a moment). Oh, yes, my dear, you always
+have such delightful ideas!
+
+Hamar. Don't I! But the whole thing depends, of course, on whether you
+can get the horse from your father. Will you try, darling?
+
+Signe. And then you would stay here all the summer?
+
+Hamar. All the summer!
+
+Signe. So as to break in the horse.
+
+Hamar. Just to break in the horse!
+
+Signe. And I would go with you into town in the autumn--that was what
+you said, wasn't it?
+
+Hamar. Yes; wouldn't it be jolly?
+
+Signe. Shall you take the bay horse to stay with your Aunt Ulla too?
+
+Hamar (laughing). What?
+
+Signe. Well, you have spent your furlough here simply for the sake of
+that horse--I know that well enough--and you propose to stay here, just
+to break it in-and then you propose that the horse and I should go to
+your aunt's--
+
+Hamar. But, Signe, what do you--?
+
+Signe (beginning to rock herself furiously). Ugh! Go away!
+
+Hamar. Jealous of a horse! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Signe. Go away to the stables.
+
+Hamar. Is that meant for a punishment? Because it would be more amusing
+there than it is here.
+
+Signe (throwing down her ring). There! Let your horse wear that!
+
+Hamar. Every time you throw down that ring--
+
+Signe. Oh, you have said that so often! I am tired of that too! (Turns
+her chair round so as to turn her back on him.)
+
+Hamar. You are such a spoilt child that it would be absurd to take
+everything you say seriously--
+
+Signe. I am sick of that too, I tell you--for the hundred and twentieth
+time! Go away!
+
+Hamar. But can't you see how ridiculous it is of you to be jealous of a
+horse? Have you ever heard of anyone else behaving like that?
+
+Signe (jumping up). Oh, you make me want to shout and scream! I feel so
+ashamed of you! (Stamps her foot.) I despise you!
+
+Hamar (laughing). And all on account of the horse?
+
+Signe. No, on your own account--yours, yours! I feel so miserable
+sometimes, I should like to throw myself down on the floor and cry--or
+run away and never come back! Can't you let me alone! Can't you go away!
+
+Hamar. Yes--and I have not picked up the ring this time, either!
+
+Signe. Oh, do go!--go, go, go! (Bursts out crying and sits down.)
+
+Hamar. All right!--I see the steamer in the distance; I shall go home at
+once.
+
+Signe. Oh, you know as well as I do that that steamer goes the other
+way! Oh! (Cries. The masts and funnel of a steamer come into sight, and
+a trail of smoke passes over the sky. TJAELDE'S voice is heard outside,
+calling: "Hurry up! Take the lieutenant's boat; it is ready!" SIGNE
+jumps up.)
+
+Hamar. They are going to fetch some one from the steamer! (TJAELDE'S
+voice is heard again: "You get the boat out! He is coming here!" HAMAR
+runs to pick up the ring and comes back hurriedly to SIGNE.) Signe!
+
+Signe. No, I won't!
+
+Hamar. Signe, dear! What does this mean? What is it that I have done?
+
+Signe. I don't know, but I am wretchedly unhappy! (Bursts into tears.)
+
+Hamar. But you know that in the end I always do what you want? What more
+can you wish than that?
+
+Signe. I can't help it, I wish I were dead! It is always the same thing!
+(In tears again.)
+
+Hamar. But, Signe--you who have told me hundreds of times that you loved
+me!
+
+Signe. And so I do. But sometimes our engagement seems horrible!--No,
+don't come near me!
+
+Hamar. Signe! (TJAELDE'S voice is heard outside: "Of course, put your
+best coat on!" He calls louder: "Sannaes!" An answering voice is heard
+in the distance. TJAELDE continues: "Don't forget your gloves!") Dry
+your eyes, Signe! Don't let him see you have been crying. (He tries to
+give her the ring, but she turns away, wiping her eyes. TJAELDE comes up
+the steps on to the verandah.)
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, there you are! That's right. Mr. Lind is arriving by
+this steamer--I had a telegram from him just now. (Calls out over the
+verandah.) Come along with those flags! And get this boat out of the way
+and unstep her mast! She is moored up tight! (HAMAR runs to help him.)
+Yes, you cast her off! (HAMAR does so, and the boat is hauled away to
+the right. TJAELDE comes forward into the room.) Signe! (Looks at her.)
+What? Squabbling again?
+
+Signe. Father!
+
+Tjaelde. Well, this is no time for tomfoolery of that sort! You must all
+do the honours of the house to-day. Tell Valborg--
+
+Signe. Tell her yourself, please! You know Valborg only does just what
+she likes.
+
+Tjaelde. Don't talk such rubbish! This is an important moment--and you
+will all do as _I_ say! Tell Valborg that she is to make herself look
+nice and come to me here. And you do the same. (She goes.) Signe!
+
+Signe (stopping). Yes?
+
+Tjaelde. We must ask five or six more people to dinner. You must send
+word to Mr. Finne that we shall dine punctually at three o'clock,
+instead of four. Mr. Lind has to go away again by the next boat, at five
+o'clock. Do you understand?
+
+Signe. But has mother enough in the house for so many?
+
+Tjaelde. It is not a mere question of there being enough--it must be a
+very good dinner. I expect my larder to be kept thoroughly well stocked
+all through the summer. How often am I to repeat that?
+
+Signe (trying to repress her fears). But mother is feeling so ill
+to-day--
+
+Tjaelde. Oh! don't begin about that everlasting "feeling ill." There
+is no time to-day to feel ill. Now, be quick! (SIGNE goes out by the
+farther door. TJAELDE turns to HAMAR.) Get a pen and ink and some paper!
+We must draw up a list of guests, at once!
+
+Hamar (looking about). There is none here.
+
+Tjaelde (impatiently). Fetch some, then! (HAMAR goes into the next room.
+TJAELDE, after a long sigh of relief, reads a telegram he has in his
+hand. His hand trembles as he reads it slowly, repeating some passages
+twice.) "Letter received just as starting. Before taking charge of
+affairs, must have interview. Coming to-day earliest boat, return five
+o'clock. Have clear statement ready. Lind." I can hardly read it--but it
+is true! Yes, if I can only work this properly all doors will be open to
+me! (To HAMAR, who has come back.) Ah, there you are! It would take too
+long to write invitations. We will just draw up a list of names and
+one of my clerks shall run round to them all. Now then! (Dictates.) The
+Vicar--Oh, by the way, what is the champagne like?
+
+Hamar. Do you mean the new lot?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Hamar. The Vicar praised it highly.
+
+Tjaelde. Good. Well, then--
+
+Hamar (writing). The Vicar.
+
+Tjzlde. Mr. Ring.
+
+Hamar. Mr. Ring.
+
+Tjaelde. And--and--
+
+Hamar. Mr. Holst?
+
+Tjaelde. No, not Holst. (HAMAR appears greatly astonished. TJAELDE says
+to himself:) I can show him now that I have no need of him! (Suddenly,
+to HAMAR.) Mr. Holm. (To himself.) Holst's enemy!
+
+Hamar. Mr. Holm.
+
+Tjaelde (to himself). Although Holm is a boor. Still, it will annoy
+Holst. (Aloud.) The Chief Constable.
+
+Hamar. The Chief--
+
+Tjaelde. No, strike out the Chief Constable.
+
+Hamar. Chief Constable struck out.
+
+Tjaelde. Have we got the Vicar down?
+
+Hamar. He is number one on the list.
+
+Tjaelde. Of course, yes.
+
+Hamar. What about the Magistrate?
+
+Tjaelde. No, he lives too far off. Besides, unless he is the guest
+of honour and can talk shop all the time--. No! But, let me see. Mr.
+Knutzon--Knutzon with a "z."
+
+Hamar. Knutzon with a "z."
+
+Tjaelde. Oh!--and--Knudsen, too! Knudsen with an "s."
+
+Hamar. Knudsen with an "s."
+
+Tjaelde. How many have we got?
+
+Hamar. The Vicar, Ring, Holm, the Chief--oh, no, the Chief Constable was
+struck out; Knutzon with a "z," Knudsen with an "s "--that is one, two,
+three, four, five, six.
+
+Tjaelde. And Finne, you, and I make nine. We must have twelve.
+
+Hamar. What about some ladies?
+
+Tjaelde. No; ladies are out of place at a business dinner. They may do
+the honours afterwards, when we have got to the cigarette stage. But
+whom shall we--?
+
+Hamar. That new lawyer fellow? He's a smart chap--I can't remember his
+name?
+
+Tjaelde. No, he always wants to be speechifying wherever he goes.--Ah,
+Mr. Pram, the custom-house officer!
+
+Hamar. That man? He always gets drunk!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, but he doesn't get noisy with it. He does no harm--quite
+the contrary! Yes, put down Pram.
+
+Hamar. Mr. Pram.
+
+Tjaelde. It is a very difficult task, in such a small town, when you
+want to get a good set of people together. Ah!--Falbe! I forgot him. He
+is very neat, and no opinions.
+
+Hamar. Neat in his dress, do you mean?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, in his dress too-but I meant it more generally. Now, for
+the twelfth--Morten Schultz?
+
+Hamar. Morten Schultz! (Gets up.) No, really, I must take the liberty of
+protesting against him! Do you really know what he did the last time he
+was here, when you had a lot of guests? In the middle of dinner he took
+out his false teeth and began showing them to his neighbours. He wanted
+to have them passed round the table! If that is your idea of a good set
+of people--well!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, he is rather a rough diamond. But he is the richest man
+about here.
+
+Hamar (who has sat down again). Well in that case he really ought to
+afford himself a new wig! It is far from pleasant to sit beside him, I
+can assure you!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, I know he is a pig; but he is wide awake, and this would
+flatter him! You see, my young friend, when a man is very rich you must
+make certain allowances for him.
+
+Hamar. I can't understand what _you_ can hope to get out of him.
+
+Tjaelde. Hm, hm!--No, well, perhaps we had better leave him out?
+
+Hamar. Certainly!
+
+Tjaelde (to himself). Although Lind would understand the significance of
+Morten Schultz's being here--
+
+Hamar. And the things he says! Ladies have to leave the room!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, you are right. (Mutters to himself.) And, after all, I
+don't need him any longer. (Aloud.) But what about our twelfth, then?
+Let me see--.
+
+Hamar. Christopher Hansen?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, Lord! no. We should have to talk politics. No, let
+me see--. Yes, I think I might risk it! Hm, hm--yes, just the man!
+Jakobsen, the brewery manager.
+
+Hamar. Jakobsen?
+
+Tjaelde. Hm, hm! Jakobsen will do very well. I know Jakobsen.
+
+Hamar. Oh, he is a very good fellow--we all know that, but in polite
+society--!
+
+Tjaelde. Hm, hm, hm!--Put him down!
+
+Hamar (writing). Jakobsen. There, then! (Gets up.)
+
+Tjaelde. Now let Skogstad go with the list! Remember, three o'clock
+punctually! And be quick! (Calls after HAMAR, who is going out.) And
+come back when you have given him the list! There may be something more
+to do! (HAMAR goes out by the nearer door. TJAELDE takes a letter out of
+his pocket.) Ah, of course! Shall I send the balance-sheet to Berent?
+I am independent of the banks now. Still, I am not out of the wood yet.
+And, anyway, it is a very pretty balance-sheet! Holst would be sure to
+see it, and that might be useful--and it might annoy him, too. Besides,
+if I don't send it, they will think that my promising to send it had put
+me into a hole, and that Lind had helped me out of it. I risk least by
+sending it. (HAMAR comes back.) Look here, let him take this letter,
+too. It is for Mr. Berent, at the Hotel Victoria.
+
+Hamar. Is this an invitation? Because, if it is, we shall be thirteen at
+table.
+
+Tjaelde. It is not an invitation. Be quick, before he goes. (HAMAR goes
+out again.) Oh, if only it succeeds! Lind is the sort of man one can
+persuade--and I must, I must persuade him! (Looks at his watch.) I have
+four whole hours to do it in. I have never felt so hopeful--not for a
+long time. (Is lost in thought; then says quietly:) After all, sometimes
+a crisis is a good thing--like a big wave that carries one on!--They
+have all had their suspicions aroused now, and are all ready to get
+into a panic. (Sighs.) If only I could get safely out of my difficulties
+without any one's suspecting it!--Oh, this anxious fear, night and
+day!--all this mystery, these shifts, these concealments, this farce
+I have to keep up! I go about my business as if I were in a dream.
+(Despairingly.) This shall be the last time--my last performance of this
+sort! No more of it!--I only need a helping hand now, and I have got it!
+But _have_ I got it? that is the question. Oh! if only, after this, I
+could know what it was to have a good night's sleep and to wake in
+the morning free from anxiety!--to join them at meals with an easy
+conscience!--come home in the evening and feel that it was all done
+with! If only I had something to take my stand upon that I could call my
+own--really and truly my own! I hardly dare to believe that there is a
+chance--I have so often been disappointed! (HAMAR comes back.)
+
+Hamar. There--that's done!
+
+Tjaelde. Good Lord, what about a salute from our cannon? We must give
+him a salute!
+
+Hamar. We have powder.
+
+Tjaelde. Then send word up at once to Ole to see about it! (They hurry
+out. The curtain falls.)
+
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+SCENE I
+
+(SCENE.--The same room. The table, which has been drawn to one side, is
+covered with bottles of champagne aged dishes of fruit. MRS. TJAELDE and
+SIGNE, with a man-servant and a maid, are busy preparing it. Through
+the door on the right a lively conversation can be heard, and occasional
+bursts of laughter.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (in a tired voice). Now I think it is all ready.
+
+Signe. They are talking a long time over their dinner.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (looking at her watch). Yes, they will only have half an
+hour for their dessert, because Mr. Lind has to leave at five o'clock.
+
+Signe. Ah, they have finished at last! Listen, they are getting up from
+the table. (Amidst the loud noise of conversation the noise of chairs
+being pushed back is audible.) Here they come!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes; let us retreat. (The maid goes out by the farther
+door; SIGNE helps MRS. TJAELDE out after her. The man-servant begins
+opening the champagne. The guests come in from the dining-room, headed
+by LIND escorted by TJAELDE, whom he is assuring that the dinner was
+excellent, to which TJAELDE replies that it is impossible to do much in
+a small country town. Both look at their watches, and observe that there
+is only half an hour left. TJAELDE vainly endeavours to persuade LIND
+to stay longer. Close behind them come HOLM and RING, engaged in an
+animated dispute about timber prices, the former maintaining that they
+will fall still lower, the latter that they will rise speedily owing
+to the fall in the prices of coal and iron, a point of view which the
+former vigorously controverts. Immediately behind them comes the VICAR,
+escorted by HAMAR, who is a little tipsy. The VICAR is assuring him that
+he has no objection to parishioners repudiating the obligation to attend
+the services of their own priest, so long as they are compelled to pay
+him for those services whether they avail themselves of them or not;
+because order, which is an essential characteristic of the Heavenly
+Kingdom, must be maintained. HAMAR tries to get in a word or two about
+the bay horse, but without success. At the same time KNUTZON and FALBE
+are deep in a discussion about a dancer whom FALBE has seen at Hamburg.
+He is maintaining that she can leap six feet into the air, which KNUTZON
+ventures to doubt, but FALBE says there is no doubt about it, and he
+knows because he has once sat at the same dinner-table with her. FINNE,
+KNUDSEN, and JAKOBSEN follow them. JAKOBSEN is heard challenging any one
+to contradict him, while the others eagerly protest that he has entirely
+misunderstood their meaning. He affirms stoutly that he doesn't care a
+damn what they meant, but that his employer is the greatest business
+man and the finest fellow in the world, or at all events in Norway. PRAM
+comes in by himself, wrapt in tipsy contemplation. They all talk at the
+same time.)
+
+Tjaelde (rapping on a glass). Gentlemen! (There is a sudden silence,
+except for the sound of the voices of FALBE and JAKOBSEN, who are hushed
+down by the others.) Gentlemen! I am sorry dinner has occupied such a
+long time.
+
+All (unanimously). No, no!
+
+Tjaelde. Our distinguished guest has, unfortunately, to leave us in half
+an hour, so I should like to take the opportunity of saying a few words.
+Gentlemen, we have a prince among us to-day. I say a prince, because
+if it is true that it is the financiers that rule the world--and it is
+true, gentlemen--
+
+Pram (who is standing well forward, supporting himself by the edge of
+the table, says solemnly:) Yes.
+
+Tjaelde.--then our friend here is a prince! There is not a single
+important undertaking that he has not initiated, or at any rate backed
+with his name.
+
+Pram (lifting his glass). Mr. Lind, may I have the honour--?
+
+Voices. Sh! Sh!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, gentlemen, his name backs every enterprise. It would be
+impossible to carry one through that had not his backing.
+
+Pram (solemnly). His backing.
+
+Tjaelde. Am I not right, then, in describing him as a prince?
+
+Falbe (in a feeble voice). Yes.
+
+Tjaelde. Gentlemen, to-day his name is once more exercising its
+powerful, I might say its creative, influence upon circumstances. I may
+say that at this moment the country holds no truer benefactor than he.
+
+Pram. Great man.
+
+Tjaelde. Let us drink his health! May prosperity attend him and his, and
+may his name be deathless in Norway! Mr. Lind!
+
+All. Mr. Lind! Mr. Lind! (They all drink his health effusively.)
+
+Tjaelde (to HAMAR, whom he pulls forward somewhat roughly, as the others
+begin to help themselves to the dessert.) What has become of the salute?
+
+Hamar (in consternation).Good Lord, yes! (Rushes to the window, but
+comes back.) I have no handkerchief. I must have laid it down in the
+dining-room.
+
+Tjaelde. Here is mine!(Feels in his pocket for it.) One cannot rely
+on you for the least thing. The salute will be too late now. It is
+disgraceful! (HAMAR goes to the window and waves the handkerchief madly.
+At last the report of a cannon is heard. The guests are standing in a
+group, holding their dessert plates.)
+
+Holm. A little bit late!
+
+Knutzon. Rather behind the moment--
+
+Ring. A very important moment, however!
+
+Holm. A very unexpected one, anyway!
+
+Knutzon (jestingly). Allow me, amidst the cannon's roar, to introduce to
+you a man who has been led by the nose!
+
+Ring. Oh, Tjaelde knows what he is about!
+
+Tjaelde. Mr. Lind is kind enough to wish to propose a toast. (They all
+compose themselves into respectful silence.)
+
+Lind. Our worthy host has proposed my health in most flattering terms.
+I would merely add this, that wealth is entrusted to those who have it
+precisely in order that they may support industry, genius, and great
+undertakings.
+
+Pram (who has never changed his position). Nobly said.
+
+Lind. I am only an administrator of a trust, and too often a weak and
+short-sighted one.
+
+Pram. Beautiful.
+
+Lind. But I shall not be mistaken if I say that Mr. Tjaelde's many-sided
+activities, which we must all admire, rest upon a sound foundation; and
+of that fact no one, at the present moment, is better able to judge than
+I. (The guests look at one another in surprise.) Therefore I have no
+hesitation in saying that his activities are an honour to this town, to
+this district, to our whole country, and that therefore his genius and
+his energy deserve support. I propose the toast of "prosperity to the
+firm of Tjaelde!"
+
+All. Prosperity to the firm of Tjaelde!
+
+(HAMAR signals again with the handkerchief, and a cannon shot is heard.)
+
+Tjaelde. I thank you heartily, Mr. Lind! I am profoundly touched.
+
+Lind. I said no more than I am convinced of, Mr. Tjaelde!!
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you! (To HAMAR.) What do you mean by signalling for a
+salute for the host? Blockhead!
+
+Hamar. You said there was to be a salute when a toast was proposed,
+didn't you?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, you are a--!
+
+Hamar (to himself). Well, if ever again I--!
+
+Holm. Then it is an accomplished fact, I suppose?
+
+Knutzon. _Fait accompli_! That toast represents twenty thousand pounds,
+at least.
+
+Ring. Yes, Tjaelde knows what he is about! I have always said that!
+(FALBE is seen drinking ceremoniously with LIND. JAKOBSEN comes forward,
+talking to KNUDSEN.)
+
+Jakobsen (in a low voice). There isn't a word of truth in what you say!
+
+Knudsen. But, my dear Jakobsen, you misunderstand me!
+
+Jakobsen (louder). Hang it, I know my people!
+
+Knudsen. Don't talk so loud!
+
+Jakobsen (still louder). What I say any one may hear!
+
+Tjaelde. (at the same moment). The Vicar wishes to say a few words.
+
+Knudsen (to JAKOBSEN). Hush! The Vicar wishes to say a few words.
+
+Jakobsen. Have I got to hush because that damned--
+
+Tjaelde (in a voice of authority). The Vicar wishes to speak.
+
+Jakobsen. I beg your pardon!
+
+The Vicar (in a feeble voice). As the spiritual adviser of this
+household, I have the pleasing duty of invoking a blessing on the gifts
+that have been so richly showered upon our host and his friends. May
+they be to their souls' present good and eternal welfare!
+
+Pram. Amen.
+
+The Vicar. I am going to ask you to drink the health of our host's dear
+children--those lovely girls whose welfare has been the object of my
+prayers ever since they were confirmed--ever since that memorable day
+when household and religious duties began to walk side by side.
+
+Pram. Ah, yes!
+
+The Vicar. May they always in the future, as they have in the past,
+grow in the holy fear of God and in meekness and gratitude towards their
+parents!
+
+All. Miss Valborg, Miss Signe!
+
+Hamar (in a panic). Am I to signal?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, go to--!
+
+Hamar. Well, if ever again--!
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you very much, Mr. Vicar. Like you, I hope that the
+intimate relations between parent and child that exist here--
+
+The Vicar. It has always been a pleasure to me to come into your most
+hospitable house.
+
+Tjaelde. May I have the honour of drinking a glass of wine with you?
+(They drink to each other.)
+
+The Vicar. Excellent champagne, my dear sir!
+
+Lind (to HOLM). It pains me to hear what you say. Is it possible that
+this town, which owes so much to Mr. Tjaelde, repays him with such
+ingratitude?
+
+Holm (in a low voice). One never can quite confidently rely on him.
+
+Lind. Really? I have heard others sing his praises so loudly, you know.
+
+Holm (as before). You misunderstand me. I mean his position--
+
+Lind. His position? That must be merely envy! People are often so unjust
+towards those whose enterprise has lifted them above the heads of the
+crowd.
+
+Holm. At any rate I assure you it was not from--
+
+Lind (coldly). I don't doubt it. (Walks away from him.)
+
+Jakobsen (with whom TJAELDE has just drunk). Gentlemen!
+
+Knutzon (to HOLM, in passing). Is that boor really going to be allowed
+to make a speech! (Going up to LIND.) May I have the honour of drinking
+a glass of wine with you, Mr. Lind? (Several of the guests begin to
+talk, ostentatiously indifferent to JAKOBSEN who is trying to begin his
+speech.)
+
+Jakobsen (in a formidable voice). Gentlemen! (Silence ensues, and he
+continues in his usual voice.) Permit a common man to say a word, too,
+on this festive occasion. I was a poor little boy when I entered Mr.
+Tjaelde's employment; but he pulled me out of the gutter. (Laughter.) I
+am-what I am, gentlemen! And therefore if any here is qualified to talk
+about Mr. Tjaelde, it is I; because I know him. I know he is a fine
+fellow.
+
+Lind (to TJAELDE). Children and drunken men--
+
+Tjaelde (laughing).--speak the truth!
+
+Jakobsen. There are lots of people that will tell you one thing or
+another about him--and, of course, he may have his failings like all of
+us. But as I find myself in such fine company as this I am going to say
+that--that--devil take me if Mr. Tjaelde isn't too good for the lot of
+you! (Laughter.)
+
+Tjaelde. That's enough, Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen. No, it's not enough! Because there is one toast we have all
+forgotten, although we have all had such a splendid dinner. (Laughter.
+FALBE claps his hands and cries: "Bravo!") Yes, and it is nothing to
+laugh at; because it is the toast of Mrs. Tjaelde's health that we have
+not drunk!
+
+Lind. Bravo!
+
+Jakobsen. There's a wife and mother for you! I can tell you--and it's
+true--she goes about the house attending to her duties and preparing for
+our entertainment when all the time she is ill, and she takes the whole
+thing on her shoulders and says nothing. God bless her, I say!--and that
+is all I have to say.
+
+Several of the Guests (raising their glasses). Mrs. Tjaelde! Mrs.
+Tjaelde!
+
+Pram (grasping JAKOBSEN by the hand). That was fine of you, Jakobsen!
+(LIND joins them; PRAM steps aside respectfully.)
+
+Lind. Will you drink a glass of wine with me, Jakobsen?
+
+Jakobsen. Thank you, very much. I am only a common man--
+
+Lind. But a good-hearted one! Your health! (They drink to each other. A
+boat is seen putting in to shore below the verandah. Its crew of six men
+stand up and toss their oars in naval fashion. SANNAES is standing at
+the helm.)
+
+Holm (in a whisper, to KNUTZON). Tjaelde knew what he was doing when he
+invited Jakobsen!
+
+Knutzon (whispering). Just look at the boat!
+
+Ring. Tjaelde is a very clever fellow--a very clever fellow! (VALBORG,
+SIGNE and MRS. TJAELDE are seen coming up the verandah steps.)
+
+Tjaelde. Gentlemen, the moment of departure is at hand; I see the ladies
+coming to take leave of our distinguished guest. Let us take this last
+opportunity of gathering around him--round our prince--and thanking him
+for coming! Let us cheer him with three times three! (Cheers.)
+
+Lind. Thank you, gentlemen! There is so little time left that I must
+confine myself to merely bidding you all good-bye. (To MRS. TJAELDE.)
+Good-bye, my dear madam! You should have heard how your health was
+proposed and drunk just now. My warmest thanks for your hospitality, and
+forgive me for the trouble I have caused you. (To SIGNE.) Good-bye,
+Miss Signe. I am sorry time has not permitted me to have the honour of
+becoming better acquainted with you; you seem so full of spirit! But if,
+as you said, you are soon coming to Christiania--
+
+Signe. I shall then do myself the honour of calling upon your wife.
+
+Lind. Thank you, thank you--you will be most welcome. (To VALBORG.) Are
+you not feeling well, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg. Yes.
+
+Lind. You look so serious. (As VALBORG does not reply, he continues
+somewhat coldly:) Good-bye, Miss Valborg. (To HAMAR.) Good-bye,
+Mr.--Mr.--
+
+Tjaelde. Mr. Hamar.
+
+Lind. Ah, the young man that talked to me about a horse--your future
+son-in-law! Pray forgive me for not--
+
+Hamar. Don't mention it!
+
+Lind. Good-bye!
+
+Hamar. A pleasant journey, sir!
+
+Lind (coldly, to HOLM). Good-bye, Mr. Holm.
+
+Holm (imperturbably polite). I wish you a very pleasant journey, Mr.
+Lind.
+
+Lind (to PRAM). Good-bye, Mr. Pram.
+
+Pram (holds his hand, and seems as if he wanted to say something but
+could not. At last he finds his voice). I want to thank you for--for--I
+want to thank you for--for--
+
+Lind. You are an excellent fellow!
+
+Pram (in a relieved voice). I am so glad to hear it! Thank you.
+
+Lind (to KNUTZON). Good-bye, Mr.--
+
+Knutzon (hastily). Knutzon.
+
+Pram. With a "z."
+
+Lind (to KNUDSEN). Good-bye, Mr.--
+
+Knudsen. Knudsen, again.
+
+Pram. With an "s."
+
+Lind (to FALBE). Mr--?
+
+Falbe. Falbe.
+
+Lind. Good-bye, Mr. Falbe! (To RING.) I am delighted to see you looking
+so well, Mr. Ring.
+
+Ring (with a low bow). The same to you, sir!
+
+Lind. Good-bye, Mr. Vicar!
+
+The Vicar (holding his hand, impressively). Let me wish you good luck
+and happiness, Mr. Lind--
+
+Lind. Thank you. (Tries to get away.)
+
+The Vicar.--in your journey over the perilous seas to foreign lands!
+
+Lind. Thank you. (Tries to get away.)
+
+The Vicar. Let me wish you a safe return, Mr. Lind--
+
+Lind. Thank you very much. (Tries to get away.)
+
+The Vicar.--to our dear fatherland; a land, Mr. Lind, which possesses in
+you--
+
+Lind. You must excuse me, Mr. Vicar, but time presses.
+
+The Vicar. Let me thank you for the pleasure of our meeting to-day, Mr.
+Lind, for--
+
+Lind. Indeed, there is no occasion! Good-bye! (To JAKOBSEN.) Good-bye,
+Jakobsen, good-bye!
+
+Jakobsen. Good-bye, Mr. Lind! I am only a common man, I know; but that
+is no reason why I shouldn't wish you a pleasant journey too, is it?
+
+Lind. Certainly not, Jakobsen.--Good-bye, Mr. Finne! By the way--just a
+word! (In an undertone.) You said that Mr. Berent--. (Takes him aside.)
+
+Tjaelde (to HAMAR). Now, remember the salute this time!--No, no, no!
+Don't be in such a hurry! Wait till the boat puts off! You want to make
+a mess of it again!
+
+Hamar. Well, if ever again I--!
+
+Tjaelde (to LIND, who holds out his hand to him). Goodbye, Mr. Lind! (In
+a low voice.) No one has so much reason to thank you for your visit as
+I. You are the only one that can understand--.
+
+Lind (a shade coldly). Don't mention it, Mr. Tjaelde! Good luck to your
+business! (In warmer tones.) Good-bye everybody--and thank you all for
+your kindness! (The footman, who has for some time been holding out his
+hat to him, gives it him, and his coat to SANNAES. LIND steps on board
+the boat.)
+
+All. Good-bye, Mr. Lind, good-bye!
+
+Tjaelde. One cheer more! (Cheers and a cannon salute are heard together.
+The boat glides away. They all wave their handkerchiefs. TJAELDE hurries
+into the room.) I have no handkerchief; that blockhead has--. (Looks at
+VALBORG.) Why are you not waving?
+
+Valborg. Because I don't wish to. (TJAELDE looks at her, but says
+nothing. He goes into the other room and comes back with a table-napkin
+in each hand, and hurries on to the verandah.)
+
+Tjaelde (waving and shouting). Good-bye! Good-bye!
+
+Signe. Let us go out to the point and see the last of them!
+
+All. Yes, yes! (All but TJAELDE and VALBORG hurry off to the right.)
+
+Tjaelde (coming into the room). I saw Berent coming! (VALBORG goes out
+by the door on the right. TJAELDE comes forward, throws the napkins on
+to a table and himself into a chair.) Oh--oh! But this must be the last
+time.--I shan't need this sort of thing any more! Never again! (Gets up
+wearily.) Ah, I had forgotten. Berent!
+
+[The Curtain falls.]
+
+[The interval between this scene and the next should be as short as
+possible.]
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+(SCENE.-TJAELDE'S private office. On the left, a desk strewn with
+ledgers and papers. On the right, a stove. An easy chair by the stove.
+A table in the foreground to the right; on it an inkstand and pens. Two
+armchairs; one at the table facing the audience, the other at the side
+of the table. Windows on either side of the desk; a door beyond the
+stove. A door in the background, leading to other offices. A bell-pull
+hangs down the wall. A chair on either side of the door. Quite at the
+back, on the left, a staircase leading direct to TJAELDE'S bedroom.
+BERENT and TJAELDE come in from the back.)
+
+Tjaelde. You must excuse my receiving you here. But the other rooms are
+all upside down; we have had some people to dinner.
+
+Berent. I heard you had guests.
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, Mr. Lind from Christiana.
+
+Berent. Quite so.
+
+Tjaelde. Won't you sit down? (BERENT lays down his hat and coat on a
+chair by the door. He comes slowly forward, sits down at the side of the
+table, and takes some papers from his breast-pocket. TJAELDE sits down
+at the other chair by the table and watches him indifferently.)
+
+Berent. What we now want is some fixed standard by which to make our
+valuations, especially of real estate. Have you any objection to our
+making your business a basis for arriving at that?
+
+Tjaelde. None at all.
+
+Berent. Then may I make my comments on your own figures, and ask you a
+few questions about them?
+
+Tjaelde. By all means.
+
+Berent. Well, to begin with, let us take your properties immediately
+round here; they will give us the best idea of local values. For
+instance, take the Mjolstad forest; you have put that down, I see, at
+L16,500.
+
+Tjaelde (indifferently). Have I?
+
+Berent. You bought it for L10,000.
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, four years ago. Timber prices ruled low then.
+
+Berent. And since then you have cut down more than L20,000 worth of
+timber there.
+
+Tjaelde. Who told you so?
+
+Berent. Mr. Holst.
+
+Tjaelde. Holst knows nothing about it.
+
+Berent. We must try to be very accurate, you know.
+
+Tjaelde. Well, of course, the whole valuation is not my concern; but
+those whom it does concern will protest.
+
+Berent (taking no notice of his objection). So I think we will reduce
+the L16,500 to L10,000.
+
+Tjaelde. To L10,000! (Laughs.) As you please.
+
+Berent. Calculating by the same standard, we can scarcely put down the
+Stav forest at more than L4000.
+
+Tjaelde. Allow me to say that, if that is the way you are going to make
+your valuation, everybody in the place will have to go bankrupt!
+
+Berent (with a smile). We will risk that. You have put down your wharf
+and its contents at L12,000.
+
+Tjaelde. Including two ships in course of construction--
+
+Berent.--for which it would be difficult to find a purchaser, as they
+are so far from completion.
+
+Tjaelde. Indeed?
+
+Berent. So I think we cannot put down the wharf and its contents at a
+higher figure than L8,000--and I believe even that will turn out to be
+too high.
+
+Tjaelde. If you can find me another wharf as well stocked, and with the
+advantages that this one has, I will buy it whenever you like for L8000;
+I am certain I should be more than L4000 to the good over the bargain.
+
+Berent. May I go on?
+
+Tjaelde. If you like! I even feel a certain curiosity to view my
+possessions under such an entirely new light.
+
+Berent. As a matter of fact the items that are too highly valued are
+just those that comprise this property that you live on--its land, its
+gardens, its dwelling houses, warehouses, and quays-not to mention the
+brewery and the factory, which I shall come to later. Even regarded as
+business premises they seem to me to be over-valued.
+
+Tjaelde. Well?
+
+Berent, Moreover, the luxurious appointments of this house of yours,
+which would very probably be superfluous for any one else, cannot
+possibly be counted upon to realise their full value in a sale.
+Suppose--as is indeed most likely--that it were a countryman that bought
+the place?
+
+Tjaelde. You are reckoning me as turned out of it already, then!
+
+Berent. I am obliged to base all my calculations on what the property
+would fetch if sold now.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). What may you happen to value it at then?
+
+Berent. At less than half your valuation; that is to say at--
+
+Tjaelde. You must really forgive me if I use an expression which has
+been on the tip of my tongue for some time: this is scandalous! You
+force yourself into a man's house, and then, under pretext of asking for
+his opinion, you practically--on paper--rob him of his possessions!
+
+Berent. I don't understand you. I am trying to arrive at a basis for
+values hereabouts; and you said yourself, did you not, that it is a
+matter that does not concern you alone?
+
+Tjaelde. Certainly; but even in jest--if I may be allowed the
+expression--one does not take the statement that an honourable man has
+voluntarily offered and treat it as a mendacious document.
+
+Berent. There are many different points of view from which valuations
+can be made, obviously. I see nothing more in it than that.
+
+Tjaelde. But don't you understand that this is like cutting into my
+living flesh? Bit by bit, my property has been brought together or
+created by my own work, and preserved by the most strenuous exertions on
+my part under terribly trying conditions--it is bound up with my family,
+with all that is dear to me--it has become a part of my very life!
+
+Berent (with a bow). I understand that perfectly. You have put down the
+Brewery at--
+
+Tjaelde. No; I refuse to allow you to go on in this way. You must find
+some one else's property as a basis for your calculations--you must
+consult some one else, whose idea of business corresponds somewhat
+closer to your own ridiculous one.
+
+Berent (leaning back in his chair). That is a pity. The banks were
+anxious to be acquainted with your answers to my observations.
+
+Tjaelde. Have you sent my statement to the banks?
+
+Berent. With my remarks and comments on it, and Mr. Holst's.
+
+Tjaelde. This has been a trap, then? I believed I had to deal with a
+gentleman!
+
+Berent. The banks or I, what is the difference? It comes to the same
+thing, as I represent them unreservedly.
+
+Tjaelde. Such impudent audacity is unpardonable!
+
+Berent. I would suggest that we avoid hard words--at all events, for
+the moment--and rather consider the effect that will be produced by the
+balance-sheet sent in.
+
+Tjaelde. That some of us will see!
+
+Berent. The banking house of Lind & Co., for instance?
+
+Tjaelde. Do you mean to say that my balance-sheet, ornamented with
+marginal notes by you and Holst, is to be submitted to Mr. Lind's firm
+too?
+
+Berent. When the cannon-salutes and noise of your festivities
+enlightened me as to the situation, I took the liberty of making some
+inquiries of the banks.
+
+Tjaelde. So you have been spying here, too? You have been trying to
+undermine my business connections?
+
+Berent. Is your position such, then, that you are afraid?
+
+Tjaelde. The question is not my position, but your behaviour!
+
+Berent. I think we had better keep to the point. You have put down the
+Brewery at--
+
+Tjaelde. No; your conduct is so absolutely underhanded that, as an
+honest man, I must refuse all further dealing with you. I am, as I said
+before, accustomed to have to deal with gentlemen.
+
+Berent. I think you misunderstand the situation. Your indebtedness to
+the banks is so considerable that a settlement of it may reasonably be
+required of you. But to effect that you must work with us in the matter.
+
+Tjaelde (after a moment's thought). Very well! But, no more details--let
+me know your conclusions, briefly.
+
+Berent. My conclusions, briefly, are that you have estimated your assets
+at L90,800. I estimate them at L40,600.
+
+Tjaelde (quietly). That is to say, you make me out to have a deficit of
+about L30,000?
+
+Berent. As to that, I must point out that your estimate of your
+liabilities does not agree with mine, either.
+
+Tjaelde (quietly). Oh, of course not!
+
+Berent. For instance, the dividend that Moeller's estate is to yield to
+you.
+
+Tjaelde. No more details! What do you put my total liabilities at?
+
+Berent. Let me see. Your total liabilities amount, according to your
+calculations, to L70,000. I estimate them at L80,000--to be precise, at
+L79,372.
+
+Tjaelde. That puts my deficit at about--
+
+Berent. At about L39,400--or, in round figures, L40,000.
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, by all means let us stick to round figures!
+
+Berent. So that the difference between your views of your balance-sheet
+and mine is that, whereas you give yourself a surplus of about L20,000,
+I give you a deficit of about L40,000.
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you very much.--Do you know my opinion of the whole
+matter? (BERENT looks up at him.) That I am in this room with a madman.
+
+Berent. I have had the same opinion for some time.--The stock of timber
+you hold in France I have not been able to deal with; you have forgotten
+to include it in your account. Perhaps it may make a little difference.
+
+Tjaelde. It is of no consequence! I have often enough heard people speak
+of your callousness and your heartlessness; but their account of you has
+come nowhere near the truth. I don't know why I have not turned you out
+of my house long before this; but you will have the goodness to leave it
+now!
+
+Berent. We shall both leave presently. But before we do, we must discuss
+the question of handing over the house to the Receiver in Bankruptcy.
+
+Tjaelde. Ha, ha, ha! Allow me to inform you that at this very moment
+a sum is being telegraphed to me which will be sufficient not only to
+cover my present liabilities, but to set me straight in every direction!
+
+Berent. The telegraph is a useful invention which is open to every one.
+
+Tjaelde (after a moment's thought). What do you mean by that?
+
+Berent. One effect of the noise of your festivities was that I used the
+telegraph also. Mr. Lind will receive, on board the boat, a telegram
+from his firm--and I doubt if the money you speak of will be
+forthcoming.
+
+Tjaelde. It is not true! You have not dared to do that!
+
+Berent. The facts are exactly as I state.
+
+Tjaelde. Give me my balance-sheet; let me look at it again. (Stretches
+out his hand to take it.)
+
+Berent (taking it up). Excuse me!
+
+Tjaelde. Do you presume to keep back my own balance-sheet in my own
+writing?
+
+Berent. Yes, and even to put it in my pocket. (Does so.) A fraudulent
+balance-sheet, dated and signed, is a document of some importance.
+
+Tjaelde. You are determined to ruin my private and public reputation?
+
+Berent. You have been working for that yourself for a long time. I know
+your position. For a month past I have been in correspondence with all
+the quarters in which you have business connections, both here any I
+abroad.
+
+Tjaelde. What underhanded deceitfulness an honest man is exposed to!
+Here have I been surrounded by spies for the last month! A plot between
+my business acquaintances and the banks! A snake creeping into my house
+and crawling over my accounts! But I will break up the conspiracy! And
+you will find out what it mean, to try and ruin a reputable firm by
+underhand devices!
+
+Berent. This is no time for fine phrases. Do you propose to surrender
+your property at once?
+
+Tjaelde. Ha, ha! I am to surrender it because you have made me out a
+bankrupt on your bit of paper!
+
+Berent. You might conceal the facts for a month, I know. But for your
+own sake, and especially for the sake of others, I would urgently advise
+you to end the matter at once. That was the reason of my journey here.
+
+Tjaelde. Ah, now the truth is out! And you came here pretending a
+friendly concern that the tangle should be straightened out! We were to
+distinguish between the sound and unsound firms, and you requested me,
+most politely, to give you my assistance in the matter!
+
+Berent. Exactly. But there is no question of anything unsound here
+except your own business and what is bound up with it.
+
+Tjaelde (when he has controlled himself). So you came into my house with
+the hidden design of ruining me?
+
+Berent. I must repeat that it is not I that am responsible for your
+bankruptcy; it is yourself.
+
+Tjaelde. And I must repeat that my bankruptcy only exists in your
+imagination! Much may happen in a month; and I have shown that I can
+find a way out of difficulties before now!
+
+Berent. That is to say, by involving yourself deeper and deeper in
+falsehood.
+
+Tjaelde. Only a man of business can understand such things. But, if you
+really understand them, I would say to you: "Give me L20,000 and I will
+save the situation entirely." That would be doing something worthy of
+your great powers; that would give you a reputation for penetration
+in discerning the real state of affairs; because by so doing you would
+safeguard the welfare of more than a thousand people, and ensure a
+prosperous future for the whole district!
+
+Berent. I don't rise to that bait.
+
+Tjaelde (after a moment's reflection). Do you want me to explain to you
+how L20,000 would be sufficient to set the whole complicated situation
+straight? Within three months remittances would be coming in. I can make
+it its clear as daylight to you--
+
+Berent.--that you would be falling from one disillusionment to another!
+That is what you have been doing for the last three years, from month to
+month.
+
+Tjaelde. Because the last three years have been bad years--horrible
+years! But we have reached the crisis; things must begin to improve now!
+
+Berent. That is what every defaulter thinks.
+
+Tjaelde. Do not drive me to despair! Have you any idea what I have gone
+through in these three years? Have you any idea what I am capable of?
+
+Berent. Of still further falsehood.
+
+Tjaelde. Take care!--It is quite true that I am standing on the edge of
+a precipice. It is true that for three years I have done everything
+in mortal power to save the situation! I maintain that there has been
+something heroic in the fight I have made. And that deserves some
+reward. You have unrestricted powers; every one trusts you. Realise
+for yourself what your mission is; do not let it be necessary for me to
+teach it you! Let me tell you this, emphatically: it will be a dreadful
+thing for _you_ if hundreds of people are to be ruined unnecessarily
+now!
+
+Berent. Let us make an end of this.
+
+Tjaelde. No, devil take me if I give up a fight like this with a
+senseless surrender!
+
+Berent. How do you propose to end it, then?
+
+Tjaelde. There is no issue to it that I have not turned over in my
+thoughts--thousands of times. _I_ know what I shall do! I won't be a
+mark for the jeers of this wretched little town, nor triumphed over by
+those who have envied me all round the countryside!
+
+Berent. What will you do, then?
+
+Tjaelde. You shall see! (Speaking more and more excitedly.) You won't
+help me under any conditions?
+
+Berent. No.
+
+Tjaelde. You insist that I shall surrender my estate, here and now?
+
+Berent. Yes.
+
+Tjaelde. Hell and damnation! You dare do that?
+
+Berent. Yes.
+
+Tjaelde (his agitation robbing him of his voice, which all at once sinks
+to a hoarse whisper). You have never known what despair is!--You don't
+know what an existence I have endured!-But if the decisive moment has
+come, and I have a man here in my office who _ought_ to save me but will
+not, then that man shall share what is in store for me.
+
+Berent (leaning back in his chair). This is beginning to be impressive.
+
+Tjaelde. No more jesting; you might regret it! (Goes to all the doors
+and locks them with a key which he takes out of his pocket; then unlocks
+his desk, and takes a revolver out of it.) How long do you suppose I
+have had this in here?
+
+Berent. Since you bought it, I suppose.
+
+Tjaelde. And why do you suppose I bought it?--Do you suppose that after
+I have been master of this town and the biggest man in the district, I
+would endure the disgrace of bankruptcy?
+
+Berent. You have been enduring it for a long time.
+
+Tjaelde. It is in your power now either to ruin me or to wave me. You
+have behaved in such a way that you deserve no mercy--and you shall have
+none! Report to the banks that they may give me the use of L14,000 for
+a year--I need no more than that--and I will save the situation for good
+and all. Think seriously, now! Remember my family, remember how long my
+firm has been established, remember the numbers that would be ruined if
+I were! And do not forget to think of your own family! Because, if you
+_don't_ agree to what I ask, neither of us shall leave this room alive!
+
+Berent (pointing to the revolver). Is it loaded?
+
+Tjaelde (putting his finger on the trigger). You will find that out in
+good time. You must answer me now!
+
+Berent. I have a suggestion to make. Shoot yourself first and me
+afterwards.
+
+Tjaelde (going up to him and holding the revolver to his head). I will
+soon quiet your pretty wit.
+
+Berent (getting up, and taking out of his pocket a paper which he
+unfolds). This is a formal surrender of your estate to the Receiver
+in Bankruptcy. If you sign it, you will be doing your duty to your
+creditors, to your family, and to yourself. Shooting yourself and me
+would only be adding an acted lie to all your others. Put away your
+revolver and take up your pen!
+
+Tjaelde. Never! I had resolved on this long ago. But you shall keep me
+company, now!
+
+Berent. Do what you please. But you cannot threaten me into a falsehood.
+
+Tjaelde (who has lowered the revolver, takes a step back, raises the
+revolver and aims at BERENT). Very well!
+
+Berent (walking up to TJAELDE and looking him straight in the eyes,
+while the latter reluctantly lowers the revolver). Do you suppose I
+don't know that a man who has for so long shivered with falsehood and
+terror in his inmost heart has lots of schemes but no courage? You
+_dare_ not do it!
+
+Tjaelde (furiously). I will show you! (Steps back and raises the
+revolver again.)
+
+Berent (following him). Shoot, and you will hear a report--that is what
+you are longing for, I suppose! Or, give up your plan of shooting, think
+of what you have done, confess, and afterwards hold your tongue!
+
+Tjaelde. No; may the devil take both you and me--
+
+Berent. And the horse?
+
+Tjaelde. The horse?
+
+Berent. I mean the magnificent charger on which you came galloping home
+from the sale of Moeller's estate. You had better let some one shoot
+you on horseback--on what was your last and greatest piece of business
+duplicity! (Goes nearer to him and speaks more quietly.) Or--strip
+yourself of the tissue of lies which enfolds you, and your bankruptcy
+will bring you more blessing than your riches have ever done. (TJAELDE
+lets the revolver drop out of his hand, and sinks into a chair in an
+outburst of tears. There is silence for a moment.) You have made an
+amazing fight of it for these last three years. I do not believe I know
+any one who could have done what you have done. But you have lost the
+fight this time. Do not shrink now from a final settlement and the pain
+that it must cost you. Nothing else will cleanse your soul for you.
+
+Tjaelde (weeping unrestrainedly, with his face buried in his hands). Oh,
+oh!
+
+Berent. You have blamed me for my method of proceeding in the matter.
+My answer to that is that I forgive you for yours. (A pause.) Try now to
+look the situation in the face, and take it like a man.
+
+Tjaelde (as before). Oh!
+
+Berent. At the bottom of your heart you must be weary of it all; make an
+end of it all now!
+
+Tjaelde (as before). Oh!
+
+Berent (sitting down beside him, after a moment's pause). Wouldn't you
+like to feel your conscience clear again--to be able really to live with
+your wife and children? Because I am sure you have not done that for
+many a day.
+
+Tjaelde (as before). Oh!
+
+Berent. I have known many speculators in my time and have received
+many confessions. So I know what you have been robbed of for three
+years--never a good night's rest, never a meal eaten with a light heart.
+You have scarcely been conscious of what your children were doing or
+saying, except when accident brought you together. And your wife--
+
+Tjaelde. My wife!
+
+Berent. Yes, she has slaved hard enough to prepare these banquets that
+were to conceal the nakedness of the land. Indeed, she has been the
+hardest worked servant in your house.
+
+Tjaelde. My patient, good wife!
+
+Berent. I feel certain you would rather be the humblest labourer earning
+your daily bread than live through such suffering again.
+
+Tjaelde. A thousand times rather!
+
+Berent. Then can you hesitate to do what will give every man his due,
+and bring you back to truthfulness again? Take the paper and sign it!
+
+Tjaelde (falling on his knees). Mercy, mercy! You do not know what you
+are asking me. My own children will curse me. I have just heard of a
+child doing that to her father! And my business friends, who will be
+ruined with me--numbers of them--think of their families! Oh! What is to
+become of my work-people? Do you know there are more than four
+hundred of them? Think of them and their families, robbed of their
+livelihood!--Be merciful! I cannot, I dare not, do it! Save me, help me!
+It was horrible of me to try and threaten you; but now I implore you,
+for the sake of all those that deserve more than I, but to whom I shall
+devote the rest of my life in loyal work!
+
+Berent. I cannot save you, least of all with money that belongs to
+others. What you ask me to do would be disloyalty to them.
+
+Tjaelde. No, no! Publish my accounts openly--put me under trustees, if
+you like; but let me go on with the scheme that I believe will succeed!
+Every clear-headed man will see that it must succeed!
+
+Berent. Come and sit down. Let us discuss it. (TJAELDE sits down.) Isn't
+what you are now proposing exactly what you have been trying to do for
+the last three years? You _have_ been able to borrow the means; but what
+good has it done?
+
+Tjaelde. Times have been so bad!
+
+Berent (shaking his head). You have mixed up falsehood and truth for so
+long that you have forgotten the simplest laws of commerce. To speculate
+during bad times, on the chance of their becoming better, is all very
+well for those who can afford it. Others must leave such things alone.
+
+Tjaelde. But it is to the advantage of my creditors themselves, and of
+the banks too, that my estate should hold together!
+
+Berent. It is of no advantage to sound firms to prop up unsound ones.
+
+Tjaelde. But, surely, to avoid losing their capital--?
+
+Berent, Oh, perhaps in the Receiver's hands the estate may--
+
+Tjaelde (hopefully, half rising from his chair). Yes? Well?
+
+Berent. But not till you have been removed from the control of it.
+
+Tjaelde (sinking down again). Not till I have been removed from the
+control of it!
+
+Berent. On _its own_ resources I dare say the estate can hold out until
+better times come, but not on borrowed money.
+
+Tjaelde. Not on borrowed money--
+
+Berent. You understand the difference, of course?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, yes.
+
+Berent. Good. Then you must understand that there is nothing left for
+you to do but to sign this.
+
+Tjaelde. Nothing left but to sign--
+
+Berent. Here is the paper. Come, now!
+
+Tjaelde (rousing himself). Oh, I cannot, I cannot!
+
+Berent. Very well. But in that case the crash will come of itself in a
+short time, and everything will be worse than it is now.
+
+Tjaelde (falling on his knees).Mercy, mercy! I cannot let go of all
+hope! Think, after a fight like mine!
+
+Berent. Tell the truth and say: "I haven't the courage to face the
+consequences."
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, that is the truth.
+
+Berent. "I haven't the courage to begin an honest life."
+
+Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Berent. You don't know what you are saying, man!
+
+Tjaelde. No, I don't. But spare me!
+
+Berent (getting up). This is nothing but despair! I am sorry for you.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Yes, surely you must be? Try me! Ask me to do
+anything you like! Tell me what you--
+
+Berent. No, no! Before anything else, you must sign this.
+
+Tjaelde (sinking back into his chair). Oh!--How shall I ever dare to
+look any one in the face again?--I, who, have defied everything and
+deceived every one!
+
+Berent. The man who has enjoyed the respect which he did not deserve
+must some day undergo the humiliation which he has deserved. That is a
+law; and I cannot save you from that.
+
+Tjaelde. But they will be crueller to me than to any one else! I deserve
+it, I know; but I shall not be able to endure it!
+
+Berent. Hm! You are remarkably tough; your fight, these last three
+years, proves that.
+
+Tjaelde. Be merciful! Surely your ingenuity--your influence--_must_ be
+able to find some way out for me?
+
+Berent. Yes. The way out is for you to sign this.
+
+Tjaelde. Won't you even take it over from me by private contract? If you
+did that, everything would come right.
+
+Berent. Sign! Here is the paper! Every hour is precious.
+
+Tjaelde. Oh! (Takes up a pen; but turns to BERENT with a gesture of
+supplication.) Daren't you test me, after what I have just gone through?
+
+Berent. Yes, when you have signed. (TJAELDE signs the paper, and sinks
+back in his chair with an expression of the keenest anguish. BERENT
+takes the paper, folds it, and puts it in his pocket-book.) Now I will
+go to the Bankruptcy Court with this, and afterwards to the telegraph
+office. Probably the officials of the court will come this evening to
+make their inventory. So you ought to warn your family.
+
+Tjaelde. How shall I be able to do that? Give me a little time! Be
+merciful!
+
+Berent. The sooner the better for you--not to speak of the interests of
+all concerned. Well, I have finished for the present.
+
+Tjaelde. Don't desert me like this! Don't desert me!
+
+Berent. You would like your wife to come to you, wouldn't you?
+
+Tjaelde (resignedly). Yes.
+
+Berent (taking up the revolver). And this--I will not take it with me.
+There is no danger from it now. But I will put it in the desk, for the
+sake of the others. Now, if you or yours should need me, send word to
+me.
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you.
+
+Berent. I shall not leave the town until the worst is over.--Remember,
+night or day, if you need me, send word to me.
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you.
+
+Berent. And now will you unlock the door for me?
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Ah, of course. Excuse me!
+
+Berent (taking his hat and coat). Won't you call your wife now?
+
+Tjaelde. No. I must have a little time first. I have the worst part of
+it before me now.
+
+Berent. I believe you have, and that is just why--. (Takes hold of the
+bell-pull and rings the bell.)
+
+Tjaelde. What are you doing?
+
+Berent. I want, before I go, to be sure of your wife's coming to you.
+
+Tjaelde. You should not have done that! (An office-boy comes in. BERENT
+looks at TJAELDE.) Ask your mistress--ask my wife to come to me.
+
+Berent. At once, please. (The boy goes out.) Good-bye! (Goes out.
+TJAELDE sinks down on to a chair by the door.)
+
+[The Curtain falls.]
+
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+(SCENE.-The same as in the preceding act. TJAELDE is sitting alone, on
+the chair by the door, in the position he was in when the curtain fell
+on the last act. After sitting motionless for a considerable time, he
+suddenly gets up.)
+
+Tjaelde. How am I to begin? After her, there are the children; after
+them, all my work-people--and then all the others! If only I could get
+away! But the Receiver's men will be here.--I must have some air! (Goes
+to the nearest window.) What a beautiful day!--but not for me. (Opens
+the window and looks out.) My horse! No, I daren't look at it. Why is it
+saddled? Oh, of course I meant, after my talk with Berent, to--. But
+now everything is different! (Walks up and down once or twice, thinking;
+then says suddenly:) Yes, on that horse I might reach the outer harbour
+before the foreign boat sails! (Looks at his watch.) I can do it! And I
+shall be able to put behind me all--. (Stops, with a start, as he hears
+footsteps on the stair.) Who is there? What is it? (MRS. TJAELDE comes
+down the stair into the room.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You sent for me?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes. (Watching her.) Were you upstairs?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, I was resting.
+
+Tjaelde (sympathetically). Ah, you were sleeping, and I woke you up!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No, I was not asleep. (She has come slowly forward.)
+
+Tjaelde. You weren't asleep? (Apprehensively, to her.) I suppose you
+didn't--? (To himself.) No, I daren't ask her.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What did you want?
+
+Tjaelde. I wanted--. (Sees her eyes fixed on the revolver.) You are
+surprised at my having that out? I got it out because I am going on a
+journey.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (supporting herself on the desk). Going on a journey?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes. Mr. Berent has been here, as I dare say you know. (She
+does not answer.) Business, you know. I have to go abroad.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (faintly). Abroad?
+
+Tjaelde. Only for a few days. So I will only take my usual bag with a
+change of clothes and one or two shirts; but I must have it at once.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I don't think your bag has been unpacked since you brought
+it home to-day.
+
+Tjaelde. So much the better. Will you get it for me?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Are you going away now--at once?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, by the foreign boat--from the outer harbour.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You have no time to lose, then.
+
+Tjaelde. Are you not well?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Not very.
+
+Tiwlde. One of your attacks?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes!--but I must fetch your bag. (TJAELDE helps her over
+to the staircase.)
+
+Tjaelde. You are not well, my dear--but you will be better some day.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I only wish _you_ looked better.
+
+Tjaelde. We all have our burdens to bear.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. If only we could bear more together!
+
+Tjaelde. But you don't understand my affairs--and I have never had time
+to talk about yours.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No--that's it. (Begins to go upstairs slowly.)
+
+Tjaelde. Shall I help you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No, thank you, dear.
+
+Tjaelde (coming forward). Does she suspect? She is always like that--she
+takes all my courage away from me. But there is no other way! Now--about
+money? I surely have some gold here somewhere. (Goes to his desk, takes
+some gold out of a drawer and counts it; then lifts his head and sees
+MRS. TJAELDE who has sat down on the stair half-way up.) My dear, are
+you sitting down?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I felt faint for a moment. I will go up now. (Gets up and
+climbs the stair slowly.)
+
+Tjaelde. Poor thing, she is worn out. (Pulls himself together.)
+No--five, six, eight, ten--that is not enough. I must have some more.
+(Searches in the desk.) And when I run short I have my watch and chain.
+Twenty, twenty-four--that is all I can find. Ah, my papers! I must on
+no account forget them. The ground is falling away under me! Isn't she
+coming back? The bag was packed, surely?--Ah, how all this will make her
+suffer! But it will not be so bad for her if I am away. People will be
+more merciful, both to her and the children. Oh, my children! (Collects
+himself.) Only let me get away, away! Thoughts will follow me there, all
+the same!--Ah, here she is! (MRS. TJAELDE is seen coming down slowly,
+with a bag which is evidently, heavy.) Shall I help you, dear?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Thanks, will you take hold of the bag?
+
+Tjaelde (takes it; she comes slowly down). It is heavier than it was
+this morning.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Is it?
+
+Tjaelde. I have some papers to put in it. (Opens the bag.) But, my dear,
+there is money in this bag.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes--some gold that you have given me at odd times. I
+thought it might be useful to you now.
+
+Tjaelde. There is a large sum.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I don't believe you even know how much you have given me.
+
+Tjaelde. She knows everything!--My dear! (Opens his arms.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Henning! (They both burst into tears and fall into each
+other's arms. MRS. TJAELDE whispers to him:) Shall I call the children?
+
+Tjaelde (in a whisper). No, say nothing--till later! (They embrace
+again. He takes up the bag.) Go to the window, so that I can see you
+when I mount. (Shuts the bag and hurries to the door, but stops.) My
+dear!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes?
+
+Tjaelde. Forgive me!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Everything! (TJAELDE, as he is hurrying out, meets in the
+doorway an office-boy who is bringing him a letter. TJAELDE takes it,
+and the boy goes out.)
+
+Tjaelde. From Berent! (Opens the letter, stands in the doorway and reads
+it; then comes back into the room, with his bag in his hand, and reads
+it again.) "When I left your house, I saw a horse standing saddled at
+your door. To prevent misunderstanding, let me inform you that your
+house is watched by the police."
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (supporting herself on the desk). You can't go?
+
+Tjaelde. No. (A pause. He puts down the bag and wipes his forehead.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Henning, shall we pray together?
+
+Tjaelde. What do you mean?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Pray--pray to God to help us? (Bursts into tears. TJAELDE
+is silent. She falls on her knees.) Come, Henning! You see that all
+human ingenuity is of no avail!
+
+Tjaelde. I know that, only too well.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Well, try once, in this hour of our greatest need!
+(TJAELDE appears to be struggling with his emotion.) You never would!
+You have never confided in us, or in your God!--never opened your heart
+to any one!
+
+Tjaelde. Be quiet!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. But what you concealed by day, you used to talk of in
+the night. We mortals must talk, you know! But I have lain awake and
+listened to your distress. Now you know why I am no longer good for
+anything. No sleep at night, and none of your confidence in the daytime.
+I have suffered even more than you. (TJAELDE throws himself into a
+chair. She goes to him.) You wanted to run away. When we are afraid of
+our fellow-men, we have only Him to turn to. Do you think I should be
+alive now, if it were not for Him?
+
+Tjaelde. I have thrown myself imploringly at His feet, but always in
+vain!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Henning, Henning!
+
+Tjaelde. Why did He not bless my work and the fight I was making? It is
+all one now.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Ah, there is more to come.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Yes, the worst is before us now--
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde.--because it is in our own hearts! (A pause. VALBORG
+appears coming down the stair, but stops at the sight of the others.)
+What do you want, dear?
+
+Valborg (with suppressed emotion). From my room I can see the police
+watching the house. Are the Receiver's men coming now?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (sitting down). Yes, my child. After a terrible
+struggle--how terrible, his God and I alone know--your father has just
+sent in his declaration of bankruptcy. (VALBORG takes a step or two
+forward, then stands still. A pause.)
+
+Tjaelde (unable to control himself). Now I suppose you will say to me
+just what Moeller's daughter said to him!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up). You won't do that, Valborg!--God alone can
+judge him.
+
+Tjaelde. Tell me how cruelly I have wronged you! Tell me that you will
+never be able to forgive me--(breaking down)--that I have lost your
+respect and your love for ever!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, my child!
+
+Tjaelde. That your anger and your shame know no bounds!
+
+Valborg. Oh, father, father! (Goes out by the door at the back. TJAELDE
+tries to cross the room, as if to follow her, but can only stagger as
+far as the staircase, to which he clings for support. MRS. TJAELDE sinks
+back into her chair. There is a long pause. Suddenly JAKOBSEN cones in
+from the outer once, dressed as before except that he has changed his
+coat. TJAELDE is not aware of his entrance until JAKOBSEN is close
+to him; then he stretches out his hands to him as if in entreaty, but
+JAKOBSEN goes right up to him and speaks in a voice choked with rage.)
+
+Jakobsen. You scoundrel! (TJAELDE recoils.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Jakobsen! Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (without heeding her). The Receiver's men are here. The books
+and papers at the Brewery have been seized. Work is at a standstill--and
+the same thing at the factory.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My God!
+
+Jakobsen. And I had made myself responsible for twice as much as
+I possessed! (He speaks low, but his voice vibrates with anger and
+emotion.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Dear Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (turning to her). Didn't I say to him, every time he told me
+to sign, "But I don't possess as much as that! It's not right!"--But he
+used to answer, "It is only a matter of form, Jakobsen." "Yes, but
+not an honourable form," I used to say. "It is a matter of form in
+business," he would say; "all business folk do it." And all I knew of
+business, I had learnt from him; so I trusted him. (With emotion.) And
+he made me do it time after time. And now I owe more than I shall ever
+be able to pay, all my life. I shall live and die a dishonoured man.
+What have you to say to that, Mrs. Tjaelde? (She does not answer him. He
+turns angrily upon TJAELDE.) Do you hear? Even _she_ can find nothing to
+say!--Scoundrel!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (in a voice broken with emotion). I have nothing but the
+deepest respect for you, Mrs. Tjaelde. But, you see, he has made me
+swindle other people! In his name I shall have ruined numbers of them.
+They trusted me, you see; just as I trusted him. I used to tell them
+that he was a benefactor to the whole countryside, and that therefore
+they ought to help him in these hard times. And now there will be many
+an honest family robbed of house and home by our treachery. And that is
+what he has brought me to! What heartless cruelty! (To TJAELDE.) I can
+tell I feel inclined to--. (Takes a threatening step towards him.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up). For my sake, Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (restraining himself). Yes, for your sake, ma'am; because I
+have the deepest respect for you. But how am I to face all those poor
+creatures that I have ruined? It will do them no good to explain to them
+how it has happened; that won't help them to get their daily bread! How
+shall I face my own wife! (With emotion.) She has had such faith in
+me, and in those I trusted. And my children, too? It is very hard on
+children, because they hear so much talk in the street. It won't be long
+before they hear what sort of a father they have got; and they will hear
+it from the children of the men I have ruined.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. As you feel how hard it is yourself, that should make you
+willing to spare others. Be merciful!
+
+Jakobsen. I have the deepest respect for you; but it is hard that in my
+home we should never again be able to eat a crust that we can properly
+call our own--for I owe more than I can ever live to repay! That is
+hard, Mrs. Tjaelde! What will become of my evenings with my children
+now?--of our Sundays together? No, I mean that he shall hear the truth
+from me. (Turns upon TJAELDE.) You scoundrel! You shan't escape me!
+(TJAELDE shrinks back in terror and tries to reach the office door, but
+at that moment the RECEIVER comes in, followed by two of his clerks and
+SANNAES. TJAELDE crosses the room, staggers to his desk, and leans upon
+it with his back turned to the newcomers.)
+
+The Receiver (coming up behind Tjaelde). Excuse me! May I have your
+books and papers? (TJAELDE gives a start, moves away to the stove, and
+supports himself on it.)
+
+Jakobsen (in a whisper, standing over him). Scoundrel! (TJAELDE moves
+away from him and sits down on a chair by the door, hiding his face in
+his hands.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up and whispering to JAKOBSEN), Jakobsen!
+Jakobsen! (He comes towards her.) He has never deliberately cheated
+any one! He has never been what you say, and never will be! (Sits down
+again.)
+
+Jakobsen. I have the deepest respect for _you_, Mrs. Tjaelde. But if
+_he_ is not a liar and swindler, there is no truth in anything! (Bursts
+into tears. MRS. TJAELDE hides her face in her hands as she leans back
+in her chair. A short silence. Then a confused noise of voices is
+heard without. The RECEIVER and his men stop their work of sorting and
+inventorying papers, and all look up.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (apprehensively). What is that? (SANNAES and the RECEIVER
+go to one window, and JAKOBSEN to another.)
+
+Jakobsen. It's the hands from the quay and the brewery and the factory
+and the warehouse. All work is stopped until further orders; but this is
+pay-day--and there is no pay for them! (The others resume their work.)
+
+Tjaelde (coming forward despairingly). I had forgotten that!
+
+Jakobsen (going up to him). Well, go out and face them, and they will
+let you know what you are!
+
+Tjaelde (in a low voice, as he takes up his saddle-bag). Here is money,
+but it is all in gold. Go into the town and get it changed, and pay
+them!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, do, Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (in lower tones). If _you_ ask me to, ma'am, I--So there is
+money in this bag? (Opens it.) And all done up in rolls. He meant to
+bolt, then!--and with the money his people had lent him. And yet you
+say he is not a scoundrel! (TJAELDE gives a groan. The noise of voices
+without grows louder.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (in a low voice). Be quick, or we shall have them in here.
+
+Jakobsen. I will go.
+
+The Receiver (interposing). Excuse me, but nothing must be taken away
+from here until it has been examined and inventoried.
+
+Jakobsen. It is pay-day, and this is the money for the wages.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Jakobsen is responsible for it, and will account for it.
+
+The Receiver. Oh, that alters the case. Mr. Jakobsen is a man of
+integrity. (Goes back to his work.)
+
+Jakobsen (to MRS. TJAELDE, in a low voice full of emotion). Did you hear
+that, Mrs. Tjaelde? He called me a man of integrity--and very soon not
+a single soul will call me that! (Goes out past TJAELDE to whom he
+whispers as he passes:) Scoundrel! I shall come back again!
+
+The Receiver (going up to TJAELDE). Excuse me, but I must ask you for
+the keys of your private rooms and cupboards.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (answering for her husband). My housekeeper shall go with
+you. Sannaes, here is the key of the cupboard. (SANNAES takes it from
+her.)
+
+The Receiver (looking at TJAELDE'S massive watch-chain). Whatever
+article of dress can be called a necessary, we have nothing to do with;
+but if it happens that it comrises jewellery of any great value--.
+(TJAELDE begins to take off the watch-chain.) No, no; keep it on. But it
+will have to be included in the inventory.
+
+Tjaelde. I don't wish to keep it.
+
+The Receiver. As you please. (Signs to one of his clerks to take it.)
+Good-day! (Meanwhile SIGNE and HAMAR have appeared at the door of the
+outer office, and have seen what passed. The RECEIVER, SANNAES, and the
+clerks try to open the door on the right, but find it locked.) This door
+is locked.
+
+Tjaelde (as if waking from a dream). Ah, of course! (Goes to the door
+and unlocks it.)
+
+Signe (rushing to MRS. TJAELDE and falling on her knees beside her).
+Mother!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, dear, the day of our trial has come! And I am
+afraid--afraid that it may find us all too weak.
+
+Signe. Mother, what is to become of us?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. We are in God's hands.
+
+Signe. I will go with Hamar to his aunt's. We will go at once.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. It is possible that his aunt may not be willing to have
+you now.
+
+Signe. Aunt Ulla! What do you mean?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I mean that you have been the rich man's daughter; and you
+do not know what the world is.
+
+Signe. Hamar, do you think Aunt Ulla would refuse to have me?
+
+Hamar (after a moment's thought). I don't know.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You hear that, my child. In the next few hours you will
+learn more than you have learnt in all your life.
+
+Signe (in a horrified whisper). Do you mean that even--?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Hush! (SIGNE hides her face in her mother's lap. A loud
+burst of laughter is heard outside.)
+
+Hamar (going to the nearest window). What is that? (SANNAES comes in
+through the right-hand door and goes to the other window. TJAELDE, SIGNE
+and MRS. TJAELDE get up.) The bay horse! They have got hold of it.
+
+Sannaes. They have led it up the steps, and are pretending to sell it by
+auction.
+
+Hamar. They are ill-treating it! (SANNAES runs out. HAMAR snatches up
+the revolver from the desk and looks to see if it is loaded.) I will--!
+
+Signe. What are you going to do? (As he starts to go out, she clings to
+him and prevents him.)
+
+Hamar. Let me go!
+
+Signe. Tell me first what you are going to do! Do you mean to go out
+among all those men--alone?
+
+Hamar. Yes.
+
+Signe (throwing her arms round him). You shan't go!
+
+Hamar. Take care, this is loaded!
+
+Signe. What are you going to do with it?
+
+Hamar (in a determined voice, as he shakes himself free of her). Put a
+bullet into the poor beast! It is too good for that crew. It shan't be
+put up for auction, either in joke or in earnest! (Goes to the farther
+window.) I shall get a better aim from here.
+
+Signe (following him, with a cry). You will hit some one!
+
+Hamar. No, I can aim too well for that. (Takes aim.)
+
+Signe. Father! If they hear a shot from here now--
+
+Tjaelde (starting up). The house belongs to my creditors now--and the
+revolver too!
+
+Hamar. No, I am past taking orders from you now! (TJAELDE snatches at
+the revolver, which goes off. SIGNE screams and rushes to her mother.
+Outside, but this time immediately below the window, two cries are
+heard: "They are shooting at us! They are shooting at us!" Then the
+noise of breaking glass is heard, and stones fly in through the windows,
+followed by shouts and ribald laughter. VALBORG, who has rushed in from
+the outer office, stands in front of her father to protect him, her face
+turned to the window. A voice is heard: "Follow me, my lads!")
+
+Hamar (pointing the revolver at the window). Yes, just you try it!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde and Signe. They are coming in here!
+
+Valborg. You shan't shoot! (Stands between him and the window.)
+
+Tjaelde. It is Sannaes with the police! (Cries of "Get back, there!" are
+heard; then a renewed uproar and a loud voice gradually dominating it;
+until at last the noise gradually lessens and ceases.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Thank God! We were in great danger. (Sinks into a chair.
+A pause.) Henning, where are you? (TJAELDE comes up behind her, and
+strokes her head with his hand, but turns away immediately to hide his
+deep emotion. A pause.)
+
+Signe (on her knees by her mother's side). But won't they come back?
+Hadn't we better go away from here?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Where to?
+
+Signe (despairingly). What is to become of us?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What God wills. (A pause. Meanwhile HAMAR, unobserved,
+has laid down the revolver on a chair and slipped out of the room by the
+door at the back.)
+
+Valborg (softly). Signe, look! (SIGNE gets up, looks round the room, and
+gives a little cry.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What is it?
+
+Signe. I knew he would!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (apprehensively). What is it?
+
+Valborg. Every rich family has its tame lieutenant--and ours has just
+left us. That's all.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up). Signe, my child!
+
+Signe (throwing herself into her arms). Mother!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. There will be no more pretence now. Do not let us regret
+it!
+
+Signe (in tears). Mother, mother!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Things are better as they are. Do you hear, dear? Don't
+cry!
+
+Signe. I am not crying! but I feel so ashamed--oh, so ashamed!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. It is I that ought to feel ashamed for never having had
+the courage to put a stop to what I saw was folly.
+
+Signe (as before). Mother!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Soon there will be no one else left to desert us; and we
+shall have nothing left that any one can rob us of, either.
+
+Valborg (comes forward evidently labouring under great emotion). Yes,
+there is, mother; _I_ mean to desert you.
+
+Signe. You, Valborg? Desert us? You?
+
+Valborg. Our home is going to be broken up, anyway. Each of us ought to
+shift for herself.
+
+Signe. But what am I to do? I don't know how to do anything.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (who has sunk back into her chair). What a bad mother I
+must have been, not to be able to keep my children together now!
+
+Valborg (impetuously). You know we cannot stay together now! You know we
+cannot put up with living on the charity of our creditors; we have done
+that too long!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Hush, remember your father is in the room. (A pause.) What
+do you want to do, Valborg?
+
+Valborg (after she has regained her self-control, quietly). I want to go
+into Mr. Holst's office, and learn commercial work--and keep myself.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You don't know what you are undertaking.
+
+Valborg. But I know what I am leaving.
+
+Signe. And I shall only be a burden to you, mother, because I can't do
+anything--
+
+Valborg. You _can_! Go out and earn a living; even if it is only as a
+servant, what does that matter? Don't live on our creditors--not for a
+day, not for an hour!
+
+Signe. And what is to become of mother, then?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Your mother will stay with your father.
+
+Signe. But all alone? You, who are so ill?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No, not alone! Your father and I will be together.
+(TJAELDE comes forward, kisses the hand she has stretched out to him,
+and falls on his knees by her chair, burying his face in her lap. She
+strokes his hair gently.) Forgive your father, children. That is the
+finest thing you can do. (TJAELDE gets up again and goes back to the
+other end of the room. A messenger comes in with a letter.)
+
+Signe (turning round anxiously). It is a letter from him! I can't stand
+any more! I won't have it! (The messenger hands the letter to TJAELDE.)
+
+Tjaelde. I accept no more letters.
+
+Valborg (looking at the letter). It is from Sannaes?
+
+Tjaelde. He, too!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Take it and read it, Valborg. Let us get it all over at
+once. (VALBORG takes the letter from the messenger, who goes out. She
+opens the letter, looks at it, and then reads it with emotion.) "Sir,--I
+have owed you everything since I entered your employment as a boy.
+Therefore do not take what I am going to say amiss. You know that about
+eight years ago I came into a little legacy. I have used the money to
+some advantage, having especially looked out for such investments as
+would not be affected by the uncertainties of high finance. The total
+sum, which now amounts to about L1400, I beg to offer to you as a token
+of respectful gratitude; because, in the end, I owe it to you that I
+have been able to make it that sum. Besides, you will be able to make
+many times better use of it than I could. If you need me, my dearest
+wish is to remain with you in the future. Forgive me for having seized
+just this moment for doing this; I could not do otherwise.--Your
+obedient servant, J. SANNAES." (While VALBORG has been reading, TJAELDE
+has come gradually forward, and is now standing beside his wife.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Though out of all those you have helped, Henning, only one
+comes to your aid at a time like this, you must feel that you have your
+reward. (TJAELDE nods, and goes to the back of the room again.) And you,
+children--do you see how loyally this man, a stranger, is standing by
+your father? (A pause. SIGNE stands by the desk, crying. TJAELDE walks
+up and down uneasily at the back of the room once or twice, then goes up
+the staircase.)
+
+Valborg. I should like to speak to Sannaes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, do, dear! I couldn't, just now; and I am sure your
+father couldn't either. You speak to him! (Gets up.) Come, Signe, you
+and I must have a talk; you must open your heart to me now.--Ah, when
+have we ever had a real talk together? (SIGNE goes to her.) Where is
+your father?
+
+Valborg. He went upstairs.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (leaning on SIGNE's arm). So he did. I am sure he must be
+longing to rest--although he won't find it easy to do that. It has been
+a terrible day; but surely God will turn it to our good! (Goes out
+with SIGNE. VALBORG goes to the back of the room and rings the bell. A
+messenger comes.)
+
+Valborg. If Mr. Sannaes is out there, please ask him to be so good as
+to come in here for a moment. (The messenger goes out.) Perhaps he won't
+come, when he hears it is I. (Listens.) Yes, he is coming!
+
+(SANNAES comes in, but stops short when he sees VALBORG, and hurriedly
+puts his hands behind his back.)
+
+Sannaes. Is it you, Miss Valborg, that want me?
+
+Valborg. Please come in. (SANNAES takes a few timid steps forward.
+VALBORG speaks in a more friendly tone.) Come in, then! (SANNAES comes
+further into the room.)
+
+Valborg. You have written a letter to my father.
+
+Sannaes (after a moment's pause). Yes.
+
+Valborg. And made him a most generous offer.
+
+Sannaes (as before). Oh, well--it was only natural that I should.
+
+Valborg. Do you think so? It doesn't seem so to me. It is an offer that
+honours the man that made it. (A pause.)
+
+Sannaes. I hope he means to accept it?
+
+Valborg. I don't know.
+
+Sannaes (sadly, after a moment's pause). Then he doesn't mean to? No--I
+suppose not.
+
+Valborg. I honestly don't know. It depends on whether he dare.
+
+Sannaes. Whether he dare?
+
+Valborg. Yes. (A pause.)
+
+Sannaes (evidently very shy of VALBORG). Have you any more orders for
+me, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg (with a smile). Orders? I am not giving you orders.--You have
+offered also to stay with my father for the future.
+
+Sannaes. Yes--that is to say, if he wishes me to.
+
+Valborg. I don't know. In that case there would be only he and my mother
+and you; no one else.
+
+Sannaes. Indeed? What about the others, then?
+
+Valborg. I don't know for certain what my sister means to do--but I am
+leaving home to-day.
+
+Sannaes. Then you are going to--
+
+Valborg.--to try and get a clerkship somewhere. So that it will be a bit
+lonely for you to be in my father's employment now. (A pause.) I expect
+you had not thought of it in that light?
+
+Sannaes. No--yes--that is to say, your father will have all the more
+need of me then.
+
+Valborg. Indeed he will. But what sort of a prospect is it for you
+to bind up your fortunes with my father's? The future is so very
+problematical, you know.
+
+Sannaes. What sort of a prospect--?
+
+Valborg. Yes, a young man should have some sort of a prospect before
+him.
+
+Sannaes. Yes--of course; that is to say, I only thought that at first it
+would be so difficult for him.
+
+Valborg. But I am thinking of you. Surely you have some plans for the
+future?
+
+Sannaes (embarrassed). Really I would rather not talk about myself.
+
+Valborg. But I want to.--You have something else in reserve, then?
+
+Sannaes. Well--if I must tell you--I have some well-to-do relations in
+America who have for a long time wanted me to go over there. I should
+soon be able to get, a good situation there.
+
+Valborg. Indeed?--But why haven't you accepted such a good offer long
+before this? (SANNAES does not answer.) You must have been sacrificing
+your best interests by staying so long with us? (SANNAES is still
+silent.) Any! it will be making a still greater sacrifice to stay with
+us now--
+
+Sannaes (struggling with his embarrassment). I have never thought of it
+as being that.
+
+Valborg. But my father can scarcely accept so much from you.
+
+Sannaes (in alarm). Why not?
+
+Valborg. Because it really would be too much.--And, in any case, I shall
+try to prevent him.
+
+Sannaes (almost imploringly). You, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg. Yes. You must not be misemployed any longer.
+
+Sannaes. Misemployed? In what I _myself_ desire so much?
+
+Valborg. When I have talked it over with my father, I think he will see
+my point.
+
+Sannaes (anxiously). What do you mean?
+
+Valborg (after a moment's reflection).--I mean, the reason of your
+having made such great sacrifices for us--and of your being willing to
+make still greater now. (A pause. SANNAES hangs his head, and is raising
+his hands to hide his face, when suddenly he puts them behind his back
+again. VALBORG continues, in gentle but firm tones:) I have taught
+myself, all my life, to look behind deeds and words for their motives.
+
+Sannaes (quietly, without raising his head). You have taught yourself to
+be cruelly bitter, hard and unjust.
+
+Valborg (starts, but collects herself, and says gently:) Don't say that,
+Mr. Sannaes! It is not hard-heartedness or bitterness that makes me
+think of your future now--and makes me wish to spare you disappointment.
+
+Sannaes (with a cry of pain). Miss Valborg!
+
+Valborg. Be honest with yourself, and you will be able to take a fairer
+view of what I have just said.
+
+Sannaes. Have you any more orders, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg. I give you no orders, as I have told you already. I am only
+bidding you good-bye; and I do it with grateful thanks to you for all
+your goodness to me--and to us all. Good-bye and good luck, Mr. Sannaes.
+(SANNAES bows.)Won't you shake hands? Ah, I forgot--I offended you.
+I beg your pardon for that. (SANNAES bows and turns to go.) Come, Mr.
+Sannaes--let us at least part as good friends! You are going to America,
+and I am going among strangers. Let us go away wishing one another well.
+
+Sannaes (moved). Good-bye, Miss Valborg. (Turns to go.)
+
+Valborg. Mr. Sannaes--shake hands!
+
+Sannaes (stopping). No, Miss Valborg.
+
+Valborg. Don't treat me uncivilly; I have not deserved that. (SANNAES
+again turns to go.) Mr. Sannaes!
+
+Sannaes (stopping). You might soil your fingers, Miss Valborg! (Walks
+proudly away.)
+
+Valborg (controlling herself with an effort). Well, we have offended
+each other now. But why should we not forgive each other as well?
+
+Sannaes. Because you have just offended me for the second time
+to-day--and more deeply than the first time.
+
+Valborg. Oh, this is too much! I spoke as I did, because I owed it to
+myself not to be put in a false position, and owed it to you to spare
+you future disappointment. And you call that insulting you! Which of us
+has insulted the other, I should like to know?
+
+Sannaes. You have, by thinking such things of me. Do you realise how
+cruelly you have spoilt the happiest action of my life?
+
+Valborg. I have done so quite unintentionally, then. I am only glad that
+I was mistaken.
+
+Sannes (bitterly). You are glad! So it really makes you glad to know
+that I am not a scoundrel!
+
+Valborg (quietly). Who said anything of the kind?
+
+Sannaes. You! You know the weak spot in my armour; but that you should
+on that account believe that I could lay a trap for you and try to trade
+on your father's misfortune, Miss Valborg--! No, I cannot shake hands
+with any one who has thought so badly of me as that! And, since you have
+so persistently insulted me that I have lost all the timidity I used
+to feel in your presence, let me tell you this openly; these hands
+(stretching out his hands to her) have grown red and ugly in loyal work
+for your father, and his daughter should have been above mocking at me
+for them! (Turns to go, but stops.) And, one word more. Ask your father
+for _his_ hand now, and hold fast to it, instead of deserting him on the
+very day that misfortune has overtaken him. That would be more to the
+point than worrying about _my_ future. I can look after that for myself.
+(Turns again to go, but comes back.) And when, in his service--which
+will be no easy service now--your hands bear the same honourable marks
+of work as mine do, and are as red as mine, then you will perhaps
+understand how you have hurt me! At present you cannot. (He goes quickly
+towards the door of the outer office.)
+
+Valborg (with a wry smile). What a temper! (More seriously.) And
+yet, after all--. (Looks after him. Just as SANNAES gets to the door
+TJAELDE'S voice is heard calling him from the top of the staircase.
+SANNAES answers him.)
+
+Tjaelde (coming down the stairs). Sannaes! Sannaes! I can see Jakobsen
+coming. (Hurries across the room as if pursued by fear. SANNAES follows
+him.) Of course he will be coming back to look for me again! It is
+cowardly of me to feel that I cannot stand it; but I cannot--not to-day,
+not now! I cannot stand any more! Stop him! Don't let him come in! I
+shall have to drink my cup of misery to the dregs; but (almost in a
+whisper) not all at one draught! (Hides his face in his hands.)
+
+Sannaes. He shan't come; don't be afraid! (Goes quickly out, with an air
+of determination.)
+
+Tjaelde. It is hard--oh, it is hard!
+
+Valborg (coming to his side). Father! (He looks at her, anxiously.) You
+may safely accept the money Sannaes offers you.
+
+Tjaelde (in surprise). What do you mean by that?
+
+Valborg. I mean--that, if you do, I will not forsake you either, but
+stay here with you too.
+
+Tjaelde (incredulously). You, Valborg?
+
+Valborg. Yes, you know I want to learn office work, and business; and I
+would rather learn in your office.
+
+Tjaelde (shyly). I don't understand what you--?
+
+Valborg. Don't you understand, dear? I believe I could become of some
+use in the office. And in that way, you know, we might begin afresh--and
+try, with God's help, to pay your creditors.
+
+Tjaelde (happily, but shyly). My child! Who put such a happy idea into
+your head?
+
+Valborg (putting an arm round his neck). Father, forgive me for all that
+I have neglected to do! You shall see how I will try and make up for it!
+How hard I shall work!
+
+Tjaelde (still half incredulous). My child! My child!
+
+Valborg. I feel--I cannot tell you how deeply--a craving for love and
+for work! (Throws both her arms round his neck.) Oh, father, how I love
+you!--and how I shall work for you!
+
+Tjaelde. Ah, that is the Valborg I have waited for, ever since you were
+a little child! But we had drifted away from one another, somehow.
+
+Valborg. No more about the past! Look forward, father, look forward!
+Concerns "that would not be affected by the uncertainties of high
+finance,"--weren't those his words?
+
+Tjaelde. So you were struck by that expression, too?
+
+Valborg. That may mean a future for us now! We will have a home all to
+ourselves--a little house down on the shore--and I shall help you, and
+Signe will help mother--we shall know what it is to live, for the first
+time!
+
+Tjaelde. What happiness it will be!
+
+Valborg. Only look forward, father! Look forward! A united family is
+invincible!
+
+Tjaelde. And to think that such help should come to me now!
+
+Valborg. Yes, now we are all going to our posts--and all together, where
+formerly you stood alone! You will have good fairies round you; wherever
+you look, you will see happy faces and busy fingers all day long; and we
+shall all enjoy our meals and our evenings together, just as we did when
+we were children!
+
+Tjaelde. That, above everything!
+
+Valborg. Ha, ha!--it is after the rain that the birds sing blithest, you
+know! And this time our happiness can never miscarry, because we shall
+have something worth living for!
+
+Tjaelde. Let us go to your mother! This will cheer her heart!
+
+Valborg. Ah, how I have learnt to love her! What has happened to-day has
+taught me.
+
+Tjaelde. It is for her that we shall all work now.
+
+Valborg. Yes--for her, for her. She shall rest now. Let us go to her!
+
+Tjaelde. Kiss me first, my dear. (His voice trembles.) It is so long
+since you did!
+
+Valborg (kissing him). Father!
+
+Tjaelde. Now let us go to your mother. (The curtain falls as they go out
+together.)
+
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+(SCENE.--In the garden of TJAELDE'S new home, on the shore of the fjord,
+three years later. A view of tranquil sunlit sea, dotted with boats, in
+the background. On the left a portion of the house is seen, with an open
+window within which VALBORG is seen writing at a desk. The garden is
+shaded with birch trees; flower-beds run round the house, and the whole
+atmosphere one of modest comfort. Two small garden tables and several
+chairs are in the foreground on the right. A chair standing by itself,
+further back, has evidently had a recent occupant. When the curtain
+rises the stage is empty, but VALBORG is visible at the open window.
+Soon afterwards TJAELDE comes in, wheeling MRS. TJAELDE in an invalid
+chair.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Another lovely day!
+
+Tjaelde. Tjaelde. Lovely! There was not a ripple on the sea last night.
+I saw a couple of steamers far out, and a sailing ship that had hove to,
+and the fisher-boats drifting silently in.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. And think of the storm that was raging two days ago!
+
+Tjaelde. And think of the storm that broke over our lives barely three
+years ago! I was thinking of that in the night.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Sit down here with me.
+
+Tjaelde. Shall we not continue our stroll?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. The sun is too hot.
+
+Tjaelde. Not for me.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You big strong man! It is too hot for me.
+
+Tjaelde (taking a chair). There you are, then.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (taking off his hat and wiping his forehead). You are very
+hot, dear. You have never looked so handsome as you do now!
+
+Tjaelde. That's just as well, as you have so much time to admire me now!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Now that I find getting about so difficult, you mean? Ah,
+that is only my pretence, so as to get you to wheel me about!
+
+Tjaelde (with a sigh). Ah, my dear, it is good of you to take it so
+cheerfully. But that you should be the only one of us to bear such hard
+traces of our misfortune--
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (interrupting him). Do you forget your own whitened hair?
+That is a sign of it, too, but a beautiful one! And, as for my being an
+invalid, I thank God every day for it! In the first place I have almost
+no pain, and then it gives me the opportunity to feel how good you are
+to me in every way.
+
+Tjaelde. You enjoy your life, then?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, indeed I do--and just as I should wish to.
+
+Tjaelde. Just to be spoiled, and yourself to spoil us?
+
+Valborg (from the window). I have finished the accounts, father.
+
+Tjaelde. Doesn't it come out at about what I said?
+
+Valborg. Almost exactly. Shall I enter it in the ledger at once?
+
+Tjaelde. Oho! You are glad then, as you seem in such it hurry?
+
+Valborg. Certainly! Such a good stroke of business!
+
+Tjaelde. And both you and Sannaes tried your best to dissuade me from
+it!
+
+Valborg. Such a pair of wiseacres!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Ah, your father is your master, my dear!
+
+Tjaelde. Tjaelde. Oh, it is easy enough to captain a small army that
+marches on, instead of a big one that is in retreat. (VALBORG goes on
+with her work.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. And yet it seemed hard enough for us to give it up.
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, yes--oh, yes. I can tell you, I was thinking of that last
+night. If God had given me what I begged for then, what state should we
+have been in now? I was thinking of that, too.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. It is the fact of the estate being at last wound up that
+has brought all these thoughts into your mind, dear?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Then I must confess that I, too, have scarcely been able
+to think of anything else since yesterday, when Sannaes went into town
+to settle it up. This a red-letter day! Signe is wrestling with a little
+banquet for us; we shall see what an artist she has become! Here she is!
+
+Tjaelde. I think I will just go and look over Valborg's accounts. (Goes
+to the window. SIGNE comes out of the house, wearing a cook's apron and
+carrying a basin.)
+
+Signe. Mother, you must taste my soup! (Offers her a spoonful.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Clever girl! (Tastes the soup.) Perhaps it would stand a
+little--. No, it is very good as it is. You are clever!
+
+Signe. Am I not! Will Sannaes be back soon?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Your father says we may expect him any moment.
+
+Tjaelde (at the window, to VALBORG). No, wait a moment. I will come in.
+(Goes into the house, and is seen within the window beside VALBORG.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My little Signe, I want to ask you something?
+
+Signe. Do you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What was in the letter you had yesterday evening?
+
+Signe. Aha, I might have guessed that was it! Nothing, mother.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Nothing that pained you, then?
+
+Signe. I slept like a top all night--so you can judge for yourself.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I am so glad. But, you know, there seems to me something a
+little forced in the gay way you say that?
+
+Signe. Does there? Well, it was something that I shall always be ashamed
+of; that is all.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I am thankful to hear it, for--
+
+Signe (interrupting her). That must be Sannaes. I hear wheels. Yes, here
+he is! He has come too soon; dinner won't be ready for half an hour yet.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. That doesn't matter.
+
+Signe. Father, here is Sannaes!
+
+Tjaelde (from within). Good! I will come out! (SIGNE goes into the house
+as TJAELDE comes out. SANNAES comes in a moment later.)
+
+Tjaelde and Mrs. Tjaelde. Welcome!
+
+Sannaes. Thank you! (Lays down his dust-coat and driving gloves on a
+chair, and comes forward.)
+
+Tjaelde. Well?
+
+Sannaes. Yes--your bankruptcy is discharged!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. And the result was--?
+
+Sannaes. Just about what we expected.
+
+Tjaelde. And, I suppose, just about what Mr. Berent wrote?
+
+Sannaes. Just about, except for one or two inconsiderable trifles. You
+can see for yourself. (Gives him a bundle of papers.) The high prices
+that have ruled of late, and good management, have altered the whole
+situation.
+
+Tjaelde (who has opened the papers and glanced at the totals). A deficit
+of L12,000.
+
+Sannaes. I made a declaration on your behalf, that you intended to
+try and repay that sum, but that you should be at liberty to do it in
+whatever way you found best. And so--
+
+Tjaelde. And so--?
+
+Sannaes.--I proferred on the spot rather more than half the amount you
+still owed Jakobsen.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Not really? (TJAELDE takes out a pencil and begins making
+calculations on the margins of the papers.)
+
+Sannaes. There was general satisfaction--and they all sent you their
+cordial congratulations.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. So that, if all goes well--
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, if things go as well with the business as they promise
+to, Sannaes, in twelve or fourteen years I shall have paid every one in
+full.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. We haven't much longer than that left to live, dear!
+
+Tjaelde. Then we shall die poor. And I shall not complain!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No, indeed! The honourable name you will leave to your
+children will be well worth it.
+
+Tjaelde. And they will inherit a sound business, which they can go on
+with if they choose.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Did you hear that, Valborg?
+
+Valborg (from the window). Every word! (SANNAES bows to her.) I must go
+in and tell Signe! (Moves away from the window.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What did Jakobsen say?--honest old Jakobsen?
+
+Sannaes. He was very much affected, as you would expect. He will
+certainly be coming out here to-day.
+
+Tjaelde (looking up from the papers). And Mr. Berent?
+
+Sannaes. He is coming hard on my heels. I was to give you his kind
+regards and tell you so.
+
+Tjaelde. Splendid! We owe him so much.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, he has been a true friend to us. But, talking of true
+friends, I have something particular to ask _you_, Sannaes.
+
+Sannaes. Me, Mrs. Tjaelde?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. The maid told me that yesterday, when you went into town,
+you took the greater part of your belongings with you. Is that so?
+
+Sannaes. Yes, Mrs. Tjaelde.
+
+Tjaelde. What does that mean? (To his wife.) You said nothing about it
+to me, my dear.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Because I thought it might be a misunderstanding. But now
+I must ask what was the meaning of it. Are you going away?
+
+Sannaes (fingering a chair, in evident confusion). Yes, Mrs. Tjaelde.
+
+Tjaelde. Where to? You never said anything about it.
+
+Sannaes. No; but I have always considered that I should have finished my
+task here as soon as the estate was finally wound up.
+
+Tjaelde and Mrs. Tjaelde. You mean to leave us?
+
+Sannaes. Yes.
+
+Tjaelde. But why?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Where do you mean to go?
+
+Sannaes. To my relations in America. I can now, without doing you any
+harm, withdraw my capital from the business by degrees and transfer it
+abroad.
+
+Tjaelde. And dissolve our partnership?
+
+Sannaes. You know that at any rate you had decided now to resume the old
+style of the firm's name.
+
+Tjaelde. That is true; but, Sannaes, what does it all mean? What is your
+reason?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Are you not happy here, where we are all so attached to
+you?
+
+Tjaelde. You have quite as good a prospect for the future here as in
+America.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. We held together in evil days; are we not to hold together
+now that good days have come?
+
+Sannaes. I owe you both so much.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Good heavens, it is we that owe you--
+
+Tjaelde.--more than we can ever repay. (Reproachfully.) Sannaes!
+
+(SIGNE comes in, having taken off her cooking apron.)
+
+Signe. Congratulations! Congratulations! Father mother! (Kisses them
+both.) Welcome, Sannaes!--But aren't you pleased?--now? (A pause.
+VALBORG comes in.)
+
+Valborg. What has happened?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Sannaes wants to leave us, my children (A pause.)
+
+Signe. But, Sannaes--!
+
+Tjaelde. Even if you want to go away, why have you never said a single
+word to us about it before? (To the others.) Or has he spoken to any of
+you? (MRS. TJAELDE shakes her head.)
+
+Signe. No.
+
+Sannaes. It was because--because--I wanted to be able to go as soon as I
+had told you. Otherwise it would be too hard to go.
+
+Tjaelde. You must have very serious grounds for it, then! Has anything
+happened to you to--to make it necessary? (SANNAES does not answer.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. And to make it impossible for you to trust any of us?
+
+Sannaes (shyly). I thought I had better keep it to myself. (A pause.)
+
+Tjaelde. That makes it still more painful for us--to think that you
+could go about in our little home circle here, where you have shared
+everything with us, carrying the secret of this intention hidden in your
+heart.
+
+Sannaes. Do not be hard on me! Believe me, if I could stay, I would; and
+if I could tell you the reason, I would. (A pause.)
+
+Signe (to her mother, in an undertone). Perhaps he wants to get married?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Would his being here with us make any difference to that?
+Any one that Sannaes loved would be dear to us.
+
+Tjaelde (going up to SANNAES and putting an arm round his shoulders).
+Tell one of us, then, if you cannot tell us all. Is it nothing we can
+help you in?
+
+Sannaes. No.
+
+Tjaelde. But can you judge of that alone? One does not always realise
+how much some one else's advice, on the experience of an older man, may
+help one.
+
+Sannaes. Unfortunately it is as I say.
+
+Tjaelde. It must be something very painful, then?
+
+Sannaes. Please--!
+
+Tjaelde. Well, Sannaes, you have quite cast a cloud over to-day's
+happiness for us. I shall miss you as I have never missed any one.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I cannot imagine the house without Sannaes!
+
+Tjaelde (to his wife). Come, dear, shall we go in again?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes--it is not nice out here any longer. (TJAELDE takes
+her into the house. SIGNE turns to VALBORG to go in with her, but when
+she comes close to her she gives a little cry. VALBORG takes her arm,
+and their eyes meet.)
+
+Signe. Where have my wits been? (She goes into the house, looking back
+at VALBORG and SANNAES. The latter is giving way to his emotion, but as
+soon as his eyes fall on VALBORG he recovers himself.)
+
+Valborg (impetuously). Sannaes!
+
+Sannaes. What are your orders, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg (turning away from him, then turning back, but avoiding his
+eyes). Do you really mean to leave us?
+
+Sannaes. Yes, Miss Valborg. (A pause.)
+
+Valborg. So we shall never stand back to back at our desks in the same
+room again?
+
+Sannaes. No, Miss Valborg.
+
+Valborg. That is a pity; I had become so accustomed to it.
+
+Sannaes. You will easily become accustomed to some one else's--back.
+
+Valborg. Ah, some one else is some one else.
+
+Sannaes. You must excuse me, Miss Valborg; I don't feel in the humour
+for jesting to-day. (Turn to go.)
+
+Valborg (looking up at him). Is this to be our parting, then? (A pause.)
+
+Sannaes. I thought of taking leave of you all this afternoon.
+
+Valborg (taking a step towards him). But ought not we two to settle our
+accounts first?
+
+Sannaes (coldly). No, Miss Valborg.
+
+Valborg. Do you feel then that everything between us has been just as it
+ought?
+
+Sannaes. God knows I don't!
+
+Valborg. But you think I am to blame?--Oh, well, it doesn't matter.
+
+Sannaes. I am quite willing to take the blame. Put anyway, it is all
+finished with now.
+
+Valborg. But if we were to share the blame? You cannot be quite
+indifferent as to which of us should take it?
+
+Sannaes. I confess I am not. But, as I said, I do not wish for any
+settling of accounts between us.
+
+Valborg. But I wish it.
+
+Sannaes. You will have plenty of time to settle it to your own
+satisfaction.
+
+Valborg. But, if I am in difficulties about it, I cannot do it alone.
+
+Sannaes. I do not think you will find any difficulty.
+
+Valborg. But if _I_ think so?--if I feel myself deeply wronged?
+
+Sannaes. I have told you that I am willing to take all the blame upon
+myself.
+
+Valborg. No, Sannaes--I don't want charity; I want to be understood. I
+have a question to ask you.
+
+Sannaes. As you will.
+
+Valborg. How was it that we got on so well for the first year after my
+father's failure-and even longer? Have you ever thought of that?
+
+Sannaes. Yes. I think it was because we never talked about anything but
+our work--about business.
+
+Valborg. You were my instructor.
+
+Sannaes. And when you no longer needed an instructor--
+
+Valborg.--we hardly spoke to one another.
+
+Sannaes (softly). No.
+
+Valborg. Well, what could I say or do, when every sign of friendship on
+my part went unnoticed?
+
+Sannaes. Unnoticed? Oh no, Miss Valborg, I noticed them.
+
+Valborg. That was my punishment, then!
+
+Sannas. God forbid I should do you an injustice. You had a motive which
+did you credit; you felt compassion for me, and so you could not help
+acting as you did. But, Miss Valborg, I refuse your compassion.
+
+Valborg. And suppose it were gratitude?
+
+Sannaes (softly). I dreaded that more than anything else! I had had a
+warning.
+
+Valborg. You must admit, Sannaes, that all this made you very difficult
+to deal with!
+
+Sannaes. I quite admit that. But, honestly, _you_ must admit that I
+had good reason to mistrust an interest in me that sprang from mere
+gratitude. Had circumstances been different, I should only have bored
+you cruelly; I knew that quite well. And I had no fancy for being an
+amusement for your idle hours.
+
+Valborg. How you have mistaken me!--If you will think of it, surely you
+must understand how different a girl, who has been accustomed to travel
+and society, becomes when she has to stay at home and work because it
+is her duty. She comes to judge men by an altogether different standard,
+too. The men that she used to think delightful are very likely to appear
+small in her eyes when it is a question of the demands life makes on
+ability or courage or self-sacrifice; while the men she used to laugh
+at are transformed in her eyes into models of what God meant men to
+be, when she is brought into close contact with them in her father's
+office.--Is there anything so surprising in that? (A pause.)
+
+Sannaes. Thank you, at all events, for saying that to me. It has done me
+good. But you should have said it sooner.
+
+Valborg (emphatically). How could I, when you misjudged everything I did
+or said? No; it was impossible until mistakes and misunderstandings had
+driven us so far apart that we could not endure them any longer (Turns
+away.)
+
+Sannaes. Perhaps you are right. I cannot at once recall all that has
+happened. If I have been mistaken, I shall by degrees find the knowledge
+of it a profound comfort.--You must excuse me, Miss Valborg, I have a
+number of things to see to. (Turns to go.)
+
+Valborg (anxiously). Sannaes, as you admit that you have judged
+me unjustly, don't you think you ought at least to give me--some
+satisfaction?
+
+Sannaes. You may be certain, Miss Valborg, that when I am balancing our
+account you shall not suffer any injustice. But I cannot do it now. All
+I have to do now is to get ready to go.
+
+Valborg. But you are not ready to go, Sannaes! You have not finished
+your work here yet! There is what I just spoke of--and something else
+that dates farther back than that.
+
+Sannaes. You must feel how painful it is for me to prolong this
+interview. (Turns to go.)
+
+Valborg. But surely you won't go without setting right something that I
+am going to beg you to?
+
+Sannas. What is that, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg. Something that happened a long time ago.
+
+Sannaes. If it is in my power, I will do what you ask.
+
+Valborg. It is.--Ever since that day you have never offered to shake
+hands with me.
+
+Sannaes. Have you really noticed that? (A pause.)
+
+Valborg (with a smile, turning away). Will you do so now?
+
+Sannaes (stepping nearer to her). Is this more than a mere whim?
+
+Valborg (concealing her emotion). How can you ask such a question now?
+
+Sannaes. Because all this time you have never once asked me to shake
+hands with you.
+
+Valborg. I wanted you to offer me your hand. (A pause.)
+
+Sannaes. Are you serious for once?
+
+Valborg. I mean it, seriously.
+
+Sannaes (in a happier voice). You really set a value on it?
+
+Valborg. A great value.
+
+Sannaes (going up to her). Here it is, then!
+
+Valborg (turning and taking his hand). I accept the hand you offer me.
+
+Sannaes (turning pale). What do you mean?
+
+Valborg. I mean that for some time past I have known that I should be
+proud to be the wife of a man who has loved me, and me alone, ever since
+he was a boy, and has saved my father and us all.
+
+Sannaes. Oh, Miss Valborg!
+
+Valborg. And you wanted to go away, rather than offer me your hand; and
+that, only because we had accepted help from you--and you did not think
+we were free agents! That was too much; and, as you would not speak, I
+had to!
+
+Sannaes (kneeling to her). Miss Valborg!
+
+Valborg. You have the most loyal nature, the most delicate mind, and the
+warmest heart I have ever known.
+
+Sannaes. This is a thousand times too much!
+
+Valborg. Next to God, I have to thank you that I have become what I
+am; and I feel that I can offer you a life's devotion such as you would
+rarely find in this world.
+
+Sannaes. I cannot answer because I scarcely realise what you are saying.
+But you are saying it because you are sorry for me, now that I have to
+go away, and feel that you owe me some gratitude. (Takes both her
+hand in his.) Let me speak! I know the truth better than you, and have
+thought over it far more than you. You are so immeasurably above me in
+ability, in education, in manners--and a wife should not be able to look
+down on her husband. At all events, I am too proud to be willing to be
+exposed to that. No, what you are feeling now is only the result of your
+beautiful nature, and the recollection of it will hallow all my life.
+All the pain and all the happiness I have known have come from you. Your
+life will be one of self-renunciation; but, God knows there are many
+such! And my burden will be lightened now, because I shall know
+that your good wishes will always be with me. (Gets up.) But part we
+must--and now more than ever! For I could not bear to be near you unless
+you were mine, and to make you mine would only mean misery for us both
+after a little while!
+
+Valborg. Sannaes--!
+
+Sannaes (holding her hands and interrupting her). I entreat you not to
+say anything more! You have too much power over me; do not use it to
+make me sin! For it would be that--a great sin--to put two honest hearts
+into a false position, where they would distress one another, even
+perhaps get to hate one another.
+
+Valborg. But let me--
+
+Sannas (letting go her hands and stepping back). No, you must not tempt
+me. Life with you would mean perpetual anxiety, for I should never
+feel equal to what it would demand of me! But now I can part from you
+comforted. There will be no bitterness in my heart now; and by degrees
+all my thoughts of the past and of you will turn to sweetness. God bless
+you! May every good fortune go with you! Good-bye! (Goes quickly towards
+the house.)
+
+Valborg. Sannaes! (Follows him.) Sannaes! Listen to me! (SANNAES takes
+up his coat and gloves, and, as he rushes out without looking where
+he is going, runs full tilt into BERENT who comes in at that moment
+followed by JAKOBSEN.)
+
+Sannaes. I beg your pardon! (Rushes out to the right.)
+
+Berent. Are you two playing a game of blind man's buff?
+
+Valborg. God knows we are!
+
+Berent. You need not be so emphatic about it! I have had forcible
+evidence of it. (Rubs his stomach and laughs.)
+
+Valborg. You must excuse me! Father is in there. (Points to the left and
+goes hurriedly out to the right.)
+
+Berent. We don't seem to be getting a particularly polite reception!
+
+Jakobsen. No, we seem to be rather in the way, Mr. Berent.
+
+Berent (laughing). It looks like it. But what has been going on?
+
+Jakobsen. I don't know. They looked as if they had been fighting, their
+faces were so flushed.
+
+Berent. They looked upset, you mean?
+
+Jakobsen. Yes, that's it. Ah, here is Mr. Tjaelde! (To himself.) Good
+Lord, how aged he looks! (Withdraws into the background as BERENT goes
+forward to greet TJAELDE, who comes in.)
+
+Tjaelde (to BERENT). I am delighted to see you! You are always welcome
+in our little home--and this year more welcome than ever!
+
+Berent. Because things are going better than ever this year! I
+congratulate you on your discharge--and also on your determination to
+pay everything in full!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, if God wills, I mean to--
+
+Berent. Well, things are going splendidly, aren't they?
+
+Tjaelde. So far, yes.
+
+Berent. You are over the worst of it, now that you have laid the
+foundations of a new business and laid them solidly.
+
+Tjaelde. One of the things that have given me the greatest encouragement
+has been the fact that I have won your confidence--and that has gained
+me the confidence of others.
+
+Berent. I could have done nothing unless you had first of all done
+everything. But don't let us say any more about it!--Well, the place
+looks even prettier than it did last year.
+
+Tjaelde. We do a little more to it each year, you know.
+
+Berent. And you are still all together here?
+
+Tjaelde. So far, yes.
+
+Berent. Ah, by the way, I can give you news of your deserter. (TJAELDE
+looks surprised.) I mean your lieutenant!
+
+Tjaelde. Oh--of him! Have you seen him?
+
+Berent. I was on the same boat coming here. There was a very rich girl
+on board.
+
+Tjaelde (laughing). Oh, I see!
+
+Berent. All the same, I don't think it came to any thing. It is rather
+like coming upon a herd of deer when you are stalking; after your first
+shot, you don't find it so easy to get another; they have grown wary!
+
+Jakobsen (who during this conversation has been screwing up his courage
+to address TJAELDE). I--I am a pig, I am! I know that!
+
+Tjaelde (taking his hand). Oh, come, Jakobsen--!
+
+Jakobsen. A great blundering pig!--But I know it now!
+
+Tjaelde. That's all right! I can tell you I am delighted to be able to
+set affairs straight between you and me.
+
+Jakobsen. I don't know what to answer. It goes to my heart! (Shakes his
+hand heartily.) You are a far better man than I,--and I said so to my
+wife. "He's a splendid fellow," I said.
+
+Tjaelde (releasing his hand). Let us forget everything except the happy
+days we have had together, Jakobsen! How do things go at the Brewery?
+
+Jakobsen. At the Brewery! As long as folk ladle beer into their stomachs
+at the rate they do now--
+
+Berent. Jakobsen was kind enough to drive me out here. We had a most
+amusing drive. He is a character.
+
+Jakobsen (in an anxious undertone, to TJAELDE). What does he mean by
+that?
+
+Tjaelde. That you are different from most people.
+
+Jakobsen. Ah!--I didn't feel sure, you know, whether he wasn't sitting
+there making game of me, all the way here.
+
+Tjaelde. How can you think such a thing? (To BERENT.) Do come into the
+house. Excuse my going first; but my wife is not always quite prepared
+to receive visitors since she has been able to do so little for herself.
+(Goes into the house.)
+
+Berent. I don't think Mr. Tjaelde seems to me to be looking in quite as
+good form as I expected?
+
+Jakobsen. Don't you? I didn't notice anything.
+
+Berent. Perhaps I am mistaken. I think he meant us to follow him in,
+didn't he?
+
+Jakobsen. So I understood.
+
+Berent. Then, as you have brought me so far, you must take me in to Mrs.
+Tjaelde.
+
+Jakobsen. I am quite at your service, sir. I have the deepest respect
+for Mrs. Tjaelde--(hurriedly)--and of course for Mr. Tjaelde too. Of
+course.
+
+Berent. Yes. Well, let us go in.
+
+Jakobsen. Let us go in. (He tries anxiously to keep in step with
+BERENT'S peculiar walk, but finds it difficult.)
+
+Berent. I think you had better not try. My step suits very few.
+
+Jakobsen. Oh, I shall manage--! (They go out to the left. SANNAES comes
+hurriedly in from the right, and crosses the stage; looks around; then
+comes across to the foreground and leans with his back against a tree.
+VALBORG comes in a moment later, comes forward, sees him, and laughs.)
+
+Sannaes. There, you see, Miss Valborg; you are laughing at me.
+
+Valborg. I don't know whether I want to laugh or to cry.
+
+Sannaes. Believe me, you are mistaken about this, Miss Valborg. You
+don't see things as plainly as I do.
+
+Valborg. Which of us was it that was mistaken to-day?--and had to beg
+pardon for it?
+
+Sannaes. It was I, I know. But this is impossible! A real union of
+hearts needs to be founded on more than respect--
+
+Valborg (laughing). On love?
+
+Sannaes. You misunderstand me. Could you go into society with me without
+feeling embarrassed? (VALBORG laughs.) You see, the mere idea of it
+makes you laugh.
+
+Valborg (laughing). I am laughing because you are magnifying the least
+important part of it into the most important.
+
+Sannaes. You know how awkward and shy--in fact downright frightened I am
+amongst those who--. (VALBORG laughs again.) There, you see--you can't
+help laughing at the idea!
+
+Valborg. I should perhaps even laugh at you when we were in society
+together! (Laughs.)
+
+Sannaes (seriously). But I should suffer horribly if you did.
+
+Valborg. Believe me, Sannaes, I love you well enough to be able to
+afford to have a little laugh sometimes at your little imperfections.
+Indeed, I often do! And suppose we were out in society, and I saw you
+weighed down under the necessity for pretty manners that do not come
+easy to you; if I did laugh at you, do you think there would be any
+unkindness behind my laughter? If others laughed at you, do you suppose
+I would not, the very next moment, take your arm and walk proudly down
+the room with you? I know what you really are, and others know it too!
+Thank God it is not only bad deeds that are known to others in this
+world!
+
+Sannaes. Your words intoxicate me and carry me off my feet!
+
+Valborg (earnestly). If you think I am only flattering you, let us put
+it to the test. Mr. Berent is here. He moves in the very best society,
+but he is superior to its littlenesses. Shall we take his opinion?
+Without betraying anything, I could make him give it in a moment.
+
+Sannaes (carried away). I want no one's opinion but yours!
+
+Valborg. That's right! If only you feel certain of my love--
+
+Sannaes (impetuously).--then nothing else will seem to matter; and that
+alone will be able to teach me all that I lack, in a very short time.
+
+Valborg. Look into my eyes!
+
+Sannaes (taking her hands). Yes!
+
+Valborg. Do you believe that nothing would ever make me ashamed of you!
+
+Sannaes. Yes, I believe that.
+
+Valborg (with emotion). Do you believe that I love you?
+
+Sannaes. Yes! (Falls on one knee.)
+
+Valborg. Deeply enough for my love to last all our lives--
+
+Sannaes. Yes, yes!
+
+Valborg. Then stay with me; and we will look after the old folk--and
+replace them when, in God's good time, they are taken from us. (SANNAES
+bursts into tears. TJAELDE, who has come to the window to show BERENT
+his ledgers, happens to look up and sees VALBORG and SANNAES.)
+
+Tjaelde (leaning out of the window, and speaking gently:) Valborg, what
+has happened?
+
+Valborg (quietly). Only that Sannaes and I are engaged to be married.
+
+Tjaelde. Is it possible! (To BERENT, who is immersed in the accounts.)
+Excuse me! (Hurries away from the window.)
+
+Sannaes (who, in his emotion has heard nothing). Forgive me! It has been
+such a long, hard struggle--and I feel overwhelmed!
+
+Valborg. Let us go in to my mother.
+
+Sannws (shrinking back). I can't, Miss Valborg--you must wait a little--
+
+Valborg. Here they come. (TJAELDE comes in wheeling MRS. TJAELDE in her
+chair. VALBORG runs to her mother and throws herself into her arms.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (softly). God be praised and thanked!
+
+Tjaelde (going up to SANNAES and embracing him). My son!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. So that was why Sannaes wanted to go away! Oh, Sannaes!
+(TJAELDE brings SANNAES up to her. SANNAES kneels and kisses her hand,
+then gets up and goes into the background, to recover himself. SIGNE
+comes in.)
+
+Signe. Mother, everything is ready now!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. So are things out here!
+
+Signe (looking round). Not really?
+
+Valborg (to SIGNE). Forgive me for never having told you!
+
+Signe. You certainly kept your secret well!
+
+Valborg. I kept long years of suffering secret--that was all! (SIGNE
+kisses her and whispers to her; then turns to SANNAES.)
+
+Signe. Sannaes! (Shakes his hand.) So we are to be brother and
+sister-in-law?
+
+Sannaes (embarrassed). Oh, Miss Signe--
+
+Signe. But you mustn't call me Miss Signe now, you know!
+
+Valborg. You must expect that! He calls me "Miss" Valborg still!
+
+Singe. Well, he won't be able to do that when you are married, anyway!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (to TJAELDE). But where are our friends?
+
+Tjaelde. Mr. Berent is in the office. There he is, at the window.
+
+Berent (at the window). Now I am coming straight out to congratulate
+you, with my friend Jakobsen. (Comes out.)
+
+Valborg (going to TJAELDE). Father!
+
+Tjaelde. My child!
+
+Valborg. If we had not known those bad days we should never have known
+this happy one! (He gives her a grip of the hand.)
+
+Tjaelde (to BERENT). Allow me to present to you my daughter Valborg's
+fiance--Mr. Sannaes.
+
+Berent. I congratulate you on your choice, Miss Valborg--and I
+congratulate the whole family on such a son-in-law.
+
+Valborg (triumphantly). There, Sannaes!
+
+Jakobsen. May I too, though I am only a stupid sort of chap, say that
+this lad has been in love with you ever since he was in his teens--he
+hardly could be sooner than that. But I can tell you, honestly, I should
+never have credited you with having so much sense as to take him. (All
+laugh.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Signe is whispering to me that our dinner is getting cold.
+
+Signe. May I take my mother's place and ask you to take me in to dinner,
+Mr. Berent?
+
+Berent (offering her his arm). I am honoured!--But our bridal pair must
+go first!
+
+Valborg. Sannaes--?
+
+Sannaes (whispers, as he gives her his arm). To think that I have you
+on my arm! (They go into the house, followed by BERENT and SIGNE, and by
+JAKOBSEN.)
+
+Tjaelde (bending over his wife, as he prepares to wheel her chair in).
+My dear, God has blessed our house now!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My dear man!
+
+Curtain.
+
+
+
+
+
+THE KING
+
+A PLAY IN A PROLOGUE AND FOUR ACTS
+
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+     The KING.
+     HARALD GRAN, a rich manufacturer.
+     KOLL, Chief Magistrate of the district.
+     FLINK.
+     CLARA ERNST.
+     The PRINCESS.
+     BARONESS MARC.
+     ANNA, a deaf and dumb girl.
+     FALBE.
+     The MAYOR.
+     NATHALIE, his daughter.
+     ALSTAD.
+     VILHELM, his son.
+     The PARISH PRIEST.
+     BANG, a rich trader.
+     VINAeGER.
+     COUNT PLATEN.
+     The GENERAL.
+     MATILDE.
+     A Ballad Singer.
+     A Young Beggar.
+     A Servant of the King's.
+     Ladies and Gentlemen,
+     Masked Dancers,
+     Work-people,
+     Farmers, etc.
+
+
+
+
+PROLOGUE
+
+(SCENE.--A large gothic hall, brilliantly illuminated, in which a masked
+ball is taking place. At the rise of the curtain a ballet is being
+performed in the centre of the hall. Masked dancers are grouped around,
+watching it. Two of them, women, are conversing on the right of the
+stage.)
+
+First Mask. Have you heard that the King is to be here to-night?
+
+Second Mask. Yes, and since I heard it I have been imagining I saw him
+everywhere.
+
+First Mask (pointing). That is not he, is it?
+
+Second Mask. He is taller than that.
+
+First Mask. That one, then? Look, that one!
+
+Second Mask. That one has spoken to me. He has too old a voice.
+
+First Mask. Shall we see if we can find him?
+
+Second Mask. Yes, come along!
+
+(A number of girls, wearing similar costumes and all masked, have
+meanwhile collected on the left side of the stage.)
+
+First Girl. Are we all here?
+
+Second Girl. All but Matilde.
+
+Matilde. Here I am! Have you heard that the King is to be here?
+
+All. Really?
+
+Matilde. I don't know how he is dressed; but one of the masters of the
+ceremonies told me he was to be here.
+
+Several of the Girls. The dear King! (Two masked dancers, dressed as
+Cats, pass by.)
+
+Tom Cat. Do you hear that, my pet?
+
+Puss. Miau!
+
+Matilde. Let us try and discover him.
+
+All. Yes, yes!
+
+A Mask. And when we have discovered him--?
+
+Matilde. Let us all dance round him!
+
+All. Yes!
+
+Tom Cat (to Puss). You had better look after your virtue, Miss!
+
+Puss. Miau!
+
+Tom Cat. Miau! (They pass out of sight.)
+
+Matilde. Remember that we are all to meet here in a quarter of an hour!
+
+All. Yes! (They disperse. The ballet comes to a close amidst universal
+applause. Conversation among the dancers becomes general and animated.
+The BARONESS MARC, disguised as an Old Woman, comes forward, talking to
+another mask dressed as a Donkey.)
+
+Baroness. I will never forgive you for that, my lord chamberlain.
+
+The Donkey. But you frighten me clean out of my part, Baroness!
+
+Baroness. If only I could understand how it happened!
+
+The Donkey. After all, my dear Baroness, you cannot be expected to take
+out all your schoolmistresses and their senior pupils on a leash!
+
+Baroness. No, but I have particular reasons for wishing to look closely
+after _her_. (All this time she has been persistently looking round the
+room.) And in such a whirling crowd as this--
+
+The Donkey. Let us lose ourselves in it, then! (He brays as they go out.
+The PRINCESS, masked and dressed in a costume of the time of Louis
+XV., comes forward accompanied by a Cavalier in a costume of the same
+period.)
+
+Princess (continuing a discussion). And I say that if a king has such
+graces of mind and person as ours has, he may do anything he pleases.
+
+Cavalier. _Anything_, Princess?
+
+Princess. Anything that his mind prompts, provided that he do it
+beautifully. (A GENTLEMAN-IN-WAITING, dressed in a costume of the same
+period, approaches them.)
+
+Gentleman-in-Waiting. I cannot discover him, your Royal Highness!
+
+Princess. But he is here. He is _here_. And for a lady's sake. I am
+certain I am right.
+
+Cavalier. But I asked one of the masters of the ceremonies, and he knew
+nothing about it.
+
+Princess. Then it must have been one that has not been let into the
+secret.
+
+Cavalier. But, your Royal Highness--
+
+Princess. Don't keep calling me "your Royal Highness," but get me a
+description of the costume he is wearing. (The GENTLEMAN-IN-WAITING bows
+and goes away.) And you and I will go on hunting--
+
+Cavalier.--for the noble huntsman--
+
+Princess.--who is being hunted himself! (Moves away, but stops
+suddenly.) Who is that? (CLARA ERNST, masked and in peasant costume,
+comes forward followed by a masked figure wearing a domino. He is
+whispering to her over her shoulder. She keeps glancing about, as if
+looking for some one.)
+
+The Domino.--and there, in the enchanted castle, buried deep in the
+wooded park--
+
+Clara. Let me alone!
+
+The Domino.--there we shall be greeted by a babbling fountain of
+water--a nymph, holding the cup of joy high above her head--
+
+Clara (anxiously). What can have become of her?
+
+(Meanwhile one of the masked dancers has been following them, and now
+turns back to join others.)
+
+A Masked Dancer (pointing to the DOMINO). That is the King!
+
+Another (quickly). But who is _she_?
+
+The Domino.--on both sides, shady alleys leading to the doors of a
+secret retreat; and there--
+
+Clara (turning round). I despise you! (The dancing and music suddenly
+stop. General consternation.)
+
+The Baroness (starting forward as she hears CLARA voice.) Clara!
+
+The Domino (taking CLARA's hand and leading her apart from the others).
+Do you know who it is that you despise?
+
+Clara (greatly agitated). Yes, I know who you are!--and that is why,
+from the bottom of my heart, I despise you! (The music begins afresh,
+covering the general consternation that has spread among the dancers.
+The BARONESS comes forward with a cry of "Clara!" CLARA bursts into
+tears and throws herself into her arms. Curtain.)
+
+
+
+
+ACT I
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+(SCENE.--A large hall in Gran's factory. The walls are bare. On the
+left, about half-way forward, is a small platform. A meeting of the
+shareholders of a railway company is in progress. Facing the platform
+are seated the gentry; the common herd, mainly farmers and work-people,
+are sitting and standing about wherever they can find room. On the
+right, large windows are standing open; through these another crowd
+can be seen, listening from outside. GRAN is standing in front of the
+platform, speaking to the meeting.)
+
+Gran. And, as it was found impossible for the main line of the railway
+to touch our town, we determined, rather than allow all our exertions
+to be wasted, to construct a branch line on our own account. I had
+the honour to be elected chairman of the board of directors of this
+undertaking. No directors ever had more unrestricted powers than were
+given to us--possibly because there were no two opinions as to the route
+the line should take the natural formation of the ground indicated
+it unmistakably. It was only when we approached the question of the
+purchase of our rolling-stock that any dissension arose--not among the
+directors, but among the shareholders. As the majority of the latter
+are farmers and work-people, we had decided on buying only one class of
+railway carriage of a type slightly more comfortable than the ordinary
+third-class carriage. That is the extent of our misdeeds! To-day's
+meeting will probably show what the general sense on the matter is. Our
+powers being unlimited, we were under no obligation to consult any one
+in the matter; but, notwithstanding that, we decided to call a meeting
+of the shareholders and submit the question to them. And, on the
+directors' behalf, I must thank the shareholders for having attended in
+such numbers; young and old, men and women, I dare say quite a third
+of the total number of shareholders are present. The meeting will now
+proceed to elect a chairman. (Sits down.)
+
+The Mayor (after a pause). I beg to move that Mr. Koll, our chief
+magistrate, whom it is a great pleasure to see honouring this meeting
+with his presence, have the further kindness to take the chair.
+
+Gran. The motion before the meeting is that the Chief Magistrate shall
+take the chair. Shall I assume it to be carried? (Silence follows.)
+
+The Mayor. Yes. (Laughter.)
+
+Gran. The meeting should preferably elect some one who may be considered
+to be unaffected by considerations of party.
+
+Alstad (half rising, with his glasses in his hand). Then we shall have
+to send for some one that does not live in these parts! There is no one
+of that sort left here! (Sits down, amidst laughter.)
+
+The Priest. All authority springs from on high. Obedience to those set
+in authority over us is obedience to the Almighty. But it is against
+this very obedience that people are rebelling nowadays.
+
+Gran. It is precisely some one to be in authority over us that we want
+to elect. At present we have no one.
+
+The Priest. No, that's just it. Every meeting nowadays seems to claim
+authority on its own account. Let rather show our respect to actual
+authority--such respect as we would show to our fathers. (Sits down.)
+
+Gran. Then, as far as I can grasp the situation, the Chief Magistrate
+has been proposed and seconded?
+
+The Priest. Yes.
+
+Gran. Does any one wish to propose any one else? (Silence.)
+
+Alstad. May I request the Chief Magistrate to take the chair?
+
+Koll (getting up). I don't know that it is any great compliment to be
+elected in this way; but I will take the chair, for the sole reason of
+enabling the meeting to proceed to business. (Takes his place on the
+platform, and raps on the table with a mallet.) I declare the meeting
+open.
+
+Gran (getting up). Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+
+Gran. The motion proposed by the directors is this: "That only one class
+of railway carriage shall be purchased, slightly more comfortable than
+the ordinary third-class carriage." (Gives the motion in writing to the
+chairman, and sits down.)
+
+Koll. The following is the motion submitted to meeting. (Reads it out.)
+Who wishes to speak on the motion? (Silence.) Come, some one must
+speak on it--or I shall have to put it to the vote forthwith. (Silence,
+followed by laughter here and there.)
+
+The Priest. Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. The Priest will address the meeting.
+
+The Priest. I see, in this assembly, a number of young men, even a
+number of maidens; and I feel bound to ask whether young men, and even
+maidens, are to be allowed to take part in these proceedings?
+
+Koll. Any shareholder that is of age has the right to.
+
+The Priest. But St. Paul expressly tells us that women are not to speak
+in public places.
+
+Koll. Well, they can hold their tongues, then. (Laughter.)
+
+The Priest. But even the fact of voting at a railway meeting does not
+seem to me to be in accordance with the humility and modesty that both
+Nature and the Scriptures indicate as characteristic of woman. I believe
+it to be the first step on a wrong road. The apostle says--
+
+Koll. We must leave them to decide the matter for themselves. Does any
+one wish to--?
+
+The Priest (interrupting him). Mr. Chairman, if you will not permit me
+to quote the apostle, allow me at all events to say that the spectacle
+of a young man voting against his father, or a woman voting against her
+husband--
+
+Koll. Will you tell me who could prohibit it? Does any one wish to
+speak--?
+
+The Priest (interrupting). The Scriptures prohibit it, Mr.
+Chairman!--the Scriptures, which we are all bound to obey, even--
+
+Gran (getting up and interrupting him). Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+
+Gran. I only want to ask whether--
+
+The Priest. But _I_ was addressing the meeting!
+
+Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+
+The Priest. I protest against that ruling!
+
+Alstad (half rising). Our worthy Priest must obey authority. (Sits down
+amidst laughter.)
+
+The Priest. Not when it does an injustice! I appeal to the meeting!
+
+Koll. Very good!--Will those in favour of the Priest addressing the
+meeting kindly stand up? (No one gets up; and those who were previously
+standing bob down. Laughter.) Carried unanimously, that the Priest do
+not address the meeting. (The PRIEST sits down.) Mr. Gran will address
+the meeting.
+
+Gran (getting up). I withdraw from my right! (Renewed laughter.)
+
+The Mayor (getting up). Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. The Mayor will address the meeting.
+
+The Mayor. I am one of many to whom this proposal of the directors seems
+extraordinary, to say the least of it. Do they propose that the ladies
+of my family--I will leave myself out of the question, for as a public
+man I have to rub shoulders with all sorts of people--do they propose,
+I say, that ladies who have been delicately brought up shall travel with
+any Tom, Dick and Harry?--perhaps with convicts being conveyed to gaol,
+or with journeymen labourers? Is his honour the Chief Magistrate, who is
+a Commander of a noble Order of Knighthood, to travel side by side
+with a drunken navvy? Supposing the King were to pay a visit to this
+beautiful district, which has acquired such a reputation since so many
+of the best people from town have taken villas here; is his Majesty to
+make the journey in one of these third-class carriages, with the chance
+of travelling in company with tradesman stinking of stale cheese?--with
+folk who, moreover--well, perhaps in common decency I ought not to
+go on, as ladies are present. (Laughter.) "Economy," I hear some one
+suggest. That word is in great favour nowadays. But I should like to
+know what economy there is getting your clothes soiled? (Laughter.) Does
+a first-class carriage wear out sooner than a third class? It costs
+more to build, no doubt, but that is soon made up by the higher fares
+charged. I can discover no reasonable ground for this proposal, look at
+it how you will from the commercial point of view. One has to look
+at the _political_ aspect of the matter, to understand it; and I am
+reluctant to drag in politics. I will only say, in conclusion, that it
+must be those who have framed this proposal that expect to derive some
+profit from it; the railway certainly would derive none. (Sits down.)
+
+Koll. That last remark was a little like an accusation--
+
+The Mayor (getting up). I only alluded to what is in every one's mind.
+(Sits down.)
+
+Koll. A speaker is not in order in making accusations, even though they
+be assumed to be in every one's mind.--I see that Mr. Alstad wishes to
+speak.
+
+Alstad. Human nature is frail. That seems to me a sufficient explanation
+of how such a proposal came to be laid before us. But honestly--for we
+all ought to be honest!--it seems to me that any material advantage
+it might bring would be more than counterbalanced by loss of esteem.
+(Uproar.) There has been quite a different spirit in the place of late
+years--what with the factories, and the stranger workmen, and the summer
+visitors. We never used to have so much unrest or to hear so much of
+this talk about "equality." And now, if we are to give the impression
+that there is only one social class here--and that a third class--I
+know that I shall be by no means alone in feeling offended. We certainly
+don't want to sit on our work-people's laps; and, equally, we don't want
+to have them sitting on ours. (Sits down.)
+
+Gran. Our friend the Mayor is very fond of talking of his loyalty; but I
+must say I am surprised at his dragging the King even into this matter.
+As for the matter of the railway carriage in which one of so high degree
+would travel here--well, if our carriages are not good enough, surely
+his Majesty's private saloon can be used on our line as well as on
+the main line. And as for any of us ordinary mortals who are afraid of
+mixing with the common herd, surely they can sit together in carriages
+by themselves. The carriages would be separate; they would only be of
+the same kind. I think there would be little fear of their being exposed
+to intrusion on the part of our country-folk. _They_ are much more apt
+to be more timidly shy than is even desirable. On all small lines--even
+on many of the bigger ones--it is the less luxurious carriages, the
+second and third class, that for the cost of the more luxurious ones;
+it is the third class that pays for the first. But that some passengers
+should travel comfortably at the expense of those who travel less
+comfortably, is what we wish to avoid. (Applause.) An old resident of
+the yeoman class has reproached us with wishing to alter our customs.
+Well, if one of our old customs is the aristocratic one which makes the
+gulf that separates masters and men wider than it already is, all I can
+say is that the sooner it is abolished the better; for it is not a good
+custom; it is even a dangerous one. (Murmurs.) And as for the political
+aspect of the question--
+
+Koll. Don't you think we should leave politics out of the question?
+
+Gran (bows, with a laugh). That is just what I was going to say, Mr.
+Chairman; that we ought to leave politics out out of the question. (Sits
+down, amidst laughter applause. The audience, first the younger men and
+then the older farmers, begin arguing the matter with one another, more
+and more loudly.)
+
+Koll. I must beg the meeting to keep quiet, as long as this business is
+under discussion. The Mayor wishes to speak.
+
+The Mayor. I admit that I am loyal--
+
+Koll. Those people outside must be quiet!
+
+Alstad (going to the window). You must keep quiet!
+
+The Mayor. I admit I am loyal! I count it a point of honour, as a native
+of the place, to show his Majesty that our first thought when we planned
+this railway was, at that important moment, that his Majesty might
+possibly be pleased to manifest a desire to pay us a visit. "Let him use
+his own private saloon," we are told! No, Mr. Chairman, that is not the
+way to speak when we are speaking of his Majesty! And what about his
+Majesty's suite? Are they to travel third class? What I say is that we
+are casting a slight on his Majesty if we cast a slight on his railway
+carriage--I should say, on his suite. And I go farther than that. I say
+that his Majesty's functionaries are his Majesty's representatives, and
+that it is casting an additional slight upon his Majesty not to show
+a proper respect for them. I know that this jars upon the ears of many
+present; they do not consider that a man who holds a public office
+should be shown any more respect than any one else. The majority rules,
+and the majority only thinks of its own interests and those of its
+servile supporters. But even in this community of ours there is a
+minority that bears the burden of its affairs and represents its honour;
+and we will never consent to be dragged down into the mire of this
+"equality" into which you want to plunge each and every one of us!
+(Uproar.)
+
+Koll. The honourable speaker appears to me to be trenching upon
+politics--
+
+The Mayor. Possibly I am, Mr. Chairman; but what honest man can shirk
+the truth? Only compare the present state of things in this community
+with what was the case when everything here was as it should be; when
+the King and his officials were respected; when public affairs were in
+the hands of those who knew how to direct them; when we used to have
+singing competitions, shooting competitions, and other festal meetings
+of that kind. And--yes--well--compare, I say, the conditions in those
+days with our conditions to-day--that is to say, with all this talk of
+"the people;" as, for instance--
+
+Koll. It is railway carriages that we are discussing.
+
+The Mayor. Quite so! But what is it that is at the bottom of this
+proposal, Mr. Chairman? Does it not spring from that passion for
+destruction, for a universal levelling which aims at abolishing the
+monarchy, at destroying authority--
+
+The Priest. And the Church too, my friend!
+
+The Mayor.--and the Church, it is quite true! Yes, it is because they
+desire the Church and--
+
+Koll. It is railway carriages that we are discussing.
+
+The Mayor. Exactly. But an old public official like myself, who once was
+held in respect, when he sees the pillars of society tottering and feels
+the keenest pang of sorrow at--
+
+Koll. For the last time, it is railway carriages that we are discussing!
+
+The Mayor (overcome by his feelings). I have no more say. (Sits down.)
+
+Koll. Mr. Alstad wishes to speak.
+
+Alstad (getting up). The question before the meeting is itself a small
+matter; but it is the consequences of it that I fear. We may expect any
+proposal of the same kidney now. Never let it be said that our community
+was eager to range itself under this banner of "equality!" It bears too
+old and honoured a name for that! But there is one thing I want to say.
+We have always, before this, felt it an honour and a privilege to have
+the richest man in these parts living amongst us. But when we see him
+one of the most eager in support of a "popular" proposal of this sort,
+then it appears, to me at all events, to be absolutely unaccountable
+how--oh, well, I won't run the risk making what our chairman calls
+"accusations"; I will sit down and hold my tongue. I have the right to
+do that at all events. (Sits down.)
+
+Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+
+Flink. Three cheers for Mr. Gran! (Almost the whole meeting cheers
+lustily. KOLL shouts at them and hammers on the table with his mallet in
+vain.)
+
+Koll (when peace is restored). I must ask the meeting to show some
+respect for its chairman. If not, I will leave the chair.--Mr. Gran will
+address the meeting.
+
+Gran. The plan that we are proposing is no new one. It has been in
+practice for a long time. In America--
+
+The Priest, Alstad, and others. Yes, in America!
+
+The Mayor (getting up). Mr. Chairman, are we to have politics, after
+all?
+
+Koll. I cannot see that to mention America is to talk politics.
+
+The Mayor. Then what is politics, if America isn't?
+
+Koll. To talk politics is--for instance--to use the arguments your
+worship did. Mr. Gran will proceed.
+
+Gran. I see that the Priest wishes to speak. I shall be happy to give
+way.
+
+Koll. The Priest will address the meeting.
+
+The Priest. I see here, in this assembly, a number of those whom I am
+accustomed to address in more solemn surroundings. My dear
+parishioners, it was for your sake that I came here. You have heard
+for yourselves--the whole question is a political one; and, dear fellow
+Christians, let me entreat you to shun politics! Did not our Lord
+Himself say: "My kingdom is not of this world"? This freedom, this
+equality, of which they talk is not the soul's freedom, not that
+equality which--
+
+Koll. I would suggest to the reverend speaker that he should postpone
+his remarks until the next time he gets into the pulpit. (Slight
+laughter.)
+
+The Priest. One should be instant in season and out of season;
+therefore--
+
+Koll. I forbid you to continue.
+
+The Priest. It is written: "Thou shalt obey God rather than man"! My
+dear parishioners, let us all leave this meeting! Who will follow his
+priest? (Takes a few steps towards the door, but no one follows him.
+Laughter. He sighs deeply, and sits down again.)
+
+Koll. If no one else wishes to speak--
+
+Vinaeger. Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. Mr. Vinaeger wishes to speak.
+
+Vinaeger. These proceedings remind me of China, and of the Chinese
+mandarins who will not allow any one of lesser degree to come near
+them--although at moments I have felt as if I were still in Europe
+in the presence of a still greater power, greater even than the Grand
+Turk--I mean this democratic envy which grudges others what it has
+not got itself. To reconcile both parties I should like to make the
+following suggestion. Build the carriages, as is often done, in two
+stories. Then those who wish to ensure their privacy can do so by
+sitting upstairs; and the others will be satisfied too, because they
+will all be in the same carriage after all. (Loud laughter.)
+
+Koll. If no one else wishes to speak (looks at GRAN, who shakes his
+head) I shall proceed to put the question to the vote. The motion
+submitted by the directors, which is now before the meeting, is as
+follows--
+
+The Mayor. Excuse me, but what of my motion wit h regard to a saloon for
+his Majesty?
+
+Koll. I did not understand your worship to mean your suggestion as a
+formal motion.
+
+The Mayor. I did, though.
+
+Koll. Then I will put it to the vote after the director, motion has been
+voted upon.
+
+The Mayor. A motion that concerns the King should take precedence of all
+others.
+
+Koll. Even the King is subject to the rules of logic. The directors'
+motion is: "That only one class of railway carriage shall be purchased,
+of a type slightly more comfortable than the ordinary third-class
+carriage." Will those in favour of the motion kindly go to the left--on
+this side of the room; those against the motion, to the right. (Nearly
+all go to the left. Cheers are heard outside, and are gradually taken
+up by those inside. KOLL hammers with his mallet.) Order, please! (The
+cheering ceases, but an animated conversation goes on.) The directors'
+motion is carried!
+
+The Mayor (shouting). I am sure every one did not understand the method
+of voting!
+
+Koll (hammering with his mallet). Order, order. (Quiet is gradually
+restored.) What did your worship say?
+
+The Mayor. That some people must have misunderstood the way of voting;
+because I see my daughter Natalie, who is a shareholder too, on the
+other side of the room. Of course she has made a mistake.
+
+Natalie. Oh no, father, I haven't. (Loud laughter, and applause.)
+
+The Priest. Ah, my poor deluded parishioners, I shall pray for you!
+
+The Mayor. Order!--The Mayor's motion--
+
+Alstad. I would suggest that the Mayor should withdraw it. We know what
+its fate would be in such a meeting as this.
+
+Koll. As long as I occupy the chair, I shall not permit any derogatory
+expressions to be applied to the meeting. Does the Mayor still insist on
+his motion being put? (Whispers to him: "Say no!")
+
+The Mayor. No.
+
+Koll. Then, as no one else wishes to speak, I declare the meeting at an
+end. (Every one begins to move about and discuss affairs vigorously.)
+
+Alstad (to his son VILHELM). So you have the face to vote with
+these--these Americans, against your old father, have you?
+
+Vilhelm. Well, father, I honestly think--
+
+Alstad. Just you wait till I get you home!
+
+Vilhelm. Oh, that's it, is it? Then I shan't go home--so there! I shall
+stay here and get drunk, I shall.
+
+Alstad. Oh, come, come!
+
+Vilhelm. Yes, I shall! I shall stay here and get drunk!
+
+Alstad. But, Vilhelm, listen to me! (Takes him by the arm. Meantime a
+STRANGER has taken KOLL and GRAN by the arm, to their manifest surprise,
+and brought the forward away from the crowd. He stands for a moment,
+looking them in the face, till suddenly KOLL gives a start and cries
+out: "The King!")
+
+The King. Hush!
+
+Gran. It really is--!
+
+The King (to GRAN). You are at home here; take up into a room--and give
+us some champagne. My throat is as dry as a lime-kiln!
+
+Curtain
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+(SCENE.--A room built in Gothic style, comfortably furnished and
+decorated with trophies of the chase. GRAN ushers in the KING and KOLL.)
+
+Gran. We can be quite alone here. (ANNA, a deaf and dumb girl of about
+fifteen, brings in some bottles of champagne, and, during the following
+dialogue, sets out glasses, refreshments, cigars, and pipes. She is
+quick and attentive to render the slightest service required of her;
+when not employed, she sits on a stool in the background. She talks to
+GRAN on her fingers, and receives orders from him in the same manner.)
+
+The King. Ah, this is like old times! I know the setting: "Gothic room
+in mediaeval style, decorated with trophies of the chase. Furnished with
+an eye to bachelor comfort!" You always had bachelor habits, you know,
+even when you were quite a boy. (To KOLL.) We never called him anything
+but "the Bachelor" on board ship. He never had a love affair in all the
+three years our cruise lasted; but the rest of us had them in every port
+we touched at!
+
+Koll. He is just the same in that respect now.
+
+Gran (offering the KING some champagne). Allow me!
+
+The King. Thanks; I shall be glad of it. (To KOLL.) Your health, my
+former tutor! (To GRAN.) And yours! (They drink.) Ah, that has done me
+good!--Well now, let me ask you this: isn't it true that, all through
+the meeting, you were talking nothing but republicanism, although you
+didn't actually mention the word?
+
+Koll (laughing). You are not far wrong.
+
+The King. And you, who in the old days were considered to be too
+advanced in your opinions to be retained as my tutor, are now not
+considered advanced enough! They nearly--threw you over, didn't they?
+
+Koll. Yes! That shows you, if I may say so, the result of government by
+a minority.
+
+The King. And the result of mixing with such people as our excellent
+friend the millionaire here, I suppose?
+
+Gran. It is always a mistake to lay the blame of public opinion on
+individuals.
+
+The King. I quite agree with you. And now it is time you knew the reason
+of my coming here--in the strictest incognito, as you see. By the way, I
+hope no one recognised me?
+
+Gran and Koll. Not a soul!
+
+(FLINK comes in.)
+
+Flink. Ah, here you are! (Comes forward, rubbing his hands delightedly.)
+Well, what did you think of the meeting, my boys?
+
+The King (aside to GRAN). Who is that?
+
+Gran (to the KING). We will get rid of him. (To FLINK.) Look here, old
+chap--!
+
+Flink (catching sight of the KING). Oh, I beg your pardon, I thought we
+were--
+
+Gran (obliged to introduce him). Let me introduce Mr.--? Mr.--? (Looks
+at the KING inquiringly.)
+
+The King. Speranza.
+
+Flink. An Italian?
+
+The King. In name only.
+
+Gran (completing the introduction). Mr. Flink.
+
+The King. Surely not A. B. Flink?
+
+Gran. Yes.
+
+The King (interested). Our peripatetic philosopher? (Shakes hands with
+him.) I have read one or two of your books.
+
+Flink (laughing). Really?
+
+The King. Are you meditating another expedition?
+
+Flink. That's it.
+
+The King. And on foot?
+
+Flink. Always on foot.
+
+The King. Upon my word, I don't believe there is a man in the country
+that can gauge popular opinion as accurately as you! Let us sit down and
+have a chat. Do you drink champagne?
+
+Flink. Yes--when I can't get anything better!
+
+The King (lifting his glass to FLINK). Your health, (They all drink, and
+then seat themselves.) What part the country were you in last?
+
+Flink. I have just been shooting with our friend here.
+
+The King. So he is your friend? He is mine, too! My best friend, ever
+since I was a boy. (He stretches out his hand; GRAN gets up and grasps
+it in both of his.)
+
+Koll (to FLINK, who is looking astonished). Mr. Speranza was a naval
+cadet at the same time as Gran.
+
+Flink. Really! Were they on the same ship?
+
+The King. Yes, we were on a cruise round the world together--
+
+Flink. Do you mean the time when the Prince went on account of his
+lungs?--the present King, I mean?
+
+The King. The Prince that afterwards became King--yes.
+
+Flink. There is quite a royal flavour about our little gathering, then!
+Here is the King's shipmate, and here is his tutor in jurisprudence--
+
+Koll. You are forgetting yourself! You are the King's tutor's tutor, you
+know--
+
+The King. Were you Koll's tutor? Really?
+
+Flink (with a laugh). Yes, I had that misfortune!
+
+The King. You hadn't so great a misfortune in your pupil as he had in
+his!
+
+Koll. The King was a very apt pupil.
+
+Flink (jestingly). He has shown traces of it in his reign, hasn't he!
+
+Koll. Don't speak ill of the King, please.
+
+Flink (ironically). Heaven forbid! (Takes a pinch of snuff.) I know
+all about his talent--his great talent, his genial talent! (Offers his
+snuff-box to the KING.)
+
+Gran. But it was public opinion we were talking about, Flink; is it very
+much like what we heard to-day?
+
+Flink. I wouldn't say that; your opinions are rather advanced in these
+parts.
+
+The King. Is the tendency republican, rather than monarchical?
+
+Flink. That depends how you look at it. The King has just been paying
+some visits in the country districts; he is, so to speak, the commercial
+traveller for his firm--as all kings and crown princes are. Of course he
+was cheered everywhere. But go and ask the agricultural classes if
+they set great store by the pomp and circumstance of royalty; they will
+unanimously answer: "It costs an infernal lot to keep up!" Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Gran. Your farmer is a realist.
+
+Flink. A brutal realist! Ha, ha, ha! Self-government is cheaper. He has
+it all at his fingers' ends, the scoundrel!
+
+The King. He is not a republican by conviction, then
+
+Flink. Not universally, no. At least, not _yet_. But things are moving
+that way; and our reactionary government is helping the movement--that,
+and the letter they get from America.
+
+The King. The letters they get from America?
+
+Koll. Letters from their relations in America.
+
+Gran. There is scarcely a family in the country now that has not
+relations in America.
+
+The King. And they write home about self-government?--about republican
+principles?
+
+Flink. And republican institutions. That is the situation!
+
+The King. Have you read any of these letters?
+
+Flink. Lots!
+
+The King. This is excellent champagne! (Drinks.)
+
+Gran. Let me fill your glasses. (They all drink.)
+
+Flink. It doesn't really agree with me.
+
+The King. But suppose the King were to establish democratic government?
+Suppose he were to live like an ordinary citizen in every way?
+
+Flink. In every way? What do you mean by that?
+
+The King. Kept house like an ordinary citizen--were married like an
+ordinary citizen--were to be found in his office at regular hours like
+any other official?
+
+Gran. And had no court, I suppose?
+
+The King. No. (KOLL and GRAN exchange glances.)
+
+Flink (shrugging his shoulders). It would be the last sensation left for
+him to try.
+
+The King (who did not observe his shrug, eagerly). That is so, isn't it?
+You agree with me as to that? I am delighted to have had this talk with
+you, Mr. Flink.
+
+Flink. The same to you, Mr.--Mr.--. (In an undertone, to KOLL.) Is he a
+republican?
+
+The King (who has overheard him). Am I a republican? I have had too
+much experience not to be! Ha, ha! (Takes up his glass.) Devilish good
+champagne, this!
+
+Flink (drinking). But, you know, Mr.--Mr. Republican--ha, ha!--(smiles
+and whispers)--the King simply would not be allowed to do what you
+suggest. Ha, ha!
+
+The King. What do you mean?
+
+Gran (aside to KOLL, who gets up). Are you sure this is right?
+
+Koll. It will do him good, anyway, to hear all sides.
+
+Flink (who has got up and gone to the table on the other side to get a
+pipe). He simply would not be allowed to, poor chap! What is monarchy,
+I ask you? Nothing more or less than an insurance business in which
+a whole crew of priests, officials, noblemen, landed proprietors,
+merchants and military men hold shares? And, goodness knows, _they_ are
+not going to give their director leave to commit any such folly! Ha, ha,
+ha!
+
+The King (getting up). Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Flink (vociferously, to him). Don't you think that is true?
+
+The King. Good Lord!--perfectly true! Ha, ha ha!
+
+Flink (who has cleaned and filled a pipe, but forgotten to light it,
+going up to the KING). And what do they insure themselves again,
+these beauties? (More seriously.) Against the great mass of the
+people--against _his_ people! (The KING looks at him and makes a
+movement of dislike.)
+
+Gran. Look here, Flink; suppose we go out into the garden for a little?
+These spring evenings are so lovely.
+
+Flink. Compared to a political talk, the loveliest spring evenings have
+no attraction for me--no more than warm water, offered me in place of
+fine cooling wine, would have. No, let us stay where we are. What is the
+matter with this pipe? (ANNA signs that she will put it right for him,
+but he does not understand.)
+
+Gran. Give her your pipe; she will put it right.
+
+Koll. What I have always said is that, if the King had an opportunity of
+understanding the situation, he would interfere.
+
+Flink. The King? He doesn't care a brass farthing about the whole
+matter! He has something else to do! Ha, ha!
+
+The King. Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Koll. The King is an unusually gifted man; he would not remain
+indifferent in the long run.
+
+Flink. He has so many unusual gifts that have gone to the devil--!
+
+The King. Tralalla! Tralalalalala! Tralala! It feels quite odd to be
+with you fellows again! (Drinks.)
+
+Flink (in an undertone, to GRAN). Is he drunk?
+
+The King (sitting down). Give me a cigar--! And let us discuss the
+matter a little more seriously. (KOLL and GRAN sit down.)
+
+Gran. As a matter of fact, it is not a thing that can be discussed.
+It must be tried. If, one day, the King were to say: "I mean to live
+a natural life among my people, and to withdraw my name from the
+old-established royal firm, which has lost all its reputation for
+honesty"--that day everything else would follow of itself.
+
+Flink. Yes, that day, I dare say!
+
+Gran. Remember you are the guest of a man who is a friend of the King's!
+
+The King. Don't play the domestic despot--you who are a republican! Let
+us have free discussion!
+
+Flink. I certainly don't intend to insult the King. He has never done me
+any harm. But surely you will allow me to doubt whether he is really the
+shining light you make him out to be?
+
+The King. That is true enough!
+
+Flink (eagerly). You agree with me as to that, then?
+
+The King. Absolutely! But--leaving him out of the question--suppose we
+_had_ a king who made himself independent of others, and, as a necessary
+consequence, rose superior to questions of party--?
+
+Flink (interrupting him). It is a vain supposition, my dear fellow! A
+king bound to no party? (Puffs at his pipe.) It wouldn't work!
+(Puffs again.) It wouldn't work!--It wouldn't work!--Falsehood is the
+foundation of constitutional monarchy. A king superior to questions of
+party? Rubbish!
+
+Gran. It would be expecting something superhuman of him, too.
+
+Flink. Of course it would!
+
+The King. But the president of a republic is even less independent of
+party, isn't he?
+
+Flink (turning to hint). He doesn't make any pretence that he isn't.
+Haha! That's the difference! (Comes forward, repeating to himself.) It
+is the falsehood that makes the difference.
+
+Koll. Oh, there are falsehoods enough in republics too, unfortunately!
+
+Flink. I know; but they are not old-established institutions! Ha, ha!
+
+The King. That is an idea you have got from Professor Ernst's writings.
+
+Flink (eagerly). Have you read them?
+
+The King. I have scarcely read anything else for the last few months.
+(KOLL and GRAN exchange glances.)
+
+Flink. Indeed?--Then there is no need for me to say anything more.
+
+Koll. But, after all this talk, we have got no further. Our friend
+(pointing to the KING) wants to know, I think, whether a real, serious
+attempt at what one might call "democratic monarchy" could not reckon on
+being understood and supported--
+
+The King (breaking in, eagerly). Yes, that's just it!
+
+Koll.--understood and supported by the most enlightened section of the
+people, who are weary of falsehood and long for a generous but secure
+measure of self-government.
+
+The King. That's just it!
+
+Flink (who was just going to sit down, jumps up again, lays down
+his pipe and stands with arms akimbo, as he says:) But what sort of
+ridiculous ideas are these? Aren't you republicans, then?
+
+Koll. I am not.
+
+Gran. I am; but that does not prevent my being of opinion that the
+change of government should be made gradually and gently--
+
+Flink. That would be treason!
+
+Gran. Treason!
+
+Flink. Treason against the truth--against our convictions!
+
+Koll. Don't let us use big words! Monarchy is strongly rooted in the
+existing order of things.
+
+Flink (with a laugh). In the insurance company!
+
+Koll. Well, call it so if you like. It _exists_; that is the point. And,
+since it exists, we must make it as honest and as serviceable as we can.
+
+The King. Your health, Koll! (Drinks to him.)
+
+Flink (moving away from them). No true republican would agree with you.
+
+Gran. You are wrong there. (FLINK gives a start of surprise.)
+
+The King (who has seen FLINK's surprise, gets up). Listen to me! Suppose
+we had a king who said: "Either you help me to establish a democratic
+monarchy--purged of all traces of absolutism, purged of falsehood--or
+else I abdicate--"
+
+Flink. Bah!
+
+The King. I only say, "suppose"! You know quite well that the cousin of
+the present king, the heir apparent, is a bigoted--
+
+Koll (who has been exchanging glances with GRAN while the KING was
+speaking, breaks in hurriedly). Don't go on!
+
+The King (with a laugh). I won't!--And his mother, who rules him--
+
+Flink.--is even worse!
+
+The King. What would be your choice, then? Would you help the king to
+establish a democratic monarchy or--?
+
+Flink (impetuously). I would ten thousand times rather have the bigoted
+prince, with all his own and his mother's follies!--the madder the
+better!
+
+Gran. No, no, no, no!
+
+The King (to GRAN and KOLL). We see his true colours now! (Moves away
+from them.)
+
+Koll (to FLINK). That is the way you republicans always ride your
+principles to death.
+
+Gran. Patriotism ought to come before--
+
+Flink.--before truth? No; a short sharp pang of agony is better than
+endless doubt and falsehood, my friend! That is true patriotism.
+
+Koll. Oh, these theories!--these phrases!
+
+Gran. I am a republican as well as you, and, I think, as sincere a one.
+But I should have no hesitation--
+
+Flink.--in playing the traitor?
+
+Gran. Why do you use such words as that?
+
+Flink. Words! Do you think it is nothing but words? No, my friend, if
+you did what--what I did not allow you to say--I should come here one
+day to call you to account. And if you refused to fight me, I should
+shoot you like a dog!
+
+Gran (gently). You would not do that.
+
+Flink (heatedly). Not do it?--Have I given you the deepest affection of
+which my heart is capable, only for you to turn traitor to it? Am I
+to see the man whose character is the crowning achievement of my life,
+betraying our cause--and, by reason of his great personal
+prestige, dragging thousands down with him? On the head of all the
+disillusionments I have suffered, am I to have this one in the evening
+of my life--? (Stops, overcome by his emotion. A pause.) You shouldn't
+jest about such things you know. (Walks away. ANNA has placed herself in
+front of GRAN, as if to protect him.)
+
+Koll. I think we had better change the subject, and go out for a little!
+
+The King (aside, to him). Yes, get him away!
+
+Flink (in the background, as if he were addressing an invisible
+audience). We must have discipline in the ranks!
+
+Koll. Gran, ask your maid to hurry up with the supper.
+
+Gran. Yes, I will.
+
+Koll (to the KING). What do you say to a turn in the garden, meanwhile?
+
+The King. By all means!
+
+Flink (coming forward to GRAN). This friendship of yours with the
+King--to which I had attached no particular importance--I hope it has
+not altogether--(Stops short.)
+
+Gran.--not altogether corrupted me, you mean?
+
+Flink. Exactly.
+
+The King (laughing). Politically?
+
+Flink. Politics are not unconnected with morals, sir!
+
+The King. But why get so heated, sir? We know that the present King is
+a--
+
+Koll (breaking in hurriedly). Don't say any more!
+
+The King (with a laugh). You said yourself that he doesn't care a brass
+farthing about the whole matter--he has something else to do! And so the
+whole thing ends in smoke!
+
+Flink (more amiably). I dare say you are right.
+
+The King. Of course I am. You are all agreed that, under his rule,
+republican sentiments are growing in real earnest.
+
+Flink. You are right! He couldn't help things on better if he were a
+republican himself, I assure you!
+
+The King. Perhaps he _is_ a republican?
+
+Flink (animatedly). Perhaps he _is_! Splendid! And works against his own
+interests--!
+
+The King. A sort of commercial traveller working for the downfall of his
+own firm!
+
+Flink (excitedly). For the downfall of his own firm! Splendid! Props
+up his reactionary rule by means of royal pronouncements, confidential
+communications, public speeches--
+
+The King.--in a suicidal manner!
+
+Flink. Splendidly suicidal! Ah, that makes you laugh, does it?
+
+Koll. Hush, some one might hear us!
+
+Flink. I don't care who hears us! (The KING bursts out laughing.) But
+you ought, as one of the King's officials, to stop _his_ laughing!
+(Points to the KING.) It's shocking!--It's high treason!
+
+Koll. Listen to me!
+
+Flink. You ought to arrest him for laughing like that! Suppose the
+King--
+
+Gran. That _is_ the King! (The KING goes on laughing. FLINK looks from
+him to the others, and from the others to him.)
+
+The King. This is too much for me! (Sits down. FLINK rushes out.)
+
+Koll. That was very bad of you.
+
+The King. I know it was; but forgive me! I couldn't help it! Ha, ha, ha,
+ha, ha!
+
+Koll. For all his queer ways, he is too good a fellow to be made a fool
+of.
+
+The King. Yes, scold me; I deserve it. But, all the same--ha, ha, ha,
+ha!
+
+Gran. Hush!--he is coming back. (The KING gets up as FLINK comes in
+again.)
+
+Flink. Your Majesty may be assured that I would never have expressed
+myself as I did in your Majesty's presence if I had been fairly treated
+and told whom I was addressing.
+
+The King. I know. The fault is mine alone.
+
+Flink. The fault is that of others--my so-called friends.
+
+The King (earnestly). By no means! It is mine--mine alone. I have had a
+scolding for it!--And in your presence I ask my friends' pardon; I have
+put them in a false position. And, in the next place, I ask for your
+forgiveness. My sense of humour got the better of me. (Laughs again.)
+
+Flink. Yes, it was extremely amusing.
+
+The King. It really was! And, after all, what have you to complain of?
+You had an opportunity of speaking your mind, any way!
+
+Flink. I certainly did!
+
+The King. Very well, then!--And when you wanted to show any respect, _I_
+prevented you. So I think we are quits.
+
+Flink. No, we are not.
+
+The King (impatiently). Indeed?--What do you want from me, then?
+
+Flink (proudly). Nothing!
+
+The King. I beg your pardon! I did not mean to offend you.
+
+Flink. You have done so to a degree that you are naturally incapable of
+appreciating. (Goes out.)
+
+The King. This is a nice business! (Laughs. Then notices GRAN, who is
+standing at his desk with his back to the KING, and goes up to him.) You
+are angry with me.
+
+Gran (looking up slowly). Yes.
+
+The King. Why didn't you stop me?
+
+Gran. It all happened too quickly. But to think that you could have the
+heart to do it--in my own house--to a man who was my father's oldest
+friend, and is mine--!
+
+The King. Harald! (Puts his arm round his shoulders.) Have I ever asked
+you for anything that you have not given me?
+
+Gran. No.
+
+The King. Then I ask you now to admit that you know that, if I had
+thought this would hurt you, I would never have done it--not for worlds!
+Do you still believe as well of me as that?
+
+Gran. Yes.
+
+The King. Thank you. Then I will admit to you, in return, that for
+months past I have lived in a state of horrible tension of mind; and
+that is why I jump too easily from one extreme to the other. So, my
+friends, you must forgive me! Or finish my scolding some other time!
+Because now I must talk to you of the matter which induced me to come
+here. You are the only ones I can turn to; so be good to me!--Shall we
+sit down again?
+
+Koll. As you please.
+
+The King (moving towards the table). I know you both want to ask me the
+same question: why I have never come before now. My answer is: because
+I have only now arrived at a clear conception of my own position. Some
+months ago some hard words that were used to me lit a fire in my heart
+and burnt out a heap of rubbish that had collected there. (ANNA fills
+their glasses.) Won't you send that girl away?
+
+Gran. She is deaf and dumb.
+
+The King. Poor girl! (Sits down.) When I came back from my cruise round
+the world, the old king was dead. My father had come to the throne, and
+I was crown prince, and I went with my father to the cathedral to attend
+a thanksgiving service for my safe return.
+
+Gran. I was there.
+
+The King. The whole thing was a novelty to me, and a solemn one. I was
+overcome with emotion. Seeing that, my father whispered to me: "Come
+farther forward, my boy! The people must see their future king praying."
+That finished it! I was not born to be a king; my soul was still too
+unsullied, and I spurned such falsehood with the deepest loathing. Just
+think of it!--to come back from three years at sea, and begin my life in
+that way--as if perpetually in front of a mirror! I won't dwell on it.
+But when my father died and I became king, I had become so accustomed to
+the atmosphere of falsehood I lived in that I no longer recognised
+truth when I saw it. The constitution prescribed my religion for me--and
+naturally I had none. And it was the same with everything--one thing
+after another! What else could you expect? The only tutor I valued--you,
+Koll--had been dismissed; they considered you to be too freethinking.
+
+Koll (smilingly). Oh, yes!
+
+The King. The only real friend that dated from my happier days--you,
+Harald, had been sent to the right about; you were a republican. It was
+while I was in despair over that loss that I fell really in love for the
+first time--with your sister, Harald. Banishment, again. What then?
+Why, then the craving that every healthy youth feels--the desire for
+love--was turned into dissolute channels. (Drinks.)
+
+Gran. I understand, well enough.
+
+The King. Well, put all those things together. That was what my life
+was--until just lately. Because lately something happened, my dear
+friends. And now you must help me! Because, to make a long story short,
+either I mean to be the chief official in my country in a peaceful,
+citizenlike, genuine way, or--as God is above me--I will no longer be
+king! (Gets up, and the others do so.)
+
+Koll. Ah, we have got it at last!
+
+The King. Do you think I don't know that our republican friend there
+spoke what is every thoughtful man's verdict upon me? (They are silent.)
+But how could I possibly undertake my task, as long as I believed
+everything to be make-believe and falsehood, without exception? Now I
+know the root of the falsehood! It is in our institutions; he was quite
+right. And one kind of falsehood begets another. You cannot imagine how
+ludicrous it appeared to me--who up till then had led such a sinful,
+miserable existence--when I saw honourable men pretending that I was a
+being of some superior mould! I! (Walks up and down, then stops.) It is
+the state--our institutions--that demand this falsehood both on their
+part and on mine. And that for the security and happiness of the
+country! (Moves about restlessly.) From the time I became crown prince
+they kept from me everything that might have instilled truth into
+me--friendship, love, religion, a vocation--for my vocation is quite
+another one; and it was all done in the name of my country! And now
+that I am king, they take away all responsibility from me as well--all
+responsibility for my own acts--the system demands it! Instead of an
+individual, what sort of a contemptible creature do they make of me! The
+kingly power, too?--that is in the hands of the people's representatives
+and the government. I don't complain of that; but what I do complain of
+is that they should pretend that _I_ have it, and that everything should
+be done in _my_ name; that I should be the recipient of petitions,
+cheers, acclamations, obeisances--as if the whole power and
+responsibility were centred in _my_ person! In me--from whom, in the
+interests of all, they have taken away everything! Is that not a pitiful
+and ludicrous falsehood? And, to make it credible, they endow me into
+the bargain with a halo of sanctity! "The King is sacred;" "Our Most
+Gracious Sovereign," "Your Majesty!" It becomes almost blasphemous!
+
+Gran. Quite true.
+
+The King. No, if that cannot be done away with, I can do away with
+myself. But it must be possible to do away with it! It cannot be
+necessary for a people, who are marching on the eternal path towards
+truth, to have a lie marching at the head of them!
+
+Koll. No, it is not necessary.
+
+The King (eagerly). And that is what you will help me to show them.
+
+Koll. I have no objection! There is life in the country yet!
+
+The King (to Gran). And you, my friend? Are you afraid of being shot by
+a mad republican if you help me?
+
+Gran. I am not particularly afraid of death, any way. But the maid is
+telling us that supper is served.
+
+The King. Yes, let us have supper!
+
+Koll. And then, to our task!
+
+Curtain
+
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+(SCENE.--A park with old lofty trees. In the foreground, to the right,
+an arbour with a seat. The KING is sitting, talking to BANG, who is a
+man of gross corpulence.)
+
+Bang. And I felt so well in every way that, I assure your Majesty, I
+used to feel it a pleasure to be alive.
+
+The King (drawing patterns in the dust with his walking stick). I can
+quite believe it.
+
+Bang. And then I was attacked by this pain in my heart and this
+difficulty in breathing. I run round and round this park, on an empty
+stomach, till I am absolutely exhausted.
+
+The King (absently). Couldn't you drive round, then?
+
+Bang. Drive?--But it is the exercise, your Majesty, that--
+
+The King. Of course. I was thinking of something else.
+
+Bang. I would not mind betting that I know what your Majesty was
+thinking of--if I may say so without impertinence.
+
+The King. What was it, then?
+
+Bang. Your Majesty was thinking of the socialists!
+
+The King. Of the--?
+
+Bang. The socialists!
+
+The King (looking amused). Why particularly of them?
+
+Bang. I was right, you see! Ha, ha, ha! (His laughter brings on a
+violent fit of coughing.) Your Majesty must excuse me; laughing always
+brings on my cough.--But, you know, the papers this morning are full of
+their goings on!
+
+The King. I have not read the paper.
+
+Bang. Then I can assure your Majesty that the way they are going on is
+dreadful. And just when we were all getting on so comfortably! What in
+the world do they want?
+
+The King. Probably they want to get on comfortably too.
+
+Bang. Aren't they well off as it is, the beasts? Excuse me, your
+Majesty, for losing my temper in your Majesty's presence.
+
+The King. Don't mention it.
+
+Bang. You are very good. These strikes, too--what is the object of them?
+To make every one poor? Every one can't be rich. However, I pin my faith
+to a strong monarchy. Your Majesty is the padlock on my cash-box!
+
+The King. I am what?
+
+Bang. The padlock on my cash-box! A figure of speech I ventured to apply
+to your Majesty.
+
+The King. I am much obliged!
+
+Bang. Heaven help us if the liberals come into power; their aim is to
+weaken the monarchy.
+
+(A BEGGAR BOY comes up to them.)
+
+Beggar Boy. Please, kind gentlemen, spare a penny! I've had nothing to
+eat to-day!
+
+Bang (taking no notice of him). Aren't there whispers of the sort about?
+But of course it can't be true.
+
+Beggar Boy (pertinaciously). Please, kind gentlemen, spare a penny! I've
+had nothing to eat to-day.
+
+Bang. You have no right to beg.
+
+The King. You have only the right to starve, my boy! Here! (Gives him
+a gold coin. The BEGGAR Boy backs away from him, staring at him, and
+gripping the coin in his fist.)
+
+Bang. He never even thanked you! Probably the son of a socialist!--I
+would never have opened this park to every one in the way your Majesty
+has done.
+
+The King. It saves the work-people a quarter of am hour if they can go
+through it to get to their work.
+
+(The GENERAL appears, driving the BEGGAR BOY before him with his stick.)
+
+The General (to the BEGGAR). A gentleman sitting on a seat gave it you?
+Point him out to me, then!
+
+Bang (getting up). Good morning, your Majesty!
+
+The King. Good morning! (Looks at his watch.)
+
+The General. That gentleman, do you say?
+
+The King (looking up). What is it?
+
+The General. Your Majesty? Allow me to welcome you back!
+
+The King. Thank you.
+
+The General. Excuse me, sir; but I saw this fellow with a gold coin in
+his hand, and stopped him. He says your Majesty gave it to him--?
+
+The King. It is quite true.
+
+The General. Oh--of course that alters the case! (To the BEGGAR.) It is
+the King. Have you thanked him? (The boy stands still, staring at the
+KING.)
+
+The King. Are you taking a morning walk on an empty stomach because of a
+weak heart, too?
+
+The General. Because of my stomach, sir--because of my stomach! It has
+struck work!
+
+The Beggar Boy. Ha, ha, ha! Ho, ho, ho! (Runs away.)
+
+The General. I am astonished at your Majesty's having thrown this park
+open to every one.
+
+The King. It saves the work-people a quarter of an hour if they can
+go through it to get to their work.--Well, General, it seems you have
+become religious all of a sudden?
+
+The General. Ha, ha, ha! Your Majesty has read my Order of the Day,
+then?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+The General (confidentially). Well, sir, you see things couldn't go on
+any longer as they were. (Whispers.) Debauchery in the ranks! I won't
+say anything about the officers; but when the men take to such courses
+openly--!
+
+The King. Oho!
+
+The General. My brother the bishop and I, between us, composed an Order
+of the Day on the subject of the necessity of religion--religion as the
+basis of discipline.
+
+The King. As a matter of fact the bishop was the first person I met here
+to-day.--Is he suffering from a disordered stomach, too?
+
+The General. More so than any of us, Sir! Ha, ha, ha! (The KING motions
+to him to sit down.) Thank you, Sir.--But, apart from that, I have had
+it in my mind for some time that in these troublous days there ought to
+be a closer co-operation between the Army and the Church--
+
+The King. In the matter of digestion, do you mean?
+
+The General. Ha, ha, ha!--But seriously, Sir, the time is approaching
+when such a co-operation will be the only safeguard of the throne.
+
+The King. Indeed?
+
+The General (hurriedly). That is to say, of course, the throne stands
+firm by itself--God forbid I should hint otherwise! But what I mean is
+that it is the Army ants the Church that must supply the monarchy with
+the necessary splendour and authority--
+
+The King. I suppose, then, that the monarchy has no longer any of its
+own?
+
+The General (jumping up). Heaven forbid that I should say such a thing!
+I would give my life in support of the monarchy!
+
+The King. You will have to die some day, unfortunately (Laughs as he
+gets up.) Who is that coming this way?
+
+The General (putting up his eyeglass). That? It is the Princess and
+Countess L'Estoque, Sir.
+
+The King. Is the Princess suffering from indigestion too?
+
+The General (confidentially). I fancy your Majesty knows best what the
+Princess is suffering from. (The KING moves away from him.) I made a
+mess of that! It comes of my trying to be too clever.--He is walking
+towards her. Perhaps there is something in it, after all? I must tell
+Falbe about it. (Turns to go.) Confound it, he saw that I was watching
+them! (Goes out. The KING returns to the arbour with the PRINCESS on his
+arm. The COUNTESS and one of the royal servants are seen crossing the
+park in the background.)
+
+The Princess. This is a most surprising meeting! When did your Majesty
+return?
+
+The King. Last night.--You look very charming, Princess! Such blushing
+cheeks!--and so early in the morning!
+
+The Princess. I suppose you think it is rouge?--No, Sir, it is nothing
+but pleasure at meeting you.
+
+The King. Flatterer! And I went pale at the sight of you.
+
+The Princess. Perhaps your conscience--?
+
+The King. I am sorry to say my conscience had nothing to do with it. But
+this morning I have been meeting so many people that are suffering from
+indigestion that, when I saw your Highness walking quickly along--
+
+The Princess. Make your mind easy! My reason for my morning walk is to
+keep my fat down. Later in the day I ride--for the same reason. I live
+for nothing else now.
+
+The King. It is a sacred vocation!
+
+The Princess. Because it is a royal one?
+
+The King. Do you attribute your sanctity to me? Wicked Princess!
+
+The Princess. Both my sanctity and any good fortune I enjoy. It
+is nothing but my relationship to your Majesty that induces the
+tradespeople to give me unlimited credit.
+
+The King. You don't feel any awkwardness about it, then?
+
+The Princess. Not a bit! The good folk have to maintain many worse
+parasites than me!--By the way, talking of parasites, is it true that
+you have pensioned off all your lords-in-waiting and their hangers-on?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+The Princess. Ha, ha, ha! But why did you make the special stipulation
+that they should live in Switzerland?
+
+The King. Because there is no court in Switzerland, and--
+
+The Princess. And so they could not fall into temptation again! I have
+had many a good laugh at the thought of it. But it has its serious side
+too, you know; because your Majesty cannot dispense with a court.
+
+The King. Why not?
+
+The Princess. Well, suppose some day you are "joined in the bonds of
+holy matrimony," as the parsons so beautifully put it?
+
+The King. If I were, it would be for the sake of knowing what family
+life is.
+
+The Princess. Like any other citizen?
+
+The King. Precisely.
+
+The Princess. Are you going to keep no servants?
+
+The King. As many as are necessary--but no more.
+
+The Princess. Then I must secure a place as chambermaid in your
+Majesty's household as soon as possible. Because if my financial
+circumstances are inquired into there will be nothing else left for me
+but that!
+
+The King. You have too sacred a vocation for that, Princess!
+
+The Princess. How pretty! Your Majesty is a poet, and poets are allowed
+to be enthusiastic about ideals. But the people are poets too, in their
+way; they like their figure-head to be well gilded, and don't mind
+paying for it. That is their poetry.
+
+The King. Are you certain of that?
+
+The Princess. Absolutely certain! It is a point of honour with them.
+
+The King. Then I have to weigh my honour against theirs! And my honour
+forbids me--for the honour of my people and their poetry--to keep up my
+palaces, my guards, and my court any longer! _Voila tout_!
+
+The Princess. My dear King, certain positions carry with them certain
+duties!
+
+The King. Then I know higher duties than those!--But, Princess, here are
+we two seriously discussing--
+
+The Princess. Yes, but there is something at the bottom of it that is
+not to be laughed away. All tradition and all experience proclaim it to
+be the truth that a king--the kingly majesty--should be a dignity apart;
+and should be the ultimate source of law, surrounded with pomp and
+circumstance, and secure behind the fortified walls of wealth, rank,
+and hereditary nobility. If he steps out of that magic circle, the law's
+authority is weakened.
+
+The King. Has your Royal Highness breakfasted yet?
+
+The Princess. No. (Bursts out laughing.)
+
+The King. Because, if you had, I should have had great pleasure is
+giving you a lesson in history; but on an empty stomach that would be
+cruel.
+
+The Princess. Do you know--you used to be such an entertaining king, but
+this last year you have become so tedious!
+
+The King. Most beautiful of princesses! Do you really mean to say that
+I rise and fall in your estimation according as I have my pretty royal
+gew-gaws on or not?
+
+The Princess. In my estimation?
+
+The King. Or in any one's? You know the story of "The Emperor's New
+Clothes"?
+
+The Princess. Yes.
+
+The King. We don't keep up that pretence any longer.
+
+The Princess. But will every one understand?
+
+The King. You understand, don't you?
+
+The Princess. The people or I--that is all the same, I suppose! You are
+very flattering.
+
+The King. Heaven forbid that I should lump your Royal Highness together
+with the common herd; but--
+
+The Princess. We have already had proof of the fact that your Majesty
+does not hold the same place in _every one's_ estimation that you do in
+mine, at all events!
+
+The King. If I occupy a place of honour in your Royal Highness's heart,
+your Royal Highness may be certain that--
+
+The Princess. I will interrupt you to save you from speaking an untruth!
+Because the way to attain to a place of honour in your Majesty's heart
+is not to admire you as I do, but, on the contrary, to shout out: "I
+despise you!"--Au revoir!
+
+The King. You wicked, terrifying, dangerous--
+
+The Princess.--omniscient and ubiquitous Princess! (Makes a deep
+curtsey, and goes away.)
+
+The King (calling after her). In spite of everything, my heart goes with
+you--
+
+The Princess.--to show me the door! I know all about that! (To the
+COUNTESS.) Come, Countess! (Goes out. FALBE, an old gentleman in
+civilian dress, has come in from the side to which the KING'S back is
+turned.)
+
+The King. How the devil did she--?
+
+Falbe (coming up behind him). Your Majesty!
+
+The King (turning quickly). Ah, there you are!
+
+Falbe. Yes, sir--we have been walking about in the park for some time;
+your Majesty was engaged.
+
+The King. Not engaged--I was only deadening thoughts by gossiping. My
+anxiety was too much for me. So they have come?--both of them?
+
+Falbe. Both of them.
+
+The King. Can I believe it! (Appears overcome.) But--you must wait a
+moment! I can't, just at this moment--. I don't know what has come over
+me!
+
+Falbe. Are you unwell, sir? You look so pale.
+
+The King My nerves are not what they should be. Is there any water near
+here?
+
+Falbe (pointing, in astonishment). Why, there is the fountain, Sir!
+
+The King. Of course! Of course!--I don't seem able to collect my
+thoughts. And my mouth is as dry as--. Look here, I am going that way
+(points); and then you can--you can bring the ladies here.--She is here!
+She is here! (Goes out to the left, and turns round as he goes.) Don't
+forget to lock the gates of the inner park!
+
+Falbe. Of course not, Sir. (Goes out to the right, and returns bringing
+in the BARONESS MARC and CLARA.) His Majesty will be here in a moment.
+(Goes out to the right.)
+
+Clara. You must stay near enough for me to be able to call you.
+
+Baroness. Of course, my dear. Compose yourself; nothing can happen.
+
+Clara. I am so frightened.
+
+Baroness. Here is the King! (The KING comes in and bows to them.)
+
+The King. Excuse me, ladies, for having kept you waiting. I am very
+grateful to you both for coming.
+
+Baroness. We only came upon your Majesty's solemn promise--
+
+The King.--which shall be inviolable.
+
+Baroness. I understand that you wish to speak to Miss Ernst alone?
+
+The King. Your ladyship need only go up to the top of that little slope.
+(Points.) I can recommend the view from there.
+
+Baroness. The interview will not be a long one, I suppose?
+
+The King. If it is, I give your ladyship permission to come and
+interrupt us. (The BARONESS goes out. The KING turns to CLARA.) May I be
+permitted to thank you again--you especially--for having been so good as
+to grant me this interview?
+
+Clara. It will be the only one.
+
+The King. I know that. You have not condescended to answer one of my
+letters--
+
+Clara. I have not read them.
+
+The King.--so there was nothing left for me but to address myself to the
+Baroness. She was _obliged_ to listen to me, Miss Ernst.
+
+Clara (trembling). What has your Majesty to say to me?
+
+The King. Indeed, I can't tell it you in a single sentence. Won't you
+sit down? (CLARA remains standing.) You must not be afraid of me. I mean
+you no harm; I never could mean you any harm.
+
+Clara (in tears). Then what do you call the persecution that I have
+endured for more than a year?
+
+The King. If you had condescended to read a single one of my long and
+many letters you would have known I call it a passion that is stronger
+than--. (CLARA turns to go. The KING continues anxiously.) No, Miss
+Ernst, by everything you hold dear, I beg you not to leave me!
+
+Clara. Then you must not insult me!
+
+The King. If that is an insult your terms are very hard.
+
+Clara. Hard? No, but what you have done to me is hard! (Bursts into
+tears.)
+
+The King. Don't cry, Miss Ernst! You don't know how you hurt me!
+
+Clara (angrily). Do you know what it means to try and ruin a young
+girl's reputation?
+
+The King. I repeat that you are doing me an injustice
+
+Clara. An injustice?--Good God! Do you know who I am?
+
+The King (taking of his hat respectfully). You are the woman I love.
+
+Clara (quietly and with dignity). Your Majesty has solemnly promised not
+to insult me.
+
+The King. As sure as there is a heaven above us I will not, and could
+not, insult you! But I will obey your wishes.
+
+Clara. When a king says such a thing as--as you did just now, to a poor
+little governess, it is more than an insult! It is so cowardly, so base!
+And to think that you could have the heart to do it after what you have
+done to my father!
+
+The King. Your father?--I?
+
+Clara. Do you really not know who I am?
+
+The King I don't understand--
+
+Clara. Whose daughter I am, I mean?
+
+The King. I only know that your father's name is Ernst. (Suddenly.)
+Surely your father is not--?
+
+Clara. Professor Ernst.
+
+The King. The republican?
+
+Clara (slowly). Yes. (A pause.) I may remind your Majesty that he was
+sentenced for high treason. And why? Because he warned the young men at
+the university against the bad example set by the King! (A pause.)
+He was sentenced to a long term of imprisonment. In escaping from
+his prison he broke both his legs; and now he lives in exile--a
+cripple--supported by what money I am able to earn. (A pause.) You have
+ruined his life--and now you are trying to ruin mine too!
+
+The King. I beg of you--!
+
+Clara. I am ashamed of my tears. It is not compassion for myself or for
+my father that makes them flow; it is the heartless injustice of it all
+that overcomes me.
+
+The King. God knows, if only I could atone for the injustice--! But what
+can I do?
+
+Clara. You can let me alone, so that I may do my work in peace; that is
+what you can do! Neither he nor I ask for more than that--of you!
+
+The King. I must do more than that!
+
+Clara. No! Can you not understand that a girl who is persecuted by the
+king's attentions cannot be a governess? All you will achieve will be to
+rob me and my father of our bread!--Oh, God!
+
+The King. But my intention is not to--
+
+Clara (interrupting him). And you are not even man enough to be ashamed
+of yourself!
+
+The King. Yes, you may say what you please to me!
+
+Clara. I have nothing more to say to you. I have said what I have to
+say. (Turns to go.)
+
+The King. No, don't go! You have not even heard me yet. You don't even
+know what I want to beg of you!
+
+Clara. My dishonour.
+
+The King (vehemently). You misunderstand me utterly! If you had only
+read a single one of my letters you would have known that there is
+standing before you a man whom you have humbled. Ah, don't look so
+incredulous! It is true, if there is any truth in anything. You don't
+believe me? (Despairingly.) How am I to--! A man who has risked your
+contempt for more than a year, and has been faithful to you without even
+being allowed to see you or exchange a word with you--who has had no
+thought for anything or any one else--is not likely to be doing that out
+of mere idleness of heart! Do you not believe that, either?
+
+Clara. No.
+
+The King. Well, then, there must surely be some general truths that you,
+as Ernst's daughter, cannot refuse to believe! Let me ask you if you can
+understand how a man becomes what I was at the time when I repeatedly
+insulted you. You must know, from your father's books, in what an
+unnatural atmosphere a king is brought up, the soul-destroying sense of
+self-importance which all his surroundings foster, until, even in
+his dreams, he thinks himself something more than human; the doubtful
+channels into which his thoughts are forced, while any virtues that he
+has are trumpeted abroad, and his vices glossed over with tactful and
+humorous tolerance. Don't you think that a young king, full of eager
+life, as I was, may plead something in excuse of himself that no other
+man can?
+
+Clara. Yes, I admit that.
+
+The King. Then you must admit that the very position he has to assume as
+a constitutional monarch is an acted lie. Think what a king's vocation
+is; _can_ a vocation of that sort be hereditary? Can the finest and
+noblest vocation in the world be that?
+
+Clara. No!
+
+The King. Then suppose that he realises that himself; suppose that the
+young king is conscious, however dimly and partially, of the lie he is
+living--and suppose that, to escape from it, he rushes into a life of
+pleasure. Is it not conceivable that he may have some good in him, for
+all that? And then suppose that one morning, after a night of revelling,
+the sun shines into his room; and he seems to see upon the wall, in
+letters of fire, some words that were said to him the night before--true
+words (CLARA looks up at him in surprise)--the words: "I despise you!"
+(CLARA gives a start.) Words like that can burn out falsehood. And he,
+to whom they are said, may long to hear again the tones of the voice
+that spoke them. No man has ever hated what has given him new life. If
+you had read a single one of the letters which I felt impelled to write
+even if they were refused acceptance--you would not have called it
+persecution. (CLARA does not answer.) And, as for my persecution of your
+father--I am not going to make any excuses for myself; I will only
+ask you to remember that a king has no control over the law and its
+judgments. I feel the sincerest respect for your father.
+
+Clara. Thank you.
+
+The King. And it is just part of the falsehood I was speaking of, that
+he should be condemned for saying of me what I have said a thousand
+times of myself!
+
+Clara (softly). Dare I believe that?
+
+The King. Ah, if only you had read one of my letters! Or even the little
+book of poems I sent you last! I thought that, if you would not receive
+my letters, perhaps a book--
+
+Clara. I do not accept anonymous gifts.
+
+The King. I see you are on your guard--although I don't admit that the
+poems were mine! May I read it to you?
+
+Clara. I don't understand--.
+
+The King. One that I marked--for you. It will prove to you what you
+refuse to believe.
+
+Clara. But if the poem is not yours?
+
+The King. The fact that I have marked it shows that its sentiments apply
+to me. Will you let me read it to you? (CLARA looks up.) Do not be too
+much surprised, Miss Ernst! (Takes a slim volume from his pocket.) I
+found this somewhere. (Turns over the leaves.) It won't take long to
+read. May I?
+
+Clara. If only I understood--
+
+The King.--why I want to read it? Simply for the reason that you have
+forbidden me to speak to you--or to write to you; but not, as yet, to
+read to you! (CLARA smiles. A pause.) Do you know--a little event has
+just happened in my life?--and yet not such a little one, after all!
+
+Clara. What is that?
+
+The King. I have seen you smile for the first time.
+
+Clara. Your Majesty!
+
+The King. But, Miss Ernst, is it an insult, too, to see you smile?
+
+Clara (smiling). If I consent to hear the poem, shall not the Baroness--
+
+The King.--hear it also? With pleasure; but not at the same time!
+Please! Because I am a very bad reader. You can show it to the Baroness
+afterwards, if you like. (CLARA smiles.) May I?
+
+Clara. You are sure there is nothing in it that--
+
+The King. You can interrupt me, if you think fit. It is called "The
+Young Prince;" and it is about--no, I won't tell you what it is about
+unless you will be so good as to sit down, so that I can sit down
+too. If I stand up I shall be sure to begin declaiming, and I do that
+shockingly badly!--You can get up again when you like, you know! (CLARA
+smiles and sits down. The KING sits down beside her.) Now, then! "The
+Young Prince." (To himself.) I can scarcely breathe. (He begins to
+read.)
+
+ Full fed with early flattery and pride--
+
+(Breaks off.) Excuse me, Miss Ernst! I don't feel--
+
+Clara. Is your Majesty not well?
+
+The King. Quite well! It is only--. Now, then!
+
+ Full fed with early flattery and pride,
+ His sated soul was wearied all too young;
+ Honour and kingly pomp seemed naught to him
+ But whimsies from the people's folly sprung.
+
+ From such pretence he fled to what was real--
+ Fair women's arms, laughter and love and pleasure,
+ All the mad joy of life; whate'er he craved,
+ He found was given him in double measure.
+
+ Whate'er he craved--until one day a maiden
+ To whom he whispered, like a drunken sot,
+ "I'd give my life to make thee mine, my sweeting!"
+ Turned from him silently and answered not.
+
+ He sought by every means to win her to him;
+ But when his love with cold _contempt_ was met,
+ It was as if a judgment had been spoken
+ Upon his life, and doom thereon were set.
+
+ His boon companions left him; in his castles
+ None seemed to be awake but he alone,
+ Racked with remorse, enshrouded in the darkness
+ Of dull despair, yet longing to atone.
+
+ Then through the darkness she appeared! and humbly,
+ Emboldend by her gentleness of mien,
+ He sued once more: "If only thou wouldst listen!
+ If still 'twere not too late--"
+
+(His emotion overcomes him, and he stops suddenly, gets up, and walks
+away from CLARA. She gets up, as he comes back to her.) Excuse me! I had
+no intention of making a scene. But it made me think of--. (Breaks of
+again overcome by emotion, and moves a little way from her. There is a
+pause as he collects himself before returning to her.) As you can hear,
+Miss Ernst, it is nothing much of a poem--not written by a real poet,
+that is to say; a real poet would have exalted his theme, but this is a
+commonplace--
+
+Clara. Has your Majesty anything more to say to me? (A pause.)
+
+The King. If I have anything more to say to any one, it is to you.
+
+Clara. I beg your pardon.
+
+The King. No, it is I should beg yours. But I am sure you do not wish me
+to lie to you.
+
+Clara (turning her head away). No.
+
+The King. You have no confidence in me. (Control, his emotion.) Will you
+ever, I wonder, come to under stand that the only thing I crave for now
+is--one person's confidence!
+
+Clara. Any one who speaks as your Majesty has done to-day surely craves
+for more than that.
+
+The King. More than that, yes; but, first of all, one person's
+confidence.
+
+Clara (turning away). I don't understand--
+
+The King (interrupting her, with emotion). Your life has not been as
+empty and artificial as mine.
+
+Clara. But surely you have your task here to fill it with?
+
+The King. I remember reading once about the way a rock was undermined,
+and the mine filled with gunpowder with an electric wire leading to
+it. Just a slight pressure on a little button and the great rock was
+shattered into a thousand pieces. And in the same way everything is
+ready here; but the little pressure--to cause the explosion--is what I
+am waiting for!
+
+Clara. The metaphor is a little forced.
+
+The King. And yet it came into my mind as unconsciously as you broke
+off that twig just now. If I do not get what I lack, nothing can be
+accomplished--there can be no explosion! I shall abandon the whole thing
+and let myself go under.
+
+Clara. Go under?
+
+The King. Well, not like the hero of a sensational novel--not straight
+to the bottom like a stone--but like a dreamer carried off by pixies
+in a wood, with one name ever upon my lips! And the world would have to
+look after itself.
+
+Clara. But that is sheer recklessness.
+
+The King. I know it is; but I am reckless. I stake everything upon one
+throw! (A pause.)
+
+Clara. Heaven send you may win.
+
+The King. At least I am daring enough to hope that I may--and there are
+moments when I almost feel certain of victory!
+
+Clara (embarrassed). It is a lovely morning--
+
+The King.--for the time of year; yes. And it is lovelier here than it is
+anywhere else!
+
+Clara. I cannot really understand a course of action which implies a
+want of all sense of responsibility--
+
+The King. Every one has their own point of view. A scheme of life, to
+satisfy me, must have its greatest happiness hidden away at its core; in
+my case that would be to have a house of my own--all to myself, like any
+other citizen--from which I should go away to my work, and come back
+to as to a safe refuge. That is the button on the electric wire, do you
+understand? It is the little pressure on it that I am waiting for. (A
+pause.)
+
+Clara. Have you read my father's book, _Democratic Monarchy_?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+Clara. He wrote it when I was a child; and so I may say that I grew up
+amongst ideas like--like those I have heard from you to-day. All the
+friends that came to our house used to talk to me about it.
+
+The King. Then no doubt you heard the crown prince talked about, too!
+
+Clara. I think I heard his name oftener mentioned at home than any
+one's. I believe the book was written expressly for you.
+
+The King. I can feel that when I read it. If only I had been allowed to
+read it in those days! Do you remember how in it your father maintains,
+too, that all reform depends on the beating down of the hedge that
+surrounds royalty?--on a king's becoming, as he says, "wedded to
+his people" in the fullest sense of the word, not irregularly or
+surreptitiously? No king can share his people's thoughts if he lives
+apart from them in a great palace, married to a foreign princess. There
+is no national spirit behind a complicated court life of outlandish
+ceremonial.
+
+Clara (turning away her head). You should have heard how vehemently my
+father used to assert those ideas.
+
+The King. And yet he abandoned them.
+
+Clara. Became a republican, you mean?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+Clara. He was so disappointed. (A pause.)
+
+The King. I sometimes wonder every one isn't a republican! It must come
+to that in the end; I can see that. If only royalties nowadays thought
+seriously enough about it to realise it!
+
+Clara. It is made so difficult for them by those who surround them.
+
+The King. Yes, you see, that is another reason why any such reform must
+begin at home. Do you think that a king, who went every day to his work
+from a home that was in every respect like that of one of his people,
+could fail in the long run?
+
+Clara. There are so many different kinds of homes.
+
+The King. I mean a home that holds love instead of subservience--comfort
+instead of ceremony-truth instead of flattery; a home where--ah, well, I
+need not teach a woman what a home means.
+
+Clara. We make them what they are.
+
+The King. Surely; but they are especially what women make them. (A
+pause.)
+
+Clara. The sun is quite strong now.
+
+The King. But it can scarcely pierce through the screen of leaves here.
+
+Clara. When the sun shines down like this and the leaves tremble--
+
+The King. The sunshine seems to tremble too.
+
+Clara. Yes, but it makes one feel as if everything were trembling--even
+deep down into our hearts!
+
+The King. That is true.--Yes, its homes are the most precious things a
+nation makes. Their national characteristics mean reverence for their
+past and possibilities for their future.
+
+Clara. I understand better now what you meant.
+
+The King. When I said I wanted to begin at the beginning?
+
+Clara. Yes. (A pause.)
+
+The King. I cannot do otherwise. My heart must be in my work.
+
+Clara (smiling). My father had his heart in his work, too.
+
+The King. Forgive me--but don't you think it was just the want of
+an object in his life that led your father to push his theories too
+far?--an object outside himself, I mean?
+
+Clara. Perhaps. If my mother had lived--. (Stops.)
+
+The King.--he might have taken it differently; don't you think so?
+
+Clara. I have sometimes thought so. (A pause.)
+
+The King. How still it is! Not a sound!
+
+Clara. Yes, there is the fountain.
+
+The King. That is true; but one ends by hardly hearing a continuous
+sound like that.
+
+Clara. There is a tremulousness in _that_ too. (Looks round her.)
+
+The King. What are you looking for?
+
+Clara. It is time to look for the Baroness.
+
+The King. She is up on that slope. Shall I call her? Or--perhaps you
+would like to see a fine view?
+
+Clara. Yes.
+
+The King. Then let us go up to her together! (They go.)
+
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+(SCENE. An open place in the town. It is evening, and the square is
+badly lit. On the right is the club, a large building, standing alone;
+lights are shining from all its windows. Steps lead from the door, above
+which is a balcony. The square is full of people. In the background,
+standing on the lowest step of the pedestal of an equestrian statue,
+is a BALLAD SINGER, singing to the accompaniment of his guitar. Cigars,
+oranges, and other wares are being sold by hawkers. The singer's voice
+is heard before the curtain rises. The crowd gradually joins him in the
+refrain which he repeats after each verse of his ballad.)
+
+The Ballad Singer (sings).
+
+ The Princeling begged and begged and begged
+ Her love, on bended knee.
+ The Maid said craftily, "Nay, nay,
+ I doubt your high degree!"
+
+    Refrain.
+
+  She knew the might, the might, the might
+  Of love's distracting hour;
+  How royalty, with all its pomp,
+  Will curtsey to its power.
+
+ The Princeling said: "Consent, my dear,
+ And you shall marry me."
+ The Maiden answered mockingly,
+ "Over the left, maybe!"
+
+ "Nay, as my Queen, enchanting maid,
+ And that this very day!"
+ The Maiden answered him, "Gadzooks!"
+ And fainted right away.
+
+ Recovering, she sighed, "My Lord,
+ Princesses will be wroth;
+ On every side they sit and wait
+ To plight to you their troth."
+
+ He answered, "Bosh!"--"But what of those
+ Who counselled you before?"
+ "Whom do you mean?"--"Your ministers!"
+ "I'll show them to the door!"
+
+ "But think, my dear--your generals,
+ Your nobles, court, and priest;
+ They'll try to drag you from my side
+ Or shun us as the pest."
+
+ "Nay, be not feared! I'll make you more
+ By dozens at a word,
+ Who'll bow and grovel if they be
+ To rank and place preferred."
+
+ "But think of the republicans!
+ My father!--what if he--?"
+ "The cock that crows the loudest, then,
+ Prime minister shall be!"
+
+ "Suppose the people stoutly swear
+ They'll none of me?"--"Nay, nay,
+ An order here, a title there,
+ And all will homage pay."
+
+ "Then I am yours!"--"Hurrah!" He holds
+ Her tight his arms between;
+ "Nay, not so fast, my kingly love!
+ Not till I am your Queen!"
+
+  She knew the might, the might, the might
+  Of love's distracting hour;
+  How royalty, with all its pomp,
+  Will curtsey to its power.
+
+An Old Gentleman (to another). What is going on here?
+
+Second Old Gentleman. I don't know. I have only just come.
+
+A Workman. Why, the King is coming past here with her!
+
+First Old Gentleman. Coming past here with her? To hold a court at the
+palace?
+
+The Workman. Yes.
+
+Second Old Gentleman (taking a pinch of snuff). And I suppose those
+fellows in the club mean to make a demonstration?--hiss them, or
+something of that sort?
+
+The Workman. So they say.
+
+First Old Gentleman. Have they decided not to attend the court then?
+
+A Dandy. Unanimously decided.
+
+A Woman. It's filthy!
+
+The Dandy. I beg your pardon?
+
+The Woman. I say that those fellows in there will condescend to seduce
+our daughters, right enough; but they won't condescend to marry them.
+But, you see, the King does.
+
+The Workman. I am not sure it wouldn't be better if he didn't.
+
+The Woman. Well, I know people who say that she is quite a respectable
+person.
+
+The Dandy. I imagine that you have not read the newspapers?
+
+First Old Gentleman. Hm!--one has to be a little careful as to how far
+one believes the newspapers.
+
+Second Old Gentleman (offering him his snuff-box). I am delighted to
+hear you say that! There is such a lot of slander flying about. That
+bawdy ballad just now; for instance.
+
+The Woman. Yes, that's poking fun at _him_--I know that.
+
+The Dandy. You had better take care what you are saying, my good woman!
+
+The Woman. Ah, I only say what I know.
+
+(FLINK appears on the steps of the statue beside the BALLAD SINGER.)
+
+Flink. Stop your stupid songs! I want to speak!
+
+Voice in the Crowd. Who is that?
+
+Flink. You don't know me. I have never made public speeches--and least
+of all to street mobs.
+
+Voice in the Crowd. Why are you doing it now, then?
+
+Flink. Because I have been charged with a message to you! (The members
+of the club rush to the windows and on to the balcony and steps.
+Uproar.)
+
+Voice in the Crowd. Be quiet! Let us hear him!
+
+Flink. Listen to me, good people! You don't know me. But you used to
+know a tall chap, with long white hair and a big hat, who often made
+speeches to you. I mean Professor Ernst.
+
+Voice in the Crowd. Three cheers for Professor Ernst. (Cheers.)
+
+Flink. He was sent to prison, as you know, for high treason; escaped
+from prison, but broke his legs. Now he is living in exile, hopelessly
+crippled.
+
+Voice in the Crowd. He got a pardon.
+
+Another. No one knows where he is.
+
+Flink. I know where he is. He has charged me to deliver a message to you
+to-day.
+
+Voices from the Club. Bravo!
+
+Voices from the Crowd. Has he! Bravo, Ernst!
+
+Voices from the Club. Be quiet, down there!
+
+Flink. He made me promise that, on the day on which his daughter was to
+be presented at the palace as the King's betrothed, I would stand up
+in some public place where she would pass by, and say that it was being
+done against her father's will and in spite of his urgent entreaties and
+commands. (Loud cries of "Bravo!" from the club. A voice in the crowd:
+"That is just what we thought!") I am charged to announce publicly that
+he despises her for it and sends her his curse! (Fresh cries of "Bravo!"
+from the club. Voices in the crowd: "That's shocking!"--"No, he was
+quite right;" etc., etc. Uproar.) Quiet, good people!
+
+A Young Man in the Crowd. May I be allowed to ask a question? (Shouts of
+"Yes!" and "No!" and laughter are heard.)
+
+Flink. By all means.
+
+The Young Man. Did not Professor Ernst himself advocate a king's doing
+just what our King has done?
+
+Voices in the Crowd. Hear, hear!
+
+Flink. Yes, and in return was thrown into prison and is now an incurable
+cripple. No one has been more cruelly treated by the King's hirelings.
+And now here is his daughter willing to become Queen!
+
+Count Platen (from the club balcony). I don't see why you want to
+blame her! No; what I say is, that it is our dissolute King's fault
+altogether! (Renewed uproar. Cries of: "Turn him out!" from the club.)
+
+Flink. I had something more to say about those who--. But make those
+fellows at the club be quiet first.
+
+A Voice. They are fighting over there! (Laughter. Wild uproar is heard
+from the club, amidst which COUNT PLATEN'S voice is heard shouting: "Let
+me be! Let me alone!"--and other voices: "Don't let him go out!"--"He is
+drunk!" Eventually COUNT PLATEN comes out on to the steps, hatless and
+dishevelled.)
+
+Count Platen. I'm going to make a speech to you! I am better than that
+crew in there! (Cries of "Bravo!") What I say is, that the King is
+coming past here directly with a woman. (Applause, and laughter. Every
+one crowds towards him. The police try to pull him down. A free
+fight ensues.) Hiss them when they come! (Cries of "Throw him
+down!"--"Bravo!"--"Hurrah!") I, Count Platen, tell you to do so! Hiss
+him, howl at him, make a regular hullabaloo when he comes! I, Count
+Platen, tell you to! (Cries of "Three cheers for Count Platen!" are
+mingled with cries of "Three cheers for the King!" There is a general
+tumult. COUNT PLATEN is hustled up and down the steps, and tries to
+go on making his speech every time he comes up.) He is defiling the
+throne!--He wants to marry a traitor's daughter! Shame! I, Count Platen,
+say so! Here I stand--! (A trumpet-call is heard; then cries of "Here is
+the King!"--"No, it's the cavalry!"--"The cavalry are coming!"--"Clear
+the square!" A shot is heard, followed by a scream; the people take to
+their heels as another trumpet-call is heard. Curtain.)
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+(SCENE.--A room in the BARONESS' house. The BARONESS is sitting reading.
+A MAID enters and brings her a card.)
+
+Baroness (looking at the card). The Minister of the Interior!--Show him
+in! (GRAN comes in.) I am glad to see you back, your Excellency!--You
+have found him, then?
+
+Gran. Yes, we have discovered him.
+
+Baroness. And spoken to him?
+
+Gran. Yes.
+
+Baroness. May I send for his daughter?
+
+Gran. For heaven's sake
+
+Baroness. What is the matter?
+
+Gran. He is a dying man.
+
+Baroness. What!
+
+Gran. The King desires me to tell you that he has ordered a special
+train to be ready at 10 o'clock, so that as soon as the court is over
+she can go to her father. The King will accompany her.
+
+Baroness. That is kind of him!
+
+Gran. Then you will get ready everything that she needs for a night's
+journey?
+
+Baroness. Yes.
+
+Gran. And without her being aware of it? The King does not wish her to
+know anything of her father's condition till after the court.
+
+Baroness. The court is to be held, then?
+
+Gran. The court is to be held. After it is over, His Majesty will tell
+her the news himself.
+
+Baroness. I am thankful for that.--But what did Professor Ernst say? Why
+has he not answered his daughter's letter? Why has he hidden from her?
+Is he really irreconcilable?
+
+Gran. Irreconcilable? He hates her!
+
+Baroness. Good heavens!
+
+Gran. And not only her, but every one that has made common cause with
+the King--every one!
+
+Baroness. I suppose it was to be expected.--But won't you sit down?
+
+Gran (bows, but remains standing). I had a talk with his doctor before I
+saw him. He had some hesitation about letting me in. It was a fortnight
+since his patient had been able to move. But when I told him my errand,
+and that I had come from the King, he let me see him.
+
+Baroness. How did he look? He was a fine man once.
+
+Gran. He was sitting in a big chair, a mere paralysed wreck of a man.
+But when he saw me and realised who I was--and probably, too, what my
+errand was--he found the strength not only to move, but to seize both
+his crutches and raise himself on them! I shall never forget his gaunt
+ashen-grey face, the feverish gleam in his sunken eyes, his unkempt hair
+and beard--
+
+Baroness. He must have looked terrible!
+
+Gran. He was like a creature from beyond the grave--with an eternity of
+hatred in his eyes!
+
+Baroness. Oh, my God!
+
+Gran. When at last I could find my voice, I gave him his daughter's
+greeting, and asked if she might come and see him. A dark look came into
+his eyes, and his face flushed for a moment, as he gasped out: "May she
+be--." He could not finish the sentence. His crutches slipped from his
+grasp and he fell down, blood pouring from his mouth. The doctor rushed
+to him; and for a long time we thought he was dead.
+
+Baroness. But he came round?
+
+Gran. I waited an hour or two before I started back. Then the doctor
+told me that he had recovered consciousness, but that the end could
+certainly not be far off--perhaps not twenty-four hours.
+
+Baroness. It must have been a shock to you.
+
+Gran. It was.
+
+Baroness. But what did he mean by: "May she be--"
+
+Gran. That is what I have been wondering.
+
+Baroness. He cannot do her any harm, can he?
+
+Grad. He may give her the same reception that he gave me; if she goes.
+
+Baroness, Even if the King is with her?
+
+Gran. All the more then!
+
+Baroness. Oh, that would be horrible! But it won't prevent her going.
+
+Gran. Let us hope so!
+
+Baroness. I am certain of it! She has extraordinary strength of
+character--just like her father's.
+
+Gran. Yes, that is the one thing I rely on.
+
+Baroness. What do you mean? Your words sound so despondent!
+
+Gran. I mean what is perfectly true--that everything will depend upon
+her strength of character.
+
+Baroness. What about the King, then?
+
+Gran. I could say a great deal on that topic, Baroness; but (bows) you
+must excuse me--I haven't time now.
+
+Baroness. How are the elections going?
+
+Gran. They are going well--if nothing happens now?
+
+Baroness. What could happen?
+
+Gran. The situation is very strained; one must expect anything.
+
+Baroness. Are you anxious, your Excellency?
+
+Gran. I must beg leave to retire now. (A MAID comes in.)
+
+Maid (to GRAN). The Inspector of Police, who came with your Excellency,
+wishes to know if he may speak to your Excellency.
+
+Gran. I will come at once. (To the BARONESS.) There is rioting going on
+in the town, not far from here--in front of the club.
+
+Baroness (in alarm). What?--Isn't the King coming along that way?
+
+Gran. Don't be afraid! We have taken our precautions--Good-bye! (Goes
+out.)
+
+Baroness.--He has quite alarmed me--everything seems to come at the same
+time! She has had a suspicion that there was something amiss with her
+father; I have noticed that, but she hasn't wanted to speak about it.
+(CLARA comes in, dressed for the court.) Ah, there you are, my dear!
+Quite ready?
+
+Clara. Quite.
+
+Baroness (looking at her). Well, I daresay there have been royal brides
+more elaborately dressed, but I am sure there has never been one more
+charming. (Kisses her.)
+
+Clara. I think I hear a carriage?
+
+Baroness. I expect it is the King!
+
+Clara. I am afraid it is too early yet--but all the same I hope it is
+he!
+
+Baroness. Do you feel afraid?
+
+Clara. No, no--it is not that at all; it is something--something that
+you don't--a kind of feeling as if--as if some one were haunting me; and
+I know who it is. I only feel secure when the King is with me. I hope it
+may be he coming. (Goes to the window.)
+
+(The MAID comes in.)
+
+Maid. A lady wishes to speak to you, Miss Ernst--
+
+Baroness. A lady?
+
+Clara. Didn't she give her name?
+
+Maid. She is veiled--and very handsomely dressed.
+
+Clara (with decision). No! I can see no one.
+
+Baroness. No one that we do not know. (To the MAID.) You ought to know
+that.
+
+Maid (hesitatingly). But I think it is--. (The door opens and the
+PRINCESS comes in.)
+
+Baroness. What does this mean? Clara! leave us, my dear.
+
+Princess (drawing aside her veil). Do you know me?
+
+Clara and Baroness. The Princess!
+
+Princess. Are you Clara Ernst?
+
+Clara. Yes.
+
+Princess (haughtily, to the BARONESS). Leave us alone! (The BARONESS
+goes out.) Before going to the palace I wanted to come here--even at the
+risk of meeting the King.
+
+Clara. He has not come yet. (A long pause.)
+
+Princess. Have you thought well over what you are going to do?
+
+Clara. I think so.
+
+Princess. I don't think you have. Have you read what the papers say
+about it--every one of them--to-day?
+
+Clara. No. The King has advised me not to.
+
+Princess. But the letters that have been sent to you? I know letters
+have been written to you.
+
+Clara. The King has advised me not to read them either. He takes all the
+letters.
+
+Princess. Do you know that they are rioting in the streets close to
+here?
+
+Clara (in alarm). No!
+
+Princess. You will be received with hisses, hooting--perhaps with stone
+throwing. You didn't expect anything like that, did you?
+
+Clara. No.
+
+Princess. What shall you do?
+
+Clara (after a moment, quietly). I shall go with the King.
+
+Princess. A nice road you are dragging him along, truly! And I assure
+you that the farther you go along it, the worse it will become. You
+cannot possibly have prepared yourself for all that you will have to go
+through.
+
+Clara. I think I have.
+
+Princess (in surprise). What do you mean? How?
+
+Clara (bending her head). I have prayed to God.
+
+Princess. Pshaw! I mean that you cannot have considered the misery into
+which you are dragging the King--and the disgrace and trouble you are
+bringing upon all his people. (CLARA is silent.) You are young still;
+your heart cannot be altogether hardened yet, whatever your past may
+have been.
+
+Clara (proudly). I have no reason to be ashamed of my past.
+
+Princess. Indeed? What sort of a past has it been, then?
+
+Clara. One full of suffering, princess--and of work. (A pause.)
+
+Princess. Do you know what the King's past has been?
+
+Clara (drooping her head). Ah, yes.
+
+Princess. Yours will be tarred with the same brush--no matter what it
+really has been.
+
+Clara. I know that. He has told me so.
+
+Princess. Really!--After all, is it a sacrifice you are making for his
+sake? Do you love the King?
+
+Clara (faintly). Yes.
+
+Princess. Then listen to me. If you loved the King, you would have made
+a _real_ sacrifice for him. We are women, you and I; we can understand
+these things without many words. But such a sacrifice does not consist
+in consenting to be his queen.
+
+Clara. It is not I that wished it.
+
+Princess. You have allowed yourself to be persuaded?--Well, you are
+either deceiving yourself, my girl, or you are deceiving him. Perhaps
+you began with the one and are ending with the other. Anyway, it is time
+you had your eyes opened as to which of you it is that is making the
+sacrifice. Do you not know that, on your account, he is already the
+target for general contempt? (CLARA bursts into tears.) If that makes
+you repent, show it--show it by your deeds!
+
+Clara. I repent of nothing.
+
+Princess (in astonishment). What state of mind are you in, then?
+
+Clara. I have suffered terribly. But I pray God for strength to bear it.
+
+Princess. Don't talk nonsense! The whole thing is a horrible confusion
+of ideas--half remorse and half cant--the one so mixed up with the other
+in your mind that you cannot disentangle them. But, believe me, others
+feel very sure that sacred things and--and what I won't call bluntly by
+its name, go very ill together! So don't waste those airs on me; they
+only irritate me!
+
+Clara. Princess, don't be cruel to me. I _am_ suffering, all the same.
+
+Princess. Why on earth do you want to go any farther with the affair?
+If you aren't clear about it, take advice! Your father is opposed to it,
+isn't he?
+
+Clara. Yes. (Throws herself into a chair.)
+
+Princess. He has hidden himself away from you. You don't know where
+he is, or how he is--though you know he is crippled and ill. And,
+meanwhile, here you are in full dress, with a rose in your hair, waiting
+to set out to a court at the palace! Are you willing to pass through
+contemptuous rioting crowds, and over your sick father's body, to become
+queen? What callous levity! What a presumptuous mixture of what you
+think is love, duty, sacrifice, trial--with an unscrupulous ambition--!
+The King? Are you depending on him? He is a poet. He loves anything
+unusual or sensational. Resistance stimulates him; and that is what
+drives him into believing that his love will be unending. When you
+have been married a week, it will be all over. If he had not met with
+resistance, it would have been all over before this. I know the
+King better than you; for I know his faithlessness. It is like his
+love--unending! It hurts you to hear that, does it? Well, it hurts one's
+eyes to look at the sun. But I can tell you about these things. The only
+reason I had for coming was to tell you what I know. And now that I have
+seen you, I can tell you that I know one thing more--and I will tell you
+what it is. If you actually allow the King, with his ardent temperament,
+to stray into a path which will lead to the ruin of his career, your
+action will, in the fullness of time, recoil so appallingly upon
+your own head that it will kill you. I know you are one of those
+that faithlessness, remorse and contempt _would_ kill.--Don't look so
+beseechingly at me; I cannot retract a word of what I have said. But I
+can tell you now what I had decided upon before I came. _I_ will look
+after your future. I am not rich; but, as sure as I stand here before
+you, you shall live free from care--you shall have everything that you
+need--for the rest of your life. I want no thanks! I do it for the sake
+of the King, and for the sake of the country to which I belong. It is my
+duty. Only get up now and come with me to my carriage. (Offers CLARA her
+hand.)
+
+Clara. If it were as easy as that, I should have done it long, long ago.
+
+Princess (turns away. Then comes back). Get up. (Pulls her on to her
+feet.) Do you love the King?
+
+Clara. Do I love him? I am a motherless child, and have lived alone
+with a father who has been constantly persecuted on account of his
+principles; I shared his ideals from a very early age, and I have never
+abandoned them since. Then one day I was given the chance of making
+these ideals real. "What _I_ long to do, _you_ shall accomplish!"
+he said. There is something great about that, Princess--something
+all-powerful--a call from God Himself. Of that I am certain.
+
+Princess. It is merely a rhapsody of the King's--nothing else!
+
+Clara. Then I will make it real and live it! I have given my whole soul
+to it, and have strengthened his to the same end. It has been my ideal
+all my life.
+
+Princess. And you believe that it will last?
+
+Clara. Yes.
+
+Princess. Then let me beg you to believe this, too--it will last until
+he has attained his end.
+
+Clara. If you mean our marriage, let me tell you that _that_ is not our
+end.
+
+Princess (in surprise). What is, then?
+
+Clara. Our end is to accomplish something together. That task shall be
+consecrated and ennobled by our love. Yes, you may look at me! Those
+were his own words.
+
+Princess. That answer!--That thought!--But what certainty have you?
+
+Clara. Of what?
+
+Princess. That you did not put the thought into his mind?--and that the
+fire in his soul may not flicker out?
+
+Clara. If I needed any assurance, I should find it in the fact that he
+changed his whole life for my sake; he waited for me for more than a
+year. Has he ever done that for any one before? I am sure he has never
+needed to! (The PRINCESS winces.) It is those who have seduced that
+"ardent" temperament of his--you called it that yourself--that are to
+blame, and not I, Princess! (A pause.) I checked him to the best of
+my power when he came to me as he was wont to go to others. (A pause.)
+Indeed it is no sacrifice to become his wife. When one loves, there is
+no question of sacrifice. But the position in which I now stand exposes
+me to more suspicion than the humblest of his subjects, to more scorn
+than if I were his mistress. Think how you have spoken to me to-day
+yourself, Princess! (A pause.) It is no sacrifice to endure such things
+for the man one loves. It was not I that used the word "sacrifice,"
+either; and as for the sacrifice you implied that I ought to have made,
+I don't wish to understand what you meant by that, even though I am a
+woman as well as you! But if you knew, Princess, how hard a fight I have
+been through before I found the strength to cast in my lot with his,
+against my father's wish and against you all--you would not have spoken
+to me about making a sacrifice. At all events you would not have spoken
+to me as you have done to-day; because you are not cruel, and I know
+that at bottom you mean me well. (A longer pause.)
+
+Princess. This is more serious than I knew.--Poor child, your
+disappointment will be all the more serious.
+
+Clara. Not with him!
+
+Princess (half to herself). Is it possible he can be so changed? Was
+that what was needed to secure a hold on him--? (To CLARA.) Is he coming
+here to fetch you?
+
+Clara. Yes.
+
+Princess. What does he want to hold this court for? What is the good
+of throwing down this challenge to all the dignitaries of his
+kingdom?--especially if, after all, he means to live the life of an
+ordinary citizen?
+
+Clara. He wished it.
+
+Princess. An exciting episode in his rhapsody! Why did you not dissuade
+him?
+
+Clara. Because I agree with him.
+
+Princess. Perhaps you don't fully realise what it means?--what
+humiliation the King will have to undergo?
+
+Clara. I only know that it seems to me that these things should be done
+openly, and that he has plenty of courage.
+
+Princess. That is mere bravado. Are you going in that dress?--to court
+in that dress? (CLARA is silent.) I say it is mere bravado.
+
+Clara. I have no better dress.
+
+Princess. What do you mean? Surely the King can--? Are you jesting?
+
+Clara (shyly). I do not allow the King to give me anything; not until--.
+
+Princess. Doesn't he pay your expenses here, then? (Looks round the
+room.)
+
+Clara. No.
+
+Princess. It is the Baroness?
+
+Clara. She and I. We are both poor.
+
+Princess. Ah, yes--she has lost her post now, hasn't she?
+
+Clara. On my account--yes. And you, Princess, who have known her--for
+she was once your governess--can you really suppose that she would
+have been faithful to me if she did not trust me and feel that this was
+right? You treated her so contemptuously when you came in.
+
+Princess. I seem to have broken in upon the most incomprehensible
+romance!--Then you love the King? (CLARA nods her head.) He knows how to
+love, and make a woman happy! He is a dazzling creature!--We shall see
+now whether you are to suffer for all the hearts he has broken. You are
+not the first woman he has loved.
+
+Clara. Princess!
+
+Princess. Yes, let that sink into your mind! Your happiness is
+embroidered with tears!
+
+Clara. It is cruel of you to reproach me with it.
+
+Princess. Forgive me! I really did not mean that.--But there is still
+time to put on a more suitable dress. If you dare accept no gifts from
+the King--you might from some one else? A King's bride is a King's bride
+after all, you know!
+
+Clara. He told me I should not need anything more than this.
+
+Princess. Not in his eyes, I dare say. But we women know a little
+better!--If it were only a necklace? Will you accept this one? (Begins
+to unfasten hers.)
+
+Clara. I knew you were kind.--But I daren't.
+
+Princess. Why not?
+
+Clara. Because--because people would think that--. (Bursts into tears. A
+pause.)
+
+Princess. Listen, my child. The whole thing is sheer lunacy; but--as it
+cannot be altered--as soon as the court assembles I shall take my place
+at your side and not leave you till it is all over. Tell the King that!
+Good-bye!
+
+Clara (going towards her). Princess!
+
+Princess (kisses her, and whispers). Haven't you allowed him to kiss
+you, either?
+
+Clara (in a whisper). Yes, I have.
+
+Princess (kissing her once snore). Love him! (The sound of carriage
+wheels is heard. The BARONESS comes in.)
+
+Baroness. I hear the King's carriage.
+
+Princess. I don't wish to meet him. (Stretches out her hand to the
+BARONESS.) Baroness! (Points to the door through which the BARONESS has
+come in.) Can I get out that way?
+
+Baroness. Yes. (She takes the PRINCESS out. A moment later the MAID
+ushers in the KING, who is dressed in plain clothes and wearing no
+decorations.)
+
+The King. Clara!
+
+Clara. My friend! (They embrace.)
+
+The King. What does it mean?
+
+Clara. What?
+
+The King. The Princess' carriage here?
+
+Clara. She told me to greet you. She has just gone, and--
+
+The King. And--?
+
+Clara. She said as soon as the court assembled she would take her place
+beside me and stay there till we left the palace.
+
+The King. Is it possible?
+
+Clara. It is _true_.
+
+The King. You have conquered her! I know she could be conquered--she
+has a heart, as well as a head! It is a good omen!--So she offered to do
+_that_! What will our precious nobility have to say to that?
+
+Clara. They are about the streets, aren't they?
+
+The King. Ah, then you know?
+
+Clara. I know, too, that there has been rioting outside the club.
+
+The King. You know that too?--and are not afraid?
+
+Clara. Perhaps I might have been--but there is something else that I am
+more afraid of. (Draws closer to the KING.)
+
+The King. What is that?
+
+Clara. You know. (A pause.)
+
+The King. Have you been uneasy about him to-day too?
+
+Clara. All day--incessantly. Something must have happened.
+
+The King. Well, now I can tell you where he is.
+
+Clara (eagerly). At last! Have you found him?
+
+The King. Gran has been to see him.
+
+Clara. Thank God! Is it far from here?
+
+The King. This evening, immediately after the court, you and I will both
+start for there in a special train. We shall be there early to-morrow.
+
+Clara (throwing her arms round his neck). Thanks, thanks! How good you
+are! Thanks! How is he? Is he ill!
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+Clara. I knew it? And implacable?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+Clara. I feel it! (Nestles closer in his arms.)
+
+The King. Are you afraid?
+
+Clara. Yes!
+
+The King. Dear, when you see him perhaps your fear will go.
+
+Clara. Yes, only let me see him! Whatever he says, let me see him!
+
+The King. Within twelve hours from now you shall! And I shall be with
+you.
+
+Clara. The finest thing about you is your kindness. Oh, I am so glad you
+have come! I could not endure my fears any longer.
+
+The King. There are dissensions going on about you!
+
+Clara. Oh!--(Nestles in his arms again.)
+
+The King. Bear up!--It will soon be over.
+
+Clara. I believe it will. Yes, I know it will.--Let me walk about a
+little! (The KING walks up and down with her.)
+
+The King. And turn our thoughts to something else! Do you know where I
+have come from?
+
+Clara. Where?
+
+The King. From our little house in the park.
+
+Clara. Why, we drove past it yesterday!
+
+The King. You will feel only _one_ person's presence there! Wherever you
+go, you will be surrounded by the thoughts I have had of you there. If
+you look out of the window, or go out on to the balcony--on every rock,
+by each turn of the stream--on the lawns, under the trees, among the
+bushes--everywhere you will find a thousand thoughts of you hidden.
+Breathe the words "my darling girl," and they will all come clustering
+round you!--Let us sit down.
+
+Clara. It is all like a fairy tale.
+
+The King. And I am the latest fairy prince! (He sits down and draws
+her on to his knee.) And you are the little maid who comes, led by good
+fairies, to the enchanted castle to wake him. He has been kept asleep by
+wicked spells for many, many years.
+
+Clara. For many, many years!
+
+The King. I am not really _I_, nor you _you_. The monarch was bewitched
+long ago. He was turned into a wild beast who gave reign to his passion
+by night and slept by day. And now the maiden of humble degree has
+become a woman and freed him from the spells.
+
+Clara. Really! Ah, you are so clever at inventing things to cheat my
+fears away from me. And you always succeed. But after all, you know, I
+have no strength and no courage; I am so weak.
+
+The King. You have more strength than I!--more than any one I have ever
+known.
+
+Clara. No, don't say that; but--you may be sure of this!--if I did not
+feel that I had _some_ strength I would never try to throw in my lot
+with yours.
+
+The King. I will explain to you what you are! Some people are
+tremendously more spiritual, more delicately constituted than others;
+and they are a hundred times more sensitive. And they fancy that is
+weakness. But it is just they who draw their strength from _deeper_
+sources, through a thousand imperceptible channels. You will often find
+them with heads erect and valiant when others have gone under; they
+merely bend before the storm, with supple strength, when others break
+under it. You are like that!
+
+Clara. You are very ingenious when you start explaining me!
+
+The King. Well, listen to this! At the time when I was behaving so badly
+to you, your terror, every time I approached you, was so piteous that it
+was always before my eyes and rang in my ears like a cry of agony from
+a wounded heart. It is true! It filled me with terror, too. Do you
+call that weakness, to feel things so intensely that another person is
+influenced by your feelings against his will?
+
+Clara. No.
+
+The King. And then, when I found you again--the way you listened to me--
+
+Clara (stopping him with a kiss). Don't let us talk about it now!
+
+The King. What shall we talk about, then? It is a little too early to
+start yet.--Ah, I have it! We will talk about the impression you will
+make this evening when you come forward through the brightly lit rooms,
+radiant against the background of ugly calumny! That was prettily put,
+wasn't it? "Is _that_ she?" they will think. And then something will
+come into their eyes that will cheat them into thinking that pearls and
+gold are strewn over your hair, over your dress, over your--
+
+Clara (putting her hand over his mouth). No, no, no! Now I am going to
+tell you a little story!
+
+The King. Tell away!
+
+Clara. When I was a child, I saw a balloon being filled one day, and
+there was a horrible smell from the gas. Afterwards, when I saw the
+gleaming balloon rising in the air, I thought to myself: "Ah, that
+horrid smell was something burning; they had to burn it for the balloon
+to be able to rise." And after that, every time I heard anything horrid
+said about my father, I felt as if something was burning inside me, and
+I thought of the balloon and imagined I could smell the smell. And then
+all at once I imagined I saw it rising; the horrid part was burnt, and
+it was able to mount aloft! I assure you that balloon was a good genius
+to me. And now, years afterwards, when I have been a target for calumny
+myself--and you for my sake--I have felt just the same thing. Every word
+has burned; but I have got over it in a moment, and risen high, high
+above it all! I never seem to breathe so pure an atmosphere as a little
+while after something cruel has been said of me.
+
+The King. I shall certainly set to work and abuse you at once, if it
+has such delightful results! I will begin with a selection from to-day's
+papers: "You Aspasia! You Messalina! You Pompadour! You Phylloxera, that
+are eating into our whole moral vine-crop! You blue-eyed curse of the
+country, that are causing panics in the money-market, overthrowing
+ministries, and upsetting all calculations in the elections! You
+mischievous hobgoblin, who are pouring gall into the printers' ink and
+poison into the people's coffee, filling all the old ladies' heads with
+buzzing flies, and the King's Majesty with a million lover's follies!"
+Do you know that, besides all the harm you are doing to-day, you are
+hastening a revolution by ten years? You are! And no one can be sure
+whether you haven't been pursuing the same wicked courses for the last
+hundred years or more! All our royal and noble ancestors are turning in
+their graves because of you! And if our deceased queens have any noses
+left--
+
+Clara (interrupting him). The Baroness! (They get up. The BARONESS comes
+in wearing a cloak over her court dress and carrying CLARA'S cloak over
+her arm.)
+
+Baroness. I must take the liberty of disturbing you. Time is up!
+
+The King. We have been killing it by talking nonsense.
+
+Baroness. And that has put you in a good humour?
+
+The King (taking his hat). In the best of humours! Here, my darling
+(fastens CLARA'S cloak about her shoulders), here is the last scandalous
+bit of concealment for you! When we take it off again, you shall stand
+radiant in the light of your own truth. Come! (Gives her his arm, and
+they go trippingly up to the back of the room. Suddenly the phantom of
+an emaciated figure leaning on crutches appears in their path, staring
+at them. His hair and beard are in wild disorder, and blood is pouring
+from his mouth. CLARA gives a terrified scream.)
+
+The King. In Heaven's name, what is it?
+
+Clara. My father!
+
+The King. Where? (To the BARONESS.) Go and see! (The BARONESS opens the
+doors at the back and looks out).
+
+Baroness. I can see no one.
+
+The King. Look down the corridor!
+
+Baroness. No--no one there, either! (CLARA has sunk lifelessly into the
+KING'S arms. After one or two spasmodic twitchings of her hands, her
+arms slip away from him and her head falls back.)
+
+The King. Help, help!
+
+The Baroness (rushing to him with a shriek). Clara!
+
+Curtain.
+
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+(SCENE.--A room in GRAN's house; the same as in Act I, Scene II. GRAN
+is standing at his desk on the right. FLINK comes in carrying a
+pistol-case, which he puts down upon the table.)
+
+Gran. You?
+
+Flink. As you see. (Walks up and down for a little without speaking.)
+
+Gran. I haven't seen you since the day the King was here.
+
+Flink. No.--Have you taken your holidays?
+
+Gran. Yes; but, anyway, I am likely to have perpetual holidays now! The
+elections are going against us.
+
+Flink (walking about). So I hear. The clerical party and the
+reactionaries are winning.
+
+Gran. That would not have been so, but for her unhappy death--. (Breaks
+off, and sighs.)
+
+Flink. A judgment from heaven--that is what the parsons say, and the
+women, and the reactionaries--
+
+Gran.--and the landlords. And they really believe it.
+
+Flink (stopping). Well, don't you believe it?
+
+Gran (after a pause). At all events I interpret it differently from--
+
+Flink.--from the parson? Naturally. But can any one doubt the fact that
+it was the finger of fate?
+
+Gran. Then fate assumed her father's shape?
+
+Flink. Whether her father appeared to her at the moment of his death or
+not (shrugs his shoulders) is a matter in which I am not interested.
+I don't believe in such things. But that she was suffering pangs of
+conscience, I do believe. I believe it may have brought painful visions
+before her eyes.
+
+Gran. I knew her pretty well, and I will answer for it she had no guilty
+conscience. She was approaching her task with enthusiasm. Any one
+that knew her will tell you the same. With her the King was first and
+foremost.
+
+Flink. What did she die of, then? Of enthusiasm?
+
+Gran. Of being overwrought by the force of her emotions. Her task was
+too great for her. The time was not ripe for it. (Sadly.) Our experiment
+was bound to fail.
+
+Flink. You condemn it when you say that!--But with her last breath she
+called out: "My father!" And, just at that moment, he died, fifty miles
+away from her. Either she _saw_ him, or she _imagined_ she saw him,
+standing before her. But his bloodstained, maltreated, crippled form
+standing in the way of her criminal advance towards the throne--is that
+not a symbol of maltreated humanity revolting against monarchy at the
+very moment when monarchy wishes to atone! Its guilt through thousands
+of years is too black. Fate is inflexible.
+
+Gran. But with what result? Are we rid of monarchy yet?
+
+Flink. We are rid of that treacherous attempt to reconcile it with
+modern conditions. Thank God it emerges, hand in glove with the parsons
+and reactionaries, none the worse for its temporary eclipse.
+
+Gran. So everything is all right, I suppose?
+
+Flink. For the moment--yes. But there used to exist here a strong
+republican party, which enjoyed universal respect, and was making
+extraordinary progress. Where is it now?
+
+Gran. I knew that was why you came.
+
+Flink. I have come to call you to account.
+
+Gran. If I had been in your place I would not have acted so, towards a
+defeated and wounded friend.
+
+Flink. The republican party has often been defeated--but never despised
+till now. Who is to blame for that?
+
+Gran. None of us ever think we deserve contempt.
+
+Flink. A traitor always deserves it.
+
+Gran. It is but a step from the present state of things to a republic;
+and we shall have to take that step in the end.
+
+Flink. But at least we can do so without treachery.
+
+Gran. I honestly believe that what we did was right. It may have
+miscarried the first time, and may miscarry a second and a third; but it
+is the only possible solution.
+
+Flink. You pronounced your doom in those words.
+
+Gran (more attentively). What do you mean by that?
+
+Flink. We must make sure that such an attempt will not be made again.
+
+Gran. So that is it.--I begin to understand you now.
+
+Flink. The republican party is broken up. For a generation it will be
+annihilated by contempt. But a community without a republican party must
+be one without ideals and without any aspirations towards truth in its
+political life--and in other respects as well! That is what you are
+responsible for.
+
+Gran. You pay me too great a compliment.
+
+Flink. By no means! Your reputation, your personal qualities and
+associations are what have seduced them.
+
+Gran. Listen to me for a moment! You used to overrate me in the hopes
+you had of me. You are overrating me now in your censure. You are
+overrating the effects of our failure--you never seem to be able to do
+anything but overshoot your mark. For that reason you are a danger to
+your friends. You lure them on. When things go well you lure them on to
+excess of activity; when things go ill, you turn their despondency into
+despair. Your inordinate enthusiasm obscures your wits. _You_ are not
+called upon to sit in judgment upon any one; because you draw the pure
+truths that lie hidden in your soul into such a frenzied vortex of
+strife that you lose sight of them; and then they have so little of
+truth left in them that in your hands they can be answerable for crimes.
+
+Flink. Oh, spare me your dialectics!--because any skill you have in
+them, _I_ taught you! You cannot excuse your own sins by running over
+the list of mine; that is the only answer I have to make to you! I don't
+stand before you as the embodiment of truth; I am no braggart. No; but
+simply as one who has loved you deeply and now is as deeply offended by
+you, I ask this question of your conscience: What have you done with the
+love we had for one another? Where is the sacred cause we both used to
+uphold? Where is our honour--our friends--our future?
+
+Gran. I feel respect for your sorrow. Can you not feel any for mine? Or
+do you suppose that I am not suffering?
+
+Flink. You cannot act as you have done without bringing unhappiness upon
+yourself. But there are others to be considered besides you, and we have
+the right to call you to account. Answer me!
+
+Gran. And is it really you--you, my old friend--that propose to do that?
+
+Flink. God knows I would sooner some one else did it! But none can do it
+so fitly as I--because no one else has loved you as I have. I expected
+too much of you, you say? The only thing I wanted of you was that you
+should be faithful! I had so often been disappointed; but in you and
+your quiet strength I thought I had splendid security that, as long as
+you lived, our cause would bear itself proudly and confidently. It was
+your prestige that brought it into being; your wealth that supported it.
+It did not cry aloud for the blood of martyrs!--You were the happiness
+of my life; my soul renewed its strength from yours.
+
+Gran. Old friend--!
+
+Flink. I was old, and you were young! Your nature was a harmonious
+whole--it was what I needed to lean upon.
+
+Gran. Flink, my dear old friend--!
+
+Flink. And now, here you stand--a broken man, and our whole cause broken
+with you; all our lives broken--at least mine is--
+
+Gran. Don't say that!
+
+Flink. You have destroyed my faith in mankind--and in myself, for I see
+what a mistake I made; but it will be the last I shall make! I took you
+to my heart of hearts--and now, the only thing I can do is to call you
+to account!
+
+Gran. What do you want me to do? Tell me!
+
+Flink. We must stand face to face--armed! You must die! (A pause.)
+
+Gran (without seeming greatly surprised). Of the two of us, it will go
+hardest with you, old friend.
+
+Flink. You think your aim will be the surer of the two? (Goes towards
+the table.)
+
+Gran. I was not thinking of that--but of what your life would be
+afterwards. I know you.
+
+Flink (opening the pistol-case). You need not be anxious! My life
+afterwards will not be a long one. What you have done has robbed me of
+anything to live for in this generation, and I don't aspire to live till
+the next. So it is all over and done with! (Takes up the pistols.)
+
+Gran. Do you mean _here_--?
+
+Flink. Why not? We are alone here.
+
+Gran. The King is asleep in the next room. (Points to the door near his
+desk.)
+
+Flink. The King here?
+
+Gran. He came here to-night.
+
+Flink. Well, it will wake him up; he will have to wake up some time, any
+way.
+
+Gran. It would be horrible! No!
+
+Flink. Indeed? It is for his sake you have betrayed me. You did that as
+soon as ever you met him again. He has bewitched you. Let him hear and
+see what he has done! (Holds out the pistols.) Here!
+
+Gran. Wait. What you have just said brings a doubt into my mind. Is not
+revenge, after all, the motive for what you are doing?
+
+Flink. Revenge?
+
+Gran. Yes. Don't misunderstand me; I am not trying to shuffle out of
+it. If I were free to choose, I would choose death rather than anything
+else. The King knows that, too. But I ask because there ought to be some
+serious reason for anything that may happen. I am not going to stand up
+and face a sentiment of revenge that is so ill-grounded.
+
+Flink (laying the pistols down). I hate the man who has led you
+astray--that is true. When I was giving you the reasons why I took upon
+myself the task of calling you to account, perhaps I forgot that. I hate
+him. But the instrument that carries out a sentence is one thing; the
+sentence itself is quite another. You arc sentenced to death because you
+have betrayed our cause--and because you say that you were right to do
+so. The world shall learn what that costs. It costs a man's life.
+
+Gran. So be it!
+
+Flink. The pistols are loaded. I loaded them myself. I imagine that you
+still have trust in my honour?
+
+Gran (with a smile). Indeed I have.
+
+Flink. One of them has a blank cartridge in it; the other is fully
+loaded. Choose!
+
+Gran. But what do you mean? Suppose I were to--?
+
+Flink. Don't be afraid! Heaven will decide! _You_ will not choose the
+fully loaded one!--We shall stand face to face.
+
+Gran. You are settling everything--the sentence, the challenge, the
+choice of weapons, the regulations for the duel--!
+
+Flink. Are you dissatisfied with that?
+
+Gran. By no means! You are quite welcome! We are to have no seconds? So
+be it. But the place?
+
+Flink. The place? Here!
+
+Gran. Horrible!
+
+Flink. Why? (Holds out the two pistols to him. The door to the left is
+opened softly. ANNA looks in, sees what is going on, and rushes with
+a pitiful attempt at a scream to GRAN, putting her arms round him
+protectingly, and caressing him with every sign of the utmost terror.)
+
+Gran (bending down and kissing her). She is right! Why should I die for
+the sake of dull theories, when I can hold life in my arms as I do now?
+A man who is loved has something left, after all. I won't die!
+
+Flink. If you were not loved, my friend, you might be allowed to live. A
+cry of sorrow will be heard throughout the land, from the King's palace
+to the meanest hovel, when you have been shot. And that is just why
+I must do it! The louder the cry of sorrow, the greater will be the
+silence afterwards. And in that silence is to be found the answer to the
+question "Why?" The people will not allow themselves to be cheated any
+longer.
+
+Gran. Horrible! I won't do it! (Lifts ANNA in his arms as if she were a
+child.)
+
+Flink (going up to him). It is no mere theory that you are facing. Look
+at me!
+
+Gran. Old friend--_must_ it be?
+
+Flink. It _must_. I have nothing else left to do.
+
+Gran. But not here.
+
+Flink. Since it cannot be here, then come out into the park. (Puts the
+pistols into their case.) You owe me that.
+
+Gran (to ANNA). You must go, my dear!
+
+Flink (putting the pistol-case under his arm). No, let her stay here.
+But you come! (They all three move towards the door. ANNA will not let
+GRAN go, and there is a struggle until he, half commanding and half
+entreating, persuades her to stay behind. The two men go out, shutting
+the door after them. She throws herself against the door, but it has
+been locked on the outside. She sinks down to the floor in despair,
+then gets up, as if struck by a sudden idea, rushes into the room on the
+right, and almost immediately re-appears, dragging the KING after her.
+He is only half-dressed and has no shoes on.)
+
+The King. What is it? (A shot is heard.) What is it? (ANNA pulls him to
+the door. He tries to open it, but in vain. She rushes to the window,
+with the KING after her. Meanwhile the door is opened from outside, and
+FALBE comes in, evidently overcome with emotion.) What is it, Falbe?
+(ANNA runs out.)
+
+Falbe. His Excellency the Minister of the Interior--
+
+The King. Well, what of him?
+
+Falbe.--has been assassinated!
+
+The King. The Minister of the Interior?--Gran?
+
+Falbe. Yes.
+
+The King. Gran?--What did you say?
+
+Falbe. He has been assassinated!
+
+The King. Gran? Impossible!--Where? Why? I heard his voice only just
+now, here!
+
+Falbe. That fellow shot him--the grey-haired fellow--the republican
+
+The King. Flink? Yes, I heard his voice here too!
+
+Falbe. It was in the park! I saw it myself!
+
+The King. Saw it yourself? Wretch! (Rushes out.)
+
+Falbe. How could I prevent a madman--? (Follows the KING. The door
+stands open, and through it a man is seen running past, calling out:
+"Where?" Others follow him, and amidst the sound of hurrying feet,
+cries are heard of "Good God!"--"In the park, did you say?"--"A doctor!
+Fetch a doctor!"--"Who did it?"--"That fellow running towards
+the river!"--"After him! After him!"--"Fetch a barrow from the
+works!"--After a while the KING returns alone, looking distracted. He
+stands motionless and silent for some time.)
+
+The King. What a happy smile there was on his face! Just as she
+smiled!--Yes, it must be happiness! (Hides his face in his hands.) And
+he died for me too! My two only--. (Breaks down.) So that is the price
+they have to pay for loving me!--And at once! At once!--Of course! Of
+course! (The sound of the crowd returning is heard, and cries of: "This
+way!"--"Into the blue room!" Women and children come streaming in, all
+in tears, surrounding ANNA and the men that are carrying GRAN'S body,
+and follow them into the room on the left. Cries are heard of: "Why
+should he die?"--"He was so good!"--"What had he done to deserve
+it!"--"He was the best man in the world!")
+
+The King. "He was the best man in the world!" Yes. And he died for my
+sake! That means something good of me!--the best possible! Are they two
+together now, I wonder? Oh, let me have a sign!--or is that too much to
+ask? (The crowd come out again, sobbing and weeping, and cries are heard
+of: "He looks so beautiful and peaceful!"--"I can't bring myself to
+believe it!" When they see the KING, they hush their voices, and all go
+out as quietly as they can. When they have gone out, the MAYOR's voice
+is heard asking: "Is he in here?" and an answer: "No, in the blue room,
+over there." Then the GENERAL'S voice: "And the murderer escaped?"--An
+answer: "They are looking for him in the river!"--The GENERAL'S voice:
+"In the river? Did he jump into the river?"--The PRIEST's voice:
+"Shocking!" A few moments later the GENERAL with BANG, the MAYOR, and
+the PRIEST come in from the other room. They stop on seeing the KING,
+who is standing at the desk with his back to them, and whisper.)
+
+The General. Isn't that the King?
+
+The Others. The King?
+
+The Mayor. Is the King back? He must have come in the night!
+
+Bang. Let me see!--I know him personally.
+
+The General (holding him back). Of course it is the King.
+
+The Mayor. Really?
+
+Bang. I recognise him by his agitation! It is he.
+
+The General. Hush! Let us go quietly out again! (They begin to move
+off.)
+
+The Mayor. He is grieved. Naturally.
+
+Bang. First of all her death; and then this--!
+
+The Priest. It is the judgment of heaven!
+
+The King (turning round). Who is that? What? (Comes forward.) Who said
+that? (They all stop, take off their hats and bow.) Come back! (They
+come back hastily.) Who said: "It is the judgment of heaven"?
+
+The General. Your Majesty must forgive us--we were just taking a little
+stroll; I am here to spend Christmas with my friend Mr. Bang, who has a
+factory here--a branch of his works--and we happened to meet the Mayor
+and the Priest, and we joined company--and were strolling along when we
+heard a shot. A shot. We did not think anything more about it till we
+came nearer here and saw people running, and heard a great outcry and
+disturbance. Great disturbance--yes. We stopped, of course, and came to
+see what it was. Came to see what it was, of course. And they told us
+that the Minister of the Interior--
+
+The King. What is all that to me! (The GENERAL bows.) Who said: "It is
+the judgment of heaven"? (No one speaks.) Come, answer me!
+
+The Mayor. It was the Priest--I fancy.
+
+The King (to the PRIEST). Haven't you the courage to tell me so
+yourself?
+
+The General. Probably our reverend friend is unaccustomed to find
+himself in the presence of royalty.
+
+The Priest. It is the first time that--that I have had the honour of
+speaking to your Majesty--I did not feel self-possessed enough, for the
+moment, to--
+
+The King. But you were self-possessed enough when you said it! What did
+you mean by saying it was "the judgment of heaven"?--I am asking you
+what you meant by it.
+
+The Priest. I really don't quite know--it slipped out--
+
+The King. That is a lie! Some one said: "First of all her death, and
+then this." And you said: "It is the judgment of heaven."
+
+The Mayor. That is quite right, your Majesty.
+
+The King. First of all _her_ death? That meant the death of my
+betrothed, didn't it?
+
+Bang and The Priest. Yes, your Majesty.
+
+The King. "And then _this_" meant my friend--my dear friend! (With
+emotion.) Why did heaven condemn these two to death? (A pause.)
+
+The General. It is most regrettable that we should, quite involuntarily,
+have disturbed your Majesty at a moment when your Majesty's feelings
+are, naturally, so overcome--
+
+The King (interrupting him). I asked you why heaven condemned these two
+to death. (To the VICAR.) You are a clergyman; cudgel your brains!
+
+The Priest. Well, your Majesty, I was thinking that--I meant that--that
+heaven had in a miraculous way checked your Majesty--
+
+The General. "Ventured to check" would be more suitable, I think.
+
+The Priest.--from continuing in a course which many people thought so
+unfortunate--I mean, so fatal to the nation, and the church; had checked
+your Majesty--
+
+The General (in an undertone). Ventured to check.
+
+The Priest.--by taking away from your Majesty the two persons who--the
+two persons who--in the first place the one who--
+
+The King. The one who--?
+
+The Priest. Who was--
+
+The King. Who was--? A harlot that wanted to sit on the throne?
+
+The Priest. Those are your Majesty's word, not mine. (Wipes his
+forehead.)
+
+The King. Confess that they express what you meant!
+
+The Priest. I confess that I have heard--that people say--that--
+
+The King. Pray to heaven that for a single day your thoughts may be as
+pure as hers were every day. (Bursts into tears. Then says impetuously.)
+How long have you been a clergyman?
+
+The Priest. Fifteen years, your Majesty.
+
+The King. Then you were already ordained at the time when I was leading
+a dissolute life. Why did you never say anything to me then?
+
+The Priest. My most gracious King--
+
+The King. God is the only "most gracious King"! Do not speak blasphemy!
+
+The Priest. It was not my duty to--
+
+The General. Our friend is not a court chaplain. He has merely a parish
+in the town here--
+
+The Mayor. And his work lies chiefly among the factory hands.
+
+The King. And so it is not your duty to speak the truth to me--but
+to attack my dear dead friends by prating about heaven's judgment and
+repeating vile lies? Is that your duty?
+
+The Mayor. I only had the honour to know one of the--the deceased. Your
+Majesty honoured him with your friendship; the greatest honour a subject
+can enjoy. I should like to say that one would rarely find a nobler
+heart, a loftier mind, or more modest fidelity, than his.
+
+The General. I should like, if I may make so bold, to make use of
+the opportunity chance has afforded me of associating myself with my
+sovereign's sorrow, a sorrow for which his whole people must feel the
+deepest respect, but especially those who, in consequence of their high
+position, are more particularly called upon to be the pillars of the
+monarchy; to use this opportunity, I say--and to do so, I know, as the
+representative of many thousands of your Majesty's subjects--to voice
+the sympathy, the unfeigned grief, that will be poured forth at the news
+of this new loss which has wrung your Majesty's heart--a loss which
+will reawaken consternation in the country and make it more than ever
+necessary to take the severest possible measures against a party to
+which nothing is sacred, neither the King's person nor the highest
+dignities of office nor the inviolability of the home--a party whose
+very existence depends on sedition and ought no longer to be tolerated,
+but ought, as the enemy of the throne and of society, to be visited with
+all the terrors of the law, until--
+
+The King. What about compassion, my friend?
+
+The General. Compassion?
+
+The King. Not for the republicans--but for me!
+
+The General. It is just the compassion which the whole nation will feel
+for your Majesty that compels me, in spite of everything, to invoke the
+intervention of justice at this particular crisis! Terror--
+
+The King.--must be our weapon?
+
+The General. Yes! Can any one imagine a more priceless proof of the care
+that a people have for their King, than for the gravely anxious tones
+of their voice to be heard, at this solemn moment, crying: Down with the
+enemies of the throne!
+
+The King (turning away). No, _I_ haven't thews and sinews for that lie!
+
+The Mayor. I must say I altogether agree with the General. The feeling
+of affection, gratitude, esteem--
+
+The General.--the legacy of devotion that your Majesty's ancestors of
+blessed memory--
+
+The King (to the Priest). You, sir--what does my ancestors being "of
+blessed memory" mean?
+
+The Priest (after a moment's thought). It is a respectful manner of
+alluding to them, your Majesty.
+
+The King. A respectful lie, you mean. (A pause. ANNA comes out of the
+room on the left and throws herself at the KING'S feet, embracing his
+knees in despairing sorrow.) Ah, here comes a breath of truth!--And you
+come to me, my child, because you know that we two can mourn together.
+But I do not weep, as you do; because I know that for a long time he had
+been secretly praying for death. He has got his wish now. So you must
+not weep so bitterly. You must wish what he wished, you know. Ah, what
+grief there is in her eyes! (Sobs.)
+
+(The GENERAL signs to the others that they should all withdraw quietly,
+without turning round. They gradually do so; but the KING looks up and
+perceives what they are doing.)
+
+The General. Out of respect for your Majesty's grief, we were going to--
+
+The King. Silence! With my hand on the head of this poor creature, who
+used to trust so unassumingly and devotedly to his goodness of heart,
+I wish to say something in memory of my friend. (ANNA clings to him,
+weeping. The others come respectfully nearer, and wait.) Gran was
+the richest man in the country. Why was it that he had no fear of
+the people? Why was it that he believed that its salvation lay in the
+overthrow of the present state of affairs?
+
+Bang. Mr. Gran, with all his great qualities, was a visionary.
+
+The King. He had not inherited all of his vast fortune; he had amassed a
+great part of it himself.
+
+Bang. As a man of business, Mr. Gran was beyond all praise.
+
+The King. And yet a visionary? The two things are absolutely
+contradictory.--You once called me "the padlock on your cash-box."
+
+Bang. I allowed myself, with all respect, to make that jest--which,
+nevertheless, was nothing but the serious truth!
+
+The King. Why did he, who has met his death, consider that the security
+for _his_ cash-box came from those _below_ him, as long as he did what
+was right, and not from those above him? Because he understood the
+times. No question of selfishness stood in the way of his doing
+that.--That is my funeral oration over him!--(To ANNA.) Get up, my dear!
+Did you understand what I was saying? Do not weep so! (She clings to
+him, sobbing.)
+
+The Priest. He was a very great man! When your Majesty speaks so, I
+fully recognise it. But your Majesty may be certain that, though we may
+not have been so fortunate as to see so far ahead and so clearly--though
+our mental horizon may be narrow--we are none the less loyal to your
+Majesty for that, nor less devoted! It is our duty as subjects to say
+so, although your Majesty in your heaviness of heart seems to forget
+it-seems to forget that we, too, look for everything from your Majesty's
+favour, wisdom and justice. (Perspires freely.)
+
+The King. It is very strange! My dear friend never said anything like
+that to me. (A pause.) He had the most prosperous business in the
+country. When I came to him and asked him to abandon it, he did so at
+once. And in the end he died for me. That is the sort of man he was. (To
+ANNA.) Go in to him, my dear! You are the very picture of dumb loyalty.
+Although I do not deserve to have such as you to watch by my side,
+still, for the sake of him who is dead, I shall have you to do so when
+I too--. (Breaks off.) Yes, yes, go in there now! I shall come. Do you
+understand? I shall come. (ANNA moves towards the other room.) There,
+that's it! (He repeats his words to her every time she looks back as she
+goes.) Yes, directly!--That's it!--In a very little while! Go now!
+
+Bang. Excuse me, your Majesty, but it is terribly hot in here, and the
+affection of my heart which troubles me is attacking me painfully. Will
+your Majesty be pleased to allow me to withdraw?
+
+The Mayor. With all respect, I should like to be allowed to make the
+same request. Your Majesty is obviously very much upset, and I am sure
+we are all unwilling that our presence--which, indeed, was unintentional
+and unsought by us--should augment a distress of mind which is so
+natural in one of your Majesty's noble disposition, and so inevitable
+considering the deep sense of gratitude your Majesty must feel towards a
+friend who--
+
+The King (interrupting him). Hush, hush! Let us have a little respect
+for the truth in the presence of the dead! Do not misunderstand me--I do
+not mean to say that any of you would lie wilfully; but the atmosphere
+that surrounds a king is infected. And, as regards that--just a word or
+two. I have only a short time. But as a farewell message from me--
+
+The Priest. A farewell message?
+
+The King.--give my greeting to what is called Christianity in this
+country. Greet it from me! I have been thinking a great deal about
+Christian folk lately.
+
+The Priest. I am glad to hear it!
+
+The King. Your tone jars on me! Greet those who call themselves
+Christians--. Oh! come, come--don't crane your necks and bend your backs
+like that, as if the most precious words of wisdom were about to drop
+from my lips! (To himself.) Is it any use my saying anything serious to
+them? (Aloud.) I suppose you are Christians?
+
+The General. Why, of course! Faith is invaluable--
+
+The King.--in preserving discipline? (To the Mayor.) How about you?
+
+The Mayor. I was taught by my parents, of blessed memory--
+
+The King. Oh, so they are "of blessed memory" too, are they? Well, what
+did they teach you?
+
+The Mayor. To fear God, honour the King--
+
+The King.--and love the brotherhood! You are a public official, Mr.
+Mayor. That is what a Christian is, nowadays. (To BANG.) And you?
+
+Bang. Of late I have been able to go so little to church, because of my
+cough. And in that unwholesome atmosphere--
+
+The King.--you go to sleep. But you are a Christian?
+
+Bang. Undoubtedly!
+
+The King (to the Priest). And you are one, of course?
+
+The Priest. By the grace of God I hope so!
+
+The King (snapping his fingers). Yes, that is the regulation formula,
+my good fellow! You all answer by the card! Very well, then--you are
+a community of Christians; and it is not my fault if such a
+community refuses to take any serious interest in what really affects
+Christianity. Tell it from me that it ought to keep an eye on the
+monarchy.
+
+The Priest. Christianity has nothing to do with such things. It concerns
+only the souls of men!
+
+The King (aside). That voice. (Aloud.) I know--it does not concern
+itself with the air a patient breathes, but only with his lungs!
+Excellent!--All the same, Christianity ought to keep an eye on the
+monarchy. Ought to tear the falsehood away from it! Ought not to go in
+crowds to stare at a coronation in a church, like apes grinning at a
+peacock! I know what I felt at that moment. I had rehearsed it all once
+that morning already--ha, ha! Ask your Christianity if it may not be
+about time for it to interest itself a little in the monarchy? It
+seems to me that it scarcely ought any longer to allow monarchy, like
+a seductive harlot, to keep militarism before the people's eyes as
+an ideal--seeing that that is exactly contrary to the teachings of
+Christianity, or to encourage class divisions, luxury, hypocrisy and
+vanity. Monarchy has become so all-pervading a lie that it infects even
+the most upright of men.
+
+The Mayor. But I don't understand, your Majesty!
+
+The King. Don't you? You are an upright man yourself, Mr. Mayor--a most
+worthy man.
+
+The Mayor. I do not know whether your Majesty is pleased to jest again?
+
+The King. In sober earnest, I say you are one of the most upright of
+men.
+
+The Mayor. I cannot tell your Majesty how flattered I am to hear your
+Majesty say so!
+
+The King. Have you any decorations?
+
+The Mayor. Your Majesty's government has not, so far, deigned to cast
+their eyes on me.
+
+The King. That fault will be repaired. Be sure of that!
+
+The General (to the Mayor). To have that from his Majesty's own mouth
+is equivalent to seeing it gazetted. I am fortunate to be able to be the
+first to congratulate you!
+
+Bang. Allow me to congratulate you also!
+
+The Priest. And me too! I have had the honour of working hand in hand
+with you, Mr. Mayor, for many years; I know how well deserved such a
+distinction is.
+
+The Mayor. I feel quite overcome; but I must beg to be allowed to lay my
+thanks at your Majesty's feet. I trust I shall not prove unworthy of the
+distinction. One hesitates to make such confessions--but I am a candid
+man, and I admit that one of the chief aims of my ambition has been to
+be allowed some day to participate in--
+
+The King (interrupting him).--in this falsehood. That just points
+my moral. As long as even upright men's thoughts run in that mould,
+Christianity cannot pretend to have any real hold on the nation. As for
+your decoration, you are quite sure to get one from my successor.--In
+a word, Christianity must tackle monarchy! And if it cannot tear the
+falsehood from it without destroying it, then let it destroy it!
+
+The General. Your Majesty!
+
+The King (turning to him). The same thing applies to a standing army,
+which is a creation of monarchy's. I do not believe that such an
+institution--with all its temptations to power, all its inevitable vices
+and habits--could be tolerated if Christianity were a living thing. Away
+with it!
+
+The Priest. Really, your Majesty--!
+
+The King (turning to him). The same applies to an established
+church--another of monarchy's creations! If we had in our country a
+Christianity worth the name, that salvation trade would stink in men's
+nostrils. Away with it!
+
+The Mayor (reproachfully). Oh, your Majesty!
+
+The King (turning on him). The same applies to the artificial disparity
+of circumstances that you prate about with tears in your eyes! I heard
+you once. Class distinctions are fostered by monarchy.
+
+Bang. But equality is an impossibility!
+
+The King. If _you_ would only make it possible--which it can be
+made--even the socialists would cease to clamour for anything else. I
+tell you this: Christianity has destroyed ideals. Christianity lives on
+dogmas and formulas, instead of on ideals.
+
+The Priest. Its ideals lead us away from earth to heaven--
+
+The King. Not in a balloon, even if it were stuffed full of all the
+pages of the Bible! Christianity's ideals will lead to heaven only when
+they are realised on earth--never before.
+
+The Priest. May I venture to say that Christianity's ideal is a pious
+life.
+
+The King. Yes. But does not Christianity aim at more than that, or is it
+going to be content with making some few believers?
+
+The Priest. It is written: "Few are chosen."
+
+The King. Then it has given up the job in advance?
+
+The Mayor. I think our friend is right, that Christianity has never
+occupied itself with such things as your Majesty demands of it.
+
+The King. But what I mean is, could it not bring itself to do so?
+
+The Priest. If it did, it would lose sight of its _inner_ aim. The
+earliest communities are the model for a Christian people!
+
+The King (turning away from him). Oh, have any model you like, so long
+as it leads to something!
+
+The General. I must say I am astonished at the penetration your Majesty
+slows even into the deepest subjects.
+
+Bang. Yes, I have never heard anything like it! I have not had the
+advantage of a university education, so I don't really understand it.
+
+The King. And to think that I imagined that I should find my allies,
+my followers, in Christian people! One is so reluctant to give up _all_
+hope! I thought that a Christian nation would storm the strongholds of
+lies in our modern, so-called Christian communities--storm them, capture
+them!--and begin with monarchy, because that would need most courage,
+and because its falsehood lies deepest and goes farthest. I thought that
+Christianity would one day prove to be the salt of the earth. No, do
+_not_ greet Christianity from me. I have said nothing, and do not mean
+it. I am what men call a betrayed man--betrayed by all the most ideal
+powers of life. There! Now I have done!
+
+The General. But what does your Majesty mean? Betrayed? By whom? Who are
+the traitors? Really--!
+
+The King. Pooh! Think it over!--As a matter of fact I am the only one
+that has been foolish.
+
+Bang. Your Majesty, just now you were so full of vigour--!
+
+The King. Don't let that astonish you, my friend! I am a mixture of
+enthusiasm and world-weariness; the scion of a decrepit race is
+not likely to be any better than that, you know! And as for being a
+reformer--! Ha, ha! Well, I thank you all for having listened to me so
+patiently. Whatever I said had no significance--except perhaps that,
+like the oysters, I had to open my shell before I died.--Good-bye!
+
+The General. I really cannot find it in my heart to leave your Majesty
+when your Majesty is in so despondent a humour.
+
+The King. I am afraid you will have to try, my gallant friend!--Don't
+look so dejected, Mr. Mayor!--Suppose some day serious-minded men
+should feel just as humiliated at such falsehoods existing as you do
+now because you have not been allowed to participate in them. I might
+perhaps be able to endure being king then! But as things are now, I am
+not strong enough for the job. I feel as if I had been shouldered out
+of actual life on to this strip of carpet that I am standing on! That is
+what my attempts at reform have ended in!
+
+The Mayor. May I be allowed to say that the impression made on my mind
+by the somewhat painful scene we have just gone through is that your
+Majesty is overwrought.
+
+The King. Mad, you mean?
+
+The Mayor. God forbid I should use such a word of my King!
+
+The King. Always punctilious!--Well, judging by the fact that every one
+else considers themselves sane, I must undoubtedly be the mad one. It
+is as simple as a sum in arithmetic.--And, in all conscience, isn't
+it madness, when all is said and done, to take such trifles so much to
+heart?--to bother about a few miserable superannuated forms that are not
+of the slightest importance?--a few venerable, harmless prejudices?--a
+few foolish social customs and other trumpery affairs of that sort?
+
+The General. Quite so!
+
+The Mayor. Your Majesty is absolutely right!
+
+Bang. I quite agree!
+
+The Priest. It is exactly what I have been thinking all the time.
+
+The King. And probably we had better add to the list certain
+extravagant ideas--perhaps even certain dangerous ideas, like mine about
+Christianity?
+
+The Priest (hastily and impressively). Your Majesty is mistaken on the
+subject of Christianity.
+
+The Mayor. Christianity is entirely a personal matter, your Majesty.
+
+The General. Your Majesty expects too much of it. Now, as a comfort for
+the dying--!
+
+The King. And a powerful instrument of discipline.
+
+The General (smiling). Ah, your Majesty!
+
+Bang (confidentially). Christianity is no longer such a serious matter
+nowadays, except for certain persons--. (Glances at the PRIEST.)
+
+The King. All I have to say on the head of such unanimous approval
+is this: that in such a shallow society, where there is no particular
+distinction between lies and truth, because most things are mere
+forms without any deeper meaning--where ideals are considered to be
+extravagant, dangerous things--it is not so _very_ amusing to be alive.
+
+The General. Oh, your Majesty! Really, you--! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+The King. Don't you agree with me?--Ah, if only one could grapple with
+it!--but we should need to be many to do that, and better equipped than
+I am.
+
+The General. Better equipped than your Majesty? Your Majesty is the most
+gifted man in the whole country!
+
+All. Yes!
+
+The General. Yes--your Majesty must excuse me--I spoke involuntarily!
+
+The Mayor. There was a tone running through all your Majesty said that
+seemed to suggest that your Majesty was contemplating--. (Breaks off.)
+
+The King.--going away? Yes.
+
+All. Going away?
+
+The General. And abdicating? For heaven's sake, your Majesty--!
+
+Bang. That would mean handing us over to the crown prince--the pietist!
+
+The Priest (betraying his pleasure in spite of himself). And his mother!
+
+The King. You are pleased at the idea, parson! It will be a sight to
+see her and her son prancing along, with all of you in your best clothes
+following them! Hurrah!
+
+The General. Ha, ha, ha! Ho, ho, ho!
+
+Bang. Ha-ha-ha! (Coughs.) I get such a cough when I laugh.
+
+The King (seriously). I had no intention of provoking laughter in the
+presence of death. I can hear the sounds of mourning through the open
+door.
+
+The Mayor. With all due respect to the church--the vast majority of the
+nation have no desire for things to come to _that_--to the accession of
+a pietist to the throne. If your Majesty threatens to abdicate you will
+have us all at your feet.
+
+The General (with decision). The accession of a new king just now would
+be universally considered a national calamity. I will wager my life on
+that!
+
+Bang. And I too!
+
+The King. My excellent friends--you must take the consequences of your
+actions!
+
+The Mayor (despairingly). But _this_! Who ever imagined such a thing?
+
+The General and Bang. No one--no one!
+
+The King. So much the worse. What is it you are asking me to do? To
+stay where I am, so as to keep another man down? Is that work for a man?
+Shame!
+
+The Mayor (in distress). We ask more than that! Your Majesty is making a
+fatal mistake! The whole of your Majesty's dissatisfaction springs from
+the fact that you believe yourself to be deserted by your people because
+the elections are going contrary to what your Majesty had hoped. Nothing
+is further from the truth! The people fight shy of revolutionary ideas;
+but they love their King!
+
+Bang. They love their King!
+
+The King. And that white dove, who came confidently to my hand--she had
+some experience of what their love was!
+
+The Mayor. The King's associates may displease the people; ideas may
+alter; but love for their King endures!
+
+The Others. Endures!
+
+The King. Cease! Cease!
+
+The General (warmly). Your Majesty may command us to do anything except
+refrain from giving utterance to a free people's freely offered homage
+of devotion, loyalty, and love for its royal house!
+
+The Mayor (emotionally). There is no one who would not give his life for
+his King!
+
+Bang, The General, and The Priest. No one!
+
+The General. Try us! (They all press forward.)
+
+The King. Done with you! (Takes a revolver from his pocket.) Since
+yesterday I have carried this little thing in my pocket. (They all look
+alarmed.)
+
+The Priest. Merciful heavens!
+
+The King (holding out the revolver to him). Will you die for me? If so,
+I will continue to be King.
+
+The Priest. I? What does your Majesty mean? It would be a great sin!
+
+The King. You love me, I suppose?
+
+All (desperately). Yes, your Majesty!
+
+The King. Those who love, believe. Therefore, believe me when I say
+this: If there is a single one of you who, without thinking twice about
+it, will die for his King now--here--at once--then I shall consider that
+as a command laid upon me to go on living and working.
+
+The Mayor (in a terrified whisper). He is insane!
+
+The General (whispers). Yes!
+
+The King. I can hear you!--But I suppose you love your King, even if he
+is insane?
+
+All (in agitated tones). Yes, your Majesty!
+
+The King. Majesty, majesty! There is only One who has any majesty about
+Him--certainly not a madman! But if I have been driven mad by the lies
+that surround me, it would be a holy deed to make me sound again. You
+said you would die for me. Redeem your words! That will make me well
+again!--You, General?
+
+The General. My beloved King, it would be--as our reverend friend so
+aptly put it--a most dreadful sin.
+
+The King. You have let slip a splendid opportunity for showing your
+heroism.--You ought to have seen that I was only putting you to the
+test!--Good-bye! (Goes into the room on the left.)
+
+The General. Absolutely insane!
+
+The Others. Absolutely.
+
+The Mayor. Such great abilities, too! What might not have been made of
+him!
+
+Bang. The pity of it!
+
+The Priest. I got so alarmed.
+
+Bang. So did I! (A loud pistol-shot is heard.)
+
+The Priest. Another shot? (A pitiful woman's cry is heard from the other
+room.)
+
+The Mayor. What on earth was that?
+
+Bang. I daren't think!
+
+The Priest. Nor I! (An old woman rushes out of the room on the left,
+calling out: "Help!--Help!--The King!" and hurries out at the back,
+calling: "The King! Help, help!" The GENERAL and the MAYOR rush into
+the other room. Voices are heard outside asking: "The King?--Was it the
+King?" The confusion and uproar grows. In the midst of it ANNA comes
+stumbling out of the other room, her hands stretched out before her, as
+if she did not know where she was going. The noise and confusion grows
+louder every minute, and crowds of people come rushing into the room
+from outside as the Curtain falls.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Three Dramas, by Bjornstjerne M. Bjornson
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THREE DRAMAS ***
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Three Dramas, by Bjornstjerne M. Bjornson
+
+Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the
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+Title: Three Dramas
+
+Author: Bjornstjerne M. Bjornson
+
+Release Date: April, 2005  [EBook #7844]
+[This file was first posted on May 22, 2003]
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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, THREE DRAMAS ***
+
+
+
+
+Nicole Apostola
+
+
+
+THREE DRAMAS
+
+THE EDITOR--THE BANKRUPT--THE KING
+
+BY BJORNSTJERNE BJORNSON
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+The three plays here presented were the outcome of a period when
+Bjornson's views on many topics were undergoing a drastic revision
+and he was abandoning much of his previous orthodoxy in many
+directions. Two of them were written during, and one immediately
+after, a three years' absence from Norway--years spent almost
+entirely in southern Europe. [Note: Further details respecting
+Bjornson's life will be found in the Introduction to Three Comedies
+by Bjornson, published in Everyman's Library in 1912.] For nearly
+ten years previous to this voluntary exile, Bjornson had been
+immersed in theatrical management and political propagandism. His
+political activities (guided by a more or less pronounced
+republican tendency) centred in an agitation for a truer equality
+between the kingdoms of Sweden and Norway, his point of view being
+that Norway had come to be regarded too much as a mere appanage of
+Sweden. Between that and his manifold and distracting cares as
+theatrical director, he had let imaginative work slide for the time
+being; but his years abroad had a recuperative effect, and, in
+addition, broadened his mental outlook in a remarkable manner.
+Foreign travel, a wider acquaintance with differing types of
+humanity, and, above all, a newly-won acquaintance with the
+contemporary literature of other countries, made a deep impression
+upon Bjornson's vigorously receptive mind. He browsed voraciously
+upon the works of foreign writers. Herbert Spencer, Darwin, John
+Stuart Mill, Taine, Max-Mueller, formed a portion of his mental
+pabulum at this time--and the result was a significant alteration
+of mental attitude on a number of questions, and a determination to
+make the attempt to embody his theories in dramatic form. He had
+gained all at once, as he wrote to Georg Brandes, the eminent
+Danish critic, "eyes that saw and ears that heard." Up to this time
+the poet in him had been predominant; now it was to be the social
+philosopher that held the reins. Just as Ibsen did, so Bjornson
+abandoned historical drama and artificial comedy for an attempt at
+prose drama which should have at all events a serious thesis. In
+this he anticipated Ibsen; for (unless we include the satirical
+political comedy, _The League of Youth_, which was published in
+1869, among Ibsen's "social dramas") Ibsen did not enter the field
+with _Pillars of Society_ [Note: Published in _The Pretenders and
+Two Other Plays_, in Everyman's Library, 1913.] until 1877,
+whereas Bjornson's _The Editor_, _The Bankrupt_, and _The King_
+were all published between 1874 and 1877. Intellectual and literary
+life in Denmark had been a good deal stirred and quickened in the
+early seventies, and the influence of that awakening was inevitably
+felt by the more eager spirits in the other Scandinavian countries.
+It is amusing to note, as one Norwegian writer has pointed out,
+that this intellectual upheaval (which, in its turn, was a
+reflection of that taking place in outer Europe) came at a time
+when the bulk of the Scandinavian folk "were congratulating
+themselves that the doubt and ferment of unrest which were
+undermining the foundations of the great communities abroad had not
+had the power to ruffle the placid surface of our good,
+old-fashioned, Scandinavian orthodoxy." Bjornson makes several sly
+hits in these plays (as does Ibsen in _Pillars of Society_) at this
+distrust of the opinions and manners of the larger communities
+outside of Scandinavia, notably America, with which the
+Scandinavian countries were more particularly in touch through
+emigration.
+
+Brandes characterises the impelling motive of these three plays as
+a passionate appeal for a higher standard of truth--in journalism,
+in finance, in monarchy: an appeal for less casuistry and more
+honesty. Such a motive was characteristic of the vehement honesty
+of Bjornson's own character; he must always, as he says in one of
+his letters, go over to the side of any one whom he believed to
+"hold the truth in his hands."
+
+_The Editor_ (_Redaktoeren_) was written while Bjornson was in
+Florence, and was published at Copenhagen in 1874. It was at first
+not accepted for performance at Christiania or Copenhagen, though
+an unauthorised performance of it was given at one of the lesser
+Christiania theatres in 1875, Meanwhile a Swedish version of it had
+been produced, authoritatively, at Stockholm in February of that
+year. The play eventually made its way on the Norwegian and Danish
+stage; but, before that, it had been seen in German dress at Munich
+and Hamburg. As an inevitable result of his recent activities as a
+political speaker and pamphleteer, Bjornson had come in for a good
+deal of vituperation in the press, a fact which no doubt added some
+gall to the ink with which he drew the portrait of the journalist
+in this play. The Stockholm critics, indeed, had condemned _The
+Editor_ as merely a pamphleteering attack on the editor of a
+well-known journal. In answer to this criticism Bjornson wrote from
+Rome in March, 1875: "It is said that my play is a pamphleteering
+attack on a certain individual. That is a deliberate lie. I have
+studied the journalist type, which is here represented, in many
+other countries besides my own. The chief characteristic of this
+type is to be actuated by an inordinate egotism that is perpetually
+being inflamed by passion; that makes use of bogeys to frighten
+people, and does this in such a way that, while it makes all its
+honest contemporaries afraid of any freedom of thought, it also
+produces the same result on every single individual by means
+of reckless persecution. As I wished to portray that type, I
+naturally took a good deal of the portrait from the representative
+of the type that I knew best; but, like every artist who wishes to
+produce a complete creation, I had to build it up from separate
+revelations of itself. There can, therefore, be no question of any
+individual being represented in my play except in so far as he may
+partially agree with the type."
+
+However much Bjornson may have written _The Editor_ with a
+"purpose," his vivid dramatic sense kept him from becoming merely
+didactic. The little tragedy that takes place amongst this homely
+group of people makes quite a moving play, thanks to the skill with
+which the types are depicted--the bourgeois father and mother, with
+their mixture of timidity and self-interest; the manly,
+straightforward young politician, resolute to carry on the work
+that has sapped his brother's life; the warped, de-humanised nature
+of the journalist; the sturdy common-sense of the yeoman farmer;
+and the doctor, the "family friend," as a sort of mocking chorus.
+Besides its plea for a higher regard for truth, the play also
+attacks the precept, preached by worldly wisdom, that we ought to
+harden our natures to make ourselves invulnerable; a proposition
+which was hateful to one of Bjornson's persistently impressionable
+and ingenuous nature. The fact remains, as Brandes grimly admits,
+that "nowadays we have only a very qualified sympathy with public
+characters who succumb to the persecution of the press." Brandes
+sees in the play, besides its obvious motive, an allegory. Halvdan
+Rejn, the weary and dying politician, is (he says) meant for Henrik
+Wergeland, a Norwegian poet-politician who had similar struggles,
+sank under the weight of similar at tacks, died after a long
+illness, and was far higher reputed after his death than during his
+life. In Harald Rejn, with his honest enthusiasm and misjudged
+political endeavours Brandes sees Bjornson himself; while the
+yeoman brother, Haakon, seems to him to typify the Norwegian
+people.
+
+_The Bankrupt_ (_En Fallit_: literally _A Bankruptcy_) was partly
+written in Rome, partly in Tyrol, and published at Copenhagen in
+1875. It was a thing entirely new to the Scandinavian stage for a
+dramatist to deal seriously with the tragi-comedy of money, and,
+while making a forcible plea for honesty, to contrive to produce a
+stirring and entertaining play on what might seem so prosaic a
+foundation as business finance. Some of the play's earliest critics
+dismissed it as "dry," "prosaic," "trivial," because of the nature
+of its subject; but it made a speedy success on the boards, and
+very soon became a popular item in the repertories of the
+Christiania, Bergen and Copenhagen theatres. It was actually first
+performed, in a Swedish translation, at Stockholm, a few days
+before it was produced at Christiania. Very soon, too, the play
+reached Berlin, Munich, Vienna, and other German and Austrian
+theatres. It was played in Paris, at the Theatre Libre in 1894. The
+character of Berent, the lawyer, which became a favourite one with
+the famous Swedish actor Ernst Possart, was admittedly more or less
+of a portrait of a well-known Norwegian lawyer, by name Dunker.
+When Bjornson was writing the play, he went to stay for some days
+with Dunker, who was to instruct him as to the legal aspect of
+bankruptcy. Bjornson took the opportunity of studying the lawyer as
+well as the law.
+
+_The King_ (_Kongen_) was written at Aulestad, the Norwegian home
+in which Bjornson settled after his return from abroad, and was
+published at Copenhagen in 1877. It is perhaps not surprising that
+the play, with its curious blend of poetry and social philosophy,
+and its somewhat exuberant (though always interesting) wordiness,
+was not at first a conspicuous success on the stage; but the
+interest aroused by the published book was enormous. It was widely
+read and vigorously discussed, both in Scandinavia and abroad; and
+while, on the one hand, it brought upon Bjornson the most
+scurrilous abuse and the harshest criticism from his political
+opponents, on the other hand a prominent compatriot of his (whose
+opinion was worth having) gave it as his verdict, at a political
+meeting held soon after the play's publication, that "the most
+notable thing that has happened in Norway of late--or at any rate,
+one of the most notable--in my opinion is this last book of
+Bjornson's--_The King_."
+
+The idea of a "democratic monarchy"--a kind of reformed
+constitutional monarchy, that should be a half-way house on the
+road to republicanism--was not entirely new; Bjornson's success was
+in presenting the problem as seen from the _inside_--that is to
+say, from the king's point of view. His opponents, of course,
+branded him as a red-hot republican, which he was not. In a preface
+he wrote for a later edition of the play, he says that he did not
+intend the play mainly as an argument in favour of republicanism,
+but "to extend the boundaries of free discussion"; but that, at
+the same time, he believed the republic to be the ultimate form of
+government, and all European states to be proceeding at varying
+rates of speed towards it.
+
+_The King_ is composed of curiously incongruous elements. The
+railway meeting in the first act is pure comedy of a kind to
+compare with the meeting in Ibsen's _An Enemy of Society_; the last
+act is melodrama with a large admixture of remarkably interesting
+social philosophy; the intervening acts betray the poet that always
+underlay the dramatist in Bjornson. The crudity, again, of the
+melodramatic appearance of the wraith of Clara's father in the
+third act, contrasts strangely with the mature thoughtfulness of
+much of the last act and with the tender charm of what has gone
+before: And--strangest incongruity of all in a play so essentially
+"actual"--there is in the original, between each act, a mysterious
+"mellemspil," or "interlude," in verse, consisting of somewhat
+cryptic dialogues between Genii and Unseen Choirs in the clouds,
+between an "Old Grey Man" and a "Chorus of Tyrants" in a desolate
+scene of snow and ice, between Choruses of Men, Women, and Children
+in a sylvan landscape, and so forth--their utterances being of the
+nature of the obscurest choruses in the Greek dramatists, but for
+the most part with a less obvious relevance to the play itself.
+Such a device leads the present-day reader's thoughts inevitably to
+the use made of the "unseen chorus," in a similar way, by Thomas
+Hardy in _The Dynasts_; but Hardy's interludes are closely relevant
+to his drama and help it on its way, which Bjornson's do not. They
+have been entirely omitted in the present translation, on the
+ground of their complete superfluity as well as from the extreme
+difficulty of retaining their "atmosphere" in translation.
+
+None of the three plays in the present volume have previously been
+translated into English. German, French, and Swedish versions of
+_The Editor_ are extant; German, Swedish, Finnish, French, and
+Hungarian of _The Bankrupt_; French and Spanish of _The King_.
+
+R. FARQUHARSON SHARP.
+
+The following is a list of the works of Bjornstjerne Bjornson:--
+
+DRAMATIC AND POETIC WORKS.--Mellem Slagene (Between the Battles),
+1857. Halte-Hulda (Lame Hulda), 1858. Kong Sverre (King Sverre),
+1861. Sigurd Slembe (Sigurd the Bastard), 1862; translated by
+W. M. Payne, 1888. Maria Stuart i Skotland, 1864. De Nygifte (The
+Newly-Married Couple), 1865; translated by T. Soelfeldt, 1868; by
+S. and E. Hjerleid, 1870; as A Lesson in Marriage, by G. I.
+Colbron, 1911. Sigurd Jorsalfar (Sigurd the Crusader), 1872.
+Redaktoeren (The Editor), 1874. En Fallit (A Bankruptcy), 1874.
+Kongen (The King), 1877. Leonarda, 1879. Det ny System (The New
+System), 1879. En Hanske, 1883; translated as A Gauntlet, by
+H. L. Braekstad 1890; by Osman Edwards 1894. Over AEvne (Beyond our
+Strength), Part I., 1883; translated as Pastor Sang, by W. Wilson,
+1893; Part II., 1895. Geografi og Kaerlighed (Geography and Love),
+1885; Paul Lange og Tora Parsberg, 1898; translated by H. L.
+Braekstad, 1899. Laboremus, 1901; translation published by
+Chapman and Hall, 1901. Paa Storhove (At Storhove), 1904;
+Daglannet, 1904; Naar den ny Vin blomstrer (When the Vineyards
+are in Blossom), 1909; The Newly-Married Couple, Leonarda, and A
+Gauntlet, translated by R. Farquharson Sharp (Everyman's Library),
+1912.
+
+Digte og Sange (Poems and Songs), 1870; Arnljot Gelline, 1870.
+
+
+FICTION.--Synnoeve Solbakken 1857; translated as Trust and Trial,
+by Mary Howitt, 1858; as Love and Life in Norway, by Hon. Augusta
+Bethell and A. Plesner, 1870; as The Betrothal, in H. and
+A. Zimmern's Half-hours with Foreign Novelists, 1880; also
+translated by Julie Sutter, 1881; by R. B. Anderson, 1881. Arne,
+1858; translated by T. Krag, 1861; by A. Plesner and S. Rugeley-
+Powers, 1866; by R. B. Anderson, 1881; by W. Low (Bohn's Library),
+1890. Smaastykker (Sketches), 1860. En glad Gut, 1860; translated
+as Ovind, by S. and E. Hjerleid 1869; as The Happy Boy, by R. B.
+Anderson, 1881; as The Happy Lad (published by Blackie), 1882.
+Fiskerjenten, 1868 translated as The Fisher Maiden, by M. E. Niles,
+1869; as The Fishing Girl, by A. Plesner and F. Richardson, 1870;
+as The Fishing Girl, by S. and E. Hjerleid, 1871; as The Fisher
+Maiden, by R. B. Anderson, 1882. Brude-Slaatten, 1873; translated
+as The Bridal March, by R. B. Anderson, 1882; by J. E. Williams,
+1893. Fortaellinger (Tales), 1872. Magnhild, 1877; translated by
+R. B. Anderson, 1883. Kaptejn Mansana, 1879; translated as Captain
+Mansana by R. B. Anderson, 1882. Det flager i Byen og paa Havnen
+(Flags are Flying in Town and Port), 1884; translated as The
+Heritage of the Kurts, by C Fairfax 1892. Paa Guds Veje, 1889;
+translated as In God's Way, by E. Carmichael, 1890. Nye Fortaellinger
+(New Tales), 1894; To Fortaelinger (Two Tales), 1901; Mary, 1906.
+Collected edition of the Novels, translated into English, edited by
+E. Gosse, 13 vols., 1895-1909.
+
+[See Life of Bjornson by W. M. Payne, 1910; E. Gosse's Study of
+the Writings of Bjornson, in edition of Novels, 1895; H. H.
+Boyesen's Essays on Scandinavian Literature, 1895; G. Brandes'
+Critical Studies of Ibsen and Bjornson, 1899.]
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+THE EDITOR
+THE BANKRUPT
+THE KING
+
+
+
+THE EDITOR
+
+A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+EVJE, a prosperous distiller.
+MRS. EVJE.
+GERTRUD, their daughter, engaged to HARALD REJN.
+The DOCTOR.
+The EDITOR.
+HAAKON REJN, a yeoman farmer.
+HALVDAN REJN and HARALD REJN, his brothers.
+The DOCTOR'S ASSISTANT.
+INGEBORG, maid to the Evjes.
+JOHN, coachman to the Evjes.
+HALVDAN REJN's HOUSEKEEPER.
+HALVDAN REJN's MAID.
+A Lamplighter.
+
+The action takes place in a town in Norway.
+
+THE EDITOR
+
+
+ACT I
+
+(SCENE.--The breakfast-room at the EVJES' house. A glass-cupboard,
+in two partitions, stands against the left-hand wall, well forward.
+On the top of it stand a variety of objects. Beyond it, a stove. At
+the back of the room, a sideboard. In the middle of the room a
+small round folding table, laid for four persons. There is an
+armchair by the stove; a sofa on the right; chairs, etc. A door at
+the back of the room, and another in the left-hand wall. There are
+paintings on the walls, and the general impression of the room is
+one of snug comfort. EVJE, MRS. EVJE, and GERTRUD are seated at the
+table. INGEBORG is standing by the sideboard. Breakfast is
+proceeding in silence as the curtain rises. INGEBORG takes away
+EVJE'S cup and re-fills it. As she brings it back to him, a ring is
+heard at the bell. GERTRUD gets up.)
+
+Evje. Sit still; John will go to the door. (GERTRUD sits down
+again. Directly afterwards, another ring is heard.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. What can John be doing?
+
+Ingeborg. I will go. (Goes out. She comes back, showing in HARALD
+REJN, who hangs up his hat and coat in the hall before coming
+in.)
+
+Harald. Good morning!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Good morning! (HARALD shakes hands with them.)
+
+Harald (to GERTRUD, who is sitting on the right). Good morning,
+Gertrud! Am I a bit late to-day? (GERTRUD, who has taken his hand,
+looks lovingly at him but says nothing.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, I suppose you have been for a long constitutional,
+although the weather is none of the best.
+
+Harald. It is not; I expect we shall have a thick fog by the
+afternoon.
+
+Evje. Did you have breakfast before you went out?
+
+Harald. I did, thanks. (To INGEBORG, who has come forward with a
+cup of coffee.) No, thank you. I will sit down here while you are
+finishing. (Sits down on the sofa behind GERTRUD.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. How is your brother Halvdan?
+
+Harald. A little better to-day, thanks--but of course we cannot
+build on that.
+
+Evje. Is your eldest brother coming to see him?
+
+Harald. Yes, we expect him every day. Probably his wife has
+come with him, and that has been the reason of the delay; she
+finds it difficult to get away.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Halvdan so often talks of her.
+
+Harald. Yes, I believe she is the best friend he has.
+
+Evje. No wonder, then, that she wants to come and say good-bye
+to him. By the way, have you seen how the paper bids him
+good-bye to-day?
+
+Harald. Yes, I have seen it.
+
+Mrs. Evje (hurriedly). I hope Halvdan has not seen it?
+
+Harald (smiling). No, it is a long time now since Halvdan read a
+newspaper. (A pause.)
+
+Evje. Then I suppose you have read what they say about you too?
+
+Harald. Naturally.
+
+Mrs. Evje. It is worse than anything they have said about you
+before.
+
+Harald. Well--of course, you know, my election meeting comes on
+this evening.
+
+Evje. I can tell you it has upset _us_.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Day after day we wake up to find our house invaded by
+these abominations. That is a nice thought to begin your day's
+work with!
+
+Harald. Is it so indispensable, then, to educated people to begin
+their day by reading such things?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Well--one must have a paper.
+
+Evje. And most people read it. Besides, one can't deny that a lot
+of what is in it is true, although its general tendency is to run
+everyone down.
+
+Harald (getting up). Quite so, yes. (Leans over GERTRUD'S
+shoulder.) Gertrud, have you read it?
+
+Gertrud (does not look at him, and hesitates for a moment; then
+says gently): Yes.
+
+Harald (under his breath). So that is it! (Walks away from her.)
+
+Evje. We have had a little bit of a scene here, I must tell you.
+
+Harald (walking up and down). Yes, I can understand that.
+
+Evje. I will repeat what I have said already: they write about
+_you_, and _we_ have to suffer for it.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, and Gertrud especially.
+
+Gertrud. No--I don't want anyone to consider me in the matter at
+all. Besides, it is not what they say of you in the paper that
+hurts me--. (Stops abruptly.)
+
+Harald (who has come up to her). But what your parents are
+feeling about it? Is that it? (GERTRUD does not answer.)
+
+Evje (pushing back his plate). There, I have finished! (They rise
+from the table. MRS. EVJE helps INGEBORG to clear away the
+things, which INGEBORG carries out of the room.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Couldn't you wash your hands of politics, Harald?
+(GERTRUD goes out to the left.)
+
+Evje (who has followed GERTRUD with his eyes). We cannot deny that
+it pains us considerably that in our old age our peaceful home
+should be invaded by all this squabbling and abomination.
+
+Mrs. Evje (who rung for INGEBORG to move the table). You have no
+need to do it, either, Harald! You are a grown man, and your own
+master. (INGEBORG comes in. HARALD helps her to move the table.)
+
+Evje (to his wife). Don't let Ingeborg hear. Come along, we will go
+into my room.
+
+Mrs. Evje. You forget, all the windows are open there. I have had
+the fire lit here, so that we could stay here.
+
+Evje. Very well--then we will sit here. (Sits down by the fire.)
+Will you have a cigar?
+
+Harald. No, thanks. (INGEBORG goes out.)
+
+Evje (taking a cigar and lighting it). As my wife said just now--
+couldn't you wash your hands of politics, Harald? You, who have
+both talent and means, need not be at a loss for a vocation in
+life.
+
+Harald (sitting down on the sofa). If I have any talent, it is for
+politics--and so I intend to devote my means to that.
+
+Evje. What do you propose to gain by it?
+
+Harald. What any one who believes in a cause hopes to gain--that
+is to say, to help it on.
+
+Evje. And to become a cabinet minister?
+
+Harald. I certainly can't do that any other way; well, I admit--
+that _is_ my idea.
+
+Evje. You will not be elected now.
+
+Harald. That we shall see.
+
+Evje. But suppose you are not re-elected to-morrow?
+
+Harald. Then I must find some other way.
+
+Evje. Always with the same object?
+
+Harald. Always with the same object. (EVJE sighs.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (who has taken her sewing and sat down by the fire).
+Oh, these politics!
+
+Harald. At any rate, they are the most prominent factors in
+life just now.
+
+Evje. We do not suppose we can exercise any influence over you. But
+at any rate it is possible that you yourself have not considered
+the position into which you have put the whole of us. (Both he and
+his wife avoid looking at HARALD during this discussion.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Say what you really mean, dear--that he is making us
+all thoroughly unhappy, and that is the truth!
+
+Harald (getting up, and walking up and down). Well, look here--I
+have a proposal to make. It is, that you should abandon all
+opposition to Gertrud's marrying me at once. To-day again my
+brother has expressed the wish that we should be married by his
+bedside; so that he should be able to take part in it. I scarcely
+need add how happy it would make me.
+
+Evje. But whether she is here at home or married to you, you know,
+her parents' distress would be just as great every time their child
+was persecuted.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Surely you can appreciate that!
+
+Harald. But what answer am I to give to my brother's request?--
+most likely the last he will ever--. (Stops.)
+
+Evje (after a pause). He is very kind to wish it, as he always is.
+Nothing would make us happier; but we who are her parents do not
+consider that you could make our daughter happy as long as you
+remain in politics and on the lines on which you are now
+travelling.
+
+Harald (after a pause, during which he has stood still). That is to
+say, you contemplate breaking off our engagement?
+
+Evje (looking at him quickly). Far from it!
+
+Mrs. Evje (at the same time). How can you say such a thing?
+
+Evje (turning towards the fire again). We have spoken about it
+to Gertrud to-day--as to whether it would not be possible to
+induce you to choose some other career.
+
+Mrs. Evje. You understand now, why you found Gertrud upset. You
+must listen to us now, as she did, in all friendliness.
+
+Evje (getting up and standing with his back to the fire). The first
+thing I do in the morning is to read my paper. You know what
+was in it to-day--the same as is in it now every day.
+
+Mrs. Evje. No; I am sure it has never been as bad as to-day.
+
+Harald (walking up and down again). The election is just at
+hand!
+
+Evje. Well--it is just as painful to us, her father and mother,
+whether it is before or after the election. We are not accustomed
+to associate with any one who has not first-class credentials--and
+now we have to endure seeing doubt cast upon our own son-in-law's.
+Do not misunderstand me; to my mind, for credentials to be
+first-class they must not only actually be so, but must also be
+considered to be so by people in general. (HARALD begins to walk
+up and down again.) The second thing I do in the morning is to
+open my letters. Amongst to-day's were several from friends we
+had invited to a party we thought of giving--if, that is to say,
+your brother's illness took no sudden turn for the worse. No fewer
+than ten of them refuse our invitation--most of them making some
+excuse, and a few with a little more show of a real reason; but one
+of them speaks straight out, and I have his letter here. (Takes it
+from his pocket.) I have kept it for you. It is from my father's
+old friend, the bishop. I haven't my spectacles--and for me to have
+mislaid my spectacles will show you what a state of mind I am in. I
+don't think I have done such a thing for--. Here, read it yourself!
+Read it aloud!
+
+Harald (taking the letter). "My dear Mr. Evje. As you are my poor
+dear friend's son, you must listen to the truth from me. I cannot
+willingly come to your house while I might meet there a certain
+person who, certainly, is one of you, but nevertheless is a person
+whom I cannot hold in entire respect."
+
+Mrs. Evje. Well, Harald, what do you think our feelings must be
+when we read things like that?
+
+Evje. Do not imagine that, in spite of that, _we_ do not hold you
+in entire respect. We only ask you to ensure our daughter's
+happiness. You can do that with a word.
+
+Mrs. Evje. We know what you are, whatever people say--even if they
+are bishops. But, in return, you ought to have confidence in our
+judgment; and our advice to you is, have done with it! Marry
+Gertrud at once, and go away for your honeymoon; by the time you
+come back, people will have got something else to talk about--and
+you will have found something else to occupy you as well.
+
+Evje. You must not misunderstand us. We mean no coercion. We are
+not insisting on this alternative. If you wish to be married, you
+shall--without feeling yourself obliged to change your vocation for
+_our_ sakes. We only want to make it clear that it would pain us--
+pain us very deeply.
+
+Mrs. Evje. If you want to take time to think it over, or want to
+talk it over with Gertrud or with your brother, do! (GERTRUD
+comes in and goes about the room looking for something.)
+
+Evje. What are you looking for, dear?
+
+Gertrud. Oh, for the--.
+
+Mrs. Evje. I expect it is the newspaper; your grandfather has been
+asking for it.
+
+Evje. Surely there is no need for _him_ to read it?
+
+Mrs. Evje. He asked me for it, too. He knows quite well what has
+made us all unhappy.
+
+Evje. Can't you tell him? No, that wouldn't do.
+
+Mrs. Evje (to GERTRUD). I suppose you have had to confess to him
+what is the matter?
+
+Gertrud (trying to conceal an emotion that is almost too much for
+her). Yes. (Finds the paper, and goes out.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (when GERTRUD has gone). Poor child!
+
+Evje. Does not what she is carrying to him, with all that it says
+about you and about your brother, seem to you like an omen? I will
+tell you how it strikes me. Your brother is a very much more gifted
+man than I am; and although it is true, as that paper says, that
+nothing of all that he has worked for has ever come to anything,
+still perhaps he may nevertheless have accomplished more than
+either you or me, although we have done a good deal between us to
+increase the prosperity of our town. I feel that to be so, although
+I cannot express what I mean precisely. But consider the reputation
+he will leave behind him. All educated people will say just what
+that paper says to-day--and to-morrow he will be forgotten. He will
+scarcely find a place in history, for history only concerns itself
+with the great leaders of men. What does it all come to, then?
+Neither present nor posthumous fame; but death--death all the time.
+He is dying by inches now, dying of the most horrible persecution;
+and the emotion that his end will cause among a few individuals
+cannot be called posthumous fame. (HARALD begins to speak, but
+checks himself.) Can _you_ hope to make a better fight of it? You
+think you are stronger? Very well; perhaps you may have the
+strength to endure it until other times come and other opinions
+with them. But there will be one by your side who will not have the
+strength to endure it. Gertrud is not strong--she could never stand
+it; indeed now--already--. (Is stopped by his emotion.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. She hides it from you, but she cannot hide it from us.
+Besides, a friend of ours--our dear doctor--said only yesterday--.
+(Breaks off in tears.)
+
+Evje. We never told you, but he warned us some time ago; we had no
+idea it was so serious, or that it had anything to do with this.
+But yesterday he frightened us; he said she--. Well, you can ask
+him yourself. He will be here directly. (HARALD fills a glass of
+water and raises it to his lips, but sets it down again untasted.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (going to him). I am so sorry for you, Harald! To have
+this come on you just now--when your splendid brother is at the
+point of death, and you yourself are being persecuted! (A ring is
+heard at the bell.)
+
+Evje. But it should be a warning to you! Sometimes a single
+movement will change the course of a whole life.
+
+Mrs. Evje. And do have a little confidence in us! (A ring is heard
+again.)
+
+Evje. What on earth has become of John to-day? That is the second
+time the bell has rung.
+
+Mrs. Evje. One of the maids is opening the door, I can hear.
+
+Evje. I expect it is the doctor.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, it is he--I know his ring. (A knock is heard at the
+door.)
+
+Evje. Come in! (The DOCTOR comes in.)
+
+The Doctor. Good morning! (Lays down his hat and stick.) Well, so I
+hear John has been up to his pranks again? The rascal is in bed.
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. In bed?
+
+The Doctor. Came home at four o'clock in the morning, drunk. Ill
+to-day, naturally. Ingeborg asked me to go in and see him.
+
+Evje. Well!--I am determined to put an end to it!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, I have never been able to understand why you were
+so lenient with John.
+
+Evje. He has been with us five years; and, besides, it makes people
+talk so, if you have to send your servants away.
+
+Mrs. Evje. But surely this sort of thing makes them talk much
+worse!
+
+Evje. Well--he shall leave this very day.
+
+The Doctor (to HARALD). How are you, Rejn?--Oho! I understand. I
+have come at an inopportune moment with my complaints of John? You
+have all got something more serious on your minds?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, we have had it out, as we agreed yesterday.
+
+The Doctor. You must forgive me, my dear Rejn, for having told my
+old friends the whole truth yesterday. She (pointing to MRS. EVJE)
+was an old playfellow of mine, and her husband and I have been
+friends from boyhood; so we have no secrets from each other. And
+Gertrud's condition makes me very uneasy.
+
+Harald. Why have you never told me that before?
+
+The Doctor. Goodness knows I have often enough given her parents
+hints that she was not well; but they have only made up their minds
+that her happiness in her engagement would quite cure her. They are
+a considerate couple, these two dear people, you know; they didn't
+want to seem interfering.
+
+Harald. Their consideration--which I appreciate and have lately had
+constant reason to be grateful for--has all at once become a more
+powerful weapon than open opposition. It makes a duty of what I
+should otherwise have felt to be unfair coercion. But now the
+situation is such that I can neither go forward nor back. After
+what I have gone through, you must see that I cannot withdraw on
+the very eve of the election--and after the election it will be too
+late. On the other hand--(with emotion)--I cannot, I dare not, go
+on with it if it is to cost me--. (Breaks off.)
+
+Evje (standing in front of the fire). There, there! Take time to
+think it over, my dear boy; talk it over with her and with your
+brother.
+
+The Doctor (who has sat down on a chair to the left, a little away
+from the others). I have just been to see your brother. A
+remarkable man! But do you know what occurred to me as I sat there?
+He is dying because he _is_ a man. The only people that are fit for
+political life nowadays are those whose hearts have been turned to
+stone. (Picks up something from the table and gets up.) Ah, just
+look here! Here is a fine specimen of petrifaction. It is a
+fragment of palm leaf of some kind, found impressed in a bit of
+rock from Spitzbergen. I sent it you myself, so I know it. That is
+what you have to be like to withstand arctic storms!--it will take
+to harm. But your brother--well, his life had been like that of the
+original palm tree, with the air sighing through its branches; the
+change of climate was too sudden for him. (Goes up to HARALD.) You
+have still to try it. Shall you be able to kill all the humanity
+that is in you? If you can make yourself as insensate a thing as
+this stone, I daresay you will be able to stand the life. But are
+you willing to venture upon political life at such a price? If you
+are--so be it; but remember that in that case you must also kill
+all humanity in Gertrud--in these two--in every one that is dear to
+you. Otherwise no one will understand you or follow you. If you
+cannot do that, you will never be more than a dabbler in politics--
+a quarter, an eighth part, of a politician--and all your efforts,
+in what you consider your vocation, will be pitiable!
+
+Mrs. Evje (who has been occupied at the back of the room, but now
+sits down by the fare). That is quite true! I know cases of
+petrifaction like that--and God preserve anyone that I love from
+it!
+
+Evje (coming forward towards HARALD). I don't want to say anything
+to hurt your feelings--least of all just now. But I just want to
+add my warning, because I believe I have discovered that there is a
+danger that persecution may make you hard.
+
+Harald. Yes!--but do you suppose it is only politics that offer
+that dangerous prospect?
+
+The Doctor. You are quite right! It is all the cry nowadays,
+"Harden yourself!" It isn't only military men and doctors that
+have to be hardened; commercial men have to be hardened, civil
+servants have to be hardened, or dried up; and everybody else has
+to be hardened for life, apparently. But what does it all mean? It
+means that we are to drive out all warmth from our hearts, all
+desire from our imaginations. There is a child's heart at the
+bottom of every one of our hearts-ever young, full of laughter and
+tears; and that is what we shall have killed before we are "fitted
+for the battle of life," as they put it. No, no--that is what we
+ought to preserve; we were given it for that! (HARALD hides his
+face in his hands, and sits so for some time.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Any mother or any wife knows that.
+
+Evje (standing with his back to the fire). You want to bring back
+the age of romance, doctor!
+
+The Doctor (with a laugh). Not its errors--because in those days
+unclean minds brought to birth a great deal that was unclean.
+(Seriously.) But what is it, when all is said and done, but a
+violent protest on the part of the Teutonic people against the
+Romanesque spirit and school--a remarkable school, but not _ours_.
+To us it seems a barren, merely intellectual school--a mere mass of
+formulas which led to a precocious development of the mind. And
+that was the spirit it bred--critical and barren. But these schools
+of thought are now all we have, and both of them are bad for us!
+They have no use for the heart or the imagination; they do not
+breed faith or a longing for high achievement. Look at _our_ life!
+Is our life really our own?
+
+Mrs. Evje. No. You have only to think of our language, our tastes,
+our society, our--
+
+The Doctor (interrupting her). Those are the externals of our life,
+merely the externals! No, look within--look at such a view of life
+as we were talking about, clamouring for "hardening"--is that ours?
+Can we, for all our diligence, make as much way in it as, for
+instance, a born Parisian journalist?--become like a bar of steel
+with a point at each end, a pen-point and a sword-point? _We_
+can't do that; the Teutonic temperament is not fitted for it.
+
+Evje. Oh, we are well on the way towards it. Look at the heartless
+intolerance in our politics; it will soon match what you were
+describing.
+
+Harald. Everyone that disagrees with you is either an ambitious
+scoundrel, or half mad, or a blockhead.
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Yes, and here in the north, in our small
+communities, where a man meets all his enemies in the same barber's
+shop, we feel it as keenly as if we were digging our knives into
+each other! (Seriously.) We may laugh at it, but if we could add up
+the sum of suffering that has been caused to families and to
+individuals--if we could see the concrete total before us--we
+should be tempted to believe that our liberty had been given to us
+as a curse! For it _is_ a cursed thing to destroy the humanity that
+is in us, and make us cruel and hard to one another.
+
+Harald (getting up, but standing still). But, my good friends, if
+you are of the same mind about that, and I with you--what is the
+next thing to do?
+
+The Doctor. The next thing to do?
+
+Harald. Naturally, to unite in making an end of it.
+
+Mrs. Evje (as she works). What can _we_ do?
+
+Evje. I am no politician and do not wish to become one.
+
+The Doctor (laughing, and sitting down). No, a politician is a
+principle, swathed round with a printed set of directions for use.
+I prefer to be allowed to be a human being.
+
+Harald. No one can fairly insist on your taking up any vocation
+to which you do not feel you have a calling.
+
+The Doctor. Of course not.
+
+Harald. But one certainly might insist on your not helping to
+maintain a condition of affairs that you detest.
+
+All. We?
+
+Harald. This newspaper, which is the ultimate reason of all this
+conversation we have had--you take it in.
+
+Evje. Why, you take it in yourself!
+
+Harald. No. Every time there is anything nasty in it about me or
+mine, it is sent to me anonymously.
+
+The Doctor (with a laugh). I don't take it in; I read my hall-porter's
+copy.
+
+Harald. I have heard you say that before. I took an opportunity
+to ask your hall-porter. He said _he_ did not read it, and did not
+take it in either.
+
+The Doctor (as before). Then I should like to know who does pay
+for it!
+
+Evje. A newspaper is indispensable to a business man.
+
+Harald. An influential business man could by himself, or at any
+rate with one or two others, start a paper that would be as useful
+again to him as this one is.
+
+Evje. That is true enough; but, after all, if we agree with its
+politics?
+
+Harald. I will accept help from any one whose opinions on public
+affairs agree with my own. Who am I that I should pretend to
+judge him? But I will not give him my help in anything that is
+malicious or wicked.
+
+The Doctor. Pshaw!
+
+Harald. Everyone who subscribes to, or contributes to, or gives
+any information to a paper that is scurrilous, is giving his help to
+what is wicked. And, moreover, every one who is on terms of
+friendship with a man who is destroying public morality, is
+helping him to do it.
+
+The Doctor (getting up). Does he still come here? (A silence.)
+
+Evje. He and I are old schoolfellows--and I don't like breaking with
+old acquaintances.
+
+Mrs. Evje. He is a most amusing man, too--though I can't deny that
+he is malicious. (The DOCTOR sits down again, humming to himself.)
+
+Harald. But that is not all. Both you and the Doctor have--with
+some eloquence--
+
+The Doctor (with a laugh). Thank you!
+
+Harald. --expressed your abhorrence of certain political tendencies
+with which neither you nor I have any sympathy--which affront
+our ideas of humane conduct. You do not feel called upon to
+enter actively into the lists against them; but why do you try to
+prevent those who do feel so called upon? You lament the
+existing state of things--and yet you help to maintain it, and make
+a friend of the man who is its champion!
+
+The Doctor (turning his head). Apparently we are on our defence,
+Evje!
+
+Harald. No--I am. I was told a little while ago that I was in a fair
+way to become hardened and callous, and that I must abandon
+my career--and that I must do so for Gertrud's sake, too, because
+she would never be able to share the fight with me. I was told
+this at one of the bitterest moments in my life. And that made me
+hesitate for a moment. But now I have turned my face forward
+again, because you have enlightened me! (A short, sharp cough is
+heard in the hall.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (getting up). That is he! (A knock is heard at the door;
+the DOCTOR gets up and pushes his chair back. The EDITOR comes in.)
+
+The Editor. Good morning, my children! How are you?
+
+Mrs. Evje (sitting down). I did not hear the bell.
+
+The Editor. I don't suppose you did--I came in by the back door. I
+took you by surprise, eh? Discussing me, too--what? (Laughs.)
+
+Evje. You have given us enough reason to, to-day, any way.
+
+The Editor. Yes, haven't I? Such a thing for a man to do to his
+best friends--eh?
+
+Evje. That is true.
+
+The Editor. To his old schoolfellows--his neighbours--eh? I expect it
+has disturbed your natural moderation--eh?
+
+Evje. I pride myself on my moderation.
+
+The Editor. As much as on your brandy!
+
+Evje. Are you going to begin your nonsense again?
+
+The Editor. Good-morning, Doctor! Have you been making them
+a fine speech this morning?--about my paper? or about humanity?--
+romanticism? or catholicism?--eh? (Laughs.)
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Certainly one of us two has made a fine
+speech this morning!
+
+The Editor. Not me; mine was made yesterday!--How is your hall-porter?
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Quite well, I am ashamed to say.
+
+The Editor. There's a faithful subscriber to my paper, if you like!
+(The DOCTOR laughs.) Well, Mrs. Evje, I can give you news of your
+man, Master John!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Can you? It is more than I can.
+
+The Editor. Yes--he is in bed still. That is why I came in the back
+way--to enquire after his health.
+
+Mrs. Evje. But how--?
+
+The Editor. How is he after last night?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Really, I believe you know everything. We had no idea
+he was out last night.
+
+The Editor. Oh, that is the very latest intelligence! He has been
+figuring as a speaker--he was drunk, of course--before the
+Association founded by his master's future son-in-law. And he
+made a most effective speech--indeed, the speakers at that
+Association always make most effective speeches! It was all
+about a Sliding Scale of Taxation, Profit-Sharing for Workers, the
+necessity for a Labour majority in Parliament, etc., etc., all the
+usual Socialist rhodomontade. You see how infectious intellectual
+ideas are!
+
+Evje. Well!--I shall turn him out of the house to-day!
+
+The Editor. But that is not in accordance with your love of
+moderation, Evje!
+
+Evje. It is a scandal.
+
+The Editor (to EVJE). But not the worst. Because, if you want to
+avoid that sort of thing, there are others you must turn out of the
+house. (Glances towards HARALD.)
+
+Evje. You seem determined to quarrel to-day?
+
+The Editor. Yes, with your "moderation."
+
+Evje. You would be none the worse of a little of it.
+
+The Editor. "Brandy and Moderation" is your watchword--eh?
+
+Evje. Do stop talking such nonsense!--I know one thing, and that
+is that you seem to find the brandy from my distillery remarkably
+to your taste!
+
+The Doctor (interrupting them). When you are in these provoking
+moods there is always some grievance lurking at the back of your
+mind. Out with it! I am a doctor, you know; I want to get at the
+cause of your complaint!
+
+The Editor. You were not very successful in that, you know,
+when you said my maid had cholera, and she really only was--.
+(Laughs.)
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Are you going to bring that story up
+again? Every one is liable to make mistakes, you know--even you,
+my boy!
+
+The Editor. Certainly. But before making a mistake this time--
+ahem!--I wanted first of all to enquire whether--
+
+The Doctor. Ah! now it is coming!
+
+The Editor --whether you have any objection to my mentioning
+John in my paper?
+
+Mrs. Evje. What has John to do with us?
+
+The Editor. Just as much as the Association, where he delivered
+his speech, has; it--ahem!--is one of the family institutions!
+
+Evje. I have had no more to do with making John what he is than I
+have had with making that Association what it is.
+
+The Editor. Your future son-in-law made the Association what it is,
+and the Association has made John what he is.
+
+The Doctor. Or, to put it the other way round: John is Mr. Evje's
+servant; John has become an active member of the Association;
+therefore Mr. Evje is a patron of the Association.
+
+The Editor. Or this way: John, being the well-known Mr. Evje's
+servant, has for that reason become an active member of the
+Association which--as he expressed it--his employer's future
+son-in-law "has had the honour to found!"
+
+Mrs. Evje. Surely you never mean to put that in the paper?
+
+The Editor (laughing). They are John's own words.
+
+Mr. Evje. Of course, he would never put a tipsy man's maunderings
+into the paper. (To his wife.) Don't you understand that he is joking?
+
+The Editor (clearing his throat). It is already in type.
+
+The Doctor. Oh, nonsense!
+
+The Editor. The scene afforded an opportunity for an extremely
+amusing sketch, without mentioning any names.
+
+Mr. Evje. I sincerely hope that
+
+The Doctor (to EVJE). Oh, he is only teasing you! You know him.
+
+The Editor. What do you think of this? "Those who indirectly
+support so dangerous an institution will have to face exposure."--I
+quite agree with it.
+
+Mrs. Evje (getting up). What do you mean? Do you mean that my
+husband--?
+
+The Editor. A little fright will be a good discipline for him!
+
+Evje. Is what you quoted meant as an accusation against us--
+whether you are serious or whether you are joking?
+
+The Doctor. He is only trying to frighten you with a bogey; it is
+not the first time, you know!
+
+Evje. Yes, but what have _I_ to be frightened of? I don't belong to
+the Association.
+
+The Editor. But persons who do belong to it frequent your house.
+A man is known by the company he keeps.
+
+Mrs. Evje. I really begin to think he _does_ mean it seriously.
+
+The Editor. It is too ugly a thing to jest about, you mean?
+
+Evje. Is it possible that you seriously mean to allude to John as
+my servant?
+
+The Editor. Isn't he your servant?
+
+Evje. And to put that in the paper for every one to read?
+
+The Editor. No--only for those who read the paper.
+
+Evje. And you have come here to tell us that?
+
+The Editor. Do you suppose I would do it without telling you?
+
+Mrs. Evje. It is perfectly shameless!
+
+The Editor. It certainly is.
+
+Evje. Is it your intention to quarrel with me?
+
+The Editor. Of course!
+
+Evje. With your own schoolfellow?--one who has been it true friend
+to you in all your ups and downs? It is abominable!
+
+The Editor. Perhaps it was to ensure my holding my tongue that
+you have been my friend!
+
+Mrs. Evje. You _couldn't_ behave in such a fashion to a friend!
+
+The Editor (drily). To my own brother, if he stood in my way!
+
+Harald (to himself). This is too much! (Comes forward.) Is your
+hatred for me so bitter that on my account you must persecute
+even my future parents-in-law, your own old friends?
+
+The Editor (who, as soon as HARALD came forward, has turned away
+to the DOCTOR). Have you heard how people are being beaten up to
+go to the meeting of electors to-night? The last political speeches
+of the campaign must be made with red fire burning at the wings! (Laughs.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (coming up to him). No, you are not going to get out of it
+by changing the subject. Is it really your intention to put my
+husband in your paper?
+
+The Editor. He is putting himself there.
+
+Evje. I, who all my life have avoided being drawn into any political
+party?
+
+The Doctor. What has Evje to do with Harald Rein's politics?
+
+The Editor. He endorses them!
+
+Mrs. Evje. No!--a thousand times no!
+
+Evje. Why, only to-day
+
+The Doctor. I can bear witness to that!
+
+The Editor. It is no use protesting!
+
+Evje. But you must believe our protestations!
+
+The Editor. Bah! You will see something more to-morrow--
+
+Evje. Something more?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Against my husband?
+
+The Editor. That scandal about the Stock Exchange Committee. No
+less than three Letters to the Editor about it have been lying in my
+pigeon-holes for some time.
+
+Evje (in bewilderment). Are you going to put nonsense of that sort
+in your paper? The most respected men on the Exchange--?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Members of the Committee--?
+
+The Editor. They are only respected men so long as they respect
+themselves. When their chairman enters into connections which
+offend public opinion, the whole crew of them must be made to
+feel what sort of a man it is they are associating with.
+
+The Doctor. So on Mr. Rejn's account you are going to expose
+Evje, and on Evje's account the Stock Exchange Committee? I
+suppose my turn will come soon!
+
+The Editor. It will come.
+
+The Doctor. Indeed!
+
+The Editor. The letters that have been sent to me are all from
+highly respected men. That shows that public opinion has turned
+round; and public opinion must be obeyed! (Throws out his hands.)
+
+Evje (in a troubled voice). It is quite true that I have noticed in
+several little ways that their temper--. (Looks round him, and
+checks himself. Then speaks more confidently.) But it was just at
+such a time that I looked for help from you, my friend. That is
+why I did not bother myself much about it.
+
+The Editor (to EVJE). But you know it is you that are attacking me
+now!
+
+Evje. I?
+
+Mrs. Evje. He?
+
+The Editor. And, besides, I have no choice in the matter. You have
+made your bed, and must lie on it.
+
+Evje (growing angry again). But do you really mean that you don't
+feel yourself how shocking such behaviour in an old friend is?
+
+The Editor. "Old friend," "old schoolfellow," "neighhour,"--out
+with the whole catalogue!
+
+Mrs. Evje. I am sure you don't deserve to be either one or the other!
+(The EDITOR laughs.) Think what you wrote to-day about Halvdan
+Rejn, who is dying. A man could only write that who--who--
+
+The Editor. Well?--who?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Who has not an atom of heart.
+
+The Editor. Ha, ha! "The natural affections!"--"family considerations!"
+Truth, my dear lady, has no family ties; it has no respect even for a
+"dying man."
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, indeed--every decent man has some respect for
+suffering, and even wicked men are silent in the presence of death!
+
+The Editor. "Sufferer"--"dying man"--"martyr,"
+I suppose! Oh, we know all that old story!
+
+Harald (coming forward). Let me tell you that you are a--person
+with whom I will not condescend to argue. (Walks away from him.)
+
+The Editor (who has at once crossed the room). This theatrical
+flaunting of the "dying man" before people's eyes, that a
+calculating brother has permitted himself, is of course what is
+really shocking in the whole affair. But I will tear the mask off him.
+
+The Doctor (following him). Listen to me, now; listen!
+We are gentlefolk, you know! And even if Mr. Rejn
+has let himself be so carried away as to mention his
+dying brother on a public occasion--well, I am not going
+to say that I approve of it, but surely it is excusable
+and--
+
+Harald (coming forward). I want none of your defence, thank you!
+
+The Doctor. The one of you is just as mad as the other! (To the
+EDITOR.) But what has all this to do with Evje, seeing that, after all,
+the whole of this affair of the Rejns'--
+
+Evje (to the EDITOR, eagerly). I give you my word of honour that I
+have never approved of Harald's utterances about his brother,
+either. I am a man of moderation, as you know; I do not approve
+of his politics. Only to-day--
+
+Mrs. Evje. And what on earth have politics to do with the Stock
+Exchange Committee?
+
+The Doctor. Or with Evje's coachman!
+
+Evje. You might just as well take it into your head to write about
+my clerks, or my workmen, or--
+
+The Doctor. His carpenters, or his brewers--or his horses!
+
+The Editor (stands suddenly still and says, drily): You may assure
+yourselves that things are quite sufficient as they are! (Begins to
+button up his coat.)
+
+Evje. Is it so bad as all that!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Good gracious!--what is it then?
+
+The Editor (taking up his hat). You will be able to read it
+to-morrow, together with some more about the "dying man."
+Good-bye!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje (together.) But before you go--
+
+The Doctor. Hush, hush! Let us remember we are gentlefolk! What
+will you bet that the whole thing is not just a bogey to frighten you?
+
+The Editor (holding out his hand towards the DOCTOR).
+I hold Mr. Evje's position in the town in the hollow of my hand!
+
+Evje (fuming). Is your object to ruin _that_, then?
+
+Mrs. Evje. You will never succeed in that!
+
+The Doctor. Hush, hush! let us remember we are gentlefolk!
+
+Evje. In my own house--my old schoolfellow--that
+he should have the audacity--!
+
+The Editor. I have told you the truth openly. And, as far as that
+goes, you have stood more than that from me in your own house,
+my boy. Because the misfortune is that you are a coward.
+
+Evje. _I_ a coward?
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Hush, hush! Let us remember we are
+gentlefolk!
+
+Evje. Yes, I have been weak enough to be afraid of
+scandal, especially in the newspapers, it is true; that is why I have
+put up with you too long! But now you shall see that I am not a
+coward. Leave my house!
+
+Mrs. Evje. That's right!
+
+The Doctor. But you must part like gentlefolk, you know.
+
+The Editor. Pooh! You will be sending me a message
+directly, to call me back!
+
+Evje. You have the face to say that?
+
+Mrs. Evje (to EVJE). Come, dear, don't provoke him any more!
+
+The Editor (turning to go). You daren't do otherwise.
+
+The Doctor. But part like gentlefolk--!
+
+Evje (following the EDITOR). No, as sure as I live--
+
+The Editor. You will be sending a message to call me back! Ha, ha,
+ha!
+
+Evje. Never, never!
+
+Mrs. Evje. My dear--!
+
+The Editor. Yes, you will--directly--this very day! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+The Doctor. Don't part like that! Part like gentle--
+
+Evje. No, I tell you!
+
+The Editor (laughing all the time). Yes!
+
+Mrs. Evje. My dear-remember you may bring on one of your
+attacks!
+
+The Editor (at the door). You are too much of a coward! Ha! ha!
+(Goes out.)
+
+Evje (in a rage). No!
+
+The Editor (sticking his head in at the door). Yes! (Goes away.)
+
+The Doctor. What a visit! I cannot help laughing, all the same! Ha,
+ha, ha, ha!
+
+Evje. Do you dare to laugh at that?
+
+The Doctor. "Old schoolfellows"--ha, ha! "Moderation"--ha, ha!
+"The same party"--ha, ha, ha!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Oh, my husband is ill!
+
+Evje (faintly). Yes--a little water!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Water, water, Harald!
+
+The Doctor. One of his attacks--that is another affair altogether.
+Here (takes a bottle from his pocket)--smell this! That's it! Now, a
+little water! (Gives him some.) No danger this time. Cheer up, old
+boy!
+
+Evje. What a scandal!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, you will never be able to bear it, dear; I told you
+so.
+
+Evje. To think of _my_ name appearing in the papers, when all my
+life I have--
+
+Mrs. Evje. --done everything you could to keep clear of such
+things! And you such a dear, good, upright man!--Oh, these politics
+are the curse of the world!
+
+The Doctor (laughing). As I told you, you must go through a
+special process of hardening before you can stand them.
+
+Evje. And think of public opinion--my position--my connections! It
+is more than I can bear!
+
+Mrs. Evje (to the Doctor). I am sure the first time he reads
+something about himself in the paper, it will make him really ill!
+He won't be able to stand it, I know.
+
+The Doctor. Oh, he will get over it.
+
+Mrs. Evje. No, he won't. I am frightened at the mere thought of it.
+He will never be able to bear it, never!
+
+Evje. When all my life I have tried to keep clear of such things--!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And now in your old age, though you deserve it no
+more than a child does, to be dragged into it! If I could prevent
+that, I would willingly take on my own shoulders whatever--
+
+Evje. No, no--not you! Not you!
+
+The Doctor. But the thing is not necessarily done because he
+threatened he would do it.
+
+Evje. Do you think--?
+
+The Doctor. He is so dreadfully hot-headed, but I am sure he will
+think twice--
+
+Mrs. Evje. --before he attacks a lifelong friend! Yes, that is so, isn't
+it!
+
+Evje. Do you really think that there is any possibility then--?
+
+The Doctor. I really can't say!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Nothing in the world is impossible!
+
+Evje. We were both so hot-headed.
+
+The Doctor. Yes, it will have to be a more peaceable conversation
+than that of a few minutes ago!
+
+Evje. I don't know how it is--there is something so provoking about
+him.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, and you have not been very well lately, either. I
+have often said so to you.
+
+Evje. No, I haven't. It has been just one thing after another! And all
+my life I have tried to keep clear of such things!
+
+The Doctor. I will tell you what, old friend; I am sure the best thing
+to do would be--
+
+Evje. What?
+
+The Doctor. I am sure you will not be easy in your mind until
+someone has talked to him.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, couldn't that be done? Good gracious, that is not
+sending a message to him!
+
+Evje. But who would--? (A short silence.)
+
+The Doctor. I don't know who would be best.
+
+Mrs. Evje. All our old friends have deserted us; we shall soon have
+none.
+
+The Doctor. Well, at all events, you have me.
+
+Evje. Would you really be willing to--? Do you mean it? (Grasps his
+hand.)
+
+The Doctor. Of course I will! He can't eat me!
+
+Mrs. Evje. How good you are! Of course you only need tell him--
+what is quite true--that my husband would never be able to bear it!
+He, who all these years--
+
+Evje. --have put up with an incredible amount for his sake, both
+from himself and from others!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, that is true! And now you will go, dear friend--our
+only friend!--and talk to him quite amicably and sensibly, won't
+you?
+
+Evje. But don't delay! He is so hot-headed that we must find him
+before--
+
+The Doctor. Oh, I will find him; he is always about the town.
+
+Evje. And tell him--ask him--
+
+The Doctor. Oh, I know what to say to him.
+
+Mrs. Evje. That is right!
+
+Evje. Thank you! I shall never forget how, at a moment when
+everything threatened to overwhelm me, you were the only one to
+stand by me! Ah, I feel as if a load had fallen off my shoulders! I
+feel all at once quite happy again!
+
+The Doctor. That's right. You pull yourself together! I will see to
+everything else.
+
+Evje. Thanks, thanks! But make haste!
+
+The Doctor. I am off! My hat? (Turns, and sees HARALD, and says to
+himself.) A-ha! He looks as if he had had about enough of this. It
+would have been a joke to--
+
+Evje. Oh, do make haste, my friend!
+
+The Doctor. Yes, yes--if only I could find my hat.
+
+Mrs. Evje. It is on the table.
+
+The Doctor. So it is!
+
+Evje. Good luck to you!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And do it very tactfully!
+
+The Doctor (meaningly). And I hope you three will enjoy
+yourselves! (Goes out.)
+
+Evje. What a morning!
+
+Mrs. Evje. We, who have always endeavoured to take everything
+quietly and indulgently--
+
+Evje. Yes, and to conduct our family affairs peaceably and
+affectionately! (Jumps up and turns to HARALD.) The whole thing is
+_your_ fault!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, it is Harald's fault! From the day this unfortunate
+engagement came about, we have scarcely had a moment's peace
+here.
+
+Evje. No, no, that is not the case! We must be reasonable. At first,
+when Mr. Rejn had a fine future before him, when people vied
+with one another to catch him, then the engagement was an honour
+to us as well as to our daughter. But from the moment he took up these
+wretched politics--that is to say, from the time his brother fell ill--
+well, he can see for himself what the result has been to us!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And he certainly must admit that it is not what we
+have deserved; indeed it is more than a respected and well-bred
+family can put up with.
+
+Harald. I quite agree that it is more than a respected and
+well-bred family _ought_ to put up with.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Oh, so _you_ feel that too?
+
+Harald. Certainly. And the only excuse I can see is that there are
+many more in the same case. It is only in that way that such
+things become possible.
+
+Evje. I do not understand. Many more like--?--like whom?
+
+Harald. Like you!
+
+Mrs. Evje. In what respect?
+
+Harald. I will explain. Most of the successful politicians
+nowadays have not gained their position by means of any
+greatness of their own, but by the pitiable weakness of others.
+Another age will form a different estimate of them--see them in
+their proper perspective, and find them to be much smaller men!
+
+Evje. But what has that to do with us?
+
+Harald. Well, just try to size up that man whom a little while ago
+you turned out of your house and afterwards sent a message to--
+
+Evje. We sent _no_ message to him!
+
+Mrs. Evje. A friend of ours has gone to talk to him. That is quite a
+different thing!
+
+Harald. Well, take his measure by yours and yours by his! He
+went away, and he will come back like a conquering hero. Will
+that be thanks to his greatness, or his talent--to the loftiness of his
+opinions or his feelings? No,--it will be thanks to your pitiable
+weakness.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Upon my word!
+
+Evje. Well, I--!
+
+Harald. Do you think any one who has any pluck in his
+disposition would consent to be a party to such a contemptible
+state of things? Think of your own daughter, educated by that
+good old man who lies in there, but an obedient child to you;
+think how she must be perpetually torn between what she loves
+and respects and what she sees going on here! No wonder she is
+ill! But remember this--she is not ill because she sticks to me;
+she is ill because of your pitiable weakness!
+
+Mrs. Evje. How can you dare to say such things! So you too--!
+
+Evje. Such an absolute want of respect!
+
+Harald. Listen to me, once for all. I intend, God helping me, to
+take up the fight that has killed my brother, the noblest man I
+know! And Gertrud is going to take up _her_ share in the fight, as I
+do mine. But to come to this house as long as _he_ comes here--to go
+through what I have gone through to-day--sullies my self-respect
+to such an extent, and offends my better feelings so deeply, that
+either he never sets foot here again, or I do not!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. But--!
+
+Harald (quietly). When I came here to-day, I thought we should
+be able to arrange matters without my speaking out; but there is
+nothing else for it, so good-bye! (Goes out. A moment's silence
+follows.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Is _he_ giving _us_ our dismissal? Or does he not really
+mean to break with us?--My dear, what is the matter? (Goes to
+her husband's side.)
+
+Evje (without moving). Tell me, my dear--am I a bad man?
+
+Mrs. Evje. You, a bad man?
+
+Evje. Because, if I were not a bad, wicked man, they could not
+behave in such a way to me, one after the other.
+
+Mrs. Evje. But, my dear, you are the best and dearest and most
+considerate of men! And they are shameless traitors to you, my
+dear husband!
+
+Evje. But how on earth, then, could it come about that I, who all
+my life have tried to keep clear of such things--for I have, haven't I?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Every one knows that, that knows anything about you.
+
+Evje. How could it come about that in my old age I should be
+despised and forsaken by everybody? Surely it is no crime to
+want to live in peace, apart from all that sort of thing?
+
+Mrs. Evje. No, indeed; that is what all decent people want to do.
+
+Evje. Yes, I thought so too. But now you see!
+
+Mrs. Evje. But _you_ have been dreadfully unfortunate.
+
+Evje. Why should I have been just the one to be dreadfully
+unfortunate? Most people escape such things altogether.
+
+Mrs. Evje (starting). Here is Gertrud.
+
+Evje. Poor child!
+
+Mrs. Evje. What on earth are we to say to her?
+
+Evje. Be careful, my dear! be careful! (GERTRUD comes in quietly
+and comes forward to them.)
+
+Gertrud. Did I see Harald go away?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, my child, he--he went away.
+
+Gertrud. Without saying good-bye to me?
+
+Evje. That's true, he didn't say good-bye to you.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Were you expecting him to come into grandfather's
+room to say good-bye to you?
+
+Gertrud. Yes. Tell me how things went here?
+
+Evje. Why were you not here, dear?
+
+Gertrud (in astonishment). I here? You said you did not want me
+to be present--
+
+Evje. I remember, yes; we thought it would not be advisable.
+
+Gertrud (still speaking quietly, but in growing alarm).
+But how did things go, then?
+
+Evje. How did they go? Badly.
+
+Mrs. Evje (hurriedly). That is to say, he did not behave at all well.
+You must prepare yourself for the worst, my child!
+
+Gertrud. Is it something very bad, then?
+
+Evje. You know he is a little hasty just now, when he has so much
+on his hands. He lacks a proper sense of moderation--but he will
+learn it, sure enough.
+
+Gertrud (almost inaudibly). But what does it mean? Is he never
+coming back?
+
+Evje. Never coming back? What an extraordinary question! Of
+course he will come back. He was only a little over-hasty, you
+know--
+
+Gertrud. And said he would never come back?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Come, come, my dear--you mustn't be alarmed.
+
+Evje. He talked such a lot, you know, that we must not attach any
+particular importance to anything he said.
+
+Gertrud. So that is how it is!
+
+Mrs. Evje. We must make allowances for all that he is going
+through just now--
+
+Evje (suddenly). My child, you look so pale--
+
+Mrs. Evje (going to her). Gertrud!
+
+Gertrud (with a quiet movement of protest). I must give grandfather
+his drink; that was really what I came for. And that was how I
+happened to see Harald through the window. I will take grandfather
+his drink. (The curtain falls as she goes out of the room.)
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+(SCENE.--A street in the "villa quarter" of the town. Between it
+and another street running parallel with it in the background, are
+two houses standing in gardens, half of the facade of one of them
+projecting into the stage on the right. On the left a third street
+runs at right angles to the others, to the back of the stage. The
+left side of this third street opens onto a well-wooded park.
+The house in the foreground on the right is in two stories. There
+is a narrow strip of garden in front of it, enclosed by an iron
+railing with a gate in it. The gate is standing open. The entrance
+door to the house is immediately behind this gate. There is light
+in a small window by the door; the ground floor windows are in
+darkness; in those of the upper floor, light is visible through
+heavy curtains. It is a wintry evening, and everything is swathed
+in an unusually thick fog, in which the gas lamps in the streets
+show dimmer and dimmer as they recede in the distance. As the
+curtain goes up, a lamplighter is seen descending his ladder from a
+lamp-post, where he has just lit the lamp at the corner of the
+house.)
+
+The Lamplighter (as he reaches the ground). It's all one whether
+the lamps are lit or not, in such a fog as this. (MRS. EVJE is seen
+drawing back the curtain at a window on the first floor. She opens
+the window and looks out.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. The fog is so thick, my dear, that I can't see across
+the street.
+
+Evje (coming to the window, with fur coat and cap on). So it is!--
+Well, so much the better, my dear! (They withdraw into the room;
+the window is shut and the curtains drawn. Two passers-by come
+along the street from the right, talking.)
+
+First Passer-by. The Land of Fogs--the old idea of the land of Fogs
+was that of a vision of confused and faint sensation, with the
+light of the intelligence dimmed and blurred like these gas lamps
+in the fog.
+
+Second Passer-by. It would be that, if our hearts did not often act
+as guiding lights to our befogged intelligences. Look at this house
+behind us--the brandy distiller's. The devilish workings of his
+intelligence have befogged the whole country--befogged it with
+brandy--and some such guiding light is much needed there.
+
+First Passer-by. Ah, well,--the old idea of the Land of Fogs was
+that fogs were--. (The sound of their conversation dies away as
+they pass into the park on the left. GERTRUD, closely veiled and
+wrapped in furs, comes slowly out of the park. She stops at the
+corner and looks down the street, then passed slowly along to the
+right, looking up at the house as she goes. She is scarcely out of
+sight when the house-door opens and EVJE comes out.)
+
+Evje. This is about the time he comes home--I daren't go to his
+house and ask for him; I don't know if he would admit me. I
+daren't trust to the Doctor alone.--This uncertainty is dreadful!
+(He starts at seeing GERTRUD, whom he does not recognise in the
+fog, walking towards him. She turns suddenly and walks back the
+way she came.) Who was that? She gave me quite a fright in this
+fog! Her furs seemed rather like--no, no, it couldn't be. I must
+not let any one recognise me. (Puts up the high collar of his coat,
+so that only his nose is visible.) Both of them called me a coward,
+but they are very much mistaken. It is not cowardice for a man who
+is respected and honoured to try and avoid scandal. Hm! Naturally
+those who trade in scandals think otherwise!--To act without
+attaching weight to the opinion of others, to disregard one's own
+predilections, to put up with being laughed at--all for the sake of
+preventing a scandal--that is to be strong and courageous. And it
+_is_ admirable, too; for it is admirable to act fearlessly in the
+interest of one's family, and of one's business, and of propriety.
+(Starts as he hears his door opened. JOHN has come along the street
+and gone into the house.) Is that some one coming out of my house?
+No, it is a man going in. And then to think of Harald Rejn
+beginning that nonsense about my being a coward, because I refused
+to become a party man! Every one ought to take sides in politics--
+that is their cry. Hm! I should say it required rather more
+courage nowadays to _refrain_ from taking sides. (Starts again.) Who
+is that? Oh, only that woman again. She is waiting for some one
+too. I expect we shall both catch bad colds. (Walks up and down.)
+It is an odd sensation to be walking up and down on the watch
+outside one's own house. Cowardice? Pshaw! To let one's self be
+abused in a public street without stirring a finger to prevent it,
+_that_ would be cowardice. I only hope he has not gone round the
+other way? There is much more traffic in that street, and some one
+might easily--. I think I will take a turn towards the town, and
+turn back when I am a little way from here; it will look less
+suspicious. I must catch him, because his paper will be going to
+press. (Looks up at his house.) My poor wife, sitting up there
+dreadfully alarmed on my account! (Goes out to the right. As soon
+as he has gone, the house-door opens and JOHN comes warily out.)
+
+JOHN. So he has gone out, has he! Oh, well, he is bound to come in
+again! I will wait and catch him, that I will! Tra, la, la, la, la!
+I can play about here in the fog till he comes back; I have nothing
+to lose! And it will be best to catch him in the street; he will
+make less fuss, and can't run away from me! Tra, la, la, la, la!
+(Lounges out to the right. A moment later, HARALD comes out of the
+park. He is dressed much as EVJE is, but has not his coat-collar
+turned up.)
+
+Harald. There is a light in her window! Then she is alone in her
+room. What am I going to do now? Twice already I have come to look
+at that light; now I have seen it--and must go away! Good-bye, my
+darling! Be patient, and wait! I know your thoughts are with me
+now; and I know you feel that mine are with you! (As he turns away
+from the house he sees the veiled figure of GERTRUD, who, as soon
+as she has come nearer, rushes to him, throws up her veil, and
+falls into his arms in a glad embrace.)
+
+Gertrud. I was certain that, if you could not go into the house
+again, you would be out here! I knew you would not go away from me,
+dear!
+
+Harald. No--neither now nor ever.
+
+Gertrud. And, while I was walking up and down here in the fog, I
+felt that though there might be all this gloom tend cold around us
+outside, there was the brightness and warmth of certainty in our
+hearts.
+
+Harald. Yes, our love is the one certainty for me! Fog may obscure
+the goal I aim at, the road I have to I read, the very ground I
+stand on; doubts may even for a while attack my faith; but my love
+for you shines clear through it all!
+
+Gertrud. Thank you, my darling! If that is so, there is nothing
+that we cannot overcome!
+
+Harald. Of course, you know what took place to-day?
+
+Gertrud. I can guess.
+
+Harald. Is it true that you are ill? Why did you never tell me?
+
+Gertrud. No, the doctor is not telling the truth; I am not ill!
+Even if I were, what matter? I should go on living as long as I
+could--and should have done my duty before I gave in!
+
+Harald. That is the way to look at it!
+
+Gertrud. But I am not ill! I suffer, it is true--and am likely to--
+every time you are persecuted, or my parents on my account. Because
+_I_ have drawn them into all this that, they are so unfitted for,
+and that is why it pains me so to see how unprepared it finds them
+--most of all when, out of tenderness for me, they try to conceal
+it. But I can't alter things. We are fighting for a cause that you
+believe to be right, and so do I; surely that is better than never
+to suffer at all in any good cause. Try me! Let me share the fight
+with you! I am not weak; it is only that my heart is sore for those
+I love.
+
+Harald. You splendid, loyal creature!--and you are mine! (Embraces
+her.)
+
+Gertrud. You should hear what grandfather says!
+
+Harald. Yes, how is the dear old gentleman?
+
+Gertrud. Pretty well, thanks, though he never gets out now. But he
+is following your work, and he says that what you are aiming at is
+right, if you ask for God's guidance on your way. Harald--you will
+always be the same as you are now--good and genuine--won't you,
+dear? Not like the rest of them--nothing but bitterness and malice,
+always talking of principles and consequences and all the rest of
+it, and always attacking others? If one were obliged to be like
+that, it would be a curse to be a politician.
+
+Harald. I will be what you make me! I think that behind every man's
+public life you can see his private life--whether he has a real
+home, and what it is like, or whether he only has a place he lives
+in--that is to say, no real home.
+
+Gertrud. With God's help I shall try to make a bright, snug and
+cosy home for you! And this fog is delightful, because it only
+makes the thought of such a home all the cosier and snugger! It
+makes us seem so alone, too; no one is out driving or walking; and
+we can talk as loud as we please, because the fog deadens the sound
+of our voices. Oh, I feel so happy again now! Do you know, I think
+it is rather nice to be persecuted a little; it makes our meetings
+so much more precious!
+
+Harald. But, you know dear, to meet you like this--and just now--
+
+Gertrud (as they walk up and down together). Yes, of course! I had
+altogether forgotten how much you have to bear just now; I have
+been chattering away--. Oh, I don't know how I could feel so happy,
+because I am really dreadfully distressed. But, you know, I sit the
+whole play beside grandfather, thinking, without even being able to
+talk. I generally read aloud to him; now and then he makes a
+remark, but he really lives more in the next world than in this one
+now. (They hear a cough in the distance, and give a start, because
+they recognise it. The EDITOR and EVJE, walking along together,
+EVJE apparently talking very earnestly, are seen, indistinctly
+through the fog, in the street running parallel with the one HARALD
+and GERTRUD are in. JOHN is seen following them cautiously. They
+disappear into the park.)
+
+Harald. I hear the enemy! I am sure I caught a glimpse of him over
+there through the fog, talking to another man.
+
+Gertrud. Is he always about the streets even in weather like this?
+
+Harald. Well, we won't let him disturb us. (They begin walking up
+and down again in front of the house.)
+
+Gertrud. Do you know whom I met out here? Father!
+
+Harald. Really? Then it is as I thought; the other man over there
+was your father!
+
+Gertrud. Do you think it was? Poor father!
+
+Harald. Yes, he is weak.
+
+Gertrud. But you must be good to him. He is so good himself. Think
+how mother loves him; she is absolutely wrapped up in him, because
+he is so good!
+
+Harald. He is a good man, and an able man. But, but, but--
+
+Gertrud. They have lived a very tranquil life. We of the younger
+generation try to undertake heavier duties and greater responsibilities
+than the older generation did. But we must not be angry with them.
+
+Harald. I am afraid it is only too easy to feel angry with them.
+
+Gertrud. No, do as grandfather does! If he thinks any one is going
+to be amenable to it, he talks to them quietly; if not, he only
+behaves affectionately to them. Do you understand, dear?--just
+affectionately.
+
+Harald. Well, to-day--ought I to have put up with their allowing
+themselves to be treated in such an unseemly way, and their
+treating me in such an unseemly way?
+
+Gertrud. Was it really as bad as that?
+
+Harald. You would not believe what it was like, I assure you!
+
+Gertrud (standing still). Poor father! Poor father! (Throws her
+arms round HARALD'S neck.) Be good to them, Harald!--just because
+of their faults, dear! We are their children, you know, and it is
+God's commandment, even if we were not their children.
+
+Harald. If only I could take you up in my arms and carry you off
+home with me now! Your love takes possession of my heart and my
+will, and purifies both of them. I am at a crisis in my life now--
+and now you should be on my side!
+
+Gertrud. Listen!--to begin with, I will go with you to your meeting
+to-night!
+
+Harald. Yes, yes,--I will come and fetch you!
+
+Gertrud. Down at the door here!
+
+Harald. Yes!
+
+Gertrud. And, in the next place, I am going to walls into the town
+with you now.
+
+Harald. But then I shall have to see you home again.
+
+Gertrud. Do you object?
+
+Harald. No, no! And you shall teach me a lot of things on the way!
+
+Gertrud. Yes, you will be so wise before we get back! (They go
+out to the right.)
+
+(The EDITOR and EVJE come out of the park. JOHN follows them,
+unseen by them, and slips past them to the right when they stop for
+a moment. The following conversation is carried on in hurried
+tones, and every time the EDITOR raises his voice EVJE hushes him,
+and speaks himself in a persistently lowered voice.)
+
+Evje. But what concern of yours--or of the public's--are my private
+affairs? I don't want to have anything to do with politics.
+
+The Editor, Well, then, you ought not to have had anything to do
+with _him_.
+
+Evje. When I first made his acquaintance he was not a politician.
+
+The Editor. Then you ought to have dropped him when he became one.
+
+Evje. Ought I to have dropped you too, when you became one?
+
+The Editor. Let me repeat, for the last time, that we are not
+talking about me!
+
+Evje. Hush, hush! What a fellow you are! You get into a rage if
+any one chaffs you. But you want to hit out at everybody all round!
+
+The Editor. Do you suppose I am myself?
+
+Evje. Who the devil are you, if you are not yourself?
+
+The Editor. I am merely the servant of the public.
+
+Evje. The public executioner, that is to say?
+
+The Editor. Well, yes, if you prefer it. But you shall pay for that
+word some day.
+
+Evje. There--you see! Always talking of paying for things!--of
+revenge!
+
+The Editor. You shall pay for it, I tell you!
+
+Evje. You are absolutely mad!--Poof! I am sweating as if it were
+the dog days! (Changes his tone.) Think of the time when we used to
+go to school together--when you never could go to bed without first
+coming to thank me for the jolly times we were having together!
+
+The Editor. None of that nonsense! I am accustomed to be hated,
+despised, spit upon, scourged; if any one speaks kindly to me, I
+do not trust them!
+
+Evje. You must trust me!
+
+The Editor. No--and, besides, I observed very clearly to-day that
+you had counted on having me in reserve if ever you got into a
+scrape.
+
+Evje. Well, who doesn't count on his friends? Doesn't every one
+take them into his reckoning?
+
+The Editor. I don't; I have no friends.
+
+Evje. Haven't you me? Do you think I would leave you in the lurch?
+
+The Editor. That is hypocrisy! At times when I have needed it, the
+very last thing you have thought of has been to give me any help!
+
+Evje. Have I not helped you?
+
+The Editor. That is hypocrisy, too-to pretend you think I am
+speaking of money. No; when I have been accused of being
+dishonourable--of lying--you, the "old schoolfellow," the "old
+friend," the "neighbour," have never once had the courage to
+come forward on my behalf.
+
+Evje. I never meddle with politics.
+
+The Editor (with rising temper). More hypocrisy! Another of your
+damned evasions!
+
+Evje. Hush, hush, hush!
+
+The Editor. You try to excuse yourself with a lie! You are doubly
+a traitor!--And then you expect me to have compassion on you!
+
+Evje. As sure as I stand here, I have never thought of deserting
+you, however bad things were.
+
+The Editor. And you have the face to take credit to yourself for
+that? It is all calculation from beginning to end! You thought it
+would be the best way of making me remember your loyalty, and
+reward you for it.
+
+Evje. This is abominable!
+
+The Editor. Oh, you are cunning enough! You represent wealth of
+another kind, which at first was not entirely irreproachably come
+by--
+
+Evje. There you go again!
+
+The Editor. --and want to give it the cachet of good society; so
+you take care to keep friends with a newspaper that may be able
+to give you a helping hand in gaining what you want. Can you
+deny it?
+
+Evje. There may be a slight tinge of calculation even in our
+highest purposes. But the misfortune about you is that you can
+see nothing but the calculation, though it may be only an
+infinitesimal part of the whole thing.
+
+The Editor. Oho--I have had experience of you!
+
+Evje. Then you must have had experience of your party's loyalty,
+too.
+
+The Editor. My party's loyalty!
+
+Evje. Well, after all, it keeps you where you are to-day.
+
+The Editor. _It_ keeps me there?
+
+Evje. And you have friends in that party-myself amongst others--
+who certainly would rather stand outside altogether, but
+nevertheless give you their advice and support when you are in
+difficulties. You cannot deny that.
+
+The Editor. I have friends in the party? Oh yes; and if we lose a
+fight these fine counsellors are the first to run away! They are
+always egging me on and egging me on; but only let public opinion
+once get tired of me, and they will throw me overboard without more
+ado! By that sort of treachery they manage to fill the sails of the
+party craft with a new breeze--and leave me to shift the best way I
+can!--they, for whom I have fought with all my might and main! I
+despise my opponents--they are either scoundrels and thieves, or
+they are blockheads and braggarts. But my supporters are lick-spittles,
+fools, cravens. I despise the whole pack of them, from first
+to last! If any one would give me the assurance that if, as a
+pledge that I would never use a pen again, I were to chop off my
+right hand I should thereby gain the prospect of a peaceful life a
+thousand miles away from here, I believe I would do it!--I despise
+the whole pack of them--oh, how I despise them!
+
+Evje. But this is horrible! Do you find no comfort in religion? Or,
+at all events, you have your paper!
+
+The Editor. My paper, yes--but what good do you suppose that is to
+me? And do you think I give the impression of being a religious
+man?
+
+Evje. Then what do you work for?
+
+The Editor. Perhaps you think I work for your sake?--or for the
+sake of prosperity, or order, or whatever it is you cowards or
+self-seekers like to imagine it is that you personify? No, the
+whole human race is not worth the powder and shot that they are
+holding at each other's heads.
+
+Evje. Then why do you come and almost threaten my life, if the whole
+thing seems so worthless to you?
+
+The Editor. Do you seriously suppose that I would give in, so as to
+spare you or some other shopkeeper?--so that you should be able to
+say triumphantly, "You see he didn't dare! He didn't dare quarrel
+with Capital!"--or, "You see he has given in--he has turned tail!"
+No; what I should like to do would be to lay a mine underground,
+and blow myself and the whole lot of you sky high!
+
+Evje. And I and all the happiness of my family life are to be
+sacrificed in order that you shall not have to give in on a side
+issue of no importance!--Oh, I am chilled to the bone!
+
+The Editor. Ha, ha! It is good to hear you speaking like yourself
+again, because it reminds me that it is time to put an end to this
+solemn nonsense! (Looks at his watch.) A quarter past! You must be
+quick!
+
+Evje. Are you really in earnest?
+
+The Editor. I often play off jokes on you, it is true. But I don't
+know how you will like this one to-morrow morning.
+
+Evje. Then let me tell you that I solemnly refuse! I will not break
+off the engagement! Put me in your paper, if you like; I am a free
+man.
+
+The Editor. Bah! nobody is that. Then you refuse? Good-bye! (Walks
+away from EVJE.)
+
+Evje (going after him). No, no--where are you going?
+
+The Editor (stopping). Nowhere--or rather, I am going home.
+
+Evje. But you won't really do what you said?
+
+The Editor. Ha! ha! ha! (Moves away.)
+
+Evje (following him). No, listen! Listen to me for a minute.
+
+The Editor (turning back). Do you think I have time to stop at all
+the stations your vanity or your fright will invent on the way?
+(Moves away.)
+
+Evje. You mad creature--listen to me! (The EDITOR stops.) Tell me
+exactly what you mean to do?
+
+The Editor. Fiddlesticks! (Moves on.)
+
+Evje (following him). Do you mean to put in the paper that I have
+broken off this match?
+
+The Editor (stopping). Better than that--I shall spread the news in
+the town; then it will get about, and all the journalists will get
+a hold of it.
+
+Evje. Give me a day or two to think it over!
+
+The Editor. Oh, no--you are not going to catch me like that! It is
+election time, and the other side must be made to feel that all
+decent people have deserted them.
+
+Evje. But it is a lie, you know!
+
+The Editor. What is lying, and what is truth? But your resignation
+from the Stock Exchange Committee and your subsequent failure to be
+elected to any public position will be no lies, I can assure you!
+Public opinion is not to be trifled with, you know!
+
+Evje. And this from you!
+
+The Editor. Bah! Public opinion is a very faithless friend.
+
+Evje. But who, after all, constitute public opinion?
+
+The Editor. Oh, no--you are not going to lead me into a trap again!
+Besides--it would be very difficult to say exactly who does
+constitute it.
+
+Evje. This is really--! Then you won't put that in the paper?
+
+The Editor. The news of a broken engagement travels quickest by
+foot-post--ha, ha, ha! (Coughs; then adds seriously :) But won't
+you, of your own accord, break off what are really absolutely
+inadmissible relations with a man who scandalises all your
+acquaintances?
+
+Evje. Lay the blame on me, of course! I know his credentials are no
+longer first class; but my daughter--ah, you would not be able to
+understand that. The circumstances are quite exceptional, and--.
+Look here, shall we go up and talk it over with my wife?
+
+The Editor. Ha, ha!--you turned me out of the house this morning!
+
+Evje. Oh, forget all about that!
+
+The Editor (looking at his watch). Half past! Now, without any
+more evasions--will you, or will you not?
+
+Evje (with a struggle). No! I repeat, no! (The EDITOR moves away.)
+Yes, yes!--It nearly kills me to do it!
+
+The Editor. "The Capitalist, secure in his position, who needs pay
+no regard to," etc., etc.--that is the "common form," isn't it, you
+man of first-class credentials? Ha, ha! Good-bye. I am going home
+to send the boy to the printers; he has waited long enough. (Moves
+away.)
+
+Evje (following him). You are the cruellest, hardest, most reckless--
+
+The Editor (who has been laughing, suddenly becomes serious). Hush!
+Do you see?
+
+Evje (turning round). What? Where?
+
+The Editor. Over there!
+
+Evje. Those two?
+
+The Editor. Yes--your daughter and Mr. Harald Rejn.
+
+Evje. But he swore this morning that he would never set foot in
+my house again!
+
+The Editor. But he will stay _outside_ your house, as you see!
+These gentlemen of the Opposition, when they give any assurance,
+always do it with a mental reservation! You can't trust the
+beggars! Come round the corner. (They do so.)
+
+Evje. An assignation in the street in the fog! To think my daughter
+would let herself be induced to do such a thing!
+
+The Editor. Evil communications corrupt good manners! You are a
+mere bungler in delicate matters, Evje. You made a bad choice in
+that quarter!
+
+Evje. But he seemed to be--
+
+The Editor. Yes, yes, I know! A real gentleman would have guessed
+what he would develop into. He has a brother, you know! (HARALD and
+GERTRUD come in slowly, arm-in-arm.)
+
+Gertrud. While your brother has been ill you have received many
+gratifying proofs of the good feeling and goodwill that there is in
+this town-haven't you?
+
+Harald. Yes, I have. I have found no ill-will against him, nothing
+but kindness on all sides--with the exception of one person, of
+course.
+
+Gertrud. But even he has a heart! It has often seemed to me as if I
+heard a cry of yearning and disappointment from it--and that just
+when he spoke most bitterly.
+
+Harald. Yes, it needs no very sharp sight to see that he, who
+makes so many unhappy, is himself the unhappiest of all.
+
+The Editor. What the deuce are they talking about?
+
+Evje. We cannot hear from here. And the fog deadens their voices.
+
+The Editor. Go a bit nearer, then!
+
+Evje. Not before they separate. You only understand _him_!
+
+Harald (to GERTRUD). What are you holding there?
+
+Gertrud (who has taken off her glove and then a ring from her
+finger). The ring they gave me when I was confirmed. Give me
+your hand! No, take your glove off!
+
+Harald. Do you want me to try your ring on? I shall not be able
+to get it on.
+
+Gertrud. On the little finger of your left hand? Yes!
+
+Harald (putting it on). So I can. Well?
+
+Gertrud. You mustn't laugh at me. I have been beating up my courage
+to do this all this time. It was really why I wanted to walk a
+little farther with you first! I wanted to bring the conversation
+round to it, you see! I am so convinced that your happiness, and
+consequently mine, depends on your being able to be kind. You have
+got this meeting before you to-night. It will be a decisive moment
+for you. If you, when you are facing all this horrible persecution,
+can be a kind boy, you will win all along the line! (Pulls at his
+buttons in an embarrassed way.) So I wanted you to wear this ring
+to remind you. The diamonds in it sparkle; they are like my tears
+when you are hard and forget us two. I know it is stupid of me
+(wipes her eyes hastily), but now, when it comes to the point, I
+can't say what I--. But do wear it!
+
+Harald (kissing her). I will wear it! (Gently.) Its pure rays shall
+shed a light on my life.
+
+Gertrud. Thank you! (Throws her arms round him and kisses him.)
+
+The Editor. What they are doing now is all right! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Evje. I won't stand it! (The EDITOR coughs loudly.) What are you
+doing? (The EDITOR goes to the neighbouring house and rings the
+bell. The door is opened and he goes in, laughing as he goes.)
+
+Gertrud (who has started from HARALD'S arms at the sound of the
+cough). That is--!
+
+Harald. It sounds like him! (Turns, and sees Evje.)
+
+Gertrud. Father! (Turns to run away, but stops.) No, it is cowardly
+to run away. (Comes back, and stands at HARALD'S side. EVJE comes
+forward.)
+
+Evje. I should not have expected my daughter, a well-brought-up
+girl, to make an assignation in the street with--with--
+
+Gertrud. With her fiance.
+
+Evje. --with a man who has made a mock of her father and mother,
+and of his own doing has banished himself from our house.
+
+Harald. From your house, certainly; but not from my future wife.
+
+Evje. A nice explanation! Do you suppose we will consent to have as
+our son-in-law a man who spurns her parents?
+
+Gertrud. Father!
+
+Evje. Be quiet, my child! You ought to have felt that yourself.
+
+Gertrud. But, father, you surely do not expect him to submit to
+your being abused and himself ill-treated in our house?
+
+Evje. Are you going to teach your parents--?
+
+Gertrud (putting her arm round his neck). I don't want to teach
+you anything; because you know yourself, dear, that Harald is
+worth far more--and far more to us--than the man who went away
+just now! (At this moment the printer's boy, who has come out of
+the EDITOR'S house, runs past them towards the town.)
+
+Evje (seeing the boy, tries to get away). Go in now, Gertrud! I
+have something I wish to talk to Mr. Rejn about.
+
+Gertrud. You have nothing to talk to Harald about that I cannot
+hear.
+
+Evje. Yes, I have.
+
+Harald. But why may she not hear it? What you want is to break off
+our engagement.
+
+Gertrud. Father--! (Moves away from him.) Is that true?
+
+Evje. Well-since it cannot be otherwise-it is true; that is to say,
+for the moment. (Aside.) Good Lord, they can make it up right
+enough when this is all over!
+
+Gertrud (who is standing as if thunderstruck). I saw you with him!
+--Ah! that is how it is! (Looks at her father, bursts into tears
+and rushes to the door of their house, pulls the bell and
+disappears into the house.)
+
+Evje. What is it? What is the matter with her?
+
+Harald. I think I know. She realises that her life's happiness has
+been bought and sold. (Bows to EVJE.) Good-bye! (Goes out to the
+right.)
+
+Evje (after standing dumb for some moments). Bought and sold? Some
+people take everything so dreadfully solemnly. It is only a
+manoeuvre--to get out of this difficulty. Why is it that I cannot
+get free of it! They both of them exaggerate matters so absurdly;
+first of all this crazy fellow, and then Harald with his "Good-bye,"
+spoken as if the ground were giving way beneath his feet! I--I--
+feel as if every one had deserted me. I will go in to my wife--
+my dear, good wife; she will understand me. She is sitting up
+there, full of anxiety about me. (He turns towards his house;
+but, on reaching the garden gate, sees JOHN standing there.)
+
+John (touching his hat respectfully). Excuse me, Mr. Evje--
+
+Evje. You, John! Go away! I told you never to set foot in my
+house again.
+
+John (very respectfully). But won't you allow me to stand outside
+your house either, sir?
+
+Evje. No!
+
+John (standing in EVJE'S way, but still with a show of great
+respect). Not at the door here?
+
+Evje. What are you standing in my way for, you scoundrel?
+
+John. Shall I assist you to call for help, sir? (Calls out.)
+Help!
+
+Evje. Be quiet, you drunken fool! Don't make a disturbance! What do
+you want? Be quick!
+
+John. I want, with all respect, to ask you, sir, why you have sent
+me away.
+
+Evje. Because you are a swine that gets drunk and then talks
+nonsense. You don't know what a dilemma you have put me in.--Now go
+away from here, quietly!
+
+John. I know all about it! I was following you and the Editor all
+the time, you know!
+
+Evje. What?
+
+John. These articles, that were to go in the paper--the printing
+was at a standstill, waiting for them.
+
+Evje. Hush, hush, John! So you overheard that, did you? You are
+too clever; you ought never to have been a servant.--Now, be off
+with you! Here is a shilling or two for you. Good-bye.
+
+John. Thank you very much, sir.--This was how it was, sir. You
+see, I thought of the number of times I had run over to the
+printer's with messages when that nice Editor gentleman was
+spending an evening with you--and so I thought I might just as
+well run over with this one.
+
+Evje (starting back in alarm). What? What have you done?
+
+John. Just to do you a good turn, sir, I ran along and told them
+they might print those articles.
+
+Evje. What articles?
+
+John. The ones about you, sir. "Print away," I said--and they
+printed away. By Jove, how they worked, and then off to the
+post with the papers!
+
+Evje. You had the impudence, you--! Ah, it's not true! I saw the
+printer's boy myself, running to the office to countermand the
+instructions.
+
+John. I caught him up outside here and told him that a message
+had been sent from Mr. Evje's house. And I gave him sixpence to
+go to the theatre with; but he must have had to run for it, to be
+in time, because I am sure it was after seven. Excuse me, sir, but
+it _is_ after seven now, isn't it?
+
+Evje. You scoundrel! You vindictive brute!
+
+John. You can have a look at the paper, sir, if you like.
+
+Evje. Have _you_ got a copy?
+
+John. Yes, sir, the first copy struck off is always sent to the
+Editor, so I volunteered to bring it to him. But you must be
+anxious to see it, sir! (Holds it out to EVJE.)
+
+Evje (snatching it from him). Give it to me! Let me see--. (Moves
+towards his door, but stops.) No, my wife mustn't--. Here, under
+the gas-lamp! This filthy fog! I can't--. (Feels in his pocket for
+his glasses, and pasts them on.) Ah, that's better! (Holds the
+paper under the light.) What a mischance! The blackguard--! Where
+is the article, then? Oh, here--I can't see properly, my heart is
+beating so!
+
+John. Shall I run for the doctor, sir?
+
+Evje. Will you go away, you--! (Holds the paper first up, and then
+down, in his attempts to see better.) Ah, here it is! "The Stock
+Exchange Committee"--oh! (Lowers the paper.)
+
+John (mimicking him). Oh!
+
+Evje (trying to read). What a vile thing to do!
+
+John. Oh, go on! go on!
+
+Evje (as he reads). This beats everything I ever--Oh!
+
+John. Oh! We _are_ in a bad way!
+
+Evje (wiping his forehead). What a different thing it is to read
+libellous attacks on others--and on one's self! (Goes on reading.)
+Oh! Oh! What horrible, revolting rascality! What is it he says
+here? I must read through it again! Oh, oh!
+
+John. And often of a morning, when you have been reading the
+paper, I have heard you laughing till the bed shook under you!
+
+Evje. Yes, I who have so often laughed at others! (Reads.) No,
+this is beyond belief! I can't read any more! This will ruin my
+position in the town; I can hear every one laughing at me--he
+knows all my weaknesses, and has managed to make it all so
+hideously ludicrous! (Tries to go on reading.) Why, here is some
+more! (Reads.) It begins even worse than the other! (Lowers the
+paper, panting, then tries to go on reading.) No, I can't--I can't!
+I must wait! Everything seems going round and round--and my heart
+is beating so violently that I know I shall have one of my attacks!
+What a devil it is that I have been making a friend of! What a
+creature to have broken bread with!--an unprincipled scoundrel!
+And the disgrace of it!--the disgrace! What will they say at the
+Exchange? What will--? I shall not dare to go out of my house, at
+least for some weeks! And then people will only say I have taken
+to my bed! Oh, oh! I feel as if it were the end of everything!
+
+John (solicitously). Can I help you, sir?
+
+Evje. Will you leave me alone--! No, I will have my revenge on him
+immediately! I will go and ring his bell, and go into his house and
+call him a scoundrel and spit in his face--! Did I bring my stick
+out with me? Where is my stick? I will send my man for it, and then
+I will thrash him round and round his own room!
+
+John (eagerly). I will fetch it for you, sir!
+
+Evje (without hearing him). No, it would only make more scandal!--
+How can I take my revenge? I must do him some injury--some real
+injury that will seem to poison his food for him and rob him of his
+rest. Scoundrels like that don't deserve sleep! It must be
+something, too, that will make his family every bit as unhappy as
+mine will be when they have read this--something that will make
+them hide their heads for shame--something that will make them
+terrified every time their door-bell rings, out of shame for what
+their servants may hear! No, no, I am getting as evil-minded as he
+is, now!--What a horrible trade--for ever sowing the seeds of sin
+and reaping a crop of curses! Now I understand what Harald Rejn
+meant by saying that no one ought to give his help to such things!
+--Heavens, hear my vow: never again will I give my help to such
+things!--What am I to say to my wife--my dear, good wife, who has
+no suspicion how disgraced I am! And Gertrud, our good Gertrud--ah,
+at all events I can give her some pleasure at once. I cannot
+conceal it from them; but I will tell them myself, so that they
+shall not read it.
+
+John. Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?
+
+Evje (almost screaming at him). Once for all, can't you let me
+alone!
+
+Mrs. Evje (leaning out of a window she has opened). The sound must
+have come from the street, all the same. Are you there, my dear?
+
+Evje (drawing back in alarm). There she is! Shall I answer?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Are you there, my dear?
+
+Evje. Yes, dear, here I am!
+
+Mrs. Evje. So you are! I heard your voice, and looked all over the
+house. What is the matter, dear?
+
+Evje. Oh, I am so unhappy!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Good heavens, are you, dear? Come along in--or shall I
+come down to you?
+
+Evje. No, I will come in. Shut the window, or you will catch cold.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Do you know, Gertrud is sitting up here, crying?
+
+Evje. Good gracious, is she? I will come up--I will come up!
+
+John. I will help him up, ma'am! (Pretends to be doing so.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Is that you, John?
+
+Evje (in a low voice). Will you be off!
+
+John. Yes, it is me, ma'am. He is so unwell.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Is he! Heavens, it is one of his attacks! Help him,
+John!
+
+Evje (as before). Don't you dare!
+
+John (who has rung the bell loudly). I do hope you will moon be
+better, sir! (Calls up to the window.) I can leave him now, ma'am!
+(To EVJE, as he goes.) This has been a bit of luck, for me; but
+you shall have some more of it! (Disappears into the fog as EVJE
+goes into his house. The two Passers-by, that were seen at the
+beginning of the scene, are now indistinctly seen returning along
+the street at the back.)
+
+First Passer-by. Well, the land of Fogs used to be thought by the
+ancients to lie in the north, where all confused ideas come from--
+
+Second Passer-by (who does not seem to be able to get a word in).
+But, listen to me for a moment-do you think it means--?
+
+[Curtain]
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+(SCENE.--A room in HALVDAN REJN's house. He is lying, supported on
+pillows, on a sofa on the left-hand side of the room. There is a
+table in the background, and another near the sofa. A lamp is
+hanging from the ceiling, and another standing on the table at the
+back. HAAKON REJN, his dress proclaiming him to be a well-to-do
+yeoman farmer, is sitting on a chair by the sofa.)
+
+Halvdan. So she couldn't come?
+
+Haakon. No; there are the youngsters, you know--she finds it
+difficult to get away.
+
+Halvdan (after a moment's silence). Remember to thank her for
+all her kindness to me. The happiest moments of my life have
+been those Sundays and evenings that she and you and I spent
+together at your house. (A pause.)
+
+Haakon. She wanted very much to know how you were feeling--
+whether you, who have suffered so much, are at peace now.
+
+Halvdan. At peace? A man who has to die with all his work
+unfinished, cannot easily root out all thoughts of that from his
+heart.
+
+Haakon. You should try to lay in God's hands all that you have
+striven for.
+
+Halvdan. That is what I struggle daily to do. (A pause.)
+
+Haakon. A sister of my wife's, who was a widow and badly off, died
+leaving three young children. But she was glad to die. "Their
+Heavenly Father will help them better when I am out of the way,"
+she said. "I took up too much room," she said; "I know I have often
+stood in their way." (A pause.)
+
+Halvdan. You tell that just as your wife would; she told me that
+story once.
+
+Haakon. I was to tell you from her that she believes you are to die
+in order that what you have worked for may come to its fullest
+fruit. She thinks that when you are gone, people will appreciate
+better what your aims were.
+
+Halvdan. There is some comfort in the thought that I may be dying
+in order that what I have loved may live. I have already given up
+happiness-even honour-for it; I gladly give my life for it now. (A pause.)
+
+Haakon. Do you bear ill-will to any of those who have opposed you
+so cruelly?
+
+Halvdan. To no one.
+
+Haakon. Not even to those whose doing it is that you are lying
+here?
+
+Halvdan. No, to no one. (A pause.)
+
+Haakon. Could you bear to read something hateful about
+yourself to-day?
+
+Halvdan. I don't know.
+
+Haakon. Then you have not done with it all yet.
+
+Halvdan. No, I know I have not. It is only sometimes that the busy
+world outside seems to me like a ship sailing idly before the wind.
+More often, I am back in the midst of it again--planning, hoping,
+praying! I am young, you know, and have had to suffer so much--
+there was so much I wanted to do. (Lifts a handkerchief to his
+forehead. HAAKON helps him to wipe his face with it. A pause.)
+
+Haakon. But it must be a comfort to you, too, that Harald is
+taking up what you are laying down. There is good stuff in him.
+
+Halvdan. Yes.
+
+Haakon. And he never says more than is necessary. The country folk
+will understand him all the better for it.
+
+Halvdan. I hope so. As soon as he comes into my room I feel as if
+the atmosphere were charged with electricity--I feel as if I _must_
+have a part in what he is doing--and so I work, and tire myself
+out. Ah, it often seems very hard to have to die, and leave undone
+a great work that one has failed to accomplish!
+
+Haakon. But you have made him what he is, you know--and many
+others.
+
+Halvdan. I have started the fight, that is all. It is hard to have
+to desert at the beginning of it!--But God is good, and will
+understand; He will not be surprised at what my thoughts are full
+of, when I go to Him. (A ring is heard at the bell.)
+
+Haakon. I expect that is Harald.
+
+Halvdan. No, he never rings. Besides, I expect he is taking a walk,
+to think over what he is going to say to-night.
+
+Haakon. Yes, I suppose it will be a big meeting. (The HOUSEKEEPER
+comes in.)
+
+The Housekeeper. Mr. Evje is here, sir, asking for Mr. Harald. I
+told him we were expecting him every moment. Shall I ask him to
+come in?
+
+Halvdan. Yes, show him in. (HAAKON gets up, as EVJE is shown in.)
+
+Evje (to HALVDAN). Good evening! (Sees HAAKON.) Ah, good evening!
+So you have come? That is splendid. Is your wife with you?
+
+Haakon. No, she couldn't leave the children.
+
+Evje. I see. (To HALVDAN.) And how are you? About the same? Of
+course, yes.--Where is your brother?
+
+Halvdan. He has his meeting to-night, you know.
+
+Evje. His momentous meeting--I know! I am going to it myself!
+
+Halvdan (turns his face towards him). You?
+
+Evje. My object in coming here was to take him home with me, so
+that we could all go together to the meeting. We mean to go on to
+the platform with him; I mean people to see that we are with him!
+
+Halvdan (turning his face away). Really!
+
+Evje (to HAAKON). You never answered my letter, Mr. Rejn.
+
+Haakon. No, I knew I was coming in to town.
+
+Evje. Well--will you sell?
+
+Haakon. No.
+
+Evje. But, my dear Mr. Rejn, you have not sold a single potato to
+my distillery for five years! And with a farm like yours! This year
+you had the best crop in the whole valley.
+
+Haakon. Oh, yes--it wasn't so bad.
+
+Evje. Not so bad! It was an extraordinary crop; and, everywhere
+else round about, the crops were very middling.
+
+Haakon. Oh, yes--it might have been worse.
+
+Evje (laughing). I should think so! But then why won't you sell?
+(Turns to HALVDAN.) I hope you will excuse our talking business in
+a sick-room; a business man has to seize every opportunity, you
+know! (To HAAKON.) You have never got higher prices elsewhere than
+you have from me.
+
+Haakon. No, so I believe; but I have my own reasons.
+
+Evje. Your own reasons? What are they?
+
+Haakon. I had a servant once--it is about five years ago now--a
+good, capable fellow. He used to take potatoes for me to the
+distillery every day, and every evening came back drunk. So I spoke
+to him seriously about it; and his answer was: "How do you suppose
+our brandy-merchants are to grow rich, if chaps like me don't drink
+pretty hard?" You know the man; he went into your service
+afterwards. But from that day I have never sold a potato to a
+distillery.
+
+Evje. But, my dear Mr. Rejn, we cannot be held responsible for the
+use to which such rascals put God's gifts!
+
+Haakon. No--no--I suppose not; still, I am not going to have
+anything more to do with it.
+
+Evje (to HALVDAN). Do you think your brother will not be home
+before the meeting?
+
+Halvdan. I should think he would; there is plenty of time yet.
+
+Evje. There is; but I should have liked to take him home with me
+first. The fact is (laughs) I have promised my wife and daughter
+not to go home without him. You know what women are! Shall I just
+go into his room and wait for him? There is something I want to
+talk to him about, you know.
+
+Halvdan. I don't think there is a fire in there.
+
+Evje. Oh, well, never mind--I will sit here. I have got a newspaper
+to read, and yon two must go on with your talk just as if I were
+not here! I shall hear nothing, because I have something to read
+that interests me. (He pulls a chair up to the table on the right
+with its back to HALVDAN. HAAKON brings the lamp from the table at
+the back.) Ah, thank you very much! Now, just talk away as if I
+were not here! (Takes the paper from his pocket and sits down.)
+
+Haakon (sitting down again beside his brother). I should have
+liked to go to the meeting, too.
+
+Halvdan. Of course you must go! You will hear Harald tell them
+how each nation has its own appointed task in the world; that is
+why it _is_ a nation. But, as long as it does not realise the fact,
+its politics will be nothing but wrangling between the various
+class-interests--a haphazard struggle for power. Our nation has
+never got beyond that point! I have shouted myself to death over
+what is a mere market.
+
+Evje (to himself, striking the table with his fist). The whole
+commercial community is insulted in this insult to me! I will stir
+them up at the meeting, and insist on our taking our revenge in
+common!
+
+Haakon. I don't think things will be any better until we are better
+Christians. Men think of nothing nowadays but themselves and their
+position.
+
+Evje (to himself). No, no-that wouldn't do. What would people say?
+They would only say I was badly hit by this.
+
+Halvdan (half to himself). A Christian nation, thinking of nothing
+but its own interests--that is to say, power! Equality and Liberty
+have no meaning for it. Haakon, it surely will be bliss for a
+wounded soul to be taken into the Everlasting Love, high above all
+this so-called Christianity of the world! For my soul is sorely
+wounded!
+
+Evje (to himself ). If only I could strike him dead!
+
+Halvdan. But may they all be forgiven!--You asked just now whether
+I could bear to read something hateful about myself to-day. I think
+I could.
+
+Haakon. Then I can tell you the other message she gave me for you.
+I have been a little shy of telling you that. It was that you
+should remember that you must do more than forgive; you must pray
+for them. (A pause.)
+
+Halvdan (with his hand over his eyes). I do.
+
+Evje (crumpling up the paper and throwing it on the floor). No, I
+won't stand it! If the blackguard--. (Gets up in alarm, as he
+realises what he has done, and is just going to pick up the paper;
+but at that moment turns round facing the others, and lets it lie.)
+No, I won't touch it again--never, as long as I live! (To the
+others.) You must forgive me, but I was reading something that
+upset me very much. Your brother will tell you all about it in the
+morning, no doubt. Poof--it is very warm in here! But, of course,
+that is natural in a sick-room. I don't think he can be coming now.
+I think, too, that I will go on, so as not to be late for the
+meeting; there is sure to be a difficulty in getting seats. I will
+get him to go home with me after the meeting, instead. That will be
+better, after all.
+
+Haakon. I was thinking of going to the meeting. Would you mind if I
+went with you?--for I do not know the way myself.
+
+Evje. You will come with me, Mr. Rejn? (To himself.) That will be
+splendid--to make my entrance in the company of one of our yeomen
+farmers! (Aloud.) By all means let us go together! I feel flattered
+by the opportunity, because I have always maintained that our
+yeomen are the pick of the nation. Well, then--(to Halvdan) I hope
+you will soon be feeling better, Mr. Rejn. God bless you!
+
+Halvdan (raising himself on his elbow, and looking at him with a
+smile). Something must have gone amiss with you to-day.
+
+Evje. Why do you say that?
+
+Halvdan. Because as a rule you appear so composed so aloof from all
+this squabbling.
+
+Evje (impetuously). But, do what I like, I am not allowed to keep
+aloof from it! I have no greater wish in the world than to do so, I
+can assure you. Oh, well, your excellent brother--my future
+son-in-law, as I am proud to call him--he will tell you all about
+it. Good-bye!--and--and--God bless you!
+
+Haakon. Shall I tell your housekeeper to come to you?
+
+Halvdan. Oh, no; but you might tell her to come in a little while.
+
+Haakon. Good-bye for the present, then!
+
+Halvdan. Thank you for coming! Good-bye. (Sinks back on to the
+sofa. The others go out, HAAKON turning round once at the door.)
+
+Halvdan. It is something in the paper that has disturbed his
+equanimity. What can it be? The same thing that made Harald so
+gloomy to-day, I wonder? (Gets half up.) It is lying there.--No!
+What interest have I in all their petty spite now? (Sinks back
+again.) "Could you bear to read something hateful about yourself
+to-day?" Haakon asked. Then I suppose there is something about me
+in it to-day. (Puts his hand over his heart.) My heart doesn't seem
+to be beating any the faster for my knowing that. (Gets half up.)
+There it lies! (Sinks back again.) No, I am only trying to tempt
+myself. All the same, I should like to know how many stations I
+have passed on my journey to the great City of Peace! Can their
+malice affect me still? Surely I have passed _that_ station?--It
+would be worth trying, to see. There it lies! (Takes up a stick
+that is standing by the sofa.) Surely I can get over there by
+myself? (Gets up from the sofa with the help of the stick, and
+smiles.) I have not much strength left. (Takes a few steps.)
+Scarcely enough to get across the floor. (A few more steps.) To
+think that I should have--so much vanity--my weak point--. (His
+breath fails him, but he gets as far as the chair on which EVJE was
+sitting, and sits down.) One ought to have done with all that
+before the soul can get quite away from the dust that--. (Begins to
+rake the paper towards him with his stick.) And here am I, sitting
+here raking more of it towards me!--No, let the thing lie! I won't
+soil my wings any more.--Poor Harald! He has to take up the burden
+now! What a horrible bungle it is, that we should be brought into
+the world to give each other as much pain as possible! (Decidedly.)
+Well, I am going to see what legacy of unhappiness I am leaving
+him! I want to have a vivid impression of the misery I am escaping
+from. There is a certain comfort even in that. (Bends down and
+picks up the paper, rests for a moment, and then unfolds the
+paper.) But this is not to-day's paper; it is dated for to-morrow!
+How can Evje have got hold of it? Yes, here is the date--Sunday.
+"Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath Day!" On that day men's
+souls should turn to God--and they offer Him _this_! It is after
+reading _this_ that these fine ladies and gentlemen go to church!
+(Pushes the paper away from him.) Suppose these "Christians" were
+to be brought to judgment one day without warning?--Let us think of
+ourselves and not of others! (Lets his eye rest on the paper.) Does
+that mean me? (Reads.) "Not yet actually dead, but already
+canonised by a calculating brother--." (Checks himself.) God
+forgive them! (Reads on.) "His teachings will no doubt obtain him a
+paean of praise, but this will be--or, at least, so it is to be
+hoped--from within the closely locked doors of the state's prisons
+and houses of correction"--(checks himself a little)--"for that is
+whither he leads his followers."--Good God, to think that they can
+say such things!--And yet, they said worse things of _Him_! Peace!
+(Reads.) "No doubt he talks against Socialism; no doubt he coquets
+with Christianity; but it is by these very means that he has become
+so expert a seducer of men's opinions-which was his aim all along."
+(Puts his hands before his face.) I should not have read it;
+forgive me! I am too weak still!--Ah! I feel--what is it? (Puts his
+hands suddenly to his heart, still unconsciously grasping the
+newspaper in them.) I must get into my room--get to bed! (Gets up
+with the help of his stick.) If only I can get there! Oh, I feel it
+coming on!--I must--. (Tries to hurry, but when he is halfway
+across the floor he stumbles, throws out his hands but finds no
+support, staggers on for a few steps, and falls full length on the
+threshold of his bedroom, so that half his length lies within the
+door and half without. A moment later, the HOUSEKEEPER comes in.)
+
+The Housekeeper (not observing that he is not still on the sofa).
+Won't you go to bed now, sir? You can't stand so much in one day.
+(Goes to the sofa.) Where is he? Surely he has not tried to walk in
+alone? (Hurries across to the bedroom door and almost falls over
+his body. She starts back with a scream.) Where is--? (Catches up
+the lamp, hurries back, and bends over him; then calls out,
+screaming:) Help! Help! (Rings the bell wildly. A MAID appears.)
+Mr. Halvdan is lying here! Heaven knows whether he is dead or
+alive! Run for the Doctor! Leave the door open behind you, and beg
+the first man you meet in the street to come up here at once and
+help me. Tell them it is a matter of life and death!
+
+Maid. Yes!
+
+The Housekeeper. Hurry!
+
+Maid (going out). Yes, yes!
+
+The Housekeeper (coming back into the room). Is he alive or dead? I
+haven't the courage to find out. And both his brothers away!
+(Cries.) God grant some one comes soon!--Poor man, alone in his
+death as he was in his life! But what was he doing _there_? Why did
+he get up from the sofa? (Sees the paper.) Surely that can't be--?
+(Puts the lamp on the floor and unfolds the paper.) Yes, it is the
+paper, right enough! Who can have given it him? I can't look at it
+now; but if it is like the number I read the other day (lets the
+paper fall, and gets up with the lamp) then I understand everything
+--and may God requite those that do such things! (The EDITOR rushes
+in.)
+
+The Editor. Is it here?
+
+The Housekeeper (holds the lamp to him, then starts back). What do
+_you_ want here?
+
+The Editor. Where am I? A girl came running down the street and
+told me I must come up here and help some one that was dying. What
+do you want me to do?--or is it not here?
+
+The Housekeeper. And it was _you_ she met? It is the hand of God!
+
+The Editor. What are you babbling about? If it is not here, say so
+at once.
+
+The Housekeeper. Yes, it is here. There he lies!
+
+The Editor. Then oughtn't we to get him into bed?
+
+The Housekeeper. Yes. But do you know who it is you are helping?
+
+The Editor (to himself). She is not very polite. (Aloud.) No; but
+what does that matter?
+
+The Housekeeper. This much--that it is you that have killed him.
+
+The Editor. I--? She is mad.
+
+The Housekeeper. The man lying there is Halvdan Rejn. And he had
+been reading about himself in your paper.--Come, now, and carry him
+in. (She goes into the bedroom with the lamp. Her voice is heard
+from inside the room.) Now, take hold of him and lift him. You can
+think afterwards.
+
+The Editor (stoops to lift the body, but gets up again). I don't
+think he is dead yet.
+
+The Housekeeper. All the more reason to make haste.
+
+The Editor (stoops down again, but gets up once more.) Let me take
+his head.
+
+The Housekeeper. Why?
+
+The Editor. So that--if he should open his eyes
+
+The Housekeeper. --he won't see you. (Comes out of the bedroom). Go
+in there, then, and take his head. (He goes in.) What was that?
+
+The Editor (from inside the room). I slipped. There is something
+wet here.
+
+The Housekeeper. Yes, he has had a hemorrhage. Carefully, now.
+(They carry him in. The stage remains empty for a moment. Then the
+EDITOR comes back, wiping his forehead. He walks backwards and
+forwards, treading on the paper as he goes, but without noticing
+it.)
+
+The Editor. What a horrible thing to happen!--Newspapers are not
+meant for dying people.--It is not my fault.--Is this blood on my
+hand? It is! (Wipes it with his handkerchief.) And now it is on my
+handkerchief! (Throws it away.) No, it has my name on it. (Picks it
+up again.) No one can say it is my fault. (Sits down, then gets up,
+wiping his forehead with his handkerchief without noticing what
+he is doing.) Ah, I hope I haven't put blood on my forehead? I
+seem to feel it there! (Feels with his hand to see if his brow is
+wet.) No. (Sits down, then gets up again.) Let me get away from
+here. (Stops.) To think that I should be the one to come up! that
+it should just happen to-night that I did not receive my paper,
+and so went out! It almost seems more than accident. Indeed, I
+often had a foreboding that it would happen. (Stands opposite the
+bedroom door.) But is he dead? I think I will go and fetch the
+Doctor. Oh no, of course the maid has gone for him. He hasn't
+long to live, anyway; I could see that. (Walks forward, pointing
+with his finger.) "There goes the man that killed Halvdan Rejn!
+And his punishment was that he had to lift up his bloodstained
+body himself." That is what they will say; and they will look at
+me as if--. (Sits down.) No, let me get away! (Takes a few steps,
+then stops suddenly.) That article in to-morrow's paper! It is
+worse than the others! (Pulls out his watch.) Too late--the post
+has gone! I would have given--. (Checks himself.) I have nothing
+worth giving. In the morning It will be known all over the town
+just as everyone is reading my fresh article. There will be a riot;
+I shall be hunted like a wild beast. What shall I do? I might sneak
+out of the town? Then they will gloat over me! I won't allow them
+that pleasure! No, I cannot stay my hand utter a failure; only
+after a victory. That is the cursed part of it-never, never to be
+able to end it. Oh, for some one that could end it--end it, end it!
+Oh, for one day of real peace! Shall _I_ ever get that? (Sits down.)
+No, no, I must get away! (Gets up.) To-morrow must take care of
+itself. (Starts.) There is the paper he was reading! (Steps over
+it.) I will take it away--and burn it. (Takes it up.) I cannot burn
+it here; some one might come. (Is just going to put it into his
+pocket, as it is, but takes it out again to fold it better.) A
+Sunday's paper, apparently! Then it is _not_ to-day's? An old number,
+I suppose. Then the whole thing is a mistake! (Sighs with relief.)
+Let me look again! (Opens the paper, tremblingly.) I don't deserve
+it, but--. (Reads.) Sunday, the--. _To-morrow's_ paper? _Here_? How in
+all the world did it get here? (Appears horrified.) Here are the
+articles about Evje! How on earth did they get in? Didn't I send a
+message? Didn't I write? This on the top of everything else! Are
+even my printers conspiring against me? Well, even if it ruins me,
+I shall go on! They shall find out what I can do. How on earth can
+I be expected to help it if a weak-minded fellow dies, or if my
+printers are drunk or my manager has delirium tremens! I shall
+pursue my end through all chances and in spite of all their tricks,
+and I shall crush them, crush them--I shall--. (Gives way to a
+paroxysm of rage. At this moment the MAID comes in with the
+DOCTOR'S ASSISTANT. The MAID rushes into the bedroom. The EDITOR
+starts up.) Who is that? What do you want?
+
+The Doctor's Assistant (coldly). What do _you_ want here?
+
+The Editor. I? Oh, I was called up to help the sick man into his
+bed.
+
+The Doctor's Assistant (as before). Ah!--so it was _you_! (A pause.)
+
+The Editor. Have you ever seen me before?
+
+The Doctor's Assistant. Yes. I have heard you grind your teeth
+before this. (Goes into the bedroom.)
+
+The Editor (after standing for a moment looking after him). They
+will all look at me to-morrow like that-with those cold eyes.
+"Every man's hand against him, and his hand against every man;"
+there can only be one end to that. To-night, the meeting--and
+Harald Rejn will take them by storm. To-morrow, his brother's
+death--and my new article in the paper--and, in addition to
+that, those about Evje, who at present is only angry. And the
+election in two days! Oh, yes, he will be elected now. So I may as
+well give it all up at once. I would change places with any wolf
+that has a lair to hide in. Those cold eyes of his! (Shudders.)
+That is how every one will look at me to-morrow! They have pierced
+through my armour! (The DOCTOR'S ASSISTANT comes back, and the
+EDITOR makes an effort to resume his former confident manner.)
+
+The Doctor's Assistant. I don't know whether you will be glad to
+hear that it is all over.
+
+The Editor (under his breath). You brute!
+
+The Doctor's Assistant. His old housekeeper does not feel equal to
+coming here to tell you what his last words were. They were:
+"Forgive him!" (Goes out.)
+
+The Editor (sitting down, then getting up again). No, I mustn't be
+found here. (Walks about the room on tiptoe, as if he were afraid
+of waking some one. When he comes opposite to the bedroom door, he
+turns towards it, stretches out his arms and says:) Give me your
+forgiveness too!
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+(SCENE.--A large and handsomely furnished sitting-room at the
+EVJE'S. The room is brightly lit and the fire burning. The entrance
+door is on the right, and beyond it a door leading to the dining-room.
+INGEBORG is busy taking the covers off the chairs, folding them
+carefully as she does so. After a little, the bell rings. She
+goes to open the door, and returns, showing in the DOCTOR.)
+
+The Doctor. Oho! Is it to be in here to-night?
+
+Ingeborg (who has resumed her work of making the room ready). Yes,
+sir.
+
+The Doctor. Where are they all?
+
+Ingeborg. At the meeting, sir.
+
+The Doctor. All of them?
+
+Ingeborg. Yes, all of them. Miss Gertrud went first--
+
+The Doctor. Yes, I saw her well enough!
+
+Ingeborg. And then the master, and a farmer gentleman with him,
+came in to fetch the mistress.
+
+The Doctor (to himself). Something has happened here, then.
+(Aloud.) Tell me, Ingeborg--has _he_ been here again? You know
+who I mean. (Coughs in imitation of the EDITOR'S cough.)
+
+Ingeborg. Oh, the Editor; no, sir.
+
+The Doctor (to himself). I wonder what has happened. (Aloud.)
+Well, evidently there is to be a festivity here to-night; and, as I
+see the chairs are getting their covers taken off, I may as well
+take mine off too. (Takes off his coat and gives it to INGEBORG,
+who carries it out.) I don't blame Evje for wanting to celebrate
+Harald's success after a meeting like that! He is not exactly
+eloquent in the ordinary sense of the word--doesn't bother about
+his antitheses and climaxes and paradoxes, and all that sort of
+nonsense; but he is a _man_! He goes bail for what he says, and he
+says what he likes--ha, ha! And that dear Gertrud, too! Follows
+him into the hall, and, as there isn't a single seat left there,
+goes up on to the platform among the committee, and sits there
+looking at him with those trustful blue eyes of hers, as if there
+was no one else in the room! And _we_ were all looking at _her_!
+She helped him more than ten good speakers would have done, I am
+sure. Her faith in him bred it in others, whether they liked it or
+no. She is one who would die for her faith! Yes, yes! The man
+that gets her--. (INGEBORG comes back.) Well! (Rubs his hands
+together.) Look here, Ingeborg. (Very politely.) Do you know
+what is meant by the Rights of Man?
+
+Ingeborg (going on with her work). No, sir. Something we have
+earned, I suppose.
+
+The Doctor. Yes, you earn them every day.
+
+Ingeborg. Our meals, perhaps?
+
+The Doctor (laughing). No, it isn't something to eat,
+unfortunately. (Politely.) Do you ever read papers, Ingeborg?
+
+Ingeborg. Papers? Oh, you mean the price-lists they leave at the
+kitchen door. Yes, sir; every day, before we go to market, I--
+
+The Doctor. No, I don't mean papers of that sort. I mean--
+
+Ingeborg. Oh, you mean the newspaper I take in to master's room
+every morning. No, Sir, I don't read that. I am told there are such
+horrors in it.
+
+The Doctor. Quite so. Don't you care to read about horrors, then?
+
+Ingeborg. Oh, we poor folk see enough of them in our everyday lives,
+without reading about them!--But perhaps the gentry enjoy it.
+
+The Doctor. You are a very wise woman. Let me tell you, though,
+that there is a fight going on, about--oh, well, never mind what it
+is about. And the Editor and Mr. Rejn, who both come to this
+house, are the two chief fighters. Don't you want to know what
+they are fighting about?
+
+Ingeborg (going on unconcernedly with her work). Oh, so they are
+fighting, are they? No, I don't care the least bit, sir!
+
+The Doctor (to himself). Ha, ha--the difference between Ingeborg
+and me is that I am interested in the fight merely as a student of
+human nature, and she is not interested in it at all. I wonder
+which is farthest from any genuine belief in politics?--from our
+"duty as a citizen," as they call it? (To INGEBORG.) Ingeborg, do
+you know what your "duty as a citizen" means?
+
+Ingeborg. My "duty as a citizen"? That mean; paying fines, doesn't
+it, sir?
+
+The Doctor. Yes; and a very heavy fine, into the bargain!
+
+Ingeborg. The master was fined because the pavement was not swept.
+John was ill.
+
+The Doctor. Quite right, that was one of his duties as a citizen.--
+Tell me, Ingeborg, are they expecting a lot of people here to-night?
+
+Ingeborg. No, sir, I have only laid table for quite a few.
+
+The Doctor. And what are they going to have?
+
+Ingeborg. Oh, one or two dishes and one or two sorts of wine--.
+
+The Doctor. Aha! (A ring is heard at the bell. INGEBORG goes to the
+door.) There they are! Now we shall have a fine time!
+
+Ingeborg (coming back with a letter). It is a note for you, sir.
+
+The Doctor. Oh, bother I
+
+Ingeborg. The man who brought it was not sure whether you would be
+at the meeting or here.
+
+The Doctor. How could he know--? (Putting on his glasses.) Oh, from
+my assistant--that is quite another thing. Of course he wants my
+help or my advice. Well, he shan't have it! I have run about quite
+enough to-day. Tell the messenger that I haven't time! I have my
+Duties as a Citizen to attend to! (Calls after her.) And my
+Manhood's Rights too! (Opens the envelope.) No, I won't read it; if
+I do, the matter will worry me all the evening. I know what I am.
+(Puts the note in his pocket.) I mean to enjoy this evening!
+(Suddenly.) I wonder how our friend the Editor is enjoying this
+evening! Was he at the meeting, I wonder? A remarkable personality
+--but malignity itself! Lion-hearted, though! He would fight till
+the last drop of his blood! But what is it, really, that he is
+fighting for? That question has always interested me, for I can't
+make it out. (To INGEBORG, who has comeback.) Well?
+
+Ingeborg. The messenger has gone.--Yes, sir, I told him everything
+you told me to.
+
+The Doctor. Of course. You would! Why the deuce does any one pay
+any attention to what I say! (The bell rings.) Here they are at
+last! Now we shall have a delightful evening! (EVJE and MRS. EVJE
+come in.) I am first, you see!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Were you at the meeting, too?
+
+The Doctor. Where else should I be?
+
+Evje. Did you see me?
+
+Mrs. Evje. There were so many people there, dear.
+
+Evje. But I was standing on a seat.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, he was standing on a seat!
+
+The Doctor. There were plenty of people doing that.
+
+Evje. I wanted to be seen!--There _have_ been goings on here
+to-day, my friend!
+
+Mrs. Evje. You will never guess what has happened!
+
+The Doctor. Anyway I can see that something has happened.
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Oh--!
+
+The Doctor. What is it, then?
+
+Evje. Those articles will be in to-morrow's paper.
+
+The Doctor. In the paper?--Yes, I didn't find him.
+
+Evje. But I found him!
+
+The Doctor (impatiently). Well?
+
+Evje. I will tell you all about it another time. But I have read them--
+
+Mrs. Evje. And he has told me all about them!
+
+The Doctor. Are they very bad?
+
+Evje. Oh--oh!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Oh--oh--oh!
+
+The Doctor (with a look of pleased curiosity.) As bad as all that?
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Oh--oh--oh--oh!
+
+The Doctor. And _that_ was why you went to the meeting!
+
+Evje. Of course--tit for tat! It was my wife's idea.
+
+Mrs. Evje. It was the obvious thing to do, dear.
+
+Evje. Our whole family at the meeting!--So that all the town should
+know that it was nothing but the meanest political persecution
+because I had joined my son-in-law's party.
+
+Mrs. Evje. We are party people now, you know!
+
+Evje. Do you know, there is something exciting about being mixed
+up with such things--something invigorating, something--
+
+The Doctor (stepping back). Are _you_ bitten with it, too?
+
+Evje. Yes, if I can't be left in peace, I shall become a party man.
+
+The Doctor (enthusiastically). Did you see Gertrud?
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje (with emotion). Our Gertrud! Yes, indeed we did!
+
+The Doctor. Did you see her coming in with him!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje (as before). Yes, we saw her coming in with him!
+
+The Doctor. I suppose you did not know she was going?
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Oh, yes!
+
+Mrs. Evje. She had said she would go with us--
+
+Evje. But when we went to fetch her, the bird had flown!
+
+The Doctor. How pretty she looked, too! All the men were looking
+at her. And how she looked at him!
+
+Mrs. Evje. It made me want to cry. I had quite a job to prevent
+myself.
+
+Evje. You need not have minded, dear! God has given us great
+happiness. Her faith in him and her love shone to from her eyes
+that it went to my heart. I felt quite upset! (Wipes his eyes.)
+
+The Doctor. And what about _him_--eh? I don't fancy any one will
+think about stopping his career. We have been a pack of fools.
+
+Evje. That we have!
+
+The Doctor. He is not exactly eloquent, but--
+
+Evje. That is precisely what I was saying to my wife! He is not
+exactly eloquent, but he is--
+
+The Doctor. --a man!
+
+Evje. A man! My very words, weren't they, my dear?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes.--And I say he is so strong a man that he can afford
+to be tender-hearted. For he certainly has been that.
+
+Evje. Yes, he has been that!
+
+The Doctor (laughing). In spite of his strength!
+
+Evje. Oh, you may make the most of your--. Aha! (Loud ringing at
+the bell is heard.) Here they are!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Let us go and meet them!
+
+The Doctor. No; look here--let us wait for them at the other side
+of the room, so that they may make a triumphal progress up to us!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje, Yes! (They go to the opposite end of the room,
+while HARALD comes in rather quickly, with GERTRUD on his arm. As
+they cross the room, the others cry out: "Bravo! Bravo!" and clap
+their hands.)
+
+Gertrud (still holding to HARALD's arm). And he is my man! My man!
+(Throws her arms round his neck, crying with happiness, and kisses
+him; then does the same to her mother, and then to her father, to
+whom she whispers: Thank you!)
+
+The Doctor. Oh--me too!
+
+Gertrud (after a moment's hesitation). Yes--you too!
+
+(The DOCTOR helps her to take off her cloak, and talks to her,
+whispering and laughing.)
+
+Harald (shaking EVJE's hand). Good evening!
+
+Evje. Forgive me!
+
+Harald. With all my heart!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And now everything is all right!
+
+Harald. For good!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. For good!
+
+Harald. And, thank you for coming to the meeting.
+
+Evje. It was no more than our duty! Look here--did you see me?
+
+Harald. The whole time! But, tell me, was it a delusion, or was it
+my brother Haakon that was standing on the floor beside you, rather
+in the shadow?
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. It _was_ he!
+
+Evje. I fetched him from your brother Halvdan's.
+
+Harald. I am so glad! It must have pleased Haakon. Gertrud and I at
+first thought of going in to see Halvdan before we came on here;
+but we saw all his lights were out. He must be asleep.
+
+Evje. I can give you news of him. He is all right.
+
+Harald. And Haakon?
+
+Evje. Very well, too. A fine fellow! I wanted him to come home with
+us now; but he said he was tired after his journey.
+
+Mrs. Evje (to INGEBORG, who has come in from the dining room). Is
+it ready?
+
+Ingeborg. Yes, ma'am.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Then come along. (INGEBORG opens the dining-room door.)
+
+The Doctor and Evje. Yes, come along!
+
+The Doctor. But we must go ceremoniously! Let us make a little
+festivity of it to-night! You must head the procession, Evje--and
+then the two young people Gertrud (taking HARALD's arm). Yes!
+
+The Doctor. And Mrs. Evje and I will bring up the rear! (Offers her
+his arm.)
+
+Evje. Forward!(The bell rings. He stops.) Who can it be--as late as this?
+
+The Doctor. Probably some friends on their way back from the
+meeting.
+
+Mrs. Evje. We must wait a moment!(To INGEBORG, who is going to open
+the door.)Put a leaf in the table, and lay places for as many as
+come.
+
+Ingeborg. Yes, ma'am. (The bell rings again, as she goes to open
+the door.)
+
+The Doctor. They are impatient! So much the better--it shows they
+are in a good humour after the meeting! (A knock is heard at the
+door.)
+
+All. Come in!(The EDITOR comes in, with no overcoat on, but wearing
+his hat, which he forgets to take of till he is well into the
+room. He goes straight up to EVJE, who has crossed over to the
+left-hand side of the room.)
+
+All (when they see him in the doorway). You! (GERTRUD clings closer
+to HARALD.)
+
+The Editor. I wanted once more, as in the old days, not to go to
+bed without--this time it is not a question of thanking you for the
+happy time we have had together but without begging your pardon!(He
+speaks quietly, but with suppressed emotion.)There has been some
+unfortunate misunderstanding. Those articles have been printed, in
+spite of my express instructions to the contrary--I do not know how.
+
+Evje. I have read them.
+
+The Editor. You have read them?
+
+Evje. Yes, the copy of the paper that was meant for you came into
+my hands.
+
+The Editor. So that was it!--Forgive me, old friend! Won't you give
+me your hand?
+
+Mrs. Evje (coming forward). That he shall never do!
+
+The Editor (glancing over his shoulder at her). Let no one come
+between us at a moment like this! You don't know--. A hundred times
+in my life I would have done what I am doing now, had I not been
+afraid that people would call it affectation on my part and repulse
+me. Don't _you_ do that!--least of all now! Give me your hand,
+Evje! I beg you, in the sight and hearing of you all--. (EVJE seems
+to vacillate.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. No, you shan't!--not while he has anything to do with a
+newspaper. Otherwise it will all begin over again to-morrow. He
+is not his own master, you know.
+
+The Editor. I have done with it all.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Oh, you have said that so often! Nobody believes it.
+No; when a man can push political hatred so far as to write about
+an old friend, in whose house he has been a daily guest, as if he
+were a criminal--and all because he doesn't like his son-in-law, or
+his servant--one doesn't shake hands with him the very day his
+attacks appear in the paper.
+
+The Editor (who, all the tinge, has kept his back turned to MRS.
+EVJE, and has not looked at her). Evje, you are a good-hearted
+fellow, I know. Don't listen to what others say, now. This is a
+very bitter hour for me. You would be doing a good deed! Give
+me your hand--or a word! I am in such a state now that I must
+have visible signs of _some one's_ forgiveness, or I shall--!
+
+Mrs. Evje (emphatically). Yes, a little repentance will do you
+good! But it will do you no good if you obtain forgiveness easily!
+You want to learn, just for once, what it is to be wounded at
+heart. You are only accustomed to deal with people whom you can
+flog one day and have at your feet--either from fear or from
+vanity--the next. And have we--God forgive us!--ever thought
+seriously the worse of you for it? No; because we never understood
+what it was till we were hit by it ourselves. But that is all the
+more reason why we should do our duty now! Hatred shall be met with
+hatred!
+
+The Doctor (at the back of the room, to GERTRUD and HARALD). She is
+her father's daughter, after all, when it comes to the point!
+
+The Editor (turns upon MRS. EVJE, with his fist clenched, but
+restrains himself from answering her). Then you won't shake hands,
+Evje? Not a word of forgiveness?
+
+Evje. I think my wife is right.
+
+The Editor (controlling himself with difficulty). You are a weak
+man, I know--
+
+Evje. What do you mean?
+
+The Editor. --but do not be weak this time! If you knew everything,
+you would know you _must_ not refuse me what I ask. There are
+others concerned--and for that reason--
+
+The Doctor. Let us go!
+
+Mrs. Evje. No, stay! He shall not have his way again.
+
+The Editor. Well, of all--! It is certainly true that those who are
+hardest on sinners are those who have never been tempted
+themselves--and the most merciless creature in the world is an
+injured woman.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Now he is coming out in his true colours!
+
+The Doctor (not without glee). Yes, that he is!
+
+The Editor (controlling himself once more). Evje--you, who know me,
+know what it must cost me to do this--and you can form some idea of
+the need I am in. I have never--
+
+Evje. I believe you; but I never can feel sure what your next move
+will be. You have so many.
+
+The Editor. My next move is to have done with it all, as sure as--
+
+Mrs. Evje. Don't believe him! A man who can ask for your sympathy
+one moment and abuse you the next is not fit to promise anything--
+and certainly not fit to be forgiven, either.
+
+The Editor (with an outburst of passion). Then may everything evil
+overtake me if I ever ask you or any one else for sympathy again!
+You have succeeded in teaching me that I can do without it! I can
+rise above your cowardly cruelty. (To EVJE.) You are a miserable,
+weak creature--and have always been, for all your apparent
+good-natured shrewdness! (To MRS. EVJE.) And as for you, who have
+often laughed so heartily at my so-called malice, and now all at
+once have become so severely virtuous--why, you are both like
+part-proprietors of my paper! You have taken all the profit you could
+from me, as long as it served your purpose--I have seen that for a
+long time! And all my pretended friends are like you--secret
+holders of shares in me, so as to secure their own safety and the
+persecution of others!--every bit as guilty as I am, only more
+prudent, more timid, more cowardly--!
+
+Evje. Once more--leave this house, which you have outraged!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And how dare you set foot in here again?
+
+The Editor. No, I am not going until all the anger that is in my
+heart has turned into fear in yours! Because now I will _not_ have
+done with it all! No--it is just through _his_ death that respect
+for me will revive--it will be like a rampart of bayonets round me!
+"There goes one who can kill a man with a word, if he likes!"
+_That_ will make them treat me respectfully!
+
+Harald and the Doctor. What does he mean?
+
+The Editor (as he hears HARALD'S voice). And you--you mountebank,
+who can stand up in public and seek applause before your brother's
+corpse is cold--don't come talking rant to me! You are more
+contemptible than I am! I couldn't have done that; I couldn't stand
+there, as you are doing now, impatient to get to your champagne and
+pretty speeches!--Oh, how I despise all such lying and heartlessness!
+(They all look at him and at each other with a questioning
+expression.)
+
+Harald. Is my brother dead?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Is his brother dead?
+
+Gertrud. Good God, is Halvdan dead?
+
+Evje. Is he dead? Impossible!
+
+The Doctor. Is Rejn dead--and I--?
+
+Evje. I saw him only a couple of hours ago, looking quite well.
+
+The Editor (in a broken voice). Didn't you know?
+
+All (except the DOCTOR). No!
+
+The Doctor. Ah, that letter, that letter! (Looks in his pocket for
+it and his glasses.)
+
+The Editor. I am the wretchedest man alive! (Sinks into a chair.)
+
+The Doctor. I had a letter from my assistant, but I have not read
+it!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Read it, read it!
+
+The Doctor (reading). "I am writing in great haste. As I expect you
+will be going to your old friends' after the meeting, and will meet
+Harald Rejn there, the task will probably fall to you of telling
+him--(the EDITOR gets up to go, but stands still)--that Halvdan
+Rejn died about eight o'clock of a fresh attack of hemorrhage!
+(HARALD leaves GERTRUD'S side and comes forward, with a cry. The
+EDITOR steadies himself by holding on to the table.) No one was
+with him; he was found lying across the threshold of his bedroom. A
+copy of the newspaper was lying on the floor behind him." (HARALD,
+with a groan, advance threateningly towards the EDITOR.)
+
+Gertrud. Harald, my ring!--my ring! (HARALD Stops, collects
+himself, buries his face in his hands and bursts into uncontrollable
+tears. GERTRUD puts her arms round him and holds him folded in them.)
+
+The Doctor (laying a hand on HARALD's arm). "The housekeeper told
+me he had only spoken two words, and they were 'Forgive him!'"
+(HARALD bursts into tears.)
+
+The Doctor (after waiting for a little). "Apparently chance--or
+perhaps something else--decreed that the maid who ran for help,
+should meet the very man, who hats caused the tragedy, and that it
+should be _he_ who helped the housekeeper to lay him on his
+deathbed." (All look at the EDITOR.)
+
+Evje. That was why he came! (A pause.)
+
+Gertrud. Harald! (HARALD, who has turned away from her to struggle
+with his emotion, does not turn round.) If _he_ could forgive--
+
+The Editor (with a gesture of refusal). No!
+
+Gertrud (quietly, to the EDITOR). If you want to deserve it, make
+an end of all this!
+
+The Editor. It is all at an end! (To MRS. EVJE.) You were right. I
+knew it myself, too. My armour is pierces pierced through. A child
+might conquer me now--and this child has done so; for she has
+begged for mercy for me, and no one has ever done that before.
+(Puts his hand over his eyes, turns away, and goes out. As he is
+going out the bell rings. A moment later, INGEBORG Shows in HAAKON
+REJN.)
+
+Gertrud (who has put her arms round HARALD, whispers). Who is it?
+
+Harald. My brother. (Goes to meet HAAKON and throws himself into
+his arms.) You had a talk with him this afternoon, then?
+
+Haakon. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Let us all go to him.
+
+Evje and Gertrud. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Evje (to INGEBORG). Bring in our cloaks and hats again, and
+afterwards clear the table. (INGEBORG does so.)
+
+Harald (unable to control his emotion). Haakon, this is my future
+wife. (Goes away from them.)
+
+Haakon. Well, my dear, your engagement has begun seriously; take
+all the future seriously, too.
+
+The Doctor. You need not say that to _her_. What she needs is to
+take life more lightly.
+
+Haakon. Oh, yes--if she lays everything in God's hands she can
+always take life lightly.
+
+Mrs. Evje. It is our own fault, I expect, when we take it too
+lightly.
+
+Evje. But sometimes we learn a lesson by that.
+
+Haakon. Oh, yes. Well, we must stand by one another, we who
+take life in the same way.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Shall we go, children?
+
+Harald (to HAAKON). Will you bring Gertrud, Haakon? I would rather
+go alone. (They go out. The curtain falls.)
+
+
+
+THE BANKRUPT
+
+A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS
+
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+HENNING TJAELDE, merchant and brewer.
+MRS. TJAELDE, his wife.
+VALBORG and SIGNE, their daughters.
+LIEUTENANT HAMAR, engaged to Signe.
+SANNAES, Tjaelde's confidential clerk.
+JAKOSSEN, manager of Tjaelde's brewery.
+BERENT, a lawyer.
+PRAM, a custom-house official.
+An Agent.
+The VICAR.
+LIND, a guest.
+FINNE, a guest.
+RING, a guest.
+HOLM, a guest.
+KNUTZON, a guest.
+KNUDSEN, a guest.
+FALBE, a guest.
+
+
+THE BANKRUPT
+
+ACT I
+
+(SCENE.--A sitting-room in the TJAELDES' house, opening on a
+verandah that is decorated with flowers. It is a hot summer's day.
+There is a view of the sea beyond the verandah, and boats are
+visible among the islands that fringe the coast. A good-sized
+yacht, with sails spread, is lying close up under the verandah on
+the right. The room is luxuriously furnished and full of flowers.
+There are two French windows in the left-hand wall; two doors in
+the right-hand. A table in the middle of the room; arm-chairs and
+rocking-chairs scattered about. A sofa in the foreground on the
+right. LIEUTENANT HAMAR is lying on the sofa, and SIGNE sitting in
+a rocking-chair.)
+
+Hamar. What shall we do with ourselves to-day?
+
+Signe (rocking herself). Hm! (A pause.)
+
+Hamar. That was a delicious sail we had last night. (Yawns.)
+But I am sleepy to-day. Shall we go for a ride?
+
+Signe. Hm! (A pause.)
+
+Hamar. I am too hot on this sofa. I think I will move. (Gets up.
+SIGNE begins to hum an air as she rocks herself.) Play me
+something, Signe!
+
+Signe (singing her words to the air she has been humming).
+The piano is out of tune.
+
+Hamar. Read to me, then!
+
+Signe (as before, looking out of the window). They are swimming
+the horses. They are swimming the horses. They are swimming
+the horses.
+
+Hamar. I think I will go and have a swim too. Or perhaps I will
+wait till nearer lunch-time.
+
+Signe (as before). So as to have a better appetite--appetite--
+appetite.
+
+(MRS. TJAELDE comes in from the right, walking slowly.)
+
+Hamar. You look very thoughtful!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, I don't know what to order.
+
+Signe (as before). For dinner, I suppose you mean?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Hamar. Do you expect any one?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, your father writes to me that Mr. Finne is
+coming.
+
+Signe (speaking). The most tiresome person possible, of course.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. How would boiled salmon and roast chicken do?
+
+Signe. We had that the other day.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. (with a sigh). There is nothing that we didn't. There
+is so little choice in the market just now.
+
+Signe. Then we ought to send to town.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, these meals, these meals!
+
+Hamar (yawning). They are the best thing in life, anyway.
+
+Signe. To eat, yes--but not to cook; I never will cook a dinner.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (sitting down at the table). One could put up with the
+cooking. It's the having always to think of something fresh!
+
+Hamar. Why don't you get a chef from one of the hotels, as I have
+so often advised you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, we have tried that, but he was more trouble
+than it was worth.
+
+Hamar. Yes, because he had no invention. Get a French chef!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, and have to be always beside him to interpret!--
+But I am no nearer this dinner. And lately I have been finding such
+difficulty in getting about.
+
+Hamar. I have never in my life heard so much talk about meals
+as I have in this house.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You see, you have never been in a prosperous
+business-man's house before. Our friends are mostly business-men,
+of course--and most of them have no greater pleasures than those of
+the table.
+
+Signe. That's true.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Are you wearing _that_ dress to-day?
+
+Signe. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You have worn a different one every day.
+
+Signe. Well, if Hamar is tired of both the blue one and the grey
+one, what can I do?
+
+Hamar. And I don't like this one any better than the others.
+
+Signe. Indeed!--Then I really think you had better order me one
+yourself.
+
+Hamar. Come to town with me, and I will!
+
+Signe. Yes, mother--Hamar and I have made up our minds that
+we must go back to town. [Note: There would be nothing contrary to
+Norwegian ideas of propriety in Signe's proposal. In Norway an
+engaged couple could travel alone; and the fiancee would go to stay
+in the house of her future husband's relations.]
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. But you were there only a fortnight ago!
+
+Hamar. And it is exactly a fortnight too long since we were there!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. (thoughtfully). Now, what _can_ I order for dinner?
+
+(VALBORG comes into sight on the verandah.)
+
+Signe (turning round and seeing VALBORG). Enter Her Highness!
+
+Hamar (turning round). Carrying a bouquet! Oho! I have seen it
+before!
+
+Signe. Have you? Did _you_ give it her?
+
+Hamar. No; I was coming through the garden--and saw it on the table
+in Valborg's summerhouse. Is it your birthday, Valborg?
+
+Valborg. No.
+
+Hamar. I thought not. Perhaps there is some other festivity to-day?
+
+Valborg. No. (SIGNE suddenly bursts out laughing.)
+
+Hamar. Why do you laugh?
+
+Signe. Because I understand! Ha, ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. What do you understand?
+
+Signe. Whose hands it is that have decked the altar! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. I suppose you think they were mine?
+
+Signe. No, they were redder hands than yours! Ha, ha, ha, ha!
+(VALBORG throws the bouquet down.) Oh, dear me, it doesn't do to
+laugh so much in this heat. But it is delightful! To think he
+should have hit upon that idea! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar (laughing). Do you mean--?
+
+Signe (laughing). Yes! You must know that Valborg--
+
+Valborg. Signe!
+
+Signe.--who has sent so many distinguished suitors about their
+business, cannot escape from the attentions of a certain red pair
+of hands--ha, ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. Do you mean Sannaes?
+
+Signe. Yes! (Points out of the window.) There is the culprit! He is
+waiting, Valborg, for you to come, in maiden meditation, with the
+bouquet in your hands--as you came just now--
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. (getting up). No, it is your father he is waiting
+for. Ah, he sees him now. (Goes out by the verandah.)
+
+Signe. Yes, it really is father--riding a bay horse!
+
+Hamar (getting up). On a bay horse! Let us go and say "how do
+you do" to the bay horse!
+
+Signe. N--o, no!
+
+Hamar. You won't come and say "how do you do" to the bay horse? A
+cavalry officer's wife must love horses next best to her husband.
+
+Signe. And he his wife next best to his horses.
+
+Hamar. What? Are you jealous of a horse?
+
+Signe. Oh, I know very well you have never been so fond of me
+as you are of horses.
+
+Hamar. Come along! (Pulls her up out of her chair.)
+
+Signe. But I don't feel the least interested in the bay horse.
+
+Hamar. Very well, then, I will go alone!
+
+Signe. No, I will come.
+
+Hamar (to VALBORG). Won't you come and welcome the bay horse too?
+
+Valborg. No, but I will go and welcome my father!
+
+Signe (looking back, as she goes). Yes, of course--father as well.
+(She and HAMAR go out.)
+
+(VALBORG goes to the farthest window and stands looking out of it.
+Her dress is the same colour as the long curtain, and a piece of
+statuary and some flowers conceal her from any one entering the
+room. SANNAES comes in, carrying a small saddle-bag and a cloak,
+which he puts down on a chair behind the door. As he turns round
+he sees the bouquet on the door.)
+
+Sannaes. There it is! Has she dropped it by accident, or did she
+throw it down? Never mind--she has had it in her hands. (Picks it
+up, kisses it, and is going to take it away.)
+
+Valborg (coming forward). Leave it alone!
+
+Sannaes (dropping the bouquet). You here, Miss Valborg--? I
+didn't see you--
+
+Valborg. But I can see what you are after. How dare you presume
+to think of persecuting me with your flowers and your--your red
+hands? (He puts his hands behind his back.) How dare you make
+me a laughing-stock to every one in the house, and I suppose to
+every one in the town?
+
+Sannaes. I--I--I--
+
+Valborg. And what about me? Don't you think I deserve a little
+consideration? You will be turned out of the house before long, if
+you do not take care--! Now be quick and get away before the others
+come in. (SANNAES turns away, holding his hands in front of him,
+and goes out by the verandah to the right. At the same moment
+TJAELDE is seen coming at the other end of the verandah, followed
+by HAMAR and SIGNE.)
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, it is a fine horse.
+
+Hamar. Fine? I don't believe there is its equal in the country.
+
+Tjaelde. I dare say. Did you notice that he hadn't turned a hair?
+
+Hamar. What glorious lungs! And such a beauty, too--his head, his
+legs, his neck--! I never saw such a beauty!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, he is a handsome beast. (Looks out of the verandah at
+the yacht.) Have you been out for a sail?
+
+Hamar. I was sailing among the islands last night, and came back
+this morning with the fishing-boats--a delightful sail!
+
+Tjaelde. I wish I had time to do that.
+
+Hamar. But surely it is only imagination on your part, to think
+that you never have time?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, well, perhaps I have time but not inclination.
+
+Signe. And how do things stand where you have been?
+
+Tjaelde. Badly.
+
+Valborg (coming forward). Welcome home, father!
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you, dear!
+
+Hamar. Is it not possible to save anything?
+
+Tjaelde. Not at present; that is why I took the horse.
+
+Hamar. Then the bay horse is the only thing you get out of the
+smash?
+
+Tjaelde. Do you know that I might say that horse has cost me three
+or four thousand pounds?
+
+Hamar. Well, that is its only defect, anyway! Still, if the worst
+comes to the worst, and you can afford it--the horse is priceless!
+(TJAELDE turns away, puts down his hat and coat and takes off his
+gloves.)
+
+Signe. It is beautiful to see your enthusiasm when you talk about
+horses. I rather think it is the only enthusiasm you have.
+
+Hamar. Yes, if I were not a cavalry officer I should like to be a
+horse!
+
+Signe. Thank you! And what should I be?
+
+Valborg. "Oh, were I but the saddle on thy back! Oh, were I but the
+whip about thy loins!"
+
+Hamar. "Oh, were I but the flowers in thy--." No, "hand" doesn't
+rhyme!
+
+Tjaelde. (coming forward, meets MRS. TJAELDE, who has come in from
+the right.) Well, my dear, how are you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, I find it more and more difficult to get about.
+
+Tjaelde. There is always something the matter with you, my dear!
+Can I have something to eat?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, it has been standing waiting for you. Here it
+comes. (A maid brings in a tray which she lays on the table.)
+
+Tjaelde. Good!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Will you have a cup of tea?
+
+Tjaelde. No, thank you.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. (sitting down beside him and pouring him out a glass
+of wine). And how have things gone with the Moellers?
+
+Tjaelde. Badly. I told you so already.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I didn't hear you.
+
+Valborg. I had a letter to-day from Nanna Moeller. She tells me all
+about it--how none of the family knew anything about it till the
+officers of the courts came.
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, there must have been a dreadful scene.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Did he tell you anything about it?
+
+Tjaelde (as he eats). I didn't speak to him.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My dear! Why, you are old friends!
+
+Tjaelde. Bah! Old friends! He sat looking as if he had taken leave
+of his senses. Besides, I have had enough of that family. I didn't
+go there to hear them talk about their troubles.
+
+Signe. I suppose it was all very sad?
+
+Tjaelde (still eating). Shocking!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What will they have to live on?
+
+Tjaelde. What is allowed them by their creditors, of course.
+
+Signe. But all the things they had?
+
+Tjaelde. Sold.
+
+Signe. All those pretty things--their furniture, their carriages,
+their--?
+
+Tjaelde. All sold.
+
+Hamar. And his watch? It is the most beautiful watch I have ever
+seen--next to yours.
+
+Tjaelde. It had to go, of course, being jewellery. Give me some
+wine; I am hot and thirsty.
+
+Signe. Poor things!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Where are they going to live now?
+
+Tjaelde. In the house of one of the skippers of what was their
+fleet. Two small rooms and a kitchen.
+
+Signe. Two small rooms and a kitchen! (A pause.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What do they intend to do?
+
+Tjaelde. There was a subscription started to enable Mrs. Moeller to
+get the job of catering for the Club.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Is the poor woman going to have more cooking to do!
+
+Signe. Did they send no messages to us?
+
+Tjaelde. Of course they did; but I didn't pay any attention to
+them.
+
+Hamar (who has been standing on the verandah). But Moeller--what
+did he say? What did he do?
+
+Tjaelde. I don't know, I tell you.
+
+Valborg (who has been walking up and down the room during the
+preceding conversation). He has said and done quite enough already.
+
+Tjaelde (who has at last finished eating and drinking, is struck by
+her words). What do you mean by that, Valborg?
+
+Valborg. That if I were his daughter I would never forgive him.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My dear Valborg, don't say such things!
+
+Valborg. I mean it! A man who would bring such shame and misery
+upon his family does not deserve any mercy from them.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. We are all in need of mercy.
+
+Valborg. In one sense, yes. But what I mean is that I could never
+give him my respect or my affection again. He would have wronged me
+too cruelly.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Wronged you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Have you finished already, dear?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No more wine?
+
+Tjaelde. I said I had finished. Wronged you? How?
+
+Valborg. Well, I cannot imagine how one could be more cruelly
+wronged than to be allowed to assume a position that was nothing
+but a lie, to live up to means that had no real existence but were
+merely a sham--one's clothes a lie, one's very existence a lie!
+Suppose I were the sort of girl that found a certain delight in
+making use of her position as a rich man's daughter--in using it to
+the fullest possible extent; well, when I discovered that all that
+my father had given me was stolen-that all he had made me believe
+in was a lie--I am sure that then my anger and my shame would be
+beyond all bounds!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My child, you have never been tried. You don't know
+how such things may happen. You don't really know what you are
+saying!
+
+Hamar. Well it might do Moeller good if he heard what she says!
+
+Valborg. He has heard it. His daughter said that to him.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. His own daughter! Child, child, is that what you
+write to each other about? God forgive you both!
+
+Valborg. Oh, He will forgive us, because we speak the truth.
+
+Mrs. Tialde. Child, child!
+
+Tjaelde. You evidently don't understand what business is--success
+one day and failure the next.
+
+Valborg. No one will ever persuade me that business is a lottery.
+
+Tjaelde. No, a sound business is not.
+
+Valborg. Exactly. It is the unsound sort that I condemn.
+
+Tjaelde. Still, even the soundest have their anxious moments.
+
+Valborg. If the anxious moments really foreshadow a crisis, no man
+of honour would keep his family o: his creditors in ignorance of
+the fact. My God, how Mr. Moeller has deceived his!
+
+Signe. Valborg is always talking about business!
+
+Valborg. Yes, it has had an attraction for me ever since I was a
+child. I am not ashamed of that.
+
+Signe. You think you know all about it, anyway.
+
+Valborg. Oh, no; but you can easily get to know a little about
+anything you are fond of.
+
+Hamar. And one would need no great knowledge of business to condemn
+the way Moeller went on. It was obvious to every one. And the way
+his family went on, too! Who went the pace as much as the Moellers?
+Think of his daughter's toilettes!
+
+Valborg. His daughter is my best friend. I don't want to hear her
+abused.
+
+Hamar. Your Highness will admit that it is possible to be the
+daughter of a _very_ rich man without being as proud and as vain
+as--as the lady I am not allowed to mention!
+
+Valborg. Nanna is neither proud nor vain. She is absolutely
+genuine. She had the aptitude for being exactly what she thought
+she was--a rich man's daughter.
+
+Hamar. Has she the "aptitude" for being a bankrupt's daughter
+now?
+
+Valborg. Certainly. She has sold all her trinkets, her dresses--
+every single thing she had. What she wears, she has either paid for
+herself or obtained by promising future payment.
+
+Hamar. May I ask if she kept her stockings?
+
+Valborg. She sent everything to a sale.
+
+Hamar. If I had known that I would certainly have attended it!
+
+Valborg. Yes, I daresay there was plenty to make fun of, and
+plenty of idle loafers, too, who were not ashamed to do so.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Children, children!
+
+Hamar. May I ask if Miss Nanna sent her own idleness to the sale
+with her other effects?--because I have never known any one with a
+finer supply of it!
+
+Valborg. She never thought she would need to work.
+
+Tjaelde (coming forward to VALBORG). To take up the thread of what
+we were saying: you don't understand what a business-man's hope is
+from one day to the other--always a renewed hope. That fact does
+not make him a swindler. He may be unduly sanguine, perhaps--a
+poet, if you like, who lives in a world of dreams--or he may be a
+real genius, who sees land ahead when no one else suspects it.
+
+Valborg. I don't think I misunderstand the real state of affairs.
+But perhaps you do, father. Because is not what you call hope,
+poetry, genius, merely speculating with what belongs to others,
+when a man knows that he owes more than he has got?
+
+Tjaelde. It may be very difficult to be certain even whether he
+does that or not.
+
+Valborg. Really? I should have thought his books would tell him--
+
+Tjaelde. About his assets and his liabilities, certainly. But
+values are fluctuating things; and he may always have in hand some
+venture which, though it cannot be specified, may alter the whole
+situation.
+
+Valborg. If he undeniably owes more than he possesses, any venture
+he undertakes must be a speculation with other people's money.
+
+Tjaelde. Well--perhaps that is so; but that does not mean that he
+steals the money--he only uses it in trust for them.
+
+Valborg. Entrusted to him on the false supposition that he is
+solvent.
+
+Tjaelde. But possibly that money may save the whole situation.
+
+Valborg. That does not alter the fact that he has got the use of it
+by a lie.
+
+Tjaelde. You use very harsh terms. (MRS. TJAELDE has once or twice
+been making signs to VALBORG, which the latter sees but pays no
+attention to.)
+
+Valborg. In that case the lie consists in the concealment.
+
+Tjaelde. But what do you want him to do? To lay all his cards on
+the table, and so ruin both himself and the others?
+
+Valborg. Yes, he ought to take every one concerned into his
+confidence.
+
+Tjaelde. Bah! In that case we should see a thousand failures every
+year, and fortunes lost one after the other everywhere! No, you
+have a level head, Valborg, but your ideas are narrow. Look here,
+where are the newspapers? (SIGNE, who has been talking confidentially
+to HAMAR on the verandah, comes forward.)
+
+Signe. I took them down to your office. I did not know you meant to
+stay in here.
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, bother the office! Please fetch them for me. (SIGNE
+goes out, followed by Hamar.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (in an undertone to VALBORG). Why will you never
+listen to your mother, Valborg? (VALBORG goes out to the verandah;
+leans on the edge of it, with her head on her hands, and looks
+out.)
+
+Tjaelde. I think I will change my coat. Oh no, I will wait till
+dinner-time.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Dinner! And here I am still sitting here!
+
+Tjaelde. Are we expecting any one?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, have you forgotten?
+
+Tjaelde. Of course, yes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (going out). What on earth am I to order?
+
+(TJAELDE comes forward as soon as he is alone, sits down on a chair
+with a weary, harassed expression, and buries his face in his hands
+with a sigh. SIGNE and HAMAR come back, she carrying some
+newspapers. HAMAR is going out to the verandah again, but SIGNE
+pulls him back.)
+
+Signe. Here you are, father. Here are--
+
+Tjaelde. What? Who?
+
+Signe (astonished). The newspapers.
+
+Tjaelde. Ah, yes. Give them to me.(Opens them hurriedly. They are
+mostly foreign papers, in which he scans the money articles one
+after another.)
+
+Signe (after a whispered conversation with HAMAR). Father!
+
+Tjaelde (without looking up from the papers).Well? (To himself,
+gloomily.) Down again, always down!
+
+Signe. Hamar and I want so much to go into town again to Aunt
+Ulla's.
+
+Tjaelde. But you know you were there only a fortnight ago. I
+received your bills yesterday. Have you seen them?
+
+Signe. No need for that, father, if _you_ have seen them! Why do
+you sigh?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh--because I see that stocks keep falling.
+
+Signe. Pooh! Why should you bother about that? Now you are sighing
+again. I am sure you know how horrid it is for those you love not
+to have what they want. You won't be so unkind to us, father?
+
+Tjaelde. No, my child, it can't be done.
+
+Signe. Why?
+
+Tjaelde. Because--because--well, because now that it is summer time
+so many people will be coming here whom we shall have to entertain.
+
+Signe. But entertaining people is the most tiresome thing I know,
+and Hamar agrees with me.
+
+Tjaelde. Don't you think I have to do tiresome things sometimes,
+my girl?
+
+Signe. Father dear, why are you talking so solemnly and
+ceremoniously? It sounds quite funny from you!
+
+Tjaelde. Seriously, my child, it is by no means an unimportant
+matter for a big business house like ours, with such a wide-spread
+connection, that people coming here from all quarters should find
+themselves hospitably received. You might do that much for me.
+
+Signe. Hamar and I will never have a moment alone at that rate.
+
+Tjaelde. I think you mostly squabble when you are alone.
+
+Signe. Squabble? That is a very ugly word, father.
+
+Tjaelde. Besides, you would be no more alone if you were in town.
+
+Signe. Oh, but it is quite different there!
+
+Tjaelde. So I should think--from the way you throw your money
+about!
+
+Signe (laughing). Throw our money about! What else have we to do?
+Isn't that what we are for? Daddy, listen--dear old dad--
+
+Tjaelde. No, dear--no.
+
+Signe. You have never been so horrid to me before.
+
+Hamar (who has been making signs to her to stop, whispers). Can't
+you be quiet! Don't you see he is put out about something?
+
+Signe (whispering). Well, you might have backed me up a little.
+
+Hamar (as before). No, I am a bit wiser than you.
+
+Signe (as before). You have been so odd lately. I am sure I don't
+know what you want?
+
+Hamar (as before). Oh, well, it doesn't matter now--because I am
+going to town alone.
+
+Signe (as before). What are you going to do?
+
+Hamar (going). I am going to town alone. I am sick of this!
+
+Signe (following him). Just you try! (Both go out by the verandah,
+to the right. TJAELDE lets the newspapers fall out of his hands
+with a heavy sigh.)
+
+Valborg (looking in from the verandah). Father! (TJAELDE starts.)
+There goes Mr. Berent, the lawyer from Christiania.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Berent? Where? On the wharf?
+
+Valborg. Yes. (Comes back into the room. TJAELDE looks out of the
+window.) The reason I told you was because I saw him yesterday at
+the timber-yard, and a little while before that, at the brewery and
+at the works.
+
+Tjaelde (to himself). What can that mean? (Aloud.) Oh, I know he is
+very fond of making little trips to all sorts of places in the
+summer. This year he has come here--and no doubt he likes to see
+the chief industries of the place. There is not much else here to
+see! But are you sure it is he? I think--
+
+Valborg (looking out). Yes, it is he. Look now, you know his walk--
+
+Tjaelde. --and his trick of crossing his feet--yes, it is he. It
+looks as if he were coming here.
+
+Valborg. No, he has turned away.
+
+Tjaelde. All the better! (To himself, thoughtfully.) Could it
+possibly mean--? (SANNAES comes in from the right.)
+
+Sannaes. Am I disturbing you, sir?
+
+Tjaelde. Is that you, Sannaes? (SANNAES, as he comes forward, sees
+VALBORG standing by the farther window. He appears frightened and
+hides his hands quickly behind his back.) What do you want?
+(VALBORG looks at SANNAES, then goes on to the verandah and out to
+the right.) What is it, man? What the deuce are you standing there
+for?
+
+Sannaes (bringing his hands from behind his back as soon as VALBORG
+has passed him, and looking after her.) I didn't like to ask you,
+before Miss Valborg, whether you are coming down to your office
+to-day or not.
+
+Tjaelde. Have you gone mad? Why on earth shouldn't you ask me that
+before Miss Valborg?
+
+Sannaes. I mean that--if not--I should like to speak to you here,
+if it is convenient.
+
+Tjaelde. Look here, Sannaes, you ought to try and get rid of your
+shyness; it doesn't suit a business man. A business man should be
+smart and active, and not let his wits go wool-gathering because he
+finds himself in the same room with a woman. I have often noticed
+it in you.--Now, what is it? Out with it!
+
+Sannaes. You are not coming to the office this morning, sir?
+
+Tjaelde. No, there is no post goes out before this evening.
+
+Sannaes. No. But there are some bills of exchange--
+
+Tjaelde. Bills? No.
+
+Sannaes. Yes, sir--that fourth one of Moeller's that was protested,
+and the big English one.
+
+Tjaelde (angrily). Have they not been met yet? What does this mean?
+
+Sannaes. The manager of the bank wanted to see you first, sir!
+
+Tjaelde. Have you gone crazy--? (Collects himself.) There must be
+some misunderstanding, Sannaes.
+
+Sannaes. That is what I thought; so I spoke about it to the chief
+clerk, and to Mr. Holst as well.
+
+Tjaelde. And Mr. Holst said--?
+
+Sannaes. The same thing.
+
+Tjaelde (walking up and down). I will go and see him--or rather, I
+_won't_ go and see him; because this is evidently something that--.
+We have some days' grace yet, haven't we?
+
+Sannaes. Yes, sir.
+
+Tjaelde. And still no telegram from Mr. Lind?
+
+Sannaes. No, sir.
+
+Tjaelde (to himself). I can't understand it. (Aloud.) We will
+negotiate this matter direct with Christiania, Sannaes. That is
+what we will do--and leave these little local banks alone in
+future. That will do, Sannaes! (Makes a gesture of dismissal. Then
+says to himself:) That damned Moeller! It has made them all
+suspicious! (Turns round and sees SANNAES still there.) What are
+you waiting for?
+
+Sannaes. It is settling day--and I have no money in the safe.
+
+Tjaelde. No money in the safe! A big business like this, and
+nothing in the safe on settling day! What kind of management is
+that, I should like to know? Must I teach you the A B C of business
+over and over again? One can never take a half day off, or hand
+over the control! of the tiniest part of the business--! I have no
+one, absolutely no one, that I can rely on! How have you let things
+get into such a state?
+
+Sannaes. Well, there was a third bill, which expired to-day--Holm
+and Co., for L400. I had relied upon the bank, unfortunately--so
+there was nothing for it but to empty the safe--here and at the
+brewery as well.
+
+Tjaelde (walking about restlessly). Hm--hm--hm!--Now, who can have
+put that into Holst's head?--Very well, that will do. (Dismisses
+SANNAES, who goes out but comes back immediately.)
+
+Sannaes (whispering). Here is Mr. Berent!
+
+Tjaelde (surprised). Coming here?
+
+Sannaes. He is just coming up the steps! (Goes out by the further
+door on the right.)
+
+Tjaelde. (calls after him in a whisper). Send up some wine and
+cakes!--It is just as I suspected! (Catches sight of himself in a
+mirror.) Good Lord, how bad I look! (Turns away painfully from the
+mirror; looks in it again, forces a smile to his face, and so,
+smiling, goes towards the verandah, where BERENT is seen coming in
+slowly from the left.)
+
+Tjaelde (greeting BERENT politely but with reserve). I feel
+honoured at receiving a visit from so distinguished a man.
+
+Berent. Mr. Tjaelde, I believe?
+
+Tjaelde. At your service! My eldest daughter has just been
+telling me that she had seen you walking about my property.
+
+Berent. Yes; an extensive property--and an extensive business.
+
+Tjaelde. Too extensive, Mr. Berent. Too many-sided. But one thing
+has led to another. Pray sit down.
+
+Berent. Thank you; it is very warm to-day. (A maid brings in cakes
+and wine, and puts them on the table.)
+
+Tjaelde. Let me give you a glass of wine?
+
+Berent. No, thank you.
+
+Tjaelde. Or something to eat?
+
+Berent. Nothing, thank you.
+
+Tjaelde (taking out his cigar-case). May I offer you a cigar? I can
+answer for their quality.
+
+Berent. I am very fond of a good cigar. But for the moment I will
+not take anything, thank you! (A pause. TJAELDE takes a seat.)
+
+Tjaelde (in a quiet, confidential voice). Have you been long here,
+Mr. Berent?
+
+Berent. Only a day or two. You have been away, have you not?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes--that unhappy affair of Mr. Moeller's. A meeting of
+creditors after the sale.
+
+Berent. Times are hard just now.
+
+Tjaelde. Extraordinarily so!
+
+Berent. Do you think that Moeller's failure will bring down any
+more firms with it-besides those we know of already, I mean?
+
+Tjaelde. I don't think so. His--his misfortune was an exceptional
+case in every respect.
+
+Berent. It has made the banks a little nervous, I hear.
+
+Tjaelde. I dare say.
+
+Berent. Of course you know the state of affairs here better than
+any one.
+
+Tjaelde. (with a smile). I am very much indebted to you for your
+flattering confidence in me.
+
+Berent. I suppose all this might have a bad effect upon the
+export trade of this part of the country?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes--it is really hard to tell; but the important thing
+certainly is to keep every one on their legs.
+
+Berent. That is your opinion?
+
+Tjaelde. Undoubtedly.
+
+Berent. As a general rule a crisis of this sort shows up the
+unsound elements in a commercial community.
+
+Tjaelde (with a smile). And for that reason this crisis should be
+allowed to take its natural course, you mean?
+
+Berent. That is my meaning.
+
+Tjaelde. Hm!--In some places it is possible that the dividing line
+between the sound firms and the unsound may not be very distinct.
+
+Berent. Can there really be any danger of such a thing here?
+
+Tjaelde. Well--you are expecting too much of my knowledge of
+affairs; but I should be inclined to think that there may. (A
+pause.)
+
+Berent. I have been instructed by the banks to prepare an opinion
+upon the situation--a fact which I have, so far, only confided to
+you.
+
+Tjaelde. I am much obliged.
+
+Berent. The smaller local banks here have combined, and are acting
+in concert.
+
+Tjaelde. Indeed? (A pause.) I suppose you have seen Mr. Holst,
+then?
+
+Berent. Of course. (A pause.) If we are to assist the sound firms
+and leave the others to their fate, the best way will certainly be
+for all alike to disclose their actual position.
+
+Tjaelde. Is that Mr. Holst's opinion too?
+
+Berent. It is. (A pause.) I have advised him for the present--at
+all events till we have all the balance-sheets--to say "no" to
+every request for an advance, without exception.
+
+Tjaelde. (with a look of relief). I understand!
+
+Berent. Only a temporary measure, of course--
+
+Tjaelde. Quite so!
+
+Berent. --but one that must apply to every one impartially.
+
+Tjaelde. Admirable!
+
+Berent. Not to treat every one alike would be to run the danger of
+throwing premature suspicion on individuals.
+
+Tjaelde. I quite agree.
+
+Berent. I am delighted to hear it. Then you will not misunderstand
+me if I ask you also to prepare a balance-sheet which shall show
+the actual position of your firm.
+
+Tjaelde. With the greatest pleasure, if by doing so I can assist
+the general welfare.
+
+Berent. I assure you, you can. It is by such means that public
+confidence is strengthened.
+
+Tjaelde. When do you want the balance-sheet? Of course, it can
+only be a summary one.
+
+Berent. Naturally. I will give myself the pleasure of calling for
+it.
+
+Tjaelde. By no means. I can let you have it at once, if you like. I
+am in the habit of frequently drawing up summary balance-sheets of
+that kind--as prices rise and fall, you know.
+
+Berent. Indeed? (Smiles.) You know, of course, what they say of
+swindlers--that they draw up three balance-sheets everyday, and
+all different! But you are teaching me, apparently--
+
+Tjaelde (laughing). --that others too, may have that bad habit!--
+though I haven't actually got as far as three a day!
+
+Berent. Of course I was only joking. (Gets up.)
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Of course. I will send it to the hotel in an
+hour's time; for I suppose you are staying in our only so-called
+hotel! Would you not care, for the rest of your stay, to move
+your things over here and make yourself at home in a couple of
+empty spare rooms that I have?
+
+Bercnt. Thank you, but the length of my stay is so uncertain; and
+the state of my health imposes habits upon me which are
+embarrassing to every one, and to myself most of all, when I am
+among strangers.
+
+Tjaelde. But at all events I hope you will dine with us to-day? I
+expect one or two friends. And perhaps a short sail afterwards; it
+is very pretty among the islands here.
+
+Berent. Thank you, but my health won't allow me such dissipations.
+
+Tjaelde. Ha, ha!--Well, if I can be of any further service to you--?
+
+Berent. I should be glad to have a talk with you before I leave,
+preferably as soon as possible.
+
+Tjaelde (somewhat surprised). You mean, after you have received
+all the balance-sheets?
+
+Berent. I have already managed to get most of them quietly, through
+Mr. Holst.
+
+Tjaelde (more surprised). Oh--so you mean to-day--?
+
+Berent. Would five o'clock suit you?
+
+Tjaelde. I am quite at your disposal! I will give myself the
+pleasure of calling upon you at five.
+
+Berent. No, I will come here at five o'clock. (Bows, and turns to
+go.)
+
+Tjaelde (following him). But you are the invalid--the older man--
+and a distinguished man--
+
+Berent. But you are at home here. Good-bye!
+
+Tjaelde. Let me thank you for the honour you have done me by
+calling upon me!
+
+Berent. Please don't bother to see me out.
+
+Tjaelde. Allow me to escort you?
+
+Berent. I can find the way quite well, thank you.
+
+Tjaelde. No doubt, no doubt-but I should feel it an honour!
+
+Berent. As you please! (As they are about to go down the verandah
+steps they are met by SIGNE and HAMAR, who are coming up arm in
+arm. Each couple draws aside to make room for the other.)
+
+Tjaelde. Let me introduce--no, I am sure Mr. Berent needs no
+introduction. This is my youngest daughter--and her fiance,
+Lieutenant Hamar.
+
+Berent. I thought your regiment was at the manoeuvres, Lieutenant?
+
+Hamar. I have got furlough--
+
+Berent. On account of urgent business, no doubt! Good day!
+
+Tjaelde. Ha, ha, ha! (He and BERENT go down the steps.)
+
+Hamar. Insolent fellow! But he is like that to every one.
+
+Signe. Not to my father, as far as I could see.
+
+Hamar. Your father is insolent too.
+
+Signe. You shan't say such things of father!
+
+Hamar. What else do you call it, to laugh at such impertinence as
+Berent's.
+
+Signe. I call it good spirits! (Sits down in a rocking-chair and
+begins rocking herself.)
+
+Hamar. Oh, then, so you--. You are not very agreeable to-day.
+
+Signe (still rocking herself). No; do you know, sometimes I get so
+bored with you.
+
+Hamar. Yet you won't let me go away?
+
+Signe. Because I should be still worse bored without you.
+
+Hamar. Let me tell you this, I am not going to put up much longer
+with the way I am treated here!
+
+Signe. Very well. (Takes off her engagement ring and holds it
+between her finger and her thumb, as she rocks herself and hums a
+tune.)
+
+Hamar. Oh, I don't say anything about _you_; but look at Valborg!
+Look at your father! He hasn't even as much as offered me a mount
+on his new horse!
+
+Signe. He has had something else to think about--possibly something
+even more important than that. (Goes on humming.)
+
+Hamar. Oh, do be nice, Signe! You must admit that my feelings are
+very natural. Indeed, to speak quite candidly--because I know I can
+say anything to you--it seems to me that, as I am to be his
+son-in-law and am in a cavalry regiment, and as he has no sons of
+his own, I might almost expect that--that he would make me a
+present of the horse.
+
+Signe. Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. Does it seem so unreasonable to you?
+
+Signe. Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. Why do you laugh at what I say, Signe? It seems to me that
+it would reflect very well on your family if, when my friends
+admired my horse, I could say: "My father-in-law made me a present
+of it." Because, you know, there isn't a finer horse in the whole
+of Norway.
+
+Signe. And that is the reason why you should have it? Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. I won't stand it!
+
+Signe. The peerless lieutenant on the peerless horse! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. Signe, be quiet!
+
+Signe. You are so funny! (Begins to hum again.)
+
+Hamar. Listen, Signe! No one has so much influence with your father
+as you.--Oh, do listen! Can't you talk seriously for a moment?
+
+Signe. I should like to! (Goes on humming.)
+
+Hamar. My idea was that, if that horse were mine, I would stay here
+for the summer and break it in thoroughly. (SIGNE stops rocking
+herself and humming. HAMAR comes up to her chair and leans over
+her.) In that case I would not go back till the autumn, and then
+you could come with the horse and me into town. Wouldn't that be
+delightful?
+
+Signe (after looking at him for a moment). Oh, yes, my dear, you
+always have such delightful ideas!
+
+Hamar. Don't I! But the whole thing depends, of course, on whether
+you can get the horse from your father. Will you try, darling?
+
+Signe. And then you would stay here all the summer?
+
+Hamar. All the summer!
+
+Signe. So as to break in the horse.
+
+Hamar. Just to break in the horse!
+
+Signe. And I would go with you into town in the autumn--that was
+what you said, wasn't it?
+
+Hamar. Yes; wouldn't it be jolly?
+
+Signe. Shall you take the bay horse to stay with your Aunt Ulla
+too?
+
+Hamar (laughing). What?
+
+Signe. Well, you have spent your furlough here simply for the sake
+of that horse--I know that well enough--and you propose to stay
+here, just to break it in-and then you propose that the horse and I
+should go to your aunt's--
+
+Hamar. But, Signe, what do you--?
+
+Signe (beginning to rock herself furiously). Ugh! Go away!
+
+Hamar. Jealous of a horse! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Signe. Go away to the stables.
+
+Hamar. Is that meant for a punishment? Because it would be more
+amusing there than it is here.
+
+Signe (throwing down her ring). There! Let your horse wear that!
+
+Hamar. Every time you throw down that ring--
+
+Signe. Oh, you have said that so often! I am tired of that too!
+(Turns her chair round so as to turn her back on him.)
+
+Hamar. You are such a spoilt child that it would be absurd to take
+everything you say seriously--
+
+Signe. I am sick of that too, I tell you--for the hundred and
+twentieth time! Go away!
+
+Hamar. But can't you see how ridiculous it is of you to be jealous
+of a horse? Have you ever heard of anyone else behaving like that?
+
+Signe (jumping up). Oh, you make me want to shout and scream!
+I feel so ashamed of you! (Stamps her foot.) I despise you!
+
+Hamar (laughing). And all on account of the horse?
+
+Signe. No, on your own account--yours, yours! I feel so miserable
+sometimes, I should like to throw myself down on the floor and
+cry--or run away and never come back! Can't you let me alone!
+Can't you go away!
+
+Hamar. Yes--and I have not picked up the ring this time, either!
+
+Signe. Oh, do go!--go, go, go! (Bursts out crying and sits down.)
+
+Hamar. All right!--I see the steamer in the distance; I shall go
+home at once.
+
+Signe. Oh, you know as well as I do that that steamer goes the
+other way! Oh! (Cries. The masts and funnel of a steamer come
+into sight, and a trail of smoke passes over the sky. TJAELDE'S
+voice is heard outside, calling: "Hurry up! Take the lieutenant's
+boat; it is ready!" SIGNE jumps up.)
+
+Hamar. They are going to fetch some one from the steamer!
+(TJAELDE'S voice is heard again: "You get the boat out! He is
+coming here!" HAMAR runs to pick up the ring and comes back
+hurriedly to SIGNE.) Signe!
+
+Signe. No, I won't!
+
+Hamar. Signe, dear! What does this mean? What is it that I have
+done?
+
+Signe. I don't know, but I am wretchedly unhappy! (Bursts into
+tears.)
+
+Hamar. But you know that in the end I always do what you want? What
+more can you wish than that?
+
+Signe. I can't help it, I wish I were dead! It is always the same
+thing! (In tears again.)
+
+Hamar. But, Signe--you who have told me hundreds of times that
+you loved me!
+
+Signe. And so I do. But sometimes our engagement seems horrible!--
+No, don't come near me!
+
+Hamar. Signe! (TJAELDE'S voice is heard outside: "Of course, put
+your best coat on!" He calls louder: "Sannaes!" An answering voice
+is heard in the distance. TJAELDE continues: "Don't forget your
+gloves!") Dry your eyes, Signe! Don't let him see you have been
+crying. (He tries to give her the ring, but she turns away, wiping
+her eyes. TJAELDE comes up the steps on to the verandah.)
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, there you are! That's right. Mr. Lind is arriving by
+this steamer--I had a telegram from him just now. (Calls out over
+the verandah.) Come along with those flags! And get this boat out
+of the way and unstep her mast! She is moored up tight! (HAMAR runs
+to help him.) Yes, you cast her off! (HAMAR does so, and the boat
+is hauled away to the right. TJAELDE comes forward into the room.)
+Signe! (Looks at her.) What? Squabbling again?
+
+Signe. Father!
+
+Tjaelde. Well, this is no time for tomfoolery of that sort! You
+must all do the honours of the house to-day. Tell Valborg--
+
+Signe. Tell her yourself, please! You know Valborg only does
+just what she likes.
+
+Tjaelde. Don't talk such rubbish! This is an important moment--
+and you will all do as _I_ say! Tell Valborg that she is to make
+herself look nice and come to me here. And you do the same. (She
+goes.) Signe!
+
+Signe (stopping). Yes?
+
+Tjaelde. We must ask five or six more people to dinner. You must
+send word to Mr. Finne that we shall dine punctually at three
+o'clock, instead of four. Mr. Lind has to go away again by the
+next boat, at five o'clock. Do you understand?
+
+Signe. But has mother enough in the house for so many?
+
+Tjaelde. It is not a mere question of there being enough--it must
+be a very good dinner. I expect my larder to be kept thoroughly
+well stocked all through the summer. How often am I to repeat that?
+
+Signe (trying to repress her fears). But mother is feeling so ill
+to-day--
+
+Tjaelde. Oh! don't begin about that everlasting "feeling ill."
+There is no time to-day to feel ill. Now, be quick! (SIGNE goes out
+by the farther door. TJAELDE turns to HAMAR.) Get a pen and ink and
+some paper! We must draw up a list of guests, at once!
+
+Hamar (looking about). There is none here.
+
+Tjaelde (impatiently). Fetch some, then! (HAMAR goes into the next
+room. TJAELDE, after a long sigh of relief, reads a telegram he has
+in his hand. His hand trembles as he reads it slowly, repeating
+some passages twice.) "Letter received just as starting. Before
+taking charge of affairs, must have interview. Coming to-day
+earliest boat, return five o'clock. Have clear statement ready.
+Lind." I can hardly read it--but it is true! Yes, if I can only
+work this properly all doors will be open to me! (To HAMAR, who has
+come back.) Ah, there you are! It would take too long to write
+invitations. We will just draw up a list of names and one of my
+clerks shall run round to them all. Now then! (Dictates.) The
+Vicar--Oh, by the way, what is the champagne like?
+
+Hamar. Do you mean the new lot?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Hamar. The Vicar praised it highly.
+
+Tjaelde. Good. Well, then--
+
+Hamar (writing). The Vicar.
+
+Tjzlde. Mr. Ring.
+
+Hamar. Mr. Ring.
+
+Tjaelde. And--and--
+
+Hamar. Mr. Holst?
+
+Tjaelde. No, not Holst. (HAMAR appears greatly astonished. TJAELDE
+says to himself:) I can show him now that I have no need of him!
+(Suddenly, to HAMAR.) Mr. Holm. (To himself.) Holst's enemy!
+
+Hamar. Mr. Holm.
+
+Tjaelde (to himself). Although Holm is a boor. Still, it will
+annoy Holst. (Aloud.) The Chief Constable.
+
+Hamar. The Chief--
+
+Tjaelde. No, strike out the Chief Constable.
+
+Hamar. Chief Constable struck out.
+
+Tjaelde. Have we got the Vicar down?
+
+Hamar. He is number one on the list.
+
+Tjaelde. Of course, yes.
+
+Hamar. What about the Magistrate?
+
+Tjaelde. No, he lives too far off. Besides, unless he is the guest
+of honour and can talk shop all the time--. No! But, let me see.
+Mr. Knutzon--Knutzon with a "z."
+
+Hamar. Knutzon with a "z."
+
+Tjaelde. Oh!--and--Knudsen, too! Knudsen with an "s."
+
+Hamar. Knudsen with an "s."
+
+Tjaelde. How many have we got?
+
+Hamar. The Vicar, Ring, Holm, the Chief--oh, no, the Chief
+Constable was struck out; Knutzon with a "z," Knudsen with an
+"s "--that is one, two, three, four, five, six.
+
+Tjaelde. And Finne, you, and I make nine. We must have twelve.
+
+Hamar. What about some ladies?
+
+Tjaelde. No; ladies are out of place at a business dinner. They
+may do the honours afterwards, when we have got to the cigarette
+stage. But whom shall we--?
+
+Hamar. That new lawyer fellow? He's a smart chap--I can't remember
+his name?
+
+Tjaelde. No, he always wants to be speechifying wherever he goes.--
+Ah, Mr. Pram, the custom-house officer!
+
+Hamar. That man? He always gets drunk!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, but he doesn't get noisy with it. He does no harm--
+quite the contrary! Yes, put down Pram.
+
+Hamar. Mr. Pram.
+
+Tjaelde. It is a very difficult task, in such a small town, when
+you want to get a good set of people together. Ah!--Falbe! I forgot
+him. He is very neat, and no opinions.
+
+Hamar. Neat in his dress, do you mean?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, in his dress too-but I meant it more generally. Now,
+for the twelfth--Morten Schultz?
+
+Hamar. Morten Schultz! (Gets up.) No, really, I must take the
+liberty of protesting against him! Do you really know what he did
+the last time he was here, when you had a lot of guests? In the
+middle of dinner he took out his false teeth and began showing them
+to his neighbours. He wanted to have them passed round the table!
+If that is your idea of a good set of people--well!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, he is rather a rough diamond. But he is the richest
+man about here.
+
+Hamar (who has sat down again). Well in that case he really ought
+to afford himself a new wig! It is far from pleasant to sit beside
+him, I can assure you!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, I know he is a pig; but he is wide awake, and this
+would flatter him! You see, my young friend, when a man is very rich
+you must make certain allowances for him.
+
+Hamar. I can't understand what _you_ can hope to get out of him.
+
+Tjaelde. Hm, hm!--No, well, perhaps we had better leave him out?
+
+Hamar. Certainly!
+
+Tjaelde (to himself). Although Lind would understand the
+significance of Morten Schultz's being here--
+
+Hamar. And the things he says! Ladies have to leave the room!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, you are right. (Mutters to himself.) And, after all,
+I don't need him any longer. (Aloud.) But what about our twelfth,
+then? Let me see--.
+
+Hamar. Christopher Hansen?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, Lord! no. We should have to talk politics. No, let me
+see--. Yes, I think I might risk it! Hm, hm--yes, just the man!
+Jakobsen, the brewery manager.
+
+Hamar. Jakobsen?
+
+Tjaelde. Hm, hm! Jakobsen will do very well. I know Jakobsen.
+
+Hamar. Oh, he is a very good fellow--we all know that, but in
+polite society--!
+
+Tjaelde. Hm, hm, hm!--Put him down!
+
+Hamar (writing). Jakobsen. There, then! (Gets up.)
+
+Tjaelde. Now let Skogstad go with the list! Remember, three o'clock
+punctually! And be quick! (Calls after HAMAR, who is going out.)
+And come back when you have given him the list! There may be
+something more to do! (HAMAR goes out by the nearer door. TJAELDE
+takes a letter out of his pocket.) Ah, of course! Shall I send the
+balance-sheet to Berent? I am independent of the banks now. Still,
+I am not out of the wood yet. And, anyway, it is a very pretty
+balance-sheet! Holst would be sure to see it, and that might be
+useful--and it might annoy him, too. Besides, if I don't send it,
+they will think that my promising to send it had put me into a
+hole, and that Lind had helped me out of it. I risk least by
+sending it. (HAMAR comes back.) Look here, let him take this
+letter, too. It is for Mr. Berent, at the Hotel Victoria.
+
+Hamar. Is this an invitation? Because, if it is, we shall be
+thirteen at table.
+
+Tjaelde. It is not an invitation. Be quick, before he goes. (HAMAR
+goes out again.) Oh, if only it succeeds! Lind is the sort of man
+one can persuade--and I must, I must persuade him! (Looks at his
+watch.) I have four whole hours to do it in. I have never felt so
+hopeful--not for a long time. (Is lost in thought; then says
+quietly:) After all, sometimes a crisis is a good thing--like a big
+wave that carries one on!--They have all had their suspicions
+aroused now, and are all ready to get into a panic. (Sighs.) If
+only I could get safely out of my difficulties without any one's
+suspecting it!--Oh, this anxious fear, night and day!--all this
+mystery, these shifts, these concealments, this farce I have to
+keep up! I go about my business as if I were in a dream.
+(Despairingly.) This shall be the last time--my last performance
+of this sort! No more of it!--I only need a helping hand now, and
+I have got it! But _have_ I got it? that is the question. Oh! if
+only, after this, I could know what it was to have a good night's
+sleep and to wake in the morning free from anxiety!--to join them
+at meals with an easy conscience!--come home in the evening and
+feel that it was all done with! If only I had something to take my
+stand upon that I could call my own--really and truly my own! I
+hardly dare to believe that there is a chance--I have so often been
+disappointed! (HAMAR comes back.)
+
+Hamar. There--that's done!
+
+Tjaelde. Good Lord, what about a salute from our cannon? We must
+give him a salute!
+
+Hamar. We have powder.
+
+Tjaelde. Then send word up at once to Ole to see about it! (They
+hurry out. The curtain falls.)
+
+
+ACT II
+
+SCENE I
+
+(SCENE.--The same room. The table, which has been drawn to one
+side, is covered with bottles of champagne aged dishes of fruit.
+MRS. TJAELDE and SIGNE, with a man-servant and a maid, are busy
+preparing it. Through the door on the right a lively conversation
+can be heard, and occasional bursts of laughter.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (in a tired voice). Now I think it is all ready.
+
+Signe. They are talking a long time over their dinner.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (looking at her watch). Yes, they will only have half
+an hour for their dessert, because Mr. Lind has to leave at five
+o'clock.
+
+Signe. Ah, they have finished at last! Listen, they are getting up
+from the table. (Amidst the loud noise of conversation the noise of
+chairs being pushed back is audible.) Here they come!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes; let us retreat. (The maid goes out by the
+farther door; SIGNE helps MRS. TJAELDE out after her. The
+man-servant begins opening the champagne. The guests come in from
+the dining-room, headed by LIND escorted by TJAELDE, whom he is
+assuring that the dinner was excellent, to which TJAELDE replies
+that it is impossible to do much in a small country town. Both look
+at their watches, and observe that there is only half an hour left.
+TJAELDE vainly endeavours to persuade LIND to stay longer. Close
+behind them come HOLM and RING, engaged in an animated dispute
+about timber prices, the former maintaining that they will fall
+still lower, the latter that they will rise speedily owing to the
+fall in the prices of coal and iron, a point of view which the
+former vigorously controverts. Immediately behind them comes the
+VICAR, escorted by HAMAR, who is a little tipsy. The VICAR is
+assuring him that he has no objection to parishioners repudiating
+the obligation to attend the services of their own priest, so long
+as they are compelled to pay him for those services whether they
+avail themselves of them or not; because order, which is an
+essential characteristic of the Heavenly Kingdom, must be
+maintained. HAMAR tries to get in a word or two about the bay
+horse, but without success. At the same time KNUTZON and FALBE are
+deep in a discussion about a dancer whom FALBE has seen at Hamburg.
+He is maintaining that she can leap six feet into the air, which
+KNUTZON ventures to doubt, but FALBE says there is no doubt about
+it, and he knows because he has once sat at the same dinner-table
+with her. FINNE, KNUDSEN, and JAKOBSEN follow them. JAKOBSEN is
+heard challenging any one to contradict him, while the others
+eagerly protest that he has entirely misunderstood their meaning.
+He affirms stoutly that he doesn't care a damn what they meant, but
+that his employer is the greatest business man and the finest
+fellow in the world, or at all events in Norway. PRAM comes in by
+himself, wrapt in tipsy contemplation. They all talk at the same
+time.)
+
+Tjaelde (rapping on a glass). Gentlemen! (There is a sudden
+silence, except for the sound of the voices of FALBE and JAKOBSEN,
+who are hushed down by the others.) Gentlemen! I am sorry dinner
+has occupied such a long time.
+
+All (unanimously). No, no!
+
+Tjaelde. Our distinguished guest has, unfortunately, to leave us in
+half an hour, so I should like to take the opportunity of saying a
+few words. Gentlemen, we have a prince among us to-day. I say a
+prince, because if it is true that it is the financiers that rule
+the world--and it is true, gentlemen--
+
+Pram (who is standing well forward, supporting himself by the edge
+of the table, says solemnly:) Yes.
+
+Tjaelde. --then our friend here is a prince! There is not a single
+important undertaking that he has not initiated, or at any rate
+backed with his name.
+
+Pram (lifting his glass). Mr. Lind, may I have the honour--?
+
+Voices. Sh! Sh!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, gentlemen, his name backs every enterprise. It would
+be impossible to carry one through that had not his backing.
+
+Pram (solemnly). His backing.
+
+Tjaelde. Am I not right, then, in describing him as a prince?
+
+Falbe (in a feeble voice). Yes.
+
+Tjaelde. Gentlemen, to-day his name is once more exercising its
+powerful, I might say its creative, influence upon circumstances.
+I may say that at this moment the country holds no truer benefactor
+than he.
+
+Pram. Great man.
+
+Tjaelde. Let us drink his health! May prosperity attend him and
+his, and may his name be deathless in Norway! Mr. Lind!
+
+All. Mr. Lind! Mr. Lind! (They all drink his health effusively.)
+
+Tjaelde (to HAMAR, whom he pulls forward somewhat roughly, as the
+others begin to help themselves to the dessert.) What has become of
+the salute?
+
+Hamar (in consternation).Good Lord, yes! (Rushes to the window, but
+comes back.) I have no handkerchief. I must have laid it down in
+the dining-room.
+
+Tjaelde. Here is mine!(Feels in his pocket for it.) One cannot rely
+on you for the least thing. The salute will be too late now. It is
+disgraceful! (HAMAR goes to the window and waves the handkerchief
+madly. At last the report of a cannon is heard. The guests are
+standing in a group, holding their dessert plates.)
+
+Holm. A little bit late!
+
+Knutzon. Rather behind the moment--
+
+Ring. A very important moment, however!
+
+Holm. A very unexpected one, anyway!
+
+Knutzon (jestingly). Allow me, amidst the cannon's roar, to
+introduce to you a man who has been led by the nose!
+
+Ring. Oh, Tjaelde knows what he is about!
+
+Tjaelde. Mr. Lind is kind enough to wish to propose a toast. (They
+all compose themselves into respectful silence.)
+
+Lind. Our worthy host has proposed my health in most flattering
+terms. I would merely add this, that wealth is entrusted to those
+who have it precisely in order that they may support industry,
+genius, and great undertakings.
+
+Pram (who has never changed his position). Nobly said.
+
+Lind. I am only an administrator of a trust, and too often a weak
+and short-sighted one.
+
+Pram. Beautiful.
+
+Lind. But I shall not be mistaken if I say that Mr. Tjaelde's
+many-sided activities, which we must all admire, rest upon a sound
+foundation; and of that fact no one, at the present moment, is
+better able to judge than I. (The guests look at one another in
+surprise.) Therefore I have no hesitation in saying that his
+activities are an honour to this town, to this district, to our
+whole country, and that therefore his genius and his energy deserve
+support. I propose the toast of "prosperity to the firm of
+Tjaelde!"
+
+All. Prosperity to the firm of Tjaelde!
+
+(HAMAR signals again with the handkerchief, and a cannon shot is
+heard.)
+
+Tjaelde. I thank you heartily, Mr. Lind! I am profoundly touched.
+
+Lind. I said no more than I am convinced of, Mr. Tjaelde!!
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you! (To HAMAR.) What do you mean by signalling for
+a salute for the host? Blockhead!
+
+Hamar. You said there was to be a salute when a toast was proposed,
+didn't you?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, you are a--!
+
+Hamar (to himself). Well, if ever again I--!
+
+Holm. Then it is an accomplished fact, I suppose?
+
+Knutzon. _Fait accompli_! That toast represents twenty thousand
+pounds, at least.
+
+Ring. Yes, Tjaelde knows what he is about! I have always said that!
+(FALBE is seen drinking ceremoniously with LIND. JAKOBSEN comes
+forward, talking to KNUDSEN.)
+
+Jakobsen (in a low voice). There isn't a word of truth in what you
+say!
+
+Knudsen. But, my dear Jakobsen, you misunderstand me!
+
+Jakobsen (louder). Hang it, I know my people!
+
+Knudsen. Don't talk so loud!
+
+Jakobsen (still louder). What I say any one may hear!
+
+Tjaelde. (at the same moment). The Vicar wishes to say a few words.
+
+Knudsen (to JAKOBSEN). Hush! The Vicar wishes to say a few words.
+
+Jakobsen. Have I got to hush because that damned--
+
+Tjaelde (in a voice of authority). The Vicar wishes to speak.
+
+Jakobsen. I beg your pardon!
+
+The Vicar (in a feeble voice). As the spiritual adviser of this
+household, I have the pleasing duty of invoking a blessing on the
+gifts that have been so richly showered upon our host and his
+friends. May they be to their souls' present good and eternal
+welfare!
+
+Pram. Amen.
+
+The Vicar. I am going to ask you to drink the health of our host's
+dear children--those lovely girls whose welfare has been the object
+of my prayers ever since they were confirmed--ever since that
+memorable day when household and religious duties began to walk
+side by side.
+
+Pram. Ah, yes!
+
+The Vicar. May they always in the future, as they have in the past,
+grow in the holy fear of God and in meekness and gratitude towards
+their parents!
+
+All. Miss Valborg, Miss Signe!
+
+Hamar (in a panic). Am I to signal?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, go to--!
+
+Hamar. Well, if ever again--!
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you very much, Mr. Vicar. Like you, I hope that
+the intimate relations between parent and child that exist here--
+
+The Vicar. It has always been a pleasure to me to come into your
+most hospitable house.
+
+Tjaelde. May I have the honour of drinking a glass of wine with
+you? (They drink to each other.)
+
+The Vicar. Excellent champagne, my dear sir!
+
+Lind (to HOLM). It pains me to hear what you say. Is it possible
+that this town, which owes so much to Mr. Tjaelde, repays him
+with such ingratitude?
+
+Holm (in a low voice). One never can quite confidently rely on him.
+
+Lind. Really? I have heard others sing his praises so loudly, you
+know.
+
+Holm (as before). You misunderstand me. I mean his position--
+
+Lind. His position? That must be merely envy! People are often so
+unjust towards those whose enterprise has lifted them above the
+heads of the crowd.
+
+Holm. At any rate I assure you it was not from--
+
+Lind (coldly). I don't doubt it. (Walks away from him.)
+
+Jakobsen (with whom TJAELDE has just drunk). Gentlemen!
+
+Knutzon (to HOLM, in passing). Is that boor really going to be
+allowed to make a speech! (Going up to LIND.) May I have the honour
+of drinking a glass of wine with you, Mr. Lind? (Several of the
+guests begin to talk, ostentatiously indifferent to JAKOBSEN who is
+trying to begin his speech.)
+
+Jakobsen (in a formidable voice). Gentlemen! (Silence ensues, and
+he continues in his usual voice.) Permit a common man to say a
+word, too, on this festive occasion. I was a poor little boy when I
+entered Mr. Tjaelde's employment; but he pulled me out of the
+gutter. (Laughter.) I am-what I am, gentlemen! And therefore if
+any here is qualified to talk about Mr. Tjaelde, it is I; because I
+know him. I know he is a fine fellow.
+
+Lind (to TJAELDE). Children and drunken men--
+
+Tjaelde (laughing). --speak the truth!
+
+Jakobsen. There are lots of people that will tell you one thing or
+another about him--and, of course, he may have his failings like
+all of us. But as I find myself in such fine company as this I am
+going to say that--that--devil take me if Mr. Tjaelde isn't too
+good for the lot of you! (Laughter.)
+
+Tjaelde. That's enough, Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen. No, it's not enough! Because there is one toast we have
+all forgotten, although we have all had such a splendid dinner.
+(Laughter. FALBE claps his hands and cries: "Bravo!") Yes, and it
+is nothing to laugh at; because it is the toast of Mrs. Tjaelde's
+health that we have not drunk!
+
+Lind. Bravo!
+
+Jakobsen. There's a wife and mother for you! I can tell you--and
+it's true--she goes about the house attending to her duties and
+preparing for our entertainment when all the time she is ill, and
+she takes the whole thing on her shoulders and says nothing. God
+bless her, I say!--and that is all I have to say.
+
+Several of the Guests (raising their glasses). Mrs. Tjaelde! Mrs.
+Tjaelde!
+
+Pram (grasping JAKOBSEN by the hand). That was fine of you,
+Jakobsen! (LIND joins them; PRAM steps aside respectfully.)
+
+Lind. Will you drink a glass of wine with me, Jakobsen?
+
+Jakobsen. Thank you, very much. I am only a common man--
+
+Lind. But a good-hearted one! Your health! (They drink to each
+other. A boat is seen putting in to shore below the verandah. Its
+crew of six men stand up and toss their oars in naval fashion.
+SANNAES is standing at the helm.)
+
+Holm (in a whisper, to KNUTZON). Tjaelde knew what he was doing
+when he invited Jakobsen!
+
+Knutzon (whispering). Just look at the boat!
+
+Ring. Tjaelde is a very clever fellow--a very clever fellow!
+(VALBORG, SIGNE and MRS. TJAELDE are seen coming up the verandah
+steps.)
+
+Tjaelde. Gentlemen, the moment of departure is at hand; I see the
+ladies coming to take leave of our distinguished guest. Let us take
+this last opportunity of gathering around him--round our prince--
+and thanking him for coming! Let us cheer him with three times
+three! (Cheers.)
+
+Lind. Thank you, gentlemen! There is so little time left that I
+must confine myself to merely bidding you all good-bye. (To MRS.
+TJAELDE.) Good-bye, my dear madam! You should have heard how your
+health was proposed and drunk just now. My warmest thanks for
+your hospitality, and forgive me for the trouble I have caused you.
+(To SIGNE.) Good-bye, Miss Signe. I am sorry time has not permitted
+me to have the honour of becoming better acquainted with you; you
+seem so full of spirit! But if, as you said, you are soon coming to
+Christiania--
+
+Signe. I shall then do myself the honour of calling upon your wife.
+
+Lind. Thank you, thank you--you will be most welcome. (To VALBORG.)
+Are you not feeling well, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg. Yes.
+
+Lind. You look so serious. (As VALBORG does not reply, he continues
+somewhat coldly:) Good-bye, Miss Valborg. (To HAMAR.) Good-bye,
+Mr.--Mr.--
+
+Tjaelde. Mr. Hamar.
+
+Lind. Ah, the young man that talked to me about a horse--your
+future son-in-law! Pray forgive me for not--
+
+Hamar. Don't mention it!
+
+Lind. Good-bye!
+
+Hamar. A pleasant journey, sir!
+
+Lind (coldly, to HOLM). Good-bye, Mr. Holm.
+
+Holm (imperturbably polite). I wish you a very pleasant journey,
+Mr. Lind.
+
+Lind (to PRAM). Good-bye, Mr. Pram.
+
+Pram (holds his hand, and seems as if he wanted to say something
+but could not. At last he finds his voice). I want to thank you
+for--for--I want to thank you for--for--
+
+Lind. You are an excellent fellow!
+
+Pram (in a relieved voice). I am so glad to hear it! Thank you.
+
+Lind (to KNUTZON). Good-bye, Mr.--
+
+Knutzon (hastily). Knutzon.
+
+Pram. With a "z."
+
+Lind (to KNUDSEN). Good-bye, Mr.--
+
+Knudsen. Knudsen, again.
+
+Pram. With an "s."
+
+Lind (to FALBE). Mr--?
+
+Falbe. Falbe.
+
+Lind. Good-bye, Mr. Falbe! (To RING.) I am delighted to see you
+looking so well, Mr. Ring.
+
+Ring (with a low bow). The same to you, sir!
+
+Lind. Good-bye, Mr. Vicar!
+
+The Vicar (holding his hand, impressively). Let me wish you good
+luck and happiness, Mr. Lind--
+
+Lind. Thank you. (Tries to get away.)
+
+The Vicar. --in your journey over the perilous seas to foreign
+lands!
+
+Lind. Thank you. (Tries to get away.)
+
+The Vicar. Let me wish you a safe return, Mr. Lind--
+
+Lind. Thank you very much. (Tries to get away.)
+
+The Vicar. --to our dear fatherland; a land, Mr. Lind, which
+possesses in you--
+
+Lind. You must excuse me, Mr. Vicar, but time presses.
+
+The Vicar. Let me thank you for the pleasure of our meeting
+to-day, Mr. Lind, for--
+
+Lind. Indeed, there is no occasion! Good-bye! (To JAKOBSEN.)
+Good-bye, Jakobsen, good-bye!
+
+Jakobsen. Good-bye, Mr. Lind! I am only a common man, I know; but
+that is no reason why I shouldn't wish you a pleasant journey too,
+is it?
+
+Lind. Certainly not, Jakobsen.--Good-bye, Mr. Finne! By the way--
+just a word! (In an undertone.) You said that Mr. Berent--.
+(Takes him aside.)
+
+Tjaelde (to HAMAR). Now, remember the salute this time!--No, no,
+no! Don't be in such a hurry! Wait till the boat puts off! You
+want to make a mess of it again!
+
+Hamar. Well, if ever again I--!
+
+Tjaelde (to LIND, who holds out his hand to him). Goodbye, Mr.
+Lind! (In a low voice.) No one has so much reason to thank you
+for your visit as I. You are the only one that can understand--.
+
+Lind (a shade coldly). Don't mention it, Mr. Tjaelde! Good luck to
+your business! (In warmer tones.) Good-bye everybody--and thank you
+all for your kindness! (The footman, who has for some time been
+holding out his hat to him, gives it him, and his coat to SANNAES.
+LIND steps on board the boat.)
+
+All. Good-bye, Mr. Lind, good-bye!
+
+Tjaelde. One cheer more! (Cheers and a cannon salute are heard
+together. The boat glides away. They all wave their handkerchiefs.
+TJAELDE hurries into the room.) I have no handkerchief; that
+blockhead has--. (Looks at VALBORG.) Why are you not waving?
+
+Valborg. Because I don't wish to. (TJAELDE looks at her, but says
+nothing. He goes into the other room and comes back with a
+table-napkin in each hand, and hurries on to the verandah.)
+
+Tjaelde (waving and shouting). Good-bye! Good-bye!
+
+Signe. Let us go out to the point and see the last of them!
+
+All. Yes, yes! (All but TJAELDE and VALBORG hurry off to the
+right.)
+
+Tjaelde (coming into the room). I saw Berent coming! (VALBORG
+goes out by the door on the right. TJAELDE comes forward, throws
+the napkins on to a table and himself into a chair.) Oh--oh! But
+this must be the last time.--I shan't need this sort of thing any
+more! Never again! (Gets up wearily.) Ah, I had forgotten. Berent!
+
+[The Curtain falls.]
+
+[The interval between this scene and the next should be as short as
+possible.]
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+(SCENE.-TJAELDE'S private office. On the left, a desk strewn with
+ledgers and papers. On the right, a stove. An easy chair by the
+stove. A table in the foreground to the right; on it an inkstand
+and pens. Two armchairs; one at the table facing the audience, the
+other at the side of the table. Windows on either side of the desk;
+a door beyond the stove. A door in the background, leading to other
+offices. A bell-pull hangs down the wall. A chair on either side of
+the door. Quite at the back, on the left, a staircase leading
+direct to TJAELDE'S bedroom. BERENT and TJAELDE come in from the
+back.)
+
+Tjaelde. You must excuse my receiving you here. But the other
+rooms are all upside down; we have had some people to dinner.
+
+Berent. I heard you had guests.
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, Mr. Lind from Christiana.
+
+Berent. Quite so.
+
+Tjaelde. Won't you sit down? (BERENT lays down his hat and coat
+on a chair by the door. He comes slowly forward, sits down at the
+side of the table, and takes some papers from his breast-pocket.
+TJAELDE sits down at the other chair by the table and watches him
+indifferently.)
+
+Berent. What we now want is some fixed standard by which to make
+our valuations, especially of real estate. Have you any objection
+to our making your business a basis for arriving at that?
+
+Tjaelde. None at all.
+
+Berent. Then may I make my comments on your own figures, and ask
+you a few questions about them?
+
+Tjaelde. By all means.
+
+Berent. Well, to begin with, let us take your properties
+immediately round here; they will give us the best idea of local
+values. For instance, take the Mjoelstad forest; you have put that
+down, I see, at L16,500.
+
+Tjaelde (indifferently). Have I?
+
+Berent. You bought it for L10,000.
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, four years ago. Timber prices ruled low then.
+
+Berent. And since then you have cut down more than L20,000
+worth of timber there.
+
+Tjaelde. Who told you so?
+
+Berent. Mr. Holst.
+
+Tjaelde. Holst knows nothing about it.
+
+Berent. We must try to be very accurate, you know.
+
+Tjaelde. Well, of course, the whole valuation is not my concern;
+but those whom it does concern will protest.
+
+Berent (taking no notice of his objection). So I think we will
+reduce the L16,500 to L10,000.
+
+Tjaelde. To L10,000! (Laughs.) As you please.
+
+Berent. Calculating by the same standard, we can scarcely put
+down the Stav forest at more than L4000.
+
+Tjaelde. Allow me to say that, if that is the way you are going to
+make your valuation, everybody in the place will have to go
+bankrupt!
+
+Berent (with a smile). We will risk that. You have put down your
+wharf and its contents at L12,000.
+
+Tjaelde. Including two ships in course of construction--
+
+Berent. --for which it would be difficult to find a purchaser, as
+they are so far from completion.
+
+Tjaelde. Indeed?
+
+Berent. So I think we cannot put down the wharf and its contents
+at a higher figure than L8,000--and I believe even that will turn
+out to be too high.
+
+Tjaelde. If you can find me another wharf as well stocked, and
+with the advantages that this one has, I will buy it whenever you
+like for L8000; I am certain I should be more than L4000 to the
+good over the bargain.
+
+Berent. May I go on?
+
+Tjaelde. If you like! I even feel a certain curiosity to view my
+possessions under such an entirely new light.
+
+Berent. As a matter of fact the items that are too highly valued
+are just those that comprise this property that you live on--its
+land, its gardens, its dwelling houses, warehouses, and quays-not
+to mention the brewery and the factory, which I shall come to
+later. Even regarded as business premises they seem to me to be
+over-valued.
+
+Tjaelde. Well?
+
+Berent, Moreover, the luxurious appointments of this house of
+yours, which would very probably be superfluous for any one else,
+cannot possibly be counted upon to realise their full value in a
+sale. Suppose--as is indeed most likely--that it were a countryman
+that bought the place?
+
+Tjaelde. You are reckoning me as turned out of it already, then!
+
+Berent. I am obliged to base all my calculations on what the
+property would fetch if sold now.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). What may you happen to value it at then?
+
+Berent. At less than half your valuation; that is to say at--
+
+Tjaelde. You must really forgive me if I use an expression which
+has been on the tip of my tongue for some time: this is scandalous!
+You force yourself into a man's house, and then, under pretext of
+asking for his opinion, you practically--on paper--rob him of his
+possessions!
+
+Berent. I don't understand you. I am trying to arrive at a basis
+for values hereabouts; and you said yourself, did you not, that it
+is a matter that does not concern you alone?
+
+Tjaelde. Certainly; but even in jest--if I may be allowed the
+expression--one does not take the statement that an honourable
+man has voluntarily offered and treat it as a mendacious document.
+
+Berent. There are many different points of view from which
+valuations can be made, obviously. I see nothing more in it than
+that.
+
+Tjaelde. But don't you understand that this is like cutting into my
+living flesh? Bit by bit, my property has been brought together
+or created by my own work, and preserved by the most strenuous
+exertions on my part under terribly trying conditions--it is bound
+up with my family, with all that is dear to me--it has become a
+part of my very life!
+
+Berent (with a bow). I understand that perfectly. You have put
+down the Brewery at--
+
+Tjaelde. No; I refuse to allow you to go on in this way. You must
+find some one else's property as a basis for your calculations--
+you must consult some one else, whose idea of business corresponds
+somewhat closer to your own ridiculous one.
+
+Berent (leaning back in his chair). That is a pity. The banks were
+anxious to be acquainted with your answers to my observations.
+
+Tjaelde. Have you sent my statement to the banks?
+
+Berent. With my remarks and comments on it, and Mr. Holst's.
+
+Tjaelde. This has been a trap, then? I believed I had to deal with
+a gentleman!
+
+Berent. The banks or I, what is the difference? It comes to the
+same thing, as I represent them unreservedly.
+
+Tjaelde. Such impudent audacity is unpardonable!
+
+Berent. I would suggest that we avoid hard words--at all events,
+for the moment--and rather consider the effect that will be
+produced by the balance-sheet sent in.
+
+Tjaelde. That some of us will see!
+
+Berent. The banking house of Lind & Co., for instance?
+
+Tjaelde. Do you mean to say that my balance-sheet, ornamented with
+marginal notes by you and Holst, is to be submitted to Mr. Lind's
+firm too?
+
+Berent. When the cannon-salutes and noise of your festivities
+enlightened me as to the situation, I took the liberty of making
+some inquiries of the banks.
+
+Tjaelde. So you have been spying here, too? You have been trying to
+undermine my business connections?
+
+Berent. Is your position such, then, that you are afraid?
+
+Tjaelde. The question is not my position, but your behaviour!
+
+Berent. I think we had better keep to the point. You have put
+down the Brewery at--
+
+Tjaelde. No; your conduct is so absolutely underhanded that, as an
+honest man, I must refuse all further dealing with you. I am, as I
+said before, accustomed to have to deal with gentlemen.
+
+Berent. I think you misunderstand the situation. Your indebtedness
+to the banks is so considerable that a settlement of it may
+reasonably be required of you. But to effect that you must work
+with us in the matter.
+
+Tjaelde (after a moment's thought). Very well! But, no more
+details--let me know your conclusions, briefly.
+
+Berent. My conclusions, briefly, are that you have estimated
+your assets at L90,800. I estimate them at L40,600.
+
+Tjaelde (quietly). That is to say, you make me out to have a
+deficit of about L30,000?
+
+Berent. As to that, I must point out that your estimate of your
+liabilities does not agree with mine, either.
+
+Tjaelde (quietly). Oh, of course not!
+
+Berent. For instance, the dividend that Moeller's estate is to
+yield to you.
+
+Tjaelde. No more details! What do you put my total liabilities at?
+
+Berent. Let me see. Your total liabilities amount, according to
+your calculations, to L70,000. I estimate them at L80,000--to be
+precise, at L79,372.
+
+Tjaelde. That puts my deficit at about--
+
+Berent. At about L39,400--or, in round figures, L40,000.
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, by all means let us stick to round figures!
+
+Berent. So that the difference between your views of your
+balance-sheet and mine is that, whereas you give yourself a
+surplus of about L20,000, I give you a deficit of about L40,000.
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you very much.--Do you know my opinion of the whole
+matter? (BERENT looks up at him.) That I am in this room with a
+madman.
+
+Berent. I have had the same opinion for some time.--The stock of
+timber you hold in France I have not been able to deal with; you
+have forgotten to include it in your account. Perhaps it may make
+a little difference.
+
+Tjaelde. It is of no consequence! I have often enough heard people
+speak of your callousness and your heartlessness; but their account
+of you has come nowhere near the truth. I don't know why I have not
+turned you out of my house long before this; but you will have the
+goodness to leave it now!
+
+Berent. We shall both leave presently. But before we do, we must
+discuss the question of handing over the house to the Receiver in
+Bankruptcy.
+
+Tjaelde. Ha, ha, ha! Allow me to inform you that at this very
+moment a sum is being telegraphed to me which will be sufficient
+not only to cover my present liabilities, but to set me straight in
+every direction!
+
+Berent. The telegraph is a useful invention which is open to every
+one.
+
+Tjaelde (after a moment's thought). What do you mean by that?
+
+Berent. One effect of the noise of your festivities was that I used
+the telegraph also. Mr. Lind will receive, on board the boat, a
+telegram from his firm--and I doubt if the money you speak of will
+be forthcoming.
+
+Tjaelde. It is not true! You have not dared to do that!
+
+Berent. The facts are exactly as I state.
+
+Tjaelde. Give me my balance-sheet; let me look at it again.
+(Stretches out his hand to take it.)
+
+Berent (taking it up). Excuse me!
+
+Tjaelde. Do you presume to keep back my own balance-sheet in
+my own writing?
+
+Berent. Yes, and even to put it in my pocket. (Does so.) A
+fraudulent balance-sheet, dated and signed, is a document of
+some importance.
+
+Tjaelde. You are determined to ruin my private and public
+reputation?
+
+Berent. You have been working for that yourself for a long time. I
+know your position. For a month past I have been in correspondence
+with all the quarters in which you have business connections, both
+here any I abroad.
+
+Tjaelde. What underhanded deceitfulness an honest man is exposed
+to! Here have I been surrounded by spies for the last month! A
+plot between my business acquaintances and the banks! A snake
+creeping into my house and crawling over my accounts! But I will
+break up the conspiracy! And you will find out what it mean, to try
+and ruin a reputable firm by underhand devices!
+
+Berent. This is no time for fine phrases. Do you propose to
+surrender your property at once?
+
+Tjaelde. Ha, ha! I am to surrender it because you have made me
+out a bankrupt on your bit of paper!
+
+Berent. You might conceal the facts for a month, I know. But for
+your own sake, and especially for the sake of others, I would
+urgently advise you to end the matter at once. That was the reason
+of my journey here.
+
+Tjaelde. Ah, now the truth is out! And you came here pretending a
+friendly concern that the tangle should be straightened out! We
+were to distinguish between the sound and unsound firms, and you
+requested me, most politely, to give you my assistance in the
+matter!
+
+Berent. Exactly. But there is no question of anything unsound here
+except your own business and what is bound up with it.
+
+Tjaelde (when he has controlled himself). So you came into my house
+with the hidden design of ruining me?
+
+Berent. I must repeat that it is not I that am responsible for your
+bankruptcy; it is yourself.
+
+Tjaelde. And I must repeat that my bankruptcy only exists in your
+imagination! Much may happen in a month; and I have shown that I
+can find a way out of difficulties before now!
+
+Berent. That is to say, by involving yourself deeper and deeper in
+falsehood.
+
+Tjaelde. Only a man of business can understand such things. But,
+if you really understand them, I would say to you: "Give me
+L20,000 and I will save the situation entirely." That would be
+doing something worthy of your great powers; that would give
+you a reputation for penetration in discerning the real state of
+affairs; because by so doing you would safeguard the welfare of
+more than a thousand people, and ensure a prosperous future for
+the whole district!
+
+Berent. I don't rise to that bait.
+
+Tjaelde (after a moment's reflection). Do you want me to explain to
+you how L20,000 would be sufficient to set the whole complicated
+situation straight? Within three months remittances would be coming
+in. I can make it its clear as daylight to you--
+
+Berent. --that you would be falling from one disillusionment to
+another! That is what you have been doing for the last three
+years, from month to month.
+
+Tjaelde. Because the last three years have been bad years--horrible
+years! But we have reached the crisis; things must begin to improve
+now!
+
+Berent. That is what every defaulter thinks.
+
+Tjaelde. Do not drive me to despair! Have you any idea what I have
+gone through in these three years? Have you any idea what I am
+capable of?
+
+Berent. Of still further falsehood.
+
+Tjaelde. Take care!--It is quite true that I am standing on the
+edge of a precipice. It is true that for three years I have done
+everything in mortal power to save the situation! I maintain that
+there has been something heroic in the fight I have made. And that
+deserves some reward. You have unrestricted powers; every one
+trusts you. Realise for yourself what your mission is; do not let
+it be necessary for me to teach it you! Let me tell you this,
+emphatically: it will be a dreadful thing for _you_ if hundreds of
+people are to be ruined unnecessarily now!
+
+Berent. Let us make an end of this.
+
+Tjaelde. No, devil take me if I give up a fight like this with a
+senseless surrender!
+
+Berent. How do you propose to end it, then?
+
+Tjaelde. There is no issue to it that I have not turned over in my
+thoughts--thousands of times. _I_ know what I shall do! I won't be
+a mark for the jeers of this wretched little town, nor triumphed
+over by those who have envied me all round the countryside!
+
+Berent. What will you do, then?
+
+Tjaelde. You shall see! (Speaking more and more excitedly.) You
+won't help me under any conditions?
+
+Berent. No.
+
+Tjaelde. You insist that I shall surrender my estate, here and now?
+
+Berent. Yes.
+
+Tjaelde. Hell and damnation! You dare do that?
+
+Berent. Yes.
+
+Tjaelde (his agitation robbing him of his voice, which all at once
+sinks to a hoarse whisper). You have never known what despair is!--
+You don't know what an existence I have endured!-But if the
+decisive moment has come, and I have a man here in my office
+who _ought_ to save me but will not, then that man shall share
+what is in store for me.
+
+Berent (leaning back in his chair). This is beginning to be
+impressive.
+
+Tjaelde. No more jesting; you might regret it! (Goes to all the
+doors and locks them with a key which he takes out of his pocket;
+then unlocks his desk, and takes a revolver out of it.) How long do
+you suppose I have had this in here?
+
+Berent. Since you bought it, I suppose.
+
+Tjaelde. And why do you suppose I bought it?--Do you suppose that
+after I have been master of this town and the biggest man in the
+district, I would endure the disgrace of bankruptcy?
+
+Berent. You have been enduring it for a long time.
+
+Tjaelde. It is in your power now either to ruin me or to wave me.
+You have behaved in such a way that you deserve no mercy--and you
+shall have none! Report to the banks that they may give me the use
+of L14,000 for a year--I need no more than that--and I will save
+the situation for good and all. Think seriously, now! Remember my
+family, remember how long my firm has been established, remember
+the numbers that would be ruined if I were! And do not forget to
+think of your own family! Because, if you _don't_ agree to what I
+ask, neither of us shall leave this room alive!
+
+Berent (pointing to the revolver). Is it loaded?
+
+Tjaelde (putting his finger on the trigger). You will find that out
+in good time. You must answer me now!
+
+Berent. I have a suggestion to make. Shoot yourself first and me
+afterwards.
+
+Tjaelde (going up to him and holding the revolver to his head). I
+will soon quiet your pretty wit.
+
+Berent (getting up, and taking out of his pocket a paper which he
+unfolds). This is a formal surrender of your estate to the Receiver
+in Bankruptcy. If you sign it, you will be doing your duty to your
+creditors, to your family, and to yourself. Shooting yourself and
+me would only be adding an acted lie to all your others. Put away
+your revolver and take up your pen!
+
+Tjaelde. Never! I had resolved on this long ago. But you shall
+keep me company, now!
+
+Berent. Do what you please. But you cannot threaten me into a
+falsehood.
+
+Tjaelde (who has lowered the revolver, takes a step back, raises
+the revolver and aims at BERENT). Very well!
+
+Berent (walking up to TJAELDE and looking him straight in the eyes,
+while the latter reluctantly lowers the revolver). Do you suppose I
+don't know that a man who has for so long shivered with falsehood
+and terror in his inmost heart has lots of schemes but no courage?
+You _dare_ not do it!
+
+Tjaelde (furiously). I will show you! (Steps back and raises the
+revolver again.)
+
+Berent (following him). Shoot, and you will hear a report--that is
+what you are longing for, I suppose! Or, give up your plan of
+shooting, think of what you have done, confess, and afterwards
+hold your tongue!
+
+Tjaelde. No; may the devil take both you and me--
+
+Berent. And the horse?
+
+Tjaelde. The horse?
+
+Berent. I mean the magnificent charger on which you came galloping
+home from the sale of Moeller's estate. You had better let some one
+shoot you on horseback--on what was your last and greatest piece of
+business duplicity! (Goes nearer to him and speaks more quietly.)
+Or--strip yourself of the tissue of lies which enfolds you, and
+your bankruptcy will bring you more blessing than your riches have
+ever done. (TJAELDE lets the revolver drop out of his hand, and
+sinks into a chair in an outburst of tears. There is silence for a
+moment.) You have made an amazing fight of it for these last three
+years. I do not believe I know any one who could have done what you
+have done. But you have lost the fight this time. Do not shrink now
+from a final settlement and the pain that it must cost you. Nothing
+else will cleanse your soul for you.
+
+Tjaelde (weeping unrestrainedly, with his face buried in his
+hands). Oh, oh!
+
+Berent. You have blamed me for my method of proceeding in the
+matter. My answer to that is that I forgive you for yours. (A
+pause.) Try now to look the situation in the face, and take it
+like a man.
+
+Tjaelde (as before). Oh!
+
+Berent. At the bottom of your heart you must be weary of it all;
+make an end of it all now!
+
+Tjaelde (as before). Oh!
+
+Berent (sitting down beside him, after a moment's pause). Wouldn't
+you like to feel your conscience clear again--to be able really to
+live with your wife and children? Because I am sure you have not
+done that for many a day.
+
+Tjaelde (as before). Oh!
+
+Berent. I have known many speculators in my time and have received
+many confessions. So I know what you have been robbed of for three
+years--never a good night's rest, never a meal eaten with a light
+heart. You have scarcely been conscious of what your children were
+doing or saying, except when accident brought you together. And
+your wife--
+
+Tjaelde. My wife!
+
+Berent. Yes, she has slaved hard enough to prepare these banquets
+that were to conceal the nakedness of the land. Indeed, she has
+been the hardest worked servant in your house.
+
+Tjaelde. My patient, good wife!
+
+Berent. I feel certain you would rather be the humblest labourer
+earning your daily bread than live through such suffering again.
+
+Tjaelde. A thousand times rather!
+
+Berent. Then can you hesitate to do what will give every man his
+due, and bring you back to truthfulness again? Take the paper and
+sign it!
+
+Tjaelde (falling on his knees). Mercy, mercy! You do not know what
+you are asking me. My own children will curse me. I have just heard
+of a child doing that to her father! And my business friends, who
+will be ruined with me--numbers of them--think of their families!
+Oh! What is to become of my work-people? Do you know there are more
+than four hundred of them? Think of them and their families, robbed
+of their livelihood!--Be merciful! I cannot, I dare not, do it!
+Save me, help me! It was horrible of me to try and threaten you;
+but now I implore you, for the sake of all those that deserve more
+than I, but to whom I shall devote the rest of my life in loyal
+work!
+
+Berent. I cannot save you, least of all with money that belongs to
+others. What you ask me to do would be disloyalty to them.
+
+Tjaelde. No, no! Publish my accounts openly--put me under trustees,
+if you like; but let me go on with the scheme that I believe will
+succeed! Every clear-headed man will see that it must succeed!
+
+Berent. Come and sit down. Let us discuss it. (TJAELDE sits down.)
+Isn't what you are now proposing exactly what you have been trying
+to do for the last three years? You _have_ been able to borrow the
+means; but what good has it done?
+
+Tjaelde. Times have been so bad!
+
+Berent (shaking his head). You have mixed up falsehood and truth
+for so long that you have forgotten the simplest laws of commerce.
+To speculate during bad times, on the chance of their becoming
+better, is all very well for those who can afford it. Others must
+leave such things alone.
+
+Tjaelde. But it is to the advantage of my creditors themselves, and
+of the banks too, that my estate should hold together!
+
+Berent. It is of no advantage to sound firms to prop up unsound
+ones.
+
+Tjaelde. But, surely, to avoid losing their capital--?
+
+Berent, Oh, perhaps in the Receiver's hands the estate may--
+
+Tjaelde (hopefully, half rising from his chair). Yes? Well?
+
+Berent. But not till you have been removed from the control of it.
+
+Tjaelde (sinking down again). Not till I have been removed from the
+control of it!
+
+Berent. On _its own_ resources I dare say the estate can hold out
+until better times come, but not on borrowed money.
+
+Tjaelde. Not on borrowed money--
+
+Berent. You understand the difference, of course?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, yes.
+
+Berent. Good. Then you must understand that there is nothing left
+for you to do but to sign this.
+
+Tjaelde. Nothing left but to sign--
+
+Berent. Here is the paper. Come, now!
+
+Tjaelde (rousing himself). Oh, I cannot, I cannot!
+
+Berent. Very well. But in that case the crash will come of itself
+in a short time, and everything will be worse than it is now.
+
+Tjaelde (falling on his knees).Mercy, mercy! I cannot let go of all
+hope! Think, after a fight like mine!
+
+Berent. Tell the truth and say: "I haven't the courage to face the
+consequences."
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, that is the truth.
+
+Berent. "I haven't the courage to begin an honest life."
+
+Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Berent. You don't know what you are saying, man!
+
+Tjaelde. No, I don't. But spare me!
+
+Berent (getting up). This is nothing but despair! I am sorry for
+you.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Yes, surely you must be? Try me! Ask me to do
+anything you like! Tell me what you--
+
+Berent. No, no! Before anything else, you must sign this.
+
+Tjaelde (sinking back into his chair). Oh!--How shall I ever dare
+to look any one in the face again?--I, who, have defied everything
+and deceived every one!
+
+Berent. The man who has enjoyed the respect which he did not
+deserve must some day undergo the humiliation which he has
+deserved. That is a law; and I cannot save you from that.
+
+Tjaelde. But they will be crueller to me than to any one else! I
+deserve it, I know; but I shall not be able to endure it!
+
+Berent. Hm! You are remarkably tough; your fight, these last three
+years, proves that.
+
+Tjaelde. Be merciful! Surely your ingenuity--your influence--_must_
+be able to find some way out for me?
+
+Berent. Yes. The way out is for you to sign this.
+
+Tjaelde. Won't you even take it over from me by private contract?
+If you did that, everything would come right.
+
+Berent. Sign! Here is the paper! Every hour is precious.
+
+Tjaelde. Oh! (Takes up a pen; but turns to BERENT with a gesture of
+supplication.) Daren't you test me, after what I have just gone
+through?
+
+Berent. Yes, when you have signed. (TJAELDE signs the paper, and
+sinks back in his chair with an expression of the keenest anguish.
+BERENT takes the paper, folds it, and puts it in his pocket-book.)
+Now I will go to the Bankruptcy Court with this, and afterwards to
+the telegraph office. Probably the officials of the court will come
+this evening to make their inventory. So you ought to warn your
+family.
+
+Tjaelde. How shall I be able to do that? Give me a little time! Be
+merciful!
+
+Berent. The sooner the better for you--not to speak of the
+interests of all concerned. Well, I have finished for the present.
+
+Tjaelde. Don't desert me like this! Don't desert me!
+
+Berent. You would like your wife to come to you, wouldn't you?
+
+Tjaelde (resignedly). Yes.
+
+Berent (taking up the revolver). And this--I will not take it with
+me. There is no danger from it now. But I will put it in the desk,
+for the sake of the others. Now, if you or yours should need me,
+send word to me.
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you.
+
+Berent. I shall not leave the town until the worst is over.--
+Remember, night or day, if you need me, send word to me.
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you.
+
+Berent. And now will you unlock the door for me?
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Ah, of course. Excuse me!
+
+Berent (taking his hat and coat). Won't you call your wife now?
+
+Tjaelde. No. I must have a little time first. I have the worst part
+of it before me now.
+
+Berent. I believe you have, and that is just why--. (Takes hold of
+the bell-pull and rings the bell.)
+
+Tjaelde. What are you doing?
+
+Berent. I want, before I go, to be sure of your wife's coming to
+you.
+
+Tjaelde. You should not have done that! (An office-boy comes in.
+BERENT looks at TJAELDE.) Ask your mistress--ask my wife to come to
+me.
+
+Berent. At once, please. (The boy goes out.) Good-bye! (Goes out.
+TJAELDE sinks down on to a chair by the door.)
+
+[The Curtain falls.]
+
+
+ACT III
+
+(SCENE.-The same as in the preceding act. TJAELDE is sitting alone,
+on the chair by the door, in the position he was in when the
+curtain fell on the last act. After sitting motionless for a
+considerable time, he suddenly gets up.)
+
+Tjaelde. How am I to begin? After her, there are the children;
+after them, all my work-people--and then all the others! If only I
+could get away! But the Receiver's men will be here.--I must have
+some air! (Goes to the nearest window.) What a beautiful day!--but
+not for me. (Opens the window and looks out.) My horse! No, I
+daren't look at it. Why is it saddled? Oh, of course I meant, after
+my talk with Berent, to--. But now everything is different! (Walks
+up and down once or twice, thinking; then says suddenly:) Yes, on
+that horse I might reach the outer harbour before the foreign boat
+sails! (Looks at his watch.) I can do it! And I shall be able to
+put behind me all--. (Stops, with a start, as he hears footsteps on
+the stair.) Who is there? What is it? (MRS. TJAELDE comes down the
+stair into the room.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You sent for me?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes. (Watching her.) Were you upstairs?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, I was resting.
+
+Tjaelde (sympathetically). Ah, you were sleeping, and I woke you
+up!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No, I was not asleep. (She has come slowly forward.)
+
+Tjaelde. You weren't asleep? (Apprehensively, to her.) I suppose
+you didn't--? (To himself.) No, I daren't ask her.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What did you want?
+
+Tjaelde. I wanted--. (Sees her eyes fixed on the revolver.) You are
+surprised at my having that out? I got it out because I am going
+on a journey.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (supporting herself on the desk). Going on a journey?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes. Mr. Berent has been here, as I dare say you know.
+(She does not answer.) Business, you know. I have to go abroad.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (faintly). Abroad?
+
+Tjaelde. Only for a few days. So I will only take my usual bag with
+a change of clothes and one or two shirts; but I must have it at
+once.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I don't think your bag has been unpacked since you
+brought it home to-day.
+
+Tjaelde. So much the better. Will you get it for me?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Are you going away now--at once?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, by the foreign boat--from the outer harbour.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You have no time to lose, then.
+
+Tjaelde. Are you not well?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Not very.
+
+Tiwlde. One of your attacks?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes!--but I must fetch your bag. (TJAELDE helps
+her over to the staircase.)
+
+Tjaelde. You are not well, my dear--but you will be better some
+day.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I only wish _you_ looked better.
+
+Tjaelde. We all have our burdens to bear.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. If only we could bear more together!
+
+Tjaelde. But you don't understand my affairs--and I have never
+had time to talk about yours.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No--that's it. (Begins to go upstairs slowly.)
+
+Tjaelde. Shall I help you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No, thank you, dear.
+
+Tjaelde (coming forward). Does she suspect? She is always like
+that--she takes all my courage away from me. But there is no
+other way! Now--about money? I surely have some gold here
+somewhere. (Goes to his desk, takes some gold out of a drawer and
+counts it; then lifts his head and sees MRS. TJAELDE who has sat
+down on the stair half-way up.) My dear, are you sitting down?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I felt faint for a moment. I will go up now. (Gets up
+and climbs the stair slowly.)
+
+Tjaelde. Poor thing, she is worn out. (Pulls himself together.) No--
+five, six, eight, ten--that is not enough. I must have some more.
+(Searches in the desk.) And when I run short I have my watch and
+chain. Twenty, twenty-four--that is all I can find. Ah, my papers!
+I must on no account forget them. The ground is falling away
+under me! Isn't she coming back? The bag was packed, surely?--
+Ah, how all this will make her suffer! But it will not be so bad
+for her if I am away. People will be more merciful, both to her and
+the children. Oh, my children! (Collects himself.) Only let me get
+away, away! Thoughts will follow me there, all the same!--Ah, here
+she is! (MRS. TJAELDE is seen coming down slowly, with a bag which
+is evidently, heavy.) Shall I help you, dear?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Thanks, will you take hold of the bag?
+
+Tjaelde (takes it; she comes slowly down). It is heavier than it
+was this morning.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Is it?
+
+Tjaelde. I have some papers to put in it. (Opens the bag.) But, my
+dear, there is money in this bag.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes--some gold that you have given me at odd times.
+I thought it might be useful to you now.
+
+Tjaelde. There is a large sum.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I don't believe you even know how much you have
+given me.
+
+Tjaelde. She knows everything!--My dear! (Opens his arms.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Henning! (They both burst into tears and fall into
+each other's arms. MRS. TJAELDE whispers to him:) Shall I call the
+children?
+
+Tjaelde (in a whisper). No, say nothing--till later! (They embrace
+again. He takes up the bag.) Go to the window, so that I can see
+you when I mount. (Shuts the bag and hurries to the door, but
+stops.) My dear!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes?
+
+Tjaelde. Forgive me!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Everything! (TJAELDE, as he is hurrying out, meets in
+the doorway an office-boy who is bringing him a letter. TJAELDE
+takes it, and the boy goes out.)
+
+Tjaelde. From Berent! (Opens the letter, stands in the doorway and
+reads it; then comes back into the room, with his bag in his hand,
+and reads it again.) "When I left your house, I saw a horse
+standing saddled at your door. To prevent misunderstanding, let
+me inform you that your house is watched by the police."
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (supporting herself on the desk). You can't go?
+
+Tjaelde. No. (A pause. He puts down the bag and wipes his
+forehead.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Henning, shall we pray together?
+
+Tjaelde. What do you mean?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Pray--pray to God to help us? (Bursts into tears.
+TJAELDE is silent. She falls on her knees.) Come, Henning! You see
+that all human ingenuity is of no avail!
+
+Tjaelde. I know that, only too well.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Well, try once, in this hour of our greatest need!
+(TJAELDE appears to be struggling with his emotion.) You never
+would! You have never confided in us, or in your God!--never
+opened your heart to any one!
+
+Tjaelde. Be quiet!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. But what you concealed by day, you used to talk
+of in the night. We mortals must talk, you know! But I have lain
+awake and listened to your distress. Now you know why I am no
+longer good for anything. No sleep at night, and none of your
+confidence in the daytime. I have suffered even more than you.
+(TJAELDE throws himself into a chair. She goes to him.) You
+wanted to run away. When we are afraid of our fellow-men, we
+have only Him to turn to. Do you think I should be alive now, if
+it were not for Him?
+
+Tjaelde. I have thrown myself imploringly at His feet, but always
+in vain!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Henning, Henning!
+
+Tjaelde. Why did He not bless my work and the fight I was making?
+It is all one now.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Ah, there is more to come.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Yes, the worst is before us now--
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. --because it is in our own hearts! (A pause. VALBORG
+appears coming down the stair, but stops at the sight of the
+others.) What do you want, dear?
+
+Valborg (with suppressed emotion). From my room I can see the
+police watching the house. Are the Receiver's men coming now?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (sitting down). Yes, my child. After a terrible
+struggle--how terrible, his God and I alone know--your father has
+just sent in his declaration of bankruptcy. (VALBORG takes a step
+or two forward, then stands still. A pause.)
+
+Tjaelde (unable to control himself). Now I suppose you will say
+to me just what Moeller's daughter said to him!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up). You won't do that, Valborg!--God
+alone can judge him.
+
+Tjaelde. Tell me how cruelly I have wronged you! Tell me that
+you will never be able to forgive me--(breaking down)--that I have
+lost your respect and your love for ever!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, my child!
+
+Tjaelde. That your anger and your shame know no bounds!
+
+Valborg. Oh, father, father! (Goes out by the door at the back.
+TJAELDE tries to cross the room, as if to follow her, but can only
+stagger as far as the staircase, to which he clings for support.
+MRS. TJAELDE sinks back into her chair. There is a long pause.
+Suddenly JAKOBSEN cones in from the outer once, dressed as before
+except that he has changed his coat. TJAELDE is not aware of his
+entrance until JAKOBSEN is close to him; then he stretches out
+his hands to him as if in entreaty, but JAKOBSEN goes right up to
+him and speaks in a voice choked with rage.)
+
+Jakobsen. You scoundrel! (TJAELDE recoils.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Jakobsen! Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (without heeding her). The Receiver's men are here.
+The books and papers at the Brewery have been seized. Work is
+at a standstill--and the same thing at the factory.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My God!
+
+Jakobsen. And I had made myself responsible for twice as much
+as I possessed! (He speaks low, but his voice vibrates with anger
+and emotion.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Dear Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (turning to her). Didn't I say to him, every time he told
+me to sign, "But I don't possess as much as that! It's not right!"--
+But he used to answer, "It is only a matter of form, Jakobsen."
+"Yes, but not an honourable form," I used to say. "It is a matter
+of form in business," he would say; "all business folk do it."
+And all I knew of business, I had learnt from him; so I trusted
+him. (With emotion.) And he made me do it time after time. And
+now I owe more than I shall ever be able to pay, all my life. I
+shall live and die a dishonoured man. What have you to say to
+that, Mrs. Tjaelde? (She does not answer him. He turns angrily
+upon TJAELDE.) Do you hear? Even _she_ can find nothing to say!--
+Scoundrel!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (in a voice broken with emotion). I have nothing but the
+deepest respect for you, Mrs. Tjaelde. But, you see, he has made
+me swindle other people! In his name I shall have ruined numbers
+of them. They trusted me, you see; just as I trusted him. I used
+to tell them that he was a benefactor to the whole countryside, and
+that therefore they ought to help him in these hard times. And now
+there will be many an honest family robbed of house and home by our
+treachery. And that is what he has brought me to! What heartless
+cruelty! (To TJAELDE.) I can tell I feel inclined to--. (Takes a
+threatening step towards him.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up). For my sake, Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (restraining himself). Yes, for your sake, ma'am; because
+I have the deepest respect for you. But how am I to face all those
+poor creatures that I have ruined? It will do them no good to
+explain to them how it has happened; that won't help them to get
+their daily bread! How shall I face my own wife! (With emotion.)
+She has had such faith in me, and in those I trusted. And my
+children, too? It is very hard on children, because they hear so
+much talk in the street. It won't be long before they hear what
+sort of a father they have got; and they will hear it from the
+children of the men I have ruined.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. As you feel how hard it is yourself, that should
+make you willing to spare others. Be merciful!
+
+Jakobsen. I have the deepest respect for you; but it is hard that
+in my home we should never again be able to eat a crust that we can
+properly call our own--for I owe more than I can ever live to
+repay! That is hard, Mrs. Tjaelde! What will become of my evenings
+with my children now?--of our Sundays together? No, I mean that he
+shall hear the truth from me. (Turns upon TJAELDE.) You scoundrel!
+You shan't escape me! (TJAELDE shrinks back in terror and tries to
+reach the office door, but at that moment the RECEIVER comes in,
+followed by two of his clerks and SANNAES. TJAELDE crosses the
+room, staggers to his desk, and leans upon it with his back turned
+to the newcomers.)
+
+The Receiver (coming up behind Tjaelde). Excuse me! May I have your
+books and papers? (TJAELDE gives a start, moves away to the stove,
+and supports himself on it.)
+
+Jakobsen (in a whisper, standing over him). Scoundrel! (TJAELDE
+moves away from him and sits down on a chair by the door, hiding
+his face in his hands.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up and whispering to JAKOBSEN), Jakobsen!
+Jakobsen! (He comes towards her.) He has never deliberately cheated
+any one! He has never been what you say, and never will be! (Sits
+down again.)
+
+Jakobsen. I have the deepest respect for _you_, Mrs. Tjaelde. But
+if _he_ is not a liar and swindler, there is no truth in anything!
+(Bursts into tears. MRS. TJAELDE hides her face in her hands as she
+leans back in her chair. A short silence. Then a confused noise of
+voices is heard without. The RECEIVER and his men stop their work
+of sorting and inventorying papers, and all look up.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (apprehensively). What is that? (SANNAES and the
+RECEIVER go to one window, and JAKOBSEN to another.)
+
+Jakobsen. It's the hands from the quay and the brewery and the
+factory and the warehouse. All work is stopped until further
+orders; but this is pay-day--and there is no pay for them! (The
+others resume their work.)
+
+Tjaelde (coming forward despairingly). I had forgotten that!
+
+Jakobsen (going up to him). Well, go out and face them, and they
+will let you know what you are!
+
+Tjaelde (in a low voice, as he takes up his saddle-bag). Here is
+money, but it is all in gold. Go into the town and get it changed,
+and pay them!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, do, Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (in lower tones). If _you_ ask me to, ma'am, I--So there
+is money in this bag? (Opens it.) And all done up in rolls. He
+meant to bolt, then!--and with the money his people had lent him.
+And yet you say he is not a scoundrel! (TJAELDE gives a groan. The
+noise of voices without grows louder.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (in a low voice). Be quick, or we shall have them in
+here.
+
+Jakobsen. I will go.
+
+The Receiver (interposing). Excuse me, but nothing must be taken
+away from here until it has been examined and inventoried.
+
+Jakobsen. It is pay-day, and this is the money for the wages.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Jakobsen is responsible for it, and will account for
+it.
+
+The Receiver. Oh, that alters the case. Mr. Jakobsen is a man of
+integrity. (Goes back to his work.)
+
+Jakobsen (to MRS. TJAELDE, in a low voice full of emotion). Did you
+hear that, Mrs. Tjaelde? He called me a man of integrity--and very
+soon not a single soul will call me that! (Goes out past TJAELDE to
+whom he whispers as he passes:) Scoundrel! I shall come back again!
+
+The Receiver (going up to TJAELDE). Excuse me, but I must ask you
+for the keys of your private rooms and cupboards.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (answering for her husband). My housekeeper shall go
+with you. Sannaes, here is the key of the cupboard. (SANNAES takes
+it from her.)
+
+The Receiver (looking at TJAELDE'S massive watch-chain). Whatever
+article of dress can be called a necessary, we have nothing to do
+with; but if it happens that it comrises jewellery of any great
+value--. (TJAELDE begins to take off the watch-chain.) No, no; keep
+it on. But it will have to be included in the inventory.
+
+Tjaelde. I don't wish to keep it.
+
+The Receiver. As you please. (Signs to one of his clerks to take
+it.) Good-day! (Meanwhile SIGNE and HAMAR have appeared at the
+door of the outer office, and have seen what passed. The RECEIVER,
+SANNAES, and the clerks try to open the door on the right, but find
+it locked.) This door is locked.
+
+Tjaelde (as if waking from a dream). Ah, of course! (Goes to the
+door and unlocks it.)
+
+Signe (rushing to MRS. TJAELDE and falling on her knees beside
+her). Mother!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, dear, the day of our trial has come! And I am
+afraid--afraid that it may find us all too weak.
+
+Signe. Mother, what is to become of us?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. We are in God's hands.
+
+Signe. I will go with Hamar to his aunt's. We will go at once.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. It is possible that his aunt may not be willing to
+have you now.
+
+Signe. Aunt Ulla! What do you mean?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I mean that you have been the rich man's daughter;
+and you do not know what the world is.
+
+Signe. Hamar, do you think Aunt Ulla would refuse to have me?
+
+Hamar (after a moment's thought). I don't know.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You hear that, my child. In the next few hours you
+will learn more than you have learnt in all your life.
+
+Signe (in a horrified whisper). Do you mean that even--?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Hush! (SIGNE hides her face in her mother's lap. A
+loud burst of laughter is heard outside.)
+
+Hamar (going to the nearest window). What is that? (SANNAES comes
+in through the right-hand door and goes to the other window.
+TJAELDE, SIGNE and MRS. TJAELDE get up.) The bay horse! They have
+got hold of it.
+
+Sannaes. They have led it up the steps, and are pretending to sell
+it by auction.
+
+Hamar. They are ill-treating it! (SANNAES runs out. HAMAR snatches
+up the revolver from the desk and looks to see if it is loaded.) I
+will--!
+
+Signe. What are you going to do? (As he starts to go out, she
+clings to him and prevents him.)
+
+Hamar. Let me go!
+
+Signe. Tell me first what you are going to do! Do you mean to go
+out among all those men--alone?
+
+Hamar. Yes.
+
+Signe (throwing her arms round him). You shan't go!
+
+Hamar. Take care, this is loaded!
+
+Signe. What are you going to do with it?
+
+Hamar (in a determined voice, as he shakes himself free of her).
+Put a bullet into the poor beast! It is too good for that crew. It
+shan't be put up for auction, either in joke or in earnest! (Goes
+to the farther window.) I shall get a better aim from here.
+
+Signe (following him, with a cry). You will hit some one!
+
+Hamar. No, I can aim too well for that. (Takes aim.)
+
+Signe. Father! If they hear a shot from here now--
+
+Tjaelde (starting up). The house belongs to my creditors now--and
+the revolver too!
+
+Hamar. No, I am past taking orders from you now! (TJAELDE snatches
+at the revolver, which goes off. SIGNE screams and rushes to her
+mother. Outside, but this time immediately below the window, two
+cries are heard: "They are shooting at us! They are shooting at
+us!" Then the noise of breaking glass is heard, and stones fly in
+through the windows, followed by shouts and ribald laughter.
+VALBORG, who has rushed in from the outer office, stands in front
+of her father to protect him, her face turned to the window. A
+voice is heard: "Follow me, my lads!")
+
+Hamar (pointing the revolver at the window). Yes, just you try it!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde and Signe. They are coming in here!
+
+Valborg. You shan't shoot! (Stands between him and the window.)
+
+Tjaelde. It is Sannaes with the police! (Cries of "Get back,
+there!" are heard; then a renewed uproar and a loud voice gradually
+dominating it; until at last the noise gradually lessens and
+ceases.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Thank God! We were in great danger. (Sinks into a
+chair. A pause.) Henning, where are you? (TJAELDE comes up behind
+her, and strokes her head with his hand, but turns away immediately
+to hide his deep emotion. A pause.)
+
+Signe (on her knees by her mother's side). But won't they come
+back? Hadn't we better go away from here?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Where to?
+
+Signe (despairingly). What is to become of us?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What God wills. (A pause. Meanwhile HAMAR,
+unobserved, has laid down the revolver on a chair and slipped
+out of the room by the door at the back.)
+
+Valborg (softly). Signe, look! (SIGNE gets up, looks round the
+room, and gives a little cry.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What is it?
+
+Signe. I knew he would!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (apprehensively). What is it?
+
+Valborg. Every rich family has its tame lieutenant--and ours has
+just left us. That's all.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up). Signe, my child!
+
+Signe (throwing herself into her arms). Mother!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. There will be no more pretence now. Do not let us
+regret it!
+
+Signe (in tears). Mother, mother!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Things are better as they are. Do you hear, dear?
+Don't cry!
+
+Signe. I am not crying! but I feel so ashamed--oh, so ashamed!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. It is I that ought to feel ashamed for never having
+had the courage to put a stop to what I saw was folly.
+
+Signe (as before). Mother!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Soon there will be no one else left to desert us; and
+we shall have nothing left that any one can rob us of, either.
+
+Valborg (comes forward evidently labouring under great emotion).
+Yes, there is, mother; _I_ mean to desert you.
+
+Signe. You, Valborg? Desert us? You?
+
+Valborg. Our home is going to be broken up, anyway. Each of us
+ought to shift for herself.
+
+Signe. But what am I to do? I don't know how to do anything.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (who has sunk back into her chair). What a bad mother
+I must have been, not to be able to keep my children together now!
+
+Valborg (impetuously). You know we cannot stay together now! You
+know we cannot put up with living on the charity of our creditors;
+we have done that too long!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Hush, remember your father is in the room. (A pause.)
+What do you want to do, Valborg?
+
+Valborg (after she has regained her self-control, quietly). I want
+to go into Mr. Holst's office, and learn commercial work--and keep
+myself.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You don't know what you are undertaking.
+
+Valborg. But I know what I am leaving.
+
+Signe. And I shall only be a burden to you, mother, because I can't
+do anything--
+
+Valborg. You _can_! Go out and earn a living; even if it is only as
+a servant, what does that matter? Don't live on our creditors--not
+for a day, not for an hour!
+
+Signe. And what is to become of mother, then?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Your mother will stay with your father.
+
+Signe. But all alone? You, who are so ill?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No, not alone! Your father and I will be together.
+(TJAELDE comes forward, kisses the hand she has stretched out to
+him, and falls on his knees by her chair, burying his face in her
+lap. She strokes his hair gently.) Forgive your father, children.
+That is the finest thing you can do. (TJAELDE gets up again and
+goes back to the other end of the room. A messenger comes in with a
+letter.)
+
+Signe (turning round anxiously). It is a letter from him! I can't
+stand any more! I won't have it! (The messenger hands the letter to
+TJAELDE.)
+
+Tjaelde. I accept no more letters.
+
+Valborg (looking at the letter). It is from Sannaes?
+
+Tjaelde. He, too!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Take it and read it, Valborg. Let us get it all over
+at once. (VALBORG takes the letter from the messenger, who goes
+out. She opens the letter, looks at it, and then reads it with
+emotion.) "Sir,--I have owed you everything since I entered your
+employment as a boy. Therefore do not take what I am going to say
+amiss. You know that about eight years ago I came into a little
+legacy. I have used the money to some advantage, having especially
+looked out for such investments as would not be affected by the
+uncertainties of high finance. The total sum, which now amounts to
+about L1400, I beg to offer to you as a token of respectful
+gratitude; because, in the end, I owe it to you that I have been
+able to make it that sum. Besides, you will be able to make many
+times better use of it than I could. If you need me, my dearest
+wish is to remain with you in the future. Forgive me for having
+seized just this moment for doing this; I could not do otherwise.--
+Your obedient servant, J. SANNAES." (While VALBORG has been
+reading, TJAELDE has come gradually forward, and is now standing
+beside his wife.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Though out of all those you have helped, Henning,
+only one comes to your aid at a time like this, you must feel that
+you have your reward. (TJAELDE nods, and goes to the back of the
+room again.) And you, children--do you see how loyally this man, a
+stranger, is standing by your father? (A pause. SIGNE stands by the
+desk, crying. TJAELDE walks up and down uneasily at the back of the
+room once or twice, then goes up the staircase.)
+
+Valborg. I should like to speak to Sannaes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, do, dear! I couldn't, just now; and I am sure
+your father couldn't either. You speak to him! (Gets up.) Come,
+Signe, you and I must have a talk; you must open your heart to
+me now.--Ah, when have we ever had a real talk together? (SIGNE
+goes to her.) Where is your father?
+
+Valborg. He went upstairs.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (leaning on SIGNE's arm). So he did. I am sure he must
+be longing to rest--although he won't find it easy to do that. It
+has been a terrible day; but surely God will turn it to our good!
+(Goes out with SIGNE. VALBORG goes to the back of the room and
+rings the bell. A messenger comes.)
+
+Valborg. If Mr. Sannaes is out there, please ask him to be so good
+as to come in here for a moment. (The messenger goes out.) Perhaps
+he won't come, when he hears it is I. (Listens.) Yes, he is coming!
+
+(SANNAES comes in, but stops short when he sees VALBORG, and
+hurriedly puts his hands behind his back.)
+
+Sannaes. Is it you, Miss Valborg, that want me?
+
+Valborg. Please come in. (SANNAES takes a few timid steps forward.
+VALBORG speaks in a more friendly tone.) Come in, then! (SANNAES
+comes further into the room.)
+
+Valborg. You have written a letter to my father.
+
+Sannaes (after a moment's pause). Yes.
+
+Valborg. And made him a most generous offer.
+
+Sannaes (as before). Oh, well--it was only natural that I should.
+
+Valborg. Do you think so? It doesn't seem so to me. It is an offer
+that honours the man that made it. (A pause.)
+
+Sannaes. I hope he means to accept it?
+
+Valborg. I don't know.
+
+Sannaes (sadly, after a moment's pause). Then he doesn't mean to?
+No--I suppose not.
+
+Valborg. I honestly don't know. It depends on whether he dare.
+
+Sannaes. Whether he dare?
+
+Valborg. Yes. (A pause.)
+
+Sannaes (evidently very shy of VALBORG). Have you any more orders
+for me, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg (with a smile). Orders? I am not giving you orders.--You
+have offered also to stay with my father for the future.
+
+Sannaes. Yes--that is to say, if he wishes me to.
+
+Valborg. I don't know. In that case there would be only he and
+my mother and you; no one else.
+
+Sannaes. Indeed? What about the others, then?
+
+Valborg. I don't know for certain what my sister means to do--but
+I am leaving home to-day.
+
+Sannaes. Then you are going to--
+
+Valborg. --to try and get a clerkship somewhere. So that it will be
+a bit lonely for you to be in my father's employment now. (A
+pause.) I expect you had not thought of it in that light?
+
+Sannaes. No--yes--that is to say, your father will have all the
+more need of me then.
+
+Valborg. Indeed he will. But what sort of a prospect is it for you
+to bind up your fortunes with my father's? The future is so very
+problematical, you know.
+
+Sannaes. What sort of a prospect--?
+
+Valborg. Yes, a young man should have some sort of a prospect
+before him.
+
+Sannaes. Yes--of course; that is to say, I only thought that at
+first it would be so difficult for him.
+
+Valborg. But I am thinking of you. Surely you have some plans for
+the future?
+
+Sannaes (embarrassed). Really I would rather not talk about myself.
+
+Valborg. But I want to.--You have something else in reserve, then?
+
+Sannaes. Well--if I must tell you--I have some well-to-do relations
+in America who have for a long time wanted me to go over there. I
+should soon be able to get, a good situation there.
+
+Valborg. Indeed?--But why haven't you accepted such a good offer
+long before this? (SANNAES does not answer.) You must have been
+sacrificing your best interests by staying so long with us?
+(SANNAES is still silent.) Any! it will be making a still greater
+sacrifice to stay with us now--
+
+Sannaes (struggling with his embarrassment). I have never thought
+of it as being that.
+
+Valborg. But my father can scarcely accept so much from you.
+
+Sannaes (in alarm). Why not?
+
+Valborg. Because it really would be too much.--And, in any case, I
+shall try to prevent him.
+
+Sannaes (almost imploringly). You, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg. Yes. You must not be misemployed any longer.
+
+Sannaes. Misemployed? In what I _myself_ desire so much?
+
+Valborg. When I have talked it over with my father, I think he will
+see my point.
+
+Sannaes (anxiously). What do you mean?
+
+Valborg (after a moment's reflection). --I mean, the reason of your
+having made such great sacrifices for us--and of your being willing
+to make still greater now. (A pause. SANNAES hangs his head, and is
+raising his hands to hide his face, when suddenly he puts them
+behind his back again. VALBORG continues, in gentle but firm
+tones:) I have taught myself, all my life, to look behind deeds and
+words for their motives.
+
+Sannaes (quietly, without raising his head). You have taught
+yourself to be cruelly bitter, hard and unjust.
+
+Valborg (starts, but collects herself, and says gently:) Don't say
+that, Mr. Sannaes! It is not hard-heartedness or bitterness that
+makes me think of your future now--and makes me wish to spare you
+disappointment.
+
+Sannaes (with a cry of pain). Miss Valborg!
+
+Valborg. Be honest with yourself, and you will be able to take a
+fairer view of what I have just said.
+
+Sannaes. Have you any more orders, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg. I give you no orders, as I have told you already. I am
+only bidding you good-bye; and I do it with grateful thanks to you
+for all your goodness to me--and to us all. Good-bye and good luck,
+Mr. Sannaes. (SANNAES bows.)Won't you shake hands? Ah, I forgot--I
+offended you. I beg your pardon for that. (SANNAES bows and turns
+to go.) Come, Mr. Sannaes--let us at least part as good friends!
+You are going to America, and I am going among strangers. Let us go
+away wishing one another well.
+
+Sannaes (moved). Good-bye, Miss Valborg. (Turns to go.)
+
+Valborg. Mr. Sannaes--shake hands!
+
+Sannaes (stopping). No, Miss Valborg.
+
+Valborg. Don't treat me uncivilly; I have not deserved that.
+(SANNAES again turns to go.) Mr. Sannaes!
+
+Sannaes (stopping). You might soil your fingers, Miss Valborg!
+(Walks proudly away.)
+
+Valborg (controlling herself with an effort). Well, we have
+offended each other now. But why should we not forgive each other
+as well?
+
+Sannaes. Because you have just offended me for the second time
+to-day--and more deeply than the first time.
+
+Valborg. Oh, this is too much! I spoke as I did, because I owed it
+to myself not to be put in a false position, and owed it to you to
+spare you future disappointment. And you call that insulting you!
+Which of us has insulted the other, I should like to know?
+
+Sannaes. You have, by thinking such things of me. Do you realise
+how cruelly you have spoilt the happiest action of my life?
+
+Valborg. I have done so quite unintentionally, then. I am only
+glad that I was mistaken.
+
+Sannes (bitterly). You are glad! So it really makes you glad to
+know that I am not a scoundrel!
+
+Valborg (quietly). Who said anything of the kind?
+
+Sannaes. You! You know the weak spot in my armour; but that you
+should on that account believe that I could lay a trap for you
+and try to trade on your father's misfortune, Miss Valborg--!
+No, I cannot shake hands with any one who has thought so badly
+of me as that! And, since you have so persistently insulted me
+that I have lost all the timidity I used to feel in your presence,
+let me tell you this openly; these hands (stretching out his hands
+to her) have grown red and ugly in loyal work for your father, and
+his daughter should have been above mocking at me for them!
+(Turns to go, but stops.) And, one word more. Ask your father for
+_his_ hand now, and hold fast to it, instead of deserting him on
+the very day that misfortune has overtaken him. That would be more
+to the point than worrying about _my_ future. I can look after that
+for myself. (Turns again to go, but comes back.) And when, in his
+service--which will be no easy service now--your hands bear the
+same honourable marks of work as mine do, and are as red as mine,
+then you will perhaps understand how you have hurt me! At present
+you cannot. (He goes quickly towards the door of the outer office.)
+
+Valborg (with a wry smile). What a temper! (More seriously.) And
+yet, after all--. (Looks after him. Just as SANNAES gets to the
+door TJAELDE'S voice is heard calling him from the top of the
+staircase. SANNAES answers him.)
+
+Tjaelde (coming down the stairs). Sannaes! Sannaes! I can see
+Jakobsen coming. (Hurries across the room as if pursued by fear.
+SANNAES follows him.) Of course he will be coming back to look for
+me again! It is cowardly of me to feel that I cannot stand it; but
+I cannot--not to-day, not now! I cannot stand any more! Stop him!
+Don't let him come in! I shall have to drink my cup of misery to
+the dregs; but (almost in a whisper) not all at one draught! (Hides
+his face in his hands.)
+
+Sannaes. He shan't come; don't be afraid! (Goes quickly out, with
+an air of determination.)
+
+Tjaelde. It is hard--oh, it is hard!
+
+Valborg (coming to his side). Father! (He looks at her, anxiously.)
+You may safely accept the money Sannaes offers you.
+
+Tjaelde (in surprise). What do you mean by that?
+
+Valborg. I mean--that, if you do, I will not forsake you either,
+but stay here with you too.
+
+Tjaelde (incredulously). You, Valborg?
+
+Valborg. Yes, you know I want to learn office work, and business;
+and I would rather learn in your office.
+
+Tjaelde (shyly). I don't understand what you--?
+
+Valborg. Don't you understand, dear? I believe I could become of
+some use in the office. And in that way, you know, we might
+begin afresh--and try, with God's help, to pay your creditors.
+
+Tjaelde (happily, but shyly). My child! Who put such a happy idea
+into your head?
+
+Valborg (putting an arm round his neck). Father, forgive me for
+all that I have neglected to do! You shall see how I will try and
+make up for it! How hard I shall work!
+
+Tjaelde (still half incredulous). My child! My child!
+
+Valborg. I feel--I cannot tell you how deeply--a craving for love
+and for work! (Throws both her arms round his neck.) Oh, father,
+how I love you!--and how I shall work for you!
+
+Tjaelde. Ah, that is the Valborg I have waited for, ever since you
+were a little child! But we had drifted away from one another,
+somehow.
+
+Valborg. No more about the past! Look forward, father, look
+forward! Concerns "that would not be affected by the uncertainties
+of high finance,"--weren't those his words?
+
+Tjaelde. So you were struck by that expression, too?
+
+Valborg. That may mean a future for us now! We will have a home all
+to ourselves--a little house down on the shore--and I shall help
+you, and Signe will help mother--we shall know what it is to live,
+for the first time!
+
+Tjaelde. What happiness it will be!
+
+Valborg. Only look forward, father! Look forward! A united family
+is invincible!
+
+Tjaelde. And to think that such help should come to me now!
+
+Valborg. Yes, now we are all going to our posts--and all together,
+where formerly you stood alone! You will have good fairies round
+you; wherever you look, you will see happy faces and busy fingers
+all day long; and we shall all enjoy our meals and our evenings
+together, just as we did when we were children!
+
+Tjaelde. That, above everything!
+
+Valborg. Ha, ha!--it is after the rain that the birds sing
+blithest, you know! And this time our happiness can never miscarry,
+because we shall have something worth living for!
+
+Tjaelde. Let us go to your mother! This will cheer her heart!
+
+Valborg. Ah, how I have learnt to love her! What has happened
+to-day has taught me.
+
+Tjaelde. It is for her that we shall all work now.
+
+Valborg. Yes--for her, for her. She shall rest now. Let us go to
+her!
+
+Tjaelde. Kiss me first, my dear. (His voice trembles.) It is so
+long since you did!
+
+Valborg (kissing him). Father!
+
+Tjaelde. Now let us go to your mother. (The curtain falls as they
+go out together.)
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+(SCENE.--In the garden of TJAELDE'S new home, on the shore of the
+fjord, three years later. A view of tranquil sunlit sea, dotted
+with boats, in the background. On the left a portion of the house
+is seen, with an open window within which VALBORG is seen writing
+at a desk. The garden is shaded with birch trees; flower-beds run
+round the house, and the whole atmosphere one of modest comfort.
+Two small garden tables and several chairs are in the foreground on
+the right. A chair standing by itself, further back, has evidently
+had a recent occupant. When the curtain rises the stage is empty,
+but VALBORG is visible at the open window. Soon afterwards TJAELDE
+comes in, wheeling MRS. TJAELDE in an invalid chair.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Another lovely day!
+
+Tjaelde. Tjaelde. Lovely! There was not a ripple on the sea last
+night. I saw a couple of steamers far out, and a sailing ship that
+had hove to, and the fisher-boats drifting silently in.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. And think of the storm that was raging two days ago!
+
+Tjaelde. And think of the storm that broke over our lives barely
+three years ago! I was thinking of that in the night.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Sit down here with me.
+
+Tjaelde. Shall we not continue our stroll?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. The sun is too hot.
+
+Tjaelde. Not for me.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You big strong man! It is too hot for me.
+
+Tjaelde (taking a chair). There you are, then.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (taking off his hat and wiping his forehead). You are
+very hot, dear. You have never looked so handsome as you do now!
+
+Tjaelde. That's just as well, as you have so much time to admire
+me now!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Now that I find getting about so difficult, you mean?
+Ah, that is only my pretence, so as to get you to wheel me about!
+
+Tjaelde (with a sigh). Ah, my dear, it is good of you to take it so
+cheerfully. But that you should be the only one of us to bear such
+hard traces of our misfortune--
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (interrupting him). Do you forget your own whitened
+hair? That is a sign of it, too, but a beautiful one! And, as for
+my being an invalid, I thank God every day for it! In the first
+place I have almost no pain, and then it gives me the opportunity
+to feel how good you are to me in every way.
+
+Tjaelde. You enjoy your life, then?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, indeed I do--and just as I should wish to.
+
+Tjaelde. Just to be spoiled, and yourself to spoil us?
+
+Valborg (from the window). I have finished the accounts, father.
+
+Tjaelde. Doesn't it come out at about what I said?
+
+Valborg. Almost exactly. Shall I enter it in the ledger at once?
+
+Tjaelde. Oho! You are glad then, as you seem in such it hurry?
+
+Valborg. Certainly! Such a good stroke of business!
+
+Tjaelde. And both you and Sannaes tried your best to dissuade
+me from it!
+
+Valborg. Such a pair of wiseacres!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Ah, your father is your master, my dear!
+
+Tjaelde. Tjaelde. Oh, it is easy enough to captain a small army
+that marches on, instead of a big one that is in retreat. (VALBORG
+goes on with her work.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. And yet it seemed hard enough for us to give it up.
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, yes--oh, yes. I can tell you, I was thinking of that
+last night. If God had given me what I begged for then, what state
+should we have been in now? I was thinking of that, too.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. It is the fact of the estate being at last wound up
+that has brought all these thoughts into your mind, dear?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Then I must confess that I, too, have scarcely been
+able to think of anything else since yesterday, when Sannaes went
+into town to settle it up. This a red-letter day! Signe is
+wrestling with a little banquet for us; we shall see what an
+artist she has become! Here she is!
+
+Tjaelde. I think I will just go and look over Valborg's accounts.
+(Goes to the window. SIGNE comes out of the house, wearing a
+cook's apron and carrying a basin.)
+
+Signe. Mother, you must taste my soup! (Offers her a spoonful.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Clever girl! (Tastes the soup.) Perhaps it would
+stand a little--. No, it is very good as it is. You are clever!
+
+Signe. Am I not! Will Sannaes be back soon?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Your father says we may expect him any moment.
+
+Tjaelde (at the window, to VALBORG). No, wait a moment. I will come
+in. (Goes into the house, and is seen within the window beside
+VALBORG.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My little Signe, I want to ask you something?
+
+Signe. Do you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What was in the letter you had yesterday evening?
+
+Signe. Aha, I might have guessed that was it! Nothing, mother.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Nothing that pained you, then?
+
+Signe. I slept like a top all night--so you can judge for yourself.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I am so glad. But, you know, there seems to me
+something a little forced in the gay way you say that?
+
+Signe. Does there? Well, it was something that I shall always be
+ashamed of; that is all.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I am thankful to hear it, for--
+
+Signe (interrupting her). That must be Sannaes. I hear wheels. Yes,
+here he is! He has come too soon; dinner won't be ready for half an
+hour yet.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. That doesn't matter.
+
+Signe. Father, here is Sannaes!
+
+Tjaelde (from within). Good! I will come out! (SIGNE goes into
+the house as TJAELDE comes out. SANNAES comes in a moment later.)
+
+Tjaelde and Mrs. Tjaelde. Welcome!
+
+Sannaes. Thank you! (Lays down his dust-coat and driving gloves on
+a chair, and comes forward.)
+
+Tjaelde. Well?
+
+Sannaes. Yes--your bankruptcy is discharged!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. And the result was--?
+
+Sannaes. Just about what we expected.
+
+Tjaelde. And, I suppose, just about what Mr. Berent wrote?
+
+Sannaes. Just about, except for one or two inconsiderable trifles.
+You can see for yourself. (Gives him a bundle of papers.) The high
+prices that have ruled of late, and good management, have altered
+the whole situation.
+
+Tjaelde (who has opened the papers and glanced at the totals). A
+deficit of L12,000.
+
+Sannaes. I made a declaration on your behalf, that you intended to
+try and repay that sum, but that you should be at liberty to do it
+in whatever way you found best. And so--
+
+Tjaelde. And so--?
+
+Sannaes. --I proferred on the spot rather more than half the amount
+you still owed Jakobsen.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Not really? (TJAELDE takes out a pencil and begins
+making calculations on the margins of the papers.)
+
+Sannaes. There was general satisfaction--and they all sent you
+their cordial congratulations.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. So that, if all goes well--
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, if things go as well with the business as they
+promise to, Sannaes, in twelve or fourteen years I shall have paid
+every one in full.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. We haven't much longer than that left to live, dear!
+
+Tjaelde. Then we shall die poor. And I shall not complain!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No, indeed! The honourable name you will leave to
+your children will be well worth it.
+
+Tjaelde. And they will inherit a sound business, which they can go
+on with if they choose.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Did you hear that, Valborg?
+
+Valborg (from the window). Every word! (SANNAES bows to her.) I
+must go in and tell Signe! (Moves away from the window.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What did Jakobsen say?--honest old Jakobsen?
+
+Sannaes. He was very much affected, as you would expect. He will
+certainly be coming out here to-day.
+
+Tjaelde (looking up from the papers). And Mr. Berent?
+
+Sannaes. He is coming hard on my heels. I was to give you his kind
+regards and tell you so.
+
+Tjaelde. Splendid! We owe him so much.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, he has been a true friend to us. But, talking of
+true friends, I have something particular to ask _you_, Sannaes.
+
+Sannaes. Me, Mrs. Tjaelde?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. The maid told me that yesterday, when you went into
+town, you took the greater part of your belongings with you. Is
+that so?
+
+Sannaes. Yes, Mrs. Tjaelde.
+
+Tjaelde. What does that mean? (To his wife.) You said nothing
+about it to me, my dear.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Because I thought it might be a misunderstanding.
+But now I must ask what was the meaning of it. Are you going away?
+
+Sannaes (fingering a chair, in evident confusion). Yes, Mrs.
+Tjaelde.
+
+Tjaelde. Where to? You never said anything about it.
+
+Sannaes. No; but I have always considered that I should have
+finished my task here as soon as the estate was finally wound up.
+
+Tjaelde and Mrs. Tjaelde. You mean to leave us?
+
+Sannaes. Yes.
+
+Tjaelde. But why?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Where do you mean to go?
+
+Sannaes. To my relations in America. I can now, without doing you
+any harm, withdraw my capital from the business by degrees and
+transfer it abroad.
+
+Tjaelde. And dissolve our partnership?
+
+Sannaes. You know that at any rate you had decided now to resume
+the old style of the firm's name.
+
+Tjaelde. That is true; but, Sannaes, what does it all mean? What is
+your reason?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Are you not happy here, where we are all so attached
+to you?
+
+Tjaelde. You have quite as good a prospect for the future here as
+in America.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. We held together in evil days; are we not to hold
+together now that good days have come?
+
+Sannaes. I owe you both so much.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Good heavens, it is we that owe you--
+
+Tjaelde. --more than we can ever repay. (Reproachfully.) Sannaes!
+
+(SIGNE comes in, having taken off her cooking apron.)
+
+Signe. Congratulations! Congratulations! Father mother! (Kisses
+them both.) Welcome, Sannaes!--But aren't you pleased?--now?
+(A pause. VALBORG comes in.)
+
+Valborg. What has happened?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Sannaes wants to leave us, my children (A pause.)
+
+Signe. But, Sannaes--!
+
+Tjaelde. Even if you want to go away, why have you never said a
+single word to us about it before? (To the others.) Or has he
+spoken to any of you? (MRS. TJAELDE shakes her head.)
+
+Signe. No.
+
+Sannaes. It was because--because--I wanted to be able to go as
+soon as I had told you. Otherwise it would be too hard to go.
+
+Tjaelde. You must have very serious grounds for it, then! Has
+anything happened to you to--to make it necessary? (SANNAES
+does not answer.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. And to make it impossible for you to trust any of
+us?
+
+Sannaes (shyly). I thought I had better keep it to myself. (A
+pause.)
+
+Tjaelde. That makes it still more painful for us--to think that you
+could go about in our little home circle here, where you have
+shared everything with us, carrying the secret of this intention
+hidden in your heart.
+
+Sannaes. Do not be hard on me! Believe me, if I could stay, I
+would; and if I could tell you the reason, I would. (A pause.)
+
+Signe (to her mother, in an undertone). Perhaps he wants to get
+married?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Would his being here with us make any difference to
+that? Any one that Sannaes loved would be dear to us.
+
+Tjaelde (going up to SANNAES and putting an arm round his
+shoulders). Tell one of us, then, if you cannot tell us all.
+Is it nothing we can help you in?
+
+Sannaes. No.
+
+Tjaelde. But can you judge of that alone? One does not always
+realise how much some one else's advice, on the experience of an
+older man, may help one.
+
+Sannaes. Unfortunately it is as I say.
+
+Tjaelde. It must be something very painful, then?
+
+Sannaes. Please--!
+
+Tjaelde. Well, Sannaes, you have quite cast a cloud over to-day's
+happiness for us. I shall miss you as I have never missed any one.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I cannot imagine the house without Sannaes!
+
+Tjaelde (to his wife). Come, dear, shall we go in again?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes--it is not nice out here any longer. (TJAELDE
+takes her into the house. SIGNE turns to VALBORG to go in with her,
+but when she comes close to her she gives a little cry. VALBORG
+takes her arm, and their eyes meet.)
+
+Signe. Where have my wits been? (She goes into the house, looking
+back at VALBORG and SANNAES. The latter is giving way to his
+emotion, but as soon as his eyes fall on VALBORG he recovers
+himself.)
+
+Valborg (impetuously). Sannaes!
+
+Sannaes. What are your orders, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg (turning away from him, then turning back, but avoiding
+his eyes). Do you really mean to leave us?
+
+Sannaes. Yes, Miss Valborg. (A pause.)
+
+Valborg. So we shall never stand back to back at our desks in the
+same room again?
+
+Sannaes. No, Miss Valborg.
+
+Valborg. That is a pity; I had become so accustomed to it.
+
+Sannaes. You will easily become accustomed to some one else's--
+back.
+
+Valborg. Ah, some one else is some one else.
+
+Sannaes. You must excuse me, Miss Valborg; I don't feel in the
+humour for jesting to-day. (Turn to go.)
+
+Valborg (looking up at him). Is this to be our parting, then? (A
+pause.)
+
+Sannaes. I thought of taking leave of you all this afternoon.
+
+Valborg (taking a step towards him). But ought not we two to settle
+our accounts first?
+
+Sannaes (coldly). No, Miss Valborg.
+
+Valborg. Do you feel then that everything between us has been just
+as it ought?
+
+Sannaes. God knows I don't!
+
+Valborg. But you think I am to blame?--Oh, well, it doesn't matter.
+
+Sannaes. I am quite willing to take the blame. Put anyway, it is
+all finished with now.
+
+Valborg. But if we were to share the blame? You cannot be quite
+indifferent as to which of us should take it?
+
+Sannaes. I confess I am not. But, as I said, I do not wish for any
+settling of accounts between us.
+
+Valborg. But I wish it.
+
+Sannaes. You will have plenty of time to settle it to your own
+satisfaction.
+
+Valborg. But, if I am in difficulties about it, I cannot do it
+alone.
+
+Sannaes. I do not think you will find any difficulty.
+
+Valborg. But if _I_ think so?--if I feel myself deeply wronged?
+
+Sannaes. I have told you that I am willing to take all the blame
+upon myself.
+
+Valborg. No, Sannaes--I don't want charity; I want to be
+understood. I have a question to ask you.
+
+Sannaes. As you will.
+
+Valborg. How was it that we got on so well for the first year after
+my father's failure-and even longer? Have you ever thought of that?
+
+Sannaes. Yes. I think it was because we never talked about
+anything but our work--about business.
+
+Valborg. You were my instructor.
+
+Sannaes. And when you no longer needed an instructor--
+
+Valborg. --we hardly spoke to one another.
+
+Sannaes (softly). No.
+
+Valborg. Well, what could I say or do, when every sign of
+friendship on my part went unnoticed?
+
+Sannaes. Unnoticed? Oh no, Miss Valborg, I noticed them.
+
+Valborg. That was my punishment, then!
+
+Sannas. God forbid I should do you an injustice. You had a motive
+which did you credit; you felt compassion for me, and so you could
+not help acting as you did. But, Miss Valborg, I refuse your
+compassion.
+
+Valborg. And suppose it were gratitude?
+
+Sannaes (softly). I dreaded that more than anything else! I had had
+a warning.
+
+Valborg. You must admit, Sannaes, that all this made you very
+difficult to deal with!
+
+Sannaes. I quite admit that. But, honestly, _you_ must admit that I
+had good reason to mistrust an interest in me that sprang from
+mere gratitude. Had circumstances been different, I should only
+have bored you cruelly; I knew that quite well. And I had no
+fancy for being an amusement for your idle hours.
+
+Valborg. How you have mistaken me!--If you will think of it, surely
+you must understand how different a girl, who has been accustomed
+to travel and society, becomes when she has to stay at home and
+work because it is her duty. She comes to judge men by an
+altogether different standard, too. The men that she used to think
+delightful are very likely to appear small in her eyes when it is a
+question of the demands life makes on ability or courage or
+self-sacrifice; while the men she used to laugh at are transformed
+in her eyes into models of what God meant men to be, when she is
+brought into close contact with them in her father's office.--Is
+there anything so surprising in that? (A pause.)
+
+Sannaes. Thank you, at all events, for saying that to me. It has
+done me good. But you should have said it sooner.
+
+Valborg (emphatically). How could I, when you misjudged everything
+I did or said? No; it was impossible until mistakes and
+misunderstandings had driven us so far apart that we could not
+endure them any longer (Turns away.)
+
+Sannaes. Perhaps you are right. I cannot at once recall all that
+has happened. If I have been mistaken, I shall by degrees find the
+knowledge of it a profound comfort.--You must excuse me, Miss
+Valborg, I have a number of things to see to. (Turns to go.)
+
+Valborg (anxiously). Sannaes, as you admit that you have judged me
+unjustly, don't you think you ought at least to give me--some
+satisfaction?
+
+Sannaes. You may be certain, Miss Valborg, that when I am balancing
+our account you shall not suffer any injustice. But I cannot do it
+now. All I have to do now is to get ready to go.
+
+Valborg. But you are not ready to go, Sannaes! You have not
+finished your work here yet! There is what I just spoke of--and
+something else that dates farther back than that.
+
+Sannaes. You must feel how painful it is for me to prolong this
+interview. (Turns to go.)
+
+Valborg. But surely you won't go without setting right something
+that I am going to beg you to?
+
+Sannas. What is that, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg. Something that happened a long time ago.
+
+Sannaes. If it is in my power, I will do what you ask.
+
+Valborg. It is.--Ever since that day you have never offered to
+shake hands with me.
+
+Sannaes. Have you really noticed that? (A pause.)
+
+Valborg (with a smile, turning away). Will you do so now?
+
+Sannaes (stepping nearer to her). Is this more than a mere whim?
+
+Valborg (concealing her emotion). How can you ask such a question
+now?
+
+Sannaes. Because all this time you have never once asked me to
+shake hands with you.
+
+Valborg. I wanted you to offer me your hand. (A pause.)
+
+Sannaes. Are you serious for once?
+
+Valborg. I mean it, seriously.
+
+Sannaes (in a happier voice). You really set a value on it?
+
+Valborg. A great value.
+
+Sannaes (going up to her). Here it is, then!
+
+Valborg (turning and taking his hand). I accept the hand you offer
+me.
+
+Sannaes (turning pale). What do you mean?
+
+Valborg. I mean that for some time past I have known that I should
+be proud to be the wife of a man who has loved me, and me alone,
+ever since he was a boy, and has saved my father and us all.
+
+Sannaes. Oh, Miss Valborg!
+
+Valborg. And you wanted to go away, rather than offer me your
+hand; and that, only because we had accepted help from you--and you
+did not think we were free agents! That was too much; and, as you
+would not speak, I had to!
+
+Sannaes (kneeling to her). Miss Valborg!
+
+Valborg. You have the most loyal nature, the most delicate mind,
+and the warmest heart I have ever known.
+
+Sannaes. This is a thousand times too much!
+
+Valborg. Next to God, I have to thank you that I have become what I
+am; and I feel that I can offer you a life's devotion such as you
+would rarely find in this world.
+
+Sannaes. I cannot answer because I scarcely realise what you are
+saying. But you are saying it because you are sorry for me, now
+that I have to go away, and feel that you owe me some gratitude.
+(Takes both her hand in his.) Let me speak! I know the truth better
+than you, and have thought over it far more than you. You are so
+immeasurably above me in ability, in education, in manners--and a
+wife should not be able to look down on her husband. At all events,
+I am too proud to be willing to be exposed to that. No, what you
+are feeling now is only the result of your beautiful nature, and
+the recollection of it will hallow all my life. All the pain and
+all the happiness I have known have come from you. Your life will
+be one of self-renunciation; but, God knows there are many such!
+And my burden will be lightened now, because I shall know that your
+good wishes will always be with me. (Gets up.) But part we must--
+and now more than ever! For I could not bear to be near you unless
+you were mine, and to make you mine would only mean misery for us
+both after a little while!
+
+Valborg. Sannaes--!
+
+Sannaes (holding her hands and interrupting her). I entreat you not
+to say anything more! You have too much power over me; do not use
+it to make me sin! For it would be that--a great sin--to put two
+honest hearts into a false position, where they would distress one
+another, even perhaps get to hate one another.
+
+Valborg. But let me--
+
+Sannas (letting go her hands and stepping back). No, you must not
+tempt me. Life with you would mean perpetual anxiety, for I should
+never feel equal to what it would demand of me! But now I can part
+from you comforted. There will be no bitterness in my heart now;
+and by degrees all my thoughts of the past and of you will turn to
+sweetness. God bless you! May every good fortune go with you!
+Good-bye! (Goes quickly towards the house.)
+
+Valborg. Sannaes! (Follows him.) Sannaes! Listen to me! (SANNAES
+takes up his coat and gloves, and, as he rushes out without looking
+where he is going, runs full tilt into BERENT who comes in at that
+moment followed by JAKOBSEN.)
+
+Sannaes. I beg your pardon! (Rushes out to the right.)
+
+Berent. Are you two playing a game of blind man's buff?
+
+Valborg. God knows we are!
+
+Berent. You need not be so emphatic about it! I have had forcible
+evidence of it. (Rubs his stomach and laughs.)
+
+Valborg. You must excuse me! Father is in there. (Points to the
+left and goes hurriedly out to the right.)
+
+Berent. We don't seem to be getting a particularly polite
+reception!
+
+Jakobsen. No, we seem to be rather in the way, Mr. Berent.
+
+Berent (laughing). It looks like it. But what has been going on?
+
+Jakobsen. I don't know. They looked as if they had been fighting,
+their faces were so flushed.
+
+Berent. They looked upset, you mean?
+
+Jakobsen. Yes, that's it. Ah, here is Mr. Tjaelde! (To himself.)
+Good Lord, how aged he looks! (Withdraws into the background as
+BERENT goes forward to greet TJAELDE, who comes in.)
+
+Tjaelde (to BERENT). I am delighted to see you! You are always
+welcome in our little home--and this year more welcome than ever!
+
+Berent. Because things are going better than ever this year! I
+congratulate you on your discharge--and also on your determination
+to pay everything in full!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, if God wills, I mean to--
+
+Berent. Well, things are going splendidly, aren't they?
+
+Tjaelde. So far, yes.
+
+Berent. You are over the worst of it, now that you have laid the
+foundations of a new business and laid them solidly.
+
+Tjaelde. One of the things that have given me the greatest
+encouragement has been the fact that I have won your confidence--
+and that has gained me the confidence of others.
+
+Berent. I could have done nothing unless you had first of all done
+everything. But don't let us say any more about it!--Well, the
+place looks even prettier than it did last year.
+
+Tjaelde. We do a little more to it each year, you know.
+
+Berent. And you are still all together here?
+
+Tjaelde. So far, yes.
+
+Berent. Ah, by the way, I can give you news of your deserter.
+(TJAELDE looks surprised.) I mean your lieutenant!
+
+Tjaelde. Oh--of him! Have you seen him?
+
+Berent. I was on the same boat coming here. There was a very
+rich girl on board.
+
+Tjaelde (laughing). Oh, I see!
+
+Berent. All the same, I don't think it came to any thing. It is
+rather like coming upon a herd of deer when you are stalking; after
+your first shot, you don't find it so easy to get another; they
+have grown wary!
+
+Jakobsen (who during this conversation has been screwing up his
+courage to address TJAELDE). I--I am a pig, I am! I know that!
+
+Tjaelde (taking his hand). Oh, come, Jakobsen!--
+
+Jakobsen. A great blundering pig!--But I know it now!
+
+Tjaelde. That's all right! I can tell you I am delighted to be able
+to set affairs straight between you and me.
+
+Jakobsen. I don't know what to answer. It goes to my heart! (Shakes
+his hand heartily.) You are a far better man than I,--and I said so
+to my wife. "He's a splendid fellow," I said.
+
+Tjaelde (releasing his hand). Let us forget everything except the
+happy days we have had together, Jakobsen! How do things go
+at the Brewery?
+
+Jakobsen. At the Brewery! As long as folk ladle beer into their
+stomachs at the rate they do now--
+
+Berent. Jakobsen was kind enough to drive me out here. We had a
+most amusing drive. He is a character.
+
+Jakobsen (in an anxious undertone, to TJAELDE). What does he mean
+by that?
+
+Tjaelde. That you are different from most people.
+
+Jakobsen. Ah!--I didn't feel sure, you know, whether he wasn't
+sitting there making game of me, all the way here.
+
+Tjaelde. How can you think such a thing? (To BERENT.) Do come into
+the house. Excuse my going first; but my wife is not always quite
+prepared to receive visitors since she has been able to do so
+little for herself. (Goes into the house.)
+
+Berent. I don't think Mr. Tjaelde seems to me to be looking in
+quite as good form as I expected?
+
+Jakobsen. Don't you? I didn't notice anything.
+
+Berent. Perhaps I am mistaken. I think he meant us to follow him
+in, didn't he?
+
+Jakobsen. So I understood.
+
+Berent. Then, as you have brought me so far, you must take me
+in to Mrs. Tjaelde.
+
+Jakobsen. I am quite at your service, sir. I have the deepest
+respect for Mrs. Tjaelde--(hurriedly)--and of course for Mr.
+Tjaelde too. Of course.
+
+Berent. Yes. Well, let us go in.
+
+Jakobsen. Let us go in. (He tries anxiously to keep in step with
+BERENT'S peculiar walk, but finds it difficult.)
+
+Berent. I think you had better not try. My step suits very few.
+
+Jakobsen. Oh, I shall manage--! (They go out to the left. SANNAES
+comes hurriedly in from the right, and crosses the stage; looks
+around; then comes across to the foreground and leans with his
+back against a tree. VALBORG comes in a moment later, comes
+forward, sees him, and laughs.)
+
+Sannaes. There, you see, Miss Valborg; you are laughing at me.
+
+Valborg. I don't know whether I want to laugh or to cry.
+
+Sannaes. Believe me, you are mistaken about this, Miss Valborg.
+You don't see things as plainly as I do.
+
+Valborg. Which of us was it that was mistaken to-day?--and had
+to beg pardon for it?
+
+Sannaes. It was I, I know. But this is impossible! A real union of
+hearts needs to be founded on more than respect--
+
+Valborg (laughing). On love?
+
+Sannaes. You misunderstand me. Could you go into society with me
+without feeling embarrassed? (VALBORG laughs.) You see, the mere
+idea of it makes you laugh.
+
+Valborg (laughing). I am laughing because you are magnifying the
+least important part of it into the most important.
+
+Sannaes. You know how awkward and shy--in fact downright frightened
+I am amongst those who--. (VALBORG laughs again.) There, you see--
+you can't help laughing at the idea!
+
+Valborg. I should perhaps even laugh at you when we were in society
+together! (Laughs.)
+
+Sannaes (seriously). But I should suffer horribly if you did.
+
+Valborg. Believe me, Sannaes, I love you well enough to be able
+to afford to have a little laugh sometimes at your little
+imperfections. Indeed, I often do! And suppose we were out in
+society, and I saw you weighed down under the necessity for pretty
+manners that do not come easy to you; if I did laugh at you, do you
+think there would be any unkindness behind my laughter? If others
+laughed at you, do you suppose I would not, the very next moment,
+take your arm and walk proudly down the room with you? I know what
+you really are, and others know it too! Thank God it is not only
+bad deeds that are known to others in this world!
+
+Sannaes. Your words intoxicate me and carry me off my feet!
+
+Valborg (earnestly). If you think I am only flattering you, let us
+put it to the test. Mr. Berent is here. He moves in the very best
+society, but he is superior to its littlenesses. Shall we take his
+opinion? Without betraying anything, I could make him give it in
+a moment.
+
+Sannaes (carried away). I want no one's opinion but yours!
+
+Valborg. That's right! If only you feel certain of my love--
+
+Sannaes (impetuously). --then nothing else will seem to matter;
+and that alone will be able to teach me all that I lack, in a very
+short time.
+
+Valborg. Look into my eyes!
+
+Sannaes (taking her hands). Yes!
+
+Valborg. Do you believe that nothing would ever make me ashamed of
+you!
+
+Sannaes. Yes, I believe that.
+
+Valborg (with emotion). Do you believe that I love you?
+
+Sannaes. Yes! (Falls on one knee.)
+
+Valborg. Deeply enough for my love to last all our lives--
+
+Sannaes. Yes, yes!
+
+Valborg. Then stay with me; and we will look after the old folk--
+and replace them when, in God's good time, they are taken from us.
+(SANNAES bursts into tears. TJAELDE, who has come to the window to
+show BERENT his ledgers, happens to look up and sees VALBORG and
+SANNAES.)
+
+Tjaelde (leaning out of the window, and speaking gently:) Valborg,
+what has happened?
+
+Valborg (quietly). Only that Sannaes and I are engaged to be
+married.
+
+Tjaelde. Is it possible! (To BERENT, who is immersed in the
+accounts.) Excuse me! (Hurries away from the window.)
+
+Sannaes (who, in his emotion has heard nothing). Forgive me! It
+has been such a long, hard struggle--and I feel overwhelmed!
+
+Valborg. Let us go in to my mother.
+
+Sannws (shrinking back). I can't, Miss Valborg--you must wait a
+little--
+
+Valborg. Here they come. (TJAELDE comes in wheeling MRS. TJAELDE in
+her chair. VALBORG runs to her mother and throws herself into her
+arms.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (softly). God be praised and thanked!
+
+Tjaelde (going up to SANNAES and embracing him). My son!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. So that was why Sannaes wanted to go away! Oh,
+Sannaes! (TJAELDE brings SANNAES up to her. SANNAES kneels and
+kisses her hand, then gets up and goes into the background, to
+recover himself. SIGNE comes in.)
+
+Signe. Mother, everything is ready now!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. So are things out here!
+
+Signe (looking round). Not really?
+
+Valborg (to SIGNE). Forgive me for never having told you!
+
+Signe. You certainly kept your secret well!
+
+Valborg. I kept long years of suffering secret--that was all!
+(SIGNE kisses her and whispers to her; then turns to SANNAES.)
+
+Signe. Sannaes! (Shakes his hand.) So we are to be brother and
+sister-in-law?
+
+Sannaes (embarrassed). Oh, Miss Signe--
+
+Signe. But you mustn't call me Miss Signe now, you know!
+
+Valborg. You must expect that! He calls me "Miss" Valborg still!
+
+Singe. Well, he won't be able to do that when you are married,
+anyway!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (to TJAELDE). But where are our friends?
+
+Tjaelde. Mr. Berent is in the office. There he is, at the window.
+
+Berent (at the window). Now I am coming straight out to
+congratulate you, with my friend Jakobsen. (Comes out.)
+
+Valborg (going to TJAELDE). Father!
+
+Tjaelde. My child!
+
+Valborg. If we had not known those bad days we should never
+have known this happy one! (He gives her a grip of the hand.)
+
+Tjaelde (to BERENT). Allow me to present to you my daughter
+Valborg's fiance--Mr. Sannaes.
+
+Berent. I congratulate you on your choice, Miss Valborg--and I
+congratulate the whole family on such a son-in-law.
+
+Valborg (triumphantly). There, Sannaes!
+
+Jakobsen. May I too, though I am only a stupid sort of chap, say
+that this lad has been in love with you ever since he was in his
+teens--he hardly could be sooner than that. But I can tell you,
+honestly, I should never have credited you with having so much
+sense as to take him. (All laugh.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Signe is whispering to me that our dinner is getting
+cold.
+
+Signe. May I take my mother's place and ask you to take me in to
+dinner, Mr. Berent?
+
+Berent (offering her his arm). I am honoured!--But our bridal pair
+must go first!
+
+Valborg. Sannaes--?
+
+Sannaes (whispers, as he gives her his arm). To think that I have
+you on my arm! (They go into the house, followed by BERENT
+and SIGNE, and by JAKOBSEN.)
+
+Tjaelde (bending over his wife, as he prepares to wheel her chair
+in). My dear, God has blessed our house now!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My dear man!
+
+Curtain.
+
+
+
+THE KING
+
+A PLAY IN A PROLOGUE AND FOUR ACTS
+
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+The KING.
+HARALD GRAN, a rich manufacturer.
+KOLL, Chief Magistrate of the district.
+FLINK.
+CLARA ERNST.
+The PRINCESS.
+BARONESS MARC.
+ANNA, a deaf and dumb girl.
+FALBE.
+The MAYOR.
+NATHALIE, his daughter.
+ALSTAD.
+VILHELM, his son.
+The PARISH PRIEST.
+BANG, a rich trader.
+VINAEGER.
+COUNT PLATEN.
+The GENERAL.
+MATILDE.
+A Ballad Singer.
+A Young Beggar.
+A Servant of the King's.
+Ladies and Gentlemen, Masked Dancers, Work-people, Farmers, etc.
+
+
+THE KING
+
+PROLOGUE
+
+(SCENE.--A large gothic hall, brilliantly illuminated, in which a
+masked ball is taking place. At the rise of the curtain a ballet is
+being performed in the centre of the hall. Masked dancers are
+grouped around, watching it. Two of them, women, are conversing on
+the right of the stage.)
+
+First Mask. Have you heard that the King is to be here to-night?
+
+Second Mask. Yes, and since I heard it I have been imagining I
+saw him everywhere.
+
+First Mask (pointing). That is not he, is it?
+
+Second Mask. He is taller than that.
+
+First Mask. That one, then? Look, that one!
+
+Second Mask. That one has spoken to me. He has too old a voice.
+
+First Mask. Shall we see if we can find him?
+
+Second Mask. Yes, come along!
+
+(A number of girls, wearing similar costumes and all masked,
+have meanwhile collected on the left side of the stage.)
+
+First Girl. Are we all here?
+
+Second Girl. All but Matilde.
+
+Matilde. Here I am! Have you heard that the King is to be here?
+
+All. Really?
+
+Matilde. I don't know how he is dressed; but one of the masters
+of the ceremonies told me he was to be here.
+
+Several of the Girls. The dear King! (Two masked dancers, dressed
+as Cats, pass by.)
+
+Tom Cat. Do you hear that, my pet?
+
+Puss. Miau!
+
+Matilde. Let us try and discover him.
+
+All. Yes, yes!
+
+A Mask. And when we have discovered him--?
+
+Matilde. Let us all dance round him!
+
+All. Yes!
+
+Tom Cat (to Puss). You had better look after your virtue, Miss!
+
+Puss. Miau!
+
+Tom Cat. Miau! (They pass out of sight.)
+
+Matilde. Remember that we are all to meet here in a quarter of an
+hour!
+
+All. Yes! (They disperse. The ballet comes to a close amidst
+universal applause. Conversation among the dancers becomes general
+and animated. The BARONESS MARC, disguised as an Old Woman, comes
+forward, talking to another mask dressed as a Donkey.)
+
+Baroness. I will never forgive you for that, my lord chamberlain.
+
+The Donkey. But you frighten me clean out of my part, Baroness!
+
+Baroness. If only I could understand how it happened!
+
+The Donkey. After all, my dear Baroness, you cannot be expected to
+take out all your schoolmistresses and their senior pupils on a
+leash!
+
+Baroness. No, but I have particular reasons for wishing to look
+closely after _her_. (All this time she has been persistently
+looking round the room.) And in such a whirling crowd as this--
+
+The Donkey. Let us lose ourselves in it, then! (He brays as they
+go out. The PRINCESS, masked and dressed in a costume of the time
+of Louis XV., comes forward accompanied by a Cavalier in a costume
+of the same period.)
+
+Princess (continuing a discussion). And I say that if a king has
+such graces of mind and person as ours has, he may do anything he
+pleases.
+
+Cavalier. _Anything_, Princess?
+
+Princess. Anything that his mind prompts, provided that he do it
+beautifully. (A GENTLEMAN-IN-WAITING, dressed in a costume of the
+same period, approaches them.)
+
+Gentleman-in-Waiting. I cannot discover him, your Royal Highness!
+
+Princess. But he is here. He is _here_. And for a lady's sake. I am
+certain I am right.
+
+Cavalier. But I asked one of the masters of the ceremonies, and
+he knew nothing about it.
+
+Princess. Then it must have been one that has not been let into
+the secret.
+
+Cavalier. But, your Royal Highness--
+
+Princess. Don't keep calling me "your Royal Highness," but get
+me a description of the costume he is wearing. (The GENTLEMAN-
+IN-WAITING bows and goes away.) And you and I will go on hunting--
+
+Cavalier. --for the noble huntsman--
+
+Princess. --who is being hunted himself! (Moves away, but stops
+suddenly.) Who is that? (CLARA ERNST, masked and in peasant
+costume, comes forward followed by a masked figure wearing a
+domino. He is whispering to her over her shoulder. She keeps
+glancing about, as if looking for some one.)
+
+The Domino. --and there, in the enchanted castle, buried deep in
+the wooded park--
+
+Clara. Let me alone!
+
+The Domino. --there we shall be greeted by a babbling fountain of
+water--a nymph, holding the cup of joy high above her head--
+
+Clara (anxiously). What can have become of her?
+
+(Meanwhile one of the masked dancers has been following them,
+and now turns back to join others.)
+
+A Masked Dancer (pointing to the DOMINO). That is the King!
+
+Another (quickly). But who is _she_?
+
+The Domino. --on both sides, shady alleys leading to the doors of a
+secret retreat; and there--
+
+Clara (turning round). I despise you! (The dancing and music
+suddenly stop. General consternation.)
+
+The Baroness (starting forward as she hears CLARA voice.) Clara!
+
+The Domino (taking CLARA's hand and leading her apart from the
+others). Do you know who it is that you despise?
+
+Clara (greatly agitated). Yes, I know who you are!--and that is
+why, from the bottom of my heart, I despise you! (The music
+begins afresh, covering the general consternation that has spread
+among the dancers. The BARONESS comes forward with a cry of
+"Clara!" CLARA bursts into tears and throws herself into her arms.
+Curtain.)
+
+
+
+ACT I
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+(SCENE.--A large hall in Gran's factory. The walls are bare. On the
+left, about half-way forward, is a small platform. A meeting of the
+shareholders of a railway company is in progress. Facing the
+platform are seated the gentry; the common herd, mainly farmers and
+work-people, are sitting and standing about wherever they can find
+room. On the right, large windows are standing open; through these
+another crowd can be seen, listening from outside. GRAN is standing
+in front of the platform, speaking to the meeting.)
+
+Gran. And, as it was found impossible for the main 1ine of the
+railway to touch our town, we determined, rather than allow all our
+exertions to be wasted, to construct a branch line on our own
+account. I had the honour to be elected chairman of the board of
+directors of this undertaking. No directors ever had more
+unrestricted powers than were given to us--possibly because there
+were no two opinions as to the route the line should take the
+natural formation of the ground indicated it unmistakably. It was
+only when we approached the question of the purchase of our
+rolling-stock that any dissension arose--not among the directors,
+but among the shareholders. As the majority of the latter are
+farmers and work-people, we had decided on buying only one class of
+railway carriage of a type slightly more comfortable than the
+ordinary third-class carriage. That is the extent of our misdeeds!
+To-day's meeting will probably show what the general sense on the
+matter is. Our powers being unlimited, we were under no obligation
+to consult any one in the matter; but, notwithstanding that, we
+decided to call a meeting of the shareholders and submit the
+question to them. And, on the directors' behalf, I must thank the
+shareholders for having attended in such numbers; young and
+old, men and women, I dare say quite a third of the total number
+of shareholders are present. The meeting will now proceed to
+elect a chairman. (Sits down.)
+
+The Mayor (after a pause). I beg to move that Mr. Koll, our chief
+magistrate, whom it is a great pleasure to see honouring this
+meeting with his presence, have the further kindness to take the
+chair.
+
+Gran. The motion before the meeting is that the Chief Magistrate
+shall take the chair. Shall I assume it to be carried? (Silence
+follows.)
+
+The Mayor. Yes. (Laughter.)
+
+Gran. The meeting should preferably elect some one who may be
+considered to be unaffected by considerations of party.
+
+Alstad (half rising, with his glasses in his hand). Then we shall
+have to send for some one that does not live in these parts! There
+is no one of that sort left here! (Sits down, amidst laughter.)
+
+The Priest. All authority springs from on high. Obedience to those
+set in authority over us is obedience to the Almighty. But it is
+against this very obedience that people are rebelling nowadays.
+
+Gran. It is precisely some one to be in authority over us that we
+want to elect. At present we have no one.
+
+The Priest. No, that's just it. Every meeting nowadays seems to
+claim authority on its own account. Let rather show our respect
+to actual authority--such respect as we would show to our fathers.
+(Sits down.)
+
+Gran. Then, as far as I can grasp the situation, the Chief
+Magistrate has been proposed and seconded?
+
+The Priest. Yes.
+
+Gran. Does any one wish to propose any one else? (Silence.)
+
+Alstad. May I request the Chief Magistrate to take the chair?
+
+Koll (getting up). I don't know that it is any great compliment to
+be elected in this way; but I will take the chair, for the sole
+reason of enabling the meeting to proceed to business. (Takes his
+place on the platform, and raps on the table with a mallet.) I
+declare the meeting open.
+
+Gran (getting up). Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+
+Gran. The motion proposed by the directors is this: "That only
+one class of railway carriage shall be purchased, slightly more
+comfortable than the ordinary third-class carriage." (Gives the
+motion in writing to the chairman, and sits down.)
+
+Koll. The following is the motion submitted to meeting. (Reads it
+out.) Who wishes to speak on the motion? (Silence.) Come, some one
+must speak on it--or I shall have to put it to the vote forthwith.
+(Silence, followed by laughter here and there.)
+
+The Priest. Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. The Priest will address the meeting.
+
+The Priest. I see, in this assembly, a number of young men, even
+a number of maidens; and I feel bound to ask whether young men, and
+even maidens, are to be allowed to take part in these proceedings?
+
+Koll. Any shareholder that is of age has the right to.
+
+The Priest. But St. Paul expressly tells us that women are not to
+speak in public places.
+
+Koll. Well, they can hold their tongues, then. (Laughter.)
+
+The Priest. But even the fact of voting at a railway meeting does
+not seem to me to be in accordance with the humility and modesty
+that both Nature and the Scriptures indicate as characteristic of
+woman. I believe it to be the first step on a wrong road. The
+apostle says--
+
+Koll. We must leave them to decide the matter for themselves. Does
+any one wish to--?
+
+The Priest (interrupting him). Mr. Chairman, if you will not
+permit me to quote the apostle, allow me at all events to say that
+the spectacle of a young man voting against his father, or a
+woman voting against her husband--
+
+Koll. Will you tell me who could prohibit it? Does any one wish
+to speak--?
+
+The Priest (interrupting). The Scriptures prohibit it, Mr.
+Chairman!--the Scriptures, which we are all bound to obey, even--
+
+Gran (getting up and interrupting him). Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+
+Gran. I only want to ask whether--
+
+The Priest. But _I_ was addressing the meeting!
+
+Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+
+The Priest. I protest against that ruling!
+
+Alstad (half rising). Our worthy Priest must obey authority. (Sits
+down amidst laughter.)
+
+The Priest. Not when it does an injustice! I appeal to the meeting!
+
+Koll. Very good!--Will those in favour of the Priest addressing the
+meeting kindly stand up? (No one gets up; and those who were
+previously standing bob down. Laughter.) Carried unanimously, that
+the Priest do not address the meeting. (The PRIEST sits down.) Mr.
+Gran will address the meeting.
+
+Gran (getting up). I withdraw from my right! (Renewed laughter.)
+
+The Mayor (getting up). Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. The Mayor will address the meeting.
+
+The Mayor. I am one of many to whom this proposal of the directors
+seems extraordinary, to say the least of it. Do they propose that
+the ladies of my family--I will leave myself out of the question,
+for as a public man I have to rub shoulders with all sorts of
+people--do they propose, I say, that ladies who have been
+delicately brought up shall travel with any Tom, Dick and Harry?--
+perhaps with convicts being conveyed to gaol, or with journeymen
+labourers? Is his honour the Chief Magistrate, who is a Commander
+of a noble Order of Knighthood, to travel side by side with a
+drunken navvy? Supposing the King were to pay a visit to this
+beautiful district, which has acquired such a reputation since so
+many of the best people from town have taken villas here; is his
+Majesty to make the journey in one of these third-class carriages,
+with the chance of travelling in company with tradesman stinking of
+stale cheese?--with folk who, moreover--well, perhaps in common
+decency I ought not to go on, as ladies are present. (Laughter.)
+"Economy," I hear some one suggest. That word is in great favour
+nowadays. But I should like to know what economy there is getting
+your clothes soiled? (Laughter.) Does a first-class carriage wear
+out sooner than a third class? It costs more to build, no doubt,
+but that is soon made up by the higher fares charged. I can
+discover no reasonable ground for this proposal, look at it how you
+will from the commercial point of view. One has to look at the
+_political_ aspect of the matter, to understand it; and I am
+reluctant to drag in politics. I will only say, in conclusion, that
+it must be those who have framed this proposal that expect to
+derive some profit from it; the railway certainly would derive
+none. (Sits down.)
+
+Koll. That last remark was a little like an accusation--
+
+The Mayor (getting up). I only alluded to what is in every one's
+mind. (Sits down.)
+
+Koll. A speaker is not in order in making accusations, even though
+they be assumed to be in every one's mind.--I see that Mr. Alstad
+wishes to speak.
+
+Alstad. Human nature is frail. That seems to me a sufficient
+explanation of how such a proposal came to be laid before us. But
+honestly--for we all ought to be honest!--it seems to me that any
+material advantage it might bring would be more than counterbalanced
+by loss of esteem. (Uproar.) There has been quite a different
+spirit in the place of late years--what with the factories, and the
+stranger workmen, and the summer visitors. We never used to have so
+much unrest or to hear so much of this talk about "equality." And
+now, if we are to give the impression that there is only one social
+class here--and that a third class--I know that I shall be by no
+means alone in feeling offended. We certainly don't want to sit on
+our work-people's laps; and, equally, we don't want to have them
+sitting on ours. (Sits down.)
+
+Gran. Our friend the Mayor is very fond of talking of his loyalty;
+but I must say I am surprised at his dragging the King even into
+this matter. As for the matter of the railway carriage in which one
+of so high degree would travel here--well, if our carriages are not
+good enough, surely his Majesty's private saloon can be used on our
+line as well as on the main line. And as for any of us ordinary
+mortals who are afraid of mixing with the common herd, surely they
+can sit together in carriages by themselves. The carriages would be
+separate; they would only be of the same kind. I think there would
+be little fear of their being exposed to intrusion on the part of
+our country-folk. _They_ are much more apt to be more timidly shy
+than is even desirable. On all small lines--even on many of the
+bigger ones--it is the less luxurious carriages, the second and
+third class, that for the cost of the more luxurious ones; it is
+the third class that pays for the first. But that some passengers
+should travel comfortably at the expense of those who travel less
+comfortably, is what we wish to avoid. (Applause.) An old resident
+of the yeoman class has reproached us with wishing to alter our
+customs. Well, if one of our old customs is the aristocratic one
+which makes the gulf that separates masters and men wider than it
+already is, all I can say is that the sooner it is abolished the
+better; for it is not a good custom; it is even a dangerous one.
+(Murmurs.) And as for the political aspect of the question--
+
+Koll. Don't you think we should leave politics out of the question?
+
+Gran (bows, with a laugh). That is just what I was going to say,
+Mr. Chairman; that we ought to leave politics out out of the
+question. (Sits down, amidst laughter applause. The audience, first
+the younger men and then the older farmers, begin arguing the
+matter with one another, more and more loudly.)
+
+Koll. I must beg the meeting to keep quiet, as long as this
+business is under discussion. The Mayor wishes to speak.
+
+The Mayor. I admit that I am loyal--
+
+Koll. Those people outside must be quiet!
+
+Alstad (going to the window). You must keep quiet!
+
+The Mayor. I admit I am loyal! I count it a point of honour, as a
+native of the place, to show his Majesty that our first thought
+when we planned this railway was, at that important moment, that
+his Majesty might possibly be pleased to manifest a desire to pay
+us a visit. "Let him use his own private saloon," we are told! No,
+Mr. Chairman, that is not the way to speak when we are speaking
+of his Majesty! And what about his Majesty's suite? Are they to
+travel third class? What I say is that we are casting a slight on
+his Majesty if we cast a slight on his railway carriage--I should
+say, on his suite. And I go farther than that. I say that his
+Majesty's functionaries are his Majesty's representatives, and that
+it is casting an additional slight upon his Majesty not to show a
+proper respect for them. I know that this jars upon the ears of
+many present; they do not consider that a man who holds a public
+office should be shown any more respect than any one else. The
+majority rules, and the majority only thinks of its own interests
+and those of its servile supporters. But even in this community of
+ours there is a minority that bears the burden of its affairs and
+represents its honour; and we will never consent to be dragged down
+into the mire of this "equality" into which you want to plunge each
+and every one of us! (Uproar.)
+
+Koll. The honourable speaker appears to me to be trenching upon
+politics--
+
+The Mayor. Possibly I am, Mr. Chairman; but what honest man can
+shirk the truth? Only compare the present state of things in this
+community with what was the case when everything here was as it
+should be; when the King and his officials were respected; when
+public affairs were in the hands of those who knew how to direct
+them; when we used to have singing competitions, shooting
+competitions, and other festal meetings of that kind. And--yes--
+well--compare, I say, the conditions in those days with our
+conditions to-day--that is to say, with all this talk of "the
+people;" as, for instance--
+
+Koll. It is railway carriages that we are discussing.
+
+The Mayor. Quite so! But what is it that is at the bottom of this
+proposal, Mr. Chairman? Does it not spring from that passion for
+destruction, for a universal levelling which aims at abolishing the
+monarchy, at destroying authority--
+
+The Priest. And the Church too, my friend!
+
+The Mayor. --and the Church, it is quite true! Yes, it is because
+they desire the Church and--
+
+Koll. It is railway carriages that we are discussing.
+
+The Mayor. Exactly. But an old public official like myself, who
+once was held in respect, when he sees the pillars of society
+tottering and feels the keenest pang of sorrow at--
+
+Koll. For the last time, it is railway carriages that we are
+discussing!
+
+The Mayor (overcome by his feelings). I have no more say. (Sits
+down.)
+
+Koll. Mr. Alstad wishes to speak.
+
+Alstad (getting up). The question before the meeting is itself a
+small matter; but it is the consequences of it that I fear. We may
+expect any proposal of the same kidney now. Never let it be said
+that our community was eager to range itself under this banner of
+"equality!" It bears too old and honoured a name for that! But
+there is one thing I want to say. We have always, before this, felt
+it an honour and a privilege to have the richest man in these parts
+living amongst us. But when we see him one of the most eager in
+support of a "popular" proposal of this sort, then it appears, to
+me at all events, to be absolutely unaccountable how--oh, well, I
+won't run the risk making what our chairman calls "accusations"; I
+will sit down and hold my tongue. I have the right to do that at
+all events. (Sits down.)
+
+Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+
+Flink. Three cheers for Mr. Gran! (Almost the whole meeting cheers
+lustily. KOLL shouts at them and hammers on the table with his
+mallet in vain.)
+
+Koll (when peace is restored). I must ask the meeting to show some
+respect for its chairman. If not, I will leave the chair.--Mr. Gran
+will address the meeting.
+
+Gran. The plan that we are proposing is no new one. It has been in
+practice for a long time. In America--
+
+The Priest, Alstad, and others. Yes, in America!
+
+The Mayor (getting up). Mr. Chairman, are we to have politics,
+after all?
+
+Koll. I cannot see that to mention America is to talk politics.
+
+The Mayor. Then what is politics, if America isn't?
+
+Koll. To talk politics is--for instance--to use the arguments your
+worship did. Mr. Gran will proceed.
+
+Gran. I see that the Priest wishes to speak. I shall be happy to
+give way.
+
+Koll. The Priest will address the meeting.
+
+The Priest. I see here, in this assembly, a number of those whom I
+am accustomed to address in more solemn surroundings. My dear
+parishioners, it was for your sake that I came here. You have heard
+for yourselves--the whole question is a political one; and, dear
+fellow Christians, let me entreat you to shun politics! Did not our
+Lord Himself say: "My kingdom is not of this world"? This freedom,
+this equality, of which they talk is not the soul's freedom, not
+that equality which--
+
+Koll. I would suggest to the reverend speaker that he should
+postpone his remarks until the next time he gets into the pulpit.
+(Slight laughter.)
+
+The Priest. One should be instant in season and out of season;
+therefore--
+
+Koll. I forbid you to continue.
+
+The Priest. It is written: "Thou shalt obey God rather than man"!
+My dear parishioners, let us all leave this meeting! Who will
+follow his priest? (Takes a few steps towards the door, but no one
+follows him. Laughter. He sighs deeply, and sits down again.)
+
+Koll. If no one else wishes to speak--
+
+Vinaeger. Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. Mr. Vinaeger wishes to speak.
+
+Vinaeger. These proceedings remind me of China, and of the Chinese
+mandarins who will not allow any one of lesser degree to come near
+them--although at moments I have felt as if I were still in Europe
+in the presence of a still greater power, greater even than the
+Grand Turk--I mean this democratic envy which grudges others what
+it has not got itself. To reconcile both parties I should like to
+make the following suggestion. Build the carriages, as is often
+done, in two stories. Then those who wish to ensure their privacy
+can do so by sitting upstairs; and the others will be satisfied
+too, because they will all be in the same carriage after all.
+(Loud laughter.)
+
+Koll. If no one else wishes to speak (looks at GRAN, who shakes his
+head) I shall proceed to put the question to the vote. The motion
+submitted by the directors, which is now before the meeting, is as
+follows--
+
+The Mayor. Excuse me, but what of my motion wit h regard to a
+saloon for his Majesty?
+
+Koll. I did not understand your worship to mean your suggestion
+as a formal motion.
+
+The Mayor. I did, though.
+
+Koll. Then I will put it to the vote after the director, motion has
+been voted upon.
+
+The Mayor. A motion that concerns the King should take precedence
+of all others.
+
+Koll. Even the King is subject to the rules of logic. The
+directors' motion is: "That only one class of railway carriage
+shall be purchased, of a type slightly more comfortable than the
+ordinary third-class carriage." Will those in favour of the motion
+kindly go to the left--on this side of the room; those against the
+motion, to the right. (Nearly all go to the left. Cheers are heard
+outside, and are gradually taken up by those inside. KOLL hammers
+with his mallet.) Order, please! (The cheering ceases, but an
+animated conversation goes on.) The directors' motion is carried!
+
+The Mayor (shouting). I am sure every one did not understand the
+method of voting!
+
+Koll (hammering with his mallet). Order, order. (Quiet is gradually
+restored.) What did your worship say?
+
+The Mayor. That some people must have misunderstood the way of
+voting; because I see my daughter Natalie, who is a shareholder
+too, on the other side of the room. Of course she has made a
+mistake.
+
+Natalie. Oh no, father, I haven't. (Loud laughter, and applause.)
+
+The Priest. Ah, my poor deluded parishioners, I shall pray for you!
+
+The Mayor. Order!--The Mayor's motion--
+
+Alstad. I would suggest that the Mayor should withdraw it. We know
+what its fate would be in such a meeting as this.
+
+Koll. As long as I occupy the chair, I shall not permit any
+derogatory expressions to be applied to the meeting. Does the Mayor
+still insist on his motion being put? (Whispers to him: "Say no!")
+
+The Mayor. No.
+
+Koll. Then, as no one else wishes to speak, I declare the meeting
+at an end. (Every one begins to move about and discuss affairs
+vigorously.)
+
+Alstad (to his son VILHELM). So you have the face to vote with
+these--these Americans, against your old father, have you?
+
+Vilhelm. Well, father, I honestly think--
+
+Alstad. Just you wait till I get you home!
+
+Vilhelm. Oh, that's it, is it? Then I shan't go home--so there! I
+shall stay here and get drunk, I shall.
+
+Alstad. Oh, come, come!
+
+Vilhelm. Yes, I shall! I shall stay here and get drunk!
+
+Alstad. But, Vilhelm, listen to me! (Takes him by the arm. Meantime
+a STRANGER has taken KOLL and GRAN by the arm, to their manifest
+surprise, and brought the forward away from the crowd. He stands
+for a moment, looking them in the face, till suddenly KOLL gives a
+start and cries out: "The King!")
+
+The King. Hush!
+
+Gran. It really is--!
+
+The King (to GRAN). You are at home here; take up into a room--and
+give us some champagne. My throat is as dry as a lime-kiln!
+
+Curtain
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+(SCENE.--A room built in Gothic style, comfortably furnished and
+decorated with trophies of the chase. GRAN ushers in the KING and
+KOLL.)
+
+Gran. We can be quite alone here. (ANNA, a deaf and dumb girl of
+about fifteen, brings in some bottles of champagne, and, during
+the following dialogue, sets out glasses, refreshments, cigars, and
+pipes. She is quick and attentive to render the slightest service
+required of her; when not employed, she sits on a stool in the
+background. She talks to GRAN on her fingers, and receives orders
+from him in the same manner.)
+
+The King. Ah, this is like old times! I know the setting: "Gothic
+room in mediaeval style, decorated with trophies of the chase.
+Furnished with an eye to bachelor comfort!" You always had bachelor
+habits, you know, even when you were quite a boy. (To KOLL.) We
+never called him anything but "the Bachelor" on board ship. He
+never had a love affair in all the three years our cruise lasted;
+but the rest of us had them in every port we touched at!
+
+Koll. He is just the same in that respect now.
+
+Gran (offering the KING some champagne). Allow me!
+
+The King. Thanks; I shall be glad of it. (To KOLL.) Your health, my
+former tutor! (To GRAN.) And yours! (They drink.) Ah, that has done
+me good!--Well now, let me ask you this: isn't it true that, all
+through the meeting, you were talking nothing but republicanism,
+although you didn't actually mention the word?
+
+Koll (laughing). You are not far wrong.
+
+The King. And you, who in the old days were considered to be too
+advanced in your opinions to be retained as my tutor, are now not
+considered advanced enough! They nearly--threw you over, didn't
+they?
+
+Koll. Yes! That shows you, if I may say so, the result of
+government by a minority.
+
+The King. And the result of mixing with such people as our
+excellent friend the millionaire here, I suppose?
+
+Gran. It is always a mistake to lay the blame of public opinion on
+individuals.
+
+The King. I quite agree with you. And now it is time you knew the
+reason of my coming here--in the strictest incognito, as you see.
+By the way, I hope no one recognised me?
+
+Gran and Koll. Not a soul!
+
+(FLINK comes in.)
+
+Flink. Ah, here you are! (Comes forward, rubbing his hands
+delightedly.) Well, what did you think of the meeting, my boys?
+
+The King (aside to GRAN). Who is that?
+
+Gran (to the KING). We will get rid of him. (To FLINK.) Look here,
+old chap--!
+
+Flink (catching sight of the KING). Oh, I beg your pardon, I
+thought we were--
+
+Gran (obliged to introduce him). Let me introduce Mr.--? Mr.--?
+(Looks at the KING inquiringly.)
+
+The King. Speranza.
+
+Flink. An Italian?
+
+The King. In name only.
+
+Gran (completing the introduction). Mr. Flink.
+
+The King. Surely not A. B. Flink?
+
+Gran. Yes.
+
+The King (interested). Our peripatetic philosopher? (Shakes hands
+with him.) I have read one or two of your books.
+
+Flink (laughing). Really?
+
+The King. Are you meditating another expedition?
+
+Flink. That's it.
+
+The King. And on foot?
+
+Flink. Always on foot.
+
+The King. Upon my word, I don't believe there is a man in the
+country that can gauge popular opinion as accurately as you! Let
+us sit down and have a chat. Do you drink champagne?
+
+Flink. Yes--when I can't get anything better!
+
+The King (lifting his glass to FLINK). Your health, (They all
+drink, and then seat themselves.) What part the country were you in
+last?
+
+Flink. I have just been shooting with our friend here.
+
+The King. So he is your friend? He is mine, too! My best friend,
+ever since I was a boy. (He stretches out his hand; GRAN gets up
+and grasps it in both of his.)
+
+Koll (to FLINK, who is looking astonished). Mr. Speranza was a
+naval cadet at the same time as Gran.
+
+Flink. Really! Were they on the same ship?
+
+The King. Yes, we were on a cruise round the world together--
+
+Flink. Do you mean the time when the Prince went on account of his
+lungs?--the present King, I mean?
+
+The King. The Prince that afterwards became King--yes.
+
+Flink. There is quite a royal flavour about our little gathering,
+then! Here is the King's shipmate, and here is his tutor in
+jurisprudence--
+
+Koll. You are forgetting yourself! You are the King's tutor's
+tutor, you know--
+
+The King. Were you Koll's tutor? Really?
+
+Flink (with a laugh). Yes, I had that misfortune!
+
+The King. You hadn't so great a misfortune in your pupil as he had
+in his!
+
+Koll. The King was a very apt pupil.
+
+Flink (jestingly). He has shown traces of it in his reign, hasn't
+he!
+
+Koll. Don't speak ill of the King, please.
+
+Flink (ironically). Heaven forbid! (Takes a pinch of snuff.) I
+know all about his talent--his great talent, his genial talent!
+(Offers his snuff-box to the KING.)
+
+Gran. But it was public opinion we were talking about, Flink; is
+it very much like what we heard to-day?
+
+Flink. I wouldn't say that; your opinions are rather advanced in
+these parts.
+
+The King. Is the tendency republican, rather than monarchical?
+
+Flink. That depends how you look at it. The King has just been
+paying some visits in the country districts; he is, so to speak,
+the commercial traveller for his firm--as all kings and crown
+princes are. Of course he was cheered everywhere. But go and
+ask the agricultural classes if they set great store by the pomp
+and circumstance of royalty; they will unanimously answer: "It
+costs an infernal lot to keep up!" Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Gran. Your farmer is a realist.
+
+Flink. A brutal realist! Ha, ha, ha! Self-government is cheaper.
+He has it all at his fingers' ends, the scoundrel!
+
+The King. He is not a republican by conviction, then
+
+Flink. Not universally, no. At least, not _yet_. But things are
+moving that way; and our reactionary government is helping the
+movement--that, and the letter they get from America.
+
+The King. The letters they get from America?
+
+Koll. Letters from their relations in America.
+
+Gran. There is scarcely a family in the country now that has not
+relations in America.
+
+The King. And they write home about self-government?--about
+republican principles?
+
+Flink. And republican institutions. That is the situation!
+
+The King. Have you read any of these letters?
+
+Flink. Lots!
+
+The King. This is excellent champagne! (Drinks.)
+
+Gran. Let me fill your glasses. (They all drink.)
+
+Flink. It doesn't really agree with me.
+
+The King. But suppose the King were to establish democratic
+government? Suppose he were to live like an ordinary citizen in
+every way?
+
+Flink. In every way? What do you mean by that?
+
+The King. Kept house like an ordinary citizen--were married like
+an ordinary citizen--were to be found in his office at regular
+hours like any other official?
+
+Gran. And had no court, I suppose?
+
+The King. No. (KOLL and GRAN exchange glances.)
+
+Flink (shrugging his shoulders). It would be the last sensation
+left for him to try.
+
+The King (who did not observe his shrug, eagerly). That is so,
+isn't it? You agree with me as to that? I am delighted to have had
+this talk with you, Mr. Flink.
+
+Flink. The same to you, Mr.--Mr.--. (In an undertone, to KOLL.) Is
+he a republican?
+
+The King (who has overheard him). Am I a republican? I have had too
+much experience not to be! Ha, ha! (Takes up his glass.) Devilish
+good champagne, this!
+
+Flink (drinking). But, you know, Mr.--Mr. Republican--ha, ha!--
+(smiles and whispers)--the King simply would not be allowed to
+do what you suggest. Ha, ha!
+
+The King. What do you mean?
+
+Gran (aside to KOLL, who gets up). Are you sure this is right?
+
+Koll. It will do him good, anyway, to hear all sides.
+
+Flink (who has got up and gone to the table on the other side to
+get a pipe). He simply would not be allowed to, poor chap! What is
+monarchy, I ask you? Nothing more or less than an insurance
+business in which a whole crew of priests, officials, noblemen,
+landed proprietors, merchants and military men hold shares? And,
+goodness knows, _they_ are not going to give their director leave
+to commit any such folly! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+The King (getting up). Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Flink (vociferously, to him). Don't you think that is true?
+
+The King. Good Lord!--perfectly true! Ha, ha ha!
+
+Flink (who has cleaned and filled a pipe, but forgotten to light
+it, going up to the KING). And what do they insure themselves
+again, these beauties? (More seriously.) Against the great mass of
+the people--against _his_ people! (The KING looks at him and makes
+a movement of dislike.)
+
+Gran. Look here, Flink; suppose we go out into the garden for a
+little? These spring evenings are so lovely.
+
+Flink. Compared to a political talk, the loveliest spring evenings
+have no attraction for me--no more than warm water, offered me in
+place of fine cooling wine, would have. No, let us stay where we
+are. What is the matter with this pipe? (ANNA signs that she will
+put it right for him, but he does not understand.)
+
+Gran. Give her your pipe; she will put it right.
+
+Koll. What I have always said is that, if the King had an
+opportunity of understanding the situation, he would interfere.
+
+Flink. The King? He doesn't care a brass farthing about the
+whole matter! He has something else to do! Ha, ha!
+
+The King. Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Koll. The King is an unusually gifted man; he would not remain
+indifferent in the long run.
+
+Flink. He has so many unusual gifts that have gone to the devil--!
+
+The King. Tralalla! Tralalalalala! Tralala! It feels quite odd to
+be with you fellows again! (Drinks.)
+
+Flink (in an undertone, to GRAN). Is he drunk?
+
+The King (sitting down). Give me a cigar--! And let us discuss the
+matter a little more seriously. (KOLL and GRAN sit down.)
+
+Gran. As a matter of fact, it is not a thing that can be discussed.
+It must be tried. If, one day, the King were to say: "I mean to
+live a natural life among my people, and to withdraw my name from
+the old-established royal firm, which has lost all its reputation
+for honesty"--that day everything else would follow of itself.
+
+Flink. Yes, that day, I dare say!
+
+Gran. Remember you are the guest of a man who is a friend of the
+King's!
+
+The King. Don't play the domestic despot--you who are a republican!
+Let us have free discussion!
+
+Flink. I certainly don't intend to insult the King. He has never
+done me any harm. But surely you will allow me to doubt whether he
+is really the shining light you make him out to be?
+
+The King. That is true enough!
+
+Flink (eagerly). You agree with me as to that, then?
+
+The King. Absolutely! But--leaving him out of the question--suppose
+we _had_ a king who made himself independent of others, and, as a
+necessary consequence, rose superior to questions of party--?
+
+Flink (interrupting him). It is a vain supposition, my dear fellow!
+A king bound to no party? (Puffs at his pipe.) It wouldn't work!
+(Puffs again.) It wouldn't work!--It wouldn't work!--Falsehood is
+the foundation of constitutional monarchy. A king superior to
+questions of party? Rubbish!
+
+Gran. It would be expecting something superhuman of him, too.
+
+Flink. Of course it would!
+
+The King. But the president of a republic is even less independent
+of party, isn't he?
+
+Flink (turning to hint). He doesn't make any pretence that he
+isn't. Haha! That's the difference! (Comes forward, repeating to
+himself.) It is the falsehood that makes the difference.
+
+Koll. Oh, there are falsehoods enough in republics too,
+unfortunately!
+
+Flink. I know; but they are not old-established institutions! Ha,
+ha!
+
+The King. That is an idea you have got from Professor Ernst's
+writings.
+
+Flink (eagerly). Have you read them?
+
+The King. I have scarcely read anything else for the last few
+months. (KOLL and GRAN exchange glances.)
+
+Flink. Indeed?--Then there is no need for me to say anything more.
+
+Koll. But, after all this talk, we have got no further. Our friend
+(pointing to the KING) wants to know, I think, whether a real,
+serious attempt at what one might call "democratic monarchy"
+could not reckon on being understood and supported--
+
+The King (breaking in, eagerly). Yes, that's just it!
+
+Koll. --understood and supported by the most enlightened section of
+the people, who are weary of falsehood and long for a generous but
+secure measure of self-government.
+
+The King. That's just it!
+
+Flink (who was just going to sit down, jumps up again, lays down
+his pipe and stands with arms akimbo, as he says:) But what sort of
+ridiculous ideas are these? Aren't you republicans, then?
+
+Koll. I am not.
+
+Gran. I am; but that does not prevent my being of opinion that the
+change of government should be made gradually and gently--
+
+Flink. That would be treason!
+
+Gran. Treason!
+
+Flink. Treason against the truth--against our convictions!
+
+Koll. Don't let us use big words! Monarchy is strongly rooted in
+the existing order of things.
+
+Flink (with a laugh). In the insurance company!
+
+Koll. Well, call it so if you like. It _exists_; that is the point.
+And, since it exists, we must make it as honest and as serviceable
+as we can.
+
+The King. Your health, Koll! (Drinks to him.)
+
+Flink (moving away from them). No true republican would agree with
+you.
+
+Gran. You are wrong there. (FLINK gives a start of surprise.)
+
+The King (who has seen FLINK's surprise, gets up). Listen to me!
+Suppose we had a king who said: "Either you help me to establish a
+democratic monarchy--purged of all traces of absolutism, purged of
+falsehood--or else I abdicate--"
+
+Flink. Bah!
+
+The King. I only say, "suppose"! You know quite well that the
+cousin of the present king, the heir apparent, is a bigoted--
+
+Koll (who has been exchanging glances with GRAN while the KING was
+speaking, breaks in hurriedly). Don't go on!
+
+The King (with a laugh). I won't!--And his mother, who rules him--
+
+Flink. --is even worse!
+
+The King. What would be your choice, then? Would you help the king
+to establish a democratic monarchy or--?
+
+Flink (impetuously). I would ten thousand times rather have the
+bigoted prince, with all his own and his mother's follies!--the
+madder the better!
+
+Gran. No, no, no, no!
+
+The King (to GRAN and KOLL). We see his true colours now! (Moves
+away from them.)
+
+Koll (to FLINK). That is the way you republicans always ride your
+principles to death.
+
+Gran. Patriotism ought to come before--
+
+Flink. --before truth? No; a short sharp pang of agony is better
+than endless doubt and falsehood, my friend! That is true
+patriotism.
+
+Koll. Oh, these theories!--these phrases!
+
+Gran. I am a republican as well as you, and, I think, as sincere a
+one. But I should have no hesitation--
+
+Flink. --in playing the traitor?
+
+Gran. Why do you use such words as that?
+
+Flink. Words! Do you think it is nothing but words? No, my friend,
+if you did what--what I did not allow you to say--I should come
+here one day to call you to account. And if you refused to fight
+me, I should shoot you like a dog!
+
+Gran (gently). You would not do that.
+
+Flink (heatedly). Not do it?--Have I given you the deepest
+affection of which my heart is capable, only for you to turn
+traitor to it? Am I to see the man whose character is the crowning
+achievement of my life, betraying our cause--and, by reason of his
+great personal prestige, dragging thousands down with him? On the
+head of all the disillusionments I have suffered, am I to have this
+one in the evening of my life--? (Stops, overcome by his emotion. A
+pause.) You shouldn't jest about such things you know. (Walks away.
+ANNA has placed herself in front of GRAN, as if to protect him.)
+
+Koll. I think we had better change the subject, and go out for a
+little!
+
+The King (aside, to him). Yes, get him away!
+
+Flink (in the background, as if he were addressing an invisible
+audience). We must have discipline in the ranks!
+
+Koll. Gran, ask your maid to hurry up with the supper.
+
+Gran. Yes, I will.
+
+Koll (to the KING). What do you say to a turn in the garden,
+meanwhile?
+
+The King. By all means!
+
+Flink (coming forward to GRAN). This friendship of yours with the
+King--to which I had attached no particular importance--I hope it
+has not altogether--(Stops short.)
+
+Gran. --not altogether corrupted me, you mean?
+
+Flink. Exactly.
+
+The King (laughing). Politically?
+
+Flink. Politics are not unconnected with morals, sir!
+
+The King. But why get so heated, sir? We know that the present King
+is a--
+
+Koll (breaking in hurriedly). Don't say any more!
+
+The King (with a laugh). You said yourself that he doesn't care a
+brass farthing about the whole matter--he has something else to
+do! And so the whole thing ends in smoke!
+
+Flink (more amiably). I dare say you are right.
+
+The King. Of course I am. You are all agreed that, under his rule,
+republican sentiments are growing in real earnest.
+
+Flink. You are right! He couldn't help things on better if he were
+a republican himself, I assure you!
+
+The King. Perhaps he _is_ a republican?
+
+Flink (animatedly). Perhaps he _is_! Splendid! And works against
+his own interests--!
+
+The King. A sort of commercial traveller working for the downfall
+of his own firm!
+
+Flink (excitedly). For the downfall of his own firm! Splendid!
+Props up his reactionary rule by means of royal pronouncements,
+confidential communications, public speeches--
+
+The King. --in a suicidal manner!
+
+Flink. Splendidly suicidal! Ah, that makes you laugh, does it?
+
+Koll. Hush, some one might hear us!
+
+Flink. I don't care who hears us! (The KING bursts out laughing.)
+But you ought, as one of the King's officials, to stop _his_
+laughing! (Points to the KING.) It's shocking!--It's high treason!
+
+Koll. Listen to me!
+
+Flink. You ought to arrest him for laughing like that! Suppose the
+King--
+
+Gran. That _is_ the King! (The KING goes on laughing. FLINK looks
+from him to the others, and from the others to him.)
+
+The King. This is too much for me! (Sits down. FLINK rushes out.)
+
+Koll. That was very bad of you.
+
+The King. I know it was; but forgive me! I couldn't help it! Ha,
+ha, ha, ha, ha!
+
+Koll. For all his queer ways, he is too good a fellow to be made a
+fool of.
+
+The King. Yes, scold me; I deserve it. But, all the same--ha, ha,
+ha, ha!
+
+Gran. Hush!--he is coming back. (The KING gets up as FLINK comes in
+again.)
+
+Flink. Your Majesty may be assured that I would never have
+expressed myself as I did in your Majesty's presence if I had been
+fairly treated and told whom I was addressing.
+
+The King. I know. The fault is mine alone.
+
+Flink. The fault is that of others--my so-called friends.
+
+The King (earnestly). By no means! It is mine--mine alone. I have
+had a scolding for it!--And in your presence I ask my friends'
+pardon; I have put them in a false position. And, in the next
+place, I ask for your forgiveness. My sense of humour got the
+better of me. (Laughs again.)
+
+Flink. Yes, it was extremely amusing.
+
+The King. It really was! And, after all, what have you to complain
+of? You had an opportunity of speaking your mind, any way!
+
+Flink. I certainly did!
+
+The King. Very well, then!--And when you wanted to show any
+respect, _I_ prevented you. So I think we are quits.
+
+Flink. No, we are not.
+
+The King (impatiently). Indeed?--What do you want from me, then?
+
+Flink (proudly). Nothing!
+
+The King. I beg your pardon! I did not mean to offend you.
+
+Flink. You have done so to a degree that you are naturally
+incapable of appreciating. (Goes out.)
+
+The King. This is a nice business! (Laughs. Then notices GRAN, who
+is standing at his desk with his back to the KING, and goes up to
+him.) You are angry with me.
+
+Gran (looking up slowly). Yes.
+
+The King. Why didn't you stop me?
+
+Gran. It all happened too quickly. But to think that you could have
+the heart to do it--in my own house--to a man who was my father's
+oldest friend, and is mine--!
+
+The King. Harald! (Puts his arm round his shoulders.) Have I ever
+asked you for anything that you have not given me?
+
+Gran. No.
+
+The King. Then I ask you now to admit that you know that, if I
+had thought this would hurt you, I would never have done it--not
+for worlds! Do you still believe as well of me as that?
+
+Gran. Yes.
+
+The King. Thank you. Then I will admit to you, in return, that for
+months past I have lived in a state of horrible tension of mind;
+and that is why I jump too easily from one extreme to the other.
+So, my friends, you must forgive me! Or finish my scolding some
+other time! Because now I must talk to you of the matter which
+induced me to come here. You are the only ones I can turn to; so
+be good to me!--Shall we sit down again?
+
+Koll. As you please.
+
+The King (moving towards the table). I know you both want to ask
+me the same question: why I have never come before now. My answer
+is: because I have only now arrived at a clear conception of my own
+position. Some months ago some hard words that were used to me lit
+a fire in my heart and burnt out a heap of rubbish that had
+collected there. (ANNA fills their glasses.) Won't you send that
+girl away?
+
+Gran. She is deaf and dumb.
+
+The King. Poor girl! (Sits down.) When I came back from my cruise
+round the world, the old king was dead. My father had come to the
+throne, and I was crown prince, and I went with my father to the
+cathedral to attend a thanksgiving service for my safe return.
+
+Gran. I was there.
+
+The King. The whole thing was a novelty to me, and a solemn one. I
+was overcome with emotion. Seeing that, my father whispered to me:
+"Come farther forward, my boy! The people must see their future
+king praying." That finished it! I was not born to be a king; my
+soul was still too unsullied, and I spurned such falsehood with the
+deepest loathing. Just think of it!--to come back from three years
+at sea, and begin my life in that way--as if perpetually in front
+of a mirror! I won't dwell on it. But when my father died and I
+became king, I had become so accustomed to the atmosphere of
+falsehood I lived in that I no longer recognised truth when I saw
+it. The constitution prescribed my religion for me--and naturally I
+had none. And it was the same with everything--one thing after
+another! What else could you expect? The only tutor I valued--you,
+Koll--had been dismissed; they considered you to be too freethinking.
+
+Koll (smilingly). Oh, yes!
+
+The King. The only real friend that dated from my happier days--
+you, Harald, had been sent to the right about; you were a
+republican. It was while I was in despair over that loss that I
+fell really in love for the first time--with your sister, Harald.
+Banishment, again. What then? Why, then the craving that every
+healthy youth feels--the desire for love--was turned into dissolute
+channels. (Drinks.)
+
+Gran. I understand, well enough.
+
+The King. Well, put all those things together. That was what my
+life was--until just lately. Because lately something happened, my
+dear friends. And now you must help me! Because, to make a long
+story short, either I mean to be the chief official in my country
+in a peaceful, citizenlike, genuine way, or--as God is above me--I
+will no longer be king! (Gets up, and the others do so.)
+
+Koll. Ah, we have got it at last!
+
+The King. Do you think I don't know that our republican friend
+there spoke what is every thoughtful man's verdict upon me? (They
+are silent.) But how could I possibly undertake my task, as long as
+I believed everything to be make-believe and falsehood, without
+exception? Now I know the root of the falsehood! It is in our
+institutions; he was quite right. And one kind of falsehood begets
+another. You cannot imagine how ludicrous it appeared to me--who up
+till then had led such a sinful, miserable existence--when I saw
+honourable men pretending that I was a being of some superior
+mould! I! (Walks up and down, then stops.) It is the state--our
+institutions--that demand this falsehood both on their part and on
+mine. And that for the security and happiness of the country!
+(Moves about restlessly.) From the time I became crown prince they
+kept from me everything that might have instilled truth into me--
+friendship, love, religion, a vocation--for my vocation is quite
+another one; and it was all done in the name of my country! And now
+that I am king, they take away all responsibility from me as well--
+all responsibility for my own acts--the system demands it! Instead
+of an individual, what sort of a contemptible creature do they make
+of me! The kingly power, too?--that is in the hands of the people's
+representatives and the government. I don't complain of that; but
+what I do complain of is that they should pretend that _I_ have it,
+and that everything should be done in _my_ name; that I should be
+the recipient of petitions, cheers, acclamations, obeisances--as if
+the whole power and responsibility were centred in _my_ person! In
+me--from whom, in the interests of all, they have taken away
+everything! Is that not a pitiful and ludicrous falsehood? And, to
+make it credible, they endow me into the bargain with a halo of
+sanctity! "The King is sacred;" "Our Most Gracious Sovereign,"
+"Your Majesty!" It becomes almost blasphemous!
+
+Gran. Quite true.
+
+The King. No, if that cannot be done away with, I can do away with
+myself. But it must be possible to do away with it! It cannot be
+necessary for a people, who are marching on the eternal path
+towards truth, to have a lie marching at the head of them!
+
+Koll. No, it is not necessary.
+
+The King (eagerly). And that is what you will help me to show them.
+
+Koll. I have no objection! There is life in the country yet!
+
+The King (to Gran). And you, my friend? Are you afraid of being
+shot by a mad republican if you help me?
+
+Gran. I am not particularly afraid of death, any way. But the maid
+is telling us that supper is served.
+
+The King. Yes, let us have supper!
+
+Koll. And then, to our task!
+
+Curtain
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+(SCENE.--A park with old lofty trees. In the foreground, to the
+right, an arbour with a seat. The KING is sitting, talking to BANG,
+who is a man of gross corpulence.)
+
+Bang. And I felt so well in every way that, I assure your Majesty,
+I used to feel it a pleasure to be alive.
+
+The King (drawing patterns in the dust with his walking stick). I
+can quite believe it.
+
+Bang. And then I was attacked by this pain in my heart and this
+difficulty in breathing. I run round and round this park, on an
+empty stomach, till I am absolutely exhausted.
+
+The King (absently). Couldn't you drive round, then?
+
+Bang. Drive?--But it is the exercise, your Majesty, that--
+
+The King. Of course. I was thinking of something else.
+
+Bang. I would not mind betting that I know what your Majesty was
+thinking of--if I may say so without impertinence.
+
+The King. What was it, then?
+
+Bang. Your Majesty was thinking of the socialists!
+
+The King. Of the--?
+
+Bang. The socialists!
+
+The King (looking amused). Why particularly of them?
+
+Bang. I was right, you see! Ha, ha, ha! (His laughter brings on a
+violent fit of coughing.) Your Majesty must excuse me; laughing
+always brings on my cough.--But, you know, the papers this morning
+are full of their goings on!
+
+The King. I have not read the paper.
+
+Bang. Then I can assure your Majesty that the way they are going on
+is dreadful. And just when we were all getting on so comfortably!
+What in the world do they want?
+
+The King. Probably they want to get on comfortably too.
+
+Bang. Aren't they well off as it is, the beasts? Excuse me, your
+Majesty, for losing my temper in your Majesty's presence.
+
+The King. Don't mention it.
+
+Bang. You are very good. These strikes, too--what is the object of
+them? To make every one poor? Every one can't be rich. However, I
+pin my faith to a strong monarchy. Your Majesty is the padlock on
+my cash-box!
+
+The King. I am what?
+
+Bang. The padlock on my cash-box! A figure of speech I ventured to
+apply to your Majesty.
+
+The King. I am much obliged!
+
+Bang. Heaven help us if the liberals come into power; their aim is
+to weaken the monarchy.
+
+(A BEGGAR BOY comes up to them.)
+
+Beggar Boy. Please, kind gentlemen, spare a penny! I've had nothing
+to eat to-day!
+
+Bang (taking no notice of him). Aren't there whispers of the sort
+about? But of course it can't be true.
+
+Beggar Boy (pertinaciously). Please, kind gentlemen, spare a penny!
+I've had nothing to eat to-day.
+
+Bang. You have no right to beg.
+
+The King. You have only the right to starve, my boy! Here! (Gives
+him a gold coin. The BEGGAR Boy backs away from him, staring at
+him, and gripping the coin in his fist.)
+
+Bang. He never even thanked you! Probably the son of a socialist!--
+I would never have opened this park to every one in the way your
+Majesty has done.
+
+The King. It saves the work-people a quarter of am hour if they can
+go through it to get to their work.
+
+(The GENERAL appears, driving the BEGGAR BOY before him with his
+stick.)
+
+The General (to the BEGGAR). A gentleman sitting on a seat gave it
+you? Point him out to me, then!
+
+Bang (getting up). Good morning, your Majesty!
+
+The King. Good morning! (Looks at his watch.)
+
+The General. That gentleman, do you say?
+
+The King (looking up). What is it?
+
+The General. Your Majesty? Allow me to welcome you back!
+
+The King. Thank you.
+
+The General. Excuse me, sir; but I saw this fellow with a gold coin
+in his hand, and stopped him. He says your Majesty gave it to him--?
+
+The King. It is quite true.
+
+The General. Oh--of course that alters the case! (To the BEGGAR.)
+It is the King. Have you thanked him? (The boy stands still,
+staring at the KING.)
+
+The King. Are you taking a morning walk on an empty stomach because
+of a weak heart, too?
+
+The General. Because of my stomach, sir--because of my stomach! It
+has struck work!
+
+The Beggar Boy. Ha, ha, ha! Ho, ho, ho! (Runs away.)
+
+The General. I am astonished at your Majesty's having thrown this
+park open to every one.
+
+The King. It saves the work-people a quarter of an hour if they can
+go through it to get to their work.--Well, General, it seems you
+have become religious all of a sudden?
+
+The General. Ha, ha, ha! Your Majesty has read my Order of the Day,
+then?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+The General (confidentially). Well, sir, you see things couldn't go
+on any longer as they were. (Whispers.) Debauchery in the ranks! I
+won't say anything about the officers; but when the men take to
+such courses openly--!
+
+The King. Oho!
+
+The General. My brother the bishop and I, between us, composed an
+Order of the Day on the subject of the necessity of religion--
+religion as the basis of discipline.
+
+The King. As a matter of fact the bishop was the first person I
+met here to-day.--Is he suffering from a disordered stomach, too?
+
+The General. More so than any of us, Sir! Ha, ha, ha! (The KING
+motions to him to sit down.) Thank you, Sir.--But, apart from that,
+I have had it in my mind for some time that in these troublous days
+there ought to be a closer co-operation between the Army and the
+Church--
+
+The King. In the matter of digestion, do you mean?
+
+The General. Ha, ha, ha!--But seriously, Sir, the time is
+approaching when such a co-operation will be the only safeguard
+of the throne.
+
+The King. Indeed?
+
+The General (hurriedly). That is to say, of course, the throne
+stands firm by itself--God forbid I should hint otherwise! But
+what I mean is that it is the Army ants the Church that must
+supply the monarchy with the necessary splendour and authority--
+
+The King. I suppose, then, that the monarchy has no longer any
+of its own?
+
+The General (jumping up). Heaven forbid that I should say such
+a thing! I would give my life in support of the monarchy!
+
+The King. You will have to die some day, unfortunately (Laughs
+as he gets up.) Who is that coming this way?
+
+The General (putting up his eyeglass). That? It is the Princess
+and Countess L'Estoque, Sir.
+
+The King. Is the Princess suffering from indigestion too?
+
+The General (confidentially). I fancy your Majesty knows best
+what the Princess is suffering from. (The KING moves away from
+him.) I made a mess of that! It comes of my trying to be too
+clever.--He is walking towards her. Perhaps there is something in
+it, after all? I must tell Falbe about it. (Turns to go.) Confound
+it, he saw that I was watching them! (Goes out. The KING returns to
+the arbour with the PRINCESS on his arm. The COUNTESS and one of
+the royal servants are seen crossing the park in the background.)
+
+The Princess. This is a most surprising meeting! When did your
+Majesty return?
+
+The King. Last night.--You look very charming, Princess! Such
+blushing cheeks!--and so early in the morning!
+
+The Princess. I suppose you think it is rouge?--No, Sir, it is
+nothing but pleasure at meeting you.
+
+The King. Flatterer! And I went pale at the sight of you.
+
+The Princess. Perhaps your conscience--?
+
+The King. I am sorry to say my conscience had nothing to do with
+it. But this morning I have been meeting so many people that are
+suffering from indigestion that, when I saw your Highness walking
+quickly along--
+
+The Princess. Make your mind easy! My reason for my morning walk is
+to keep my fat down. Later in the day I ride--for the same reason.
+I live for nothing else now.
+
+The King. It is a sacred vocation!
+
+The Princess. Because it is a royal one?
+
+The King. Do you attribute your sanctity to me? Wicked Princess!
+
+The Princess. Both my sanctity and any good fortune I enjoy. It
+is nothing but my relationship to your Majesty that induces the
+tradespeople to give me unlimited credit.
+
+The King. You don't feel any awkwardness about it, then?
+
+The Princess. Not a bit! The good folk have to maintain many worse
+parasites than me!--By the way, talking of parasites, is it true
+that you have pensioned off all your lords-in-waiting and their
+hangers-on?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+The Princess. Ha, ha, ha! But why did you make the special
+stipulation that they should live in Switzerland?
+
+The King. Because there is no court in Switzerland, and--
+
+The Princess. And so they could not fall into temptation again!
+I have had many a good laugh at the thought of it. But it has its
+serious side too, you know; because your Majesty cannot dispense
+with a court.
+
+The King. Why not?
+
+The Princess. Well, suppose some day you are "joined in the bonds
+of holy matrimony," as the parsons so beautifully put it?
+
+The King. If I were, it would be for the sake of knowing what
+family life is.
+
+The Princess. Like any other citizen?
+
+The King. Precisely.
+
+The Princess. Are you going to keep no servants?
+
+The King. As many as are necessary--but no more.
+
+The Princess. Then I must secure a place as chambermaid in your
+Majesty's household as soon as possible. Because if my financial
+circumstances are inquired into there will be nothing else left for
+me but that!
+
+The King. You have too sacred a vocation for that, Princess!
+
+The Princess. How pretty! Your Majesty is a poet, and poets are
+allowed to be enthusiastic about ideals. But the people are poets
+too, in their way; they like their figure-head to be well gilded,
+and don't mind paying for it. That is their poetry.
+
+The King. Are you certain of that?
+
+The Princess. Absolutely certain! It is a point of honour with
+them.
+
+The King. Then I have to weigh my honour against theirs! And
+my honour forbids me--for the honour of my people and their
+poetry--to keep up my palaces, my guards, and my court any
+longer! _Voila tout_!
+
+The Princess. My dear King, certain positions carry with them
+certain duties!
+
+The King. Then I know higher duties than those!--But, Princess,
+here are we two seriously discussing--
+
+The Princess. Yes, but there is something at the bottom of it that
+is not to be laughed away. All tradition and all experience
+proclaim it to be the truth that a king--the kingly majesty--should
+be a dignity apart; and should be the ultimate source of law,
+surrounded with pomp and circumstance, and secure behind the
+fortified walls of wealth, rank, and hereditary nobility. If he
+steps out of that magic circle, the law's authority is weakened.
+
+The King. Has your Royal Highness breakfasted yet?
+
+The Princess. No. (Bursts out laughing.)
+
+The King. Because, if you had, I should have had great pleasure
+is giving you a lesson in history; but on an empty stomach that
+would be cruel.
+
+The Princess. Do you know--you used to be such an entertaining
+king, but this last year you have become so tedious!
+
+The King. Most beautiful of princesses! Do you really mean to say
+that I rise and fall in your estimation according as I have my
+pretty royal gew-gaws on or not?
+
+The Princess. In my estimation?
+
+The King. Or in any one's? You know the story of "The Emperor's New
+Clothes"?
+
+The Princess. Yes.
+
+The King. We don't keep up that pretence any longer.
+
+The Princess. But will every one understand?
+
+The King. You understand, don't you?
+
+The Princess. The people or I--that is all the same, I suppose!
+You are very flattering.
+
+The King. Heaven forbid that I should lump your Royal Highness
+together with the common herd; but--
+
+The Princess. We have already had proof of the fact that your
+Majesty does not hold the same place in _every one's_ estimation
+that you do in mine, at all events!
+
+The King. If I occupy a place of honour in your Royal Highness's
+heart, your Royal Highness may be certain that--
+
+The Princess. I will interrupt you to save you from speaking an
+untruth! Because the way to attain to a place of honour in your
+Majesty's heart is not to admire you as I do, but, on the contrary,
+to shout out: "I despise you!"--Au revoir!
+
+The King. You wicked, terrifying, dangerous--
+
+The Princess. --omniscient and ubiquitous Princess! (Makes a deep
+curtsey, and goes away.)
+
+The King (calling after her). In spite of everything, my heart goes
+with you--
+
+The Princess. --to show me the door! I know all about that! (To
+the COUNTESS.) Come, Countess! (Goes out. FALBE, an old gentleman
+in civilian dress, has come in from the side to which the KING'S
+back is turned.)
+
+The King. How the devil did she--?
+
+Falbe (coming up behind him). Your Majesty!
+
+The King (turning quickly). Ah, there you are!
+
+Falbe. Yes, sir--we have been walking about in the park for some
+time; your Majesty was engaged.
+
+The King. Not engaged--I was only deadening thoughts by gossiping.
+My anxiety was too much for me. So they have come?--both of them?
+
+Falbe. Both of them.
+
+The King. Can I believe it! (Appears overcome.) But--you must wait
+a moment! I can't, just at this moment--. I don't know what has
+come over me!
+
+Falbe. Are you unwell, sir? You look so pale.
+
+The King My nerves are not what they should be. Is there any water
+near here?
+
+Falbe (pointing, in astonishment). Why, there is the fountain,
+Sir!
+
+The King. Of course! Of course!--I don't seem able to collect my
+thoughts. And my mouth is as dry as--. Look here, I am going that
+way (points); and then you can--you can bring the ladies here.--She
+is here! She is here! (Goes out to the left, and turns round as he
+goes.) Don't forget to lock the gates of the inner park!
+
+Falbe. Of course not, Sir. (Goes out to the right, and returns
+bringing in the BARONESS MARC and CLARA.) His Majesty will be
+here in a moment. (Goes out to the right.)
+
+Clara. You must stay near enough for me to be able to call you.
+
+Baroness. Of course, my dear. Compose yourself; nothing can happen.
+
+Clara. I am so frightened.
+
+Baroness. Here is the King! (The KING comes in and bows to them.)
+
+The King. Excuse me, ladies, for having kept you waiting. I am
+very grateful to you both for coming.
+
+Baroness. We only came upon your Majesty's solemn promise--
+
+The King. --which shall be inviolable.
+
+Baroness. I understand that you wish to speak to Miss Ernst alone?
+
+The King. Your ladyship need only go up to the top of that little
+slope. (Points.) I can recommend the view from there.
+
+Baroness. The interview will not be a long one, I suppose?
+
+The King. If it is, I give your ladyship permission to come and
+interrupt us. (The BARONESS goes out. The KING turns to CLARA.) May
+I be permitted to thank you again--you especially--for having been
+so good as to grant me this interview?
+
+Clara. It will be the only one.
+
+The King. I know that. You have not condescended to answer one
+of my letters--
+
+Clara. I have not read them.
+
+The King. --so there was nothing left for me but to address myself
+to the Baroness. She was _obliged_ to listen to me, Miss Ernst.
+
+Clara (trembling). What has your Majesty to say to me?
+
+The King. Indeed, I can't tell it you in a single sentence. Won't
+you sit down? (CLARA remains standing.) You must not be afraid
+of me. I mean you no harm; I never could mean you any harm.
+
+Clara (in tears). Then what do you call the persecution that I
+have endured for more than a year?
+
+The King. If you had condescended to read a single one of my long
+and many letters you would have known I call it a passion that is
+stronger than--. (CLARA turns to go. The KING continues anxiously.)
+No, Miss Ernst, by everything you hold dear, I beg you not to leave
+me!
+
+Clara. Then you must not insult me!
+
+The King. If that is an insult your terms are very hard.
+
+Clara. Hard? No, but what you have done to me is hard! (Bursts into
+tears.)
+
+The King. Don't cry, Miss Ernst! You don't know how you hurt me!
+
+Clara (angrily). Do you know what it means to try and ruin a young
+girl's reputation?
+
+The King. I repeat that you are doing me an injustice
+
+Clara. An injustice?--Good God! Do you know who I am?
+
+The King (taking of his hat respectfully). You are the woman I
+love.
+
+Clara (quietly and with dignity). Your Majesty has solemnly
+promised not to insult me.
+
+The King. As sure as there is a heaven above us I will not, and
+could not, insult you! But I will obey your wishes.
+
+Clara. When a king says such a thing as--as you did just now, to a
+poor little governess, it is more than an insult! It is so
+cowardly, so base! And to think that you could have the heart to do
+it after what you have done to my father!
+
+The King. Your father?--I?
+
+Clara. Do you really not know who I am?
+
+The King I don't understand--
+
+Clara. Whose daughter I am, I mean?
+
+The King. I only know that your father's name is Ernst. (Suddenly.)
+Surely your father is not--?
+
+Clara. Professor Ernst.
+
+The King. The republican?
+
+Clara (slowly). Yes. (A pause.) I may remind your Majesty that he
+was sentenced for high treason. And why? Because he warned the
+young men at the university against the bad example set by the
+King! (A pause.) He was sentenced to a long term of imprisonment.
+In escaping from his prison he broke both his legs; and now he
+lives in exile--a cripple--supported by what money I am able to
+earn. (A pause.) You have ruined his life--and now you are trying
+to ruin mine too!
+
+The King. I beg of you--!
+
+Clara. I am ashamed of my tears. It is not compassion for myself
+or for my father that makes them flow; it is the heartless
+injustice of it all that overcomes me.
+
+The King. God knows, if only I could atone for the injustice--!
+But what can I do?
+
+Clara. You can let me alone, so that I may do my work in peace;
+that is what you can do! Neither he nor I ask for more than that--
+of you!
+
+The King. I must do more than that!
+
+Clara. No! Can you not understand that a girl who is persecuted
+by the king's attentions cannot be a governess? All you will
+achieve will be to rob me and my father of our bread!--Oh, God!
+
+The King. But my intention is not to--
+
+Clara (interrupting him). And you are not even man enough to be
+ashamed of yourself!
+
+The King. Yes, you may say what you please to me!
+
+Clara. I have nothing more to say to you. I have said what I have
+to say. (Turns to go.)
+
+The King. No, don't go! You have not even heard me yet. You don't
+even know what I want to beg of you!
+
+Clara. My dishonour.
+
+The King (vehemently). You misunderstand me utterly! If you had
+only read a single one of my letters you would have known that
+there is standing before you a man whom you have humbled. Ah, don't
+look so incredulous! It is true, if there is any truth in anything.
+You don't believe me? (Despairingly.) How am I to--! A man who has
+risked your contempt for more than a year, and has been faithful to
+you without even being allowed to see you or exchange a word with
+you--who has had no thought for anything or any one else--is not
+likely to be doing that out of mere idleness of heart! Do you not
+believe that, either?
+
+Clara. No.
+
+The King. Well, then, there must surely be some general truths that
+you, as Ernst's daughter, cannot refuse to believe! Let me ask you
+if you can understand how a man becomes what I was at the time when
+I repeatedly insulted you. You must know, from your father's books,
+in what an unnatural atmosphere a king is brought up, the soul-destroying
+sense of self-importance which all his surroundings foster, until,
+even in his dreams, he thinks himself something more than human;
+the doubtful channels into which his thoughts are forced, while any
+virtues that he has are trumpeted abroad, and his vices glossed
+over with tactful and humorous tolerance. Don't you think that a
+young king, full of eager life, as I was, may plead something in
+excuse of himself that no other man can?
+
+Clara. Yes, I admit that.
+
+The King. Then you must admit that the very position he has to
+assume as a constitutional monarch is an acted lie. Think what a
+king's vocation is; _can_ a vocation of that sort be hereditary?
+Can the finest and noblest vocation in the world be that?
+
+Clara. No!
+
+The King. Then suppose that he realises that himself; suppose that
+the young king is conscious, however dimly and partially, of the
+lie he is living--and suppose that, to escape from it, he rushes
+into a life of pleasure. Is it not conceivable that he may have
+some good in him, for all that? And then suppose that one morning,
+after a night of revelling, the sun shines into his room; and he
+seems to see upon the wall, in letters of fire, some words that
+were said to him the night before--true words (CLARA looks up at
+him in surprise)--the words: "I despise you!" (CLARA gives a
+start.) Words like that can burn out falsehood. And he, to whom
+they are said, may long to hear again the tones of the voice that
+spoke them. No man has ever hated what has given him new life. If
+you had read a single one of the letters which I felt impelled to
+write even if they were refused acceptance--you would not have
+called it persecution. (CLARA does not answer.) And, as for my
+persecution of your father--I am not going to make any excuses for
+myself; I will only ask you to remember that a king has no control
+over the law and its judgments. I feel the sincerest respect for
+your father.
+
+Clara. Thank you.
+
+The King. And it is just part of the falsehood I was speaking of,
+that he should be condemned for saying of me what I have said a
+thousand times of myself!
+
+Clara (softly). Dare I believe that?
+
+The King. Ah, if only you had read one of my letters! Or even the
+little book of poems I sent you last! I thought that, if you would
+not receive my letters, perhaps a book--
+
+Clara. I do not accept anonymous gifts.
+
+The King. I see you are on your guard--although I don't admit that
+the poems were mine! May I read it to you?
+
+Clara. I don't understand--.
+
+The King. One that I marked--for you. It will prove to you what
+you refuse to believe.
+
+Clara. But if the poem is not yours?
+
+The King. The fact that I have marked it shows that its sentiments
+apply to me. Will you let me read it to you? (CLARA looks up.) Do
+not be too much surprised, Miss Ernst! (Takes a slim volume from
+his pocket.) I found this somewhere. (Turns over the leaves.) It
+won't take long to read. May I?
+
+Clara. If only I understood--
+
+The King. --why I want to read it? Simply for the reason that you
+have forbidden me to speak to you--or to write to you; but not, as
+yet, to read to you! (CLARA smiles. A pause.) Do you know--a little
+event has just happened in my life?--and yet not such a little one,
+after all!
+
+Clara. What is that?
+
+The King. I have seen you smile for the first time.
+
+Clara. Your Majesty!
+
+The King. But, Miss Ernst, is it an insult, too, to see you smile?
+
+Clara (smiling). If I consent to hear the poem, shall not the
+Baroness--
+
+The King. --hear it also? With pleasure; but not at the same time!
+Please! Because I am a very bad reader. You can show it to the
+Baroness afterwards, if you like. (CLARA smiles.) May I?
+
+Clara. You are sure there is nothing in it that--
+
+The King. You can interrupt me, if you think fit. It is called "The
+Young Prince;" and it is about--no, I won't tell you what it is
+about unless you will be so good as to sit down, so that I can sit
+down too. If I stand up I shall be sure to begin declaiming, and I
+do that shockingly badly!--You can get up again when you like, you
+know! (CLARA smiles and sits down. The KING sits down beside her.)
+Now, then! "The Young Prince." (To himself.) I can scarcely
+breathe. (He begins to read.)
+
+ Full fed with early flattery and pride--
+
+(Breaks off.) Excuse me, Miss Ernst! I don't feel--
+
+Clara. Is your Majesty not well?
+
+The King. Quite well! It is only--. Now, then!
+
+ Full fed with early flattery and pride,
+ His sated soul was wearied all too young;
+ Honour and kingly pomp seemed naught to him
+ But whimsies from the people's folly sprung.
+
+ From such pretence he fled to what was real--
+ Fair women's arms, laughter and love and pleasure,
+ All the mad joy of life; whate'er he craved,
+ He found was given him in double measure.
+
+ Whate'er he craved--until one day a maiden
+ To whom he whispered, like a drunken sot,
+ "I'd give my life to make thee mine, my sweeting!"
+ Turned from him silently and answered not.
+
+ He sought by every means to win her to him;
+ But when his love with cold _contempt_ was met,
+ It was as if a judgment had been spoken
+ Upon his life, and doom thereon were set.
+
+ His boon companions left him; in his castles
+ None seemed to be awake but he alone,
+ Racked with remorse, enshrouded in the darkness
+ Of dull despair, yet longing to atone.
+
+ Then through the darkness she appeared! and humbly,
+ Emboldend by her gentleness of mien,
+ He sued once more: "If only thou wouldst listen!
+ If still 'twere not too late--"
+
+(His emotion overcomes him, and he stops suddenly, gets up, and
+walks away from CLARA. She gets up, as he comes back to her.)
+Excuse me! I had no intention of making a scene. But it made me
+think of--. (Breaks of again overcome by emotion, and moves a
+little way from her. There is a pause as he collects himself before
+returning to her.) As you can hear, Miss Ernst, it is nothing much
+of a poem--not written by a real poet, that is to say; a real poet
+would have exalted his theme, but this is a commonplace--
+
+Clara. Has your Majesty anything more to say to me? (A pause.)
+
+The King. If I have anything more to say to any one, it is to you.
+
+Clara. I beg your pardon.
+
+The King. No, it is I should beg yours. But I am sure you do not
+wish me to lie to you.
+
+Clara (turning her head away). No.
+
+The King. You have no confidence in me. (Control, his emotion.)
+Will you ever, I wonder, come to under stand that the only thing I
+crave for now is--one person's confidence!
+
+Clara. Any one who speaks as your Majesty has done to-day surely
+craves for more than that.
+
+The King. More than that, yes; but, first of all, one person's
+confidence.
+
+Clara (turning away). I don't understand--
+
+The King (interrupting her, with emotion). Your life has not been
+as empty and artificial as mine.
+
+Clara. But surely you have your task here to fill it with?
+
+The King. I remember reading once about the way a rock was
+undermined, and the mine filled with gunpowder with an electric
+wire leading to it. Just a slight pressure on a little button and
+the great rock was shattered into a thousand pieces. And in the
+same way everything is ready here; but the little pressure--to
+cause the explosion--is what I am waiting for!
+
+Clara. The metaphor is a little forced.
+
+The King. And yet it came into my mind as unconsciously as you
+broke off that twig just now. If I do not get what I lack, nothing
+can be accomplished--there can be no explosion! I shall abandon the
+whole thing and let myself go under.
+
+Clara. Go under?
+
+The King. Well, not like the hero of a sensational novel--not
+straight to the bottom like a stone--but like a dreamer carried off
+by pixies in a wood, with one name ever upon my lips! And the world
+would have to look after itself.
+
+Clara. But that is sheer recklessness.
+
+The King. I know it is; but I am reckless. I stake everything upon
+one throw! (A pause.)
+
+Clara. Heaven send you may win.
+
+The King. At least I am daring enough to hope that I may--and there
+are moments when I almost feel certain of victory!
+
+Clara (embarrassed). It is a lovely morning--
+
+The King. --for the time of year; yes. And it is lovelier here than
+it is anywhere else!
+
+Clara. I cannot really understand a course of action which implies
+a want of all sense of responsibility--
+
+The King. Every one has their own point of view. A scheme of life,
+to satisfy me, must have its greatest happiness hidden away at its
+core; in my case that would be to have a house of my own--all to
+myself, like any other citizen--from which I should go away to my
+work, and come back to as to a safe refuge. That is the button on
+the electric wire, do you understand? It is the little pressure on
+it that I am waiting for. (A pause.)
+
+Clara. Have you read my father's book, _Democratic Monarchy_?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+Clara. He wrote it when I was a child; and so I may say that I grew
+up amongst ideas like--like those I have heard from you to-day. All
+the friends that came to our house used to talk to me about it.
+
+The King. Then no doubt you heard the crown prince talked about,
+too!
+
+Clara. I think I heard his name oftener mentioned at home than any
+one's. I believe the book was written expressly for you.
+
+The King. I can feel that when I read it. If only I had been
+allowed to read it in those days! Do you remember how in it your
+father maintains, too, that all reform depends on the beating down
+of the hedge that surrounds royalty?--on a king's becoming, as he
+says, "wedded to his people" in the fullest sense of the word, not
+irregularly or surreptitiously? No king can share his people's
+thoughts if he lives apart from them in a great palace, married to
+a foreign princess. There is no national spirit behind a
+complicated court life of outlandish ceremonial.
+
+Clara (turning away her head). You should have heard how vehemently
+my father used to assert those ideas.
+
+The King. And yet he abandoned them.
+
+Clara. Became a republican, you mean?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+Clara. He was so disappointed. (A pause.)
+
+The King. I sometimes wonder every one isn't a republican! It must
+come to that in the end; I can see that. If only royalties nowadays
+thought seriously enough about it to realise it!
+
+Clara. It is made so difficult for them by those who surround them.
+
+The King. Yes, you see, that is another reason why any such reform
+must begin at home. Do you think that a king, who went every day to
+his work from a home that was in every respect like that of one of
+his people, could fail in the long run?
+
+Clara. There are so many different kinds of homes.
+
+The King. I mean a home that holds love instead of subservience--
+comfort instead of ceremony-truth instead of flattery; a home
+where--ah, well, I need not teach a woman what a home means.
+
+Clara. We make them what they are.
+
+The King. Surely; but they are especially what women make them. (A
+pause.)
+
+Clara. The sun is quite strong now.
+
+The King. But it can scarcely pierce through the screen of leaves
+here.
+
+Clara. When the sun shines down like this and the leaves tremble--
+
+The King. The sunshine seems to tremble too.
+
+Clara. Yes, but it makes one feel as if everything were trembling--
+even deep down into our hearts!
+
+The King. That is true.--Yes, its homes are the most precious
+things a nation makes. Their national characteristics mean
+reverence for their past and possibilities for their future.
+
+Clara. I understand better now what you meant.
+
+The King. When I said I wanted to begin at the beginning?
+
+Clara. Yes. (A pause.)
+
+The King. I cannot do otherwise. My heart must be in my work.
+
+Clara (smiling). My father had his heart in his work, too.
+
+The King. Forgive me--but don't you think it was just the want of
+an object in his life that led your father to push his theories too
+far?--an object outside himself, I mean?
+
+Clara. Perhaps. If my mother had lived--. (Stops.)
+
+The King. --he might have taken it differently; don't you think so?
+
+Clara. I have sometimes thought so. (A pause.)
+
+The King. How still it is! Not a sound!
+
+Clara. Yes, there is the fountain.
+
+The King. That is true; but one ends by hardly hearing a continuous
+sound like that.
+
+Clara. There is a tremulousness in _that_ too. (Looks round her.)
+
+The King. What are you looking for?
+
+Clara. It is time to look for the Baroness.
+
+The King. She is up on that slope. Shall I call her? Or--perhaps
+you would like to see a fine view?
+
+Clara. Yes.
+
+The King. Then let us go up to her together! (They go.)
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+(SCENE. An open place in the town. It is evening, and the square is
+badly lit. On the right is the club, a large building, standing
+alone; lights are shining from all its windows. Steps lead from the
+door, above which is a balcony. The square is full of people. In
+the background, standing on the lowest step of the pedestal of an
+equestrian statue, is a BALLAD SINGER, singing to the accompaniment
+of his guitar. Cigars, oranges, and other wares are being sold by
+hawkers. The singer's voice is heard before the curtain rises. The
+crowd gradually joins him in the refrain which he repeats after
+each verse of his ballad.)
+
+The Ballad Singer (sings).
+
+ The Princeling begged and begged and begged
+ Her love, on bended knee.
+ The Maid said craftily, "Nay, nay,
+ I doubt your high degree!"
+
+    Refrain.
+
+  She knew the might, the might, the might
+  Of love's distracting hour;
+  How royalty, with all its pomp,
+  Will curtsey to its power.
+
+ The Princeling said: "Consent, my dear,
+ And you shall marry me."
+ The Maiden answered mockingly,
+ "Over the left, maybe!"
+
+ "Nay, as my Queen, enchanting maid,
+ And that this very day!"
+ The Maiden answered him, "Gadzooks!"
+ And fainted right away.
+
+ Recovering, she sighed, "My Lord,
+ Princesses will be wroth;
+ On every side they sit and wait
+ To plight to you their troth."
+
+ He answered, "Bosh!"--"But what of those
+ Who counselled you before?"
+ "Whom do you mean?"--"Your ministers!"
+ "I'll show them to the door!"
+
+ "But think, my dear--your generals,
+ Your nobles, court, and priest;
+ They'll try to drag you from my side
+ Or shun us as the pest."
+
+ "Nay, be not feared! I'll make you more
+ By dozens at a word,
+ Who'll bow and grovel if they be
+ To rank and place preferred."
+
+ "But think of the republicans!
+ My father!--what if he--?"
+ "The cock that crows the loudest, then,
+ Prime minister shall be!"
+
+ "Suppose the people stoutly swear
+ They'll none of me?"--"Nay, nay,
+ An order here, a title there,
+ And all will homage pay."
+
+ "Then I am yours!"--"Hurrah!" He holds
+ Her tight his arms between;
+ "Nay, not so fast, my kingly love!
+ Not till I am your Queen!"
+
+  She knew the might, the might, the might
+  Of love's distracting hour;
+  How royalty, with all its pomp,
+  Will curtsey to its power.
+
+An Old Gentleman (to another). What is going on here?
+
+Second Old Gentleman. I don't know. I have only just come.
+
+A Workman. Why, the King is coming past here with her!
+
+First Old Gentleman. Coming past here with her? To hold a court
+at the palace?
+
+The Workman. Yes.
+
+Second Old Gentleman (taking a pinch of snuff). And I suppose those
+fellows in the club mean to make a demonstration?--hiss them, or
+something of that sort?
+
+The Workman. So they say.
+
+First Old Gentleman. Have they decided not to attend the court
+then?
+
+A Dandy. Unanimously decided.
+
+A Woman. It's filthy!
+
+The Dandy. I beg your pardon?
+
+The Woman. I say that those fellows in there will condescend to
+seduce our daughters, right enough; but they won't condescend to
+marry them. But, you see, the King does.
+
+The Workman. I am not sure it wouldn't be better if he didn't.
+
+The Woman. Well, I know people who say that she is quite a
+respectable person.
+
+The Dandy. I imagine that you have not read the newspapers?
+
+First Old Gentleman. Hm!--one has to be a little careful as to how
+far one believes the newspapers.
+
+Second Old Gentleman (offering him his snuff-box). I am delighted
+to hear you say that! There is such a lot of slander flying about.
+That bawdy ballad just now; for instance.
+
+The Woman. Yes, that's poking fun at _him_--I know that.
+
+The Dandy. You had better take care what you are saying, my good
+woman!
+
+The Woman. Ah, I only say what I know.
+
+(FLINK appears on the steps of the statue beside the BALLAD
+SINGER.)
+
+Flink. Stop your stupid songs! I want to speak!
+
+Voice in the Crowd. Who is that?
+
+Flink. You don't know me. I have never made public speeches--and
+least of all to street mobs.
+
+Voice in the Crowd. Why are you doing it now, then?
+
+Flink. Because I have been charged with a message to you! (The
+members of the club rush to the windows and on to the balcony
+and steps. Uproar.)
+
+Voice in the Crowd. Be quiet! Let us hear him!
+
+Flink. Listen to me, good people! You don't know me. But you used
+to know a tall chap, with long white hair and a big hat, who often
+made speeches to you. I mean Professor Ernst.
+
+Voice in the Crowd. Three cheers for Professor Ernst. (Cheers.)
+
+Flink. He was sent to prison, as you know, for high treason;
+escaped from prison, but broke his legs. Now he is living in exile,
+hopelessly crippled.
+
+Voice in the Crowd. He got a pardon.
+
+Another. No one knows where he is.
+
+Flink. I know where he is. He has charged me to deliver a message
+to you to-day.
+
+Voices from the Club. Bravo!
+
+Voices from the Crowd. Has he! Bravo, Ernst!
+
+Voices from the Club. Be quiet, down there!
+
+Flink. He made me promise that, on the day on which his daughter
+was to be presented at the palace as the King's betrothed, I would
+stand up in some public place where she would pass by, and say that
+it was being done against her father's will and in spite of his
+urgent entreaties and commands. (Loud cries of "Bravo!" from the
+club. A voice in the crowd: "That is just what we thought!") I am
+charged to announce publicly that he despises her for it and sends
+her his curse! (Fresh cries of "Bravo!" from the club. Voices in
+the crowd: "That's shocking!"--"No, he was quite right;" etc., etc.
+Uproar.) Quiet, good people!
+
+A Young Man in the Crowd. May I be allowed to ask a question?
+(Shouts of "Yes!" and "No!" and laughter are heard.)
+
+Flink. By all means.
+
+The Young Man. Did not Professor Ernst himself advocate a king's
+doing just what our King has done?
+
+Voices in the Crowd. Hear, hear!
+
+Flink. Yes, and in return was thrown into prison and is now an
+incurable cripple. No one has been more cruelly treated by the
+King's hirelings. And now here is his daughter willing to become
+Queen!
+
+Count Platen (from the club balcony). I don't see why you want to
+blame her! No; what I say is, that it is our dissolute King's fault
+altogether! (Renewed uproar. Cries of: "Turn him out!" from the
+club.)
+
+Flink. I had something more to say about those who--. But make
+those fellows at the club be quiet first.
+
+A Voice. They are fighting over there! (Laughter. Wild uproar is
+heard from the club, amidst which COUNT PLATEN'S voice is heard
+shouting: "Let me be! Let me alone!"--and other voices: "Don't let
+him go out!"--"He is drunk!" Eventually COUNT PLATEN comes out on
+to the steps, hatless and dishevelled.)
+
+Count Platen. I'm going to make a speech to you! I am better than
+that crew in there! (Cries of "Bravo!") What I say is, that the
+King is coming past here directly with a woman. (Applause, and
+laughter. Every one crowds towards him. The police try to pull him
+down. A free fight ensues.) Hiss them when they come! (Cries of
+"Throw him down!"--"Bravo!"--"Hurrah!") I, Count Platen, tell you
+to do so! Hiss him, howl at him, make a regular hullabaloo when he
+comes! I, Count Platen, tell you to! (Cries of "Three cheers for
+Count Platen!" are mingled with cries of "Three cheers for the
+King!" There is a general tumult. COUNT PLATEN is hustled up and
+down the steps, and tries to go on making his speech every time he
+comes up.) He is defiling the throne!--He wants to marry a
+traitor's daughter! Shame! I, Count Platen, say so! Here I stand--!
+(A trumpet-call is heard; then cries of "Here is the King!"--"No,
+it's the cavalry!"--"The cavalry are coming!"--"Clear the square!"
+A shot is heard, followed by a scream; the people take to their
+heels as another trumpet-call is heard. Curtain.)
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+(SCENE.--A room in the BARONESS' house. The BARONESS is sitting
+reading. A MAID enters and brings her a card.)
+
+Baroness (looking at the card). The Minister of the Interior!--
+Show him in! (GRAN comes in.) I am glad to see you back, your
+Excellency!--You have found him, then?
+
+Gran. Yes, we have discovered him.
+
+Baroness. And spoken to him?
+
+Gran. Yes.
+
+Baroness. May I send for his daughter?
+
+Gran. For heaven's sake
+
+Baroness. What is the matter?
+
+Gran. He is a dying man.
+
+Baroness. What!
+
+Gran. The King desires me to tell you that he has ordered a special
+train to be ready at 10 o'clock, so that as soon as the court is
+over she can go to her father. The King will accompany her.
+
+Baroness. That is kind of him!
+
+Gran. Then you will get ready everything that she needs for a
+night's journey?
+
+Baroness. Yes.
+
+Gran. And without her being aware of it? The King does not wish her
+to know anything of her father's condition till after the court.
+
+Baroness. The court is to be held, then?
+
+Gran. The court is to be held. After it is over, His Majesty will
+tell her the news himself.
+
+Baroness. I am thankful for that.--But what did Professor Ernst
+say? Why has he not answered his daughter's letter? Why has he
+hidden from her? Is he really irreconcilable?
+
+Gran. Irreconcilable? He hates her!
+
+Baroness. Good heavens!
+
+Gran. And not only her, but every one that has made common cause
+with the King--every one!
+
+Baroness. I suppose it was to be expected.--But won't you sit down?
+
+Gran (bows, but remains standing). I had a talk with his doctor
+before I saw him. He had some hesitation about letting me in. It
+was a fortnight since his patient had been able to move. But when I
+told him my errand, and that I had come from the King, he let me
+see him.
+
+Baroness. How did he look? He was a fine man once.
+
+Gran. He was sitting in a big chair, a mere paralysed wreck of a
+man. But when he saw me and realised who I was--and probably, too,
+what my errand was--he found the strength not only to move, but to
+seize both his crutches and raise himself on them! I shall never
+forget his gaunt ashen-grey face, the feverish gleam in his sunken
+eyes, his unkempt hair and beard--
+
+Baroness. He must have looked terrible!
+
+Gran. He was like a creature from beyond the grave--with an
+eternity of hatred in his eyes!
+
+Baroness. Oh, my God!
+
+Gran. When at last I could find my voice, I gave him his daughter's
+greeting, and asked if she might come and see him. A dark look came
+into his eyes, and his face flushed for a moment, as he gasped out:
+"May she be--." He could not finish the sentence. His crutches
+slipped from his grasp and he fell down, blood pouring from his
+mouth. The doctor rushed to him; and for a long time we thought he
+was dead.
+
+Baroness. But he came round?
+
+Gran. I waited an hour or two before I started back. Then the
+doctor told me that he had recovered consciousness, but that the
+end could certainly not be far off--perhaps not twenty-four hours.
+
+Baroness. It must have been a shock to you.
+
+Gran. It was.
+
+Baroness. But what did he mean by: "May she be--"
+
+Gran. That is what I have been wondering.
+
+Baroness. He cannot do her any harm, can he?
+
+Grad. He may give her the same reception that he gave me; if she
+goes.
+
+Baroness, Even if the King is with her?
+
+Gran. All the more then!
+
+Baroness. Oh, that would be horrible! But it won't prevent her
+going.
+
+Gran. Let us hope so!
+
+Baroness. I am certain of it! She has extraordinary strength of
+character--just like her father's.
+
+Gran. Yes, that is the one thing I rely on.
+
+Baroness. What do you mean? Your words sound so despondent!
+
+Gran. I mean what is perfectly true--that everything will depend
+upon her strength of character.
+
+Baroness. What about the King, then?
+
+Gran. I could say a great deal on that topic, Baroness; but (bows)
+you must excuse me--I haven't time now.
+
+Baroness. How are the elections going?
+
+Gran. They are going well--if nothing happens now?
+
+Baroness. What could happen?
+
+Gran. The situation is very strained; one must expect anything.
+
+Baroness. Are you anxious, your Excellency?
+
+Gran. I must beg leave to retire now. (A MAID comes in.)
+
+Maid (to GRAN). The Inspector of Police, who came with your
+Excellency, wishes to know if he may speak to your Excellency.
+
+Gran. I will come at once. (To the BARONESS.) There is rioting
+going on in the town, not far from here--in front of the club.
+
+Baroness (in alarm). What?--Isn't the King coming along that way?
+
+Gran. Don't be afraid! We have taken our precautions--Good-bye!
+(Goes out.)
+
+Baroness. --He has quite alarmed me--everything seems to come at
+the same time! She has had a suspicion that there was something
+amiss with her father; I have noticed that, but she hasn't wanted
+to speak about it. (CLARA comes in, dressed for the court.) Ah,
+there you are, my dear! Quite ready?
+
+Clara. Quite.
+
+Baroness (looking at her). Well, I daresay there have been royal
+brides more elaborately dressed, but I am sure there has never
+been one more charming. (Kisses her.)
+
+Clara. I think I hear a carriage?
+
+Baroness. I expect it is the King!
+
+Clara. I am afraid it is too early yet--but all the same I hope it
+is he!
+
+Baroness. Do you feel afraid?
+
+Clara. No, no--it is not that at all; it is something--something
+that you don't--a kind of feeling as if--as if some one were
+haunting me; and I know who it is. I only feel secure when the King
+is with me. I hope it may be he coming. (Goes to the window.)
+
+(The MAID comes in.)
+
+Maid. A lady wishes to speak to you, Miss Ernst--
+
+Baroness. A lady?
+
+Clara. Didn't she give her name?
+
+Maid. She is veiled--and very handsomely dressed.
+
+Clara (with decision). No! I can see no one.
+
+Baroness. No one that we do not know. (To the MAID.) You ought
+to know that.
+
+Maid (hesitatingly). But I think it is--. (The door opens and the
+PRINCESS comes in.)
+
+Baroness. What does this mean? Clara! leave us, my dear.
+
+Princess (drawing aside her veil). Do you know me?
+
+Clara and Baroness. The Princess!
+
+Princess. Are you Clara Ernst?
+
+Clara. Yes.
+
+Princess (haughtily, to the BARONESS). Leave us alone! (The
+BARONESS goes out.) Before going to the palace I wanted to come
+here--even at the risk of meeting the King.
+
+Clara. He has not come yet. (A long pause.)
+
+Princess. Have you thought well over what you are going to do?
+
+Clara. I think so.
+
+Princess. I don't think you have. Have you read what the papers say
+about it--every one of them--to-day?
+
+Clara. No. The King has advised me not to.
+
+Princess. But the letters that have been sent to you? I know
+letters have been written to you.
+
+Clara. The King has advised me not to read them either. He takes
+all the letters.
+
+Princess. Do you know that they are rioting in the streets close to
+here?
+
+Clara (in alarm). No!
+
+Princess. You will be received with hisses, hooting--perhaps with
+stone throwing. You didn't expect anything like that, did you?
+
+Clara. No.
+
+Princess. What shall you do?
+
+Clara (after a moment, quietly). I shall go with the King.
+
+Princess. A nice road you are dragging him along, truly! And I
+assure you that the farther you go along it, the worse it will
+become. You cannot possibly have prepared yourself for all that you
+will have to go through.
+
+Clara. I think I have.
+
+Princess (in surprise). What do you mean? How?
+
+Clara (bending her head). I have prayed to God.
+
+Princess. Pshaw! I mean that you cannot have considered the misery
+into which you are dragging the King--and the disgrace and trouble
+you are bringing upon all his people. (CLARA is silent.) You are
+young still; your heart cannot be altogether hardened yet, whatever
+your past may have been.
+
+Clara (proudly). I have no reason to be ashamed of my past.
+
+Princess. Indeed? What sort of a past has it been, then?
+
+Clara. One full of suffering, princess--and of work. (A pause.)
+
+Princess. Do you know what the King's past has been?
+
+Clara (drooping her head). Ah, yes.
+
+Princess. Yours will be tarred with the same brush--no matter what
+it really has been.
+
+Clara. I know that. He has told me so.
+
+Princess. Really!--After all, is it a sacrifice you are making for
+his sake? Do you love the King?
+
+Clara (faintly). Yes.
+
+Princess. Then listen to me. If you loved the King, you would have
+made a _real_ sacrifice for him. We are women, you and I; we can
+understand these things without many words. But such a sacrifice
+does not consist in consenting to be his queen.
+
+Clara. It is not I that wished it.
+
+Princess. You have allowed yourself to be persuaded?--Well, you are
+either deceiving yourself, my girl, or you are deceiving him.
+Perhaps you began with the one and are ending with the other.
+Anyway, it is time you had your eyes opened as to which of you it
+is that is making the sacrifice. Do you not know that, on your
+account, he is already the target for general contempt? (CLARA
+bursts into tears.) If that makes you repent, show it--show it by
+your deeds!
+
+Clara. I repent of nothing.
+
+Princess (in astonishment). What state of mind are you in, then?
+
+Clara. I have suffered terribly. But I pray God for strength to
+bear it.
+
+Princess. Don't talk nonsense! The whole thing is a horrible
+confusion of ideas--half remorse and half cant--the one so mixed up
+with the other in your mind that you cannot disentangle them. But,
+believe me, others feel very sure that sacred things and--and what
+I won't call bluntly by its name, go very ill together! So don't
+waste those airs on me; they only irritate me!
+
+Clara. Princess, don't be cruel to me. I _am_ suffering, all the
+same.
+
+Princess. Why on earth do you want to go any farther with the
+affair? If you aren't clear about it, take advice! Your father is
+opposed to it, isn't he?
+
+Clara. Yes. (Throws herself into a chair.)
+
+Princess. He has hidden himself away from you. You don't know where
+he is, or how he is--though you know he is crippled and ill. And,
+meanwhile, here you are in full dress, with a rose in your hair,
+waiting to set out to a court at the palace! Are you willing to
+pass through contemptuous rioting crowds, and over your sick
+father's body, to become queen? What callous levity! What a
+presumptuous mixture of what you think is love, duty, sacrifice,
+trial--with an unscrupulous ambition--! The King? Are you depending
+on him? He is a poet. He loves anything unusual or sensational.
+Resistance stimulates him; and that is what drives him into
+believing that his love will be unending. When you have been
+married a week, it will be all over. If he had not met with
+resistance, it would have been all over before this. I know the
+King better than you; for I know his faithlessness. It is like his
+love--unending! It hurts you to hear that, does it? Well, it hurts
+one's eyes to look at the sun. But I can tell you about these
+things. The only reason I had for coming was to tell you what I
+know. And now that I have seen you, I can tell you that I know one
+thing more--and I will tell you what it is. If you actually allow
+the King, with his ardent temperament, to stray into a path which
+will lead to the ruin of his career, your action will, in the
+fullness of time, recoil so appallingly upon your own head that it
+will kill you. I know you are one of those that faithlessness,
+remorse and contempt _would_ kill.--Don't look so beseechingly at
+me; I cannot retract a word of what I have said. But I can tell you
+now what I had decided upon before I came. _I_ will look after your
+future. I am not rich; but, as sure as I stand here before you, you
+shall live free from care--you shall have everything that you need--
+for the rest of your life. I want no thanks! I do it for the sake
+of the King, and for the sake of the country to which I belong.
+It is my duty. Only get up now and come with me to my carriage.
+(Offers CLARA her hand.)
+
+Clara. If it were as easy as that, I should have done it long, long
+ago.
+
+Princess (turns away. Then comes back). Get up. (Pulls her on to
+her feet.) Do you love the King?
+
+Clara. Do I love him? I am a motherless child, and have lived alone
+with a father who has been constantly persecuted on account of his
+principles; I shared his ideals from a very early age, and I have
+never abandoned them since. Then one day I was given the chance of
+making these ideals real. "What _I_ long to do, _you_ shall
+accomplish!" he said. There is something great about that,
+Princess--something all-powerful--a call from God Himself. Of that
+I am certain.
+
+Princess. It is merely a rhapsody of the King's--nothing else!
+
+Clara. Then I will make it real and live it! I have given my whole
+soul to it, and have strengthened his to the same end. It has been
+my ideal all my life.
+
+Princess. And you believe that it will last?
+
+Clara. Yes.
+
+Princess. Then let me beg you to believe this, too--it will last
+until he has attained his end.
+
+Clara. If you mean our marriage, let me tell you that _that_ is not
+our end.
+
+Princess (in surprise). What is, then?
+
+Clara. Our end is to accomplish something together. That task shall
+be consecrated and ennobled by our love. Yes, you may look at me!
+Those were his own words.
+
+Princess. That answer!--That thought!--But what certainty have you?
+
+Clara. Of what?
+
+Princess. That you did not put the thought into his mind?--and that
+the fire in his soul may not flicker out?
+
+Clara. If I needed any assurance, I should find it in the fact that
+he changed his whole life for my sake; he waited for me for more
+than a year. Has he ever done that for any one before? I am sure
+he has never needed to! (The PRINCESS winces.) It is those who have
+seduced that "ardent" temperament of his--you called it that
+yourself--that are to blame, and not I, Princess! (A pause.) I
+checked him to the best of my power when he came to me as he was
+wont to go to others. (A pause.) Indeed it is no sacrifice to
+become his wife. When one loves, there is no question of sacrifice.
+But the position in which I now stand exposes me to more suspicion
+than the humblest of his subjects, to more scorn than if I were his
+mistress. Think how you have spoken to me to-day yourself,
+Princess! (A pause.) It is no sacrifice to endure such things for
+the man one loves. It was not I that used the word "sacrifice,"
+either; and as for the sacrifice you implied that I ought to have
+made, I don't wish to understand what you meant by that, even
+though I am a woman as well as you! But if you knew, Princess, how
+hard a fight I have been through before I found the strength to
+cast in my lot with his, against my father's wish and against you
+all--you would not have spoken to me about making a sacrifice. At
+all events you would not have spoken to me as you have done to-day;
+because you are not cruel, and I know that at bottom you mean me
+well. (A longer pause.)
+
+Princess. This is more serious than I knew.--Poor child, your
+disappointment will be all the more serious.
+
+Clara. Not with him!
+
+Princess (half to herself). Is it possible he can be so changed?
+Was that what was needed to secure a hold on him--? (To CLARA.)
+Is he coming here to fetch you?
+
+Clara. Yes.
+
+Princess. What does he want to hold this court for? What is the
+good of throwing down this challenge to all the dignitaries of his
+kingdom?--especially if, after all, he means to live the life of an
+ordinary citizen?
+
+Clara. He wished it.
+
+Princess. An exciting episode in his rhapsody! Why did you not
+dissuade him?
+
+Clara. Because I agree with him.
+
+Princess. Perhaps you don't fully realise what it means?--what
+humiliation the King will have to undergo?
+
+Clara. I only know that it seems to me that these things should
+be done openly, and that he has plenty of courage.
+
+Princess. That is mere bravado. Are you going in that dress?--to
+court in that dress? (CLARA is silent.) I say it is mere bravado.
+
+Clara. I have no better dress.
+
+Princess. What do you mean? Surely the King can--? Are you jesting?
+
+Clara (shyly). I do not allow the King to give me anything; not
+until--.
+
+Princess. Doesn't he pay your expenses here, then? (Looks round the
+room.)
+
+Clara. No.
+
+Princess. It is the Baroness?
+
+Clara. She and I. We are both poor.
+
+Princess. Ah, yes--she has lost her post now, hasn't she?
+
+Clara. On my account--yes. And you, Princess, who have known her--
+for she was once your governess--can you really suppose that she
+would have been faithful to me if she did not trust me and feel
+that this was right? You treated her so contemptuously when you
+came in.
+
+Princess. I seem to have broken in upon the most incomprehensible
+romance!--Then you love the King? (CLARA nods her head.) He knows
+how to love, and make a woman happy! He is a dazzling creature!--We
+shall see now whether you are to suffer for all the hearts he has
+broken. You are not the first woman he has loved.
+
+Clara. Princess!
+
+Princess. Yes, let that sink into your mind! Your happiness is
+embroidered with tears!
+
+Clara. It is cruel of you to reproach me with it.
+
+Princess. Forgive me! I really did not mean that.--But there is
+still time to put on a more suitable dress. If you dare accept no
+gifts from the King--you might from some one else? A King's bride
+is a King's bride after all, you know!
+
+Clara. He told me I should not need anything more than this.
+
+Princess. Not in his eyes, I dare say. But we women know a little
+better!--If it were only a necklace? Will you accept this one?
+(Begins to unfasten hers.)
+
+Clara. I knew you were kind.--But I daren't.
+
+Princess. Why not?
+
+Clara. Because--because people would think that--. (Bursts into
+tears. A pause.)
+
+Princess. Listen, my child. The whole thing is sheer lunacy; but--
+as it cannot be altered--as soon as the court assembles I shall
+take my place at your side and not leave you till it is all over.
+Tell the King that! Good-bye!
+
+Clara (going towards her). Princess!
+
+Princess (kisses her, and whispers). Haven't you allowed him to
+kiss you, either?
+
+Clara (in a whisper). Yes, I have.
+
+Princess (kissing her once snore). Love him! (The sound of carriage
+wheels is heard. The BARONESS comes in.)
+
+Baroness. I hear the King's carriage.
+
+Princess. I don't wish to meet him. (Stretches out her hand to the
+BARONESS.) Baroness! (Points to the door through which the BARONESS
+has come in.) Can I get out that way?
+
+Baroness. Yes. (She takes the PRINCESS out. A moment later the MAID
+ushers in the KING, who is dressed in plain clothes and wearing no
+decorations.)
+
+The King. Clara!
+
+Clara. My friend! (They embrace.)
+
+The King. What does it mean?
+
+Clara. What?
+
+The King. The Princess' carriage here?
+
+Clara. She told me to greet you. She has just gone, and--
+
+The King. And--?
+
+Clara. She said as soon as the court assembled she would take her
+place beside me and stay there till we left the palace.
+
+The King. Is it possible?
+
+Clara. It is _true_.
+
+The King. You have conquered her! I know she could be conquered--
+she has a heart, as well as a head! It is a good omen!--So she
+offered to do _that_! What will our precious nobility have to say
+to that?
+
+Clara. They are about the streets, aren't they?
+
+The King. Ah, then you know?
+
+Clara. I know, too, that there has been rioting outside the club.
+
+The King. You know that too?--and are not afraid?
+
+Clara. Perhaps I might have been--but there is something else that
+I am more afraid of. (Draws closer to the KING.)
+
+The King. What is that?
+
+Clara. You know. (A pause.)
+
+The King. Have you been uneasy about him to-day too?
+
+Clara. All day--incessantly. Something must have happened.
+
+The King. Well, now I can tell you where he is.
+
+Clara (eagerly). At last! Have you found him?
+
+The King. Gran has been to see him.
+
+Clara. Thank God! Is it far from here?
+
+The King. This evening, immediately after the court, you and I
+will both start for there in a special train. We shall be there
+early to-morrow.
+
+Clara (throwing her arms round his neck). Thanks, thanks! How
+good you are! Thanks! How is he? Is he ill!
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+Clara. I knew it? And implacable?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+Clara. I feel it! (Nestles closer in his arms.)
+
+The King. Are you afraid?
+
+Clara. Yes!
+
+The King. Dear, when you see him perhaps your fear will go.
+
+Clara. Yes, only let me see him! Whatever he says, let me see him!
+
+The King. Within twelve hours from now you shall! And I shall be
+with you.
+
+Clara. The finest thing about you is your kindness. Oh, I am so
+glad you have come! I could not endure my fears any longer.
+
+The King. There are dissensions going on about you!
+
+Clara. Oh!--(Nestles in his arms again.)
+
+The King. Bear up!--It will soon be over.
+
+Clara. I believe it will. Yes, I know it will.--Let me walk about a
+little! (The KING walks up and down with her.)
+
+The King. And turn our thoughts to something else! Do you know
+where I have come from?
+
+Clara. Where?
+
+The King. From our little house in the park.
+
+Clara. Why, we drove past it yesterday!
+
+The King. You will feel only _one_ person's presence there!
+Wherever you go, you will be surrounded by the thoughts I have had
+of you there. If you look out of the window, or go out on to the
+balcony--on every rock, by each turn of the stream--on the lawns,
+under the trees, among the bushes--everywhere you will find a
+thousand thoughts of you hidden. Breathe the words "my darling
+girl," and they will all come clustering round you!--Let us sit
+down.
+
+Clara. It is all like a fairy tale.
+
+The King. And I am the latest fairy prince! (He sits down and draws
+her on to his knee.) And you are the little maid who comes, led by
+good fairies, to the enchanted castle to wake him. He has been kept
+asleep by wicked spells for many, many years.
+
+Clara. For many, many years!
+
+The King. I am not really _I_, nor you _you_. The monarch was
+bewitched long ago. He was turned into a wild beast who gave reign
+to his passion by night and slept by day. And now the maiden of
+humble degree has become a woman and freed him from the spells.
+
+Clara. Really! Ah, you are so clever at inventing things to cheat
+my fears away from me. And you always succeed. But after all, you
+know, I have no strength and no courage; I am so weak.
+
+The King. You have more strength than I!--more than any one I
+have ever known.
+
+Clara. No, don't say that; but--you may be sure of this!--if I did
+not feel that I had _some_ strength I would never try to throw in
+my lot with yours.
+
+The King. I will explain to you what you are! Some people are
+tremendously more spiritual, more delicately constituted than
+others; and they are a hundred times more sensitive. And they
+fancy that is weakness. But it is just they who draw their strength
+from _deeper_ sources, through a thousand imperceptible channels.
+You will often find them with heads erect and valiant when others
+have gone under; they merely bend before the storm, with supple
+strength, when others break under it. You are like that!
+
+Clara. You are very ingenious when you start explaining me!
+
+The King. Well, listen to this! At the time when I was behaving so
+badly to you, your terror, every time I approached you, was so
+piteous that it was always before my eyes and rang in my ears
+like a cry of agony from a wounded heart. It is true! It filled me
+with terror, too. Do you call that weakness, to feel things so
+intensely that another person is influenced by your feelings
+against his will?
+
+Clara. No.
+
+The King. And then, when I found you again--the way you listened to
+me--
+
+Clara (stopping him with a kiss). Don't let us talk about it now!
+
+The King. What shall we talk about, then? It is a little too early
+to start yet.--Ah, I have it! We will talk about the impression you
+will make this evening when you come forward through the brightly
+lit rooms, radiant against the background of ugly calumny! That was
+prettily put, wasn't it? "Is _that_ she?" they will think. And then
+something will come into their eyes that will cheat them into
+thinking that pearls and gold are strewn over your hair, over your
+dress, over your--
+
+Clara (putting her hand over his mouth). No, no, no! Now I am
+going to tell you a little story!
+
+The King. Tell away!
+
+Clara. When I was a child, I saw a balloon being filled one day,
+and there was a horrible smell from the gas. Afterwards, when I
+saw the gleaming balloon rising in the air, I thought to myself:
+"Ah, that horrid smell was something burning; they had to burn it
+for the balloon to be able to rise." And after that, every time I
+heard anything horrid said about my father, I felt as if something
+was burning inside me, and I thought of the balloon and imagined I
+could smell the smell. And then all at once I imagined I saw it
+rising; the horrid part was burnt, and it was able to mount aloft!
+I assure you that balloon was a good genius to me. And now, years
+afterwards, when I have been a target for calumny myself--and
+you for my sake--I have felt just the same thing. Every word has
+burned; but I have got over it in a moment, and risen high, high
+above it all! I never seem to breathe so pure an atmosphere as a
+little while after something cruel has been said of me.
+
+The King. I shall certainly set to work and abuse you at once, if
+it has such delightful results! I will begin with a selection from
+to-day's papers: "You Aspasia! You Messalina! You Pompadour! You
+Phylloxera, that are eating into our whole moral vine-crop! You
+blue-eyed curse of the country, that are causing panics in the
+money-market, overthrowing ministries, and upsetting all
+calculations in the elections! You mischievous hobgoblin, who are
+pouring gall into the printers' ink and poison into the people's
+coffee, filling all the old ladies' heads with buzzing flies, and
+the King's Majesty with a million lover's follies!" Do you know
+that, besides all the harm you are doing to-day, you are hastening
+a revolution by ten years? You are! And no one can be sure whether
+you haven't been pursuing the same wicked courses for the last
+hundred years or more! All our royal and noble ancestors are
+turning in their graves because of you! And if our deceased queens
+have any noses left--
+
+Clara (interrupting him). The Baroness! (They get up. The BARONESS
+comes in wearing a cloak over her court dress and carrying CLARA'S
+cloak over her arm.)
+
+Baroness. I must take the liberty of disturbing you. Time is up!
+
+The King. We have been killing it by talking nonsense.
+
+Baroness. And that has put you in a good humour?
+
+The King (taking his hat). In the best of humours! Here, my darling
+(fastens CLARA'S cloak about her shoulders), here is the last
+scandalous bit of concealment for you! When we take it off again,
+you shall stand radiant in the light of your own truth. Come!
+(Gives her his arm, and they go trippingly up to the back of the
+room. Suddenly the phantom of an emaciated figure leaning on
+crutches appears in their path, staring at them. His hair and
+beard are in wild disorder, and blood is pouring from his mouth.
+CLARA gives a terrified scream.)
+
+The King. In Heaven's name, what is it?
+
+Clara. My father!
+
+The King. Where? (To the BARONESS.) Go and see! (The BARONESS
+opens the doors at the back and looks out).
+
+Baroness. I can see no one.
+
+The King. Look down the corridor!
+
+Baroness. No--no one there, either! (CLARA has sunk lifelessly into
+the KING'S arms. After one or two spasmodic twitchings of her
+hands, her arms slip away from him and her head falls back.)
+
+The King. Help, help!
+
+The Baroness (rushing to him with a shriek). Clara!
+
+Curtain.
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+(SCENE.--A room in GRAN's house; the same as in Act I, Scene II.
+GRAN is standing at his desk on the right. FLINK comes in carrying
+a pistol-case, which he puts down upon the table.)
+
+Gran. You?
+
+Flink. As you see. (Walks up and down for a little without
+speaking.)
+
+Gran. I haven't seen you since the day the King was here.
+
+Flink. No.--Have you taken your holidays?
+
+Gran. Yes; but, anyway, I am likely to have perpetual holidays
+now! The elections are going against us.
+
+Flink (walking about). So I hear. The clerical party and the
+reactionaries are winning.
+
+Gran. That would not have been so, but for her unhappy death--.
+(Breaks off, and sighs.)
+
+Flink. A judgment from heaven--that is what the parsons say, and
+the women, and the reactionaries--
+
+Gran. --and the landlords. And they really believe it.
+
+Flink (stopping). Well, don't you believe it?
+
+Gran (after a pause). At all events I interpret it differently from--
+
+Flink. --from the parson? Naturally. But can any one doubt the fact
+that it was the finger of fate?
+
+Gran. Then fate assumed her father's shape?
+
+Flink. Whether her father appeared to her at the moment of his
+death or not (shrugs his shoulders) is a matter in which I am not
+interested. I don't believe in such things. But that she was
+suffering pangs of conscience, I do believe. I believe it may have
+brought painful visions before her eyes.
+
+Gran. I knew her pretty well, and I will answer for it she had no
+guilty conscience. She was approaching her task with enthusiasm.
+Any one that knew her will tell you the same. With her the King was
+first and foremost.
+
+Flink. What did she die of, then? Of enthusiasm?
+
+Gran. Of being overwrought by the force of her emotions. Her task
+was too great for her. The time was not ripe for it. (Sadly.) Our
+experiment was bound to fail.
+
+Flink. You condemn it when you say that!--But with her last breath
+she called out: "My father!" And, just at that moment, he died,
+fifty miles away from her. Either she _saw_ him, or she _imagined_
+she saw him, standing before her. But his bloodstained, maltreated,
+crippled form standing in the way of her criminal advance towards
+the throne--is that not a symbol of maltreated humanity revolting
+against monarchy at the very moment when monarchy wishes to atone!
+Its guilt through thousands of years is too black. Fate is
+inflexible.
+
+Gran. But with what result? Are we rid of monarchy yet?
+
+Flink. We are rid of that treacherous attempt to reconcile it with
+modern conditions. Thank God it emerges, hand in glove with the
+parsons and reactionaries, none the worse for its temporary
+eclipse.
+
+Gran. So everything is all right, I suppose?
+
+Flink. For the moment--yes. But there used to exist here a strong
+republican party, which enjoyed universal respect, and was making
+extraordinary progress. Where is it now?
+
+Gran. I knew that was why you came.
+
+Flink. I have come to call you to account.
+
+Gran. If I had been in your place I would not have acted so,
+towards a defeated and wounded friend.
+
+Flink. The republican party has often been defeated--but never
+despised till now. Who is to blame for that?
+
+Gran. None of us ever think we deserve contempt.
+
+Flink. A traitor always deserves it.
+
+Gran. It is but a step from the present state of things to a
+republic; and we shall have to take that step in the end.
+
+Flink. But at least we can do so without treachery.
+
+Gran. I honestly believe that what we did was right. It may have
+miscarried the first time, and may miscarry a second and a third;
+but it is the only possible solution.
+
+Flink. You pronounced your doom in those words.
+
+Gran (more attentively). What do you mean by that?
+
+Flink. We must make sure that such an attempt will not be made
+again.
+
+Gran. So that is it.--I begin to understand you now.
+
+Flink. The republican party is broken up. For a generation it will
+be annihilated by contempt. But a community without a republican
+party must be one without ideals and without any aspirations
+towards truth in its political life--and in other respects as well!
+That is what you are responsible for.
+
+Gran. You pay me too great a compliment.
+
+Flink. By no means! Your reputation, your personal qualities and
+associations are what have seduced them.
+
+Gran. Listen to me for a moment! You used to overrate me in the
+hopes you had of me. You are overrating me now in your censure. You
+are overrating the effects of our failure--you never seem to be
+able to do anything but overshoot your mark. For that reason you
+are a danger to your friends. You lure them on. When things go well
+you lure them on to excess of activity; when things go ill, you
+turn their despondency into despair. Your inordinate enthusiasm
+obscures your wits. _You_ are not called upon to sit in judgment
+upon any one; because you draw the pure truths that lie hidden in
+your soul into such a frenzied vortex of strife that you lose sight
+of them; and then they have so little of truth left in them that in
+your hands they can be answerable for crimes.
+
+Flink. Oh, spare me your dialectics!--because any skill you have in
+them, _I_ taught you! You cannot excuse your own sins by running
+over the list of mine; that is the only answer I have to make to
+you! I don't stand before you as the embodiment of truth; I am no
+braggart. No; but simply as one who has loved you deeply and now is
+as deeply offended by you, I ask this question of your conscience:
+What have you done with the love we had for one another? Where is
+the sacred cause we both used to uphold? Where is our honour--our
+friends--our future?
+
+Gran. I feel respect for your sorrow. Can you not feel any for
+mine? Or do you suppose that I am not suffering?
+
+Flink. You cannot act as you have done without bringing unhappiness
+upon yourself. But there are others to be considered besides you,
+and we have the right to call you to account. Answer me!
+
+Gran. And is it really you--you, my old friend--that propose to do
+that?
+
+Flink. God knows I would sooner some one else did it! But none can
+do it so fitly as I--because no one else has loved you as I have. I
+expected too much of you, you say? The only thing I wanted of you
+was that you should be faithful! I had so often been disappointed;
+but in you and your quiet strength I thought I had splendid
+security that, as long as you lived, our cause would bear itself
+proudly and confidently. It was your prestige that brought it into
+being; your wealth that supported it. It did not cry aloud for the
+blood of martyrs!--You were the happiness of my life; my soul
+renewed its strength from yours.
+
+Gran. Old friend--!
+
+Flink. I was old, and you were young! Your nature was a harmonious
+whole--it was what I needed to lean upon.
+
+Gran. Flink, my dear old friend--!
+
+Flink. And now, here you stand--a broken man, and our whole cause
+broken with you; all our lives broken--at least mine is--
+
+Gran. Don't say that!
+
+Flink. You have destroyed my faith in mankind--and in myself, for I
+see what a mistake I made; but it will be the last I shall make! I
+took you to my heart of hearts--and now, the only thing I can do is
+to call you to account!
+
+Gran. What do you want me to do? Tell me!
+
+Flink. We must stand face to face--armed! You must die! (A pause.)
+
+Gran (without seeming greatly surprised). Of the two of us, it will
+go hardest with you, old friend.
+
+Flink. You think your aim will be the surer of the two? (Goes
+towards the table.)
+
+Gran. I was not thinking of that--but of what your life would be
+afterwards. I know you.
+
+Flink (opening the pistol-case). You need not be anxious! My life
+afterwards will not be a long one. What you have done has robbed me
+of anything to live for in this generation, and I don't aspire to
+live till the next. So it is all over and done with! (Takes up the
+pistols.)
+
+Gran. Do you mean _here_--?
+
+Flink. Why not? We are alone here.
+
+Gran. The King is asleep in the next room. (Points to the door near
+his desk.)
+
+Flink. The King here?
+
+Gran. He came here to-night.
+
+Flink. Well, it will wake him up; he will have to wake up some
+time, any way.
+
+Gran. It would be horrible! No!
+
+Flink. Indeed? It is for his sake you have betrayed me. You did
+that as soon as ever you met him again. He has bewitched you. Let
+him hear and see what he has done! (Holds out the pistols.) Here!
+
+Gran. Wait. What you have just said brings a doubt into my mind. Is
+not revenge, after all, the motive for what you are doing?
+
+Flink. Revenge?
+
+Gran. Yes. Don't misunderstand me; I am not trying to shuffle out
+of it. If I were free to choose, I would choose death rather than
+anything else. The King knows that, too. But I ask because there
+ought to be some serious reason for anything that may happen. I am
+not going to stand up and face a sentiment of revenge that is so
+ill-grounded.
+
+Flink (laying the pistols down). I hate the man who has led you
+astray--that is true. When I was giving you the reasons why I took
+upon myself the task of calling you to account, perhaps I forgot
+that. I hate him. But the instrument that carries out a sentence is
+one thing; the sentence itself is quite another. You arc sentenced
+to death because you have betrayed our cause--and because you say
+that you were right to do so. The world shall learn what that
+costs. It costs a man's life.
+
+Gran. So be it!
+
+Flink. The pistols are loaded. I loaded them myself. I imagine that
+you still have trust in my honour?
+
+Gran (with a smile). Indeed I have.
+
+Flink. One of them has a blank cartridge in it; the other is fully
+loaded. Choose!
+
+Gran. But what do you mean? Suppose I were to--?
+
+Flink. Don't be afraid! Heaven will decide! _You_ will not choose
+the fully loaded one!--We shall stand face to face.
+
+Gran. You are settling everything--the sentence, the challenge, the
+choice of weapons, the regulations for the duel--!
+
+Flink. Are you dissatisfied with that?
+
+Gran. By no means! You are quite welcome! We are to have no
+seconds? So be it. But the place?
+
+Flink. The place? Here!
+
+Gran. Horrible!
+
+Flink. Why? (Holds out the two pistols to him. The door to the left
+is opened softly. ANNA looks in, sees what is going on, and rushes
+with a pitiful attempt at a scream to GRAN, putting her arms round
+him protectingly, and caressing him with every sign of the utmost
+terror.)
+
+Gran (bending down and kissing her). She is right! Why should I die
+for the sake of dull theories, when I can hold life in my arms as I
+do now? A man who is loved has something left, after all. I won't
+die!
+
+Flink. If you were not loved, my friend, you might be allowed to
+live. A cry of sorrow will be heard throughout the land, from the
+King's palace to the meanest hovel, when you have been shot. And
+that is just why I must do it! The louder the cry of sorrow, the
+greater will be the silence afterwards. And in that silence is to
+be found the answer to the question "Why?" The people will not
+allow themselves to be cheated any longer.
+
+Gran. Horrible! I won't do it! (Lifts ANNA in his arms as if she
+were a child.)
+
+Flink (going up to him). It is no mere theory that you are facing.
+Look at me!
+
+Gran. Old friend--_must_ it be?
+
+Flink. It _must_. I have nothing else left to do.
+
+Gran. But not here.
+
+Flink. Since it cannot be here, then come out into the park. (Puts
+the pistols into their case.) You owe me that.
+
+Gran (to ANNA). You must go, my dear!
+
+Flink (putting the pistol-case under his arm). No, let her stay
+here. But you come! (They all three move towards the door. ANNA
+will not let GRAN go, and there is a struggle until he, half
+commanding and half entreating, persuades her to stay behind. The
+two men go out, shutting the door after them. She throws herself
+against the door, but it has been locked on the outside. She sinks
+down to the floor in despair, then gets up, as if struck by a
+sudden idea, rushes into the room on the right, and almost
+immediately re-appears, dragging the KING after her. He is only
+half-dressed and has no shoes on.)
+
+The King. What is it? (A shot is heard.) What is it? (ANNA pulls
+him to the door. He tries to open it, but in vain. She rushes to
+the window, with the KING after her. Meanwhile the door is opened
+from outside, and FALBE comes in, evidently overcome with emotion.)
+What is it, Falbe? (ANNA runs out.)
+
+Falbe. His Excellency the Minister of the Interior--
+
+The King. Well, what of him?
+
+Falbe. --has been assassinated!
+
+The King. The Minister of the Interior?--Gran?
+
+Falbe. Yes.
+
+The King. Gran?--What did you say?
+
+Falbe. He has been assassinated!
+
+The King. Gran? Impossible!--Where? Why? I heard his voice only
+just now, here!
+
+Falbe. That fellow shot him--the grey-haired fellow--the republican
+
+The King. Flink? Yes, I heard his voice here too!
+
+Falbe. It was in the park! I saw it myself!
+
+The King. Saw it yourself? Wretch! (Rushes out.)
+
+Falbe. How could I prevent a madman--? (Follows the KING. The door
+stands open, and through it a man is seen running past, calling
+out: "Where?" Others follow him, and amidst the sound of hurrying.
+feet, cries are heard of "Good God!"--"In the park, did you say?"--
+"A doctor! Fetch a doctor!"--"Who did it?"--"That fellow running
+towards the river!"--"After him! After him!"--"Fetch a barrow from
+the works!"--After a while the KING returns alone, looking
+distracted. He stands motionless and silent for some time.)
+
+The King. What a happy smile there was on his face! Just as she
+smiled!--Yes, it must be happiness! (Hides his face in his hands.)
+And he died for me too! My two only--. (Breaks down.) So that is
+the price they have to pay for loving me!--And at once! At once!--
+Of course! Of course! (The sound of the crowd returning is heard,
+and cries of: "This way!"--"Into the blue room!" Women and children
+come streaming in, all in tears, surrounding ANNA and the men that
+are carrying GRAN'S body, and follow them into the room on the
+left. Cries are heard of: "Why should he die?"--"He was so good!"--
+"What had he done to deserve it!"--"He was the best man in the
+world!")
+
+The King. "He was the best man in the world!" Yes. And he died for
+my sake! That means something good of me!--the best possible! Are
+they two together now, I wonder? Oh, let me have a sign!--or is
+that too much to ask? (The crowd come out again, sobbing and
+weeping, and cries are heard of: "He looks so beautiful and
+peaceful!"--"I can't bring myself to believe it!" When they see the
+KING, they hush their voices, and all go out as quietly as they
+can. When they have gone out, the MAYOR's voice is heard asking:
+"Is he in here?" and an answer: "No, in the blue room, over there."
+Then the GENERAL'S voice: "And the murderer escaped?"--An answer:
+"They are looking for him in the river!"--The GENERAL'S voice: "In
+the river? Did he jump into the river?"--The PRIEST's voice:
+"Shocking!" A few moments later the GENERAL with BANG, the MAYOR,
+and the PRIEST come in from the other room. They stop on seeing the
+KING, who is standing at the desk with his back to them, and
+whisper.)
+
+The General. Isn't that the King?
+
+The Others. The King?
+
+The Mayor. Is the King back? He must have come in the night!
+
+Bang. Let me see!--I know him personally.
+
+The General (holding him back). Of course it is the King.
+
+The Mayor. Really?
+
+Bang. I recognise him by his agitation! It is he.
+
+The General. Hush! Let us go quietly out again! (They begin to move
+off.)
+
+The Mayor. He is grieved. Naturally.
+
+Bang. First of all her death; and then this--!
+
+The Priest. It is the judgment of heaven!
+
+The King (turning round). Who is that? What? (Comes forward.) Who
+said that? (They all stop, take off their hats and bow.) Come back!
+(They come back hastily.) Who said: "It is the judgment of heaven"?
+
+The General. Your Majesty must forgive us--we were just taking a
+little stroll; I am here to spend Christmas with my friend Mr.
+Bang, who has a factory here--a branch of his works--and we
+happened to meet the Mayor and the Priest, and we joined company--
+and were strolling along when we heard a shot. A shot. We did not
+think anything more about it till we came nearer here and saw
+people running, and heard a great outcry and disturbance. Great
+disturbance--yes. We stopped, of course, and came to see what it
+was. Came to see what it was, of course. And they told us that the
+Minister of the Interior--
+
+The King. What is all that to me! (The GENERAL bows.) Who said: "It
+is the judgment of heaven"? (No one speaks.) Come, answer me!
+
+The Mayor. It was the Priest--I fancy.
+
+The King (to the PRIEST). Haven't you the courage to tell me so
+yourself?
+
+The General. Probably our reverend friend is unaccustomed to find
+himself in the presence of royalty.
+
+The Priest. It is the first time that--that I have had the honour
+of speaking to your Majesty--I did not feel self-possessed enough,
+for the moment, to--
+
+The King. But you were self-possessed enough when you said it! What
+did you mean by saying it was "the judgment of heaven"?--I am
+asking you what you meant by it.
+
+The Priest. I really don't quite know--it slipped out--
+
+The King. That is a lie! Some one said: "First of all her death,
+and then this." And you said: "It is the judgment of heaven."
+
+The Mayor. That is quite right, your Majesty.
+
+The King. First of all _her_ death? That meant the death of my
+betrothed, didn't it?
+
+Bang and The Priest. Yes, your Majesty.
+
+The King. "And then _this_" meant my friend--my dear friend! (With
+emotion.) Why did heaven condemn these two to death? (A pause.)
+
+The General. It is most regrettable that we should, quite
+involuntarily, have disturbed your Majesty at a moment when your
+Majesty's feelings are, naturally, so overcome--
+
+The King (interrupting him). I asked you why heaven condemned these
+two to death. (To the VICAR.) You are a clergyman; cudgel your
+brains!
+
+The Priest. Well, your Majesty, I was thinking that--I meant that--
+that heaven had in a miraculous way checked your Majesty--
+
+The General. "Ventured to check" would be more suitable, I think.
+
+The Priest. --from continuing in a course which many people thought
+so unfortunate--I mean, so fatal to the nation, and the church; had
+checked your Majesty--
+
+The General (in an undertone). Ventured to check.
+
+The Priest. --by taking away from your Majesty the two persons
+who--the two persons who--in the first place the one who--
+
+The King. The one who--?
+
+The Priest. Who was--
+
+The King. Who was--? A harlot that wanted to sit on the throne?
+
+The Priest. Those are your Majesty's word, not mine. (Wipes his
+forehead.)
+
+The King. Confess that they express what you meant!
+
+The Priest. I confess that I have heard--that people say--that--
+
+The King. Pray to heaven that for a single day your thoughts may
+be as pure as hers were every day. (Bursts into tears. Then says
+impetuously.) How long have you been a clergyman?
+
+The Priest. Fifteen years, your Majesty.
+
+The King. Then you were already ordained at the time when I was
+leading a dissolute life. Why did you never say anything to me
+then?
+
+The Priest. My most gracious King--
+
+The King. God is the only "most gracious King"! Do not speak
+blasphemy!
+
+The Priest. It was not my duty to--
+
+The General. Our friend is not a court chaplain. He has merely a
+parish in the town here--
+
+The Mayor. And his work lies chiefly among the factory hands.
+
+The King. And so it is not your duty to speak the truth to me--but
+to attack my dear dead friends by prating about heaven's judgment
+and repeating vile lies? Is that your duty?
+
+The Mayor. I only had the honour to know one of the--the deceased.
+Your Majesty honoured him with your friendship; the greatest honour
+a subject can enjoy. I should like to say that one would rarely
+find a nobler heart, a loftier mind, or more modest fidelity, than
+his.
+
+The General. I should like, if I may make so bold, to make use of
+the opportunity chance has afforded me of associating myself with
+my sovereign's sorrow, a sorrow for which his whole people must
+feel the deepest respect, but especially those who, in consequence
+of their high position, are more particularly called upon to be the
+pillars of the monarchy; to use this opportunity, I say--and to do
+so, I know, as the representative of many thousands of your
+Majesty's subjects--to voice the sympathy, the unfeigned grief,
+that will be poured forth at the news of this new loss which has
+wrung your Majesty's heart--a loss which will reawaken consternation
+in the country and make it more than ever necessary to take the
+severest possible measures against a party to which nothing is
+sacred, neither the King's person nor the highest dignities of
+office nor the inviolability of the home--a party whose very
+existence depends on sedition and ought no longer to be tolerated,
+but ought, as the enemy of the throne and of society, to be visited
+with all the terrors of the law, until--
+
+The King. What about compassion, my friend?
+
+The General. Compassion?
+
+The King. Not for the republicans--but for me!
+
+The General. It is just the compassion which the whole nation will
+feel for your Majesty that compels me, in spite of everything, to
+invoke the intervention of justice at this particular crisis!
+Terror--
+
+The King. --must be our weapon?
+
+The General. Yes! Can any one imagine a more priceless proof of the
+care that a people have for their King, than for the gravely
+anxious tones of their voice to be heard, at this solemn moment,
+crying: Down with the enemies of the throne!
+
+The King (turning away). No, _I_ haven't thews and sinews for that
+lie!
+
+The Mayor. I must say I altogether agree with the General. The
+feeling of affection, gratitude, esteem--
+
+The General. --the legacy of devotion that your Majesty's ancestors
+of blessed memory--
+
+The King (to the Priest). You, sir--what does my ancestors being
+"of blessed memory" mean?
+
+The Priest (after a moment's thought). It is a respectful manner of
+alluding to them, your Majesty.
+
+The King. A respectful lie, you mean. (A pause. ANNA comes out of
+the room on the left and throws herself at the KING'S feet,
+embracing his knees in despairing sorrow.) Ah, here comes a breath
+of truth!--And you come to me, my child, because you know that we
+two can mourn together. But I do not weep, as you do; because I
+know that for a long time he had been secretly praying for death.
+He has got his wish now. So you must not weep so bitterly. You must
+wish what he wished, you know. Ah, what grief there is in her eyes!
+(Sobs.)
+
+(The GENERAL signs to the others that they should all withdraw
+quietly, without turning round. They gradually do so; but the KING
+looks up and perceives what they are doing.)
+
+The General. Out of respect for your Majesty's grief, we were going
+to--
+
+The King. Silence! With my hand on the head of this poor creature,
+who used to trust so unassumingly and devotedly to his goodness of
+heart, I wish to say something in memory of my friend. (ANNA clings
+to him, weeping. The others come respectfully nearer, and wait.)
+Gran was the richest man in the country. Why was it that he had no
+fear of the people? Why was it that he believed that its salvation
+lay in the overthrow of the present state of affairs?
+
+Bang. Mr. Gran, with all his great qualities, was a visionary.
+
+The King. He had not inherited all of his vast fortune; he had
+amassed a great part of it himself.
+
+Bang. As a man of business, Mr. Gran was beyond all praise.
+
+The King. And yet a visionary? The two things are absolutely
+contradictory.--You once called me "the padlock on your cash-box."
+
+Bang. I allowed myself, with all respect, to make that jest--which,
+nevertheless, was nothing but the serious truth!
+
+The King. Why did he, who has met his death, consider that the
+security for _his_ cash-box came from those _below_ him, as long as
+he did what was right, and not from those above him? Because he
+understood the times. No question of selfishness stood in the way
+of his doing that.--That is my funeral oration over him!--(To
+ANNA.) Get up, my dear! Did you understand what I was saying? Do
+not weep so! (She clings to him, sobbing.)
+
+The Priest. He was a very great man! When your Majesty speaks so, I
+fully recognise it. But your Majesty may be certain that, though we
+may not have been so fortunate as to see so far ahead and so
+clearly--though our mental horizon may be narrow--we are none the
+less loyal to your Majesty for that, nor less devoted! It is our
+duty as subjects to say so, although your Majesty in your heaviness
+of heart seems to forget it-seems to forget that we, too, look for
+everything from your Majesty's favour, wisdom and justice.
+(Perspires freely.)
+
+The King. It is very strange! My dear friend never said anything
+like that to me. (A pause.) He had the most prosperous business in
+the country. When I came to him and asked him to abandon it, he did
+so at once. And in the end he died for me. That is the sort of man
+he was. (To ANNA.) Go in to him, my dear! You are the very picture
+of dumb loyalty. Although I do not deserve to have such as you to
+watch by my side, still, for the sake of him who is dead, I shall
+have you to do so when I too--. (Breaks off.) Yes, yes, go in there
+now! I shall come. Do you understand? I shall come. (ANNA moves
+towards the other room.) There, that's it! (He repeats his words to
+her every time she looks back as she goes.) Yes, directly!--That's
+it!--In a very little while! Go now!
+
+Bang. Excuse me, your Majesty, but it is terribly hot in here, and
+the affection of my heart which troubles me is attacking me
+painfully. Will your Majesty be pleased to allow me to withdraw?
+
+The Mayor. With all respect, I should like to be allowed to make
+the same request. Your Majesty is obviously very much upset, and I
+am sure we are all unwilling that our presence--which, indeed, was
+unintentional and unsought by us--should augment a distress of mind
+which is so natural in one of your Majesty's noble disposition, and
+so inevitable considering the deep sense of gratitude your Majesty
+must feel towards a friend who--
+
+The King (interrupting him). Hush, hush! Let us have a little
+respect for the truth in the presence of the dead! Do not
+misunderstand me--I do not mean to say that any of you would lie
+wilfully; but the atmosphere that surrounds a king is infected.
+And, as regards that--just a word or two. I have only a short time.
+But as a farewell message from me--
+
+The Priest. A farewell message?
+
+The King. --give my greeting to what is called Christianity in this
+country. Greet it from me! I have been thinking a great deal about
+Christian folk lately.
+
+The Priest. I am glad to hear it!
+
+The King. Your tone jars on me! Greet those who call themselves
+Christians--. Oh! come, come--don't crane your necks and bend your
+backs like that, as if the most precious words of wisdom were about
+to drop from my lips! (To himself.) Is it any use my saying
+anything serious to them? (Aloud.) I suppose you are Christians?
+
+The General. Why, of course! Faith is invaluable--
+
+The King. --in preserving discipline? (To the Mayor.) How about
+you?
+
+The Mayor. I was taught by my parents, of blessed memory--
+
+The King. Oh, so they are "of blessed memory" too, are they? Well,
+what did they teach you?
+
+The Mayor. To fear God, honour the King--
+
+The King. --and love the brotherhood! You are a public official,
+Mr. Mayor. That is what a Christian is, nowadays. (To BANG.) And
+you?
+
+Bang. Of late I have been able to go so little to church, because
+of my cough. And in that unwholesome atmosphere--
+
+The King. --you go to sleep. But you are a Christian?
+
+Bang. Undoubtedly!
+
+The King (to the Priest). And you are one, of course?
+
+The Priest. By the grace of God I hope so!
+
+The King (snapping his fingers). Yes, that is the regulation
+formula, my good fellow! You all answer by the card! Very well,
+then--you are a community of Christians; and it is not my fault if
+such a community refuses to take any serious interest in what
+really affects Christianity. Tell it from me that it ought to keep
+an eye on the monarchy.
+
+The Priest. Christianity has nothing to do with such things. It
+concerns only the souls of men!
+
+The King (aside). That voice. (Aloud.) I know--it does not concern
+itself with the air a patient breathes, but only with his lungs!
+Excellent!--All the same, Christianity ought to keep an eye on the
+monarchy. Ought to tear the falsehood away from it! Ought not to go
+in crowds to stare at a coronation in a church, like apes grinning
+at a peacock! I know what I felt at that moment. I had rehearsed it
+all once that morning already--ha, ha! Ask your Christianity if it
+may not be about time for it to interest itself a little in the
+monarchy? It seems to me that it scarcely ought any longer to allow
+monarchy, like a seductive harlot, to keep militarism before the
+people's eyes as an ideal--seeing that that is exactly contrary to
+the teachings of Christianity, or to encourage class divisions,
+luxury, hypocrisy and vanity. Monarchy has become so all-pervading
+a lie that it infects even the most upright of men.
+
+The Mayor. But I don't understand, your Majesty!
+
+The King. Don't you? You are an upright man yourself, Mr. Mayor--a
+most worthy man.
+
+The Mayor. I do not know whether your Majesty is pleased to jest
+again?
+
+The King. In sober earnest, I say you are one of the most upright
+of men.
+
+The Mayor. I cannot tell your Majesty how flattered I am to hear
+your Majesty say so!
+
+The King. Have you any decorations?
+
+The Mayor. Your Majesty's government has not, so far, deigned to
+cast their eyes on me.
+
+The King. That fault will be repaired. Be sure of that!
+
+The General (to the Mayor). To have that from his Majesty's own
+mouth is equivalent to seeing it gazetted. I am fortunate to be
+able to be the first to congratulate you!
+
+Bang. Allow me to congratulate you also!
+
+The Priest. And me too! I have had the honour of working hand in
+hand with you, Mr. Mayor, for many years; I know how well deserved
+such a distinction is.
+
+The Mayor. I feel quite overcome; but I must beg to be allowed to
+lay my thanks at your Majesty's feet. I trust I shall not prove
+unworthy of the distinction. One hesitates to make such
+confessions--but I am a candid man, and I admit that one of the
+chief aims of my ambition has been to be allowed some day to
+participate in--
+
+The King (interrupting him). --in this falsehood. That just points
+my moral. As long as even upright men's thoughts run in that mould,
+Christianity cannot pretend to have any real hold on the nation. As
+for your decoration, you are quite sure to get one from my
+successor.--In a word, Christianity must tackle monarchy! And if it
+cannot tear the falsehood from it without destroying it, then let
+it destroy it!
+
+The General. Your Majesty!
+
+The King (turning to him). The same thing applies to a standing
+army, which is a creation of monarchy's. I do not believe that
+such an institution--with all its temptations to power, all its
+inevitable vices and habits--could be tolerated if Christianity
+were a living thing. Away with it!
+
+The Priest. Really, your Majesty--!
+
+The King (turning to him). The same applies to an established
+church--another of monarchy's creations! If we had in our country a
+Christianity worth the name, that salvation trade would stink in
+men's nostrils. Away with it!
+
+The Mayor (reproachfully). Oh, your Majesty!
+
+The King (turning on him). The same applies to the artificial
+disparity of circumstances that you prate about with tears in
+your eyes! I heard you once. Class distinctions are fostered by
+monarchy.
+
+Bang. But equality is an impossibility!
+
+The King. If _you_ would only make it possible--which it can be
+made--even the socialists would cease to clamour for anything
+else. I tell you this: Christianity has destroyed ideals.
+Christianity lives on dogmas and formulas, instead of on ideals.
+
+The Priest. Its ideals lead us away from earth to heaven--
+
+The King. Not in a balloon, even if it were stuffed full of all the
+pages of the Bible! Christianity's ideals will lead to heaven only
+when they are realised on earth--never before.
+
+The Priest. May I venture to say that Christianity's ideal is a
+pious life.
+
+The King. Yes. But does not Christianity aim at more than that,
+or is it going to be content with making some few believers?
+
+The Priest. It is written: "Few are chosen."
+
+The King. Then it has given up the job in advance?
+
+The Mayor. I think our friend is right, that Christianity has never
+occupied itself with such things as your Majesty demands of it.
+
+The King. But what I mean is, could it not bring itself to do so?
+
+The Priest. If it did, it would lose sight of its _inner_ aim. The
+earliest communities are the model for a Christian people!
+
+The King (turning away from him). Oh, have any model you like, so
+long as it leads to something!
+
+The General. I must say I am astonished at the penetration your
+Majesty slows even into the deepest subjects.
+
+Bang. Yes, I have never heard anything like it! I have not had the
+advantage of a university education, so I don't really understand
+it.
+
+The King. And to think that I imagined that I should find my
+allies, my followers, in Christian people! One is so reluctant to
+give up _all_ hope! I thought that a Christian nation would storm
+the strongholds of lies in our modern, so-called Christian
+communities--storm them, capture them!--and begin with monarchy,
+because that would need most courage, and because its falsehood
+lies deepest and goes farthest. I thought that Christianity would
+one day prove to be the salt of the earth. No, do _not_ greet
+Christianity from me. I have said nothing, and do not mean it. I am
+what men call a betrayed man--betrayed by all the most ideal powers
+of life. There! Now I have done!
+
+The General. But what does your Majesty mean? Betrayed? By whom?
+Who are the traitors? Really--!
+
+The King. Pooh! Think it over!--As a matter of fact I am the only
+one that has been foolish.
+
+Bang. Your Majesty, just now you were so full of vigour--!
+
+The King. Don't let that astonish you, my friend! I am a mixture of
+enthusiasm and world-weariness; the scion of a decrepit race is not
+likely to be any better than that, you know! And as for being a
+reformer--! Ha, ha! Well, I thank you all for having listened to me
+so patiently. Whatever I said had no significance--except perhaps
+that, like the oysters, I had to open my shell before I died.--
+Good-bye!
+
+The General. I really cannot find it in my heart to leave your
+Majesty when your Majesty is in so despondent a humour.
+
+The King. I am afraid you will have to try, my gallant friend!--
+Don't look so dejected, Mr. Mayor!--Suppose some day serious-minded
+men should feel just as humiliated at such falsehoods existing as
+you do now because you have not been allowed to participate in
+them. I might perhaps be able to endure being king then! But as
+things are now, I am not strong enough for the job. I feel as if I
+had been shouldered out of actual life on to this strip of carpet
+that I am standing on! That is what my attempts at reform have
+ended in!
+
+The Mayor. May I be allowed to say that the impression made on my
+mind by the somewhat painful scene we have just gone through is
+that your Majesty is overwrought.
+
+The King. Mad, you mean?
+
+The Mayor. God forbid I should use such a word of my King!
+
+The King. Always punctilious!--Well, judging by the fact that every
+one else considers themselves sane, I must undoubtedly be the mad
+one. It is as simple as a sum in arithmetic.--And, in all
+conscience, isn't it madness, when all is said and done, to take
+such trifles so much to heart?--to bother about a few miserable
+superannuated forms that are not of the slightest importance?--a
+few venerable, harmless prejudices?--a few foolish social customs
+and other trumpery affairs of that sort?
+
+The General. Quite so!
+
+The Mayor. Your Majesty is absolutely right!
+
+Bang. I quite agree!
+
+The Priest. It is exactly what I have been thinking all the time.
+
+The King. And probably we had better add to the list certain
+extravagant ideas--perhaps even certain dangerous ideas, like mine
+about Christianity?
+
+The Priest (hastily and impressively). Your Majesty is mistaken
+on the subject of Christianity.
+
+The Mayor. Christianity is entirely a personal matter, your
+Majesty.
+
+The General. Your Majesty expects too much of it. Now, as a comfort
+for the dying--!
+
+The King. And a powerful instrument of discipline.
+
+The General (smiling). Ah, your Majesty!
+
+Bang (confidentially). Christianity is no longer such a serious
+matter nowadays, except for certain persons--. (Glances at the
+PRIEST.)
+
+The King. All I have to say on the head of such unanimous approval
+is this: that in such a shallow society, where there is no
+particular distinction between lies and truth, because most things
+are mere forms without any deeper meaning--where ideals are
+considered to be extravagant, dangerous things--it is not so _very_
+amusing to be alive.
+
+The General. Oh, your Majesty! Really, you--! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+The King. Don't you agree with me?--Ah, if only one could grapple
+with it!--but we should need to be many to do that, and better
+equipped than I am.
+
+The General. Better equipped than your Majesty? Your Majesty is the
+most gifted man in the whole country!
+
+All. Yes!
+
+The General. Yes--your Majesty must excuse me--I spoke
+involuntarily!
+
+The Mayor. There was a tone running through all your Majesty said
+that seemed to suggest that your Majesty was contemplating--.
+(Breaks off.)
+
+The King. --going away? Yes.
+
+All. Going away?
+
+The General. And abdicating? For heaven's sake, your Majesty--!
+
+Bang. That would mean handing us over to the crown prince--the
+pietist!
+
+The Priest (betraying his pleasure in spite of himself). And his
+mother!
+
+The King. You are pleased at the idea, parson! It will be a sight
+to see her and her son prancing along, with all of you in your best
+clothes following them! Hurrah!
+
+The General. Ha, ha, ha! Ho, ho, ho!
+
+Bang. Ha-ha-ha! (Coughs.) I get such a cough when I laugh.
+
+The King (seriously). I had no intention of provoking laughter in
+the presence of death. I can hear the sounds of mourning through
+the open door.
+
+The Mayor. With all due respect to the church--the vast majority of
+the nation have no desire for things to come to _that_--to the
+accession of a pietist to the throne. If your Majesty threatens to
+abdicate you will have us all at your feet.
+
+The General (with decision). The accession of a new king just now
+would be universally considered a national calamity. I will wager
+my life on that!
+
+Bang. And I too!
+
+The King. My excellent friends--you must take the consequences of
+your actions!
+
+The Mayor (despairingly). But _this_! Who ever imagined such a
+thing?
+
+The General and Bang. No one--no one!
+
+The King. So much the worse. What is it you are asking me to do? To
+stay where I am, so as to keep another man down? Is that work for a
+man? Shame!
+
+The Mayor (in distress). We ask more than that! Your Majesty is
+making a fatal mistake! The whole of your Majesty's dissatisfaction
+springs from the fact that you believe yourself to be deserted by
+your people because the elections are going contrary to what your
+Majesty had hoped. Nothing is further from the truth! The people
+fight shy of revolutionary ideas; but they love their King!
+
+Bang. They love their King!
+
+The King. And that white dove, who came confidently to my hand--she
+had some experience of what their love was!
+
+The Mayor. The King's associates may displease the people; ideas
+may alter; but love for their King endures!
+
+The Others. Endures!
+
+The King. Cease! Cease!
+
+The General (warmly). Your Majesty may command us to do anything
+except refrain from giving utterance to a free people's freely
+offered homage of devotion, loyalty, and love for its royal house!
+
+The Mayor (emotionally). There is no one who would not give his
+life for his King!
+
+Bang, The General, and The Priest. No one!
+
+The General. Try us! (They all press forward.)
+
+The King. Done with you! (Takes a revolver from his pocket.) Since
+yesterday I have carried this little thing in my pocket. (They all
+look alarmed.)
+
+The Priest. Merciful heavens!
+
+The King (holding out the revolver to him). Will you die for me? If
+so, I will continue to be King.
+
+The Priest. I? What does your Majesty mean? It would be a great
+sin!
+
+The King. You love me, I suppose?
+
+All (desperately). Yes, your Majesty!
+
+The King. Those who love, believe. Therefore, believe me when I say
+this: If there is a single one of you who, without thinking twice
+about it, will die for his King now--here--at once--then I shall
+consider that as a command laid upon me to go on living and
+working.
+
+The Mayor (in a terrified whisper). He is insane!
+
+The General (whispers). Yes!
+
+The King. I can hear you!--But I suppose you love your King, even
+if he is insane?
+
+All (in agitated tones). Yes, your Majesty!
+
+The King. Majesty, majesty! There is only One who has any majesty
+about Him--certainly not a madman! But if I have been driven mad by
+the lies that surround me, it would be a holy deed to make me sound
+again. You said you would die for me. Redeem your words! That will
+make me well again!--You, General?
+
+The General. My beloved King, it would be--as our reverend friend
+so aptly put it--a most dreadful sin.
+
+The King. You have let slip a splendid opportunity for showing your
+heroism.--You ought to have seen that I was only putting you to the
+test!--Good-bye! (Goes into the room on the left.)
+
+The General. Absolutely insane!
+
+The Others. Absolutely.
+
+The Mayor. Such great abilities, too! What might not have been made
+of him!
+
+Bang. The pity of it!
+
+The Priest. I got so alarmed.
+
+Bang. So did I! (A loud pistol-shot is heard.)
+
+The Priest. Another shot? (A pitiful woman's cry is heard from the
+other room.)
+
+The Mayor. What on earth was that?
+
+Bang. I daren't think!
+
+The Priest. Nor I! (An old woman rushes out of the room on the
+left, calling out: "Help!--Help!--The King!" and hurries out at the
+back, calling: "The King! Help, help!" The GENERAL and the MAYOR
+rush into the other room. Voices are heard outside asking: "The
+King?--Was it the King?" The confusion and uproar grows. In the
+midst of it ANNA comes stumbling out of the other room, her hands
+stretched out before her, as if she did not know where she was
+going. The noise and confusion grows louder every minute, and
+crowds of people come rushing into the room from outside as the
+Curtain falls.)
+
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, THREE DRAMAS ***
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Three Dramas, by Bjornstjerne M. Bjornson
+
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+Title: Three Dramas
+
+Author: Bjornstjerne M. Bjornson
+
+Release Date: April, 2005  [EBook #7844]
+[This file was first posted on May 22, 2003]
+
+Edition: 10
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO Latin-1
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, THREE DRAMAS ***
+
+
+
+
+Nicole Apostola
+
+
+
+THREE DRAMAS
+
+THE EDITOR--THE BANKRUPT--THE KING
+
+BY BJÖRNSTJERNE BJÖRNSON
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+The three plays here presented were the outcome of a period when
+Björnson's views on many topics were undergoing a drastic revision
+and he was abandoning much of his previous orthodoxy in many
+directions. Two of them were written during, and one immediately
+after, a three years' absence from Norway--years spent almost
+entirely in southern Europe. [Note: Further details respecting
+Björnson's life will be found in the Introduction to Three Comedies
+by Björnson, published in Everyman's Library in 1912.] For nearly
+ten years previous to this voluntary exile, Björnson had been
+immersed in theatrical management and political propagandism. His
+political activities (guided by a more or less pronounced
+republican tendency) centred in an agitation for a truer equality
+between the kingdoms of Sweden and Norway, his point of view being
+that Norway had come to be regarded too much as a mere appanage of
+Sweden. Between that and his manifold and distracting cares as
+theatrical director, he had let imaginative work slide for the time
+being; but his years abroad had a recuperative effect, and, in
+addition, broadened his mental outlook in a remarkable manner.
+Foreign travel, a wider acquaintance with differing types of
+humanity, and, above all, a newly-won acquaintance with the
+contemporary literature of other countries, made a deep impression
+upon Björnson's vigorously receptive mind. He browsed voraciously
+upon the works of foreign writers. Herbert Spencer, Darwin, John
+Stuart Mill, Taine, Max-Müller, formed a portion of his mental
+pabulum at this time--and the result was a significant alteration
+of mental attitude on a number of questions, and a determination to
+make the attempt to embody his theories in dramatic form. He had
+gained all at once, as he wrote to Georg Brandes, the eminent
+Danish critic, "eyes that saw and ears that heard." Up to this time
+the poet in him had been predominant; now it was to be the social
+philosopher that held the reins. Just as Ibsen did, so Björnson
+abandoned historical drama and artificial comedy for an attempt at
+prose drama which should have at all events a serious thesis. In
+this he anticipated Ibsen; for (unless we include the satirical
+political comedy, _The League of Youth_, which was published in
+1869, among Ibsen's "social dramas") Ibsen did not enter the field
+with _Pillars of Society_ [Note: Published in _The Pretenders and
+Two Other Plays_, in Everyman's Library, 1913.] until 1877,
+whereas Björnson's _The Editor_, _The Bankrupt_, and _The King_
+were all published between 1874 and 1877. Intellectual and literary
+life in Denmark had been a good deal stirred and quickened in the
+early seventies, and the influence of that awakening was inevitably
+felt by the more eager spirits in the other Scandinavian countries.
+It is amusing to note, as one Norwegian writer has pointed out,
+that this intellectual upheaval (which, in its turn, was a
+reflection of that taking place in outer Europe) came at a time
+when the bulk of the Scandinavian folk "were congratulating
+themselves that the doubt and ferment of unrest which were
+undermining the foundations of the great communities abroad had not
+had the power to ruffle the placid surface of our good,
+old-fashioned, Scandinavian orthodoxy." Björnson makes several sly
+hits in these plays (as does Ibsen in _Pillars of Society_) at this
+distrust of the opinions and manners of the larger communities
+outside of Scandinavia, notably America, with which the
+Scandinavian countries were more particularly in touch through
+emigration.
+
+Brandes characterises the impelling motive of these three plays as
+a passionate appeal for a higher standard of truth--in journalism,
+in finance, in monarchy: an appeal for less casuistry and more
+honesty. Such a motive was characteristic of the vehement honesty
+of Björnson's own character; he must always, as he says in one of
+his letters, go over to the side of any one whom he believed to
+"hold the truth in his hands."
+
+_The Editor_ (_Redaktören_) was written while Björnson was in
+Florence, and was published at Copenhagen in 1874. It was at first
+not accepted for performance at Christiania or Copenhagen, though
+an unauthorised performance of it was given at one of the lesser
+Christiania theatres in 1875, Meanwhile a Swedish version of it had
+been produced, authoritatively, at Stockholm in February of that
+year. The play eventually made its way on the Norwegian and Danish
+stage; but, before that, it had been seen in German dress at Munich
+and Hamburg. As an inevitable result of his recent activities as a
+political speaker and pamphleteer, Björnson had come in for a good
+deal of vituperation in the press, a fact which no doubt added some
+gall to the ink with which he drew the portrait of the journalist
+in this play. The Stockholm critics, indeed, had condemned _The
+Editor_ as merely a pamphleteering attack on the editor of a
+well-known journal. In answer to this criticism Björnson wrote from
+Rome in March, 1875: "It is said that my play is a pamphleteering
+attack on a certain individual. That is a deliberate lie. I have
+studied the journalist type, which is here represented, in many
+other countries besides my own. The chief characteristic of this
+type is to be actuated by an inordinate egotism that is perpetually
+being inflamed by passion; that makes use of bogeys to frighten
+people, and does this in such a way that, while it makes all its
+honest contemporaries afraid of any freedom of thought, it also
+produces the same result on every single individual by means
+of reckless persecution. As I wished to portray that type, I
+naturally took a good deal of the portrait from the representative
+of the type that I knew best; but, like every artist who wishes to
+produce a complete creation, I had to build it up from separate
+revelations of itself. There can, therefore, be no question of any
+individual being represented in my play except in so far as he may
+partially agree with the type."
+
+However much Björnson may have written _The Editor_ with a
+"purpose," his vivid dramatic sense kept him from becoming merely
+didactic. The little tragedy that takes place amongst this homely
+group of people makes quite a moving play, thanks to the skill with
+which the types are depicted--the bourgeois father and mother, with
+their mixture of timidity and self-interest; the manly,
+straightforward young politician, resolute to carry on the work
+that has sapped his brother's life; the warped, de-humanised nature
+of the journalist; the sturdy common-sense of the yeoman farmer;
+and the doctor, the "family friend," as a sort of mocking chorus.
+Besides its plea for a higher regard for truth, the play also
+attacks the precept, preached by worldly wisdom, that we ought to
+harden our natures to make ourselves invulnerable; a proposition
+which was hateful to one of Björnson's persistently impressionable
+and ingenuous nature. The fact remains, as Brandes grimly admits,
+that "nowadays we have only a very qualified sympathy with public
+characters who succumb to the persecution of the press." Brandes
+sees in the play, besides its obvious motive, an allegory. Halvdan
+Rejn, the weary and dying politician, is (he says) meant for Henrik
+Wergeland, a Norwegian poet-politician who had similar struggles,
+sank under the weight of similar at tacks, died after a long
+illness, and was far higher reputed after his death than during his
+life. In Harald Rejn, with his honest enthusiasm and misjudged
+political endeavours Brandes sees Björnson himself; while the
+yeoman brother, Haakon, seems to him to typify the Norwegian
+people.
+
+_The Bankrupt_ (_En Fallit_: literally _A Bankruptcy_) was partly
+written in Rome, partly in Tyrol, and published at Copenhagen in
+1875. It was a thing entirely new to the Scandinavian stage for a
+dramatist to deal seriously with the tragi-comedy of money, and,
+while making a forcible plea for honesty, to contrive to produce a
+stirring and entertaining play on what might seem so prosaic a
+foundation as business finance. Some of the play's earliest critics
+dismissed it as "dry," "prosaic," "trivial," because of the nature
+of its subject; but it made a speedy success on the boards, and
+very soon became a popular item in the repertories of the
+Christiania, Bergen and Copenhagen theatres. It was actually first
+performed, in a Swedish translation, at Stockholm, a few days
+before it was produced at Christiania. Very soon, too, the play
+reached Berlin, Munich, Vienna, and other German and Austrian
+theatres. It was played in Paris, at the Théâtre Libre in 1894. The
+character of Berent, the lawyer, which became a favourite one with
+the famous Swedish actor Ernst Possart, was admittedly more or less
+of a portrait of a well-known Norwegian lawyer, by name Dunker.
+When Björnson was writing the play, he went to stay for some days
+with Dunker, who was to instruct him as to the legal aspect of
+bankruptcy. Björnson took the opportunity of studying the lawyer as
+well as the law.
+
+_The King_ (_Kongen_) was written at Aulestad, the Norwegian home
+in which Björnson settled after his return from abroad, and was
+published at Copenhagen in 1877. It is perhaps not surprising that
+the play, with its curious blend of poetry and social philosophy,
+and its somewhat exuberant (though always interesting) wordiness,
+was not at first a conspicuous success on the stage; but the
+interest aroused by the published book was enormous. It was widely
+read and vigorously discussed, both in Scandinavia and abroad; and
+while, on the one hand, it brought upon Björnson the most
+scurrilous abuse and the harshest criticism from his political
+opponents, on the other hand a prominent compatriot of his (whose
+opinion was worth having) gave it as his verdict, at a political
+meeting held soon after the play's publication, that "the most
+notable thing that has happened in Norway of late--or at any rate,
+one of the most notable--in my opinion is this last book of
+Björnson's--_The King_."
+
+The idea of a "democratic monarchy"--a kind of reformed
+constitutional monarchy, that should be a half-way house on the
+road to republicanism--was not entirely new; Björnson's success was
+in presenting the problem as seen from the _inside_--that is to
+say, from the king's point of view. His opponents, of course,
+branded him as a red-hot republican, which he was not. In a preface
+he wrote for a later edition of the play, he says that he did not
+intend the play mainly as an argument in favour of republicanism,
+but "to extend the boundaries of free discussion"; but that, at
+the same time, he believed the republic to be the ultimate form of
+government, and all European states to be proceeding at varying
+rates of speed towards it.
+
+_The King_ is composed of curiously incongruous elements. The
+railway meeting in the first act is pure comedy of a kind to
+compare with the meeting in Ibsen's _An Enemy of Society_; the last
+act is melodrama with a large admixture of remarkably interesting
+social philosophy; the intervening acts betray the poet that always
+underlay the dramatist in Björnson. The crudity, again, of the
+melodramatic appearance of the wraith of Clara's father in the
+third act, contrasts strangely with the mature thoughtfulness of
+much of the last act and with the tender charm of what has gone
+before: And--strangest incongruity of all in a play so essentially
+"actual"--there is in the original, between each act, a mysterious
+"mellemspil," or "interlude," in verse, consisting of somewhat
+cryptic dialogues between Genii and Unseen Choirs in the clouds,
+between an "Old Grey Man" and a "Chorus of Tyrants" in a desolate
+scene of snow and ice, between Choruses of Men, Women, and Children
+in a sylvan landscape, and so forth--their utterances being of the
+nature of the obscurest choruses in the Greek dramatists, but for
+the most part with a less obvious relevance to the play itself.
+Such a device leads the present-day reader's thoughts inevitably to
+the use made of the "unseen chorus," in a similar way, by Thomas
+Hardy in _The Dynasts_; but Hardy's interludes are closely relevant
+to his drama and help it on its way, which Björnson's do not. They
+have been entirely omitted in the present translation, on the
+ground of their complete superfluity as well as from the extreme
+difficulty of retaining their "atmosphere" in translation.
+
+None of the three plays in the present volume have previously been
+translated into English. German, French, and Swedish versions of
+_The Editor_ are extant; German, Swedish, Finnish, French, and
+Hungarian of _The Bankrupt_; French and Spanish of _The King_.
+
+R. FARQUHARSON SHARP.
+
+The following is a list of the works of Björnstjerne Björnson:--
+
+DRAMATIC AND POETIC WORKS.--Mellem Slagene (Between the Battles),
+1857. Halte-Hulda (Lame Hulda), 1858. Kong Sverre (King Sverre),
+1861. Sigurd Slembe (Sigurd the Bastard), 1862; translated by
+W. M. Payne, 1888. Maria Stuart i Skotland, 1864. De Nygifte (The
+Newly-Married Couple), 1865; translated by T. Soelfeldt, 1868; by
+S. and E. Hjerleid, 1870; as A Lesson in Marriage, by G. I.
+Colbron, 1911. Sigurd Jorsalfar (Sigurd the Crusader), 1872.
+Redaktören (The Editor), 1874. En Fallit (A Bankruptcy), 1874.
+Kongen (The King), 1877. Leonarda, 1879. Det ny System (The New
+System), 1879. En Hanske, 1883; translated as A Gauntlet, by
+H. L. Braekstad 1890; by Osman Edwards 1894. Over AEvne (Beyond our
+Strength), Part I., 1883; translated as Pastor Sang, by W. Wilson,
+1893; Part II., 1895. Geografi og Kaerlighed (Geography and Love),
+1885; Paul Lange og Tora Parsberg, 1898; translated by H. L.
+Braekstad, 1899. Laboremus, 1901; translation published by
+Chapman and Hall, 1901. Paa Storhove (At Storhove), 1904;
+Daglannet, 1904; Naar den ny Vin blomstrer (When the Vineyards
+are in Blossom), 1909; The Newly-Married Couple, Leonarda, and A
+Gauntlet, translated by R. Farquharson Sharp (Everyman's Library),
+1912.
+
+Digte og Sange (Poems and Songs), 1870; Arnljot Gelline, 1870.
+
+
+FICTION.--Synnöve Solbakken 1857; translated as Trust and Trial,
+by Mary Howitt, 1858; as Love and Life in Norway, by Hon. Augusta
+Bethell and A. Plesner, 1870; as The Betrothal, in H. and
+A. Zimmern's Half-hours with Foreign Novelists, 1880; also
+translated by Julie Sutter, 1881; by R. B. Anderson, 1881. Arne,
+1858; translated by T. Krag, 1861; by A. Plesner and S. Rugeley-
+Powers, 1866; by R. B. Anderson, 1881; by W. Low (Bohn's Library),
+1890. Smaastykker (Sketches), 1860. En glad Gut, 1860; translated
+as Ovind, by S. and E. Hjerleid 1869; as The Happy Boy, by R. B.
+Anderson, 1881; as The Happy Lad (published by Blackie), 1882.
+Fiskerjenten, 1868 translated as The Fisher Maiden, by M. E. Niles,
+1869; as The Fishing Girl, by A. Plesner and F. Richardson, 1870;
+as The Fishing Girl, by S. and E. Hjerleid, 1871; as The Fisher
+Maiden, by R. B. Anderson, 1882. Brude-Slaatten, 1873; translated
+as The Bridal March, by R. B. Anderson, 1882; by J. E. Williams,
+1893. Fortaellinger (Tales), 1872. Magnhild, 1877; translated by
+R. B. Anderson, 1883. Kaptejn Mansana, 1879; translated as Captain
+Mansana by R. B. Anderson, 1882. Det flager i Byen og paa Havnen
+(Flags are Flying in Town and Port), 1884; translated as The
+Heritage of the Kurts, by C Fairfax 1892. Paa Guds Veje, 1889;
+translated as In God's Way, by E. Carmichael, 1890. Nye Fortaellinger
+(New Tales), 1894; To Fortaelinger (Two Tales), 1901; Mary, 1906.
+Collected edition of the Novels, translated into English, edited by
+E. Gosse, 13 vols., 1895-1909.
+
+[See Life of Björnson by W. M. Payne, 1910; E. Gosse's Study of
+the Writings of Björnson, in edition of Novels, 1895; H. H.
+Boyesen's Essays on Scandinavian Literature, 1895; G. Brandes'
+Critical Studies of Ibsen and Björnson, 1899.]
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+THE EDITOR
+THE BANKRUPT
+THE KING
+
+
+
+THE EDITOR
+
+A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+EVJE, a prosperous distiller.
+MRS. EVJE.
+GERTRUD, their daughter, engaged to HARALD REJN.
+The DOCTOR.
+The EDITOR.
+HAAKON REJN, a yeoman farmer.
+HALVDAN REJN and HARALD REJN, his brothers.
+The DOCTOR'S ASSISTANT.
+INGEBORG, maid to the Evjes.
+JOHN, coachman to the Evjes.
+HALVDAN REJN's HOUSEKEEPER.
+HALVDAN REJN's MAID.
+A Lamplighter.
+
+The action takes place in a town in Norway.
+
+THE EDITOR
+
+
+ACT I
+
+(SCENE.--The breakfast-room at the EVJES' house. A glass-cupboard,
+in two partitions, stands against the left-hand wall, well forward.
+On the top of it stand a variety of objects. Beyond it, a stove. At
+the back of the room, a sideboard. In the middle of the room a
+small round folding table, laid for four persons. There is an
+armchair by the stove; a sofa on the right; chairs, etc. A door at
+the back of the room, and another in the left-hand wall. There are
+paintings on the walls, and the general impression of the room is
+one of snug comfort. EVJE, MRS. EVJE, and GERTRUD are seated at the
+table. INGEBORG is standing by the sideboard. Breakfast is
+proceeding in silence as the curtain rises. INGEBORG takes away
+EVJE'S cup and re-fills it. As she brings it back to him, a ring is
+heard at the bell. GERTRUD gets up.)
+
+Evje. Sit still; John will go to the door. (GERTRUD sits down
+again. Directly afterwards, another ring is heard.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. What can John be doing?
+
+Ingeborg. I will go. (Goes out. She comes back, showing in HARALD
+REJN, who hangs up his hat and coat in the hall before coming
+in.)
+
+Harald. Good morning!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Good morning! (HARALD shakes hands with them.)
+
+Harald (to GERTRUD, who is sitting on the right). Good morning,
+Gertrud! Am I a bit late to-day? (GERTRUD, who has taken his hand,
+looks lovingly at him but says nothing.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, I suppose you have been for a long constitutional,
+although the weather is none of the best.
+
+Harald. It is not; I expect we shall have a thick fog by the
+afternoon.
+
+Evje. Did you have breakfast before you went out?
+
+Harald. I did, thanks. (To INGEBORG, who has come forward with a
+cup of coffee.) No, thank you. I will sit down here while you are
+finishing. (Sits down on the sofa behind GERTRUD.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. How is your brother Halvdan?
+
+Harald. A little better to-day, thanks--but of course we cannot
+build on that.
+
+Evje. Is your eldest brother coming to see him?
+
+Harald. Yes, we expect him every day. Probably his wife has
+come with him, and that has been the reason of the delay; she
+finds it difficult to get away.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Halvdan so often talks of her.
+
+Harald. Yes, I believe she is the best friend he has.
+
+Evje. No wonder, then, that she wants to come and say good-bye
+to him. By the way, have you seen how the paper bids him
+good-bye to-day?
+
+Harald. Yes, I have seen it.
+
+Mrs. Evje (hurriedly). I hope Halvdan has not seen it?
+
+Harald (smiling). No, it is a long time now since Halvdan read a
+newspaper. (A pause.)
+
+Evje. Then I suppose you have read what they say about you too?
+
+Harald. Naturally.
+
+Mrs. Evje. It is worse than anything they have said about you
+before.
+
+Harald. Well--of course, you know, my election meeting comes on
+this evening.
+
+Evje. I can tell you it has upset _us_.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Day after day we wake up to find our house invaded by
+these abominations. That is a nice thought to begin your day's
+work with!
+
+Harald. Is it so indispensable, then, to educated people to begin
+their day by reading such things?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Well--one must have a paper.
+
+Evje. And most people read it. Besides, one can't deny that a lot
+of what is in it is true, although its general tendency is to run
+everyone down.
+
+Harald (getting up). Quite so, yes. (Leans over GERTRUD'S
+shoulder.) Gertrud, have you read it?
+
+Gertrud (does not look at him, and hesitates for a moment; then
+says gently): Yes.
+
+Harald (under his breath). So that is it! (Walks away from her.)
+
+Evje. We have had a little bit of a scene here, I must tell you.
+
+Harald (walking up and down). Yes, I can understand that.
+
+Evje. I will repeat what I have said already: they write about
+_you_, and _we_ have to suffer for it.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, and Gertrud especially.
+
+Gertrud. No--I don't want anyone to consider me in the matter at
+all. Besides, it is not what they say of you in the paper that
+hurts me--. (Stops abruptly.)
+
+Harald (who has come up to her). But what your parents are
+feeling about it? Is that it? (GERTRUD does not answer.)
+
+Evje (pushing back his plate). There, I have finished! (They rise
+from the table. MRS. EVJE helps INGEBORG to clear away the
+things, which INGEBORG carries out of the room.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Couldn't you wash your hands of politics, Harald?
+(GERTRUD goes out to the left.)
+
+Evje (who has followed GERTRUD with his eyes). We cannot deny that
+it pains us considerably that in our old age our peaceful home
+should be invaded by all this squabbling and abomination.
+
+Mrs. Evje (who rung for INGEBORG to move the table). You have no
+need to do it, either, Harald! You are a grown man, and your own
+master. (INGEBORG comes in. HARALD helps her to move the table.)
+
+Evje (to his wife). Don't let Ingeborg hear. Come along, we will go
+into my room.
+
+Mrs. Evje. You forget, all the windows are open there. I have had
+the fire lit here, so that we could stay here.
+
+Evje. Very well--then we will sit here. (Sits down by the fire.)
+Will you have a cigar?
+
+Harald. No, thanks. (INGEBORG goes out.)
+
+Evje (taking a cigar and lighting it). As my wife said just now--
+couldn't you wash your hands of politics, Harald? You, who have
+both talent and means, need not be at a loss for a vocation in
+life.
+
+Harald (sitting down on the sofa). If I have any talent, it is for
+politics--and so I intend to devote my means to that.
+
+Evje. What do you propose to gain by it?
+
+Harald. What any one who believes in a cause hopes to gain--that
+is to say, to help it on.
+
+Evje. And to become a cabinet minister?
+
+Harald. I certainly can't do that any other way; well, I admit--
+that _is_ my idea.
+
+Evje. You will not be elected now.
+
+Harald. That we shall see.
+
+Evje. But suppose you are not re-elected to-morrow?
+
+Harald. Then I must find some other way.
+
+Evje. Always with the same object?
+
+Harald. Always with the same object. (EVJE sighs.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (who has taken her sewing and sat down by the fire).
+Oh, these politics!
+
+Harald. At any rate, they are the most prominent factors in
+life just now.
+
+Evje. We do not suppose we can exercise any influence over you. But
+at any rate it is possible that you yourself have not considered
+the position into which you have put the whole of us. (Both he and
+his wife avoid looking at HARALD during this discussion.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Say what you really mean, dear--that he is making us
+all thoroughly unhappy, and that is the truth!
+
+Harald (getting up, and walking up and down). Well, look here--I
+have a proposal to make. It is, that you should abandon all
+opposition to Gertrud's marrying me at once. To-day again my
+brother has expressed the wish that we should be married by his
+bedside; so that he should be able to take part in it. I scarcely
+need add how happy it would make me.
+
+Evje. But whether she is here at home or married to you, you know,
+her parents' distress would be just as great every time their child
+was persecuted.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Surely you can appreciate that!
+
+Harald. But what answer am I to give to my brother's request?--
+most likely the last he will ever--. (Stops.)
+
+Evje (after a pause). He is very kind to wish it, as he always is.
+Nothing would make us happier; but we who are her parents do not
+consider that you could make our daughter happy as long as you
+remain in politics and on the lines on which you are now
+travelling.
+
+Harald (after a pause, during which he has stood still). That is to
+say, you contemplate breaking off our engagement?
+
+Evje (looking at him quickly). Far from it!
+
+Mrs. Evje (at the same time). How can you say such a thing?
+
+Evje (turning towards the fire again). We have spoken about it
+to Gertrud to-day--as to whether it would not be possible to
+induce you to choose some other career.
+
+Mrs. Evje. You understand now, why you found Gertrud upset. You
+must listen to us now, as she did, in all friendliness.
+
+Evje (getting up and standing with his back to the fire). The first
+thing I do in the morning is to read my paper. You know what
+was in it to-day--the same as is in it now every day.
+
+Mrs. Evje. No; I am sure it has never been as bad as to-day.
+
+Harald (walking up and down again). The election is just at
+hand!
+
+Evje. Well--it is just as painful to us, her father and mother,
+whether it is before or after the election. We are not accustomed
+to associate with any one who has not first-class credentials--and
+now we have to endure seeing doubt cast upon our own son-in-law's.
+Do not misunderstand me; to my mind, for credentials to be
+first-class they must not only actually be so, but must also be
+considered to be so by people in general. (HARALD begins to walk
+up and down again.) The second thing I do in the morning is to
+open my letters. Amongst to-day's were several from friends we
+had invited to a party we thought of giving--if, that is to say,
+your brother's illness took no sudden turn for the worse. No fewer
+than ten of them refuse our invitation--most of them making some
+excuse, and a few with a little more show of a real reason; but one
+of them speaks straight out, and I have his letter here. (Takes it
+from his pocket.) I have kept it for you. It is from my father's
+old friend, the bishop. I haven't my spectacles--and for me to have
+mislaid my spectacles will show you what a state of mind I am in. I
+don't think I have done such a thing for--. Here, read it yourself!
+Read it aloud!
+
+Harald (taking the letter). "My dear Mr. Evje. As you are my poor
+dear friend's son, you must listen to the truth from me. I cannot
+willingly come to your house while I might meet there a certain
+person who, certainly, is one of you, but nevertheless is a person
+whom I cannot hold in entire respect."
+
+Mrs. Evje. Well, Harald, what do you think our feelings must be
+when we read things like that?
+
+Evje. Do not imagine that, in spite of that, _we_ do not hold you
+in entire respect. We only ask you to ensure our daughter's
+happiness. You can do that with a word.
+
+Mrs. Evje. We know what you are, whatever people say--even if they
+are bishops. But, in return, you ought to have confidence in our
+judgment; and our advice to you is, have done with it! Marry
+Gertrud at once, and go away for your honeymoon; by the time you
+come back, people will have got something else to talk about--and
+you will have found something else to occupy you as well.
+
+Evje. You must not misunderstand us. We mean no coercion. We are
+not insisting on this alternative. If you wish to be married, you
+shall--without feeling yourself obliged to change your vocation for
+_our_ sakes. We only want to make it clear that it would pain us--
+pain us very deeply.
+
+Mrs. Evje. If you want to take time to think it over, or want to
+talk it over with Gertrud or with your brother, do! (GERTRUD
+comes in and goes about the room looking for something.)
+
+Evje. What are you looking for, dear?
+
+Gertrud. Oh, for the--.
+
+Mrs. Evje. I expect it is the newspaper; your grandfather has been
+asking for it.
+
+Evje. Surely there is no need for _him_ to read it?
+
+Mrs. Evje. He asked me for it, too. He knows quite well what has
+made us all unhappy.
+
+Evje. Can't you tell him? No, that wouldn't do.
+
+Mrs. Evje (to GERTRUD). I suppose you have had to confess to him
+what is the matter?
+
+Gertrud (trying to conceal an emotion that is almost too much for
+her). Yes. (Finds the paper, and goes out.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (when GERTRUD has gone). Poor child!
+
+Evje. Does not what she is carrying to him, with all that it says
+about you and about your brother, seem to you like an omen? I will
+tell you how it strikes me. Your brother is a very much more gifted
+man than I am; and although it is true, as that paper says, that
+nothing of all that he has worked for has ever come to anything,
+still perhaps he may nevertheless have accomplished more than
+either you or me, although we have done a good deal between us to
+increase the prosperity of our town. I feel that to be so, although
+I cannot express what I mean precisely. But consider the reputation
+he will leave behind him. All educated people will say just what
+that paper says to-day--and to-morrow he will be forgotten. He will
+scarcely find a place in history, for history only concerns itself
+with the great leaders of men. What does it all come to, then?
+Neither present nor posthumous fame; but death--death all the time.
+He is dying by inches now, dying of the most horrible persecution;
+and the emotion that his end will cause among a few individuals
+cannot be called posthumous fame. (HARALD begins to speak, but
+checks himself.) Can _you_ hope to make a better fight of it? You
+think you are stronger? Very well; perhaps you may have the
+strength to endure it until other times come and other opinions
+with them. But there will be one by your side who will not have the
+strength to endure it. Gertrud is not strong--she could never stand
+it; indeed now--already--. (Is stopped by his emotion.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. She hides it from you, but she cannot hide it from us.
+Besides, a friend of ours--our dear doctor--said only yesterday--.
+(Breaks off in tears.)
+
+Evje. We never told you, but he warned us some time ago; we had no
+idea it was so serious, or that it had anything to do with this.
+But yesterday he frightened us; he said she--. Well, you can ask
+him yourself. He will be here directly. (HARALD fills a glass of
+water and raises it to his lips, but sets it down again untasted.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (going to him). I am so sorry for you, Harald! To have
+this come on you just now--when your splendid brother is at the
+point of death, and you yourself are being persecuted! (A ring is
+heard at the bell.)
+
+Evje. But it should be a warning to you! Sometimes a single
+movement will change the course of a whole life.
+
+Mrs. Evje. And do have a little confidence in us! (A ring is heard
+again.)
+
+Evje. What on earth has become of John to-day? That is the second
+time the bell has rung.
+
+Mrs. Evje. One of the maids is opening the door, I can hear.
+
+Evje. I expect it is the doctor.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, it is he--I know his ring. (A knock is heard at the
+door.)
+
+Evje. Come in! (The DOCTOR comes in.)
+
+The Doctor. Good morning! (Lays down his hat and stick.) Well, so I
+hear John has been up to his pranks again? The rascal is in bed.
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. In bed?
+
+The Doctor. Came home at four o'clock in the morning, drunk. Ill
+to-day, naturally. Ingeborg asked me to go in and see him.
+
+Evje. Well!--I am determined to put an end to it!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, I have never been able to understand why you were
+so lenient with John.
+
+Evje. He has been with us five years; and, besides, it makes people
+talk so, if you have to send your servants away.
+
+Mrs. Evje. But surely this sort of thing makes them talk much
+worse!
+
+Evje. Well--he shall leave this very day.
+
+The Doctor (to HARALD). How are you, Rejn?--Oho! I understand. I
+have come at an inopportune moment with my complaints of John? You
+have all got something more serious on your minds?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, we have had it out, as we agreed yesterday.
+
+The Doctor. You must forgive me, my dear Rejn, for having told my
+old friends the whole truth yesterday. She (pointing to MRS. EVJE)
+was an old playfellow of mine, and her husband and I have been
+friends from boyhood; so we have no secrets from each other. And
+Gertrud's condition makes me very uneasy.
+
+Harald. Why have you never told me that before?
+
+The Doctor. Goodness knows I have often enough given her parents
+hints that she was not well; but they have only made up their minds
+that her happiness in her engagement would quite cure her. They are
+a considerate couple, these two dear people, you know; they didn't
+want to seem interfering.
+
+Harald. Their consideration--which I appreciate and have lately had
+constant reason to be grateful for--has all at once become a more
+powerful weapon than open opposition. It makes a duty of what I
+should otherwise have felt to be unfair coercion. But now the
+situation is such that I can neither go forward nor back. After
+what I have gone through, you must see that I cannot withdraw on
+the very eve of the election--and after the election it will be too
+late. On the other hand--(with emotion)--I cannot, I dare not, go
+on with it if it is to cost me--. (Breaks off.)
+
+Evje (standing in front of the fire). There, there! Take time to
+think it over, my dear boy; talk it over with her and with your
+brother.
+
+The Doctor (who has sat down on a chair to the left, a little away
+from the others). I have just been to see your brother. A
+remarkable man! But do you know what occurred to me as I sat there?
+He is dying because he _is_ a man. The only people that are fit for
+political life nowadays are those whose hearts have been turned to
+stone. (Picks up something from the table and gets up.) Ah, just
+look here! Here is a fine specimen of petrifaction. It is a
+fragment of palm leaf of some kind, found impressed in a bit of
+rock from Spitzbergen. I sent it you myself, so I know it. That is
+what you have to be like to withstand arctic storms!--it will take
+to harm. But your brother--well, his life had been like that of the
+original palm tree, with the air sighing through its branches; the
+change of climate was too sudden for him. (Goes up to HARALD.) You
+have still to try it. Shall you be able to kill all the humanity
+that is in you? If you can make yourself as insensate a thing as
+this stone, I daresay you will be able to stand the life. But are
+you willing to venture upon political life at such a price? If you
+are--so be it; but remember that in that case you must also kill
+all humanity in Gertrud--in these two--in every one that is dear to
+you. Otherwise no one will understand you or follow you. If you
+cannot do that, you will never be more than a dabbler in politics--
+a quarter, an eighth part, of a politician--and all your efforts,
+in what you consider your vocation, will be pitiable!
+
+Mrs. Evje (who has been occupied at the back of the room, but now
+sits down by the fare). That is quite true! I know cases of
+petrifaction like that--and God preserve anyone that I love from
+it!
+
+Evje (coming forward towards HARALD). I don't want to say anything
+to hurt your feelings--least of all just now. But I just want to
+add my warning, because I believe I have discovered that there is a
+danger that persecution may make you hard.
+
+Harald. Yes!--but do you suppose it is only politics that offer
+that dangerous prospect?
+
+The Doctor. You are quite right! It is all the cry nowadays,
+"Harden yourself!" It isn't only military men and doctors that
+have to be hardened; commercial men have to be hardened, civil
+servants have to be hardened, or dried up; and everybody else has
+to be hardened for life, apparently. But what does it all mean? It
+means that we are to drive out all warmth from our hearts, all
+desire from our imaginations. There is a child's heart at the
+bottom of every one of our hearts-ever young, full of laughter and
+tears; and that is what we shall have killed before we are "fitted
+for the battle of life," as they put it. No, no--that is what we
+ought to preserve; we were given it for that! (HARALD hides his
+face in his hands, and sits so for some time.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Any mother or any wife knows that.
+
+Evje (standing with his back to the fire). You want to bring back
+the age of romance, doctor!
+
+The Doctor (with a laugh). Not its errors--because in those days
+unclean minds brought to birth a great deal that was unclean.
+(Seriously.) But what is it, when all is said and done, but a
+violent protest on the part of the Teutonic people against the
+Romanesque spirit and school--a remarkable school, but not _ours_.
+To us it seems a barren, merely intellectual school--a mere mass of
+formulas which led to a precocious development of the mind. And
+that was the spirit it bred--critical and barren. But these schools
+of thought are now all we have, and both of them are bad for us!
+They have no use for the heart or the imagination; they do not
+breed faith or a longing for high achievement. Look at _our_ life!
+Is our life really our own?
+
+Mrs. Evje. No. You have only to think of our language, our tastes,
+our society, our--
+
+The Doctor (interrupting her). Those are the externals of our life,
+merely the externals! No, look within--look at such a view of life
+as we were talking about, clamouring for "hardening"--is that ours?
+Can we, for all our diligence, make as much way in it as, for
+instance, a born Parisian journalist?--become like a bar of steel
+with a point at each end, a pen-point and a sword-point? _We_
+can't do that; the Teutonic temperament is not fitted for it.
+
+Evje. Oh, we are well on the way towards it. Look at the heartless
+intolerance in our politics; it will soon match what you were
+describing.
+
+Harald. Everyone that disagrees with you is either an ambitious
+scoundrel, or half mad, or a blockhead.
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Yes, and here in the north, in our small
+communities, where a man meets all his enemies in the same barber's
+shop, we feel it as keenly as if we were digging our knives into
+each other! (Seriously.) We may laugh at it, but if we could add up
+the sum of suffering that has been caused to families and to
+individuals--if we could see the concrete total before us--we
+should be tempted to believe that our liberty had been given to us
+as a curse! For it _is_ a cursed thing to destroy the humanity that
+is in us, and make us cruel and hard to one another.
+
+Harald (getting up, but standing still). But, my good friends, if
+you are of the same mind about that, and I with you--what is the
+next thing to do?
+
+The Doctor. The next thing to do?
+
+Harald. Naturally, to unite in making an end of it.
+
+Mrs. Evje (as she works). What can _we_ do?
+
+Evje. I am no politician and do not wish to become one.
+
+The Doctor (laughing, and sitting down). No, a politician is a
+principle, swathed round with a printed set of directions for use.
+I prefer to be allowed to be a human being.
+
+Harald. No one can fairly insist on your taking up any vocation
+to which you do not feel you have a calling.
+
+The Doctor. Of course not.
+
+Harald. But one certainly might insist on your not helping to
+maintain a condition of affairs that you detest.
+
+All. We?
+
+Harald. This newspaper, which is the ultimate reason of all this
+conversation we have had--you take it in.
+
+Evje. Why, you take it in yourself!
+
+Harald. No. Every time there is anything nasty in it about me or
+mine, it is sent to me anonymously.
+
+The Doctor (with a laugh). I don't take it in; I read my hall-porter's
+copy.
+
+Harald. I have heard you say that before. I took an opportunity
+to ask your hall-porter. He said _he_ did not read it, and did not
+take it in either.
+
+The Doctor (as before). Then I should like to know who does pay
+for it!
+
+Evje. A newspaper is indispensable to a business man.
+
+Harald. An influential business man could by himself, or at any
+rate with one or two others, start a paper that would be as useful
+again to him as this one is.
+
+Evje. That is true enough; but, after all, if we agree with its
+politics?
+
+Harald. I will accept help from any one whose opinions on public
+affairs agree with my own. Who am I that I should pretend to
+judge him? But I will not give him my help in anything that is
+malicious or wicked.
+
+The Doctor. Pshaw!
+
+Harald. Everyone who subscribes to, or contributes to, or gives
+any information to a paper that is scurrilous, is giving his help to
+what is wicked. And, moreover, every one who is on terms of
+friendship with a man who is destroying public morality, is
+helping him to do it.
+
+The Doctor (getting up). Does he still come here? (A silence.)
+
+Evje. He and I are old schoolfellows--and I don't like breaking with
+old acquaintances.
+
+Mrs. Evje. He is a most amusing man, too--though I can't deny that
+he is malicious. (The DOCTOR sits down again, humming to himself.)
+
+Harald. But that is not all. Both you and the Doctor have--with
+some eloquence--
+
+The Doctor (with a laugh). Thank you!
+
+Harald. --expressed your abhorrence of certain political tendencies
+with which neither you nor I have any sympathy--which affront
+our ideas of humane conduct. You do not feel called upon to
+enter actively into the lists against them; but why do you try to
+prevent those who do feel so called upon? You lament the
+existing state of things--and yet you help to maintain it, and make
+a friend of the man who is its champion!
+
+The Doctor (turning his head). Apparently we are on our defence,
+Evje!
+
+Harald. No--I am. I was told a little while ago that I was in a fair
+way to become hardened and callous, and that I must abandon
+my career--and that I must do so for Gertrud's sake, too, because
+she would never be able to share the fight with me. I was told
+this at one of the bitterest moments in my life. And that made me
+hesitate for a moment. But now I have turned my face forward
+again, because you have enlightened me! (A short, sharp cough is
+heard in the hall.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (getting up). That is he! (A knock is heard at the door;
+the DOCTOR gets up and pushes his chair back. The EDITOR comes in.)
+
+The Editor. Good morning, my children! How are you?
+
+Mrs. Evje (sitting down). I did not hear the bell.
+
+The Editor. I don't suppose you did--I came in by the back door. I
+took you by surprise, eh? Discussing me, too--what? (Laughs.)
+
+Evje. You have given us enough reason to, to-day, any way.
+
+The Editor. Yes, haven't I? Such a thing for a man to do to his
+best friends--eh?
+
+Evje. That is true.
+
+The Editor. To his old schoolfellows--his neighbours--eh? I expect it
+has disturbed your natural moderation--eh?
+
+Evje. I pride myself on my moderation.
+
+The Editor. As much as on your brandy!
+
+Evje. Are you going to begin your nonsense again?
+
+The Editor. Good-morning, Doctor! Have you been making them
+a fine speech this morning?--about my paper? or about humanity?--
+romanticism? or catholicism?--eh? (Laughs.)
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Certainly one of us two has made a fine
+speech this morning!
+
+The Editor. Not me; mine was made yesterday!--How is your hall-porter?
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Quite well, I am ashamed to say.
+
+The Editor. There's a faithful subscriber to my paper, if you like!
+(The DOCTOR laughs.) Well, Mrs. Evje, I can give you news of your
+man, Master John!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Can you? It is more than I can.
+
+The Editor. Yes--he is in bed still. That is why I came in the back
+way--to enquire after his health.
+
+Mrs. Evje. But how--?
+
+The Editor. How is he after last night?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Really, I believe you know everything. We had no idea
+he was out last night.
+
+The Editor. Oh, that is the very latest intelligence! He has been
+figuring as a speaker--he was drunk, of course--before the
+Association founded by his master's future son-in-law. And he
+made a most effective speech--indeed, the speakers at that
+Association always make most effective speeches! It was all
+about a Sliding Scale of Taxation, Profit-Sharing for Workers, the
+necessity for a Labour majority in Parliament, etc., etc., all the
+usual Socialist rhodomontade. You see how infectious intellectual
+ideas are!
+
+Evje. Well!--I shall turn him out of the house to-day!
+
+The Editor. But that is not in accordance with your love of
+moderation, Evje!
+
+Evje. It is a scandal.
+
+The Editor (to EVJE). But not the worst. Because, if you want to
+avoid that sort of thing, there are others you must turn out of the
+house. (Glances towards HARALD.)
+
+Evje. You seem determined to quarrel to-day?
+
+The Editor. Yes, with your "moderation."
+
+Evje. You would be none the worse of a little of it.
+
+The Editor. "Brandy and Moderation" is your watchword--eh?
+
+Evje. Do stop talking such nonsense!--I know one thing, and that
+is that you seem to find the brandy from my distillery remarkably
+to your taste!
+
+The Doctor (interrupting them). When you are in these provoking
+moods there is always some grievance lurking at the back of your
+mind. Out with it! I am a doctor, you know; I want to get at the
+cause of your complaint!
+
+The Editor. You were not very successful in that, you know,
+when you said my maid had cholera, and she really only was--.
+(Laughs.)
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Are you going to bring that story up
+again? Every one is liable to make mistakes, you know--even you,
+my boy!
+
+The Editor. Certainly. But before making a mistake this time--
+ahem!--I wanted first of all to enquire whether--
+
+The Doctor. Ah! now it is coming!
+
+The Editor --whether you have any objection to my mentioning
+John in my paper?
+
+Mrs. Evje. What has John to do with us?
+
+The Editor. Just as much as the Association, where he delivered
+his speech, has; it--ahem!--is one of the family institutions!
+
+Evje. I have had no more to do with making John what he is than I
+have had with making that Association what it is.
+
+The Editor. Your future son-in-law made the Association what it is,
+and the Association has made John what he is.
+
+The Doctor. Or, to put it the other way round: John is Mr. Evje's
+servant; John has become an active member of the Association;
+therefore Mr. Evje is a patron of the Association.
+
+The Editor. Or this way: John, being the well-known Mr. Evje's
+servant, has for that reason become an active member of the
+Association which--as he expressed it--his employer's future
+son-in-law "has had the honour to found!"
+
+Mrs. Evje. Surely you never mean to put that in the paper?
+
+The Editor (laughing). They are John's own words.
+
+Mr. Evje. Of course, he would never put a tipsy man's maunderings
+into the paper. (To his wife.) Don't you understand that he is joking?
+
+The Editor (clearing his throat). It is already in type.
+
+The Doctor. Oh, nonsense!
+
+The Editor. The scene afforded an opportunity for an extremely
+amusing sketch, without mentioning any names.
+
+Mr. Evje. I sincerely hope that
+
+The Doctor (to EVJE). Oh, he is only teasing you! You know him.
+
+The Editor. What do you think of this? "Those who indirectly
+support so dangerous an institution will have to face exposure."--I
+quite agree with it.
+
+Mrs. Evje (getting up). What do you mean? Do you mean that my
+husband--?
+
+The Editor. A little fright will be a good discipline for him!
+
+Evje. Is what you quoted meant as an accusation against us--
+whether you are serious or whether you are joking?
+
+The Doctor. He is only trying to frighten you with a bogey; it is
+not the first time, you know!
+
+Evje. Yes, but what have _I_ to be frightened of? I don't belong to
+the Association.
+
+The Editor. But persons who do belong to it frequent your house.
+A man is known by the company he keeps.
+
+Mrs. Evje. I really begin to think he _does_ mean it seriously.
+
+The Editor. It is too ugly a thing to jest about, you mean?
+
+Evje. Is it possible that you seriously mean to allude to John as
+my servant?
+
+The Editor. Isn't he your servant?
+
+Evje. And to put that in the paper for every one to read?
+
+The Editor. No--only for those who read the paper.
+
+Evje. And you have come here to tell us that?
+
+The Editor. Do you suppose I would do it without telling you?
+
+Mrs. Evje. It is perfectly shameless!
+
+The Editor. It certainly is.
+
+Evje. Is it your intention to quarrel with me?
+
+The Editor. Of course!
+
+Evje. With your own schoolfellow?--one who has been it true friend
+to you in all your ups and downs? It is abominable!
+
+The Editor. Perhaps it was to ensure my holding my tongue that
+you have been my friend!
+
+Mrs. Evje. You _couldn't_ behave in such a fashion to a friend!
+
+The Editor (drily). To my own brother, if he stood in my way!
+
+Harald (to himself). This is too much! (Comes forward.) Is your
+hatred for me so bitter that on my account you must persecute
+even my future parents-in-law, your own old friends?
+
+The Editor (who, as soon as HARALD came forward, has turned away
+to the DOCTOR). Have you heard how people are being beaten up to
+go to the meeting of electors to-night? The last political speeches
+of the campaign must be made with red fire burning at the wings! (Laughs.)
+
+Mrs. Evje (coming up to him). No, you are not going to get out of it
+by changing the subject. Is it really your intention to put my
+husband in your paper?
+
+The Editor. He is putting himself there.
+
+Evje. I, who all my life have avoided being drawn into any political
+party?
+
+The Doctor. What has Evje to do with Harald Rein's politics?
+
+The Editor. He endorses them!
+
+Mrs. Evje. No!--a thousand times no!
+
+Evje. Why, only to-day
+
+The Doctor. I can bear witness to that!
+
+The Editor. It is no use protesting!
+
+Evje. But you must believe our protestations!
+
+The Editor. Bah! You will see something more to-morrow--
+
+Evje. Something more?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Against my husband?
+
+The Editor. That scandal about the Stock Exchange Committee. No
+less than three Letters to the Editor about it have been lying in my
+pigeon-holes for some time.
+
+Evje (in bewilderment). Are you going to put nonsense of that sort
+in your paper? The most respected men on the Exchange--?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Members of the Committee--?
+
+The Editor. They are only respected men so long as they respect
+themselves. When their chairman enters into connections which
+offend public opinion, the whole crew of them must be made to
+feel what sort of a man it is they are associating with.
+
+The Doctor. So on Mr. Rejn's account you are going to expose
+Evje, and on Evje's account the Stock Exchange Committee? I
+suppose my turn will come soon!
+
+The Editor. It will come.
+
+The Doctor. Indeed!
+
+The Editor. The letters that have been sent to me are all from
+highly respected men. That shows that public opinion has turned
+round; and public opinion must be obeyed! (Throws out his hands.)
+
+Evje (in a troubled voice). It is quite true that I have noticed in
+several little ways that their temper--. (Looks round him, and
+checks himself. Then speaks more confidently.) But it was just at
+such a time that I looked for help from you, my friend. That is
+why I did not bother myself much about it.
+
+The Editor (to EVJE). But you know it is you that are attacking me
+now!
+
+Evje. I?
+
+Mrs. Evje. He?
+
+The Editor. And, besides, I have no choice in the matter. You have
+made your bed, and must lie on it.
+
+Evje (growing angry again). But do you really mean that you don't
+feel yourself how shocking such behaviour in an old friend is?
+
+The Editor. "Old friend," "old schoolfellow," "neighhour,"--out
+with the whole catalogue!
+
+Mrs. Evje. I am sure you don't deserve to be either one or the other!
+(The EDITOR laughs.) Think what you wrote to-day about Halvdan
+Rejn, who is dying. A man could only write that who--who--
+
+The Editor. Well?--who?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Who has not an atom of heart.
+
+The Editor. Ha, ha! "The natural affections!"--"family considerations!"
+Truth, my dear lady, has no family ties; it has no respect even for a
+"dying man."
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, indeed--every decent man has some respect for
+suffering, and even wicked men are silent in the presence of death!
+
+The Editor. "Sufferer"--"dying man"--"martyr,"
+I suppose! Oh, we know all that old story!
+
+Harald (coming forward). Let me tell you that you are a--person
+with whom I will not condescend to argue. (Walks away from him.)
+
+The Editor (who has at once crossed the room). This theatrical
+flaunting of the "dying man" before people's eyes, that a
+calculating brother has permitted himself, is of course what is
+really shocking in the whole affair. But I will tear the mask off him.
+
+The Doctor (following him). Listen to me, now; listen!
+We are gentlefolk, you know! And even if Mr. Rejn
+has let himself be so carried away as to mention his
+dying brother on a public occasion--well, I am not going
+to say that I approve of it, but surely it is excusable
+and--
+
+Harald (coming forward). I want none of your defence, thank you!
+
+The Doctor. The one of you is just as mad as the other! (To the
+EDITOR.) But what has all this to do with Evje, seeing that, after all,
+the whole of this affair of the Rejns'--
+
+Evje (to the EDITOR, eagerly). I give you my word of honour that I
+have never approved of Harald's utterances about his brother,
+either. I am a man of moderation, as you know; I do not approve
+of his politics. Only to-day--
+
+Mrs. Evje. And what on earth have politics to do with the Stock
+Exchange Committee?
+
+The Doctor. Or with Evje's coachman!
+
+Evje. You might just as well take it into your head to write about
+my clerks, or my workmen, or--
+
+The Doctor. His carpenters, or his brewers--or his horses!
+
+The Editor (stands suddenly still and says, drily): You may assure
+yourselves that things are quite sufficient as they are! (Begins to
+button up his coat.)
+
+Evje. Is it so bad as all that!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Good gracious!--what is it then?
+
+The Editor (taking up his hat). You will be able to read it
+to-morrow, together with some more about the "dying man."
+Good-bye!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje (together.) But before you go--
+
+The Doctor. Hush, hush! Let us remember we are gentlefolk! What
+will you bet that the whole thing is not just a bogey to frighten you?
+
+The Editor (holding out his hand towards the DOCTOR).
+I hold Mr. Evje's position in the town in the hollow of my hand!
+
+Evje (fuming). Is your object to ruin _that_, then?
+
+Mrs. Evje. You will never succeed in that!
+
+The Doctor. Hush, hush! let us remember we are gentlefolk!
+
+Evje. In my own house--my old schoolfellow--that
+he should have the audacity--!
+
+The Editor. I have told you the truth openly. And, as far as that
+goes, you have stood more than that from me in your own house,
+my boy. Because the misfortune is that you are a coward.
+
+Evje. _I_ a coward?
+
+The Doctor (laughing). Hush, hush! Let us remember we are
+gentlefolk!
+
+Evje. Yes, I have been weak enough to be afraid of
+scandal, especially in the newspapers, it is true; that is why I have
+put up with you too long! But now you shall see that I am not a
+coward. Leave my house!
+
+Mrs. Evje. That's right!
+
+The Doctor. But you must part like gentlefolk, you know.
+
+The Editor. Pooh! You will be sending me a message
+directly, to call me back!
+
+Evje. You have the face to say that?
+
+Mrs. Evje (to EVJE). Come, dear, don't provoke him any more!
+
+The Editor (turning to go). You daren't do otherwise.
+
+The Doctor. But part like gentlefolk--!
+
+Evje (following the EDITOR). No, as sure as I live--
+
+The Editor. You will be sending a message to call me back! Ha, ha,
+ha!
+
+Evje. Never, never!
+
+Mrs. Evje. My dear--!
+
+The Editor. Yes, you will--directly--this very day! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+The Doctor. Don't part like that! Part like gentle--
+
+Evje. No, I tell you!
+
+The Editor (laughing all the time). Yes!
+
+Mrs. Evje. My dear-remember you may bring on one of your
+attacks!
+
+The Editor (at the door). You are too much of a coward! Ha! ha!
+(Goes out.)
+
+Evje (in a rage). No!
+
+The Editor (sticking his head in at the door). Yes! (Goes away.)
+
+The Doctor. What a visit! I cannot help laughing, all the same! Ha,
+ha, ha, ha!
+
+Evje. Do you dare to laugh at that?
+
+The Doctor. "Old schoolfellows"--ha, ha! "Moderation"--ha, ha!
+"The same party"--ha, ha, ha!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Oh, my husband is ill!
+
+Evje (faintly). Yes--a little water!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Water, water, Harald!
+
+The Doctor. One of his attacks--that is another affair altogether.
+Here (takes a bottle from his pocket)--smell this! That's it! Now, a
+little water! (Gives him some.) No danger this time. Cheer up, old
+boy!
+
+Evje. What a scandal!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, you will never be able to bear it, dear; I told you
+so.
+
+Evje. To think of _my_ name appearing in the papers, when all my
+life I have--
+
+Mrs. Evje. --done everything you could to keep clear of such
+things! And you such a dear, good, upright man!--Oh, these politics
+are the curse of the world!
+
+The Doctor (laughing). As I told you, you must go through a
+special process of hardening before you can stand them.
+
+Evje. And think of public opinion--my position--my connections! It
+is more than I can bear!
+
+Mrs. Evje (to the Doctor). I am sure the first time he reads
+something about himself in the paper, it will make him really ill!
+He won't be able to stand it, I know.
+
+The Doctor. Oh, he will get over it.
+
+Mrs. Evje. No, he won't. I am frightened at the mere thought of it.
+He will never be able to bear it, never!
+
+Evje. When all my life I have tried to keep clear of such things--!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And now in your old age, though you deserve it no
+more than a child does, to be dragged into it! If I could prevent
+that, I would willingly take on my own shoulders whatever--
+
+Evje. No, no--not you! Not you!
+
+The Doctor. But the thing is not necessarily done because he
+threatened he would do it.
+
+Evje. Do you think--?
+
+The Doctor. He is so dreadfully hot-headed, but I am sure he will
+think twice--
+
+Mrs. Evje. --before he attacks a lifelong friend! Yes, that is so, isn't
+it!
+
+Evje. Do you really think that there is any possibility then--?
+
+The Doctor. I really can't say!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Nothing in the world is impossible!
+
+Evje. We were both so hot-headed.
+
+The Doctor. Yes, it will have to be a more peaceable conversation
+than that of a few minutes ago!
+
+Evje. I don't know how it is--there is something so provoking about
+him.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, and you have not been very well lately, either. I
+have often said so to you.
+
+Evje. No, I haven't. It has been just one thing after another! And all
+my life I have tried to keep clear of such things!
+
+The Doctor. I will tell you what, old friend; I am sure the best thing
+to do would be--
+
+Evje. What?
+
+The Doctor. I am sure you will not be easy in your mind until
+someone has talked to him.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, couldn't that be done? Good gracious, that is not
+sending a message to him!
+
+Evje. But who would--? (A short silence.)
+
+The Doctor. I don't know who would be best.
+
+Mrs. Evje. All our old friends have deserted us; we shall soon have
+none.
+
+The Doctor. Well, at all events, you have me.
+
+Evje. Would you really be willing to--? Do you mean it? (Grasps his
+hand.)
+
+The Doctor. Of course I will! He can't eat me!
+
+Mrs. Evje. How good you are! Of course you only need tell him--
+what is quite true--that my husband would never be able to bear it!
+He, who all these years--
+
+Evje. --have put up with an incredible amount for his sake, both
+from himself and from others!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, that is true! And now you will go, dear friend--our
+only friend!--and talk to him quite amicably and sensibly, won't
+you?
+
+Evje. But don't delay! He is so hot-headed that we must find him
+before--
+
+The Doctor. Oh, I will find him; he is always about the town.
+
+Evje. And tell him--ask him--
+
+The Doctor. Oh, I know what to say to him.
+
+Mrs. Evje. That is right!
+
+Evje. Thank you! I shall never forget how, at a moment when
+everything threatened to overwhelm me, you were the only one to
+stand by me! Ah, I feel as if a load had fallen off my shoulders! I
+feel all at once quite happy again!
+
+The Doctor. That's right. You pull yourself together! I will see to
+everything else.
+
+Evje. Thanks, thanks! But make haste!
+
+The Doctor. I am off! My hat? (Turns, and sees HARALD, and says to
+himself.) A-ha! He looks as if he had had about enough of this. It
+would have been a joke to--
+
+Evje. Oh, do make haste, my friend!
+
+The Doctor. Yes, yes--if only I could find my hat.
+
+Mrs. Evje. It is on the table.
+
+The Doctor. So it is!
+
+Evje. Good luck to you!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And do it very tactfully!
+
+The Doctor (meaningly). And I hope you three will enjoy
+yourselves! (Goes out.)
+
+Evje. What a morning!
+
+Mrs. Evje. We, who have always endeavoured to take everything
+quietly and indulgently--
+
+Evje. Yes, and to conduct our family affairs peaceably and
+affectionately! (Jumps up and turns to HARALD.) The whole thing is
+_your_ fault!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, it is Harald's fault! From the day this unfortunate
+engagement came about, we have scarcely had a moment's peace
+here.
+
+Evje. No, no, that is not the case! We must be reasonable. At first,
+when Mr. Rejn had a fine future before him, when people vied
+with one another to catch him, then the engagement was an honour
+to us as well as to our daughter. But from the moment he took up these
+wretched politics--that is to say, from the time his brother fell ill--
+well, he can see for himself what the result has been to us!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And he certainly must admit that it is not what we
+have deserved; indeed it is more than a respected and well-bred
+family can put up with.
+
+Harald. I quite agree that it is more than a respected and
+well-bred family _ought_ to put up with.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Oh, so _you_ feel that too?
+
+Harald. Certainly. And the only excuse I can see is that there are
+many more in the same case. It is only in that way that such
+things become possible.
+
+Evje. I do not understand. Many more like--?--like whom?
+
+Harald. Like you!
+
+Mrs. Evje. In what respect?
+
+Harald. I will explain. Most of the successful politicians
+nowadays have not gained their position by means of any
+greatness of their own, but by the pitiable weakness of others.
+Another age will form a different estimate of them--see them in
+their proper perspective, and find them to be much smaller men!
+
+Evje. But what has that to do with us?
+
+Harald. Well, just try to size up that man whom a little while ago
+you turned out of your house and afterwards sent a message to--
+
+Evje. We sent _no_ message to him!
+
+Mrs. Evje. A friend of ours has gone to talk to him. That is quite a
+different thing!
+
+Harald. Well, take his measure by yours and yours by his! He
+went away, and he will come back like a conquering hero. Will
+that be thanks to his greatness, or his talent--to the loftiness of his
+opinions or his feelings? No,--it will be thanks to your pitiable
+weakness.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Upon my word!
+
+Evje. Well, I--!
+
+Harald. Do you think any one who has any pluck in his
+disposition would consent to be a party to such a contemptible
+state of things? Think of your own daughter, educated by that
+good old man who lies in there, but an obedient child to you;
+think how she must be perpetually torn between what she loves
+and respects and what she sees going on here! No wonder she is
+ill! But remember this--she is not ill because she sticks to me;
+she is ill because of your pitiable weakness!
+
+Mrs. Evje. How can you dare to say such things! So you too--!
+
+Evje. Such an absolute want of respect!
+
+Harald. Listen to me, once for all. I intend, God helping me, to
+take up the fight that has killed my brother, the noblest man I
+know! And Gertrud is going to take up _her_ share in the fight, as I
+do mine. But to come to this house as long as _he_ comes here--to go
+through what I have gone through to-day--sullies my self-respect
+to such an extent, and offends my better feelings so deeply, that
+either he never sets foot here again, or I do not!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. But--!
+
+Harald (quietly). When I came here to-day, I thought we should
+be able to arrange matters without my speaking out; but there is
+nothing else for it, so good-bye! (Goes out. A moment's silence
+follows.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Is _he_ giving _us_ our dismissal? Or does he not really
+mean to break with us?--My dear, what is the matter? (Goes to
+her husband's side.)
+
+Evje (without moving). Tell me, my dear--am I a bad man?
+
+Mrs. Evje. You, a bad man?
+
+Evje. Because, if I were not a bad, wicked man, they could not
+behave in such a way to me, one after the other.
+
+Mrs. Evje. But, my dear, you are the best and dearest and most
+considerate of men! And they are shameless traitors to you, my
+dear husband!
+
+Evje. But how on earth, then, could it come about that I, who all
+my life have tried to keep clear of such things--for I have, haven't I?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Every one knows that, that knows anything about you.
+
+Evje. How could it come about that in my old age I should be
+despised and forsaken by everybody? Surely it is no crime to
+want to live in peace, apart from all that sort of thing?
+
+Mrs. Evje. No, indeed; that is what all decent people want to do.
+
+Evje. Yes, I thought so too. But now you see!
+
+Mrs. Evje. But _you_ have been dreadfully unfortunate.
+
+Evje. Why should I have been just the one to be dreadfully
+unfortunate? Most people escape such things altogether.
+
+Mrs. Evje (starting). Here is Gertrud.
+
+Evje. Poor child!
+
+Mrs. Evje. What on earth are we to say to her?
+
+Evje. Be careful, my dear! be careful! (GERTRUD comes in quietly
+and comes forward to them.)
+
+Gertrud. Did I see Harald go away?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, my child, he--he went away.
+
+Gertrud. Without saying good-bye to me?
+
+Evje. That's true, he didn't say good-bye to you.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Were you expecting him to come into grandfather's
+room to say good-bye to you?
+
+Gertrud. Yes. Tell me how things went here?
+
+Evje. Why were you not here, dear?
+
+Gertrud (in astonishment). I here? You said you did not want me
+to be present--
+
+Evje. I remember, yes; we thought it would not be advisable.
+
+Gertrud (still speaking quietly, but in growing alarm).
+But how did things go, then?
+
+Evje. How did they go? Badly.
+
+Mrs. Evje (hurriedly). That is to say, he did not behave at all well.
+You must prepare yourself for the worst, my child!
+
+Gertrud. Is it something very bad, then?
+
+Evje. You know he is a little hasty just now, when he has so much
+on his hands. He lacks a proper sense of moderation--but he will
+learn it, sure enough.
+
+Gertrud (almost inaudibly). But what does it mean? Is he never
+coming back?
+
+Evje. Never coming back? What an extraordinary question! Of
+course he will come back. He was only a little over-hasty, you
+know--
+
+Gertrud. And said he would never come back?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Come, come, my dear--you mustn't be alarmed.
+
+Evje. He talked such a lot, you know, that we must not attach any
+particular importance to anything he said.
+
+Gertrud. So that is how it is!
+
+Mrs. Evje. We must make allowances for all that he is going
+through just now--
+
+Evje (suddenly). My child, you look so pale--
+
+Mrs. Evje (going to her). Gertrud!
+
+Gertrud (with a quiet movement of protest). I must give grandfather
+his drink; that was really what I came for. And that was how I
+happened to see Harald through the window. I will take grandfather
+his drink. (The curtain falls as she goes out of the room.)
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+(SCENE.--A street in the "villa quarter" of the town. Between it
+and another street running parallel with it in the background, are
+two houses standing in gardens, half of the facade of one of them
+projecting into the stage on the right. On the left a third street
+runs at right angles to the others, to the back of the stage. The
+left side of this third street opens onto a well-wooded park.
+The house in the foreground on the right is in two stories. There
+is a narrow strip of garden in front of it, enclosed by an iron
+railing with a gate in it. The gate is standing open. The entrance
+door to the house is immediately behind this gate. There is light
+in a small window by the door; the ground floor windows are in
+darkness; in those of the upper floor, light is visible through
+heavy curtains. It is a wintry evening, and everything is swathed
+in an unusually thick fog, in which the gas lamps in the streets
+show dimmer and dimmer as they recede in the distance. As the
+curtain goes up, a lamplighter is seen descending his ladder from a
+lamp-post, where he has just lit the lamp at the corner of the
+house.)
+
+The Lamplighter (as he reaches the ground). It's all one whether
+the lamps are lit or not, in such a fog as this. (MRS. EVJE is seen
+drawing back the curtain at a window on the first floor. She opens
+the window and looks out.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. The fog is so thick, my dear, that I can't see across
+the street.
+
+Evje (coming to the window, with fur coat and cap on). So it is!--
+Well, so much the better, my dear! (They withdraw into the room;
+the window is shut and the curtains drawn. Two passers-by come
+along the street from the right, talking.)
+
+First Passer-by. The Land of Fogs--the old idea of the land of Fogs
+was that of a vision of confused and faint sensation, with the
+light of the intelligence dimmed and blurred like these gas lamps
+in the fog.
+
+Second Passer-by. It would be that, if our hearts did not often act
+as guiding lights to our befogged intelligences. Look at this house
+behind us--the brandy distiller's. The devilish workings of his
+intelligence have befogged the whole country--befogged it with
+brandy--and some such guiding light is much needed there.
+
+First Passer-by. Ah, well,--the old idea of the Land of Fogs was
+that fogs were--. (The sound of their conversation dies away as
+they pass into the park on the left. GERTRUD, closely veiled and
+wrapped in furs, comes slowly out of the park. She stops at the
+corner and looks down the street, then passed slowly along to the
+right, looking up at the house as she goes. She is scarcely out of
+sight when the house-door opens and EVJE comes out.)
+
+Evje. This is about the time he comes home--I daren't go to his
+house and ask for him; I don't know if he would admit me. I
+daren't trust to the Doctor alone.--This uncertainty is dreadful!
+(He starts at seeing GERTRUD, whom he does not recognise in the
+fog, walking towards him. She turns suddenly and walks back the
+way she came.) Who was that? She gave me quite a fright in this
+fog! Her furs seemed rather like--no, no, it couldn't be. I must
+not let any one recognise me. (Puts up the high collar of his coat,
+so that only his nose is visible.) Both of them called me a coward,
+but they are very much mistaken. It is not cowardice for a man who
+is respected and honoured to try and avoid scandal. Hm! Naturally
+those who trade in scandals think otherwise!--To act without
+attaching weight to the opinion of others, to disregard one's own
+predilections, to put up with being laughed at--all for the sake of
+preventing a scandal--that is to be strong and courageous. And it
+_is_ admirable, too; for it is admirable to act fearlessly in the
+interest of one's family, and of one's business, and of propriety.
+(Starts as he hears his door opened. JOHN has come along the street
+and gone into the house.) Is that some one coming out of my house?
+No, it is a man going in. And then to think of Harald Rejn
+beginning that nonsense about my being a coward, because I refused
+to become a party man! Every one ought to take sides in politics--
+that is their cry. Hm! I should say it required rather more
+courage nowadays to _refrain_ from taking sides. (Starts again.) Who
+is that? Oh, only that woman again. She is waiting for some one
+too. I expect we shall both catch bad colds. (Walks up and down.)
+It is an odd sensation to be walking up and down on the watch
+outside one's own house. Cowardice? Pshaw! To let one's self be
+abused in a public street without stirring a finger to prevent it,
+_that_ would be cowardice. I only hope he has not gone round the
+other way? There is much more traffic in that street, and some one
+might easily--. I think I will take a turn towards the town, and
+turn back when I am a little way from here; it will look less
+suspicious. I must catch him, because his paper will be going to
+press. (Looks up at his house.) My poor wife, sitting up there
+dreadfully alarmed on my account! (Goes out to the right. As soon
+as he has gone, the house-door opens and JOHN comes warily out.)
+
+JOHN. So he has gone out, has he! Oh, well, he is bound to come in
+again! I will wait and catch him, that I will! Tra, la, la, la, la!
+I can play about here in the fog till he comes back; I have nothing
+to lose! And it will be best to catch him in the street; he will
+make less fuss, and can't run away from me! Tra, la, la, la, la!
+(Lounges out to the right. A moment later, HARALD comes out of the
+park. He is dressed much as EVJE is, but has not his coat-collar
+turned up.)
+
+Harald. There is a light in her window! Then she is alone in her
+room. What am I going to do now? Twice already I have come to look
+at that light; now I have seen it--and must go away! Good-bye, my
+darling! Be patient, and wait! I know your thoughts are with me
+now; and I know you feel that mine are with you! (As he turns away
+from the house he sees the veiled figure of GERTRUD, who, as soon
+as she has come nearer, rushes to him, throws up her veil, and
+falls into his arms in a glad embrace.)
+
+Gertrud. I was certain that, if you could not go into the house
+again, you would be out here! I knew you would not go away from me,
+dear!
+
+Harald. No--neither now nor ever.
+
+Gertrud. And, while I was walking up and down here in the fog, I
+felt that though there might be all this gloom tend cold around us
+outside, there was the brightness and warmth of certainty in our
+hearts.
+
+Harald. Yes, our love is the one certainty for me! Fog may obscure
+the goal I aim at, the road I have to I read, the very ground I
+stand on; doubts may even for a while attack my faith; but my love
+for you shines clear through it all!
+
+Gertrud. Thank you, my darling! If that is so, there is nothing
+that we cannot overcome!
+
+Harald. Of course, you know what took place to-day?
+
+Gertrud. I can guess.
+
+Harald. Is it true that you are ill? Why did you never tell me?
+
+Gertrud. No, the doctor is not telling the truth; I am not ill!
+Even if I were, what matter? I should go on living as long as I
+could--and should have done my duty before I gave in!
+
+Harald. That is the way to look at it!
+
+Gertrud. But I am not ill! I suffer, it is true--and am likely to--
+every time you are persecuted, or my parents on my account. Because
+_I_ have drawn them into all this that, they are so unfitted for,
+and that is why it pains me so to see how unprepared it finds them
+--most of all when, out of tenderness for me, they try to conceal
+it. But I can't alter things. We are fighting for a cause that you
+believe to be right, and so do I; surely that is better than never
+to suffer at all in any good cause. Try me! Let me share the fight
+with you! I am not weak; it is only that my heart is sore for those
+I love.
+
+Harald. You splendid, loyal creature!--and you are mine! (Embraces
+her.)
+
+Gertrud. You should hear what grandfather says!
+
+Harald. Yes, how is the dear old gentleman?
+
+Gertrud. Pretty well, thanks, though he never gets out now. But he
+is following your work, and he says that what you are aiming at is
+right, if you ask for God's guidance on your way. Harald--you will
+always be the same as you are now--good and genuine--won't you,
+dear? Not like the rest of them--nothing but bitterness and malice,
+always talking of principles and consequences and all the rest of
+it, and always attacking others? If one were obliged to be like
+that, it would be a curse to be a politician.
+
+Harald. I will be what you make me! I think that behind every man's
+public life you can see his private life--whether he has a real
+home, and what it is like, or whether he only has a place he lives
+in--that is to say, no real home.
+
+Gertrud. With God's help I shall try to make a bright, snug and
+cosy home for you! And this fog is delightful, because it only
+makes the thought of such a home all the cosier and snugger! It
+makes us seem so alone, too; no one is out driving or walking; and
+we can talk as loud as we please, because the fog deadens the sound
+of our voices. Oh, I feel so happy again now! Do you know, I think
+it is rather nice to be persecuted a little; it makes our meetings
+so much more precious!
+
+Harald. But, you know dear, to meet you like this--and just now--
+
+Gertrud (as they walk up and down together). Yes, of course! I had
+altogether forgotten how much you have to bear just now; I have
+been chattering away--. Oh, I don't know how I could feel so happy,
+because I am really dreadfully distressed. But, you know, I sit the
+whole play beside grandfather, thinking, without even being able to
+talk. I generally read aloud to him; now and then he makes a
+remark, but he really lives more in the next world than in this one
+now. (They hear a cough in the distance, and give a start, because
+they recognise it. The EDITOR and EVJE, walking along together,
+EVJE apparently talking very earnestly, are seen, indistinctly
+through the fog, in the street running parallel with the one HARALD
+and GERTRUD are in. JOHN is seen following them cautiously. They
+disappear into the park.)
+
+Harald. I hear the enemy! I am sure I caught a glimpse of him over
+there through the fog, talking to another man.
+
+Gertrud. Is he always about the streets even in weather like this?
+
+Harald. Well, we won't let him disturb us. (They begin walking up
+and down again in front of the house.)
+
+Gertrud. Do you know whom I met out here? Father!
+
+Harald. Really? Then it is as I thought; the other man over there
+was your father!
+
+Gertrud. Do you think it was? Poor father!
+
+Harald. Yes, he is weak.
+
+Gertrud. But you must be good to him. He is so good himself. Think
+how mother loves him; she is absolutely wrapped up in him, because
+he is so good!
+
+Harald. He is a good man, and an able man. But, but, but--
+
+Gertrud. They have lived a very tranquil life. We of the younger
+generation try to undertake heavier duties and greater responsibilities
+than the older generation did. But we must not be angry with them.
+
+Harald. I am afraid it is only too easy to feel angry with them.
+
+Gertrud. No, do as grandfather does! If he thinks any one is going
+to be amenable to it, he talks to them quietly; if not, he only
+behaves affectionately to them. Do you understand, dear?--just
+affectionately.
+
+Harald. Well, to-day--ought I to have put up with their allowing
+themselves to be treated in such an unseemly way, and their
+treating me in such an unseemly way?
+
+Gertrud. Was it really as bad as that?
+
+Harald. You would not believe what it was like, I assure you!
+
+Gertrud (standing still). Poor father! Poor father! (Throws her
+arms round HARALD'S neck.) Be good to them, Harald!--just because
+of their faults, dear! We are their children, you know, and it is
+God's commandment, even if we were not their children.
+
+Harald. If only I could take you up in my arms and carry you off
+home with me now! Your love takes possession of my heart and my
+will, and purifies both of them. I am at a crisis in my life now--
+and now you should be on my side!
+
+Gertrud. Listen!--to begin with, I will go with you to your meeting
+to-night!
+
+Harald. Yes, yes,--I will come and fetch you!
+
+Gertrud. Down at the door here!
+
+Harald. Yes!
+
+Gertrud. And, in the next place, I am going to walls into the town
+with you now.
+
+Harald. But then I shall have to see you home again.
+
+Gertrud. Do you object?
+
+Harald. No, no! And you shall teach me a lot of things on the way!
+
+Gertrud. Yes, you will be so wise before we get back! (They go
+out to the right.)
+
+(The EDITOR and EVJE come out of the park. JOHN follows them,
+unseen by them, and slips past them to the right when they stop for
+a moment. The following conversation is carried on in hurried
+tones, and every time the EDITOR raises his voice EVJE hushes him,
+and speaks himself in a persistently lowered voice.)
+
+Evje. But what concern of yours--or of the public's--are my private
+affairs? I don't want to have anything to do with politics.
+
+The Editor, Well, then, you ought not to have had anything to do
+with _him_.
+
+Evje. When I first made his acquaintance he was not a politician.
+
+The Editor. Then you ought to have dropped him when he became one.
+
+Evje. Ought I to have dropped you too, when you became one?
+
+The Editor. Let me repeat, for the last time, that we are not
+talking about me!
+
+Evje. Hush, hush! What a fellow you are! You get into a rage if
+any one chaffs you. But you want to hit out at everybody all round!
+
+The Editor. Do you suppose I am myself?
+
+Evje. Who the devil are you, if you are not yourself?
+
+The Editor. I am merely the servant of the public.
+
+Evje. The public executioner, that is to say?
+
+The Editor. Well, yes, if you prefer it. But you shall pay for that
+word some day.
+
+Evje. There--you see! Always talking of paying for things!--of
+revenge!
+
+The Editor. You shall pay for it, I tell you!
+
+Evje. You are absolutely mad!--Poof! I am sweating as if it were
+the dog days! (Changes his tone.) Think of the time when we used to
+go to school together--when you never could go to bed without first
+coming to thank me for the jolly times we were having together!
+
+The Editor. None of that nonsense! I am accustomed to be hated,
+despised, spit upon, scourged; if any one speaks kindly to me, I
+do not trust them!
+
+Evje. You must trust me!
+
+The Editor. No--and, besides, I observed very clearly to-day that
+you had counted on having me in reserve if ever you got into a
+scrape.
+
+Evje. Well, who doesn't count on his friends? Doesn't every one
+take them into his reckoning?
+
+The Editor. I don't; I have no friends.
+
+Evje. Haven't you me? Do you think I would leave you in the lurch?
+
+The Editor. That is hypocrisy! At times when I have needed it, the
+very last thing you have thought of has been to give me any help!
+
+Evje. Have I not helped you?
+
+The Editor. That is hypocrisy, too-to pretend you think I am
+speaking of money. No; when I have been accused of being
+dishonourable--of lying--you, the "old schoolfellow," the "old
+friend," the "neighbour," have never once had the courage to
+come forward on my behalf.
+
+Evje. I never meddle with politics.
+
+The Editor (with rising temper). More hypocrisy! Another of your
+damned evasions!
+
+Evje. Hush, hush, hush!
+
+The Editor. You try to excuse yourself with a lie! You are doubly
+a traitor!--And then you expect me to have compassion on you!
+
+Evje. As sure as I stand here, I have never thought of deserting
+you, however bad things were.
+
+The Editor. And you have the face to take credit to yourself for
+that? It is all calculation from beginning to end! You thought it
+would be the best way of making me remember your loyalty, and
+reward you for it.
+
+Evje. This is abominable!
+
+The Editor. Oh, you are cunning enough! You represent wealth of
+another kind, which at first was not entirely irreproachably come
+by--
+
+Evje. There you go again!
+
+The Editor. --and want to give it the cachet of good society; so
+you take care to keep friends with a newspaper that may be able
+to give you a helping hand in gaining what you want. Can you
+deny it?
+
+Evje. There may be a slight tinge of calculation even in our
+highest purposes. But the misfortune about you is that you can
+see nothing but the calculation, though it may be only an
+infinitesimal part of the whole thing.
+
+The Editor. Oho--I have had experience of you!
+
+Evje. Then you must have had experience of your party's loyalty,
+too.
+
+The Editor. My party's loyalty!
+
+Evje. Well, after all, it keeps you where you are to-day.
+
+The Editor. _It_ keeps me there?
+
+Evje. And you have friends in that party-myself amongst others--
+who certainly would rather stand outside altogether, but
+nevertheless give you their advice and support when you are in
+difficulties. You cannot deny that.
+
+The Editor. I have friends in the party? Oh yes; and if we lose a
+fight these fine counsellors are the first to run away! They are
+always egging me on and egging me on; but only let public opinion
+once get tired of me, and they will throw me overboard without more
+ado! By that sort of treachery they manage to fill the sails of the
+party craft with a new breeze--and leave me to shift the best way I
+can!--they, for whom I have fought with all my might and main! I
+despise my opponents--they are either scoundrels and thieves, or
+they are blockheads and braggarts. But my supporters are lick-spittles,
+fools, cravens. I despise the whole pack of them, from first
+to last! If any one would give me the assurance that if, as a
+pledge that I would never use a pen again, I were to chop off my
+right hand I should thereby gain the prospect of a peaceful life a
+thousand miles away from here, I believe I would do it!--I despise
+the whole pack of them--oh, how I despise them!
+
+Evje. But this is horrible! Do you find no comfort in religion? Or,
+at all events, you have your paper!
+
+The Editor. My paper, yes--but what good do you suppose that is to
+me? And do you think I give the impression of being a religious
+man?
+
+Evje. Then what do you work for?
+
+The Editor. Perhaps you think I work for your sake?--or for the
+sake of prosperity, or order, or whatever it is you cowards or
+self-seekers like to imagine it is that you personify? No, the
+whole human race is not worth the powder and shot that they are
+holding at each other's heads.
+
+Evje. Then why do you come and almost threaten my life, if the whole
+thing seems so worthless to you?
+
+The Editor. Do you seriously suppose that I would give in, so as to
+spare you or some other shopkeeper?--so that you should be able to
+say triumphantly, "You see he didn't dare! He didn't dare quarrel
+with Capital!"--or, "You see he has given in--he has turned tail!"
+No; what I should like to do would be to lay a mine underground,
+and blow myself and the whole lot of you sky high!
+
+Evje. And I and all the happiness of my family life are to be
+sacrificed in order that you shall not have to give in on a side
+issue of no importance!--Oh, I am chilled to the bone!
+
+The Editor. Ha, ha! It is good to hear you speaking like yourself
+again, because it reminds me that it is time to put an end to this
+solemn nonsense! (Looks at his watch.) A quarter past! You must be
+quick!
+
+Evje. Are you really in earnest?
+
+The Editor. I often play off jokes on you, it is true. But I don't
+know how you will like this one to-morrow morning.
+
+Evje. Then let me tell you that I solemnly refuse! I will not break
+off the engagement! Put me in your paper, if you like; I am a free
+man.
+
+The Editor. Bah! nobody is that. Then you refuse? Good-bye! (Walks
+away from EVJE.)
+
+Evje (going after him). No, no--where are you going?
+
+The Editor (stopping). Nowhere--or rather, I am going home.
+
+Evje. But you won't really do what you said?
+
+The Editor. Ha! ha! ha! (Moves away.)
+
+Evje (following him). No, listen! Listen to me for a minute.
+
+The Editor (turning back). Do you think I have time to stop at all
+the stations your vanity or your fright will invent on the way?
+(Moves away.)
+
+Evje. You mad creature--listen to me! (The EDITOR stops.) Tell me
+exactly what you mean to do?
+
+The Editor. Fiddlesticks! (Moves on.)
+
+Evje (following him). Do you mean to put in the paper that I have
+broken off this match?
+
+The Editor (stopping). Better than that--I shall spread the news in
+the town; then it will get about, and all the journalists will get
+a hold of it.
+
+Evje. Give me a day or two to think it over!
+
+The Editor. Oh, no--you are not going to catch me like that! It is
+election time, and the other side must be made to feel that all
+decent people have deserted them.
+
+Evje. But it is a lie, you know!
+
+The Editor. What is lying, and what is truth? But your resignation
+from the Stock Exchange Committee and your subsequent failure to be
+elected to any public position will be no lies, I can assure you!
+Public opinion is not to be trifled with, you know!
+
+Evje. And this from you!
+
+The Editor. Bah! Public opinion is a very faithless friend.
+
+Evje. But who, after all, constitute public opinion?
+
+The Editor. Oh, no--you are not going to lead me into a trap again!
+Besides--it would be very difficult to say exactly who does
+constitute it.
+
+Evje. This is really--! Then you won't put that in the paper?
+
+The Editor. The news of a broken engagement travels quickest by
+foot-post--ha, ha, ha! (Coughs; then adds seriously :) But won't
+you, of your own accord, break off what are really absolutely
+inadmissible relations with a man who scandalises all your
+acquaintances?
+
+Evje. Lay the blame on me, of course! I know his credentials are no
+longer first class; but my daughter--ah, you would not be able to
+understand that. The circumstances are quite exceptional, and--.
+Look here, shall we go up and talk it over with my wife?
+
+The Editor. Ha, ha!--you turned me out of the house this morning!
+
+Evje. Oh, forget all about that!
+
+The Editor (looking at his watch). Half past! Now, without any
+more evasions--will you, or will you not?
+
+Evje (with a struggle). No! I repeat, no! (The EDITOR moves away.)
+Yes, yes!--It nearly kills me to do it!
+
+The Editor. "The Capitalist, secure in his position, who needs pay
+no regard to," etc., etc.--that is the "common form," isn't it, you
+man of first-class credentials? Ha, ha! Good-bye. I am going home
+to send the boy to the printers; he has waited long enough. (Moves
+away.)
+
+Evje (following him). You are the cruellest, hardest, most reckless--
+
+The Editor (who has been laughing, suddenly becomes serious). Hush!
+Do you see?
+
+Evje (turning round). What? Where?
+
+The Editor. Over there!
+
+Evje. Those two?
+
+The Editor. Yes--your daughter and Mr. Harald Rejn.
+
+Evje. But he swore this morning that he would never set foot in
+my house again!
+
+The Editor. But he will stay _outside_ your house, as you see!
+These gentlemen of the Opposition, when they give any assurance,
+always do it with a mental reservation! You can't trust the
+beggars! Come round the corner. (They do so.)
+
+Evje. An assignation in the street in the fog! To think my daughter
+would let herself be induced to do such a thing!
+
+The Editor. Evil communications corrupt good manners! You are a
+mere bungler in delicate matters, Evje. You made a bad choice in
+that quarter!
+
+Evje. But he seemed to be--
+
+The Editor. Yes, yes, I know! A real gentleman would have guessed
+what he would develop into. He has a brother, you know! (HARALD and
+GERTRUD come in slowly, arm-in-arm.)
+
+Gertrud. While your brother has been ill you have received many
+gratifying proofs of the good feeling and goodwill that there is in
+this town-haven't you?
+
+Harald. Yes, I have. I have found no ill-will against him, nothing
+but kindness on all sides--with the exception of one person, of
+course.
+
+Gertrud. But even he has a heart! It has often seemed to me as if I
+heard a cry of yearning and disappointment from it--and that just
+when he spoke most bitterly.
+
+Harald. Yes, it needs no very sharp sight to see that he, who
+makes so many unhappy, is himself the unhappiest of all.
+
+The Editor. What the deuce are they talking about?
+
+Evje. We cannot hear from here. And the fog deadens their voices.
+
+The Editor. Go a bit nearer, then!
+
+Evje. Not before they separate. You only understand _him_!
+
+Harald (to GERTRUD). What are you holding there?
+
+Gertrud (who has taken off her glove and then a ring from her
+finger). The ring they gave me when I was confirmed. Give me
+your hand! No, take your glove off!
+
+Harald. Do you want me to try your ring on? I shall not be able
+to get it on.
+
+Gertrud. On the little finger of your left hand? Yes!
+
+Harald (putting it on). So I can. Well?
+
+Gertrud. You mustn't laugh at me. I have been beating up my courage
+to do this all this time. It was really why I wanted to walk a
+little farther with you first! I wanted to bring the conversation
+round to it, you see! I am so convinced that your happiness, and
+consequently mine, depends on your being able to be kind. You have
+got this meeting before you to-night. It will be a decisive moment
+for you. If you, when you are facing all this horrible persecution,
+can be a kind boy, you will win all along the line! (Pulls at his
+buttons in an embarrassed way.) So I wanted you to wear this ring
+to remind you. The diamonds in it sparkle; they are like my tears
+when you are hard and forget us two. I know it is stupid of me
+(wipes her eyes hastily), but now, when it comes to the point, I
+can't say what I--. But do wear it!
+
+Harald (kissing her). I will wear it! (Gently.) Its pure rays shall
+shed a light on my life.
+
+Gertrud. Thank you! (Throws her arms round him and kisses him.)
+
+The Editor. What they are doing now is all right! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Evje. I won't stand it! (The EDITOR coughs loudly.) What are you
+doing? (The EDITOR goes to the neighbouring house and rings the
+bell. The door is opened and he goes in, laughing as he goes.)
+
+Gertrud (who has started from HARALD'S arms at the sound of the
+cough). That is--!
+
+Harald. It sounds like him! (Turns, and sees Evje.)
+
+Gertrud. Father! (Turns to run away, but stops.) No, it is cowardly
+to run away. (Comes back, and stands at HARALD'S side. EVJE comes
+forward.)
+
+Evje. I should not have expected my daughter, a well-brought-up
+girl, to make an assignation in the street with--with--
+
+Gertrud. With her fiancé.
+
+Evje. --with a man who has made a mock of her father and mother,
+and of his own doing has banished himself from our house.
+
+Harald. From your house, certainly; but not from my future wife.
+
+Evje. A nice explanation! Do you suppose we will consent to have as
+our son-in-law a man who spurns her parents?
+
+Gertrud. Father!
+
+Evje. Be quiet, my child! You ought to have felt that yourself.
+
+Gertrud. But, father, you surely do not expect him to submit to
+your being abused and himself ill-treated in our house?
+
+Evje. Are you going to teach your parents--?
+
+Gertrud (putting her arm round his neck). I don't want to teach
+you anything; because you know yourself, dear, that Harald is
+worth far more--and far more to us--than the man who went away
+just now! (At this moment the printer's boy, who has come out of
+the EDITOR'S house, runs past them towards the town.)
+
+Evje (seeing the boy, tries to get away). Go in now, Gertrud! I
+have something I wish to talk to Mr. Rejn about.
+
+Gertrud. You have nothing to talk to Harald about that I cannot
+hear.
+
+Evje. Yes, I have.
+
+Harald. But why may she not hear it? What you want is to break off
+our engagement.
+
+Gertrud. Father--! (Moves away from him.) Is that true?
+
+Evje. Well-since it cannot be otherwise-it is true; that is to say,
+for the moment. (Aside.) Good Lord, they can make it up right
+enough when this is all over!
+
+Gertrud (who is standing as if thunderstruck). I saw you with him!
+--Ah! that is how it is! (Looks at her father, bursts into tears
+and rushes to the door of their house, pulls the bell and
+disappears into the house.)
+
+Evje. What is it? What is the matter with her?
+
+Harald. I think I know. She realises that her life's happiness has
+been bought and sold. (Bows to EVJE.) Good-bye! (Goes out to the
+right.)
+
+Evje (after standing dumb for some moments). Bought and sold? Some
+people take everything so dreadfully solemnly. It is only a
+manoeuvre--to get out of this difficulty. Why is it that I cannot
+get free of it! They both of them exaggerate matters so absurdly;
+first of all this crazy fellow, and then Harald with his "Good-bye,"
+spoken as if the ground were giving way beneath his feet! I--I--
+feel as if every one had deserted me. I will go in to my wife--
+my dear, good wife; she will understand me. She is sitting up
+there, full of anxiety about me. (He turns towards his house;
+but, on reaching the garden gate, sees JOHN standing there.)
+
+John (touching his hat respectfully). Excuse me, Mr. Evje--
+
+Evje. You, John! Go away! I told you never to set foot in my
+house again.
+
+John (very respectfully). But won't you allow me to stand outside
+your house either, sir?
+
+Evje. No!
+
+John (standing in EVJE'S way, but still with a show of great
+respect). Not at the door here?
+
+Evje. What are you standing in my way for, you scoundrel?
+
+John. Shall I assist you to call for help, sir? (Calls out.)
+Help!
+
+Evje. Be quiet, you drunken fool! Don't make a disturbance! What do
+you want? Be quick!
+
+John. I want, with all respect, to ask you, sir, why you have sent
+me away.
+
+Evje. Because you are a swine that gets drunk and then talks
+nonsense. You don't know what a dilemma you have put me in.--Now go
+away from here, quietly!
+
+John. I know all about it! I was following you and the Editor all
+the time, you know!
+
+Evje. What?
+
+John. These articles, that were to go in the paper--the printing
+was at a standstill, waiting for them.
+
+Evje. Hush, hush, John! So you overheard that, did you? You are
+too clever; you ought never to have been a servant.--Now, be off
+with you! Here is a shilling or two for you. Good-bye.
+
+John. Thank you very much, sir.--This was how it was, sir. You
+see, I thought of the number of times I had run over to the
+printer's with messages when that nice Editor gentleman was
+spending an evening with you--and so I thought I might just as
+well run over with this one.
+
+Evje (starting back in alarm). What? What have you done?
+
+John. Just to do you a good turn, sir, I ran along and told them
+they might print those articles.
+
+Evje. What articles?
+
+John. The ones about you, sir. "Print away," I said--and they
+printed away. By Jove, how they worked, and then off to the
+post with the papers!
+
+Evje. You had the impudence, you--! Ah, it's not true! I saw the
+printer's boy myself, running to the office to countermand the
+instructions.
+
+John. I caught him up outside here and told him that a message
+had been sent from Mr. Evje's house. And I gave him sixpence to
+go to the theatre with; but he must have had to run for it, to be
+in time, because I am sure it was after seven. Excuse me, sir, but
+it _is_ after seven now, isn't it?
+
+Evje. You scoundrel! You vindictive brute!
+
+John. You can have a look at the paper, sir, if you like.
+
+Evje. Have _you_ got a copy?
+
+John. Yes, sir, the first copy struck off is always sent to the
+Editor, so I volunteered to bring it to him. But you must be
+anxious to see it, sir! (Holds it out to EVJE.)
+
+Evje (snatching it from him). Give it to me! Let me see--. (Moves
+towards his door, but stops.) No, my wife mustn't--. Here, under
+the gas-lamp! This filthy fog! I can't--. (Feels in his pocket for
+his glasses, and pasts them on.) Ah, that's better! (Holds the
+paper under the light.) What a mischance! The blackguard--! Where
+is the article, then? Oh, here--I can't see properly, my heart is
+beating so!
+
+John. Shall I run for the doctor, sir?
+
+Evje. Will you go away, you--! (Holds the paper first up, and then
+down, in his attempts to see better.) Ah, here it is! "The Stock
+Exchange Committee"--oh! (Lowers the paper.)
+
+John (mimicking him). Oh!
+
+Evje (trying to read). What a vile thing to do!
+
+John. Oh, go on! go on!
+
+Evje (as he reads). This beats everything I ever--Oh!
+
+John. Oh! We _are_ in a bad way!
+
+Evje (wiping his forehead). What a different thing it is to read
+libellous attacks on others--and on one's self! (Goes on reading.)
+Oh! Oh! What horrible, revolting rascality! What is it he says
+here? I must read through it again! Oh, oh!
+
+John. And often of a morning, when you have been reading the
+paper, I have heard you laughing till the bed shook under you!
+
+Evje. Yes, I who have so often laughed at others! (Reads.) No,
+this is beyond belief! I can't read any more! This will ruin my
+position in the town; I can hear every one laughing at me--he
+knows all my weaknesses, and has managed to make it all so
+hideously ludicrous! (Tries to go on reading.) Why, here is some
+more! (Reads.) It begins even worse than the other! (Lowers the
+paper, panting, then tries to go on reading.) No, I can't--I can't!
+I must wait! Everything seems going round and round--and my heart
+is beating so violently that I know I shall have one of my attacks!
+What a devil it is that I have been making a friend of! What a
+creature to have broken bread with!--an unprincipled scoundrel!
+And the disgrace of it!--the disgrace! What will they say at the
+Exchange? What will--? I shall not dare to go out of my house, at
+least for some weeks! And then people will only say I have taken
+to my bed! Oh, oh! I feel as if it were the end of everything!
+
+John (solicitously). Can I help you, sir?
+
+Evje. Will you leave me alone--! No, I will have my revenge on him
+immediately! I will go and ring his bell, and go into his house and
+call him a scoundrel and spit in his face--! Did I bring my stick
+out with me? Where is my stick? I will send my man for it, and then
+I will thrash him round and round his own room!
+
+John (eagerly). I will fetch it for you, sir!
+
+Evje (without hearing him). No, it would only make more scandal!--
+How can I take my revenge? I must do him some injury--some real
+injury that will seem to poison his food for him and rob him of his
+rest. Scoundrels like that don't deserve sleep! It must be
+something, too, that will make his family every bit as unhappy as
+mine will be when they have read this--something that will make
+them hide their heads for shame--something that will make them
+terrified every time their door-bell rings, out of shame for what
+their servants may hear! No, no, I am getting as evil-minded as he
+is, now!--What a horrible trade--for ever sowing the seeds of sin
+and reaping a crop of curses! Now I understand what Harald Rejn
+meant by saying that no one ought to give his help to such things!
+--Heavens, hear my vow: never again will I give my help to such
+things!--What am I to say to my wife--my dear, good wife, who has
+no suspicion how disgraced I am! And Gertrud, our good Gertrud--ah,
+at all events I can give her some pleasure at once. I cannot
+conceal it from them; but I will tell them myself, so that they
+shall not read it.
+
+John. Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?
+
+Evje (almost screaming at him). Once for all, can't you let me
+alone!
+
+Mrs. Evje (leaning out of a window she has opened). The sound must
+have come from the street, all the same. Are you there, my dear?
+
+Evje (drawing back in alarm). There she is! Shall I answer?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Are you there, my dear?
+
+Evje. Yes, dear, here I am!
+
+Mrs. Evje. So you are! I heard your voice, and looked all over the
+house. What is the matter, dear?
+
+Evje. Oh, I am so unhappy!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Good heavens, are you, dear? Come along in--or shall I
+come down to you?
+
+Evje. No, I will come in. Shut the window, or you will catch cold.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Do you know, Gertrud is sitting up here, crying?
+
+Evje. Good gracious, is she? I will come up--I will come up!
+
+John. I will help him up, ma'am! (Pretends to be doing so.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. Is that you, John?
+
+Evje (in a low voice). Will you be off!
+
+John. Yes, it is me, ma'am. He is so unwell.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Is he! Heavens, it is one of his attacks! Help him,
+John!
+
+Evje (as before). Don't you dare!
+
+John (who has rung the bell loudly). I do hope you will moon be
+better, sir! (Calls up to the window.) I can leave him now, ma'am!
+(To EVJE, as he goes.) This has been a bit of luck, for me; but
+you shall have some more of it! (Disappears into the fog as EVJE
+goes into his house. The two Passers-by, that were seen at the
+beginning of the scene, are now indistinctly seen returning along
+the street at the back.)
+
+First Passer-by. Well, the land of Fogs used to be thought by the
+ancients to lie in the north, where all confused ideas come from--
+
+Second Passer-by (who does not seem to be able to get a word in).
+But, listen to me for a moment-do you think it means--?
+
+[Curtain]
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+(SCENE.--A room in HALVDAN REJN's house. He is lying, supported on
+pillows, on a sofa on the left-hand side of the room. There is a
+table in the background, and another near the sofa. A lamp is
+hanging from the ceiling, and another standing on the table at the
+back. HAAKON REJN, his dress proclaiming him to be a well-to-do
+yeoman farmer, is sitting on a chair by the sofa.)
+
+Halvdan. So she couldn't come?
+
+Haakon. No; there are the youngsters, you know--she finds it
+difficult to get away.
+
+Halvdan (after a moment's silence). Remember to thank her for
+all her kindness to me. The happiest moments of my life have
+been those Sundays and evenings that she and you and I spent
+together at your house. (A pause.)
+
+Haakon. She wanted very much to know how you were feeling--
+whether you, who have suffered so much, are at peace now.
+
+Halvdan. At peace? A man who has to die with all his work
+unfinished, cannot easily root out all thoughts of that from his
+heart.
+
+Haakon. You should try to lay in God's hands all that you have
+striven for.
+
+Halvdan. That is what I struggle daily to do. (A pause.)
+
+Haakon. A sister of my wife's, who was a widow and badly off, died
+leaving three young children. But she was glad to die. "Their
+Heavenly Father will help them better when I am out of the way,"
+she said. "I took up too much room," she said; "I know I have often
+stood in their way." (A pause.)
+
+Halvdan. You tell that just as your wife would; she told me that
+story once.
+
+Haakon. I was to tell you from her that she believes you are to die
+in order that what you have worked for may come to its fullest
+fruit. She thinks that when you are gone, people will appreciate
+better what your aims were.
+
+Halvdan. There is some comfort in the thought that I may be dying
+in order that what I have loved may live. I have already given up
+happiness-even honour-for it; I gladly give my life for it now. (A pause.)
+
+Haakon. Do you bear ill-will to any of those who have opposed you
+so cruelly?
+
+Halvdan. To no one.
+
+Haakon. Not even to those whose doing it is that you are lying
+here?
+
+Halvdan. No, to no one. (A pause.)
+
+Haakon. Could you bear to read something hateful about
+yourself to-day?
+
+Halvdan. I don't know.
+
+Haakon. Then you have not done with it all yet.
+
+Halvdan. No, I know I have not. It is only sometimes that the busy
+world outside seems to me like a ship sailing idly before the wind.
+More often, I am back in the midst of it again--planning, hoping,
+praying! I am young, you know, and have had to suffer so much--
+there was so much I wanted to do. (Lifts a handkerchief to his
+forehead. HAAKON helps him to wipe his face with it. A pause.)
+
+Haakon. But it must be a comfort to you, too, that Harald is
+taking up what you are laying down. There is good stuff in him.
+
+Halvdan. Yes.
+
+Haakon. And he never says more than is necessary. The country folk
+will understand him all the better for it.
+
+Halvdan. I hope so. As soon as he comes into my room I feel as if
+the atmosphere were charged with electricity--I feel as if I _must_
+have a part in what he is doing--and so I work, and tire myself
+out. Ah, it often seems very hard to have to die, and leave undone
+a great work that one has failed to accomplish!
+
+Haakon. But you have made him what he is, you know--and many
+others.
+
+Halvdan. I have started the fight, that is all. It is hard to have
+to desert at the beginning of it!--But God is good, and will
+understand; He will not be surprised at what my thoughts are full
+of, when I go to Him. (A ring is heard at the bell.)
+
+Haakon. I expect that is Harald.
+
+Halvdan. No, he never rings. Besides, I expect he is taking a walk,
+to think over what he is going to say to-night.
+
+Haakon. Yes, I suppose it will be a big meeting. (The HOUSEKEEPER
+comes in.)
+
+The Housekeeper. Mr. Evje is here, sir, asking for Mr. Harald. I
+told him we were expecting him every moment. Shall I ask him to
+come in?
+
+Halvdan. Yes, show him in. (HAAKON gets up, as EVJE is shown in.)
+
+Evje (to HALVDAN). Good evening! (Sees HAAKON.) Ah, good evening!
+So you have come? That is splendid. Is your wife with you?
+
+Haakon. No, she couldn't leave the children.
+
+Evje. I see. (To HALVDAN.) And how are you? About the same? Of
+course, yes.--Where is your brother?
+
+Halvdan. He has his meeting to-night, you know.
+
+Evje. His momentous meeting--I know! I am going to it myself!
+
+Halvdan (turns his face towards him). You?
+
+Evje. My object in coming here was to take him home with me, so
+that we could all go together to the meeting. We mean to go on to
+the platform with him; I mean people to see that we are with him!
+
+Halvdan (turning his face away). Really!
+
+Evje (to HAAKON). You never answered my letter, Mr. Rejn.
+
+Haakon. No, I knew I was coming in to town.
+
+Evje. Well--will you sell?
+
+Haakon. No.
+
+Evje. But, my dear Mr. Rejn, you have not sold a single potato to
+my distillery for five years! And with a farm like yours! This year
+you had the best crop in the whole valley.
+
+Haakon. Oh, yes--it wasn't so bad.
+
+Evje. Not so bad! It was an extraordinary crop; and, everywhere
+else round about, the crops were very middling.
+
+Haakon. Oh, yes--it might have been worse.
+
+Evje (laughing). I should think so! But then why won't you sell?
+(Turns to HALVDAN.) I hope you will excuse our talking business in
+a sick-room; a business man has to seize every opportunity, you
+know! (To HAAKON.) You have never got higher prices elsewhere than
+you have from me.
+
+Haakon. No, so I believe; but I have my own reasons.
+
+Evje. Your own reasons? What are they?
+
+Haakon. I had a servant once--it is about five years ago now--a
+good, capable fellow. He used to take potatoes for me to the
+distillery every day, and every evening came back drunk. So I spoke
+to him seriously about it; and his answer was: "How do you suppose
+our brandy-merchants are to grow rich, if chaps like me don't drink
+pretty hard?" You know the man; he went into your service
+afterwards. But from that day I have never sold a potato to a
+distillery.
+
+Evje. But, my dear Mr. Rejn, we cannot be held responsible for the
+use to which such rascals put God's gifts!
+
+Haakon. No--no--I suppose not; still, I am not going to have
+anything more to do with it.
+
+Evje (to HALVDAN). Do you think your brother will not be home
+before the meeting?
+
+Halvdan. I should think he would; there is plenty of time yet.
+
+Evje. There is; but I should have liked to take him home with me
+first. The fact is (laughs) I have promised my wife and daughter
+not to go home without him. You know what women are! Shall I just
+go into his room and wait for him? There is something I want to
+talk to him about, you know.
+
+Halvdan. I don't think there is a fire in there.
+
+Evje. Oh, well, never mind--I will sit here. I have got a newspaper
+to read, and yon two must go on with your talk just as if I were
+not here! I shall hear nothing, because I have something to read
+that interests me. (He pulls a chair up to the table on the right
+with its back to HALVDAN. HAAKON brings the lamp from the table at
+the back.) Ah, thank you very much! Now, just talk away as if I
+were not here! (Takes the paper from his pocket and sits down.)
+
+Haakon (sitting down again beside his brother). I should have
+liked to go to the meeting, too.
+
+Halvdan. Of course you must go! You will hear Harald tell them
+how each nation has its own appointed task in the world; that is
+why it _is_ a nation. But, as long as it does not realise the fact,
+its politics will be nothing but wrangling between the various
+class-interests--a haphazard struggle for power. Our nation has
+never got beyond that point! I have shouted myself to death over
+what is a mere market.
+
+Evje (to himself, striking the table with his fist). The whole
+commercial community is insulted in this insult to me! I will stir
+them up at the meeting, and insist on our taking our revenge in
+common!
+
+Haakon. I don't think things will be any better until we are better
+Christians. Men think of nothing nowadays but themselves and their
+position.
+
+Evje (to himself). No, no-that wouldn't do. What would people say?
+They would only say I was badly hit by this.
+
+Halvdan (half to himself). A Christian nation, thinking of nothing
+but its own interests--that is to say, power! Equality and Liberty
+have no meaning for it. Haakon, it surely will be bliss for a
+wounded soul to be taken into the Everlasting Love, high above all
+this so-called Christianity of the world! For my soul is sorely
+wounded!
+
+Evje (to himself ). If only I could strike him dead!
+
+Halvdan. But may they all be forgiven!--You asked just now whether
+I could bear to read something hateful about myself to-day. I think
+I could.
+
+Haakon. Then I can tell you the other message she gave me for you.
+I have been a little shy of telling you that. It was that you
+should remember that you must do more than forgive; you must pray
+for them. (A pause.)
+
+Halvdan (with his hand over his eyes). I do.
+
+Evje (crumpling up the paper and throwing it on the floor). No, I
+won't stand it! If the blackguard--. (Gets up in alarm, as he
+realises what he has done, and is just going to pick up the paper;
+but at that moment turns round facing the others, and lets it lie.)
+No, I won't touch it again--never, as long as I live! (To the
+others.) You must forgive me, but I was reading something that
+upset me very much. Your brother will tell you all about it in the
+morning, no doubt. Poof--it is very warm in here! But, of course,
+that is natural in a sick-room. I don't think he can be coming now.
+I think, too, that I will go on, so as not to be late for the
+meeting; there is sure to be a difficulty in getting seats. I will
+get him to go home with me after the meeting, instead. That will be
+better, after all.
+
+Haakon. I was thinking of going to the meeting. Would you mind if I
+went with you?--for I do not know the way myself.
+
+Evje. You will come with me, Mr. Rejn? (To himself.) That will be
+splendid--to make my entrance in the company of one of our yeomen
+farmers! (Aloud.) By all means let us go together! I feel flattered
+by the opportunity, because I have always maintained that our
+yeomen are the pick of the nation. Well, then--(to Halvdan) I hope
+you will soon be feeling better, Mr. Rejn. God bless you!
+
+Halvdan (raising himself on his elbow, and looking at him with a
+smile). Something must have gone amiss with you to-day.
+
+Evje. Why do you say that?
+
+Halvdan. Because as a rule you appear so composed so aloof from all
+this squabbling.
+
+Evje (impetuously). But, do what I like, I am not allowed to keep
+aloof from it! I have no greater wish in the world than to do so, I
+can assure you. Oh, well, your excellent brother--my future
+son-in-law, as I am proud to call him--he will tell you all about
+it. Good-bye!--and--and--God bless you!
+
+Haakon. Shall I tell your housekeeper to come to you?
+
+Halvdan. Oh, no; but you might tell her to come in a little while.
+
+Haakon. Good-bye for the present, then!
+
+Halvdan. Thank you for coming! Good-bye. (Sinks back on to the
+sofa. The others go out, HAAKON turning round once at the door.)
+
+Halvdan. It is something in the paper that has disturbed his
+equanimity. What can it be? The same thing that made Harald so
+gloomy to-day, I wonder? (Gets half up.) It is lying there.--No!
+What interest have I in all their petty spite now? (Sinks back
+again.) "Could you bear to read something hateful about yourself
+to-day?" Haakon asked. Then I suppose there is something about me
+in it to-day. (Puts his hand over his heart.) My heart doesn't seem
+to be beating any the faster for my knowing that. (Gets half up.)
+There it lies! (Sinks back again.) No, I am only trying to tempt
+myself. All the same, I should like to know how many stations I
+have passed on my journey to the great City of Peace! Can their
+malice affect me still? Surely I have passed _that_ station?--It
+would be worth trying, to see. There it lies! (Takes up a stick
+that is standing by the sofa.) Surely I can get over there by
+myself? (Gets up from the sofa with the help of the stick, and
+smiles.) I have not much strength left. (Takes a few steps.)
+Scarcely enough to get across the floor. (A few more steps.) To
+think that I should have--so much vanity--my weak point--. (His
+breath fails him, but he gets as far as the chair on which EVJE was
+sitting, and sits down.) One ought to have done with all that
+before the soul can get quite away from the dust that--. (Begins to
+rake the paper towards him with his stick.) And here am I, sitting
+here raking more of it towards me!--No, let the thing lie! I won't
+soil my wings any more.--Poor Harald! He has to take up the burden
+now! What a horrible bungle it is, that we should be brought into
+the world to give each other as much pain as possible! (Decidedly.)
+Well, I am going to see what legacy of unhappiness I am leaving
+him! I want to have a vivid impression of the misery I am escaping
+from. There is a certain comfort even in that. (Bends down and
+picks up the paper, rests for a moment, and then unfolds the
+paper.) But this is not to-day's paper; it is dated for to-morrow!
+How can Evje have got hold of it? Yes, here is the date--Sunday.
+"Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath Day!" On that day men's
+souls should turn to God--and they offer Him _this_! It is after
+reading _this_ that these fine ladies and gentlemen go to church!
+(Pushes the paper away from him.) Suppose these "Christians" were
+to be brought to judgment one day without warning?--Let us think of
+ourselves and not of others! (Lets his eye rest on the paper.) Does
+that mean me? (Reads.) "Not yet actually dead, but already
+canonised by a calculating brother--." (Checks himself.) God
+forgive them! (Reads on.) "His teachings will no doubt obtain him a
+paean of praise, but this will be--or, at least, so it is to be
+hoped--from within the closely locked doors of the state's prisons
+and houses of correction"--(checks himself a little)--"for that is
+whither he leads his followers."--Good God, to think that they can
+say such things!--And yet, they said worse things of _Him_! Peace!
+(Reads.) "No doubt he talks against Socialism; no doubt he coquets
+with Christianity; but it is by these very means that he has become
+so expert a seducer of men's opinions-which was his aim all along."
+(Puts his hands before his face.) I should not have read it;
+forgive me! I am too weak still!--Ah! I feel--what is it? (Puts his
+hands suddenly to his heart, still unconsciously grasping the
+newspaper in them.) I must get into my room--get to bed! (Gets up
+with the help of his stick.) If only I can get there! Oh, I feel it
+coming on!--I must--. (Tries to hurry, but when he is halfway
+across the floor he stumbles, throws out his hands but finds no
+support, staggers on for a few steps, and falls full length on the
+threshold of his bedroom, so that half his length lies within the
+door and half without. A moment later, the HOUSEKEEPER comes in.)
+
+The Housekeeper (not observing that he is not still on the sofa).
+Won't you go to bed now, sir? You can't stand so much in one day.
+(Goes to the sofa.) Where is he? Surely he has not tried to walk in
+alone? (Hurries across to the bedroom door and almost falls over
+his body. She starts back with a scream.) Where is--? (Catches up
+the lamp, hurries back, and bends over him; then calls out,
+screaming:) Help! Help! (Rings the bell wildly. A MAID appears.)
+Mr. Halvdan is lying here! Heaven knows whether he is dead or
+alive! Run for the Doctor! Leave the door open behind you, and beg
+the first man you meet in the street to come up here at once and
+help me. Tell them it is a matter of life and death!
+
+Maid. Yes!
+
+The Housekeeper. Hurry!
+
+Maid (going out). Yes, yes!
+
+The Housekeeper (coming back into the room). Is he alive or dead? I
+haven't the courage to find out. And both his brothers away!
+(Cries.) God grant some one comes soon!--Poor man, alone in his
+death as he was in his life! But what was he doing _there_? Why did
+he get up from the sofa? (Sees the paper.) Surely that can't be--?
+(Puts the lamp on the floor and unfolds the paper.) Yes, it is the
+paper, right enough! Who can have given it him? I can't look at it
+now; but if it is like the number I read the other day (lets the
+paper fall, and gets up with the lamp) then I understand everything
+--and may God requite those that do such things! (The EDITOR rushes
+in.)
+
+The Editor. Is it here?
+
+The Housekeeper (holds the lamp to him, then starts back). What do
+_you_ want here?
+
+The Editor. Where am I? A girl came running down the street and
+told me I must come up here and help some one that was dying. What
+do you want me to do?--or is it not here?
+
+The Housekeeper. And it was _you_ she met? It is the hand of God!
+
+The Editor. What are you babbling about? If it is not here, say so
+at once.
+
+The Housekeeper. Yes, it is here. There he lies!
+
+The Editor. Then oughtn't we to get him into bed?
+
+The Housekeeper. Yes. But do you know who it is you are helping?
+
+The Editor (to himself). She is not very polite. (Aloud.) No; but
+what does that matter?
+
+The Housekeeper. This much--that it is you that have killed him.
+
+The Editor. I--? She is mad.
+
+The Housekeeper. The man lying there is Halvdan Rejn. And he had
+been reading about himself in your paper.--Come, now, and carry him
+in. (She goes into the bedroom with the lamp. Her voice is heard
+from inside the room.) Now, take hold of him and lift him. You can
+think afterwards.
+
+The Editor (stoops to lift the body, but gets up again). I don't
+think he is dead yet.
+
+The Housekeeper. All the more reason to make haste.
+
+The Editor (stoops down again, but gets up once more.) Let me take
+his head.
+
+The Housekeeper. Why?
+
+The Editor. So that--if he should open his eyes
+
+The Housekeeper. --he won't see you. (Comes out of the bedroom). Go
+in there, then, and take his head. (He goes in.) What was that?
+
+The Editor (from inside the room). I slipped. There is something
+wet here.
+
+The Housekeeper. Yes, he has had a hemorrhage. Carefully, now.
+(They carry him in. The stage remains empty for a moment. Then the
+EDITOR comes back, wiping his forehead. He walks backwards and
+forwards, treading on the paper as he goes, but without noticing
+it.)
+
+The Editor. What a horrible thing to happen!--Newspapers are not
+meant for dying people.--It is not my fault.--Is this blood on my
+hand? It is! (Wipes it with his handkerchief.) And now it is on my
+handkerchief! (Throws it away.) No, it has my name on it. (Picks it
+up again.) No one can say it is my fault. (Sits down, then gets up,
+wiping his forehead with his handkerchief without noticing what
+he is doing.) Ah, I hope I haven't put blood on my forehead? I
+seem to feel it there! (Feels with his hand to see if his brow is
+wet.) No. (Sits down, then gets up again.) Let me get away from
+here. (Stops.) To think that I should be the one to come up! that
+it should just happen to-night that I did not receive my paper,
+and so went out! It almost seems more than accident. Indeed, I
+often had a foreboding that it would happen. (Stands opposite the
+bedroom door.) But is he dead? I think I will go and fetch the
+Doctor. Oh no, of course the maid has gone for him. He hasn't
+long to live, anyway; I could see that. (Walks forward, pointing
+with his finger.) "There goes the man that killed Halvdan Rejn!
+And his punishment was that he had to lift up his bloodstained
+body himself." That is what they will say; and they will look at
+me as if--. (Sits down.) No, let me get away! (Takes a few steps,
+then stops suddenly.) That article in to-morrow's paper! It is
+worse than the others! (Pulls out his watch.) Too late--the post
+has gone! I would have given--. (Checks himself.) I have nothing
+worth giving. In the morning It will be known all over the town
+just as everyone is reading my fresh article. There will be a riot;
+I shall be hunted like a wild beast. What shall I do? I might sneak
+out of the town? Then they will gloat over me! I won't allow them
+that pleasure! No, I cannot stay my hand utter a failure; only
+after a victory. That is the cursed part of it-never, never to be
+able to end it. Oh, for some one that could end it--end it, end it!
+Oh, for one day of real peace! Shall _I_ ever get that? (Sits down.)
+No, no, I must get away! (Gets up.) To-morrow must take care of
+itself. (Starts.) There is the paper he was reading! (Steps over
+it.) I will take it away--and burn it. (Takes it up.) I cannot burn
+it here; some one might come. (Is just going to put it into his
+pocket, as it is, but takes it out again to fold it better.) A
+Sunday's paper, apparently! Then it is _not_ to-day's? An old number,
+I suppose. Then the whole thing is a mistake! (Sighs with relief.)
+Let me look again! (Opens the paper, tremblingly.) I don't deserve
+it, but--. (Reads.) Sunday, the--. _To-morrow's_ paper? _Here_? How in
+all the world did it get here? (Appears horrified.) Here are the
+articles about Evje! How on earth did they get in? Didn't I send a
+message? Didn't I write? This on the top of everything else! Are
+even my printers conspiring against me? Well, even if it ruins me,
+I shall go on! They shall find out what I can do. How on earth can
+I be expected to help it if a weak-minded fellow dies, or if my
+printers are drunk or my manager has delirium tremens! I shall
+pursue my end through all chances and in spite of all their tricks,
+and I shall crush them, crush them--I shall--. (Gives way to a
+paroxysm of rage. At this moment the MAID comes in with the
+DOCTOR'S ASSISTANT. The MAID rushes into the bedroom. The EDITOR
+starts up.) Who is that? What do you want?
+
+The Doctor's Assistant (coldly). What do _you_ want here?
+
+The Editor. I? Oh, I was called up to help the sick man into his
+bed.
+
+The Doctor's Assistant (as before). Ah!--so it was _you_! (A pause.)
+
+The Editor. Have you ever seen me before?
+
+The Doctor's Assistant. Yes. I have heard you grind your teeth
+before this. (Goes into the bedroom.)
+
+The Editor (after standing for a moment looking after him). They
+will all look at me to-morrow like that-with those cold eyes.
+"Every man's hand against him, and his hand against every man;"
+there can only be one end to that. To-night, the meeting--and
+Harald Rejn will take them by storm. To-morrow, his brother's
+death--and my new article in the paper--and, in addition to
+that, those about Evje, who at present is only angry. And the
+election in two days! Oh, yes, he will be elected now. So I may as
+well give it all up at once. I would change places with any wolf
+that has a lair to hide in. Those cold eyes of his! (Shudders.)
+That is how every one will look at me to-morrow! They have pierced
+through my armour! (The DOCTOR'S ASSISTANT comes back, and the
+EDITOR makes an effort to resume his former confident manner.)
+
+The Doctor's Assistant. I don't know whether you will be glad to
+hear that it is all over.
+
+The Editor (under his breath). You brute!
+
+The Doctor's Assistant. His old housekeeper does not feel equal to
+coming here to tell you what his last words were. They were:
+"Forgive him!" (Goes out.)
+
+The Editor (sitting down, then getting up again). No, I mustn't be
+found here. (Walks about the room on tiptoe, as if he were afraid
+of waking some one. When he comes opposite to the bedroom door, he
+turns towards it, stretches out his arms and says:) Give me your
+forgiveness too!
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+(SCENE.--A large and handsomely furnished sitting-room at the
+EVJE'S. The room is brightly lit and the fire burning. The entrance
+door is on the right, and beyond it a door leading to the dining-room.
+INGEBORG is busy taking the covers off the chairs, folding them
+carefully as she does so. After a little, the bell rings. She
+goes to open the door, and returns, showing in the DOCTOR.)
+
+The Doctor. Oho! Is it to be in here to-night?
+
+Ingeborg (who has resumed her work of making the room ready). Yes,
+sir.
+
+The Doctor. Where are they all?
+
+Ingeborg. At the meeting, sir.
+
+The Doctor. All of them?
+
+Ingeborg. Yes, all of them. Miss Gertrud went first--
+
+The Doctor. Yes, I saw her well enough!
+
+Ingeborg. And then the master, and a farmer gentleman with him,
+came in to fetch the mistress.
+
+The Doctor (to himself). Something has happened here, then.
+(Aloud.) Tell me, Ingeborg--has _he_ been here again? You know
+who I mean. (Coughs in imitation of the EDITOR'S cough.)
+
+Ingeborg. Oh, the Editor; no, sir.
+
+The Doctor (to himself). I wonder what has happened. (Aloud.)
+Well, evidently there is to be a festivity here to-night; and, as I
+see the chairs are getting their covers taken off, I may as well
+take mine off too. (Takes off his coat and gives it to INGEBORG,
+who carries it out.) I don't blame Evje for wanting to celebrate
+Harald's success after a meeting like that! He is not exactly
+eloquent in the ordinary sense of the word--doesn't bother about
+his antitheses and climaxes and paradoxes, and all that sort of
+nonsense; but he is a _man_! He goes bail for what he says, and he
+says what he likes--ha, ha! And that dear Gertrud, too! Follows
+him into the hall, and, as there isn't a single seat left there,
+goes up on to the platform among the committee, and sits there
+looking at him with those trustful blue eyes of hers, as if there
+was no one else in the room! And _we_ were all looking at _her_!
+She helped him more than ten good speakers would have done, I am
+sure. Her faith in him bred it in others, whether they liked it or
+no. She is one who would die for her faith! Yes, yes! The man
+that gets her--. (INGEBORG comes back.) Well! (Rubs his hands
+together.) Look here, Ingeborg. (Very politely.) Do you know
+what is meant by the Rights of Man?
+
+Ingeborg (going on with her work). No, sir. Something we have
+earned, I suppose.
+
+The Doctor. Yes, you earn them every day.
+
+Ingeborg. Our meals, perhaps?
+
+The Doctor (laughing). No, it isn't something to eat,
+unfortunately. (Politely.) Do you ever read papers, Ingeborg?
+
+Ingeborg. Papers? Oh, you mean the price-lists they leave at the
+kitchen door. Yes, sir; every day, before we go to market, I--
+
+The Doctor. No, I don't mean papers of that sort. I mean--
+
+Ingeborg. Oh, you mean the newspaper I take in to master's room
+every morning. No, Sir, I don't read that. I am told there are such
+horrors in it.
+
+The Doctor. Quite so. Don't you care to read about horrors, then?
+
+Ingeborg. Oh, we poor folk see enough of them in our everyday lives,
+without reading about them!--But perhaps the gentry enjoy it.
+
+The Doctor. You are a very wise woman. Let me tell you, though,
+that there is a fight going on, about--oh, well, never mind what it
+is about. And the Editor and Mr. Rejn, who both come to this
+house, are the two chief fighters. Don't you want to know what
+they are fighting about?
+
+Ingeborg (going on unconcernedly with her work). Oh, so they are
+fighting, are they? No, I don't care the least bit, sir!
+
+The Doctor (to himself). Ha, ha--the difference between Ingeborg
+and me is that I am interested in the fight merely as a student of
+human nature, and she is not interested in it at all. I wonder
+which is farthest from any genuine belief in politics?--from our
+"duty as a citizen," as they call it? (To INGEBORG.) Ingeborg, do
+you know what your "duty as a citizen" means?
+
+Ingeborg. My "duty as a citizen"? That mean; paying fines, doesn't
+it, sir?
+
+The Doctor. Yes; and a very heavy fine, into the bargain!
+
+Ingeborg. The master was fined because the pavement was not swept.
+John was ill.
+
+The Doctor. Quite right, that was one of his duties as a citizen.--
+Tell me, Ingeborg, are they expecting a lot of people here to-night?
+
+Ingeborg. No, sir, I have only laid table for quite a few.
+
+The Doctor. And what are they going to have?
+
+Ingeborg. Oh, one or two dishes and one or two sorts of wine--.
+
+The Doctor. Aha! (A ring is heard at the bell. INGEBORG goes to the
+door.) There they are! Now we shall have a fine time!
+
+Ingeborg (coming back with a letter). It is a note for you, sir.
+
+The Doctor. Oh, bother I
+
+Ingeborg. The man who brought it was not sure whether you would be
+at the meeting or here.
+
+The Doctor. How could he know--? (Putting on his glasses.) Oh, from
+my assistant--that is quite another thing. Of course he wants my
+help or my advice. Well, he shan't have it! I have run about quite
+enough to-day. Tell the messenger that I haven't time! I have my
+Duties as a Citizen to attend to! (Calls after her.) And my
+Manhood's Rights too! (Opens the envelope.) No, I won't read it; if
+I do, the matter will worry me all the evening. I know what I am.
+(Puts the note in his pocket.) I mean to enjoy this evening!
+(Suddenly.) I wonder how our friend the Editor is enjoying this
+evening! Was he at the meeting, I wonder? A remarkable personality
+--but malignity itself! Lion-hearted, though! He would fight till
+the last drop of his blood! But what is it, really, that he is
+fighting for? That question has always interested me, for I can't
+make it out. (To INGEBORG, who has comeback.) Well?
+
+Ingeborg. The messenger has gone.--Yes, sir, I told him everything
+you told me to.
+
+The Doctor. Of course. You would! Why the deuce does any one pay
+any attention to what I say! (The bell rings.) Here they are at
+last! Now we shall have a delightful evening! (EVJE and MRS. EVJE
+come in.) I am first, you see!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Were you at the meeting, too?
+
+The Doctor. Where else should I be?
+
+Evje. Did you see me?
+
+Mrs. Evje. There were so many people there, dear.
+
+Evje. But I was standing on a seat.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes, he was standing on a seat!
+
+The Doctor. There were plenty of people doing that.
+
+Evje. I wanted to be seen!--There _have_ been goings on here
+to-day, my friend!
+
+Mrs. Evje. You will never guess what has happened!
+
+The Doctor. Anyway I can see that something has happened.
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Oh--!
+
+The Doctor. What is it, then?
+
+Evje. Those articles will be in to-morrow's paper.
+
+The Doctor. In the paper?--Yes, I didn't find him.
+
+Evje. But I found him!
+
+The Doctor (impatiently). Well?
+
+Evje. I will tell you all about it another time. But I have read them--
+
+Mrs. Evje. And he has told me all about them!
+
+The Doctor. Are they very bad?
+
+Evje. Oh--oh!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Oh--oh--oh!
+
+The Doctor (with a look of pleased curiosity.) As bad as all that?
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Oh--oh--oh--oh!
+
+The Doctor. And _that_ was why you went to the meeting!
+
+Evje. Of course--tit for tat! It was my wife's idea.
+
+Mrs. Evje. It was the obvious thing to do, dear.
+
+Evje. Our whole family at the meeting!--So that all the town should
+know that it was nothing but the meanest political persecution
+because I had joined my son-in-law's party.
+
+Mrs. Evje. We are party people now, you know!
+
+Evje. Do you know, there is something exciting about being mixed
+up with such things--something invigorating, something--
+
+The Doctor (stepping back). Are _you_ bitten with it, too?
+
+Evje. Yes, if I can't be left in peace, I shall become a party man.
+
+The Doctor (enthusiastically). Did you see Gertrud?
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje (with emotion). Our Gertrud! Yes, indeed we did!
+
+The Doctor. Did you see her coming in with him!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje (as before). Yes, we saw her coming in with him!
+
+The Doctor. I suppose you did not know she was going?
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. Oh, yes!
+
+Mrs. Evje. She had said she would go with us--
+
+Evje. But when we went to fetch her, the bird had flown!
+
+The Doctor. How pretty she looked, too! All the men were looking
+at her. And how she looked at him!
+
+Mrs. Evje. It made me want to cry. I had quite a job to prevent
+myself.
+
+Evje. You need not have minded, dear! God has given us great
+happiness. Her faith in him and her love shone to from her eyes
+that it went to my heart. I felt quite upset! (Wipes his eyes.)
+
+The Doctor. And what about _him_--eh? I don't fancy any one will
+think about stopping his career. We have been a pack of fools.
+
+Evje. That we have!
+
+The Doctor. He is not exactly eloquent, but--
+
+Evje. That is precisely what I was saying to my wife! He is not
+exactly eloquent, but he is--
+
+The Doctor. --a man!
+
+Evje. A man! My very words, weren't they, my dear?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Yes.--And I say he is so strong a man that he can afford
+to be tender-hearted. For he certainly has been that.
+
+Evje. Yes, he has been that!
+
+The Doctor (laughing). In spite of his strength!
+
+Evje. Oh, you may make the most of your--. Aha! (Loud ringing at
+the bell is heard.) Here they are!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Let us go and meet them!
+
+The Doctor. No; look here--let us wait for them at the other side
+of the room, so that they may make a triumphal progress up to us!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje, Yes! (They go to the opposite end of the room,
+while HARALD comes in rather quickly, with GERTRUD on his arm. As
+they cross the room, the others cry out: "Bravo! Bravo!" and clap
+their hands.)
+
+Gertrud (still holding to HARALD's arm). And he is my man! My man!
+(Throws her arms round his neck, crying with happiness, and kisses
+him; then does the same to her mother, and then to her father, to
+whom she whispers: Thank you!)
+
+The Doctor. Oh--me too!
+
+Gertrud (after a moment's hesitation). Yes--you too!
+
+(The DOCTOR helps her to take off her cloak, and talks to her,
+whispering and laughing.)
+
+Harald (shaking EVJE's hand). Good evening!
+
+Evje. Forgive me!
+
+Harald. With all my heart!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And now everything is all right!
+
+Harald. For good!
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. For good!
+
+Harald. And, thank you for coming to the meeting.
+
+Evje. It was no more than our duty! Look here--did you see me?
+
+Harald. The whole time! But, tell me, was it a delusion, or was it
+my brother Haakon that was standing on the floor beside you, rather
+in the shadow?
+
+Evje and Mrs. Evje. It _was_ he!
+
+Evje. I fetched him from your brother Halvdan's.
+
+Harald. I am so glad! It must have pleased Haakon. Gertrud and I at
+first thought of going in to see Halvdan before we came on here;
+but we saw all his lights were out. He must be asleep.
+
+Evje. I can give you news of him. He is all right.
+
+Harald. And Haakon?
+
+Evje. Very well, too. A fine fellow! I wanted him to come home with
+us now; but he said he was tired after his journey.
+
+Mrs. Evje (to INGEBORG, who has come in from the dining room). Is
+it ready?
+
+Ingeborg. Yes, ma'am.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Then come along. (INGEBORG opens the dining-room door.)
+
+The Doctor and Evje. Yes, come along!
+
+The Doctor. But we must go ceremoniously! Let us make a little
+festivity of it to-night! You must head the procession, Evje--and
+then the two young people Gertrud (taking HARALD's arm). Yes!
+
+The Doctor. And Mrs. Evje and I will bring up the rear! (Offers her
+his arm.)
+
+Evje. Forward!(The bell rings. He stops.) Who can it be--as late as this?
+
+The Doctor. Probably some friends on their way back from the
+meeting.
+
+Mrs. Evje. We must wait a moment!(To INGEBORG, who is going to open
+the door.)Put a leaf in the table, and lay places for as many as
+come.
+
+Ingeborg. Yes, ma'am. (The bell rings again, as she goes to open
+the door.)
+
+The Doctor. They are impatient! So much the better--it shows they
+are in a good humour after the meeting! (A knock is heard at the
+door.)
+
+All. Come in!(The EDITOR comes in, with no overcoat on, but wearing
+his hat, which he forgets to take of till he is well into the
+room. He goes straight up to EVJE, who has crossed over to the
+left-hand side of the room.)
+
+All (when they see him in the doorway). You! (GERTRUD clings closer
+to HARALD.)
+
+The Editor. I wanted once more, as in the old days, not to go to
+bed without--this time it is not a question of thanking you for the
+happy time we have had together but without begging your pardon!(He
+speaks quietly, but with suppressed emotion.)There has been some
+unfortunate misunderstanding. Those articles have been printed, in
+spite of my express instructions to the contrary--I do not know how.
+
+Evje. I have read them.
+
+The Editor. You have read them?
+
+Evje. Yes, the copy of the paper that was meant for you came into
+my hands.
+
+The Editor. So that was it!--Forgive me, old friend! Won't you give
+me your hand?
+
+Mrs. Evje (coming forward). That he shall never do!
+
+The Editor (glancing over his shoulder at her). Let no one come
+between us at a moment like this! You don't know--. A hundred times
+in my life I would have done what I am doing now, had I not been
+afraid that people would call it affectation on my part and repulse
+me. Don't _you_ do that!--least of all now! Give me your hand,
+Evje! I beg you, in the sight and hearing of you all--. (EVJE seems
+to vacillate.)
+
+Mrs. Evje. No, you shan't!--not while he has anything to do with a
+newspaper. Otherwise it will all begin over again to-morrow. He
+is not his own master, you know.
+
+The Editor. I have done with it all.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Oh, you have said that so often! Nobody believes it.
+No; when a man can push political hatred so far as to write about
+an old friend, in whose house he has been a daily guest, as if he
+were a criminal--and all because he doesn't like his son-in-law, or
+his servant--one doesn't shake hands with him the very day his
+attacks appear in the paper.
+
+The Editor (who, all the tinge, has kept his back turned to MRS.
+EVJE, and has not looked at her). Evje, you are a good-hearted
+fellow, I know. Don't listen to what others say, now. This is a
+very bitter hour for me. You would be doing a good deed! Give
+me your hand--or a word! I am in such a state now that I must
+have visible signs of _some one's_ forgiveness, or I shall--!
+
+Mrs. Evje (emphatically). Yes, a little repentance will do you
+good! But it will do you no good if you obtain forgiveness easily!
+You want to learn, just for once, what it is to be wounded at
+heart. You are only accustomed to deal with people whom you can
+flog one day and have at your feet--either from fear or from
+vanity--the next. And have we--God forgive us!--ever thought
+seriously the worse of you for it? No; because we never understood
+what it was till we were hit by it ourselves. But that is all the
+more reason why we should do our duty now! Hatred shall be met with
+hatred!
+
+The Doctor (at the back of the room, to GERTRUD and HARALD). She is
+her father's daughter, after all, when it comes to the point!
+
+The Editor (turns upon MRS. EVJE, with his fist clenched, but
+restrains himself from answering her). Then you won't shake hands,
+Evje? Not a word of forgiveness?
+
+Evje. I think my wife is right.
+
+The Editor (controlling himself with difficulty). You are a weak
+man, I know--
+
+Evje. What do you mean?
+
+The Editor. --but do not be weak this time! If you knew everything,
+you would know you _must_ not refuse me what I ask. There are
+others concerned--and for that reason--
+
+The Doctor. Let us go!
+
+Mrs. Evje. No, stay! He shall not have his way again.
+
+The Editor. Well, of all--! It is certainly true that those who are
+hardest on sinners are those who have never been tempted
+themselves--and the most merciless creature in the world is an
+injured woman.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Now he is coming out in his true colours!
+
+The Doctor (not without glee). Yes, that he is!
+
+The Editor (controlling himself once more). Evje--you, who know me,
+know what it must cost me to do this--and you can form some idea of
+the need I am in. I have never--
+
+Evje. I believe you; but I never can feel sure what your next move
+will be. You have so many.
+
+The Editor. My next move is to have done with it all, as sure as--
+
+Mrs. Evje. Don't believe him! A man who can ask for your sympathy
+one moment and abuse you the next is not fit to promise anything--
+and certainly not fit to be forgiven, either.
+
+The Editor (with an outburst of passion). Then may everything evil
+overtake me if I ever ask you or any one else for sympathy again!
+You have succeeded in teaching me that I can do without it! I can
+rise above your cowardly cruelty. (To EVJE.) You are a miserable,
+weak creature--and have always been, for all your apparent
+good-natured shrewdness! (To MRS. EVJE.) And as for you, who have
+often laughed so heartily at my so-called malice, and now all at
+once have become so severely virtuous--why, you are both like
+part-proprietors of my paper! You have taken all the profit you could
+from me, as long as it served your purpose--I have seen that for a
+long time! And all my pretended friends are like you--secret
+holders of shares in me, so as to secure their own safety and the
+persecution of others!--every bit as guilty as I am, only more
+prudent, more timid, more cowardly--!
+
+Evje. Once more--leave this house, which you have outraged!
+
+Mrs. Evje. And how dare you set foot in here again?
+
+The Editor. No, I am not going until all the anger that is in my
+heart has turned into fear in yours! Because now I will _not_ have
+done with it all! No--it is just through _his_ death that respect
+for me will revive--it will be like a rampart of bayonets round me!
+"There goes one who can kill a man with a word, if he likes!"
+_That_ will make them treat me respectfully!
+
+Harald and the Doctor. What does he mean?
+
+The Editor (as he hears HARALD'S voice). And you--you mountebank,
+who can stand up in public and seek applause before your brother's
+corpse is cold--don't come talking rant to me! You are more
+contemptible than I am! I couldn't have done that; I couldn't stand
+there, as you are doing now, impatient to get to your champagne and
+pretty speeches!--Oh, how I despise all such lying and heartlessness!
+(They all look at him and at each other with a questioning
+expression.)
+
+Harald. Is my brother dead?
+
+Mrs. Evje. Is his brother dead?
+
+Gertrud. Good God, is Halvdan dead?
+
+Evje. Is he dead? Impossible!
+
+The Doctor. Is Rejn dead--and I--?
+
+Evje. I saw him only a couple of hours ago, looking quite well.
+
+The Editor (in a broken voice). Didn't you know?
+
+All (except the DOCTOR). No!
+
+The Doctor. Ah, that letter, that letter! (Looks in his pocket for
+it and his glasses.)
+
+The Editor. I am the wretchedest man alive! (Sinks into a chair.)
+
+The Doctor. I had a letter from my assistant, but I have not read
+it!
+
+Mrs. Evje. Read it, read it!
+
+The Doctor (reading). "I am writing in great haste. As I expect you
+will be going to your old friends' after the meeting, and will meet
+Harald Rejn there, the task will probably fall to you of telling
+him--(the EDITOR gets up to go, but stands still)--that Halvdan
+Rejn died about eight o'clock of a fresh attack of hemorrhage!
+(HARALD leaves GERTRUD'S side and comes forward, with a cry. The
+EDITOR steadies himself by holding on to the table.) No one was
+with him; he was found lying across the threshold of his bedroom. A
+copy of the newspaper was lying on the floor behind him." (HARALD,
+with a groan, advance threateningly towards the EDITOR.)
+
+Gertrud. Harald, my ring!--my ring! (HARALD Stops, collects
+himself, buries his face in his hands and bursts into uncontrollable
+tears. GERTRUD puts her arms round him and holds him folded in them.)
+
+The Doctor (laying a hand on HARALD's arm). "The housekeeper told
+me he had only spoken two words, and they were 'Forgive him!'"
+(HARALD bursts into tears.)
+
+The Doctor (after waiting for a little). "Apparently chance--or
+perhaps something else--decreed that the maid who ran for help,
+should meet the very man, who hats caused the tragedy, and that it
+should be _he_ who helped the housekeeper to lay him on his
+deathbed." (All look at the EDITOR.)
+
+Evje. That was why he came! (A pause.)
+
+Gertrud. Harald! (HARALD, who has turned away from her to struggle
+with his emotion, does not turn round.) If _he_ could forgive--
+
+The Editor (with a gesture of refusal). No!
+
+Gertrud (quietly, to the EDITOR). If you want to deserve it, make
+an end of all this!
+
+The Editor. It is all at an end! (To MRS. EVJE.) You were right. I
+knew it myself, too. My armour is pierces pierced through. A child
+might conquer me now--and this child has done so; for she has
+begged for mercy for me, and no one has ever done that before.
+(Puts his hand over his eyes, turns away, and goes out. As he is
+going out the bell rings. A moment later, INGEBORG Shows in HAAKON
+REJN.)
+
+Gertrud (who has put her arms round HARALD, whispers). Who is it?
+
+Harald. My brother. (Goes to meet HAAKON and throws himself into
+his arms.) You had a talk with him this afternoon, then?
+
+Haakon. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Let us all go to him.
+
+Evje and Gertrud. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Evje (to INGEBORG). Bring in our cloaks and hats again, and
+afterwards clear the table. (INGEBORG does so.)
+
+Harald (unable to control his emotion). Haakon, this is my future
+wife. (Goes away from them.)
+
+Haakon. Well, my dear, your engagement has begun seriously; take
+all the future seriously, too.
+
+The Doctor. You need not say that to _her_. What she needs is to
+take life more lightly.
+
+Haakon. Oh, yes--if she lays everything in God's hands she can
+always take life lightly.
+
+Mrs. Evje. It is our own fault, I expect, when we take it too
+lightly.
+
+Evje. But sometimes we learn a lesson by that.
+
+Haakon. Oh, yes. Well, we must stand by one another, we who
+take life in the same way.
+
+Mrs. Evje. Shall we go, children?
+
+Harald (to HAAKON). Will you bring Gertrud, Haakon? I would rather
+go alone. (They go out. The curtain falls.)
+
+
+
+THE BANKRUPT
+
+A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS
+
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+HENNING TJAELDE, merchant and brewer.
+MRS. TJAELDE, his wife.
+VALBORG and SIGNE, their daughters.
+LIEUTENANT HAMAR, engaged to Signe.
+SANNAES, Tjaelde's confidential clerk.
+JAKOSSEN, manager of Tjaelde's brewery.
+BERENT, a lawyer.
+PRAM, a custom-house official.
+An Agent.
+The VICAR.
+LIND, a guest.
+FINNE, a guest.
+RING, a guest.
+HOLM, a guest.
+KNUTZON, a guest.
+KNUDSEN, a guest.
+FALBE, a guest.
+
+
+THE BANKRUPT
+
+ACT I
+
+(SCENE.--A sitting-room in the TJAELDES' house, opening on a
+verandah that is decorated with flowers. It is a hot summer's day.
+There is a view of the sea beyond the verandah, and boats are
+visible among the islands that fringe the coast. A good-sized
+yacht, with sails spread, is lying close up under the verandah on
+the right. The room is luxuriously furnished and full of flowers.
+There are two French windows in the left-hand wall; two doors in
+the right-hand. A table in the middle of the room; arm-chairs and
+rocking-chairs scattered about. A sofa in the foreground on the
+right. LIEUTENANT HAMAR is lying on the sofa, and SIGNE sitting in
+a rocking-chair.)
+
+Hamar. What shall we do with ourselves to-day?
+
+Signe (rocking herself). Hm! (A pause.)
+
+Hamar. That was a delicious sail we had last night. (Yawns.)
+But I am sleepy to-day. Shall we go for a ride?
+
+Signe. Hm! (A pause.)
+
+Hamar. I am too hot on this sofa. I think I will move. (Gets up.
+SIGNE begins to hum an air as she rocks herself.) Play me
+something, Signe!
+
+Signe (singing her words to the air she has been humming).
+The piano is out of tune.
+
+Hamar. Read to me, then!
+
+Signe (as before, looking out of the window). They are swimming
+the horses. They are swimming the horses. They are swimming
+the horses.
+
+Hamar. I think I will go and have a swim too. Or perhaps I will
+wait till nearer lunch-time.
+
+Signe (as before). So as to have a better appetite--appetite--
+appetite.
+
+(MRS. TJAELDE comes in from the right, walking slowly.)
+
+Hamar. You look very thoughtful!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, I don't know what to order.
+
+Signe (as before). For dinner, I suppose you mean?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Hamar. Do you expect any one?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, your father writes to me that Mr. Finne is
+coming.
+
+Signe (speaking). The most tiresome person possible, of course.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. How would boiled salmon and roast chicken do?
+
+Signe. We had that the other day.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. (with a sigh). There is nothing that we didn't. There
+is so little choice in the market just now.
+
+Signe. Then we ought to send to town.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, these meals, these meals!
+
+Hamar (yawning). They are the best thing in life, anyway.
+
+Signe. To eat, yes--but not to cook; I never will cook a dinner.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (sitting down at the table). One could put up with the
+cooking. It's the having always to think of something fresh!
+
+Hamar. Why don't you get a chef from one of the hotels, as I have
+so often advised you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, we have tried that, but he was more trouble
+than it was worth.
+
+Hamar. Yes, because he had no invention. Get a French chef!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, and have to be always beside him to interpret!--
+But I am no nearer this dinner. And lately I have been finding such
+difficulty in getting about.
+
+Hamar. I have never in my life heard so much talk about meals
+as I have in this house.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You see, you have never been in a prosperous
+business-man's house before. Our friends are mostly business-men,
+of course--and most of them have no greater pleasures than those of
+the table.
+
+Signe. That's true.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Are you wearing _that_ dress to-day?
+
+Signe. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You have worn a different one every day.
+
+Signe. Well, if Hamar is tired of both the blue one and the grey
+one, what can I do?
+
+Hamar. And I don't like this one any better than the others.
+
+Signe. Indeed!--Then I really think you had better order me one
+yourself.
+
+Hamar. Come to town with me, and I will!
+
+Signe. Yes, mother--Hamar and I have made up our minds that
+we must go back to town. [Note: There would be nothing contrary to
+Norwegian ideas of propriety in Signe's proposal. In Norway an
+engaged couple could travel alone; and the fiancée would go to stay
+in the house of her future husband's relations.]
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. But you were there only a fortnight ago!
+
+Hamar. And it is exactly a fortnight too long since we were there!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. (thoughtfully). Now, what _can_ I order for dinner?
+
+(VALBORG comes into sight on the verandah.)
+
+Signe (turning round and seeing VALBORG). Enter Her Highness!
+
+Hamar (turning round). Carrying a bouquet! Oho! I have seen it
+before!
+
+Signe. Have you? Did _you_ give it her?
+
+Hamar. No; I was coming through the garden--and saw it on the table
+in Valborg's summerhouse. Is it your birthday, Valborg?
+
+Valborg. No.
+
+Hamar. I thought not. Perhaps there is some other festivity to-day?
+
+Valborg. No. (SIGNE suddenly bursts out laughing.)
+
+Hamar. Why do you laugh?
+
+Signe. Because I understand! Ha, ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. What do you understand?
+
+Signe. Whose hands it is that have decked the altar! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. I suppose you think they were mine?
+
+Signe. No, they were redder hands than yours! Ha, ha, ha, ha!
+(VALBORG throws the bouquet down.) Oh, dear me, it doesn't do to
+laugh so much in this heat. But it is delightful! To think he
+should have hit upon that idea! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar (laughing). Do you mean--?
+
+Signe (laughing). Yes! You must know that Valborg--
+
+Valborg. Signe!
+
+Signe.--who has sent so many distinguished suitors about their
+business, cannot escape from the attentions of a certain red pair
+of hands--ha, ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. Do you mean Sannaes?
+
+Signe. Yes! (Points out of the window.) There is the culprit! He is
+waiting, Valborg, for you to come, in maiden meditation, with the
+bouquet in your hands--as you came just now--
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. (getting up). No, it is your father he is waiting
+for. Ah, he sees him now. (Goes out by the verandah.)
+
+Signe. Yes, it really is father--riding a bay horse!
+
+Hamar (getting up). On a bay horse! Let us go and say "how do
+you do" to the bay horse!
+
+Signe. N--o, no!
+
+Hamar. You won't come and say "how do you do" to the bay horse? A
+cavalry officer's wife must love horses next best to her husband.
+
+Signe. And he his wife next best to his horses.
+
+Hamar. What? Are you jealous of a horse?
+
+Signe. Oh, I know very well you have never been so fond of me
+as you are of horses.
+
+Hamar. Come along! (Pulls her up out of her chair.)
+
+Signe. But I don't feel the least interested in the bay horse.
+
+Hamar. Very well, then, I will go alone!
+
+Signe. No, I will come.
+
+Hamar (to VALBORG). Won't you come and welcome the bay horse too?
+
+Valborg. No, but I will go and welcome my father!
+
+Signe (looking back, as she goes). Yes, of course--father as well.
+(She and HAMAR go out.)
+
+(VALBORG goes to the farthest window and stands looking out of it.
+Her dress is the same colour as the long curtain, and a piece of
+statuary and some flowers conceal her from any one entering the
+room. SANNAES comes in, carrying a small saddle-bag and a cloak,
+which he puts down on a chair behind the door. As he turns round
+he sees the bouquet on the door.)
+
+Sannaes. There it is! Has she dropped it by accident, or did she
+throw it down? Never mind--she has had it in her hands. (Picks it
+up, kisses it, and is going to take it away.)
+
+Valborg (coming forward). Leave it alone!
+
+Sannaes (dropping the bouquet). You here, Miss Valborg--? I
+didn't see you--
+
+Valborg. But I can see what you are after. How dare you presume
+to think of persecuting me with your flowers and your--your red
+hands? (He puts his hands behind his back.) How dare you make
+me a laughing-stock to every one in the house, and I suppose to
+every one in the town?
+
+Sannaes. I--I--I--
+
+Valborg. And what about me? Don't you think I deserve a little
+consideration? You will be turned out of the house before long, if
+you do not take care--! Now be quick and get away before the others
+come in. (SANNAES turns away, holding his hands in front of him,
+and goes out by the verandah to the right. At the same moment
+TJAELDE is seen coming at the other end of the verandah, followed
+by HAMAR and SIGNE.)
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, it is a fine horse.
+
+Hamar. Fine? I don't believe there is its equal in the country.
+
+Tjaelde. I dare say. Did you notice that he hadn't turned a hair?
+
+Hamar. What glorious lungs! And such a beauty, too--his head, his
+legs, his neck--! I never saw such a beauty!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, he is a handsome beast. (Looks out of the verandah at
+the yacht.) Have you been out for a sail?
+
+Hamar. I was sailing among the islands last night, and came back
+this morning with the fishing-boats--a delightful sail!
+
+Tjaelde. I wish I had time to do that.
+
+Hamar. But surely it is only imagination on your part, to think
+that you never have time?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, well, perhaps I have time but not inclination.
+
+Signe. And how do things stand where you have been?
+
+Tjaelde. Badly.
+
+Valborg (coming forward). Welcome home, father!
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you, dear!
+
+Hamar. Is it not possible to save anything?
+
+Tjaelde. Not at present; that is why I took the horse.
+
+Hamar. Then the bay horse is the only thing you get out of the
+smash?
+
+Tjaelde. Do you know that I might say that horse has cost me three
+or four thousand pounds?
+
+Hamar. Well, that is its only defect, anyway! Still, if the worst
+comes to the worst, and you can afford it--the horse is priceless!
+(TJAELDE turns away, puts down his hat and coat and takes off his
+gloves.)
+
+Signe. It is beautiful to see your enthusiasm when you talk about
+horses. I rather think it is the only enthusiasm you have.
+
+Hamar. Yes, if I were not a cavalry officer I should like to be a
+horse!
+
+Signe. Thank you! And what should I be?
+
+Valborg. "Oh, were I but the saddle on thy back! Oh, were I but the
+whip about thy loins!"
+
+Hamar. "Oh, were I but the flowers in thy--." No, "hand" doesn't
+rhyme!
+
+Tjaelde. (coming forward, meets MRS. TJAELDE, who has come in from
+the right.) Well, my dear, how are you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, I find it more and more difficult to get about.
+
+Tjaelde. There is always something the matter with you, my dear!
+Can I have something to eat?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, it has been standing waiting for you. Here it
+comes. (A maid brings in a tray which she lays on the table.)
+
+Tjaelde. Good!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Will you have a cup of tea?
+
+Tjaelde. No, thank you.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. (sitting down beside him and pouring him out a glass
+of wine). And how have things gone with the Möllers?
+
+Tjaelde. Badly. I told you so already.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I didn't hear you.
+
+Valborg. I had a letter to-day from Nanna Möller. She tells me all
+about it--how none of the family knew anything about it till the
+officers of the courts came.
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, there must have been a dreadful scene.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Did he tell you anything about it?
+
+Tjaelde (as he eats). I didn't speak to him.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My dear! Why, you are old friends!
+
+Tjaelde. Bah! Old friends! He sat looking as if he had taken leave
+of his senses. Besides, I have had enough of that family. I didn't
+go there to hear them talk about their troubles.
+
+Signe. I suppose it was all very sad?
+
+Tjaelde (still eating). Shocking!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What will they have to live on?
+
+Tjaelde. What is allowed them by their creditors, of course.
+
+Signe. But all the things they had?
+
+Tjaelde. Sold.
+
+Signe. All those pretty things--their furniture, their carriages,
+their--?
+
+Tjaelde. All sold.
+
+Hamar. And his watch? It is the most beautiful watch I have ever
+seen--next to yours.
+
+Tjaelde. It had to go, of course, being jewellery. Give me some
+wine; I am hot and thirsty.
+
+Signe. Poor things!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Where are they going to live now?
+
+Tjaelde. In the house of one of the skippers of what was their
+fleet. Two small rooms and a kitchen.
+
+Signe. Two small rooms and a kitchen! (A pause.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What do they intend to do?
+
+Tjaelde. There was a subscription started to enable Mrs. Möller to
+get the job of catering for the Club.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Is the poor woman going to have more cooking to do!
+
+Signe. Did they send no messages to us?
+
+Tjaelde. Of course they did; but I didn't pay any attention to
+them.
+
+Hamar (who has been standing on the verandah). But Möller--what
+did he say? What did he do?
+
+Tjaelde. I don't know, I tell you.
+
+Valborg (who has been walking up and down the room during the
+preceding conversation). He has said and done quite enough already.
+
+Tjaelde (who has at last finished eating and drinking, is struck by
+her words). What do you mean by that, Valborg?
+
+Valborg. That if I were his daughter I would never forgive him.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My dear Valborg, don't say such things!
+
+Valborg. I mean it! A man who would bring such shame and misery
+upon his family does not deserve any mercy from them.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. We are all in need of mercy.
+
+Valborg. In one sense, yes. But what I mean is that I could never
+give him my respect or my affection again. He would have wronged me
+too cruelly.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Wronged you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Have you finished already, dear?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No more wine?
+
+Tjaelde. I said I had finished. Wronged you? How?
+
+Valborg. Well, I cannot imagine how one could be more cruelly
+wronged than to be allowed to assume a position that was nothing
+but a lie, to live up to means that had no real existence but were
+merely a sham--one's clothes a lie, one's very existence a lie!
+Suppose I were the sort of girl that found a certain delight in
+making use of her position as a rich man's daughter--in using it to
+the fullest possible extent; well, when I discovered that all that
+my father had given me was stolen-that all he had made me believe
+in was a lie--I am sure that then my anger and my shame would be
+beyond all bounds!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My child, you have never been tried. You don't know
+how such things may happen. You don't really know what you are
+saying!
+
+Hamar. Well it might do Möller good if he heard what she says!
+
+Valborg. He has heard it. His daughter said that to him.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. His own daughter! Child, child, is that what you
+write to each other about? God forgive you both!
+
+Valborg. Oh, He will forgive us, because we speak the truth.
+
+Mrs. Tialde. Child, child!
+
+Tjaelde. You evidently don't understand what business is--success
+one day and failure the next.
+
+Valborg. No one will ever persuade me that business is a lottery.
+
+Tjaelde. No, a sound business is not.
+
+Valborg. Exactly. It is the unsound sort that I condemn.
+
+Tjaelde. Still, even the soundest have their anxious moments.
+
+Valborg. If the anxious moments really foreshadow a crisis, no man
+of honour would keep his family o: his creditors in ignorance of
+the fact. My God, how Mr. Möller has deceived his!
+
+Signe. Valborg is always talking about business!
+
+Valborg. Yes, it has had an attraction for me ever since I was a
+child. I am not ashamed of that.
+
+Signe. You think you know all about it, anyway.
+
+Valborg. Oh, no; but you can easily get to know a little about
+anything you are fond of.
+
+Hamar. And one would need no great knowledge of business to condemn
+the way Möller went on. It was obvious to every one. And the way
+his family went on, too! Who went the pace as much as the Möllers?
+Think of his daughter's toilettes!
+
+Valborg. His daughter is my best friend. I don't want to hear her
+abused.
+
+Hamar. Your Highness will admit that it is possible to be the
+daughter of a _very_ rich man without being as proud and as vain
+as--as the lady I am not allowed to mention!
+
+Valborg. Nanna is neither proud nor vain. She is absolutely
+genuine. She had the aptitude for being exactly what she thought
+she was--a rich man's daughter.
+
+Hamar. Has she the "aptitude" for being a bankrupt's daughter
+now?
+
+Valborg. Certainly. She has sold all her trinkets, her dresses--
+every single thing she had. What she wears, she has either paid for
+herself or obtained by promising future payment.
+
+Hamar. May I ask if she kept her stockings?
+
+Valborg. She sent everything to a sale.
+
+Hamar. If I had known that I would certainly have attended it!
+
+Valborg. Yes, I daresay there was plenty to make fun of, and
+plenty of idle loafers, too, who were not ashamed to do so.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Children, children!
+
+Hamar. May I ask if Miss Nanna sent her own idleness to the sale
+with her other effects?--because I have never known any one with a
+finer supply of it!
+
+Valborg. She never thought she would need to work.
+
+Tjaelde (coming forward to VALBORG). To take up the thread of what
+we were saying: you don't understand what a business-man's hope is
+from one day to the other--always a renewed hope. That fact does
+not make him a swindler. He may be unduly sanguine, perhaps--a
+poet, if you like, who lives in a world of dreams--or he may be a
+real genius, who sees land ahead when no one else suspects it.
+
+Valborg. I don't think I misunderstand the real state of affairs.
+But perhaps you do, father. Because is not what you call hope,
+poetry, genius, merely speculating with what belongs to others,
+when a man knows that he owes more than he has got?
+
+Tjaelde. It may be very difficult to be certain even whether he
+does that or not.
+
+Valborg. Really? I should have thought his books would tell him--
+
+Tjaelde. About his assets and his liabilities, certainly. But
+values are fluctuating things; and he may always have in hand some
+venture which, though it cannot be specified, may alter the whole
+situation.
+
+Valborg. If he undeniably owes more than he possesses, any venture
+he undertakes must be a speculation with other people's money.
+
+Tjaelde. Well--perhaps that is so; but that does not mean that he
+steals the money--he only uses it in trust for them.
+
+Valborg. Entrusted to him on the false supposition that he is
+solvent.
+
+Tjaelde. But possibly that money may save the whole situation.
+
+Valborg. That does not alter the fact that he has got the use of it
+by a lie.
+
+Tjaelde. You use very harsh terms. (MRS. TJAELDE has once or twice
+been making signs to VALBORG, which the latter sees but pays no
+attention to.)
+
+Valborg. In that case the lie consists in the concealment.
+
+Tjaelde. But what do you want him to do? To lay all his cards on
+the table, and so ruin both himself and the others?
+
+Valborg. Yes, he ought to take every one concerned into his
+confidence.
+
+Tjaelde. Bah! In that case we should see a thousand failures every
+year, and fortunes lost one after the other everywhere! No, you
+have a level head, Valborg, but your ideas are narrow. Look here,
+where are the newspapers? (SIGNE, who has been talking confidentially
+to HAMAR on the verandah, comes forward.)
+
+Signe. I took them down to your office. I did not know you meant to
+stay in here.
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, bother the office! Please fetch them for me. (SIGNE
+goes out, followed by Hamar.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (in an undertone to VALBORG). Why will you never
+listen to your mother, Valborg? (VALBORG goes out to the verandah;
+leans on the edge of it, with her head on her hands, and looks
+out.)
+
+Tjaelde. I think I will change my coat. Oh no, I will wait till
+dinner-time.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Dinner! And here I am still sitting here!
+
+Tjaelde. Are we expecting any one?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, have you forgotten?
+
+Tjaelde. Of course, yes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (going out). What on earth am I to order?
+
+(TJAELDE comes forward as soon as he is alone, sits down on a chair
+with a weary, harassed expression, and buries his face in his hands
+with a sigh. SIGNE and HAMAR come back, she carrying some
+newspapers. HAMAR is going out to the verandah again, but SIGNE
+pulls him back.)
+
+Signe. Here you are, father. Here are--
+
+Tjaelde. What? Who?
+
+Signe (astonished). The newspapers.
+
+Tjaelde. Ah, yes. Give them to me.(Opens them hurriedly. They are
+mostly foreign papers, in which he scans the money articles one
+after another.)
+
+Signe (after a whispered conversation with HAMAR). Father!
+
+Tjaelde (without looking up from the papers).Well? (To himself,
+gloomily.) Down again, always down!
+
+Signe. Hamar and I want so much to go into town again to Aunt
+Ulla's.
+
+Tjaelde. But you know you were there only a fortnight ago. I
+received your bills yesterday. Have you seen them?
+
+Signe. No need for that, father, if _you_ have seen them! Why do
+you sigh?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh--because I see that stocks keep falling.
+
+Signe. Pooh! Why should you bother about that? Now you are sighing
+again. I am sure you know how horrid it is for those you love not
+to have what they want. You won't be so unkind to us, father?
+
+Tjaelde. No, my child, it can't be done.
+
+Signe. Why?
+
+Tjaelde. Because--because--well, because now that it is summer time
+so many people will be coming here whom we shall have to entertain.
+
+Signe. But entertaining people is the most tiresome thing I know,
+and Hamar agrees with me.
+
+Tjaelde. Don't you think I have to do tiresome things sometimes,
+my girl?
+
+Signe. Father dear, why are you talking so solemnly and
+ceremoniously? It sounds quite funny from you!
+
+Tjaelde. Seriously, my child, it is by no means an unimportant
+matter for a big business house like ours, with such a wide-spread
+connection, that people coming here from all quarters should find
+themselves hospitably received. You might do that much for me.
+
+Signe. Hamar and I will never have a moment alone at that rate.
+
+Tjaelde. I think you mostly squabble when you are alone.
+
+Signe. Squabble? That is a very ugly word, father.
+
+Tjaelde. Besides, you would be no more alone if you were in town.
+
+Signe. Oh, but it is quite different there!
+
+Tjaelde. So I should think--from the way you throw your money
+about!
+
+Signe (laughing). Throw our money about! What else have we to do?
+Isn't that what we are for? Daddy, listen--dear old dad--
+
+Tjaelde. No, dear--no.
+
+Signe. You have never been so horrid to me before.
+
+Hamar (who has been making signs to her to stop, whispers). Can't
+you be quiet! Don't you see he is put out about something?
+
+Signe (whispering). Well, you might have backed me up a little.
+
+Hamar (as before). No, I am a bit wiser than you.
+
+Signe (as before). You have been so odd lately. I am sure I don't
+know what you want?
+
+Hamar (as before). Oh, well, it doesn't matter now--because I am
+going to town alone.
+
+Signe (as before). What are you going to do?
+
+Hamar (going). I am going to town alone. I am sick of this!
+
+Signe (following him). Just you try! (Both go out by the verandah,
+to the right. TJAELDE lets the newspapers fall out of his hands
+with a heavy sigh.)
+
+Valborg (looking in from the verandah). Father! (TJAELDE starts.)
+There goes Mr. Berent, the lawyer from Christiania.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Berent? Where? On the wharf?
+
+Valborg. Yes. (Comes back into the room. TJAELDE looks out of the
+window.) The reason I told you was because I saw him yesterday at
+the timber-yard, and a little while before that, at the brewery and
+at the works.
+
+Tjaelde (to himself). What can that mean? (Aloud.) Oh, I know he is
+very fond of making little trips to all sorts of places in the
+summer. This year he has come here--and no doubt he likes to see
+the chief industries of the place. There is not much else here to
+see! But are you sure it is he? I think--
+
+Valborg (looking out). Yes, it is he. Look now, you know his walk--
+
+Tjaelde. --and his trick of crossing his feet--yes, it is he. It
+looks as if he were coming here.
+
+Valborg. No, he has turned away.
+
+Tjaelde. All the better! (To himself, thoughtfully.) Could it
+possibly mean--? (SANNAES comes in from the right.)
+
+Sannaes. Am I disturbing you, sir?
+
+Tjaelde. Is that you, Sannaes? (SANNAES, as he comes forward, sees
+VALBORG standing by the farther window. He appears frightened and
+hides his hands quickly behind his back.) What do you want?
+(VALBORG looks at SANNAES, then goes on to the verandah and out to
+the right.) What is it, man? What the deuce are you standing there
+for?
+
+Sannaes (bringing his hands from behind his back as soon as VALBORG
+has passed him, and looking after her.) I didn't like to ask you,
+before Miss Valborg, whether you are coming down to your office
+to-day or not.
+
+Tjaelde. Have you gone mad? Why on earth shouldn't you ask me that
+before Miss Valborg?
+
+Sannaes. I mean that--if not--I should like to speak to you here,
+if it is convenient.
+
+Tjaelde. Look here, Sannaes, you ought to try and get rid of your
+shyness; it doesn't suit a business man. A business man should be
+smart and active, and not let his wits go wool-gathering because he
+finds himself in the same room with a woman. I have often noticed
+it in you.--Now, what is it? Out with it!
+
+Sannaes. You are not coming to the office this morning, sir?
+
+Tjaelde. No, there is no post goes out before this evening.
+
+Sannaes. No. But there are some bills of exchange--
+
+Tjaelde. Bills? No.
+
+Sannaes. Yes, sir--that fourth one of Möller's that was protested,
+and the big English one.
+
+Tjaelde (angrily). Have they not been met yet? What does this mean?
+
+Sannaes. The manager of the bank wanted to see you first, sir!
+
+Tjaelde. Have you gone crazy--? (Collects himself.) There must be
+some misunderstanding, Sannaes.
+
+Sannaes. That is what I thought; so I spoke about it to the chief
+clerk, and to Mr. Holst as well.
+
+Tjaelde. And Mr. Holst said--?
+
+Sannaes. The same thing.
+
+Tjaelde (walking up and down). I will go and see him--or rather, I
+_won't_ go and see him; because this is evidently something that--.
+We have some days' grace yet, haven't we?
+
+Sannaes. Yes, sir.
+
+Tjaelde. And still no telegram from Mr. Lind?
+
+Sannaes. No, sir.
+
+Tjaelde (to himself). I can't understand it. (Aloud.) We will
+negotiate this matter direct with Christiania, Sannaes. That is
+what we will do--and leave these little local banks alone in
+future. That will do, Sannaes! (Makes a gesture of dismissal. Then
+says to himself:) That damned Möller! It has made them all
+suspicious! (Turns round and sees SANNAES still there.) What are
+you waiting for?
+
+Sannaes. It is settling day--and I have no money in the safe.
+
+Tjaelde. No money in the safe! A big business like this, and
+nothing in the safe on settling day! What kind of management is
+that, I should like to know? Must I teach you the A B C of business
+over and over again? One can never take a half day off, or hand
+over the control! of the tiniest part of the business--! I have no
+one, absolutely no one, that I can rely on! How have you let things
+get into such a state?
+
+Sannaes. Well, there was a third bill, which expired to-day--Holm
+and Co., for £400. I had relied upon the bank, unfortunately--so
+there was nothing for it but to empty the safe--here and at the
+brewery as well.
+
+Tjaelde (walking about restlessly). Hm--hm--hm!--Now, who can have
+put that into Holst's head?--Very well, that will do. (Dismisses
+SANNAES, who goes out but comes back immediately.)
+
+Sannaes (whispering). Here is Mr. Berent!
+
+Tjaelde (surprised). Coming here?
+
+Sannaes. He is just coming up the steps! (Goes out by the further
+door on the right.)
+
+Tjaelde. (calls after him in a whisper). Send up some wine and
+cakes!--It is just as I suspected! (Catches sight of himself in a
+mirror.) Good Lord, how bad I look! (Turns away painfully from the
+mirror; looks in it again, forces a smile to his face, and so,
+smiling, goes towards the verandah, where BERENT is seen coming in
+slowly from the left.)
+
+Tjaelde (greeting BERENT politely but with reserve). I feel
+honoured at receiving a visit from so distinguished a man.
+
+Berent. Mr. Tjaelde, I believe?
+
+Tjaelde. At your service! My eldest daughter has just been
+telling me that she had seen you walking about my property.
+
+Berent. Yes; an extensive property--and an extensive business.
+
+Tjaelde. Too extensive, Mr. Berent. Too many-sided. But one thing
+has led to another. Pray sit down.
+
+Berent. Thank you; it is very warm to-day. (A maid brings in cakes
+and wine, and puts them on the table.)
+
+Tjaelde. Let me give you a glass of wine?
+
+Berent. No, thank you.
+
+Tjaelde. Or something to eat?
+
+Berent. Nothing, thank you.
+
+Tjaelde (taking out his cigar-case). May I offer you a cigar? I can
+answer for their quality.
+
+Berent. I am very fond of a good cigar. But for the moment I will
+not take anything, thank you! (A pause. TJAELDE takes a seat.)
+
+Tjaelde (in a quiet, confidential voice). Have you been long here,
+Mr. Berent?
+
+Berent. Only a day or two. You have been away, have you not?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes--that unhappy affair of Mr. Möller's. A meeting of
+creditors after the sale.
+
+Berent. Times are hard just now.
+
+Tjaelde. Extraordinarily so!
+
+Berent. Do you think that Möller's failure will bring down any
+more firms with it-besides those we know of already, I mean?
+
+Tjaelde. I don't think so. His--his misfortune was an exceptional
+case in every respect.
+
+Berent. It has made the banks a little nervous, I hear.
+
+Tjaelde. I dare say.
+
+Berent. Of course you know the state of affairs here better than
+any one.
+
+Tjaelde. (with a smile). I am very much indebted to you for your
+flattering confidence in me.
+
+Berent. I suppose all this might have a bad effect upon the
+export trade of this part of the country?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes--it is really hard to tell; but the important thing
+certainly is to keep every one on their legs.
+
+Berent. That is your opinion?
+
+Tjaelde. Undoubtedly.
+
+Berent. As a general rule a crisis of this sort shows up the
+unsound elements in a commercial community.
+
+Tjaelde (with a smile). And for that reason this crisis should be
+allowed to take its natural course, you mean?
+
+Berent. That is my meaning.
+
+Tjaelde. Hm!--In some places it is possible that the dividing line
+between the sound firms and the unsound may not be very distinct.
+
+Berent. Can there really be any danger of such a thing here?
+
+Tjaelde. Well--you are expecting too much of my knowledge of
+affairs; but I should be inclined to think that there may. (A
+pause.)
+
+Berent. I have been instructed by the banks to prepare an opinion
+upon the situation--a fact which I have, so far, only confided to
+you.
+
+Tjaelde. I am much obliged.
+
+Berent. The smaller local banks here have combined, and are acting
+in concert.
+
+Tjaelde. Indeed? (A pause.) I suppose you have seen Mr. Holst,
+then?
+
+Berent. Of course. (A pause.) If we are to assist the sound firms
+and leave the others to their fate, the best way will certainly be
+for all alike to disclose their actual position.
+
+Tjaelde. Is that Mr. Holst's opinion too?
+
+Berent. It is. (A pause.) I have advised him for the present--at
+all events till we have all the balance-sheets--to say "no" to
+every request for an advance, without exception.
+
+Tjaelde. (with a look of relief). I understand!
+
+Berent. Only a temporary measure, of course--
+
+Tjaelde. Quite so!
+
+Berent. --but one that must apply to every one impartially.
+
+Tjaelde. Admirable!
+
+Berent. Not to treat every one alike would be to run the danger of
+throwing premature suspicion on individuals.
+
+Tjaelde. I quite agree.
+
+Berent. I am delighted to hear it. Then you will not misunderstand
+me if I ask you also to prepare a balance-sheet which shall show
+the actual position of your firm.
+
+Tjaelde. With the greatest pleasure, if by doing so I can assist
+the general welfare.
+
+Berent. I assure you, you can. It is by such means that public
+confidence is strengthened.
+
+Tjaelde. When do you want the balance-sheet? Of course, it can
+only be a summary one.
+
+Berent. Naturally. I will give myself the pleasure of calling for
+it.
+
+Tjaelde. By no means. I can let you have it at once, if you like. I
+am in the habit of frequently drawing up summary balance-sheets of
+that kind--as prices rise and fall, you know.
+
+Berent. Indeed? (Smiles.) You know, of course, what they say of
+swindlers--that they draw up three balance-sheets everyday, and
+all different! But you are teaching me, apparently--
+
+Tjaelde (laughing). --that others too, may have that bad habit!--
+though I haven't actually got as far as three a day!
+
+Berent. Of course I was only joking. (Gets up.)
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Of course. I will send it to the hotel in an
+hour's time; for I suppose you are staying in our only so-called
+hotel! Would you not care, for the rest of your stay, to move
+your things over here and make yourself at home in a couple of
+empty spare rooms that I have?
+
+Bercnt. Thank you, but the length of my stay is so uncertain; and
+the state of my health imposes habits upon me which are
+embarrassing to every one, and to myself most of all, when I am
+among strangers.
+
+Tjaelde. But at all events I hope you will dine with us to-day? I
+expect one or two friends. And perhaps a short sail afterwards; it
+is very pretty among the islands here.
+
+Berent. Thank you, but my health won't allow me such dissipations.
+
+Tjaelde. Ha, ha!--Well, if I can be of any further service to you--?
+
+Berent. I should be glad to have a talk with you before I leave,
+preferably as soon as possible.
+
+Tjaelde (somewhat surprised). You mean, after you have received
+all the balance-sheets?
+
+Berent. I have already managed to get most of them quietly, through
+Mr. Holst.
+
+Tjaelde (more surprised). Oh--so you mean to-day--?
+
+Berent. Would five o'clock suit you?
+
+Tjaelde. I am quite at your disposal! I will give myself the
+pleasure of calling upon you at five.
+
+Berent. No, I will come here at five o'clock. (Bows, and turns to
+go.)
+
+Tjaelde (following him). But you are the invalid--the older man--
+and a distinguished man--
+
+Berent. But you are at home here. Good-bye!
+
+Tjaelde. Let me thank you for the honour you have done me by
+calling upon me!
+
+Berent. Please don't bother to see me out.
+
+Tjaelde. Allow me to escort you?
+
+Berent. I can find the way quite well, thank you.
+
+Tjaelde. No doubt, no doubt-but I should feel it an honour!
+
+Berent. As you please! (As they are about to go down the verandah
+steps they are met by SIGNE and HAMAR, who are coming up arm in
+arm. Each couple draws aside to make room for the other.)
+
+Tjaelde. Let me introduce--no, I am sure Mr. Berent needs no
+introduction. This is my youngest daughter--and her fiancé,
+Lieutenant Hamar.
+
+Berent. I thought your regiment was at the manoeuvres, Lieutenant?
+
+Hamar. I have got furlough--
+
+Berent. On account of urgent business, no doubt! Good day!
+
+Tjaelde. Ha, ha, ha! (He and BERENT go down the steps.)
+
+Hamar. Insolent fellow! But he is like that to every one.
+
+Signe. Not to my father, as far as I could see.
+
+Hamar. Your father is insolent too.
+
+Signe. You shan't say such things of father!
+
+Hamar. What else do you call it, to laugh at such impertinence as
+Berent's.
+
+Signe. I call it good spirits! (Sits down in a rocking-chair and
+begins rocking herself.)
+
+Hamar. Oh, then, so you--. You are not very agreeable to-day.
+
+Signe (still rocking herself). No; do you know, sometimes I get so
+bored with you.
+
+Hamar. Yet you won't let me go away?
+
+Signe. Because I should be still worse bored without you.
+
+Hamar. Let me tell you this, I am not going to put up much longer
+with the way I am treated here!
+
+Signe. Very well. (Takes off her engagement ring and holds it
+between her finger and her thumb, as she rocks herself and hums a
+tune.)
+
+Hamar. Oh, I don't say anything about _you_; but look at Valborg!
+Look at your father! He hasn't even as much as offered me a mount
+on his new horse!
+
+Signe. He has had something else to think about--possibly something
+even more important than that. (Goes on humming.)
+
+Hamar. Oh, do be nice, Signe! You must admit that my feelings are
+very natural. Indeed, to speak quite candidly--because I know I can
+say anything to you--it seems to me that, as I am to be his
+son-in-law and am in a cavalry regiment, and as he has no sons of
+his own, I might almost expect that--that he would make me a
+present of the horse.
+
+Signe. Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. Does it seem so unreasonable to you?
+
+Signe. Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. Why do you laugh at what I say, Signe? It seems to me that
+it would reflect very well on your family if, when my friends
+admired my horse, I could say: "My father-in-law made me a present
+of it." Because, you know, there isn't a finer horse in the whole
+of Norway.
+
+Signe. And that is the reason why you should have it? Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. I won't stand it!
+
+Signe. The peerless lieutenant on the peerless horse! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Hamar. Signe, be quiet!
+
+Signe. You are so funny! (Begins to hum again.)
+
+Hamar. Listen, Signe! No one has so much influence with your father
+as you.--Oh, do listen! Can't you talk seriously for a moment?
+
+Signe. I should like to! (Goes on humming.)
+
+Hamar. My idea was that, if that horse were mine, I would stay here
+for the summer and break it in thoroughly. (SIGNE stops rocking
+herself and humming. HAMAR comes up to her chair and leans over
+her.) In that case I would not go back till the autumn, and then
+you could come with the horse and me into town. Wouldn't that be
+delightful?
+
+Signe (after looking at him for a moment). Oh, yes, my dear, you
+always have such delightful ideas!
+
+Hamar. Don't I! But the whole thing depends, of course, on whether
+you can get the horse from your father. Will you try, darling?
+
+Signe. And then you would stay here all the summer?
+
+Hamar. All the summer!
+
+Signe. So as to break in the horse.
+
+Hamar. Just to break in the horse!
+
+Signe. And I would go with you into town in the autumn--that was
+what you said, wasn't it?
+
+Hamar. Yes; wouldn't it be jolly?
+
+Signe. Shall you take the bay horse to stay with your Aunt Ulla
+too?
+
+Hamar (laughing). What?
+
+Signe. Well, you have spent your furlough here simply for the sake
+of that horse--I know that well enough--and you propose to stay
+here, just to break it in-and then you propose that the horse and I
+should go to your aunt's--
+
+Hamar. But, Signe, what do you--?
+
+Signe (beginning to rock herself furiously). Ugh! Go away!
+
+Hamar. Jealous of a horse! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Signe. Go away to the stables.
+
+Hamar. Is that meant for a punishment? Because it would be more
+amusing there than it is here.
+
+Signe (throwing down her ring). There! Let your horse wear that!
+
+Hamar. Every time you throw down that ring--
+
+Signe. Oh, you have said that so often! I am tired of that too!
+(Turns her chair round so as to turn her back on him.)
+
+Hamar. You are such a spoilt child that it would be absurd to take
+everything you say seriously--
+
+Signe. I am sick of that too, I tell you--for the hundred and
+twentieth time! Go away!
+
+Hamar. But can't you see how ridiculous it is of you to be jealous
+of a horse? Have you ever heard of anyone else behaving like that?
+
+Signe (jumping up). Oh, you make me want to shout and scream!
+I feel so ashamed of you! (Stamps her foot.) I despise you!
+
+Hamar (laughing). And all on account of the horse?
+
+Signe. No, on your own account--yours, yours! I feel so miserable
+sometimes, I should like to throw myself down on the floor and
+cry--or run away and never come back! Can't you let me alone!
+Can't you go away!
+
+Hamar. Yes--and I have not picked up the ring this time, either!
+
+Signe. Oh, do go!--go, go, go! (Bursts out crying and sits down.)
+
+Hamar. All right!--I see the steamer in the distance; I shall go
+home at once.
+
+Signe. Oh, you know as well as I do that that steamer goes the
+other way! Oh! (Cries. The masts and funnel of a steamer come
+into sight, and a trail of smoke passes over the sky. TJAELDE'S
+voice is heard outside, calling: "Hurry up! Take the lieutenant's
+boat; it is ready!" SIGNE jumps up.)
+
+Hamar. They are going to fetch some one from the steamer!
+(TJAELDE'S voice is heard again: "You get the boat out! He is
+coming here!" HAMAR runs to pick up the ring and comes back
+hurriedly to SIGNE.) Signe!
+
+Signe. No, I won't!
+
+Hamar. Signe, dear! What does this mean? What is it that I have
+done?
+
+Signe. I don't know, but I am wretchedly unhappy! (Bursts into
+tears.)
+
+Hamar. But you know that in the end I always do what you want? What
+more can you wish than that?
+
+Signe. I can't help it, I wish I were dead! It is always the same
+thing! (In tears again.)
+
+Hamar. But, Signe--you who have told me hundreds of times that
+you loved me!
+
+Signe. And so I do. But sometimes our engagement seems horrible!--
+No, don't come near me!
+
+Hamar. Signe! (TJAELDE'S voice is heard outside: "Of course, put
+your best coat on!" He calls louder: "Sannaes!" An answering voice
+is heard in the distance. TJAELDE continues: "Don't forget your
+gloves!") Dry your eyes, Signe! Don't let him see you have been
+crying. (He tries to give her the ring, but she turns away, wiping
+her eyes. TJAELDE comes up the steps on to the verandah.)
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, there you are! That's right. Mr. Lind is arriving by
+this steamer--I had a telegram from him just now. (Calls out over
+the verandah.) Come along with those flags! And get this boat out
+of the way and unstep her mast! She is moored up tight! (HAMAR runs
+to help him.) Yes, you cast her off! (HAMAR does so, and the boat
+is hauled away to the right. TJAELDE comes forward into the room.)
+Signe! (Looks at her.) What? Squabbling again?
+
+Signe. Father!
+
+Tjaelde. Well, this is no time for tomfoolery of that sort! You
+must all do the honours of the house to-day. Tell Valborg--
+
+Signe. Tell her yourself, please! You know Valborg only does
+just what she likes.
+
+Tjaelde. Don't talk such rubbish! This is an important moment--
+and you will all do as _I_ say! Tell Valborg that she is to make
+herself look nice and come to me here. And you do the same. (She
+goes.) Signe!
+
+Signe (stopping). Yes?
+
+Tjaelde. We must ask five or six more people to dinner. You must
+send word to Mr. Finne that we shall dine punctually at three
+o'clock, instead of four. Mr. Lind has to go away again by the
+next boat, at five o'clock. Do you understand?
+
+Signe. But has mother enough in the house for so many?
+
+Tjaelde. It is not a mere question of there being enough--it must
+be a very good dinner. I expect my larder to be kept thoroughly
+well stocked all through the summer. How often am I to repeat that?
+
+Signe (trying to repress her fears). But mother is feeling so ill
+to-day--
+
+Tjaelde. Oh! don't begin about that everlasting "feeling ill."
+There is no time to-day to feel ill. Now, be quick! (SIGNE goes out
+by the farther door. TJAELDE turns to HAMAR.) Get a pen and ink and
+some paper! We must draw up a list of guests, at once!
+
+Hamar (looking about). There is none here.
+
+Tjaelde (impatiently). Fetch some, then! (HAMAR goes into the next
+room. TJAELDE, after a long sigh of relief, reads a telegram he has
+in his hand. His hand trembles as he reads it slowly, repeating
+some passages twice.) "Letter received just as starting. Before
+taking charge of affairs, must have interview. Coming to-day
+earliest boat, return five o'clock. Have clear statement ready.
+Lind." I can hardly read it--but it is true! Yes, if I can only
+work this properly all doors will be open to me! (To HAMAR, who has
+come back.) Ah, there you are! It would take too long to write
+invitations. We will just draw up a list of names and one of my
+clerks shall run round to them all. Now then! (Dictates.) The
+Vicar--Oh, by the way, what is the champagne like?
+
+Hamar. Do you mean the new lot?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Hamar. The Vicar praised it highly.
+
+Tjaelde. Good. Well, then--
+
+Hamar (writing). The Vicar.
+
+Tjzlde. Mr. Ring.
+
+Hamar. Mr. Ring.
+
+Tjaelde. And--and--
+
+Hamar. Mr. Holst?
+
+Tjaelde. No, not Holst. (HAMAR appears greatly astonished. TJAELDE
+says to himself:) I can show him now that I have no need of him!
+(Suddenly, to HAMAR.) Mr. Holm. (To himself.) Holst's enemy!
+
+Hamar. Mr. Holm.
+
+Tjaelde (to himself). Although Holm is a boor. Still, it will
+annoy Holst. (Aloud.) The Chief Constable.
+
+Hamar. The Chief--
+
+Tjaelde. No, strike out the Chief Constable.
+
+Hamar. Chief Constable struck out.
+
+Tjaelde. Have we got the Vicar down?
+
+Hamar. He is number one on the list.
+
+Tjaelde. Of course, yes.
+
+Hamar. What about the Magistrate?
+
+Tjaelde. No, he lives too far off. Besides, unless he is the guest
+of honour and can talk shop all the time--. No! But, let me see.
+Mr. Knutzon--Knutzon with a "z."
+
+Hamar. Knutzon with a "z."
+
+Tjaelde. Oh!--and--Knudsen, too! Knudsen with an "s."
+
+Hamar. Knudsen with an "s."
+
+Tjaelde. How many have we got?
+
+Hamar. The Vicar, Ring, Holm, the Chief--oh, no, the Chief
+Constable was struck out; Knutzon with a "z," Knudsen with an
+"s "--that is one, two, three, four, five, six.
+
+Tjaelde. And Finne, you, and I make nine. We must have twelve.
+
+Hamar. What about some ladies?
+
+Tjaelde. No; ladies are out of place at a business dinner. They
+may do the honours afterwards, when we have got to the cigarette
+stage. But whom shall we--?
+
+Hamar. That new lawyer fellow? He's a smart chap--I can't remember
+his name?
+
+Tjaelde. No, he always wants to be speechifying wherever he goes.--
+Ah, Mr. Pram, the custom-house officer!
+
+Hamar. That man? He always gets drunk!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, but he doesn't get noisy with it. He does no harm--
+quite the contrary! Yes, put down Pram.
+
+Hamar. Mr. Pram.
+
+Tjaelde. It is a very difficult task, in such a small town, when
+you want to get a good set of people together. Ah!--Falbe! I forgot
+him. He is very neat, and no opinions.
+
+Hamar. Neat in his dress, do you mean?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, in his dress too-but I meant it more generally. Now,
+for the twelfth--Morten Schultz?
+
+Hamar. Morten Schultz! (Gets up.) No, really, I must take the
+liberty of protesting against him! Do you really know what he did
+the last time he was here, when you had a lot of guests? In the
+middle of dinner he took out his false teeth and began showing them
+to his neighbours. He wanted to have them passed round the table!
+If that is your idea of a good set of people--well!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, he is rather a rough diamond. But he is the richest
+man about here.
+
+Hamar (who has sat down again). Well in that case he really ought
+to afford himself a new wig! It is far from pleasant to sit beside
+him, I can assure you!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, I know he is a pig; but he is wide awake, and this
+would flatter him! You see, my young friend, when a man is very rich
+you must make certain allowances for him.
+
+Hamar. I can't understand what _you_ can hope to get out of him.
+
+Tjaelde. Hm, hm!--No, well, perhaps we had better leave him out?
+
+Hamar. Certainly!
+
+Tjaelde (to himself). Although Lind would understand the
+significance of Morten Schultz's being here--
+
+Hamar. And the things he says! Ladies have to leave the room!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, you are right. (Mutters to himself.) And, after all,
+I don't need him any longer. (Aloud.) But what about our twelfth,
+then? Let me see--.
+
+Hamar. Christopher Hansen?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, Lord! no. We should have to talk politics. No, let me
+see--. Yes, I think I might risk it! Hm, hm--yes, just the man!
+Jakobsen, the brewery manager.
+
+Hamar. Jakobsen?
+
+Tjaelde. Hm, hm! Jakobsen will do very well. I know Jakobsen.
+
+Hamar. Oh, he is a very good fellow--we all know that, but in
+polite society--!
+
+Tjaelde. Hm, hm, hm!--Put him down!
+
+Hamar (writing). Jakobsen. There, then! (Gets up.)
+
+Tjaelde. Now let Skogstad go with the list! Remember, three o'clock
+punctually! And be quick! (Calls after HAMAR, who is going out.)
+And come back when you have given him the list! There may be
+something more to do! (HAMAR goes out by the nearer door. TJAELDE
+takes a letter out of his pocket.) Ah, of course! Shall I send the
+balance-sheet to Berent? I am independent of the banks now. Still,
+I am not out of the wood yet. And, anyway, it is a very pretty
+balance-sheet! Holst would be sure to see it, and that might be
+useful--and it might annoy him, too. Besides, if I don't send it,
+they will think that my promising to send it had put me into a
+hole, and that Lind had helped me out of it. I risk least by
+sending it. (HAMAR comes back.) Look here, let him take this
+letter, too. It is for Mr. Berent, at the Hotel Victoria.
+
+Hamar. Is this an invitation? Because, if it is, we shall be
+thirteen at table.
+
+Tjaelde. It is not an invitation. Be quick, before he goes. (HAMAR
+goes out again.) Oh, if only it succeeds! Lind is the sort of man
+one can persuade--and I must, I must persuade him! (Looks at his
+watch.) I have four whole hours to do it in. I have never felt so
+hopeful--not for a long time. (Is lost in thought; then says
+quietly:) After all, sometimes a crisis is a good thing--like a big
+wave that carries one on!--They have all had their suspicions
+aroused now, and are all ready to get into a panic. (Sighs.) If
+only I could get safely out of my difficulties without any one's
+suspecting it!--Oh, this anxious fear, night and day!--all this
+mystery, these shifts, these concealments, this farce I have to
+keep up! I go about my business as if I were in a dream.
+(Despairingly.) This shall be the last time--my last performance
+of this sort! No more of it!--I only need a helping hand now, and
+I have got it! But _have_ I got it? that is the question. Oh! if
+only, after this, I could know what it was to have a good night's
+sleep and to wake in the morning free from anxiety!--to join them
+at meals with an easy conscience!--come home in the evening and
+feel that it was all done with! If only I had something to take my
+stand upon that I could call my own--really and truly my own! I
+hardly dare to believe that there is a chance--I have so often been
+disappointed! (HAMAR comes back.)
+
+Hamar. There--that's done!
+
+Tjaelde. Good Lord, what about a salute from our cannon? We must
+give him a salute!
+
+Hamar. We have powder.
+
+Tjaelde. Then send word up at once to Ole to see about it! (They
+hurry out. The curtain falls.)
+
+
+ACT II
+
+SCENE I
+
+(SCENE.--The same room. The table, which has been drawn to one
+side, is covered with bottles of champagne aged dishes of fruit.
+MRS. TJAELDE and SIGNE, with a man-servant and a maid, are busy
+preparing it. Through the door on the right a lively conversation
+can be heard, and occasional bursts of laughter.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (in a tired voice). Now I think it is all ready.
+
+Signe. They are talking a long time over their dinner.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (looking at her watch). Yes, they will only have half
+an hour for their dessert, because Mr. Lind has to leave at five
+o'clock.
+
+Signe. Ah, they have finished at last! Listen, they are getting up
+from the table. (Amidst the loud noise of conversation the noise of
+chairs being pushed back is audible.) Here they come!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes; let us retreat. (The maid goes out by the
+farther door; SIGNE helps MRS. TJAELDE out after her. The
+man-servant begins opening the champagne. The guests come in from
+the dining-room, headed by LIND escorted by TJAELDE, whom he is
+assuring that the dinner was excellent, to which TJAELDE replies
+that it is impossible to do much in a small country town. Both look
+at their watches, and observe that there is only half an hour left.
+TJAELDE vainly endeavours to persuade LIND to stay longer. Close
+behind them come HOLM and RING, engaged in an animated dispute
+about timber prices, the former maintaining that they will fall
+still lower, the latter that they will rise speedily owing to the
+fall in the prices of coal and iron, a point of view which the
+former vigorously controverts. Immediately behind them comes the
+VICAR, escorted by HAMAR, who is a little tipsy. The VICAR is
+assuring him that he has no objection to parishioners repudiating
+the obligation to attend the services of their own priest, so long
+as they are compelled to pay him for those services whether they
+avail themselves of them or not; because order, which is an
+essential characteristic of the Heavenly Kingdom, must be
+maintained. HAMAR tries to get in a word or two about the bay
+horse, but without success. At the same time KNUTZON and FALBE are
+deep in a discussion about a dancer whom FALBE has seen at Hamburg.
+He is maintaining that she can leap six feet into the air, which
+KNUTZON ventures to doubt, but FALBE says there is no doubt about
+it, and he knows because he has once sat at the same dinner-table
+with her. FINNE, KNUDSEN, and JAKOBSEN follow them. JAKOBSEN is
+heard challenging any one to contradict him, while the others
+eagerly protest that he has entirely misunderstood their meaning.
+He affirms stoutly that he doesn't care a damn what they meant, but
+that his employer is the greatest business man and the finest
+fellow in the world, or at all events in Norway. PRAM comes in by
+himself, wrapt in tipsy contemplation. They all talk at the same
+time.)
+
+Tjaelde (rapping on a glass). Gentlemen! (There is a sudden
+silence, except for the sound of the voices of FALBE and JAKOBSEN,
+who are hushed down by the others.) Gentlemen! I am sorry dinner
+has occupied such a long time.
+
+All (unanimously). No, no!
+
+Tjaelde. Our distinguished guest has, unfortunately, to leave us in
+half an hour, so I should like to take the opportunity of saying a
+few words. Gentlemen, we have a prince among us to-day. I say a
+prince, because if it is true that it is the financiers that rule
+the world--and it is true, gentlemen--
+
+Pram (who is standing well forward, supporting himself by the edge
+of the table, says solemnly:) Yes.
+
+Tjaelde. --then our friend here is a prince! There is not a single
+important undertaking that he has not initiated, or at any rate
+backed with his name.
+
+Pram (lifting his glass). Mr. Lind, may I have the honour--?
+
+Voices. Sh! Sh!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, gentlemen, his name backs every enterprise. It would
+be impossible to carry one through that had not his backing.
+
+Pram (solemnly). His backing.
+
+Tjaelde. Am I not right, then, in describing him as a prince?
+
+Falbe (in a feeble voice). Yes.
+
+Tjaelde. Gentlemen, to-day his name is once more exercising its
+powerful, I might say its creative, influence upon circumstances.
+I may say that at this moment the country holds no truer benefactor
+than he.
+
+Pram. Great man.
+
+Tjaelde. Let us drink his health! May prosperity attend him and
+his, and may his name be deathless in Norway! Mr. Lind!
+
+All. Mr. Lind! Mr. Lind! (They all drink his health effusively.)
+
+Tjaelde (to HAMAR, whom he pulls forward somewhat roughly, as the
+others begin to help themselves to the dessert.) What has become of
+the salute?
+
+Hamar (in consternation).Good Lord, yes! (Rushes to the window, but
+comes back.) I have no handkerchief. I must have laid it down in
+the dining-room.
+
+Tjaelde. Here is mine!(Feels in his pocket for it.) One cannot rely
+on you for the least thing. The salute will be too late now. It is
+disgraceful! (HAMAR goes to the window and waves the handkerchief
+madly. At last the report of a cannon is heard. The guests are
+standing in a group, holding their dessert plates.)
+
+Holm. A little bit late!
+
+Knutzon. Rather behind the moment--
+
+Ring. A very important moment, however!
+
+Holm. A very unexpected one, anyway!
+
+Knutzon (jestingly). Allow me, amidst the cannon's roar, to
+introduce to you a man who has been led by the nose!
+
+Ring. Oh, Tjaelde knows what he is about!
+
+Tjaelde. Mr. Lind is kind enough to wish to propose a toast. (They
+all compose themselves into respectful silence.)
+
+Lind. Our worthy host has proposed my health in most flattering
+terms. I would merely add this, that wealth is entrusted to those
+who have it precisely in order that they may support industry,
+genius, and great undertakings.
+
+Pram (who has never changed his position). Nobly said.
+
+Lind. I am only an administrator of a trust, and too often a weak
+and short-sighted one.
+
+Pram. Beautiful.
+
+Lind. But I shall not be mistaken if I say that Mr. Tjaelde's
+many-sided activities, which we must all admire, rest upon a sound
+foundation; and of that fact no one, at the present moment, is
+better able to judge than I. (The guests look at one another in
+surprise.) Therefore I have no hesitation in saying that his
+activities are an honour to this town, to this district, to our
+whole country, and that therefore his genius and his energy deserve
+support. I propose the toast of "prosperity to the firm of
+Tjaelde!"
+
+All. Prosperity to the firm of Tjaelde!
+
+(HAMAR signals again with the handkerchief, and a cannon shot is
+heard.)
+
+Tjaelde. I thank you heartily, Mr. Lind! I am profoundly touched.
+
+Lind. I said no more than I am convinced of, Mr. Tjaelde!!
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you! (To HAMAR.) What do you mean by signalling for
+a salute for the host? Blockhead!
+
+Hamar. You said there was to be a salute when a toast was proposed,
+didn't you?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, you are a--!
+
+Hamar (to himself). Well, if ever again I--!
+
+Holm. Then it is an accomplished fact, I suppose?
+
+Knutzon. _Fait accompli_! That toast represents twenty thousand
+pounds, at least.
+
+Ring. Yes, Tjaelde knows what he is about! I have always said that!
+(FALBE is seen drinking ceremoniously with LIND. JAKOBSEN comes
+forward, talking to KNUDSEN.)
+
+Jakobsen (in a low voice). There isn't a word of truth in what you
+say!
+
+Knudsen. But, my dear Jakobsen, you misunderstand me!
+
+Jakobsen (louder). Hang it, I know my people!
+
+Knudsen. Don't talk so loud!
+
+Jakobsen (still louder). What I say any one may hear!
+
+Tjaelde. (at the same moment). The Vicar wishes to say a few words.
+
+Knudsen (to JAKOBSEN). Hush! The Vicar wishes to say a few words.
+
+Jakobsen. Have I got to hush because that damned--
+
+Tjaelde (in a voice of authority). The Vicar wishes to speak.
+
+Jakobsen. I beg your pardon!
+
+The Vicar (in a feeble voice). As the spiritual adviser of this
+household, I have the pleasing duty of invoking a blessing on the
+gifts that have been so richly showered upon our host and his
+friends. May they be to their souls' present good and eternal
+welfare!
+
+Pram. Amen.
+
+The Vicar. I am going to ask you to drink the health of our host's
+dear children--those lovely girls whose welfare has been the object
+of my prayers ever since they were confirmed--ever since that
+memorable day when household and religious duties began to walk
+side by side.
+
+Pram. Ah, yes!
+
+The Vicar. May they always in the future, as they have in the past,
+grow in the holy fear of God and in meekness and gratitude towards
+their parents!
+
+All. Miss Valborg, Miss Signe!
+
+Hamar (in a panic). Am I to signal?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, go to--!
+
+Hamar. Well, if ever again--!
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you very much, Mr. Vicar. Like you, I hope that
+the intimate relations between parent and child that exist here--
+
+The Vicar. It has always been a pleasure to me to come into your
+most hospitable house.
+
+Tjaelde. May I have the honour of drinking a glass of wine with
+you? (They drink to each other.)
+
+The Vicar. Excellent champagne, my dear sir!
+
+Lind (to HOLM). It pains me to hear what you say. Is it possible
+that this town, which owes so much to Mr. Tjaelde, repays him
+with such ingratitude?
+
+Holm (in a low voice). One never can quite confidently rely on him.
+
+Lind. Really? I have heard others sing his praises so loudly, you
+know.
+
+Holm (as before). You misunderstand me. I mean his position--
+
+Lind. His position? That must be merely envy! People are often so
+unjust towards those whose enterprise has lifted them above the
+heads of the crowd.
+
+Holm. At any rate I assure you it was not from--
+
+Lind (coldly). I don't doubt it. (Walks away from him.)
+
+Jakobsen (with whom TJAELDE has just drunk). Gentlemen!
+
+Knutzon (to HOLM, in passing). Is that boor really going to be
+allowed to make a speech! (Going up to LIND.) May I have the honour
+of drinking a glass of wine with you, Mr. Lind? (Several of the
+guests begin to talk, ostentatiously indifferent to JAKOBSEN who is
+trying to begin his speech.)
+
+Jakobsen (in a formidable voice). Gentlemen! (Silence ensues, and
+he continues in his usual voice.) Permit a common man to say a
+word, too, on this festive occasion. I was a poor little boy when I
+entered Mr. Tjaelde's employment; but he pulled me out of the
+gutter. (Laughter.) I am-what I am, gentlemen! And therefore if
+any here is qualified to talk about Mr. Tjaelde, it is I; because I
+know him. I know he is a fine fellow.
+
+Lind (to TJAELDE). Children and drunken men--
+
+Tjaelde (laughing). --speak the truth!
+
+Jakobsen. There are lots of people that will tell you one thing or
+another about him--and, of course, he may have his failings like
+all of us. But as I find myself in such fine company as this I am
+going to say that--that--devil take me if Mr. Tjaelde isn't too
+good for the lot of you! (Laughter.)
+
+Tjaelde. That's enough, Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen. No, it's not enough! Because there is one toast we have
+all forgotten, although we have all had such a splendid dinner.
+(Laughter. FALBE claps his hands and cries: "Bravo!") Yes, and it
+is nothing to laugh at; because it is the toast of Mrs. Tjaelde's
+health that we have not drunk!
+
+Lind. Bravo!
+
+Jakobsen. There's a wife and mother for you! I can tell you--and
+it's true--she goes about the house attending to her duties and
+preparing for our entertainment when all the time she is ill, and
+she takes the whole thing on her shoulders and says nothing. God
+bless her, I say!--and that is all I have to say.
+
+Several of the Guests (raising their glasses). Mrs. Tjaelde! Mrs.
+Tjaelde!
+
+Pram (grasping JAKOBSEN by the hand). That was fine of you,
+Jakobsen! (LIND joins them; PRAM steps aside respectfully.)
+
+Lind. Will you drink a glass of wine with me, Jakobsen?
+
+Jakobsen. Thank you, very much. I am only a common man--
+
+Lind. But a good-hearted one! Your health! (They drink to each
+other. A boat is seen putting in to shore below the verandah. Its
+crew of six men stand up and toss their oars in naval fashion.
+SANNAES is standing at the helm.)
+
+Holm (in a whisper, to KNUTZON). Tjaelde knew what he was doing
+when he invited Jakobsen!
+
+Knutzon (whispering). Just look at the boat!
+
+Ring. Tjaelde is a very clever fellow--a very clever fellow!
+(VALBORG, SIGNE and MRS. TJAELDE are seen coming up the verandah
+steps.)
+
+Tjaelde. Gentlemen, the moment of departure is at hand; I see the
+ladies coming to take leave of our distinguished guest. Let us take
+this last opportunity of gathering around him--round our prince--
+and thanking him for coming! Let us cheer him with three times
+three! (Cheers.)
+
+Lind. Thank you, gentlemen! There is so little time left that I
+must confine myself to merely bidding you all good-bye. (To MRS.
+TJAELDE.) Good-bye, my dear madam! You should have heard how your
+health was proposed and drunk just now. My warmest thanks for
+your hospitality, and forgive me for the trouble I have caused you.
+(To SIGNE.) Good-bye, Miss Signe. I am sorry time has not permitted
+me to have the honour of becoming better acquainted with you; you
+seem so full of spirit! But if, as you said, you are soon coming to
+Christiania--
+
+Signe. I shall then do myself the honour of calling upon your wife.
+
+Lind. Thank you, thank you--you will be most welcome. (To VALBORG.)
+Are you not feeling well, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg. Yes.
+
+Lind. You look so serious. (As VALBORG does not reply, he continues
+somewhat coldly:) Good-bye, Miss Valborg. (To HAMAR.) Good-bye,
+Mr.--Mr.--
+
+Tjaelde. Mr. Hamar.
+
+Lind. Ah, the young man that talked to me about a horse--your
+future son-in-law! Pray forgive me for not--
+
+Hamar. Don't mention it!
+
+Lind. Good-bye!
+
+Hamar. A pleasant journey, sir!
+
+Lind (coldly, to HOLM). Good-bye, Mr. Holm.
+
+Holm (imperturbably polite). I wish you a very pleasant journey,
+Mr. Lind.
+
+Lind (to PRAM). Good-bye, Mr. Pram.
+
+Pram (holds his hand, and seems as if he wanted to say something
+but could not. At last he finds his voice). I want to thank you
+for--for--I want to thank you for--for--
+
+Lind. You are an excellent fellow!
+
+Pram (in a relieved voice). I am so glad to hear it! Thank you.
+
+Lind (to KNUTZON). Good-bye, Mr.--
+
+Knutzon (hastily). Knutzon.
+
+Pram. With a "z."
+
+Lind (to KNUDSEN). Good-bye, Mr.--
+
+Knudsen. Knudsen, again.
+
+Pram. With an "s."
+
+Lind (to FALBE). Mr--?
+
+Falbe. Falbe.
+
+Lind. Good-bye, Mr. Falbe! (To RING.) I am delighted to see you
+looking so well, Mr. Ring.
+
+Ring (with a low bow). The same to you, sir!
+
+Lind. Good-bye, Mr. Vicar!
+
+The Vicar (holding his hand, impressively). Let me wish you good
+luck and happiness, Mr. Lind--
+
+Lind. Thank you. (Tries to get away.)
+
+The Vicar. --in your journey over the perilous seas to foreign
+lands!
+
+Lind. Thank you. (Tries to get away.)
+
+The Vicar. Let me wish you a safe return, Mr. Lind--
+
+Lind. Thank you very much. (Tries to get away.)
+
+The Vicar. --to our dear fatherland; a land, Mr. Lind, which
+possesses in you--
+
+Lind. You must excuse me, Mr. Vicar, but time presses.
+
+The Vicar. Let me thank you for the pleasure of our meeting
+to-day, Mr. Lind, for--
+
+Lind. Indeed, there is no occasion! Good-bye! (To JAKOBSEN.)
+Good-bye, Jakobsen, good-bye!
+
+Jakobsen. Good-bye, Mr. Lind! I am only a common man, I know; but
+that is no reason why I shouldn't wish you a pleasant journey too,
+is it?
+
+Lind. Certainly not, Jakobsen.--Good-bye, Mr. Finne! By the way--
+just a word! (In an undertone.) You said that Mr. Berent--.
+(Takes him aside.)
+
+Tjaelde (to HAMAR). Now, remember the salute this time!--No, no,
+no! Don't be in such a hurry! Wait till the boat puts off! You
+want to make a mess of it again!
+
+Hamar. Well, if ever again I--!
+
+Tjaelde (to LIND, who holds out his hand to him). Goodbye, Mr.
+Lind! (In a low voice.) No one has so much reason to thank you
+for your visit as I. You are the only one that can understand--.
+
+Lind (a shade coldly). Don't mention it, Mr. Tjaelde! Good luck to
+your business! (In warmer tones.) Good-bye everybody--and thank you
+all for your kindness! (The footman, who has for some time been
+holding out his hat to him, gives it him, and his coat to SANNAES.
+LIND steps on board the boat.)
+
+All. Good-bye, Mr. Lind, good-bye!
+
+Tjaelde. One cheer more! (Cheers and a cannon salute are heard
+together. The boat glides away. They all wave their handkerchiefs.
+TJAELDE hurries into the room.) I have no handkerchief; that
+blockhead has--. (Looks at VALBORG.) Why are you not waving?
+
+Valborg. Because I don't wish to. (TJAELDE looks at her, but says
+nothing. He goes into the other room and comes back with a
+table-napkin in each hand, and hurries on to the verandah.)
+
+Tjaelde (waving and shouting). Good-bye! Good-bye!
+
+Signe. Let us go out to the point and see the last of them!
+
+All. Yes, yes! (All but TJAELDE and VALBORG hurry off to the
+right.)
+
+Tjaelde (coming into the room). I saw Berent coming! (VALBORG
+goes out by the door on the right. TJAELDE comes forward, throws
+the napkins on to a table and himself into a chair.) Oh--oh! But
+this must be the last time.--I shan't need this sort of thing any
+more! Never again! (Gets up wearily.) Ah, I had forgotten. Berent!
+
+[The Curtain falls.]
+
+[The interval between this scene and the next should be as short as
+possible.]
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+(SCENE.-TJAELDE'S private office. On the left, a desk strewn with
+ledgers and papers. On the right, a stove. An easy chair by the
+stove. A table in the foreground to the right; on it an inkstand
+and pens. Two armchairs; one at the table facing the audience, the
+other at the side of the table. Windows on either side of the desk;
+a door beyond the stove. A door in the background, leading to other
+offices. A bell-pull hangs down the wall. A chair on either side of
+the door. Quite at the back, on the left, a staircase leading
+direct to TJAELDE'S bedroom. BERENT and TJAELDE come in from the
+back.)
+
+Tjaelde. You must excuse my receiving you here. But the other
+rooms are all upside down; we have had some people to dinner.
+
+Berent. I heard you had guests.
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, Mr. Lind from Christiana.
+
+Berent. Quite so.
+
+Tjaelde. Won't you sit down? (BERENT lays down his hat and coat
+on a chair by the door. He comes slowly forward, sits down at the
+side of the table, and takes some papers from his breast-pocket.
+TJAELDE sits down at the other chair by the table and watches him
+indifferently.)
+
+Berent. What we now want is some fixed standard by which to make
+our valuations, especially of real estate. Have you any objection
+to our making your business a basis for arriving at that?
+
+Tjaelde. None at all.
+
+Berent. Then may I make my comments on your own figures, and ask
+you a few questions about them?
+
+Tjaelde. By all means.
+
+Berent. Well, to begin with, let us take your properties
+immediately round here; they will give us the best idea of local
+values. For instance, take the Mjölstad forest; you have put that
+down, I see, at £16,500.
+
+Tjaelde (indifferently). Have I?
+
+Berent. You bought it for £10,000.
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, four years ago. Timber prices ruled low then.
+
+Berent. And since then you have cut down more than £20,000
+worth of timber there.
+
+Tjaelde. Who told you so?
+
+Berent. Mr. Holst.
+
+Tjaelde. Holst knows nothing about it.
+
+Berent. We must try to be very accurate, you know.
+
+Tjaelde. Well, of course, the whole valuation is not my concern;
+but those whom it does concern will protest.
+
+Berent (taking no notice of his objection). So I think we will
+reduce the £16,500 to £10,000.
+
+Tjaelde. To £10,000! (Laughs.) As you please.
+
+Berent. Calculating by the same standard, we can scarcely put
+down the Stav forest at more than £4000.
+
+Tjaelde. Allow me to say that, if that is the way you are going to
+make your valuation, everybody in the place will have to go
+bankrupt!
+
+Berent (with a smile). We will risk that. You have put down your
+wharf and its contents at £12,000.
+
+Tjaelde. Including two ships in course of construction--
+
+Berent. --for which it would be difficult to find a purchaser, as
+they are so far from completion.
+
+Tjaelde. Indeed?
+
+Berent. So I think we cannot put down the wharf and its contents
+at a higher figure than £8,000--and I believe even that will turn
+out to be too high.
+
+Tjaelde. If you can find me another wharf as well stocked, and
+with the advantages that this one has, I will buy it whenever you
+like for £8000; I am certain I should be more than £4000 to the
+good over the bargain.
+
+Berent. May I go on?
+
+Tjaelde. If you like! I even feel a certain curiosity to view my
+possessions under such an entirely new light.
+
+Berent. As a matter of fact the items that are too highly valued
+are just those that comprise this property that you live on--its
+land, its gardens, its dwelling houses, warehouses, and quays-not
+to mention the brewery and the factory, which I shall come to
+later. Even regarded as business premises they seem to me to be
+over-valued.
+
+Tjaelde. Well?
+
+Berent, Moreover, the luxurious appointments of this house of
+yours, which would very probably be superfluous for any one else,
+cannot possibly be counted upon to realise their full value in a
+sale. Suppose--as is indeed most likely--that it were a countryman
+that bought the place?
+
+Tjaelde. You are reckoning me as turned out of it already, then!
+
+Berent. I am obliged to base all my calculations on what the
+property would fetch if sold now.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). What may you happen to value it at then?
+
+Berent. At less than half your valuation; that is to say at--
+
+Tjaelde. You must really forgive me if I use an expression which
+has been on the tip of my tongue for some time: this is scandalous!
+You force yourself into a man's house, and then, under pretext of
+asking for his opinion, you practically--on paper--rob him of his
+possessions!
+
+Berent. I don't understand you. I am trying to arrive at a basis
+for values hereabouts; and you said yourself, did you not, that it
+is a matter that does not concern you alone?
+
+Tjaelde. Certainly; but even in jest--if I may be allowed the
+expression--one does not take the statement that an honourable
+man has voluntarily offered and treat it as a mendacious document.
+
+Berent. There are many different points of view from which
+valuations can be made, obviously. I see nothing more in it than
+that.
+
+Tjaelde. But don't you understand that this is like cutting into my
+living flesh? Bit by bit, my property has been brought together
+or created by my own work, and preserved by the most strenuous
+exertions on my part under terribly trying conditions--it is bound
+up with my family, with all that is dear to me--it has become a
+part of my very life!
+
+Berent (with a bow). I understand that perfectly. You have put
+down the Brewery at--
+
+Tjaelde. No; I refuse to allow you to go on in this way. You must
+find some one else's property as a basis for your calculations--
+you must consult some one else, whose idea of business corresponds
+somewhat closer to your own ridiculous one.
+
+Berent (leaning back in his chair). That is a pity. The banks were
+anxious to be acquainted with your answers to my observations.
+
+Tjaelde. Have you sent my statement to the banks?
+
+Berent. With my remarks and comments on it, and Mr. Holst's.
+
+Tjaelde. This has been a trap, then? I believed I had to deal with
+a gentleman!
+
+Berent. The banks or I, what is the difference? It comes to the
+same thing, as I represent them unreservedly.
+
+Tjaelde. Such impudent audacity is unpardonable!
+
+Berent. I would suggest that we avoid hard words--at all events,
+for the moment--and rather consider the effect that will be
+produced by the balance-sheet sent in.
+
+Tjaelde. That some of us will see!
+
+Berent. The banking house of Lind & Co., for instance?
+
+Tjaelde. Do you mean to say that my balance-sheet, ornamented with
+marginal notes by you and Holst, is to be submitted to Mr. Lind's
+firm too?
+
+Berent. When the cannon-salutes and noise of your festivities
+enlightened me as to the situation, I took the liberty of making
+some inquiries of the banks.
+
+Tjaelde. So you have been spying here, too? You have been trying to
+undermine my business connections?
+
+Berent. Is your position such, then, that you are afraid?
+
+Tjaelde. The question is not my position, but your behaviour!
+
+Berent. I think we had better keep to the point. You have put
+down the Brewery at--
+
+Tjaelde. No; your conduct is so absolutely underhanded that, as an
+honest man, I must refuse all further dealing with you. I am, as I
+said before, accustomed to have to deal with gentlemen.
+
+Berent. I think you misunderstand the situation. Your indebtedness
+to the banks is so considerable that a settlement of it may
+reasonably be required of you. But to effect that you must work
+with us in the matter.
+
+Tjaelde (after a moment's thought). Very well! But, no more
+details--let me know your conclusions, briefly.
+
+Berent. My conclusions, briefly, are that you have estimated
+your assets at £90,800. I estimate them at £40,600.
+
+Tjaelde (quietly). That is to say, you make me out to have a
+deficit of about £30,000?
+
+Berent. As to that, I must point out that your estimate of your
+liabilities does not agree with mine, either.
+
+Tjaelde (quietly). Oh, of course not!
+
+Berent. For instance, the dividend that Möller's estate is to
+yield to you.
+
+Tjaelde. No more details! What do you put my total liabilities at?
+
+Berent. Let me see. Your total liabilities amount, according to
+your calculations, to £70,000. I estimate them at £80,000--to be
+precise, at £79,372.
+
+Tjaelde. That puts my deficit at about--
+
+Berent. At about £39,400--or, in round figures, £40,000.
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, by all means let us stick to round figures!
+
+Berent. So that the difference between your views of your
+balance-sheet and mine is that, whereas you give yourself a
+surplus of about £20,000, I give you a deficit of about £40,000.
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you very much.--Do you know my opinion of the whole
+matter? (BERENT looks up at him.) That I am in this room with a
+madman.
+
+Berent. I have had the same opinion for some time.--The stock of
+timber you hold in France I have not been able to deal with; you
+have forgotten to include it in your account. Perhaps it may make
+a little difference.
+
+Tjaelde. It is of no consequence! I have often enough heard people
+speak of your callousness and your heartlessness; but their account
+of you has come nowhere near the truth. I don't know why I have not
+turned you out of my house long before this; but you will have the
+goodness to leave it now!
+
+Berent. We shall both leave presently. But before we do, we must
+discuss the question of handing over the house to the Receiver in
+Bankruptcy.
+
+Tjaelde. Ha, ha, ha! Allow me to inform you that at this very
+moment a sum is being telegraphed to me which will be sufficient
+not only to cover my present liabilities, but to set me straight in
+every direction!
+
+Berent. The telegraph is a useful invention which is open to every
+one.
+
+Tjaelde (after a moment's thought). What do you mean by that?
+
+Berent. One effect of the noise of your festivities was that I used
+the telegraph also. Mr. Lind will receive, on board the boat, a
+telegram from his firm--and I doubt if the money you speak of will
+be forthcoming.
+
+Tjaelde. It is not true! You have not dared to do that!
+
+Berent. The facts are exactly as I state.
+
+Tjaelde. Give me my balance-sheet; let me look at it again.
+(Stretches out his hand to take it.)
+
+Berent (taking it up). Excuse me!
+
+Tjaelde. Do you presume to keep back my own balance-sheet in
+my own writing?
+
+Berent. Yes, and even to put it in my pocket. (Does so.) A
+fraudulent balance-sheet, dated and signed, is a document of
+some importance.
+
+Tjaelde. You are determined to ruin my private and public
+reputation?
+
+Berent. You have been working for that yourself for a long time. I
+know your position. For a month past I have been in correspondence
+with all the quarters in which you have business connections, both
+here any I abroad.
+
+Tjaelde. What underhanded deceitfulness an honest man is exposed
+to! Here have I been surrounded by spies for the last month! A
+plot between my business acquaintances and the banks! A snake
+creeping into my house and crawling over my accounts! But I will
+break up the conspiracy! And you will find out what it mean, to try
+and ruin a reputable firm by underhand devices!
+
+Berent. This is no time for fine phrases. Do you propose to
+surrender your property at once?
+
+Tjaelde. Ha, ha! I am to surrender it because you have made me
+out a bankrupt on your bit of paper!
+
+Berent. You might conceal the facts for a month, I know. But for
+your own sake, and especially for the sake of others, I would
+urgently advise you to end the matter at once. That was the reason
+of my journey here.
+
+Tjaelde. Ah, now the truth is out! And you came here pretending a
+friendly concern that the tangle should be straightened out! We
+were to distinguish between the sound and unsound firms, and you
+requested me, most politely, to give you my assistance in the
+matter!
+
+Berent. Exactly. But there is no question of anything unsound here
+except your own business and what is bound up with it.
+
+Tjaelde (when he has controlled himself). So you came into my house
+with the hidden design of ruining me?
+
+Berent. I must repeat that it is not I that am responsible for your
+bankruptcy; it is yourself.
+
+Tjaelde. And I must repeat that my bankruptcy only exists in your
+imagination! Much may happen in a month; and I have shown that I
+can find a way out of difficulties before now!
+
+Berent. That is to say, by involving yourself deeper and deeper in
+falsehood.
+
+Tjaelde. Only a man of business can understand such things. But,
+if you really understand them, I would say to you: "Give me
+£20,000 and I will save the situation entirely." That would be
+doing something worthy of your great powers; that would give
+you a reputation for penetration in discerning the real state of
+affairs; because by so doing you would safeguard the welfare of
+more than a thousand people, and ensure a prosperous future for
+the whole district!
+
+Berent. I don't rise to that bait.
+
+Tjaelde (after a moment's reflection). Do you want me to explain to
+you how £20,000 would be sufficient to set the whole complicated
+situation straight? Within three months remittances would be coming
+in. I can make it its clear as daylight to you--
+
+Berent. --that you would be falling from one disillusionment to
+another! That is what you have been doing for the last three
+years, from month to month.
+
+Tjaelde. Because the last three years have been bad years--horrible
+years! But we have reached the crisis; things must begin to improve
+now!
+
+Berent. That is what every defaulter thinks.
+
+Tjaelde. Do not drive me to despair! Have you any idea what I have
+gone through in these three years? Have you any idea what I am
+capable of?
+
+Berent. Of still further falsehood.
+
+Tjaelde. Take care!--It is quite true that I am standing on the
+edge of a precipice. It is true that for three years I have done
+everything in mortal power to save the situation! I maintain that
+there has been something heroic in the fight I have made. And that
+deserves some reward. You have unrestricted powers; every one
+trusts you. Realise for yourself what your mission is; do not let
+it be necessary for me to teach it you! Let me tell you this,
+emphatically: it will be a dreadful thing for _you_ if hundreds of
+people are to be ruined unnecessarily now!
+
+Berent. Let us make an end of this.
+
+Tjaelde. No, devil take me if I give up a fight like this with a
+senseless surrender!
+
+Berent. How do you propose to end it, then?
+
+Tjaelde. There is no issue to it that I have not turned over in my
+thoughts--thousands of times. _I_ know what I shall do! I won't be
+a mark for the jeers of this wretched little town, nor triumphed
+over by those who have envied me all round the countryside!
+
+Berent. What will you do, then?
+
+Tjaelde. You shall see! (Speaking more and more excitedly.) You
+won't help me under any conditions?
+
+Berent. No.
+
+Tjaelde. You insist that I shall surrender my estate, here and now?
+
+Berent. Yes.
+
+Tjaelde. Hell and damnation! You dare do that?
+
+Berent. Yes.
+
+Tjaelde (his agitation robbing him of his voice, which all at once
+sinks to a hoarse whisper). You have never known what despair is!--
+You don't know what an existence I have endured!-But if the
+decisive moment has come, and I have a man here in my office
+who _ought_ to save me but will not, then that man shall share
+what is in store for me.
+
+Berent (leaning back in his chair). This is beginning to be
+impressive.
+
+Tjaelde. No more jesting; you might regret it! (Goes to all the
+doors and locks them with a key which he takes out of his pocket;
+then unlocks his desk, and takes a revolver out of it.) How long do
+you suppose I have had this in here?
+
+Berent. Since you bought it, I suppose.
+
+Tjaelde. And why do you suppose I bought it?--Do you suppose that
+after I have been master of this town and the biggest man in the
+district, I would endure the disgrace of bankruptcy?
+
+Berent. You have been enduring it for a long time.
+
+Tjaelde. It is in your power now either to ruin me or to wave me.
+You have behaved in such a way that you deserve no mercy--and you
+shall have none! Report to the banks that they may give me the use
+of £14,000 for a year--I need no more than that--and I will save
+the situation for good and all. Think seriously, now! Remember my
+family, remember how long my firm has been established, remember
+the numbers that would be ruined if I were! And do not forget to
+think of your own family! Because, if you _don't_ agree to what I
+ask, neither of us shall leave this room alive!
+
+Berent (pointing to the revolver). Is it loaded?
+
+Tjaelde (putting his finger on the trigger). You will find that out
+in good time. You must answer me now!
+
+Berent. I have a suggestion to make. Shoot yourself first and me
+afterwards.
+
+Tjaelde (going up to him and holding the revolver to his head). I
+will soon quiet your pretty wit.
+
+Berent (getting up, and taking out of his pocket a paper which he
+unfolds). This is a formal surrender of your estate to the Receiver
+in Bankruptcy. If you sign it, you will be doing your duty to your
+creditors, to your family, and to yourself. Shooting yourself and
+me would only be adding an acted lie to all your others. Put away
+your revolver and take up your pen!
+
+Tjaelde. Never! I had resolved on this long ago. But you shall
+keep me company, now!
+
+Berent. Do what you please. But you cannot threaten me into a
+falsehood.
+
+Tjaelde (who has lowered the revolver, takes a step back, raises
+the revolver and aims at BERENT). Very well!
+
+Berent (walking up to TJAELDE and looking him straight in the eyes,
+while the latter reluctantly lowers the revolver). Do you suppose I
+don't know that a man who has for so long shivered with falsehood
+and terror in his inmost heart has lots of schemes but no courage?
+You _dare_ not do it!
+
+Tjaelde (furiously). I will show you! (Steps back and raises the
+revolver again.)
+
+Berent (following him). Shoot, and you will hear a report--that is
+what you are longing for, I suppose! Or, give up your plan of
+shooting, think of what you have done, confess, and afterwards
+hold your tongue!
+
+Tjaelde. No; may the devil take both you and me--
+
+Berent. And the horse?
+
+Tjaelde. The horse?
+
+Berent. I mean the magnificent charger on which you came galloping
+home from the sale of Möller's estate. You had better let some one
+shoot you on horseback--on what was your last and greatest piece of
+business duplicity! (Goes nearer to him and speaks more quietly.)
+Or--strip yourself of the tissue of lies which enfolds you, and
+your bankruptcy will bring you more blessing than your riches have
+ever done. (TJAELDE lets the revolver drop out of his hand, and
+sinks into a chair in an outburst of tears. There is silence for a
+moment.) You have made an amazing fight of it for these last three
+years. I do not believe I know any one who could have done what you
+have done. But you have lost the fight this time. Do not shrink now
+from a final settlement and the pain that it must cost you. Nothing
+else will cleanse your soul for you.
+
+Tjaelde (weeping unrestrainedly, with his face buried in his
+hands). Oh, oh!
+
+Berent. You have blamed me for my method of proceeding in the
+matter. My answer to that is that I forgive you for yours. (A
+pause.) Try now to look the situation in the face, and take it
+like a man.
+
+Tjaelde (as before). Oh!
+
+Berent. At the bottom of your heart you must be weary of it all;
+make an end of it all now!
+
+Tjaelde (as before). Oh!
+
+Berent (sitting down beside him, after a moment's pause). Wouldn't
+you like to feel your conscience clear again--to be able really to
+live with your wife and children? Because I am sure you have not
+done that for many a day.
+
+Tjaelde (as before). Oh!
+
+Berent. I have known many speculators in my time and have received
+many confessions. So I know what you have been robbed of for three
+years--never a good night's rest, never a meal eaten with a light
+heart. You have scarcely been conscious of what your children were
+doing or saying, except when accident brought you together. And
+your wife--
+
+Tjaelde. My wife!
+
+Berent. Yes, she has slaved hard enough to prepare these banquets
+that were to conceal the nakedness of the land. Indeed, she has
+been the hardest worked servant in your house.
+
+Tjaelde. My patient, good wife!
+
+Berent. I feel certain you would rather be the humblest labourer
+earning your daily bread than live through such suffering again.
+
+Tjaelde. A thousand times rather!
+
+Berent. Then can you hesitate to do what will give every man his
+due, and bring you back to truthfulness again? Take the paper and
+sign it!
+
+Tjaelde (falling on his knees). Mercy, mercy! You do not know what
+you are asking me. My own children will curse me. I have just heard
+of a child doing that to her father! And my business friends, who
+will be ruined with me--numbers of them--think of their families!
+Oh! What is to become of my work-people? Do you know there are more
+than four hundred of them? Think of them and their families, robbed
+of their livelihood!--Be merciful! I cannot, I dare not, do it!
+Save me, help me! It was horrible of me to try and threaten you;
+but now I implore you, for the sake of all those that deserve more
+than I, but to whom I shall devote the rest of my life in loyal
+work!
+
+Berent. I cannot save you, least of all with money that belongs to
+others. What you ask me to do would be disloyalty to them.
+
+Tjaelde. No, no! Publish my accounts openly--put me under trustees,
+if you like; but let me go on with the scheme that I believe will
+succeed! Every clear-headed man will see that it must succeed!
+
+Berent. Come and sit down. Let us discuss it. (TJAELDE sits down.)
+Isn't what you are now proposing exactly what you have been trying
+to do for the last three years? You _have_ been able to borrow the
+means; but what good has it done?
+
+Tjaelde. Times have been so bad!
+
+Berent (shaking his head). You have mixed up falsehood and truth
+for so long that you have forgotten the simplest laws of commerce.
+To speculate during bad times, on the chance of their becoming
+better, is all very well for those who can afford it. Others must
+leave such things alone.
+
+Tjaelde. But it is to the advantage of my creditors themselves, and
+of the banks too, that my estate should hold together!
+
+Berent. It is of no advantage to sound firms to prop up unsound
+ones.
+
+Tjaelde. But, surely, to avoid losing their capital--?
+
+Berent, Oh, perhaps in the Receiver's hands the estate may--
+
+Tjaelde (hopefully, half rising from his chair). Yes? Well?
+
+Berent. But not till you have been removed from the control of it.
+
+Tjaelde (sinking down again). Not till I have been removed from the
+control of it!
+
+Berent. On _its own_ resources I dare say the estate can hold out
+until better times come, but not on borrowed money.
+
+Tjaelde. Not on borrowed money--
+
+Berent. You understand the difference, of course?
+
+Tjaelde. Oh, yes.
+
+Berent. Good. Then you must understand that there is nothing left
+for you to do but to sign this.
+
+Tjaelde. Nothing left but to sign--
+
+Berent. Here is the paper. Come, now!
+
+Tjaelde (rousing himself). Oh, I cannot, I cannot!
+
+Berent. Very well. But in that case the crash will come of itself
+in a short time, and everything will be worse than it is now.
+
+Tjaelde (falling on his knees).Mercy, mercy! I cannot let go of all
+hope! Think, after a fight like mine!
+
+Berent. Tell the truth and say: "I haven't the courage to face the
+consequences."
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, that is the truth.
+
+Berent. "I haven't the courage to begin an honest life."
+
+Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Berent. You don't know what you are saying, man!
+
+Tjaelde. No, I don't. But spare me!
+
+Berent (getting up). This is nothing but despair! I am sorry for
+you.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Yes, surely you must be? Try me! Ask me to do
+anything you like! Tell me what you--
+
+Berent. No, no! Before anything else, you must sign this.
+
+Tjaelde (sinking back into his chair). Oh!--How shall I ever dare
+to look any one in the face again?--I, who, have defied everything
+and deceived every one!
+
+Berent. The man who has enjoyed the respect which he did not
+deserve must some day undergo the humiliation which he has
+deserved. That is a law; and I cannot save you from that.
+
+Tjaelde. But they will be crueller to me than to any one else! I
+deserve it, I know; but I shall not be able to endure it!
+
+Berent. Hm! You are remarkably tough; your fight, these last three
+years, proves that.
+
+Tjaelde. Be merciful! Surely your ingenuity--your influence--_must_
+be able to find some way out for me?
+
+Berent. Yes. The way out is for you to sign this.
+
+Tjaelde. Won't you even take it over from me by private contract?
+If you did that, everything would come right.
+
+Berent. Sign! Here is the paper! Every hour is precious.
+
+Tjaelde. Oh! (Takes up a pen; but turns to BERENT with a gesture of
+supplication.) Daren't you test me, after what I have just gone
+through?
+
+Berent. Yes, when you have signed. (TJAELDE signs the paper, and
+sinks back in his chair with an expression of the keenest anguish.
+BERENT takes the paper, folds it, and puts it in his pocket-book.)
+Now I will go to the Bankruptcy Court with this, and afterwards to
+the telegraph office. Probably the officials of the court will come
+this evening to make their inventory. So you ought to warn your
+family.
+
+Tjaelde. How shall I be able to do that? Give me a little time! Be
+merciful!
+
+Berent. The sooner the better for you--not to speak of the
+interests of all concerned. Well, I have finished for the present.
+
+Tjaelde. Don't desert me like this! Don't desert me!
+
+Berent. You would like your wife to come to you, wouldn't you?
+
+Tjaelde (resignedly). Yes.
+
+Berent (taking up the revolver). And this--I will not take it with
+me. There is no danger from it now. But I will put it in the desk,
+for the sake of the others. Now, if you or yours should need me,
+send word to me.
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you.
+
+Berent. I shall not leave the town until the worst is over.--
+Remember, night or day, if you need me, send word to me.
+
+Tjaelde. Thank you.
+
+Berent. And now will you unlock the door for me?
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Ah, of course. Excuse me!
+
+Berent (taking his hat and coat). Won't you call your wife now?
+
+Tjaelde. No. I must have a little time first. I have the worst part
+of it before me now.
+
+Berent. I believe you have, and that is just why--. (Takes hold of
+the bell-pull and rings the bell.)
+
+Tjaelde. What are you doing?
+
+Berent. I want, before I go, to be sure of your wife's coming to
+you.
+
+Tjaelde. You should not have done that! (An office-boy comes in.
+BERENT looks at TJAELDE.) Ask your mistress--ask my wife to come to
+me.
+
+Berent. At once, please. (The boy goes out.) Good-bye! (Goes out.
+TJAELDE sinks down on to a chair by the door.)
+
+[The Curtain falls.]
+
+
+ACT III
+
+(SCENE.-The same as in the preceding act. TJAELDE is sitting alone,
+on the chair by the door, in the position he was in when the
+curtain fell on the last act. After sitting motionless for a
+considerable time, he suddenly gets up.)
+
+Tjaelde. How am I to begin? After her, there are the children;
+after them, all my work-people--and then all the others! If only I
+could get away! But the Receiver's men will be here.--I must have
+some air! (Goes to the nearest window.) What a beautiful day!--but
+not for me. (Opens the window and looks out.) My horse! No, I
+daren't look at it. Why is it saddled? Oh, of course I meant, after
+my talk with Berent, to--. But now everything is different! (Walks
+up and down once or twice, thinking; then says suddenly:) Yes, on
+that horse I might reach the outer harbour before the foreign boat
+sails! (Looks at his watch.) I can do it! And I shall be able to
+put behind me all--. (Stops, with a start, as he hears footsteps on
+the stair.) Who is there? What is it? (MRS. TJAELDE comes down the
+stair into the room.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You sent for me?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes. (Watching her.) Were you upstairs?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, I was resting.
+
+Tjaelde (sympathetically). Ah, you were sleeping, and I woke you
+up!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No, I was not asleep. (She has come slowly forward.)
+
+Tjaelde. You weren't asleep? (Apprehensively, to her.) I suppose
+you didn't--? (To himself.) No, I daren't ask her.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What did you want?
+
+Tjaelde. I wanted--. (Sees her eyes fixed on the revolver.) You are
+surprised at my having that out? I got it out because I am going
+on a journey.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (supporting herself on the desk). Going on a journey?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes. Mr. Berent has been here, as I dare say you know.
+(She does not answer.) Business, you know. I have to go abroad.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (faintly). Abroad?
+
+Tjaelde. Only for a few days. So I will only take my usual bag with
+a change of clothes and one or two shirts; but I must have it at
+once.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I don't think your bag has been unpacked since you
+brought it home to-day.
+
+Tjaelde. So much the better. Will you get it for me?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Are you going away now--at once?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, by the foreign boat--from the outer harbour.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You have no time to lose, then.
+
+Tjaelde. Are you not well?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Not very.
+
+Tiwlde. One of your attacks?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes!--but I must fetch your bag. (TJAELDE helps
+her over to the staircase.)
+
+Tjaelde. You are not well, my dear--but you will be better some
+day.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I only wish _you_ looked better.
+
+Tjaelde. We all have our burdens to bear.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. If only we could bear more together!
+
+Tjaelde. But you don't understand my affairs--and I have never
+had time to talk about yours.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No--that's it. (Begins to go upstairs slowly.)
+
+Tjaelde. Shall I help you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No, thank you, dear.
+
+Tjaelde (coming forward). Does she suspect? She is always like
+that--she takes all my courage away from me. But there is no
+other way! Now--about money? I surely have some gold here
+somewhere. (Goes to his desk, takes some gold out of a drawer and
+counts it; then lifts his head and sees MRS. TJAELDE who has sat
+down on the stair half-way up.) My dear, are you sitting down?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I felt faint for a moment. I will go up now. (Gets up
+and climbs the stair slowly.)
+
+Tjaelde. Poor thing, she is worn out. (Pulls himself together.) No--
+five, six, eight, ten--that is not enough. I must have some more.
+(Searches in the desk.) And when I run short I have my watch and
+chain. Twenty, twenty-four--that is all I can find. Ah, my papers!
+I must on no account forget them. The ground is falling away
+under me! Isn't she coming back? The bag was packed, surely?--
+Ah, how all this will make her suffer! But it will not be so bad
+for her if I am away. People will be more merciful, both to her and
+the children. Oh, my children! (Collects himself.) Only let me get
+away, away! Thoughts will follow me there, all the same!--Ah, here
+she is! (MRS. TJAELDE is seen coming down slowly, with a bag which
+is evidently, heavy.) Shall I help you, dear?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Thanks, will you take hold of the bag?
+
+Tjaelde (takes it; she comes slowly down). It is heavier than it
+was this morning.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Is it?
+
+Tjaelde. I have some papers to put in it. (Opens the bag.) But, my
+dear, there is money in this bag.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes--some gold that you have given me at odd times.
+I thought it might be useful to you now.
+
+Tjaelde. There is a large sum.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I don't believe you even know how much you have
+given me.
+
+Tjaelde. She knows everything!--My dear! (Opens his arms.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Henning! (They both burst into tears and fall into
+each other's arms. MRS. TJAELDE whispers to him:) Shall I call the
+children?
+
+Tjaelde (in a whisper). No, say nothing--till later! (They embrace
+again. He takes up the bag.) Go to the window, so that I can see
+you when I mount. (Shuts the bag and hurries to the door, but
+stops.) My dear!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes?
+
+Tjaelde. Forgive me!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Everything! (TJAELDE, as he is hurrying out, meets in
+the doorway an office-boy who is bringing him a letter. TJAELDE
+takes it, and the boy goes out.)
+
+Tjaelde. From Berent! (Opens the letter, stands in the doorway and
+reads it; then comes back into the room, with his bag in his hand,
+and reads it again.) "When I left your house, I saw a horse
+standing saddled at your door. To prevent misunderstanding, let
+me inform you that your house is watched by the police."
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (supporting herself on the desk). You can't go?
+
+Tjaelde. No. (A pause. He puts down the bag and wipes his
+forehead.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Henning, shall we pray together?
+
+Tjaelde. What do you mean?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Pray--pray to God to help us? (Bursts into tears.
+TJAELDE is silent. She falls on her knees.) Come, Henning! You see
+that all human ingenuity is of no avail!
+
+Tjaelde. I know that, only too well.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Well, try once, in this hour of our greatest need!
+(TJAELDE appears to be struggling with his emotion.) You never
+would! You have never confided in us, or in your God!--never
+opened your heart to any one!
+
+Tjaelde. Be quiet!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. But what you concealed by day, you used to talk
+of in the night. We mortals must talk, you know! But I have lain
+awake and listened to your distress. Now you know why I am no
+longer good for anything. No sleep at night, and none of your
+confidence in the daytime. I have suffered even more than you.
+(TJAELDE throws himself into a chair. She goes to him.) You
+wanted to run away. When we are afraid of our fellow-men, we
+have only Him to turn to. Do you think I should be alive now, if
+it were not for Him?
+
+Tjaelde. I have thrown myself imploringly at His feet, but always
+in vain!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Henning, Henning!
+
+Tjaelde. Why did He not bless my work and the fight I was making?
+It is all one now.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Ah, there is more to come.
+
+Tjaelde (getting up). Yes, the worst is before us now--
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. --because it is in our own hearts! (A pause. VALBORG
+appears coming down the stair, but stops at the sight of the
+others.) What do you want, dear?
+
+Valborg (with suppressed emotion). From my room I can see the
+police watching the house. Are the Receiver's men coming now?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (sitting down). Yes, my child. After a terrible
+struggle--how terrible, his God and I alone know--your father has
+just sent in his declaration of bankruptcy. (VALBORG takes a step
+or two forward, then stands still. A pause.)
+
+Tjaelde (unable to control himself). Now I suppose you will say
+to me just what Möller's daughter said to him!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up). You won't do that, Valborg!--God
+alone can judge him.
+
+Tjaelde. Tell me how cruelly I have wronged you! Tell me that
+you will never be able to forgive me--(breaking down)--that I have
+lost your respect and your love for ever!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Oh, my child!
+
+Tjaelde. That your anger and your shame know no bounds!
+
+Valborg. Oh, father, father! (Goes out by the door at the back.
+TJAELDE tries to cross the room, as if to follow her, but can only
+stagger as far as the staircase, to which he clings for support.
+MRS. TJAELDE sinks back into her chair. There is a long pause.
+Suddenly JAKOBSEN cones in from the outer once, dressed as before
+except that he has changed his coat. TJAELDE is not aware of his
+entrance until JAKOBSEN is close to him; then he stretches out
+his hands to him as if in entreaty, but JAKOBSEN goes right up to
+him and speaks in a voice choked with rage.)
+
+Jakobsen. You scoundrel! (TJAELDE recoils.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Jakobsen! Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (without heeding her). The Receiver's men are here.
+The books and papers at the Brewery have been seized. Work is
+at a standstill--and the same thing at the factory.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My God!
+
+Jakobsen. And I had made myself responsible for twice as much
+as I possessed! (He speaks low, but his voice vibrates with anger
+and emotion.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Dear Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (turning to her). Didn't I say to him, every time he told
+me to sign, "But I don't possess as much as that! It's not right!"--
+But he used to answer, "It is only a matter of form, Jakobsen."
+"Yes, but not an honourable form," I used to say. "It is a matter
+of form in business," he would say; "all business folk do it."
+And all I knew of business, I had learnt from him; so I trusted
+him. (With emotion.) And he made me do it time after time. And
+now I owe more than I shall ever be able to pay, all my life. I
+shall live and die a dishonoured man. What have you to say to
+that, Mrs. Tjaelde? (She does not answer him. He turns angrily
+upon TJAELDE.) Do you hear? Even _she_ can find nothing to say!--
+Scoundrel!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (in a voice broken with emotion). I have nothing but the
+deepest respect for you, Mrs. Tjaelde. But, you see, he has made
+me swindle other people! In his name I shall have ruined numbers
+of them. They trusted me, you see; just as I trusted him. I used
+to tell them that he was a benefactor to the whole countryside, and
+that therefore they ought to help him in these hard times. And now
+there will be many an honest family robbed of house and home by our
+treachery. And that is what he has brought me to! What heartless
+cruelty! (To TJAELDE.) I can tell I feel inclined to--. (Takes a
+threatening step towards him.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up). For my sake, Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (restraining himself). Yes, for your sake, ma'am; because
+I have the deepest respect for you. But how am I to face all those
+poor creatures that I have ruined? It will do them no good to
+explain to them how it has happened; that won't help them to get
+their daily bread! How shall I face my own wife! (With emotion.)
+She has had such faith in me, and in those I trusted. And my
+children, too? It is very hard on children, because they hear so
+much talk in the street. It won't be long before they hear what
+sort of a father they have got; and they will hear it from the
+children of the men I have ruined.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. As you feel how hard it is yourself, that should
+make you willing to spare others. Be merciful!
+
+Jakobsen. I have the deepest respect for you; but it is hard that
+in my home we should never again be able to eat a crust that we can
+properly call our own--for I owe more than I can ever live to
+repay! That is hard, Mrs. Tjaelde! What will become of my evenings
+with my children now?--of our Sundays together? No, I mean that he
+shall hear the truth from me. (Turns upon TJAELDE.) You scoundrel!
+You shan't escape me! (TJAELDE shrinks back in terror and tries to
+reach the office door, but at that moment the RECEIVER comes in,
+followed by two of his clerks and SANNAES. TJAELDE crosses the
+room, staggers to his desk, and leans upon it with his back turned
+to the newcomers.)
+
+The Receiver (coming up behind Tjaelde). Excuse me! May I have your
+books and papers? (TJAELDE gives a start, moves away to the stove,
+and supports himself on it.)
+
+Jakobsen (in a whisper, standing over him). Scoundrel! (TJAELDE
+moves away from him and sits down on a chair by the door, hiding
+his face in his hands.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up and whispering to JAKOBSEN), Jakobsen!
+Jakobsen! (He comes towards her.) He has never deliberately cheated
+any one! He has never been what you say, and never will be! (Sits
+down again.)
+
+Jakobsen. I have the deepest respect for _you_, Mrs. Tjaelde. But
+if _he_ is not a liar and swindler, there is no truth in anything!
+(Bursts into tears. MRS. TJAELDE hides her face in her hands as she
+leans back in her chair. A short silence. Then a confused noise of
+voices is heard without. The RECEIVER and his men stop their work
+of sorting and inventorying papers, and all look up.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (apprehensively). What is that? (SANNAES and the
+RECEIVER go to one window, and JAKOBSEN to another.)
+
+Jakobsen. It's the hands from the quay and the brewery and the
+factory and the warehouse. All work is stopped until further
+orders; but this is pay-day--and there is no pay for them! (The
+others resume their work.)
+
+Tjaelde (coming forward despairingly). I had forgotten that!
+
+Jakobsen (going up to him). Well, go out and face them, and they
+will let you know what you are!
+
+Tjaelde (in a low voice, as he takes up his saddle-bag). Here is
+money, but it is all in gold. Go into the town and get it changed,
+and pay them!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, do, Jakobsen!
+
+Jakobsen (in lower tones). If _you_ ask me to, ma'am, I--So there
+is money in this bag? (Opens it.) And all done up in rolls. He
+meant to bolt, then!--and with the money his people had lent him.
+And yet you say he is not a scoundrel! (TJAELDE gives a groan. The
+noise of voices without grows louder.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (in a low voice). Be quick, or we shall have them in
+here.
+
+Jakobsen. I will go.
+
+The Receiver (interposing). Excuse me, but nothing must be taken
+away from here until it has been examined and inventoried.
+
+Jakobsen. It is pay-day, and this is the money for the wages.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Jakobsen is responsible for it, and will account for
+it.
+
+The Receiver. Oh, that alters the case. Mr. Jakobsen is a man of
+integrity. (Goes back to his work.)
+
+Jakobsen (to MRS. TJAELDE, in a low voice full of emotion). Did you
+hear that, Mrs. Tjaelde? He called me a man of integrity--and very
+soon not a single soul will call me that! (Goes out past TJAELDE to
+whom he whispers as he passes:) Scoundrel! I shall come back again!
+
+The Receiver (going up to TJAELDE). Excuse me, but I must ask you
+for the keys of your private rooms and cupboards.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (answering for her husband). My housekeeper shall go
+with you. Sannaes, here is the key of the cupboard. (SANNAES takes
+it from her.)
+
+The Receiver (looking at TJAELDE'S massive watch-chain). Whatever
+article of dress can be called a necessary, we have nothing to do
+with; but if it happens that it comrises jewellery of any great
+value--. (TJAELDE begins to take off the watch-chain.) No, no; keep
+it on. But it will have to be included in the inventory.
+
+Tjaelde. I don't wish to keep it.
+
+The Receiver. As you please. (Signs to one of his clerks to take
+it.) Good-day! (Meanwhile SIGNE and HAMAR have appeared at the
+door of the outer office, and have seen what passed. The RECEIVER,
+SANNAES, and the clerks try to open the door on the right, but find
+it locked.) This door is locked.
+
+Tjaelde (as if waking from a dream). Ah, of course! (Goes to the
+door and unlocks it.)
+
+Signe (rushing to MRS. TJAELDE and falling on her knees beside
+her). Mother!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, dear, the day of our trial has come! And I am
+afraid--afraid that it may find us all too weak.
+
+Signe. Mother, what is to become of us?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. We are in God's hands.
+
+Signe. I will go with Hamar to his aunt's. We will go at once.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. It is possible that his aunt may not be willing to
+have you now.
+
+Signe. Aunt Ulla! What do you mean?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I mean that you have been the rich man's daughter;
+and you do not know what the world is.
+
+Signe. Hamar, do you think Aunt Ulla would refuse to have me?
+
+Hamar (after a moment's thought). I don't know.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You hear that, my child. In the next few hours you
+will learn more than you have learnt in all your life.
+
+Signe (in a horrified whisper). Do you mean that even--?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Hush! (SIGNE hides her face in her mother's lap. A
+loud burst of laughter is heard outside.)
+
+Hamar (going to the nearest window). What is that? (SANNAES comes
+in through the right-hand door and goes to the other window.
+TJAELDE, SIGNE and MRS. TJAELDE get up.) The bay horse! They have
+got hold of it.
+
+Sannaes. They have led it up the steps, and are pretending to sell
+it by auction.
+
+Hamar. They are ill-treating it! (SANNAES runs out. HAMAR snatches
+up the revolver from the desk and looks to see if it is loaded.) I
+will--!
+
+Signe. What are you going to do? (As he starts to go out, she
+clings to him and prevents him.)
+
+Hamar. Let me go!
+
+Signe. Tell me first what you are going to do! Do you mean to go
+out among all those men--alone?
+
+Hamar. Yes.
+
+Signe (throwing her arms round him). You shan't go!
+
+Hamar. Take care, this is loaded!
+
+Signe. What are you going to do with it?
+
+Hamar (in a determined voice, as he shakes himself free of her).
+Put a bullet into the poor beast! It is too good for that crew. It
+shan't be put up for auction, either in joke or in earnest! (Goes
+to the farther window.) I shall get a better aim from here.
+
+Signe (following him, with a cry). You will hit some one!
+
+Hamar. No, I can aim too well for that. (Takes aim.)
+
+Signe. Father! If they hear a shot from here now--
+
+Tjaelde (starting up). The house belongs to my creditors now--and
+the revolver too!
+
+Hamar. No, I am past taking orders from you now! (TJAELDE snatches
+at the revolver, which goes off. SIGNE screams and rushes to her
+mother. Outside, but this time immediately below the window, two
+cries are heard: "They are shooting at us! They are shooting at
+us!" Then the noise of breaking glass is heard, and stones fly in
+through the windows, followed by shouts and ribald laughter.
+VALBORG, who has rushed in from the outer office, stands in front
+of her father to protect him, her face turned to the window. A
+voice is heard: "Follow me, my lads!")
+
+Hamar (pointing the revolver at the window). Yes, just you try it!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde and Signe. They are coming in here!
+
+Valborg. You shan't shoot! (Stands between him and the window.)
+
+Tjaelde. It is Sannaes with the police! (Cries of "Get back,
+there!" are heard; then a renewed uproar and a loud voice gradually
+dominating it; until at last the noise gradually lessens and
+ceases.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Thank God! We were in great danger. (Sinks into a
+chair. A pause.) Henning, where are you? (TJAELDE comes up behind
+her, and strokes her head with his hand, but turns away immediately
+to hide his deep emotion. A pause.)
+
+Signe (on her knees by her mother's side). But won't they come
+back? Hadn't we better go away from here?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Where to?
+
+Signe (despairingly). What is to become of us?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What God wills. (A pause. Meanwhile HAMAR,
+unobserved, has laid down the revolver on a chair and slipped
+out of the room by the door at the back.)
+
+Valborg (softly). Signe, look! (SIGNE gets up, looks round the
+room, and gives a little cry.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What is it?
+
+Signe. I knew he would!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (apprehensively). What is it?
+
+Valborg. Every rich family has its tame lieutenant--and ours has
+just left us. That's all.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (getting up). Signe, my child!
+
+Signe (throwing herself into her arms). Mother!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. There will be no more pretence now. Do not let us
+regret it!
+
+Signe (in tears). Mother, mother!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Things are better as they are. Do you hear, dear?
+Don't cry!
+
+Signe. I am not crying! but I feel so ashamed--oh, so ashamed!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. It is I that ought to feel ashamed for never having
+had the courage to put a stop to what I saw was folly.
+
+Signe (as before). Mother!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Soon there will be no one else left to desert us; and
+we shall have nothing left that any one can rob us of, either.
+
+Valborg (comes forward evidently labouring under great emotion).
+Yes, there is, mother; _I_ mean to desert you.
+
+Signe. You, Valborg? Desert us? You?
+
+Valborg. Our home is going to be broken up, anyway. Each of us
+ought to shift for herself.
+
+Signe. But what am I to do? I don't know how to do anything.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (who has sunk back into her chair). What a bad mother
+I must have been, not to be able to keep my children together now!
+
+Valborg (impetuously). You know we cannot stay together now! You
+know we cannot put up with living on the charity of our creditors;
+we have done that too long!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Hush, remember your father is in the room. (A pause.)
+What do you want to do, Valborg?
+
+Valborg (after she has regained her self-control, quietly). I want
+to go into Mr. Holst's office, and learn commercial work--and keep
+myself.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You don't know what you are undertaking.
+
+Valborg. But I know what I am leaving.
+
+Signe. And I shall only be a burden to you, mother, because I can't
+do anything--
+
+Valborg. You _can_! Go out and earn a living; even if it is only as
+a servant, what does that matter? Don't live on our creditors--not
+for a day, not for an hour!
+
+Signe. And what is to become of mother, then?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Your mother will stay with your father.
+
+Signe. But all alone? You, who are so ill?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No, not alone! Your father and I will be together.
+(TJAELDE comes forward, kisses the hand she has stretched out to
+him, and falls on his knees by her chair, burying his face in her
+lap. She strokes his hair gently.) Forgive your father, children.
+That is the finest thing you can do. (TJAELDE gets up again and
+goes back to the other end of the room. A messenger comes in with a
+letter.)
+
+Signe (turning round anxiously). It is a letter from him! I can't
+stand any more! I won't have it! (The messenger hands the letter to
+TJAELDE.)
+
+Tjaelde. I accept no more letters.
+
+Valborg (looking at the letter). It is from Sannaes?
+
+Tjaelde. He, too!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Take it and read it, Valborg. Let us get it all over
+at once. (VALBORG takes the letter from the messenger, who goes
+out. She opens the letter, looks at it, and then reads it with
+emotion.) "Sir,--I have owed you everything since I entered your
+employment as a boy. Therefore do not take what I am going to say
+amiss. You know that about eight years ago I came into a little
+legacy. I have used the money to some advantage, having especially
+looked out for such investments as would not be affected by the
+uncertainties of high finance. The total sum, which now amounts to
+about £1400, I beg to offer to you as a token of respectful
+gratitude; because, in the end, I owe it to you that I have been
+able to make it that sum. Besides, you will be able to make many
+times better use of it than I could. If you need me, my dearest
+wish is to remain with you in the future. Forgive me for having
+seized just this moment for doing this; I could not do otherwise.--
+Your obedient servant, J. SANNAES." (While VALBORG has been
+reading, TJAELDE has come gradually forward, and is now standing
+beside his wife.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Though out of all those you have helped, Henning,
+only one comes to your aid at a time like this, you must feel that
+you have your reward. (TJAELDE nods, and goes to the back of the
+room again.) And you, children--do you see how loyally this man, a
+stranger, is standing by your father? (A pause. SIGNE stands by the
+desk, crying. TJAELDE walks up and down uneasily at the back of the
+room once or twice, then goes up the staircase.)
+
+Valborg. I should like to speak to Sannaes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, do, dear! I couldn't, just now; and I am sure
+your father couldn't either. You speak to him! (Gets up.) Come,
+Signe, you and I must have a talk; you must open your heart to
+me now.--Ah, when have we ever had a real talk together? (SIGNE
+goes to her.) Where is your father?
+
+Valborg. He went upstairs.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (leaning on SIGNE's arm). So he did. I am sure he must
+be longing to rest--although he won't find it easy to do that. It
+has been a terrible day; but surely God will turn it to our good!
+(Goes out with SIGNE. VALBORG goes to the back of the room and
+rings the bell. A messenger comes.)
+
+Valborg. If Mr. Sannaes is out there, please ask him to be so good
+as to come in here for a moment. (The messenger goes out.) Perhaps
+he won't come, when he hears it is I. (Listens.) Yes, he is coming!
+
+(SANNAES comes in, but stops short when he sees VALBORG, and
+hurriedly puts his hands behind his back.)
+
+Sannaes. Is it you, Miss Valborg, that want me?
+
+Valborg. Please come in. (SANNAES takes a few timid steps forward.
+VALBORG speaks in a more friendly tone.) Come in, then! (SANNAES
+comes further into the room.)
+
+Valborg. You have written a letter to my father.
+
+Sannaes (after a moment's pause). Yes.
+
+Valborg. And made him a most generous offer.
+
+Sannaes (as before). Oh, well--it was only natural that I should.
+
+Valborg. Do you think so? It doesn't seem so to me. It is an offer
+that honours the man that made it. (A pause.)
+
+Sannaes. I hope he means to accept it?
+
+Valborg. I don't know.
+
+Sannaes (sadly, after a moment's pause). Then he doesn't mean to?
+No--I suppose not.
+
+Valborg. I honestly don't know. It depends on whether he dare.
+
+Sannaes. Whether he dare?
+
+Valborg. Yes. (A pause.)
+
+Sannaes (evidently very shy of VALBORG). Have you any more orders
+for me, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg (with a smile). Orders? I am not giving you orders.--You
+have offered also to stay with my father for the future.
+
+Sannaes. Yes--that is to say, if he wishes me to.
+
+Valborg. I don't know. In that case there would be only he and
+my mother and you; no one else.
+
+Sannaes. Indeed? What about the others, then?
+
+Valborg. I don't know for certain what my sister means to do--but
+I am leaving home to-day.
+
+Sannaes. Then you are going to--
+
+Valborg. --to try and get a clerkship somewhere. So that it will be
+a bit lonely for you to be in my father's employment now. (A
+pause.) I expect you had not thought of it in that light?
+
+Sannaes. No--yes--that is to say, your father will have all the
+more need of me then.
+
+Valborg. Indeed he will. But what sort of a prospect is it for you
+to bind up your fortunes with my father's? The future is so very
+problematical, you know.
+
+Sannaes. What sort of a prospect--?
+
+Valborg. Yes, a young man should have some sort of a prospect
+before him.
+
+Sannaes. Yes--of course; that is to say, I only thought that at
+first it would be so difficult for him.
+
+Valborg. But I am thinking of you. Surely you have some plans for
+the future?
+
+Sannaes (embarrassed). Really I would rather not talk about myself.
+
+Valborg. But I want to.--You have something else in reserve, then?
+
+Sannaes. Well--if I must tell you--I have some well-to-do relations
+in America who have for a long time wanted me to go over there. I
+should soon be able to get, a good situation there.
+
+Valborg. Indeed?--But why haven't you accepted such a good offer
+long before this? (SANNAES does not answer.) You must have been
+sacrificing your best interests by staying so long with us?
+(SANNAES is still silent.) Any! it will be making a still greater
+sacrifice to stay with us now--
+
+Sannaes (struggling with his embarrassment). I have never thought
+of it as being that.
+
+Valborg. But my father can scarcely accept so much from you.
+
+Sannaes (in alarm). Why not?
+
+Valborg. Because it really would be too much.--And, in any case, I
+shall try to prevent him.
+
+Sannaes (almost imploringly). You, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg. Yes. You must not be misemployed any longer.
+
+Sannaes. Misemployed? In what I _myself_ desire so much?
+
+Valborg. When I have talked it over with my father, I think he will
+see my point.
+
+Sannaes (anxiously). What do you mean?
+
+Valborg (after a moment's reflection). --I mean, the reason of your
+having made such great sacrifices for us--and of your being willing
+to make still greater now. (A pause. SANNAES hangs his head, and is
+raising his hands to hide his face, when suddenly he puts them
+behind his back again. VALBORG continues, in gentle but firm
+tones:) I have taught myself, all my life, to look behind deeds and
+words for their motives.
+
+Sannaes (quietly, without raising his head). You have taught
+yourself to be cruelly bitter, hard and unjust.
+
+Valborg (starts, but collects herself, and says gently:) Don't say
+that, Mr. Sannaes! It is not hard-heartedness or bitterness that
+makes me think of your future now--and makes me wish to spare you
+disappointment.
+
+Sannaes (with a cry of pain). Miss Valborg!
+
+Valborg. Be honest with yourself, and you will be able to take a
+fairer view of what I have just said.
+
+Sannaes. Have you any more orders, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg. I give you no orders, as I have told you already. I am
+only bidding you good-bye; and I do it with grateful thanks to you
+for all your goodness to me--and to us all. Good-bye and good luck,
+Mr. Sannaes. (SANNAES bows.)Won't you shake hands? Ah, I forgot--I
+offended you. I beg your pardon for that. (SANNAES bows and turns
+to go.) Come, Mr. Sannaes--let us at least part as good friends!
+You are going to America, and I am going among strangers. Let us go
+away wishing one another well.
+
+Sannaes (moved). Good-bye, Miss Valborg. (Turns to go.)
+
+Valborg. Mr. Sannaes--shake hands!
+
+Sannaes (stopping). No, Miss Valborg.
+
+Valborg. Don't treat me uncivilly; I have not deserved that.
+(SANNAES again turns to go.) Mr. Sannaes!
+
+Sannaes (stopping). You might soil your fingers, Miss Valborg!
+(Walks proudly away.)
+
+Valborg (controlling herself with an effort). Well, we have
+offended each other now. But why should we not forgive each other
+as well?
+
+Sannaes. Because you have just offended me for the second time
+to-day--and more deeply than the first time.
+
+Valborg. Oh, this is too much! I spoke as I did, because I owed it
+to myself not to be put in a false position, and owed it to you to
+spare you future disappointment. And you call that insulting you!
+Which of us has insulted the other, I should like to know?
+
+Sannaes. You have, by thinking such things of me. Do you realise
+how cruelly you have spoilt the happiest action of my life?
+
+Valborg. I have done so quite unintentionally, then. I am only
+glad that I was mistaken.
+
+Sannes (bitterly). You are glad! So it really makes you glad to
+know that I am not a scoundrel!
+
+Valborg (quietly). Who said anything of the kind?
+
+Sannaes. You! You know the weak spot in my armour; but that you
+should on that account believe that I could lay a trap for you
+and try to trade on your father's misfortune, Miss Valborg--!
+No, I cannot shake hands with any one who has thought so badly
+of me as that! And, since you have so persistently insulted me
+that I have lost all the timidity I used to feel in your presence,
+let me tell you this openly; these hands (stretching out his hands
+to her) have grown red and ugly in loyal work for your father, and
+his daughter should have been above mocking at me for them!
+(Turns to go, but stops.) And, one word more. Ask your father for
+_his_ hand now, and hold fast to it, instead of deserting him on
+the very day that misfortune has overtaken him. That would be more
+to the point than worrying about _my_ future. I can look after that
+for myself. (Turns again to go, but comes back.) And when, in his
+service--which will be no easy service now--your hands bear the
+same honourable marks of work as mine do, and are as red as mine,
+then you will perhaps understand how you have hurt me! At present
+you cannot. (He goes quickly towards the door of the outer office.)
+
+Valborg (with a wry smile). What a temper! (More seriously.) And
+yet, after all--. (Looks after him. Just as SANNAES gets to the
+door TJAELDE'S voice is heard calling him from the top of the
+staircase. SANNAES answers him.)
+
+Tjaelde (coming down the stairs). Sannaes! Sannaes! I can see
+Jakobsen coming. (Hurries across the room as if pursued by fear.
+SANNAES follows him.) Of course he will be coming back to look for
+me again! It is cowardly of me to feel that I cannot stand it; but
+I cannot--not to-day, not now! I cannot stand any more! Stop him!
+Don't let him come in! I shall have to drink my cup of misery to
+the dregs; but (almost in a whisper) not all at one draught! (Hides
+his face in his hands.)
+
+Sannaes. He shan't come; don't be afraid! (Goes quickly out, with
+an air of determination.)
+
+Tjaelde. It is hard--oh, it is hard!
+
+Valborg (coming to his side). Father! (He looks at her, anxiously.)
+You may safely accept the money Sannaes offers you.
+
+Tjaelde (in surprise). What do you mean by that?
+
+Valborg. I mean--that, if you do, I will not forsake you either,
+but stay here with you too.
+
+Tjaelde (incredulously). You, Valborg?
+
+Valborg. Yes, you know I want to learn office work, and business;
+and I would rather learn in your office.
+
+Tjaelde (shyly). I don't understand what you--?
+
+Valborg. Don't you understand, dear? I believe I could become of
+some use in the office. And in that way, you know, we might
+begin afresh--and try, with God's help, to pay your creditors.
+
+Tjaelde (happily, but shyly). My child! Who put such a happy idea
+into your head?
+
+Valborg (putting an arm round his neck). Father, forgive me for
+all that I have neglected to do! You shall see how I will try and
+make up for it! How hard I shall work!
+
+Tjaelde (still half incredulous). My child! My child!
+
+Valborg. I feel--I cannot tell you how deeply--a craving for love
+and for work! (Throws both her arms round his neck.) Oh, father,
+how I love you!--and how I shall work for you!
+
+Tjaelde. Ah, that is the Valborg I have waited for, ever since you
+were a little child! But we had drifted away from one another,
+somehow.
+
+Valborg. No more about the past! Look forward, father, look
+forward! Concerns "that would not be affected by the uncertainties
+of high finance,"--weren't those his words?
+
+Tjaelde. So you were struck by that expression, too?
+
+Valborg. That may mean a future for us now! We will have a home all
+to ourselves--a little house down on the shore--and I shall help
+you, and Signe will help mother--we shall know what it is to live,
+for the first time!
+
+Tjaelde. What happiness it will be!
+
+Valborg. Only look forward, father! Look forward! A united family
+is invincible!
+
+Tjaelde. And to think that such help should come to me now!
+
+Valborg. Yes, now we are all going to our posts--and all together,
+where formerly you stood alone! You will have good fairies round
+you; wherever you look, you will see happy faces and busy fingers
+all day long; and we shall all enjoy our meals and our evenings
+together, just as we did when we were children!
+
+Tjaelde. That, above everything!
+
+Valborg. Ha, ha!--it is after the rain that the birds sing
+blithest, you know! And this time our happiness can never miscarry,
+because we shall have something worth living for!
+
+Tjaelde. Let us go to your mother! This will cheer her heart!
+
+Valborg. Ah, how I have learnt to love her! What has happened
+to-day has taught me.
+
+Tjaelde. It is for her that we shall all work now.
+
+Valborg. Yes--for her, for her. She shall rest now. Let us go to
+her!
+
+Tjaelde. Kiss me first, my dear. (His voice trembles.) It is so
+long since you did!
+
+Valborg (kissing him). Father!
+
+Tjaelde. Now let us go to your mother. (The curtain falls as they
+go out together.)
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+(SCENE.--In the garden of TJAELDE'S new home, on the shore of the
+fjord, three years later. A view of tranquil sunlit sea, dotted
+with boats, in the background. On the left a portion of the house
+is seen, with an open window within which VALBORG is seen writing
+at a desk. The garden is shaded with birch trees; flower-beds run
+round the house, and the whole atmosphere one of modest comfort.
+Two small garden tables and several chairs are in the foreground on
+the right. A chair standing by itself, further back, has evidently
+had a recent occupant. When the curtain rises the stage is empty,
+but VALBORG is visible at the open window. Soon afterwards TJAELDE
+comes in, wheeling MRS. TJAELDE in an invalid chair.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Another lovely day!
+
+Tjaelde. Tjaelde. Lovely! There was not a ripple on the sea last
+night. I saw a couple of steamers far out, and a sailing ship that
+had hove to, and the fisher-boats drifting silently in.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. And think of the storm that was raging two days ago!
+
+Tjaelde. And think of the storm that broke over our lives barely
+three years ago! I was thinking of that in the night.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Sit down here with me.
+
+Tjaelde. Shall we not continue our stroll?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. The sun is too hot.
+
+Tjaelde. Not for me.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. You big strong man! It is too hot for me.
+
+Tjaelde (taking a chair). There you are, then.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (taking off his hat and wiping his forehead). You are
+very hot, dear. You have never looked so handsome as you do now!
+
+Tjaelde. That's just as well, as you have so much time to admire
+me now!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Now that I find getting about so difficult, you mean?
+Ah, that is only my pretence, so as to get you to wheel me about!
+
+Tjaelde (with a sigh). Ah, my dear, it is good of you to take it so
+cheerfully. But that you should be the only one of us to bear such
+hard traces of our misfortune--
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (interrupting him). Do you forget your own whitened
+hair? That is a sign of it, too, but a beautiful one! And, as for
+my being an invalid, I thank God every day for it! In the first
+place I have almost no pain, and then it gives me the opportunity
+to feel how good you are to me in every way.
+
+Tjaelde. You enjoy your life, then?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, indeed I do--and just as I should wish to.
+
+Tjaelde. Just to be spoiled, and yourself to spoil us?
+
+Valborg (from the window). I have finished the accounts, father.
+
+Tjaelde. Doesn't it come out at about what I said?
+
+Valborg. Almost exactly. Shall I enter it in the ledger at once?
+
+Tjaelde. Oho! You are glad then, as you seem in such it hurry?
+
+Valborg. Certainly! Such a good stroke of business!
+
+Tjaelde. And both you and Sannaes tried your best to dissuade
+me from it!
+
+Valborg. Such a pair of wiseacres!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Ah, your father is your master, my dear!
+
+Tjaelde. Tjaelde. Oh, it is easy enough to captain a small army
+that marches on, instead of a big one that is in retreat. (VALBORG
+goes on with her work.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. And yet it seemed hard enough for us to give it up.
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, yes--oh, yes. I can tell you, I was thinking of that
+last night. If God had given me what I begged for then, what state
+should we have been in now? I was thinking of that, too.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. It is the fact of the estate being at last wound up
+that has brought all these thoughts into your mind, dear?
+
+Tjaelde. Yes.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Then I must confess that I, too, have scarcely been
+able to think of anything else since yesterday, when Sannaes went
+into town to settle it up. This a red-letter day! Signe is
+wrestling with a little banquet for us; we shall see what an
+artist she has become! Here she is!
+
+Tjaelde. I think I will just go and look over Valborg's accounts.
+(Goes to the window. SIGNE comes out of the house, wearing a
+cook's apron and carrying a basin.)
+
+Signe. Mother, you must taste my soup! (Offers her a spoonful.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Clever girl! (Tastes the soup.) Perhaps it would
+stand a little--. No, it is very good as it is. You are clever!
+
+Signe. Am I not! Will Sannaes be back soon?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Your father says we may expect him any moment.
+
+Tjaelde (at the window, to VALBORG). No, wait a moment. I will come
+in. (Goes into the house, and is seen within the window beside
+VALBORG.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My little Signe, I want to ask you something?
+
+Signe. Do you?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What was in the letter you had yesterday evening?
+
+Signe. Aha, I might have guessed that was it! Nothing, mother.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Nothing that pained you, then?
+
+Signe. I slept like a top all night--so you can judge for yourself.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I am so glad. But, you know, there seems to me
+something a little forced in the gay way you say that?
+
+Signe. Does there? Well, it was something that I shall always be
+ashamed of; that is all.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I am thankful to hear it, for--
+
+Signe (interrupting her). That must be Sannaes. I hear wheels. Yes,
+here he is! He has come too soon; dinner won't be ready for half an
+hour yet.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. That doesn't matter.
+
+Signe. Father, here is Sannaes!
+
+Tjaelde (from within). Good! I will come out! (SIGNE goes into
+the house as TJAELDE comes out. SANNAES comes in a moment later.)
+
+Tjaelde and Mrs. Tjaelde. Welcome!
+
+Sannaes. Thank you! (Lays down his dust-coat and driving gloves on
+a chair, and comes forward.)
+
+Tjaelde. Well?
+
+Sannaes. Yes--your bankruptcy is discharged!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. And the result was--?
+
+Sannaes. Just about what we expected.
+
+Tjaelde. And, I suppose, just about what Mr. Berent wrote?
+
+Sannaes. Just about, except for one or two inconsiderable trifles.
+You can see for yourself. (Gives him a bundle of papers.) The high
+prices that have ruled of late, and good management, have altered
+the whole situation.
+
+Tjaelde (who has opened the papers and glanced at the totals). A
+deficit of £12,000.
+
+Sannaes. I made a declaration on your behalf, that you intended to
+try and repay that sum, but that you should be at liberty to do it
+in whatever way you found best. And so--
+
+Tjaelde. And so--?
+
+Sannaes. --I proferred on the spot rather more than half the amount
+you still owed Jakobsen.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Not really? (TJAELDE takes out a pencil and begins
+making calculations on the margins of the papers.)
+
+Sannaes. There was general satisfaction--and they all sent you
+their cordial congratulations.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. So that, if all goes well--
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, if things go as well with the business as they
+promise to, Sannaes, in twelve or fourteen years I shall have paid
+every one in full.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. We haven't much longer than that left to live, dear!
+
+Tjaelde. Then we shall die poor. And I shall not complain!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. No, indeed! The honourable name you will leave to
+your children will be well worth it.
+
+Tjaelde. And they will inherit a sound business, which they can go
+on with if they choose.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Did you hear that, Valborg?
+
+Valborg (from the window). Every word! (SANNAES bows to her.) I
+must go in and tell Signe! (Moves away from the window.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. What did Jakobsen say?--honest old Jakobsen?
+
+Sannaes. He was very much affected, as you would expect. He will
+certainly be coming out here to-day.
+
+Tjaelde (looking up from the papers). And Mr. Berent?
+
+Sannaes. He is coming hard on my heels. I was to give you his kind
+regards and tell you so.
+
+Tjaelde. Splendid! We owe him so much.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes, he has been a true friend to us. But, talking of
+true friends, I have something particular to ask _you_, Sannaes.
+
+Sannaes. Me, Mrs. Tjaelde?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. The maid told me that yesterday, when you went into
+town, you took the greater part of your belongings with you. Is
+that so?
+
+Sannaes. Yes, Mrs. Tjaelde.
+
+Tjaelde. What does that mean? (To his wife.) You said nothing
+about it to me, my dear.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Because I thought it might be a misunderstanding.
+But now I must ask what was the meaning of it. Are you going away?
+
+Sannaes (fingering a chair, in evident confusion). Yes, Mrs.
+Tjaelde.
+
+Tjaelde. Where to? You never said anything about it.
+
+Sannaes. No; but I have always considered that I should have
+finished my task here as soon as the estate was finally wound up.
+
+Tjaelde and Mrs. Tjaelde. You mean to leave us?
+
+Sannaes. Yes.
+
+Tjaelde. But why?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Where do you mean to go?
+
+Sannaes. To my relations in America. I can now, without doing you
+any harm, withdraw my capital from the business by degrees and
+transfer it abroad.
+
+Tjaelde. And dissolve our partnership?
+
+Sannaes. You know that at any rate you had decided now to resume
+the old style of the firm's name.
+
+Tjaelde. That is true; but, Sannaes, what does it all mean? What is
+your reason?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Are you not happy here, where we are all so attached
+to you?
+
+Tjaelde. You have quite as good a prospect for the future here as
+in America.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. We held together in evil days; are we not to hold
+together now that good days have come?
+
+Sannaes. I owe you both so much.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Good heavens, it is we that owe you--
+
+Tjaelde. --more than we can ever repay. (Reproachfully.) Sannaes!
+
+(SIGNE comes in, having taken off her cooking apron.)
+
+Signe. Congratulations! Congratulations! Father mother! (Kisses
+them both.) Welcome, Sannaes!--But aren't you pleased?--now?
+(A pause. VALBORG comes in.)
+
+Valborg. What has happened?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Sannaes wants to leave us, my children (A pause.)
+
+Signe. But, Sannaes--!
+
+Tjaelde. Even if you want to go away, why have you never said a
+single word to us about it before? (To the others.) Or has he
+spoken to any of you? (MRS. TJAELDE shakes her head.)
+
+Signe. No.
+
+Sannaes. It was because--because--I wanted to be able to go as
+soon as I had told you. Otherwise it would be too hard to go.
+
+Tjaelde. You must have very serious grounds for it, then! Has
+anything happened to you to--to make it necessary? (SANNAES
+does not answer.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. And to make it impossible for you to trust any of
+us?
+
+Sannaes (shyly). I thought I had better keep it to myself. (A
+pause.)
+
+Tjaelde. That makes it still more painful for us--to think that you
+could go about in our little home circle here, where you have
+shared everything with us, carrying the secret of this intention
+hidden in your heart.
+
+Sannaes. Do not be hard on me! Believe me, if I could stay, I
+would; and if I could tell you the reason, I would. (A pause.)
+
+Signe (to her mother, in an undertone). Perhaps he wants to get
+married?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Would his being here with us make any difference to
+that? Any one that Sannaes loved would be dear to us.
+
+Tjaelde (going up to SANNAES and putting an arm round his
+shoulders). Tell one of us, then, if you cannot tell us all.
+Is it nothing we can help you in?
+
+Sannaes. No.
+
+Tjaelde. But can you judge of that alone? One does not always
+realise how much some one else's advice, on the experience of an
+older man, may help one.
+
+Sannaes. Unfortunately it is as I say.
+
+Tjaelde. It must be something very painful, then?
+
+Sannaes. Please--!
+
+Tjaelde. Well, Sannaes, you have quite cast a cloud over to-day's
+happiness for us. I shall miss you as I have never missed any one.
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. I cannot imagine the house without Sannaes!
+
+Tjaelde (to his wife). Come, dear, shall we go in again?
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Yes--it is not nice out here any longer. (TJAELDE
+takes her into the house. SIGNE turns to VALBORG to go in with her,
+but when she comes close to her she gives a little cry. VALBORG
+takes her arm, and their eyes meet.)
+
+Signe. Where have my wits been? (She goes into the house, looking
+back at VALBORG and SANNAES. The latter is giving way to his
+emotion, but as soon as his eyes fall on VALBORG he recovers
+himself.)
+
+Valborg (impetuously). Sannaes!
+
+Sannaes. What are your orders, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg (turning away from him, then turning back, but avoiding
+his eyes). Do you really mean to leave us?
+
+Sannaes. Yes, Miss Valborg. (A pause.)
+
+Valborg. So we shall never stand back to back at our desks in the
+same room again?
+
+Sannaes. No, Miss Valborg.
+
+Valborg. That is a pity; I had become so accustomed to it.
+
+Sannaes. You will easily become accustomed to some one else's--
+back.
+
+Valborg. Ah, some one else is some one else.
+
+Sannaes. You must excuse me, Miss Valborg; I don't feel in the
+humour for jesting to-day. (Turn to go.)
+
+Valborg (looking up at him). Is this to be our parting, then? (A
+pause.)
+
+Sannaes. I thought of taking leave of you all this afternoon.
+
+Valborg (taking a step towards him). But ought not we two to settle
+our accounts first?
+
+Sannaes (coldly). No, Miss Valborg.
+
+Valborg. Do you feel then that everything between us has been just
+as it ought?
+
+Sannaes. God knows I don't!
+
+Valborg. But you think I am to blame?--Oh, well, it doesn't matter.
+
+Sannaes. I am quite willing to take the blame. Put anyway, it is
+all finished with now.
+
+Valborg. But if we were to share the blame? You cannot be quite
+indifferent as to which of us should take it?
+
+Sannaes. I confess I am not. But, as I said, I do not wish for any
+settling of accounts between us.
+
+Valborg. But I wish it.
+
+Sannaes. You will have plenty of time to settle it to your own
+satisfaction.
+
+Valborg. But, if I am in difficulties about it, I cannot do it
+alone.
+
+Sannaes. I do not think you will find any difficulty.
+
+Valborg. But if _I_ think so?--if I feel myself deeply wronged?
+
+Sannaes. I have told you that I am willing to take all the blame
+upon myself.
+
+Valborg. No, Sannaes--I don't want charity; I want to be
+understood. I have a question to ask you.
+
+Sannaes. As you will.
+
+Valborg. How was it that we got on so well for the first year after
+my father's failure-and even longer? Have you ever thought of that?
+
+Sannaes. Yes. I think it was because we never talked about
+anything but our work--about business.
+
+Valborg. You were my instructor.
+
+Sannaes. And when you no longer needed an instructor--
+
+Valborg. --we hardly spoke to one another.
+
+Sannaes (softly). No.
+
+Valborg. Well, what could I say or do, when every sign of
+friendship on my part went unnoticed?
+
+Sannaes. Unnoticed? Oh no, Miss Valborg, I noticed them.
+
+Valborg. That was my punishment, then!
+
+Sannas. God forbid I should do you an injustice. You had a motive
+which did you credit; you felt compassion for me, and so you could
+not help acting as you did. But, Miss Valborg, I refuse your
+compassion.
+
+Valborg. And suppose it were gratitude?
+
+Sannaes (softly). I dreaded that more than anything else! I had had
+a warning.
+
+Valborg. You must admit, Sannaes, that all this made you very
+difficult to deal with!
+
+Sannaes. I quite admit that. But, honestly, _you_ must admit that I
+had good reason to mistrust an interest in me that sprang from
+mere gratitude. Had circumstances been different, I should only
+have bored you cruelly; I knew that quite well. And I had no
+fancy for being an amusement for your idle hours.
+
+Valborg. How you have mistaken me!--If you will think of it, surely
+you must understand how different a girl, who has been accustomed
+to travel and society, becomes when she has to stay at home and
+work because it is her duty. She comes to judge men by an
+altogether different standard, too. The men that she used to think
+delightful are very likely to appear small in her eyes when it is a
+question of the demands life makes on ability or courage or
+self-sacrifice; while the men she used to laugh at are transformed
+in her eyes into models of what God meant men to be, when she is
+brought into close contact with them in her father's office.--Is
+there anything so surprising in that? (A pause.)
+
+Sannaes. Thank you, at all events, for saying that to me. It has
+done me good. But you should have said it sooner.
+
+Valborg (emphatically). How could I, when you misjudged everything
+I did or said? No; it was impossible until mistakes and
+misunderstandings had driven us so far apart that we could not
+endure them any longer (Turns away.)
+
+Sannaes. Perhaps you are right. I cannot at once recall all that
+has happened. If I have been mistaken, I shall by degrees find the
+knowledge of it a profound comfort.--You must excuse me, Miss
+Valborg, I have a number of things to see to. (Turns to go.)
+
+Valborg (anxiously). Sannaes, as you admit that you have judged me
+unjustly, don't you think you ought at least to give me--some
+satisfaction?
+
+Sannaes. You may be certain, Miss Valborg, that when I am balancing
+our account you shall not suffer any injustice. But I cannot do it
+now. All I have to do now is to get ready to go.
+
+Valborg. But you are not ready to go, Sannaes! You have not
+finished your work here yet! There is what I just spoke of--and
+something else that dates farther back than that.
+
+Sannaes. You must feel how painful it is for me to prolong this
+interview. (Turns to go.)
+
+Valborg. But surely you won't go without setting right something
+that I am going to beg you to?
+
+Sannas. What is that, Miss Valborg?
+
+Valborg. Something that happened a long time ago.
+
+Sannaes. If it is in my power, I will do what you ask.
+
+Valborg. It is.--Ever since that day you have never offered to
+shake hands with me.
+
+Sannaes. Have you really noticed that? (A pause.)
+
+Valborg (with a smile, turning away). Will you do so now?
+
+Sannaes (stepping nearer to her). Is this more than a mere whim?
+
+Valborg (concealing her emotion). How can you ask such a question
+now?
+
+Sannaes. Because all this time you have never once asked me to
+shake hands with you.
+
+Valborg. I wanted you to offer me your hand. (A pause.)
+
+Sannaes. Are you serious for once?
+
+Valborg. I mean it, seriously.
+
+Sannaes (in a happier voice). You really set a value on it?
+
+Valborg. A great value.
+
+Sannaes (going up to her). Here it is, then!
+
+Valborg (turning and taking his hand). I accept the hand you offer
+me.
+
+Sannaes (turning pale). What do you mean?
+
+Valborg. I mean that for some time past I have known that I should
+be proud to be the wife of a man who has loved me, and me alone,
+ever since he was a boy, and has saved my father and us all.
+
+Sannaes. Oh, Miss Valborg!
+
+Valborg. And you wanted to go away, rather than offer me your
+hand; and that, only because we had accepted help from you--and you
+did not think we were free agents! That was too much; and, as you
+would not speak, I had to!
+
+Sannaes (kneeling to her). Miss Valborg!
+
+Valborg. You have the most loyal nature, the most delicate mind,
+and the warmest heart I have ever known.
+
+Sannaes. This is a thousand times too much!
+
+Valborg. Next to God, I have to thank you that I have become what I
+am; and I feel that I can offer you a life's devotion such as you
+would rarely find in this world.
+
+Sannaes. I cannot answer because I scarcely realise what you are
+saying. But you are saying it because you are sorry for me, now
+that I have to go away, and feel that you owe me some gratitude.
+(Takes both her hand in his.) Let me speak! I know the truth better
+than you, and have thought over it far more than you. You are so
+immeasurably above me in ability, in education, in manners--and a
+wife should not be able to look down on her husband. At all events,
+I am too proud to be willing to be exposed to that. No, what you
+are feeling now is only the result of your beautiful nature, and
+the recollection of it will hallow all my life. All the pain and
+all the happiness I have known have come from you. Your life will
+be one of self-renunciation; but, God knows there are many such!
+And my burden will be lightened now, because I shall know that your
+good wishes will always be with me. (Gets up.) But part we must--
+and now more than ever! For I could not bear to be near you unless
+you were mine, and to make you mine would only mean misery for us
+both after a little while!
+
+Valborg. Sannaes--!
+
+Sannaes (holding her hands and interrupting her). I entreat you not
+to say anything more! You have too much power over me; do not use
+it to make me sin! For it would be that--a great sin--to put two
+honest hearts into a false position, where they would distress one
+another, even perhaps get to hate one another.
+
+Valborg. But let me--
+
+Sannas (letting go her hands and stepping back). No, you must not
+tempt me. Life with you would mean perpetual anxiety, for I should
+never feel equal to what it would demand of me! But now I can part
+from you comforted. There will be no bitterness in my heart now;
+and by degrees all my thoughts of the past and of you will turn to
+sweetness. God bless you! May every good fortune go with you!
+Good-bye! (Goes quickly towards the house.)
+
+Valborg. Sannaes! (Follows him.) Sannaes! Listen to me! (SANNAES
+takes up his coat and gloves, and, as he rushes out without looking
+where he is going, runs full tilt into BERENT who comes in at that
+moment followed by JAKOBSEN.)
+
+Sannaes. I beg your pardon! (Rushes out to the right.)
+
+Berent. Are you two playing a game of blind man's buff?
+
+Valborg. God knows we are!
+
+Berent. You need not be so emphatic about it! I have had forcible
+evidence of it. (Rubs his stomach and laughs.)
+
+Valborg. You must excuse me! Father is in there. (Points to the
+left and goes hurriedly out to the right.)
+
+Berent. We don't seem to be getting a particularly polite
+reception!
+
+Jakobsen. No, we seem to be rather in the way, Mr. Berent.
+
+Berent (laughing). It looks like it. But what has been going on?
+
+Jakobsen. I don't know. They looked as if they had been fighting,
+their faces were so flushed.
+
+Berent. They looked upset, you mean?
+
+Jakobsen. Yes, that's it. Ah, here is Mr. Tjaelde! (To himself.)
+Good Lord, how aged he looks! (Withdraws into the background as
+BERENT goes forward to greet TJAELDE, who comes in.)
+
+Tjaelde (to BERENT). I am delighted to see you! You are always
+welcome in our little home--and this year more welcome than ever!
+
+Berent. Because things are going better than ever this year! I
+congratulate you on your discharge--and also on your determination
+to pay everything in full!
+
+Tjaelde. Yes, if God wills, I mean to--
+
+Berent. Well, things are going splendidly, aren't they?
+
+Tjaelde. So far, yes.
+
+Berent. You are over the worst of it, now that you have laid the
+foundations of a new business and laid them solidly.
+
+Tjaelde. One of the things that have given me the greatest
+encouragement has been the fact that I have won your confidence--
+and that has gained me the confidence of others.
+
+Berent. I could have done nothing unless you had first of all done
+everything. But don't let us say any more about it!--Well, the
+place looks even prettier than it did last year.
+
+Tjaelde. We do a little more to it each year, you know.
+
+Berent. And you are still all together here?
+
+Tjaelde. So far, yes.
+
+Berent. Ah, by the way, I can give you news of your deserter.
+(TJAELDE looks surprised.) I mean your lieutenant!
+
+Tjaelde. Oh--of him! Have you seen him?
+
+Berent. I was on the same boat coming here. There was a very
+rich girl on board.
+
+Tjaelde (laughing). Oh, I see!
+
+Berent. All the same, I don't think it came to any thing. It is
+rather like coming upon a herd of deer when you are stalking; after
+your first shot, you don't find it so easy to get another; they
+have grown wary!
+
+Jakobsen (who during this conversation has been screwing up his
+courage to address TJAELDE). I--I am a pig, I am! I know that!
+
+Tjaelde (taking his hand). Oh, come, Jakobsen!--
+
+Jakobsen. A great blundering pig!--But I know it now!
+
+Tjaelde. That's all right! I can tell you I am delighted to be able
+to set affairs straight between you and me.
+
+Jakobsen. I don't know what to answer. It goes to my heart! (Shakes
+his hand heartily.) You are a far better man than I,--and I said so
+to my wife. "He's a splendid fellow," I said.
+
+Tjaelde (releasing his hand). Let us forget everything except the
+happy days we have had together, Jakobsen! How do things go
+at the Brewery?
+
+Jakobsen. At the Brewery! As long as folk ladle beer into their
+stomachs at the rate they do now--
+
+Berent. Jakobsen was kind enough to drive me out here. We had a
+most amusing drive. He is a character.
+
+Jakobsen (in an anxious undertone, to TJAELDE). What does he mean
+by that?
+
+Tjaelde. That you are different from most people.
+
+Jakobsen. Ah!--I didn't feel sure, you know, whether he wasn't
+sitting there making game of me, all the way here.
+
+Tjaelde. How can you think such a thing? (To BERENT.) Do come into
+the house. Excuse my going first; but my wife is not always quite
+prepared to receive visitors since she has been able to do so
+little for herself. (Goes into the house.)
+
+Berent. I don't think Mr. Tjaelde seems to me to be looking in
+quite as good form as I expected?
+
+Jakobsen. Don't you? I didn't notice anything.
+
+Berent. Perhaps I am mistaken. I think he meant us to follow him
+in, didn't he?
+
+Jakobsen. So I understood.
+
+Berent. Then, as you have brought me so far, you must take me
+in to Mrs. Tjaelde.
+
+Jakobsen. I am quite at your service, sir. I have the deepest
+respect for Mrs. Tjaelde--(hurriedly)--and of course for Mr.
+Tjaelde too. Of course.
+
+Berent. Yes. Well, let us go in.
+
+Jakobsen. Let us go in. (He tries anxiously to keep in step with
+BERENT'S peculiar walk, but finds it difficult.)
+
+Berent. I think you had better not try. My step suits very few.
+
+Jakobsen. Oh, I shall manage--! (They go out to the left. SANNAES
+comes hurriedly in from the right, and crosses the stage; looks
+around; then comes across to the foreground and leans with his
+back against a tree. VALBORG comes in a moment later, comes
+forward, sees him, and laughs.)
+
+Sannaes. There, you see, Miss Valborg; you are laughing at me.
+
+Valborg. I don't know whether I want to laugh or to cry.
+
+Sannaes. Believe me, you are mistaken about this, Miss Valborg.
+You don't see things as plainly as I do.
+
+Valborg. Which of us was it that was mistaken to-day?--and had
+to beg pardon for it?
+
+Sannaes. It was I, I know. But this is impossible! A real union of
+hearts needs to be founded on more than respect--
+
+Valborg (laughing). On love?
+
+Sannaes. You misunderstand me. Could you go into society with me
+without feeling embarrassed? (VALBORG laughs.) You see, the mere
+idea of it makes you laugh.
+
+Valborg (laughing). I am laughing because you are magnifying the
+least important part of it into the most important.
+
+Sannaes. You know how awkward and shy--in fact downright frightened
+I am amongst those who--. (VALBORG laughs again.) There, you see--
+you can't help laughing at the idea!
+
+Valborg. I should perhaps even laugh at you when we were in society
+together! (Laughs.)
+
+Sannaes (seriously). But I should suffer horribly if you did.
+
+Valborg. Believe me, Sannaes, I love you well enough to be able
+to afford to have a little laugh sometimes at your little
+imperfections. Indeed, I often do! And suppose we were out in
+society, and I saw you weighed down under the necessity for pretty
+manners that do not come easy to you; if I did laugh at you, do you
+think there would be any unkindness behind my laughter? If others
+laughed at you, do you suppose I would not, the very next moment,
+take your arm and walk proudly down the room with you? I know what
+you really are, and others know it too! Thank God it is not only
+bad deeds that are known to others in this world!
+
+Sannaes. Your words intoxicate me and carry me off my feet!
+
+Valborg (earnestly). If you think I am only flattering you, let us
+put it to the test. Mr. Berent is here. He moves in the very best
+society, but he is superior to its littlenesses. Shall we take his
+opinion? Without betraying anything, I could make him give it in
+a moment.
+
+Sannaes (carried away). I want no one's opinion but yours!
+
+Valborg. That's right! If only you feel certain of my love--
+
+Sannaes (impetuously). --then nothing else will seem to matter;
+and that alone will be able to teach me all that I lack, in a very
+short time.
+
+Valborg. Look into my eyes!
+
+Sannaes (taking her hands). Yes!
+
+Valborg. Do you believe that nothing would ever make me ashamed of
+you!
+
+Sannaes. Yes, I believe that.
+
+Valborg (with emotion). Do you believe that I love you?
+
+Sannaes. Yes! (Falls on one knee.)
+
+Valborg. Deeply enough for my love to last all our lives--
+
+Sannaes. Yes, yes!
+
+Valborg. Then stay with me; and we will look after the old folk--
+and replace them when, in God's good time, they are taken from us.
+(SANNAES bursts into tears. TJAELDE, who has come to the window to
+show BERENT his ledgers, happens to look up and sees VALBORG and
+SANNAES.)
+
+Tjaelde (leaning out of the window, and speaking gently:) Valborg,
+what has happened?
+
+Valborg (quietly). Only that Sannaes and I are engaged to be
+married.
+
+Tjaelde. Is it possible! (To BERENT, who is immersed in the
+accounts.) Excuse me! (Hurries away from the window.)
+
+Sannaes (who, in his emotion has heard nothing). Forgive me! It
+has been such a long, hard struggle--and I feel overwhelmed!
+
+Valborg. Let us go in to my mother.
+
+Sannws (shrinking back). I can't, Miss Valborg--you must wait a
+little--
+
+Valborg. Here they come. (TJAELDE comes in wheeling MRS. TJAELDE in
+her chair. VALBORG runs to her mother and throws herself into her
+arms.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (softly). God be praised and thanked!
+
+Tjaelde (going up to SANNAES and embracing him). My son!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. So that was why Sannaes wanted to go away! Oh,
+Sannaes! (TJAELDE brings SANNAES up to her. SANNAES kneels and
+kisses her hand, then gets up and goes into the background, to
+recover himself. SIGNE comes in.)
+
+Signe. Mother, everything is ready now!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. So are things out here!
+
+Signe (looking round). Not really?
+
+Valborg (to SIGNE). Forgive me for never having told you!
+
+Signe. You certainly kept your secret well!
+
+Valborg. I kept long years of suffering secret--that was all!
+(SIGNE kisses her and whispers to her; then turns to SANNAES.)
+
+Signe. Sannaes! (Shakes his hand.) So we are to be brother and
+sister-in-law?
+
+Sannaes (embarrassed). Oh, Miss Signe--
+
+Signe. But you mustn't call me Miss Signe now, you know!
+
+Valborg. You must expect that! He calls me "Miss" Valborg still!
+
+Singe. Well, he won't be able to do that when you are married,
+anyway!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde (to TJAELDE). But where are our friends?
+
+Tjaelde. Mr. Berent is in the office. There he is, at the window.
+
+Berent (at the window). Now I am coming straight out to
+congratulate you, with my friend Jakobsen. (Comes out.)
+
+Valborg (going to TJAELDE). Father!
+
+Tjaelde. My child!
+
+Valborg. If we had not known those bad days we should never
+have known this happy one! (He gives her a grip of the hand.)
+
+Tjaelde (to BERENT). Allow me to present to you my daughter
+Valborg's fiancé--Mr. Sannaes.
+
+Berent. I congratulate you on your choice, Miss Valborg--and I
+congratulate the whole family on such a son-in-law.
+
+Valborg (triumphantly). There, Sannaes!
+
+Jakobsen. May I too, though I am only a stupid sort of chap, say
+that this lad has been in love with you ever since he was in his
+teens--he hardly could be sooner than that. But I can tell you,
+honestly, I should never have credited you with having so much
+sense as to take him. (All laugh.)
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. Signe is whispering to me that our dinner is getting
+cold.
+
+Signe. May I take my mother's place and ask you to take me in to
+dinner, Mr. Berent?
+
+Berent (offering her his arm). I am honoured!--But our bridal pair
+must go first!
+
+Valborg. Sannaes--?
+
+Sannaes (whispers, as he gives her his arm). To think that I have
+you on my arm! (They go into the house, followed by BERENT
+and SIGNE, and by JAKOBSEN.)
+
+Tjaelde (bending over his wife, as he prepares to wheel her chair
+in). My dear, God has blessed our house now!
+
+Mrs. Tjaelde. My dear man!
+
+Curtain.
+
+
+
+THE KING
+
+A PLAY IN A PROLOGUE AND FOUR ACTS
+
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+The KING.
+HARALD GRAN, a rich manufacturer.
+KOLL, Chief Magistrate of the district.
+FLINK.
+CLARA ERNST.
+The PRINCESS.
+BARONESS MARC.
+ANNA, a deaf and dumb girl.
+FALBE.
+The MAYOR.
+NATHALIE, his daughter.
+ALSTAD.
+VILHELM, his son.
+The PARISH PRIEST.
+BANG, a rich trader.
+VINÄGER.
+COUNT PLATEN.
+The GENERAL.
+MATILDE.
+A Ballad Singer.
+A Young Beggar.
+A Servant of the King's.
+Ladies and Gentlemen, Masked Dancers, Work-people, Farmers, etc.
+
+
+THE KING
+
+PROLOGUE
+
+(SCENE.--A large gothic hall, brilliantly illuminated, in which a
+masked ball is taking place. At the rise of the curtain a ballet is
+being performed in the centre of the hall. Masked dancers are
+grouped around, watching it. Two of them, women, are conversing on
+the right of the stage.)
+
+First Mask. Have you heard that the King is to be here to-night?
+
+Second Mask. Yes, and since I heard it I have been imagining I
+saw him everywhere.
+
+First Mask (pointing). That is not he, is it?
+
+Second Mask. He is taller than that.
+
+First Mask. That one, then? Look, that one!
+
+Second Mask. That one has spoken to me. He has too old a voice.
+
+First Mask. Shall we see if we can find him?
+
+Second Mask. Yes, come along!
+
+(A number of girls, wearing similar costumes and all masked,
+have meanwhile collected on the left side of the stage.)
+
+First Girl. Are we all here?
+
+Second Girl. All but Matilde.
+
+Matilde. Here I am! Have you heard that the King is to be here?
+
+All. Really?
+
+Matilde. I don't know how he is dressed; but one of the masters
+of the ceremonies told me he was to be here.
+
+Several of the Girls. The dear King! (Two masked dancers, dressed
+as Cats, pass by.)
+
+Tom Cat. Do you hear that, my pet?
+
+Puss. Miau!
+
+Matilde. Let us try and discover him.
+
+All. Yes, yes!
+
+A Mask. And when we have discovered him--?
+
+Matilde. Let us all dance round him!
+
+All. Yes!
+
+Tom Cat (to Puss). You had better look after your virtue, Miss!
+
+Puss. Miau!
+
+Tom Cat. Miau! (They pass out of sight.)
+
+Matilde. Remember that we are all to meet here in a quarter of an
+hour!
+
+All. Yes! (They disperse. The ballet comes to a close amidst
+universal applause. Conversation among the dancers becomes general
+and animated. The BARONESS MARC, disguised as an Old Woman, comes
+forward, talking to another mask dressed as a Donkey.)
+
+Baroness. I will never forgive you for that, my lord chamberlain.
+
+The Donkey. But you frighten me clean out of my part, Baroness!
+
+Baroness. If only I could understand how it happened!
+
+The Donkey. After all, my dear Baroness, you cannot be expected to
+take out all your schoolmistresses and their senior pupils on a
+leash!
+
+Baroness. No, but I have particular reasons for wishing to look
+closely after _her_. (All this time she has been persistently
+looking round the room.) And in such a whirling crowd as this--
+
+The Donkey. Let us lose ourselves in it, then! (He brays as they
+go out. The PRINCESS, masked and dressed in a costume of the time
+of Louis XV., comes forward accompanied by a Cavalier in a costume
+of the same period.)
+
+Princess (continuing a discussion). And I say that if a king has
+such graces of mind and person as ours has, he may do anything he
+pleases.
+
+Cavalier. _Anything_, Princess?
+
+Princess. Anything that his mind prompts, provided that he do it
+beautifully. (A GENTLEMAN-IN-WAITING, dressed in a costume of the
+same period, approaches them.)
+
+Gentleman-in-Waiting. I cannot discover him, your Royal Highness!
+
+Princess. But he is here. He is _here_. And for a lady's sake. I am
+certain I am right.
+
+Cavalier. But I asked one of the masters of the ceremonies, and
+he knew nothing about it.
+
+Princess. Then it must have been one that has not been let into
+the secret.
+
+Cavalier. But, your Royal Highness--
+
+Princess. Don't keep calling me "your Royal Highness," but get
+me a description of the costume he is wearing. (The GENTLEMAN-
+IN-WAITING bows and goes away.) And you and I will go on hunting--
+
+Cavalier. --for the noble huntsman--
+
+Princess. --who is being hunted himself! (Moves away, but stops
+suddenly.) Who is that? (CLARA ERNST, masked and in peasant
+costume, comes forward followed by a masked figure wearing a
+domino. He is whispering to her over her shoulder. She keeps
+glancing about, as if looking for some one.)
+
+The Domino. --and there, in the enchanted castle, buried deep in
+the wooded park--
+
+Clara. Let me alone!
+
+The Domino. --there we shall be greeted by a babbling fountain of
+water--a nymph, holding the cup of joy high above her head--
+
+Clara (anxiously). What can have become of her?
+
+(Meanwhile one of the masked dancers has been following them,
+and now turns back to join others.)
+
+A Masked Dancer (pointing to the DOMINO). That is the King!
+
+Another (quickly). But who is _she_?
+
+The Domino. --on both sides, shady alleys leading to the doors of a
+secret retreat; and there--
+
+Clara (turning round). I despise you! (The dancing and music
+suddenly stop. General consternation.)
+
+The Baroness (starting forward as she hears CLARA voice.) Clara!
+
+The Domino (taking CLARA's hand and leading her apart from the
+others). Do you know who it is that you despise?
+
+Clara (greatly agitated). Yes, I know who you are!--and that is
+why, from the bottom of my heart, I despise you! (The music
+begins afresh, covering the general consternation that has spread
+among the dancers. The BARONESS comes forward with a cry of
+"Clara!" CLARA bursts into tears and throws herself into her arms.
+Curtain.)
+
+
+
+ACT I
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+(SCENE.--A large hall in Gran's factory. The walls are bare. On the
+left, about half-way forward, is a small platform. A meeting of the
+shareholders of a railway company is in progress. Facing the
+platform are seated the gentry; the common herd, mainly farmers and
+work-people, are sitting and standing about wherever they can find
+room. On the right, large windows are standing open; through these
+another crowd can be seen, listening from outside. GRAN is standing
+in front of the platform, speaking to the meeting.)
+
+Gran. And, as it was found impossible for the main 1ine of the
+railway to touch our town, we determined, rather than allow all our
+exertions to be wasted, to construct a branch line on our own
+account. I had the honour to be elected chairman of the board of
+directors of this undertaking. No directors ever had more
+unrestricted powers than were given to us--possibly because there
+were no two opinions as to the route the line should take the
+natural formation of the ground indicated it unmistakably. It was
+only when we approached the question of the purchase of our
+rolling-stock that any dissension arose--not among the directors,
+but among the shareholders. As the majority of the latter are
+farmers and work-people, we had decided on buying only one class of
+railway carriage of a type slightly more comfortable than the
+ordinary third-class carriage. That is the extent of our misdeeds!
+To-day's meeting will probably show what the general sense on the
+matter is. Our powers being unlimited, we were under no obligation
+to consult any one in the matter; but, notwithstanding that, we
+decided to call a meeting of the shareholders and submit the
+question to them. And, on the directors' behalf, I must thank the
+shareholders for having attended in such numbers; young and
+old, men and women, I dare say quite a third of the total number
+of shareholders are present. The meeting will now proceed to
+elect a chairman. (Sits down.)
+
+The Mayor (after a pause). I beg to move that Mr. Koll, our chief
+magistrate, whom it is a great pleasure to see honouring this
+meeting with his presence, have the further kindness to take the
+chair.
+
+Gran. The motion before the meeting is that the Chief Magistrate
+shall take the chair. Shall I assume it to be carried? (Silence
+follows.)
+
+The Mayor. Yes. (Laughter.)
+
+Gran. The meeting should preferably elect some one who may be
+considered to be unaffected by considerations of party.
+
+Alstad (half rising, with his glasses in his hand). Then we shall
+have to send for some one that does not live in these parts! There
+is no one of that sort left here! (Sits down, amidst laughter.)
+
+The Priest. All authority springs from on high. Obedience to those
+set in authority over us is obedience to the Almighty. But it is
+against this very obedience that people are rebelling nowadays.
+
+Gran. It is precisely some one to be in authority over us that we
+want to elect. At present we have no one.
+
+The Priest. No, that's just it. Every meeting nowadays seems to
+claim authority on its own account. Let rather show our respect
+to actual authority--such respect as we would show to our fathers.
+(Sits down.)
+
+Gran. Then, as far as I can grasp the situation, the Chief
+Magistrate has been proposed and seconded?
+
+The Priest. Yes.
+
+Gran. Does any one wish to propose any one else? (Silence.)
+
+Alstad. May I request the Chief Magistrate to take the chair?
+
+Koll (getting up). I don't know that it is any great compliment to
+be elected in this way; but I will take the chair, for the sole
+reason of enabling the meeting to proceed to business. (Takes his
+place on the platform, and raps on the table with a mallet.) I
+declare the meeting open.
+
+Gran (getting up). Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+
+Gran. The motion proposed by the directors is this: "That only
+one class of railway carriage shall be purchased, slightly more
+comfortable than the ordinary third-class carriage." (Gives the
+motion in writing to the chairman, and sits down.)
+
+Koll. The following is the motion submitted to meeting. (Reads it
+out.) Who wishes to speak on the motion? (Silence.) Come, some one
+must speak on it--or I shall have to put it to the vote forthwith.
+(Silence, followed by laughter here and there.)
+
+The Priest. Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. The Priest will address the meeting.
+
+The Priest. I see, in this assembly, a number of young men, even
+a number of maidens; and I feel bound to ask whether young men, and
+even maidens, are to be allowed to take part in these proceedings?
+
+Koll. Any shareholder that is of age has the right to.
+
+The Priest. But St. Paul expressly tells us that women are not to
+speak in public places.
+
+Koll. Well, they can hold their tongues, then. (Laughter.)
+
+The Priest. But even the fact of voting at a railway meeting does
+not seem to me to be in accordance with the humility and modesty
+that both Nature and the Scriptures indicate as characteristic of
+woman. I believe it to be the first step on a wrong road. The
+apostle says--
+
+Koll. We must leave them to decide the matter for themselves. Does
+any one wish to--?
+
+The Priest (interrupting him). Mr. Chairman, if you will not
+permit me to quote the apostle, allow me at all events to say that
+the spectacle of a young man voting against his father, or a
+woman voting against her husband--
+
+Koll. Will you tell me who could prohibit it? Does any one wish
+to speak--?
+
+The Priest (interrupting). The Scriptures prohibit it, Mr.
+Chairman!--the Scriptures, which we are all bound to obey, even--
+
+Gran (getting up and interrupting him). Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+
+Gran. I only want to ask whether--
+
+The Priest. But _I_ was addressing the meeting!
+
+Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+
+The Priest. I protest against that ruling!
+
+Alstad (half rising). Our worthy Priest must obey authority. (Sits
+down amidst laughter.)
+
+The Priest. Not when it does an injustice! I appeal to the meeting!
+
+Koll. Very good!--Will those in favour of the Priest addressing the
+meeting kindly stand up? (No one gets up; and those who were
+previously standing bob down. Laughter.) Carried unanimously, that
+the Priest do not address the meeting. (The PRIEST sits down.) Mr.
+Gran will address the meeting.
+
+Gran (getting up). I withdraw from my right! (Renewed laughter.)
+
+The Mayor (getting up). Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. The Mayor will address the meeting.
+
+The Mayor. I am one of many to whom this proposal of the directors
+seems extraordinary, to say the least of it. Do they propose that
+the ladies of my family--I will leave myself out of the question,
+for as a public man I have to rub shoulders with all sorts of
+people--do they propose, I say, that ladies who have been
+delicately brought up shall travel with any Tom, Dick and Harry?--
+perhaps with convicts being conveyed to gaol, or with journeymen
+labourers? Is his honour the Chief Magistrate, who is a Commander
+of a noble Order of Knighthood, to travel side by side with a
+drunken navvy? Supposing the King were to pay a visit to this
+beautiful district, which has acquired such a reputation since so
+many of the best people from town have taken villas here; is his
+Majesty to make the journey in one of these third-class carriages,
+with the chance of travelling in company with tradesman stinking of
+stale cheese?--with folk who, moreover--well, perhaps in common
+decency I ought not to go on, as ladies are present. (Laughter.)
+"Economy," I hear some one suggest. That word is in great favour
+nowadays. But I should like to know what economy there is getting
+your clothes soiled? (Laughter.) Does a first-class carriage wear
+out sooner than a third class? It costs more to build, no doubt,
+but that is soon made up by the higher fares charged. I can
+discover no reasonable ground for this proposal, look at it how you
+will from the commercial point of view. One has to look at the
+_political_ aspect of the matter, to understand it; and I am
+reluctant to drag in politics. I will only say, in conclusion, that
+it must be those who have framed this proposal that expect to
+derive some profit from it; the railway certainly would derive
+none. (Sits down.)
+
+Koll. That last remark was a little like an accusation--
+
+The Mayor (getting up). I only alluded to what is in every one's
+mind. (Sits down.)
+
+Koll. A speaker is not in order in making accusations, even though
+they be assumed to be in every one's mind.--I see that Mr. Alstad
+wishes to speak.
+
+Alstad. Human nature is frail. That seems to me a sufficient
+explanation of how such a proposal came to be laid before us. But
+honestly--for we all ought to be honest!--it seems to me that any
+material advantage it might bring would be more than counterbalanced
+by loss of esteem. (Uproar.) There has been quite a different
+spirit in the place of late years--what with the factories, and the
+stranger workmen, and the summer visitors. We never used to have so
+much unrest or to hear so much of this talk about "equality." And
+now, if we are to give the impression that there is only one social
+class here--and that a third class--I know that I shall be by no
+means alone in feeling offended. We certainly don't want to sit on
+our work-people's laps; and, equally, we don't want to have them
+sitting on ours. (Sits down.)
+
+Gran. Our friend the Mayor is very fond of talking of his loyalty;
+but I must say I am surprised at his dragging the King even into
+this matter. As for the matter of the railway carriage in which one
+of so high degree would travel here--well, if our carriages are not
+good enough, surely his Majesty's private saloon can be used on our
+line as well as on the main line. And as for any of us ordinary
+mortals who are afraid of mixing with the common herd, surely they
+can sit together in carriages by themselves. The carriages would be
+separate; they would only be of the same kind. I think there would
+be little fear of their being exposed to intrusion on the part of
+our country-folk. _They_ are much more apt to be more timidly shy
+than is even desirable. On all small lines--even on many of the
+bigger ones--it is the less luxurious carriages, the second and
+third class, that for the cost of the more luxurious ones; it is
+the third class that pays for the first. But that some passengers
+should travel comfortably at the expense of those who travel less
+comfortably, is what we wish to avoid. (Applause.) An old resident
+of the yeoman class has reproached us with wishing to alter our
+customs. Well, if one of our old customs is the aristocratic one
+which makes the gulf that separates masters and men wider than it
+already is, all I can say is that the sooner it is abolished the
+better; for it is not a good custom; it is even a dangerous one.
+(Murmurs.) And as for the political aspect of the question--
+
+Koll. Don't you think we should leave politics out of the question?
+
+Gran (bows, with a laugh). That is just what I was going to say,
+Mr. Chairman; that we ought to leave politics out out of the
+question. (Sits down, amidst laughter applause. The audience, first
+the younger men and then the older farmers, begin arguing the
+matter with one another, more and more loudly.)
+
+Koll. I must beg the meeting to keep quiet, as long as this
+business is under discussion. The Mayor wishes to speak.
+
+The Mayor. I admit that I am loyal--
+
+Koll. Those people outside must be quiet!
+
+Alstad (going to the window). You must keep quiet!
+
+The Mayor. I admit I am loyal! I count it a point of honour, as a
+native of the place, to show his Majesty that our first thought
+when we planned this railway was, at that important moment, that
+his Majesty might possibly be pleased to manifest a desire to pay
+us a visit. "Let him use his own private saloon," we are told! No,
+Mr. Chairman, that is not the way to speak when we are speaking
+of his Majesty! And what about his Majesty's suite? Are they to
+travel third class? What I say is that we are casting a slight on
+his Majesty if we cast a slight on his railway carriage--I should
+say, on his suite. And I go farther than that. I say that his
+Majesty's functionaries are his Majesty's representatives, and that
+it is casting an additional slight upon his Majesty not to show a
+proper respect for them. I know that this jars upon the ears of
+many present; they do not consider that a man who holds a public
+office should be shown any more respect than any one else. The
+majority rules, and the majority only thinks of its own interests
+and those of its servile supporters. But even in this community of
+ours there is a minority that bears the burden of its affairs and
+represents its honour; and we will never consent to be dragged down
+into the mire of this "equality" into which you want to plunge each
+and every one of us! (Uproar.)
+
+Koll. The honourable speaker appears to me to be trenching upon
+politics--
+
+The Mayor. Possibly I am, Mr. Chairman; but what honest man can
+shirk the truth? Only compare the present state of things in this
+community with what was the case when everything here was as it
+should be; when the King and his officials were respected; when
+public affairs were in the hands of those who knew how to direct
+them; when we used to have singing competitions, shooting
+competitions, and other festal meetings of that kind. And--yes--
+well--compare, I say, the conditions in those days with our
+conditions to-day--that is to say, with all this talk of "the
+people;" as, for instance--
+
+Koll. It is railway carriages that we are discussing.
+
+The Mayor. Quite so! But what is it that is at the bottom of this
+proposal, Mr. Chairman? Does it not spring from that passion for
+destruction, for a universal levelling which aims at abolishing the
+monarchy, at destroying authority--
+
+The Priest. And the Church too, my friend!
+
+The Mayor. --and the Church, it is quite true! Yes, it is because
+they desire the Church and--
+
+Koll. It is railway carriages that we are discussing.
+
+The Mayor. Exactly. But an old public official like myself, who
+once was held in respect, when he sees the pillars of society
+tottering and feels the keenest pang of sorrow at--
+
+Koll. For the last time, it is railway carriages that we are
+discussing!
+
+The Mayor (overcome by his feelings). I have no more say. (Sits
+down.)
+
+Koll. Mr. Alstad wishes to speak.
+
+Alstad (getting up). The question before the meeting is itself a
+small matter; but it is the consequences of it that I fear. We may
+expect any proposal of the same kidney now. Never let it be said
+that our community was eager to range itself under this banner of
+"equality!" It bears too old and honoured a name for that! But
+there is one thing I want to say. We have always, before this, felt
+it an honour and a privilege to have the richest man in these parts
+living amongst us. But when we see him one of the most eager in
+support of a "popular" proposal of this sort, then it appears, to
+me at all events, to be absolutely unaccountable how--oh, well, I
+won't run the risk making what our chairman calls "accusations"; I
+will sit down and hold my tongue. I have the right to do that at
+all events. (Sits down.)
+
+Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
+
+Flink. Three cheers for Mr. Gran! (Almost the whole meeting cheers
+lustily. KOLL shouts at them and hammers on the table with his
+mallet in vain.)
+
+Koll (when peace is restored). I must ask the meeting to show some
+respect for its chairman. If not, I will leave the chair.--Mr. Gran
+will address the meeting.
+
+Gran. The plan that we are proposing is no new one. It has been in
+practice for a long time. In America--
+
+The Priest, Alstad, and others. Yes, in America!
+
+The Mayor (getting up). Mr. Chairman, are we to have politics,
+after all?
+
+Koll. I cannot see that to mention America is to talk politics.
+
+The Mayor. Then what is politics, if America isn't?
+
+Koll. To talk politics is--for instance--to use the arguments your
+worship did. Mr. Gran will proceed.
+
+Gran. I see that the Priest wishes to speak. I shall be happy to
+give way.
+
+Koll. The Priest will address the meeting.
+
+The Priest. I see here, in this assembly, a number of those whom I
+am accustomed to address in more solemn surroundings. My dear
+parishioners, it was for your sake that I came here. You have heard
+for yourselves--the whole question is a political one; and, dear
+fellow Christians, let me entreat you to shun politics! Did not our
+Lord Himself say: "My kingdom is not of this world"? This freedom,
+this equality, of which they talk is not the soul's freedom, not
+that equality which--
+
+Koll. I would suggest to the reverend speaker that he should
+postpone his remarks until the next time he gets into the pulpit.
+(Slight laughter.)
+
+The Priest. One should be instant in season and out of season;
+therefore--
+
+Koll. I forbid you to continue.
+
+The Priest. It is written: "Thou shalt obey God rather than man"!
+My dear parishioners, let us all leave this meeting! Who will
+follow his priest? (Takes a few steps towards the door, but no one
+follows him. Laughter. He sighs deeply, and sits down again.)
+
+Koll. If no one else wishes to speak--
+
+Vinäger. Mr. Chairman!
+
+Koll. Mr. Vinäger wishes to speak.
+
+Vinäger. These proceedings remind me of China, and of the Chinese
+mandarins who will not allow any one of lesser degree to come near
+them--although at moments I have felt as if I were still in Europe
+in the presence of a still greater power, greater even than the
+Grand Turk--I mean this democratic envy which grudges others what
+it has not got itself. To reconcile both parties I should like to
+make the following suggestion. Build the carriages, as is often
+done, in two stories. Then those who wish to ensure their privacy
+can do so by sitting upstairs; and the others will be satisfied
+too, because they will all be in the same carriage after all.
+(Loud laughter.)
+
+Koll. If no one else wishes to speak (looks at GRAN, who shakes his
+head) I shall proceed to put the question to the vote. The motion
+submitted by the directors, which is now before the meeting, is as
+follows--
+
+The Mayor. Excuse me, but what of my motion wit h regard to a
+saloon for his Majesty?
+
+Koll. I did not understand your worship to mean your suggestion
+as a formal motion.
+
+The Mayor. I did, though.
+
+Koll. Then I will put it to the vote after the director, motion has
+been voted upon.
+
+The Mayor. A motion that concerns the King should take precedence
+of all others.
+
+Koll. Even the King is subject to the rules of logic. The
+directors' motion is: "That only one class of railway carriage
+shall be purchased, of a type slightly more comfortable than the
+ordinary third-class carriage." Will those in favour of the motion
+kindly go to the left--on this side of the room; those against the
+motion, to the right. (Nearly all go to the left. Cheers are heard
+outside, and are gradually taken up by those inside. KOLL hammers
+with his mallet.) Order, please! (The cheering ceases, but an
+animated conversation goes on.) The directors' motion is carried!
+
+The Mayor (shouting). I am sure every one did not understand the
+method of voting!
+
+Koll (hammering with his mallet). Order, order. (Quiet is gradually
+restored.) What did your worship say?
+
+The Mayor. That some people must have misunderstood the way of
+voting; because I see my daughter Natalie, who is a shareholder
+too, on the other side of the room. Of course she has made a
+mistake.
+
+Natalie. Oh no, father, I haven't. (Loud laughter, and applause.)
+
+The Priest. Ah, my poor deluded parishioners, I shall pray for you!
+
+The Mayor. Order!--The Mayor's motion--
+
+Alstad. I would suggest that the Mayor should withdraw it. We know
+what its fate would be in such a meeting as this.
+
+Koll. As long as I occupy the chair, I shall not permit any
+derogatory expressions to be applied to the meeting. Does the Mayor
+still insist on his motion being put? (Whispers to him: "Say no!")
+
+The Mayor. No.
+
+Koll. Then, as no one else wishes to speak, I declare the meeting
+at an end. (Every one begins to move about and discuss affairs
+vigorously.)
+
+Alstad (to his son VILHELM). So you have the face to vote with
+these--these Americans, against your old father, have you?
+
+Vilhelm. Well, father, I honestly think--
+
+Alstad. Just you wait till I get you home!
+
+Vilhelm. Oh, that's it, is it? Then I shan't go home--so there! I
+shall stay here and get drunk, I shall.
+
+Alstad. Oh, come, come!
+
+Vilhelm. Yes, I shall! I shall stay here and get drunk!
+
+Alstad. But, Vilhelm, listen to me! (Takes him by the arm. Meantime
+a STRANGER has taken KOLL and GRAN by the arm, to their manifest
+surprise, and brought the forward away from the crowd. He stands
+for a moment, looking them in the face, till suddenly KOLL gives a
+start and cries out: "The King!")
+
+The King. Hush!
+
+Gran. It really is--!
+
+The King (to GRAN). You are at home here; take up into a room--and
+give us some champagne. My throat is as dry as a lime-kiln!
+
+Curtain
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+(SCENE.--A room built in Gothic style, comfortably furnished and
+decorated with trophies of the chase. GRAN ushers in the KING and
+KOLL.)
+
+Gran. We can be quite alone here. (ANNA, a deaf and dumb girl of
+about fifteen, brings in some bottles of champagne, and, during
+the following dialogue, sets out glasses, refreshments, cigars, and
+pipes. She is quick and attentive to render the slightest service
+required of her; when not employed, she sits on a stool in the
+background. She talks to GRAN on her fingers, and receives orders
+from him in the same manner.)
+
+The King. Ah, this is like old times! I know the setting: "Gothic
+room in mediaeval style, decorated with trophies of the chase.
+Furnished with an eye to bachelor comfort!" You always had bachelor
+habits, you know, even when you were quite a boy. (To KOLL.) We
+never called him anything but "the Bachelor" on board ship. He
+never had a love affair in all the three years our cruise lasted;
+but the rest of us had them in every port we touched at!
+
+Koll. He is just the same in that respect now.
+
+Gran (offering the KING some champagne). Allow me!
+
+The King. Thanks; I shall be glad of it. (To KOLL.) Your health, my
+former tutor! (To GRAN.) And yours! (They drink.) Ah, that has done
+me good!--Well now, let me ask you this: isn't it true that, all
+through the meeting, you were talking nothing but republicanism,
+although you didn't actually mention the word?
+
+Koll (laughing). You are not far wrong.
+
+The King. And you, who in the old days were considered to be too
+advanced in your opinions to be retained as my tutor, are now not
+considered advanced enough! They nearly--threw you over, didn't
+they?
+
+Koll. Yes! That shows you, if I may say so, the result of
+government by a minority.
+
+The King. And the result of mixing with such people as our
+excellent friend the millionaire here, I suppose?
+
+Gran. It is always a mistake to lay the blame of public opinion on
+individuals.
+
+The King. I quite agree with you. And now it is time you knew the
+reason of my coming here--in the strictest incognito, as you see.
+By the way, I hope no one recognised me?
+
+Gran and Koll. Not a soul!
+
+(FLINK comes in.)
+
+Flink. Ah, here you are! (Comes forward, rubbing his hands
+delightedly.) Well, what did you think of the meeting, my boys?
+
+The King (aside to GRAN). Who is that?
+
+Gran (to the KING). We will get rid of him. (To FLINK.) Look here,
+old chap--!
+
+Flink (catching sight of the KING). Oh, I beg your pardon, I
+thought we were--
+
+Gran (obliged to introduce him). Let me introduce Mr.--? Mr.--?
+(Looks at the KING inquiringly.)
+
+The King. Speranza.
+
+Flink. An Italian?
+
+The King. In name only.
+
+Gran (completing the introduction). Mr. Flink.
+
+The King. Surely not A. B. Flink?
+
+Gran. Yes.
+
+The King (interested). Our peripatetic philosopher? (Shakes hands
+with him.) I have read one or two of your books.
+
+Flink (laughing). Really?
+
+The King. Are you meditating another expedition?
+
+Flink. That's it.
+
+The King. And on foot?
+
+Flink. Always on foot.
+
+The King. Upon my word, I don't believe there is a man in the
+country that can gauge popular opinion as accurately as you! Let
+us sit down and have a chat. Do you drink champagne?
+
+Flink. Yes--when I can't get anything better!
+
+The King (lifting his glass to FLINK). Your health, (They all
+drink, and then seat themselves.) What part the country were you in
+last?
+
+Flink. I have just been shooting with our friend here.
+
+The King. So he is your friend? He is mine, too! My best friend,
+ever since I was a boy. (He stretches out his hand; GRAN gets up
+and grasps it in both of his.)
+
+Koll (to FLINK, who is looking astonished). Mr. Speranza was a
+naval cadet at the same time as Gran.
+
+Flink. Really! Were they on the same ship?
+
+The King. Yes, we were on a cruise round the world together--
+
+Flink. Do you mean the time when the Prince went on account of his
+lungs?--the present King, I mean?
+
+The King. The Prince that afterwards became King--yes.
+
+Flink. There is quite a royal flavour about our little gathering,
+then! Here is the King's shipmate, and here is his tutor in
+jurisprudence--
+
+Koll. You are forgetting yourself! You are the King's tutor's
+tutor, you know--
+
+The King. Were you Koll's tutor? Really?
+
+Flink (with a laugh). Yes, I had that misfortune!
+
+The King. You hadn't so great a misfortune in your pupil as he had
+in his!
+
+Koll. The King was a very apt pupil.
+
+Flink (jestingly). He has shown traces of it in his reign, hasn't
+he!
+
+Koll. Don't speak ill of the King, please.
+
+Flink (ironically). Heaven forbid! (Takes a pinch of snuff.) I
+know all about his talent--his great talent, his genial talent!
+(Offers his snuff-box to the KING.)
+
+Gran. But it was public opinion we were talking about, Flink; is
+it very much like what we heard to-day?
+
+Flink. I wouldn't say that; your opinions are rather advanced in
+these parts.
+
+The King. Is the tendency republican, rather than monarchical?
+
+Flink. That depends how you look at it. The King has just been
+paying some visits in the country districts; he is, so to speak,
+the commercial traveller for his firm--as all kings and crown
+princes are. Of course he was cheered everywhere. But go and
+ask the agricultural classes if they set great store by the pomp
+and circumstance of royalty; they will unanimously answer: "It
+costs an infernal lot to keep up!" Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Gran. Your farmer is a realist.
+
+Flink. A brutal realist! Ha, ha, ha! Self-government is cheaper.
+He has it all at his fingers' ends, the scoundrel!
+
+The King. He is not a republican by conviction, then
+
+Flink. Not universally, no. At least, not _yet_. But things are
+moving that way; and our reactionary government is helping the
+movement--that, and the letter they get from America.
+
+The King. The letters they get from America?
+
+Koll. Letters from their relations in America.
+
+Gran. There is scarcely a family in the country now that has not
+relations in America.
+
+The King. And they write home about self-government?--about
+republican principles?
+
+Flink. And republican institutions. That is the situation!
+
+The King. Have you read any of these letters?
+
+Flink. Lots!
+
+The King. This is excellent champagne! (Drinks.)
+
+Gran. Let me fill your glasses. (They all drink.)
+
+Flink. It doesn't really agree with me.
+
+The King. But suppose the King were to establish democratic
+government? Suppose he were to live like an ordinary citizen in
+every way?
+
+Flink. In every way? What do you mean by that?
+
+The King. Kept house like an ordinary citizen--were married like
+an ordinary citizen--were to be found in his office at regular
+hours like any other official?
+
+Gran. And had no court, I suppose?
+
+The King. No. (KOLL and GRAN exchange glances.)
+
+Flink (shrugging his shoulders). It would be the last sensation
+left for him to try.
+
+The King (who did not observe his shrug, eagerly). That is so,
+isn't it? You agree with me as to that? I am delighted to have had
+this talk with you, Mr. Flink.
+
+Flink. The same to you, Mr.--Mr.--. (In an undertone, to KOLL.) Is
+he a republican?
+
+The King (who has overheard him). Am I a republican? I have had too
+much experience not to be! Ha, ha! (Takes up his glass.) Devilish
+good champagne, this!
+
+Flink (drinking). But, you know, Mr.--Mr. Republican--ha, ha!--
+(smiles and whispers)--the King simply would not be allowed to
+do what you suggest. Ha, ha!
+
+The King. What do you mean?
+
+Gran (aside to KOLL, who gets up). Are you sure this is right?
+
+Koll. It will do him good, anyway, to hear all sides.
+
+Flink (who has got up and gone to the table on the other side to
+get a pipe). He simply would not be allowed to, poor chap! What is
+monarchy, I ask you? Nothing more or less than an insurance
+business in which a whole crew of priests, officials, noblemen,
+landed proprietors, merchants and military men hold shares? And,
+goodness knows, _they_ are not going to give their director leave
+to commit any such folly! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+The King (getting up). Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Flink (vociferously, to him). Don't you think that is true?
+
+The King. Good Lord!--perfectly true! Ha, ha ha!
+
+Flink (who has cleaned and filled a pipe, but forgotten to light
+it, going up to the KING). And what do they insure themselves
+again, these beauties? (More seriously.) Against the great mass of
+the people--against _his_ people! (The KING looks at him and makes
+a movement of dislike.)
+
+Gran. Look here, Flink; suppose we go out into the garden for a
+little? These spring evenings are so lovely.
+
+Flink. Compared to a political talk, the loveliest spring evenings
+have no attraction for me--no more than warm water, offered me in
+place of fine cooling wine, would have. No, let us stay where we
+are. What is the matter with this pipe? (ANNA signs that she will
+put it right for him, but he does not understand.)
+
+Gran. Give her your pipe; she will put it right.
+
+Koll. What I have always said is that, if the King had an
+opportunity of understanding the situation, he would interfere.
+
+Flink. The King? He doesn't care a brass farthing about the
+whole matter! He has something else to do! Ha, ha!
+
+The King. Ha, ha, ha!
+
+Koll. The King is an unusually gifted man; he would not remain
+indifferent in the long run.
+
+Flink. He has so many unusual gifts that have gone to the devil--!
+
+The King. Tralalla! Tralalalalala! Tralala! It feels quite odd to
+be with you fellows again! (Drinks.)
+
+Flink (in an undertone, to GRAN). Is he drunk?
+
+The King (sitting down). Give me a cigar--! And let us discuss the
+matter a little more seriously. (KOLL and GRAN sit down.)
+
+Gran. As a matter of fact, it is not a thing that can be discussed.
+It must be tried. If, one day, the King were to say: "I mean to
+live a natural life among my people, and to withdraw my name from
+the old-established royal firm, which has lost all its reputation
+for honesty"--that day everything else would follow of itself.
+
+Flink. Yes, that day, I dare say!
+
+Gran. Remember you are the guest of a man who is a friend of the
+King's!
+
+The King. Don't play the domestic despot--you who are a republican!
+Let us have free discussion!
+
+Flink. I certainly don't intend to insult the King. He has never
+done me any harm. But surely you will allow me to doubt whether he
+is really the shining light you make him out to be?
+
+The King. That is true enough!
+
+Flink (eagerly). You agree with me as to that, then?
+
+The King. Absolutely! But--leaving him out of the question--suppose
+we _had_ a king who made himself independent of others, and, as a
+necessary consequence, rose superior to questions of party--?
+
+Flink (interrupting him). It is a vain supposition, my dear fellow!
+A king bound to no party? (Puffs at his pipe.) It wouldn't work!
+(Puffs again.) It wouldn't work!--It wouldn't work!--Falsehood is
+the foundation of constitutional monarchy. A king superior to
+questions of party? Rubbish!
+
+Gran. It would be expecting something superhuman of him, too.
+
+Flink. Of course it would!
+
+The King. But the president of a republic is even less independent
+of party, isn't he?
+
+Flink (turning to hint). He doesn't make any pretence that he
+isn't. Haha! That's the difference! (Comes forward, repeating to
+himself.) It is the falsehood that makes the difference.
+
+Koll. Oh, there are falsehoods enough in republics too,
+unfortunately!
+
+Flink. I know; but they are not old-established institutions! Ha,
+ha!
+
+The King. That is an idea you have got from Professor Ernst's
+writings.
+
+Flink (eagerly). Have you read them?
+
+The King. I have scarcely read anything else for the last few
+months. (KOLL and GRAN exchange glances.)
+
+Flink. Indeed?--Then there is no need for me to say anything more.
+
+Koll. But, after all this talk, we have got no further. Our friend
+(pointing to the KING) wants to know, I think, whether a real,
+serious attempt at what one might call "democratic monarchy"
+could not reckon on being understood and supported--
+
+The King (breaking in, eagerly). Yes, that's just it!
+
+Koll. --understood and supported by the most enlightened section of
+the people, who are weary of falsehood and long for a generous but
+secure measure of self-government.
+
+The King. That's just it!
+
+Flink (who was just going to sit down, jumps up again, lays down
+his pipe and stands with arms akimbo, as he says:) But what sort of
+ridiculous ideas are these? Aren't you republicans, then?
+
+Koll. I am not.
+
+Gran. I am; but that does not prevent my being of opinion that the
+change of government should be made gradually and gently--
+
+Flink. That would be treason!
+
+Gran. Treason!
+
+Flink. Treason against the truth--against our convictions!
+
+Koll. Don't let us use big words! Monarchy is strongly rooted in
+the existing order of things.
+
+Flink (with a laugh). In the insurance company!
+
+Koll. Well, call it so if you like. It _exists_; that is the point.
+And, since it exists, we must make it as honest and as serviceable
+as we can.
+
+The King. Your health, Koll! (Drinks to him.)
+
+Flink (moving away from them). No true republican would agree with
+you.
+
+Gran. You are wrong there. (FLINK gives a start of surprise.)
+
+The King (who has seen FLINK's surprise, gets up). Listen to me!
+Suppose we had a king who said: "Either you help me to establish a
+democratic monarchy--purged of all traces of absolutism, purged of
+falsehood--or else I abdicate--"
+
+Flink. Bah!
+
+The King. I only say, "suppose"! You know quite well that the
+cousin of the present king, the heir apparent, is a bigoted--
+
+Koll (who has been exchanging glances with GRAN while the KING was
+speaking, breaks in hurriedly). Don't go on!
+
+The King (with a laugh). I won't!--And his mother, who rules him--
+
+Flink. --is even worse!
+
+The King. What would be your choice, then? Would you help the king
+to establish a democratic monarchy or--?
+
+Flink (impetuously). I would ten thousand times rather have the
+bigoted prince, with all his own and his mother's follies!--the
+madder the better!
+
+Gran. No, no, no, no!
+
+The King (to GRAN and KOLL). We see his true colours now! (Moves
+away from them.)
+
+Koll (to FLINK). That is the way you republicans always ride your
+principles to death.
+
+Gran. Patriotism ought to come before--
+
+Flink. --before truth? No; a short sharp pang of agony is better
+than endless doubt and falsehood, my friend! That is true
+patriotism.
+
+Koll. Oh, these theories!--these phrases!
+
+Gran. I am a republican as well as you, and, I think, as sincere a
+one. But I should have no hesitation--
+
+Flink. --in playing the traitor?
+
+Gran. Why do you use such words as that?
+
+Flink. Words! Do you think it is nothing but words? No, my friend,
+if you did what--what I did not allow you to say--I should come
+here one day to call you to account. And if you refused to fight
+me, I should shoot you like a dog!
+
+Gran (gently). You would not do that.
+
+Flink (heatedly). Not do it?--Have I given you the deepest
+affection of which my heart is capable, only for you to turn
+traitor to it? Am I to see the man whose character is the crowning
+achievement of my life, betraying our cause--and, by reason of his
+great personal prestige, dragging thousands down with him? On the
+head of all the disillusionments I have suffered, am I to have this
+one in the evening of my life--? (Stops, overcome by his emotion. A
+pause.) You shouldn't jest about such things you know. (Walks away.
+ANNA has placed herself in front of GRAN, as if to protect him.)
+
+Koll. I think we had better change the subject, and go out for a
+little!
+
+The King (aside, to him). Yes, get him away!
+
+Flink (in the background, as if he were addressing an invisible
+audience). We must have discipline in the ranks!
+
+Koll. Gran, ask your maid to hurry up with the supper.
+
+Gran. Yes, I will.
+
+Koll (to the KING). What do you say to a turn in the garden,
+meanwhile?
+
+The King. By all means!
+
+Flink (coming forward to GRAN). This friendship of yours with the
+King--to which I had attached no particular importance--I hope it
+has not altogether--(Stops short.)
+
+Gran. --not altogether corrupted me, you mean?
+
+Flink. Exactly.
+
+The King (laughing). Politically?
+
+Flink. Politics are not unconnected with morals, sir!
+
+The King. But why get so heated, sir? We know that the present King
+is a--
+
+Koll (breaking in hurriedly). Don't say any more!
+
+The King (with a laugh). You said yourself that he doesn't care a
+brass farthing about the whole matter--he has something else to
+do! And so the whole thing ends in smoke!
+
+Flink (more amiably). I dare say you are right.
+
+The King. Of course I am. You are all agreed that, under his rule,
+republican sentiments are growing in real earnest.
+
+Flink. You are right! He couldn't help things on better if he were
+a republican himself, I assure you!
+
+The King. Perhaps he _is_ a republican?
+
+Flink (animatedly). Perhaps he _is_! Splendid! And works against
+his own interests--!
+
+The King. A sort of commercial traveller working for the downfall
+of his own firm!
+
+Flink (excitedly). For the downfall of his own firm! Splendid!
+Props up his reactionary rule by means of royal pronouncements,
+confidential communications, public speeches--
+
+The King. --in a suicidal manner!
+
+Flink. Splendidly suicidal! Ah, that makes you laugh, does it?
+
+Koll. Hush, some one might hear us!
+
+Flink. I don't care who hears us! (The KING bursts out laughing.)
+But you ought, as one of the King's officials, to stop _his_
+laughing! (Points to the KING.) It's shocking!--It's high treason!
+
+Koll. Listen to me!
+
+Flink. You ought to arrest him for laughing like that! Suppose the
+King--
+
+Gran. That _is_ the King! (The KING goes on laughing. FLINK looks
+from him to the others, and from the others to him.)
+
+The King. This is too much for me! (Sits down. FLINK rushes out.)
+
+Koll. That was very bad of you.
+
+The King. I know it was; but forgive me! I couldn't help it! Ha,
+ha, ha, ha, ha!
+
+Koll. For all his queer ways, he is too good a fellow to be made a
+fool of.
+
+The King. Yes, scold me; I deserve it. But, all the same--ha, ha,
+ha, ha!
+
+Gran. Hush!--he is coming back. (The KING gets up as FLINK comes in
+again.)
+
+Flink. Your Majesty may be assured that I would never have
+expressed myself as I did in your Majesty's presence if I had been
+fairly treated and told whom I was addressing.
+
+The King. I know. The fault is mine alone.
+
+Flink. The fault is that of others--my so-called friends.
+
+The King (earnestly). By no means! It is mine--mine alone. I have
+had a scolding for it!--And in your presence I ask my friends'
+pardon; I have put them in a false position. And, in the next
+place, I ask for your forgiveness. My sense of humour got the
+better of me. (Laughs again.)
+
+Flink. Yes, it was extremely amusing.
+
+The King. It really was! And, after all, what have you to complain
+of? You had an opportunity of speaking your mind, any way!
+
+Flink. I certainly did!
+
+The King. Very well, then!--And when you wanted to show any
+respect, _I_ prevented you. So I think we are quits.
+
+Flink. No, we are not.
+
+The King (impatiently). Indeed?--What do you want from me, then?
+
+Flink (proudly). Nothing!
+
+The King. I beg your pardon! I did not mean to offend you.
+
+Flink. You have done so to a degree that you are naturally
+incapable of appreciating. (Goes out.)
+
+The King. This is a nice business! (Laughs. Then notices GRAN, who
+is standing at his desk with his back to the KING, and goes up to
+him.) You are angry with me.
+
+Gran (looking up slowly). Yes.
+
+The King. Why didn't you stop me?
+
+Gran. It all happened too quickly. But to think that you could have
+the heart to do it--in my own house--to a man who was my father's
+oldest friend, and is mine--!
+
+The King. Harald! (Puts his arm round his shoulders.) Have I ever
+asked you for anything that you have not given me?
+
+Gran. No.
+
+The King. Then I ask you now to admit that you know that, if I
+had thought this would hurt you, I would never have done it--not
+for worlds! Do you still believe as well of me as that?
+
+Gran. Yes.
+
+The King. Thank you. Then I will admit to you, in return, that for
+months past I have lived in a state of horrible tension of mind;
+and that is why I jump too easily from one extreme to the other.
+So, my friends, you must forgive me! Or finish my scolding some
+other time! Because now I must talk to you of the matter which
+induced me to come here. You are the only ones I can turn to; so
+be good to me!--Shall we sit down again?
+
+Koll. As you please.
+
+The King (moving towards the table). I know you both want to ask
+me the same question: why I have never come before now. My answer
+is: because I have only now arrived at a clear conception of my own
+position. Some months ago some hard words that were used to me lit
+a fire in my heart and burnt out a heap of rubbish that had
+collected there. (ANNA fills their glasses.) Won't you send that
+girl away?
+
+Gran. She is deaf and dumb.
+
+The King. Poor girl! (Sits down.) When I came back from my cruise
+round the world, the old king was dead. My father had come to the
+throne, and I was crown prince, and I went with my father to the
+cathedral to attend a thanksgiving service for my safe return.
+
+Gran. I was there.
+
+The King. The whole thing was a novelty to me, and a solemn one. I
+was overcome with emotion. Seeing that, my father whispered to me:
+"Come farther forward, my boy! The people must see their future
+king praying." That finished it! I was not born to be a king; my
+soul was still too unsullied, and I spurned such falsehood with the
+deepest loathing. Just think of it!--to come back from three years
+at sea, and begin my life in that way--as if perpetually in front
+of a mirror! I won't dwell on it. But when my father died and I
+became king, I had become so accustomed to the atmosphere of
+falsehood I lived in that I no longer recognised truth when I saw
+it. The constitution prescribed my religion for me--and naturally I
+had none. And it was the same with everything--one thing after
+another! What else could you expect? The only tutor I valued--you,
+Koll--had been dismissed; they considered you to be too freethinking.
+
+Koll (smilingly). Oh, yes!
+
+The King. The only real friend that dated from my happier days--
+you, Harald, had been sent to the right about; you were a
+republican. It was while I was in despair over that loss that I
+fell really in love for the first time--with your sister, Harald.
+Banishment, again. What then? Why, then the craving that every
+healthy youth feels--the desire for love--was turned into dissolute
+channels. (Drinks.)
+
+Gran. I understand, well enough.
+
+The King. Well, put all those things together. That was what my
+life was--until just lately. Because lately something happened, my
+dear friends. And now you must help me! Because, to make a long
+story short, either I mean to be the chief official in my country
+in a peaceful, citizenlike, genuine way, or--as God is above me--I
+will no longer be king! (Gets up, and the others do so.)
+
+Koll. Ah, we have got it at last!
+
+The King. Do you think I don't know that our republican friend
+there spoke what is every thoughtful man's verdict upon me? (They
+are silent.) But how could I possibly undertake my task, as long as
+I believed everything to be make-believe and falsehood, without
+exception? Now I know the root of the falsehood! It is in our
+institutions; he was quite right. And one kind of falsehood begets
+another. You cannot imagine how ludicrous it appeared to me--who up
+till then had led such a sinful, miserable existence--when I saw
+honourable men pretending that I was a being of some superior
+mould! I! (Walks up and down, then stops.) It is the state--our
+institutions--that demand this falsehood both on their part and on
+mine. And that for the security and happiness of the country!
+(Moves about restlessly.) From the time I became crown prince they
+kept from me everything that might have instilled truth into me--
+friendship, love, religion, a vocation--for my vocation is quite
+another one; and it was all done in the name of my country! And now
+that I am king, they take away all responsibility from me as well--
+all responsibility for my own acts--the system demands it! Instead
+of an individual, what sort of a contemptible creature do they make
+of me! The kingly power, too?--that is in the hands of the people's
+representatives and the government. I don't complain of that; but
+what I do complain of is that they should pretend that _I_ have it,
+and that everything should be done in _my_ name; that I should be
+the recipient of petitions, cheers, acclamations, obeisances--as if
+the whole power and responsibility were centred in _my_ person! In
+me--from whom, in the interests of all, they have taken away
+everything! Is that not a pitiful and ludicrous falsehood? And, to
+make it credible, they endow me into the bargain with a halo of
+sanctity! "The King is sacred;" "Our Most Gracious Sovereign,"
+"Your Majesty!" It becomes almost blasphemous!
+
+Gran. Quite true.
+
+The King. No, if that cannot be done away with, I can do away with
+myself. But it must be possible to do away with it! It cannot be
+necessary for a people, who are marching on the eternal path
+towards truth, to have a lie marching at the head of them!
+
+Koll. No, it is not necessary.
+
+The King (eagerly). And that is what you will help me to show them.
+
+Koll. I have no objection! There is life in the country yet!
+
+The King (to Gran). And you, my friend? Are you afraid of being
+shot by a mad republican if you help me?
+
+Gran. I am not particularly afraid of death, any way. But the maid
+is telling us that supper is served.
+
+The King. Yes, let us have supper!
+
+Koll. And then, to our task!
+
+Curtain
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+(SCENE.--A park with old lofty trees. In the foreground, to the
+right, an arbour with a seat. The KING is sitting, talking to BANG,
+who is a man of gross corpulence.)
+
+Bang. And I felt so well in every way that, I assure your Majesty,
+I used to feel it a pleasure to be alive.
+
+The King (drawing patterns in the dust with his walking stick). I
+can quite believe it.
+
+Bang. And then I was attacked by this pain in my heart and this
+difficulty in breathing. I run round and round this park, on an
+empty stomach, till I am absolutely exhausted.
+
+The King (absently). Couldn't you drive round, then?
+
+Bang. Drive?--But it is the exercise, your Majesty, that--
+
+The King. Of course. I was thinking of something else.
+
+Bang. I would not mind betting that I know what your Majesty was
+thinking of--if I may say so without impertinence.
+
+The King. What was it, then?
+
+Bang. Your Majesty was thinking of the socialists!
+
+The King. Of the--?
+
+Bang. The socialists!
+
+The King (looking amused). Why particularly of them?
+
+Bang. I was right, you see! Ha, ha, ha! (His laughter brings on a
+violent fit of coughing.) Your Majesty must excuse me; laughing
+always brings on my cough.--But, you know, the papers this morning
+are full of their goings on!
+
+The King. I have not read the paper.
+
+Bang. Then I can assure your Majesty that the way they are going on
+is dreadful. And just when we were all getting on so comfortably!
+What in the world do they want?
+
+The King. Probably they want to get on comfortably too.
+
+Bang. Aren't they well off as it is, the beasts? Excuse me, your
+Majesty, for losing my temper in your Majesty's presence.
+
+The King. Don't mention it.
+
+Bang. You are very good. These strikes, too--what is the object of
+them? To make every one poor? Every one can't be rich. However, I
+pin my faith to a strong monarchy. Your Majesty is the padlock on
+my cash-box!
+
+The King. I am what?
+
+Bang. The padlock on my cash-box! A figure of speech I ventured to
+apply to your Majesty.
+
+The King. I am much obliged!
+
+Bang. Heaven help us if the liberals come into power; their aim is
+to weaken the monarchy.
+
+(A BEGGAR BOY comes up to them.)
+
+Beggar Boy. Please, kind gentlemen, spare a penny! I've had nothing
+to eat to-day!
+
+Bang (taking no notice of him). Aren't there whispers of the sort
+about? But of course it can't be true.
+
+Beggar Boy (pertinaciously). Please, kind gentlemen, spare a penny!
+I've had nothing to eat to-day.
+
+Bang. You have no right to beg.
+
+The King. You have only the right to starve, my boy! Here! (Gives
+him a gold coin. The BEGGAR Boy backs away from him, staring at
+him, and gripping the coin in his fist.)
+
+Bang. He never even thanked you! Probably the son of a socialist!--
+I would never have opened this park to every one in the way your
+Majesty has done.
+
+The King. It saves the work-people a quarter of am hour if they can
+go through it to get to their work.
+
+(The GENERAL appears, driving the BEGGAR BOY before him with his
+stick.)
+
+The General (to the BEGGAR). A gentleman sitting on a seat gave it
+you? Point him out to me, then!
+
+Bang (getting up). Good morning, your Majesty!
+
+The King. Good morning! (Looks at his watch.)
+
+The General. That gentleman, do you say?
+
+The King (looking up). What is it?
+
+The General. Your Majesty? Allow me to welcome you back!
+
+The King. Thank you.
+
+The General. Excuse me, sir; but I saw this fellow with a gold coin
+in his hand, and stopped him. He says your Majesty gave it to him--?
+
+The King. It is quite true.
+
+The General. Oh--of course that alters the case! (To the BEGGAR.)
+It is the King. Have you thanked him? (The boy stands still,
+staring at the KING.)
+
+The King. Are you taking a morning walk on an empty stomach because
+of a weak heart, too?
+
+The General. Because of my stomach, sir--because of my stomach! It
+has struck work!
+
+The Beggar Boy. Ha, ha, ha! Ho, ho, ho! (Runs away.)
+
+The General. I am astonished at your Majesty's having thrown this
+park open to every one.
+
+The King. It saves the work-people a quarter of an hour if they can
+go through it to get to their work.--Well, General, it seems you
+have become religious all of a sudden?
+
+The General. Ha, ha, ha! Your Majesty has read my Order of the Day,
+then?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+The General (confidentially). Well, sir, you see things couldn't go
+on any longer as they were. (Whispers.) Debauchery in the ranks! I
+won't say anything about the officers; but when the men take to
+such courses openly--!
+
+The King. Oho!
+
+The General. My brother the bishop and I, between us, composed an
+Order of the Day on the subject of the necessity of religion--
+religion as the basis of discipline.
+
+The King. As a matter of fact the bishop was the first person I
+met here to-day.--Is he suffering from a disordered stomach, too?
+
+The General. More so than any of us, Sir! Ha, ha, ha! (The KING
+motions to him to sit down.) Thank you, Sir.--But, apart from that,
+I have had it in my mind for some time that in these troublous days
+there ought to be a closer co-operation between the Army and the
+Church--
+
+The King. In the matter of digestion, do you mean?
+
+The General. Ha, ha, ha!--But seriously, Sir, the time is
+approaching when such a co-operation will be the only safeguard
+of the throne.
+
+The King. Indeed?
+
+The General (hurriedly). That is to say, of course, the throne
+stands firm by itself--God forbid I should hint otherwise! But
+what I mean is that it is the Army ants the Church that must
+supply the monarchy with the necessary splendour and authority--
+
+The King. I suppose, then, that the monarchy has no longer any
+of its own?
+
+The General (jumping up). Heaven forbid that I should say such
+a thing! I would give my life in support of the monarchy!
+
+The King. You will have to die some day, unfortunately (Laughs
+as he gets up.) Who is that coming this way?
+
+The General (putting up his eyeglass). That? It is the Princess
+and Countess L'Estoque, Sir.
+
+The King. Is the Princess suffering from indigestion too?
+
+The General (confidentially). I fancy your Majesty knows best
+what the Princess is suffering from. (The KING moves away from
+him.) I made a mess of that! It comes of my trying to be too
+clever.--He is walking towards her. Perhaps there is something in
+it, after all? I must tell Falbe about it. (Turns to go.) Confound
+it, he saw that I was watching them! (Goes out. The KING returns to
+the arbour with the PRINCESS on his arm. The COUNTESS and one of
+the royal servants are seen crossing the park in the background.)
+
+The Princess. This is a most surprising meeting! When did your
+Majesty return?
+
+The King. Last night.--You look very charming, Princess! Such
+blushing cheeks!--and so early in the morning!
+
+The Princess. I suppose you think it is rouge?--No, Sir, it is
+nothing but pleasure at meeting you.
+
+The King. Flatterer! And I went pale at the sight of you.
+
+The Princess. Perhaps your conscience--?
+
+The King. I am sorry to say my conscience had nothing to do with
+it. But this morning I have been meeting so many people that are
+suffering from indigestion that, when I saw your Highness walking
+quickly along--
+
+The Princess. Make your mind easy! My reason for my morning walk is
+to keep my fat down. Later in the day I ride--for the same reason.
+I live for nothing else now.
+
+The King. It is a sacred vocation!
+
+The Princess. Because it is a royal one?
+
+The King. Do you attribute your sanctity to me? Wicked Princess!
+
+The Princess. Both my sanctity and any good fortune I enjoy. It
+is nothing but my relationship to your Majesty that induces the
+tradespeople to give me unlimited credit.
+
+The King. You don't feel any awkwardness about it, then?
+
+The Princess. Not a bit! The good folk have to maintain many worse
+parasites than me!--By the way, talking of parasites, is it true
+that you have pensioned off all your lords-in-waiting and their
+hangers-on?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+The Princess. Ha, ha, ha! But why did you make the special
+stipulation that they should live in Switzerland?
+
+The King. Because there is no court in Switzerland, and--
+
+The Princess. And so they could not fall into temptation again!
+I have had many a good laugh at the thought of it. But it has its
+serious side too, you know; because your Majesty cannot dispense
+with a court.
+
+The King. Why not?
+
+The Princess. Well, suppose some day you are "joined in the bonds
+of holy matrimony," as the parsons so beautifully put it?
+
+The King. If I were, it would be for the sake of knowing what
+family life is.
+
+The Princess. Like any other citizen?
+
+The King. Precisely.
+
+The Princess. Are you going to keep no servants?
+
+The King. As many as are necessary--but no more.
+
+The Princess. Then I must secure a place as chambermaid in your
+Majesty's household as soon as possible. Because if my financial
+circumstances are inquired into there will be nothing else left for
+me but that!
+
+The King. You have too sacred a vocation for that, Princess!
+
+The Princess. How pretty! Your Majesty is a poet, and poets are
+allowed to be enthusiastic about ideals. But the people are poets
+too, in their way; they like their figure-head to be well gilded,
+and don't mind paying for it. That is their poetry.
+
+The King. Are you certain of that?
+
+The Princess. Absolutely certain! It is a point of honour with
+them.
+
+The King. Then I have to weigh my honour against theirs! And
+my honour forbids me--for the honour of my people and their
+poetry--to keep up my palaces, my guards, and my court any
+longer! _Voilà tout_!
+
+The Princess. My dear King, certain positions carry with them
+certain duties!
+
+The King. Then I know higher duties than those!--But, Princess,
+here are we two seriously discussing--
+
+The Princess. Yes, but there is something at the bottom of it that
+is not to be laughed away. All tradition and all experience
+proclaim it to be the truth that a king--the kingly majesty--should
+be a dignity apart; and should be the ultimate source of law,
+surrounded with pomp and circumstance, and secure behind the
+fortified walls of wealth, rank, and hereditary nobility. If he
+steps out of that magic circle, the law's authority is weakened.
+
+The King. Has your Royal Highness breakfasted yet?
+
+The Princess. No. (Bursts out laughing.)
+
+The King. Because, if you had, I should have had great pleasure
+is giving you a lesson in history; but on an empty stomach that
+would be cruel.
+
+The Princess. Do you know--you used to be such an entertaining
+king, but this last year you have become so tedious!
+
+The King. Most beautiful of princesses! Do you really mean to say
+that I rise and fall in your estimation according as I have my
+pretty royal gew-gaws on or not?
+
+The Princess. In my estimation?
+
+The King. Or in any one's? You know the story of "The Emperor's New
+Clothes"?
+
+The Princess. Yes.
+
+The King. We don't keep up that pretence any longer.
+
+The Princess. But will every one understand?
+
+The King. You understand, don't you?
+
+The Princess. The people or I--that is all the same, I suppose!
+You are very flattering.
+
+The King. Heaven forbid that I should lump your Royal Highness
+together with the common herd; but--
+
+The Princess. We have already had proof of the fact that your
+Majesty does not hold the same place in _every one's_ estimation
+that you do in mine, at all events!
+
+The King. If I occupy a place of honour in your Royal Highness's
+heart, your Royal Highness may be certain that--
+
+The Princess. I will interrupt you to save you from speaking an
+untruth! Because the way to attain to a place of honour in your
+Majesty's heart is not to admire you as I do, but, on the contrary,
+to shout out: "I despise you!"--Au revoir!
+
+The King. You wicked, terrifying, dangerous--
+
+The Princess. --omniscient and ubiquitous Princess! (Makes a deep
+curtsey, and goes away.)
+
+The King (calling after her). In spite of everything, my heart goes
+with you--
+
+The Princess. --to show me the door! I know all about that! (To
+the COUNTESS.) Come, Countess! (Goes out. FALBE, an old gentleman
+in civilian dress, has come in from the side to which the KING'S
+back is turned.)
+
+The King. How the devil did she--?
+
+Falbe (coming up behind him). Your Majesty!
+
+The King (turning quickly). Ah, there you are!
+
+Falbe. Yes, sir--we have been walking about in the park for some
+time; your Majesty was engaged.
+
+The King. Not engaged--I was only deadening thoughts by gossiping.
+My anxiety was too much for me. So they have come?--both of them?
+
+Falbe. Both of them.
+
+The King. Can I believe it! (Appears overcome.) But--you must wait
+a moment! I can't, just at this moment--. I don't know what has
+come over me!
+
+Falbe. Are you unwell, sir? You look so pale.
+
+The King My nerves are not what they should be. Is there any water
+near here?
+
+Falbe (pointing, in astonishment). Why, there is the fountain,
+Sir!
+
+The King. Of course! Of course!--I don't seem able to collect my
+thoughts. And my mouth is as dry as--. Look here, I am going that
+way (points); and then you can--you can bring the ladies here.--She
+is here! She is here! (Goes out to the left, and turns round as he
+goes.) Don't forget to lock the gates of the inner park!
+
+Falbe. Of course not, Sir. (Goes out to the right, and returns
+bringing in the BARONESS MARC and CLARA.) His Majesty will be
+here in a moment. (Goes out to the right.)
+
+Clara. You must stay near enough for me to be able to call you.
+
+Baroness. Of course, my dear. Compose yourself; nothing can happen.
+
+Clara. I am so frightened.
+
+Baroness. Here is the King! (The KING comes in and bows to them.)
+
+The King. Excuse me, ladies, for having kept you waiting. I am
+very grateful to you both for coming.
+
+Baroness. We only came upon your Majesty's solemn promise--
+
+The King. --which shall be inviolable.
+
+Baroness. I understand that you wish to speak to Miss Ernst alone?
+
+The King. Your ladyship need only go up to the top of that little
+slope. (Points.) I can recommend the view from there.
+
+Baroness. The interview will not be a long one, I suppose?
+
+The King. If it is, I give your ladyship permission to come and
+interrupt us. (The BARONESS goes out. The KING turns to CLARA.) May
+I be permitted to thank you again--you especially--for having been
+so good as to grant me this interview?
+
+Clara. It will be the only one.
+
+The King. I know that. You have not condescended to answer one
+of my letters--
+
+Clara. I have not read them.
+
+The King. --so there was nothing left for me but to address myself
+to the Baroness. She was _obliged_ to listen to me, Miss Ernst.
+
+Clara (trembling). What has your Majesty to say to me?
+
+The King. Indeed, I can't tell it you in a single sentence. Won't
+you sit down? (CLARA remains standing.) You must not be afraid
+of me. I mean you no harm; I never could mean you any harm.
+
+Clara (in tears). Then what do you call the persecution that I
+have endured for more than a year?
+
+The King. If you had condescended to read a single one of my long
+and many letters you would have known I call it a passion that is
+stronger than--. (CLARA turns to go. The KING continues anxiously.)
+No, Miss Ernst, by everything you hold dear, I beg you not to leave
+me!
+
+Clara. Then you must not insult me!
+
+The King. If that is an insult your terms are very hard.
+
+Clara. Hard? No, but what you have done to me is hard! (Bursts into
+tears.)
+
+The King. Don't cry, Miss Ernst! You don't know how you hurt me!
+
+Clara (angrily). Do you know what it means to try and ruin a young
+girl's reputation?
+
+The King. I repeat that you are doing me an injustice
+
+Clara. An injustice?--Good God! Do you know who I am?
+
+The King (taking of his hat respectfully). You are the woman I
+love.
+
+Clara (quietly and with dignity). Your Majesty has solemnly
+promised not to insult me.
+
+The King. As sure as there is a heaven above us I will not, and
+could not, insult you! But I will obey your wishes.
+
+Clara. When a king says such a thing as--as you did just now, to a
+poor little governess, it is more than an insult! It is so
+cowardly, so base! And to think that you could have the heart to do
+it after what you have done to my father!
+
+The King. Your father?--I?
+
+Clara. Do you really not know who I am?
+
+The King I don't understand--
+
+Clara. Whose daughter I am, I mean?
+
+The King. I only know that your father's name is Ernst. (Suddenly.)
+Surely your father is not--?
+
+Clara. Professor Ernst.
+
+The King. The republican?
+
+Clara (slowly). Yes. (A pause.) I may remind your Majesty that he
+was sentenced for high treason. And why? Because he warned the
+young men at the university against the bad example set by the
+King! (A pause.) He was sentenced to a long term of imprisonment.
+In escaping from his prison he broke both his legs; and now he
+lives in exile--a cripple--supported by what money I am able to
+earn. (A pause.) You have ruined his life--and now you are trying
+to ruin mine too!
+
+The King. I beg of you--!
+
+Clara. I am ashamed of my tears. It is not compassion for myself
+or for my father that makes them flow; it is the heartless
+injustice of it all that overcomes me.
+
+The King. God knows, if only I could atone for the injustice--!
+But what can I do?
+
+Clara. You can let me alone, so that I may do my work in peace;
+that is what you can do! Neither he nor I ask for more than that--
+of you!
+
+The King. I must do more than that!
+
+Clara. No! Can you not understand that a girl who is persecuted
+by the king's attentions cannot be a governess? All you will
+achieve will be to rob me and my father of our bread!--Oh, God!
+
+The King. But my intention is not to--
+
+Clara (interrupting him). And you are not even man enough to be
+ashamed of yourself!
+
+The King. Yes, you may say what you please to me!
+
+Clara. I have nothing more to say to you. I have said what I have
+to say. (Turns to go.)
+
+The King. No, don't go! You have not even heard me yet. You don't
+even know what I want to beg of you!
+
+Clara. My dishonour.
+
+The King (vehemently). You misunderstand me utterly! If you had
+only read a single one of my letters you would have known that
+there is standing before you a man whom you have humbled. Ah, don't
+look so incredulous! It is true, if there is any truth in anything.
+You don't believe me? (Despairingly.) How am I to--! A man who has
+risked your contempt for more than a year, and has been faithful to
+you without even being allowed to see you or exchange a word with
+you--who has had no thought for anything or any one else--is not
+likely to be doing that out of mere idleness of heart! Do you not
+believe that, either?
+
+Clara. No.
+
+The King. Well, then, there must surely be some general truths that
+you, as Ernst's daughter, cannot refuse to believe! Let me ask you
+if you can understand how a man becomes what I was at the time when
+I repeatedly insulted you. You must know, from your father's books,
+in what an unnatural atmosphere a king is brought up, the soul-destroying
+sense of self-importance which all his surroundings foster, until,
+even in his dreams, he thinks himself something more than human;
+the doubtful channels into which his thoughts are forced, while any
+virtues that he has are trumpeted abroad, and his vices glossed
+over with tactful and humorous tolerance. Don't you think that a
+young king, full of eager life, as I was, may plead something in
+excuse of himself that no other man can?
+
+Clara. Yes, I admit that.
+
+The King. Then you must admit that the very position he has to
+assume as a constitutional monarch is an acted lie. Think what a
+king's vocation is; _can_ a vocation of that sort be hereditary?
+Can the finest and noblest vocation in the world be that?
+
+Clara. No!
+
+The King. Then suppose that he realises that himself; suppose that
+the young king is conscious, however dimly and partially, of the
+lie he is living--and suppose that, to escape from it, he rushes
+into a life of pleasure. Is it not conceivable that he may have
+some good in him, for all that? And then suppose that one morning,
+after a night of revelling, the sun shines into his room; and he
+seems to see upon the wall, in letters of fire, some words that
+were said to him the night before--true words (CLARA looks up at
+him in surprise)--the words: "I despise you!" (CLARA gives a
+start.) Words like that can burn out falsehood. And he, to whom
+they are said, may long to hear again the tones of the voice that
+spoke them. No man has ever hated what has given him new life. If
+you had read a single one of the letters which I felt impelled to
+write even if they were refused acceptance--you would not have
+called it persecution. (CLARA does not answer.) And, as for my
+persecution of your father--I am not going to make any excuses for
+myself; I will only ask you to remember that a king has no control
+over the law and its judgments. I feel the sincerest respect for
+your father.
+
+Clara. Thank you.
+
+The King. And it is just part of the falsehood I was speaking of,
+that he should be condemned for saying of me what I have said a
+thousand times of myself!
+
+Clara (softly). Dare I believe that?
+
+The King. Ah, if only you had read one of my letters! Or even the
+little book of poems I sent you last! I thought that, if you would
+not receive my letters, perhaps a book--
+
+Clara. I do not accept anonymous gifts.
+
+The King. I see you are on your guard--although I don't admit that
+the poems were mine! May I read it to you?
+
+Clara. I don't understand--.
+
+The King. One that I marked--for you. It will prove to you what
+you refuse to believe.
+
+Clara. But if the poem is not yours?
+
+The King. The fact that I have marked it shows that its sentiments
+apply to me. Will you let me read it to you? (CLARA looks up.) Do
+not be too much surprised, Miss Ernst! (Takes a slim volume from
+his pocket.) I found this somewhere. (Turns over the leaves.) It
+won't take long to read. May I?
+
+Clara. If only I understood--
+
+The King. --why I want to read it? Simply for the reason that you
+have forbidden me to speak to you--or to write to you; but not, as
+yet, to read to you! (CLARA smiles. A pause.) Do you know--a little
+event has just happened in my life?--and yet not such a little one,
+after all!
+
+Clara. What is that?
+
+The King. I have seen you smile for the first time.
+
+Clara. Your Majesty!
+
+The King. But, Miss Ernst, is it an insult, too, to see you smile?
+
+Clara (smiling). If I consent to hear the poem, shall not the
+Baroness--
+
+The King. --hear it also? With pleasure; but not at the same time!
+Please! Because I am a very bad reader. You can show it to the
+Baroness afterwards, if you like. (CLARA smiles.) May I?
+
+Clara. You are sure there is nothing in it that--
+
+The King. You can interrupt me, if you think fit. It is called "The
+Young Prince;" and it is about--no, I won't tell you what it is
+about unless you will be so good as to sit down, so that I can sit
+down too. If I stand up I shall be sure to begin declaiming, and I
+do that shockingly badly!--You can get up again when you like, you
+know! (CLARA smiles and sits down. The KING sits down beside her.)
+Now, then! "The Young Prince." (To himself.) I can scarcely
+breathe. (He begins to read.)
+
+ Full fed with early flattery and pride--
+
+(Breaks off.) Excuse me, Miss Ernst! I don't feel--
+
+Clara. Is your Majesty not well?
+
+The King. Quite well! It is only--. Now, then!
+
+ Full fed with early flattery and pride,
+ His sated soul was wearied all too young;
+ Honour and kingly pomp seemed naught to him
+ But whimsies from the people's folly sprung.
+
+ From such pretence he fled to what was real--
+ Fair women's arms, laughter and love and pleasure,
+ All the mad joy of life; whate'er he craved,
+ He found was given him in double measure.
+
+ Whate'er he craved--until one day a maiden
+ To whom he whispered, like a drunken sot,
+ "I'd give my life to make thee mine, my sweeting!"
+ Turned from him silently and answered not.
+
+ He sought by every means to win her to him;
+ But when his love with cold _contempt_ was met,
+ It was as if a judgment had been spoken
+ Upon his life, and doom thereon were set.
+
+ His boon companions left him; in his castles
+ None seemed to be awake but he alone,
+ Racked with remorse, enshrouded in the darkness
+ Of dull despair, yet longing to atone.
+
+ Then through the darkness she appeared! and humbly,
+ Emboldend by her gentleness of mien,
+ He sued once more: "If only thou wouldst listen!
+ If still 'twere not too late--"
+
+(His emotion overcomes him, and he stops suddenly, gets up, and
+walks away from CLARA. She gets up, as he comes back to her.)
+Excuse me! I had no intention of making a scene. But it made me
+think of--. (Breaks of again overcome by emotion, and moves a
+little way from her. There is a pause as he collects himself before
+returning to her.) As you can hear, Miss Ernst, it is nothing much
+of a poem--not written by a real poet, that is to say; a real poet
+would have exalted his theme, but this is a commonplace--
+
+Clara. Has your Majesty anything more to say to me? (A pause.)
+
+The King. If I have anything more to say to any one, it is to you.
+
+Clara. I beg your pardon.
+
+The King. No, it is I should beg yours. But I am sure you do not
+wish me to lie to you.
+
+Clara (turning her head away). No.
+
+The King. You have no confidence in me. (Control, his emotion.)
+Will you ever, I wonder, come to under stand that the only thing I
+crave for now is--one person's confidence!
+
+Clara. Any one who speaks as your Majesty has done to-day surely
+craves for more than that.
+
+The King. More than that, yes; but, first of all, one person's
+confidence.
+
+Clara (turning away). I don't understand--
+
+The King (interrupting her, with emotion). Your life has not been
+as empty and artificial as mine.
+
+Clara. But surely you have your task here to fill it with?
+
+The King. I remember reading once about the way a rock was
+undermined, and the mine filled with gunpowder with an electric
+wire leading to it. Just a slight pressure on a little button and
+the great rock was shattered into a thousand pieces. And in the
+same way everything is ready here; but the little pressure--to
+cause the explosion--is what I am waiting for!
+
+Clara. The metaphor is a little forced.
+
+The King. And yet it came into my mind as unconsciously as you
+broke off that twig just now. If I do not get what I lack, nothing
+can be accomplished--there can be no explosion! I shall abandon the
+whole thing and let myself go under.
+
+Clara. Go under?
+
+The King. Well, not like the hero of a sensational novel--not
+straight to the bottom like a stone--but like a dreamer carried off
+by pixies in a wood, with one name ever upon my lips! And the world
+would have to look after itself.
+
+Clara. But that is sheer recklessness.
+
+The King. I know it is; but I am reckless. I stake everything upon
+one throw! (A pause.)
+
+Clara. Heaven send you may win.
+
+The King. At least I am daring enough to hope that I may--and there
+are moments when I almost feel certain of victory!
+
+Clara (embarrassed). It is a lovely morning--
+
+The King. --for the time of year; yes. And it is lovelier here than
+it is anywhere else!
+
+Clara. I cannot really understand a course of action which implies
+a want of all sense of responsibility--
+
+The King. Every one has their own point of view. A scheme of life,
+to satisfy me, must have its greatest happiness hidden away at its
+core; in my case that would be to have a house of my own--all to
+myself, like any other citizen--from which I should go away to my
+work, and come back to as to a safe refuge. That is the button on
+the electric wire, do you understand? It is the little pressure on
+it that I am waiting for. (A pause.)
+
+Clara. Have you read my father's book, _Democratic Monarchy_?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+Clara. He wrote it when I was a child; and so I may say that I grew
+up amongst ideas like--like those I have heard from you to-day. All
+the friends that came to our house used to talk to me about it.
+
+The King. Then no doubt you heard the crown prince talked about,
+too!
+
+Clara. I think I heard his name oftener mentioned at home than any
+one's. I believe the book was written expressly for you.
+
+The King. I can feel that when I read it. If only I had been
+allowed to read it in those days! Do you remember how in it your
+father maintains, too, that all reform depends on the beating down
+of the hedge that surrounds royalty?--on a king's becoming, as he
+says, "wedded to his people" in the fullest sense of the word, not
+irregularly or surreptitiously? No king can share his people's
+thoughts if he lives apart from them in a great palace, married to
+a foreign princess. There is no national spirit behind a
+complicated court life of outlandish ceremonial.
+
+Clara (turning away her head). You should have heard how vehemently
+my father used to assert those ideas.
+
+The King. And yet he abandoned them.
+
+Clara. Became a republican, you mean?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+Clara. He was so disappointed. (A pause.)
+
+The King. I sometimes wonder every one isn't a republican! It must
+come to that in the end; I can see that. If only royalties nowadays
+thought seriously enough about it to realise it!
+
+Clara. It is made so difficult for them by those who surround them.
+
+The King. Yes, you see, that is another reason why any such reform
+must begin at home. Do you think that a king, who went every day to
+his work from a home that was in every respect like that of one of
+his people, could fail in the long run?
+
+Clara. There are so many different kinds of homes.
+
+The King. I mean a home that holds love instead of subservience--
+comfort instead of ceremony-truth instead of flattery; a home
+where--ah, well, I need not teach a woman what a home means.
+
+Clara. We make them what they are.
+
+The King. Surely; but they are especially what women make them. (A
+pause.)
+
+Clara. The sun is quite strong now.
+
+The King. But it can scarcely pierce through the screen of leaves
+here.
+
+Clara. When the sun shines down like this and the leaves tremble--
+
+The King. The sunshine seems to tremble too.
+
+Clara. Yes, but it makes one feel as if everything were trembling--
+even deep down into our hearts!
+
+The King. That is true.--Yes, its homes are the most precious
+things a nation makes. Their national characteristics mean
+reverence for their past and possibilities for their future.
+
+Clara. I understand better now what you meant.
+
+The King. When I said I wanted to begin at the beginning?
+
+Clara. Yes. (A pause.)
+
+The King. I cannot do otherwise. My heart must be in my work.
+
+Clara (smiling). My father had his heart in his work, too.
+
+The King. Forgive me--but don't you think it was just the want of
+an object in his life that led your father to push his theories too
+far?--an object outside himself, I mean?
+
+Clara. Perhaps. If my mother had lived--. (Stops.)
+
+The King. --he might have taken it differently; don't you think so?
+
+Clara. I have sometimes thought so. (A pause.)
+
+The King. How still it is! Not a sound!
+
+Clara. Yes, there is the fountain.
+
+The King. That is true; but one ends by hardly hearing a continuous
+sound like that.
+
+Clara. There is a tremulousness in _that_ too. (Looks round her.)
+
+The King. What are you looking for?
+
+Clara. It is time to look for the Baroness.
+
+The King. She is up on that slope. Shall I call her? Or--perhaps
+you would like to see a fine view?
+
+Clara. Yes.
+
+The King. Then let us go up to her together! (They go.)
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+(SCENE. An open place in the town. It is evening, and the square is
+badly lit. On the right is the club, a large building, standing
+alone; lights are shining from all its windows. Steps lead from the
+door, above which is a balcony. The square is full of people. In
+the background, standing on the lowest step of the pedestal of an
+equestrian statue, is a BALLAD SINGER, singing to the accompaniment
+of his guitar. Cigars, oranges, and other wares are being sold by
+hawkers. The singer's voice is heard before the curtain rises. The
+crowd gradually joins him in the refrain which he repeats after
+each verse of his ballad.)
+
+The Ballad Singer (sings).
+
+ The Princeling begged and begged and begged
+ Her love, on bended knee.
+ The Maid said craftily, "Nay, nay,
+ I doubt your high degree!"
+
+    Refrain.
+
+  She knew the might, the might, the might
+  Of love's distracting hour;
+  How royalty, with all its pomp,
+  Will curtsey to its power.
+
+ The Princeling said: "Consent, my dear,
+ And you shall marry me."
+ The Maiden answered mockingly,
+ "Over the left, maybe!"
+
+ "Nay, as my Queen, enchanting maid,
+ And that this very day!"
+ The Maiden answered him, "Gadzooks!"
+ And fainted right away.
+
+ Recovering, she sighed, "My Lord,
+ Princesses will be wroth;
+ On every side they sit and wait
+ To plight to you their troth."
+
+ He answered, "Bosh!"--"But what of those
+ Who counselled you before?"
+ "Whom do you mean?"--"Your ministers!"
+ "I'll show them to the door!"
+
+ "But think, my dear--your generals,
+ Your nobles, court, and priest;
+ They'll try to drag you from my side
+ Or shun us as the pest."
+
+ "Nay, be not feared! I'll make you more
+ By dozens at a word,
+ Who'll bow and grovel if they be
+ To rank and place preferred."
+
+ "But think of the republicans!
+ My father!--what if he--?"
+ "The cock that crows the loudest, then,
+ Prime minister shall be!"
+
+ "Suppose the people stoutly swear
+ They'll none of me?"--"Nay, nay,
+ An order here, a title there,
+ And all will homage pay."
+
+ "Then I am yours!"--"Hurrah!" He holds
+ Her tight his arms between;
+ "Nay, not so fast, my kingly love!
+ Not till I am your Queen!"
+
+  She knew the might, the might, the might
+  Of love's distracting hour;
+  How royalty, with all its pomp,
+  Will curtsey to its power.
+
+An Old Gentleman (to another). What is going on here?
+
+Second Old Gentleman. I don't know. I have only just come.
+
+A Workman. Why, the King is coming past here with her!
+
+First Old Gentleman. Coming past here with her? To hold a court
+at the palace?
+
+The Workman. Yes.
+
+Second Old Gentleman (taking a pinch of snuff). And I suppose those
+fellows in the club mean to make a demonstration?--hiss them, or
+something of that sort?
+
+The Workman. So they say.
+
+First Old Gentleman. Have they decided not to attend the court
+then?
+
+A Dandy. Unanimously decided.
+
+A Woman. It's filthy!
+
+The Dandy. I beg your pardon?
+
+The Woman. I say that those fellows in there will condescend to
+seduce our daughters, right enough; but they won't condescend to
+marry them. But, you see, the King does.
+
+The Workman. I am not sure it wouldn't be better if he didn't.
+
+The Woman. Well, I know people who say that she is quite a
+respectable person.
+
+The Dandy. I imagine that you have not read the newspapers?
+
+First Old Gentleman. Hm!--one has to be a little careful as to how
+far one believes the newspapers.
+
+Second Old Gentleman (offering him his snuff-box). I am delighted
+to hear you say that! There is such a lot of slander flying about.
+That bawdy ballad just now; for instance.
+
+The Woman. Yes, that's poking fun at _him_--I know that.
+
+The Dandy. You had better take care what you are saying, my good
+woman!
+
+The Woman. Ah, I only say what I know.
+
+(FLINK appears on the steps of the statue beside the BALLAD
+SINGER.)
+
+Flink. Stop your stupid songs! I want to speak!
+
+Voice in the Crowd. Who is that?
+
+Flink. You don't know me. I have never made public speeches--and
+least of all to street mobs.
+
+Voice in the Crowd. Why are you doing it now, then?
+
+Flink. Because I have been charged with a message to you! (The
+members of the club rush to the windows and on to the balcony
+and steps. Uproar.)
+
+Voice in the Crowd. Be quiet! Let us hear him!
+
+Flink. Listen to me, good people! You don't know me. But you used
+to know a tall chap, with long white hair and a big hat, who often
+made speeches to you. I mean Professor Ernst.
+
+Voice in the Crowd. Three cheers for Professor Ernst. (Cheers.)
+
+Flink. He was sent to prison, as you know, for high treason;
+escaped from prison, but broke his legs. Now he is living in exile,
+hopelessly crippled.
+
+Voice in the Crowd. He got a pardon.
+
+Another. No one knows where he is.
+
+Flink. I know where he is. He has charged me to deliver a message
+to you to-day.
+
+Voices from the Club. Bravo!
+
+Voices from the Crowd. Has he! Bravo, Ernst!
+
+Voices from the Club. Be quiet, down there!
+
+Flink. He made me promise that, on the day on which his daughter
+was to be presented at the palace as the King's betrothed, I would
+stand up in some public place where she would pass by, and say that
+it was being done against her father's will and in spite of his
+urgent entreaties and commands. (Loud cries of "Bravo!" from the
+club. A voice in the crowd: "That is just what we thought!") I am
+charged to announce publicly that he despises her for it and sends
+her his curse! (Fresh cries of "Bravo!" from the club. Voices in
+the crowd: "That's shocking!"--"No, he was quite right;" etc., etc.
+Uproar.) Quiet, good people!
+
+A Young Man in the Crowd. May I be allowed to ask a question?
+(Shouts of "Yes!" and "No!" and laughter are heard.)
+
+Flink. By all means.
+
+The Young Man. Did not Professor Ernst himself advocate a king's
+doing just what our King has done?
+
+Voices in the Crowd. Hear, hear!
+
+Flink. Yes, and in return was thrown into prison and is now an
+incurable cripple. No one has been more cruelly treated by the
+King's hirelings. And now here is his daughter willing to become
+Queen!
+
+Count Platen (from the club balcony). I don't see why you want to
+blame her! No; what I say is, that it is our dissolute King's fault
+altogether! (Renewed uproar. Cries of: "Turn him out!" from the
+club.)
+
+Flink. I had something more to say about those who--. But make
+those fellows at the club be quiet first.
+
+A Voice. They are fighting over there! (Laughter. Wild uproar is
+heard from the club, amidst which COUNT PLATEN'S voice is heard
+shouting: "Let me be! Let me alone!"--and other voices: "Don't let
+him go out!"--"He is drunk!" Eventually COUNT PLATEN comes out on
+to the steps, hatless and dishevelled.)
+
+Count Platen. I'm going to make a speech to you! I am better than
+that crew in there! (Cries of "Bravo!") What I say is, that the
+King is coming past here directly with a woman. (Applause, and
+laughter. Every one crowds towards him. The police try to pull him
+down. A free fight ensues.) Hiss them when they come! (Cries of
+"Throw him down!"--"Bravo!"--"Hurrah!") I, Count Platen, tell you
+to do so! Hiss him, howl at him, make a regular hullabaloo when he
+comes! I, Count Platen, tell you to! (Cries of "Three cheers for
+Count Platen!" are mingled with cries of "Three cheers for the
+King!" There is a general tumult. COUNT PLATEN is hustled up and
+down the steps, and tries to go on making his speech every time he
+comes up.) He is defiling the throne!--He wants to marry a
+traitor's daughter! Shame! I, Count Platen, say so! Here I stand--!
+(A trumpet-call is heard; then cries of "Here is the King!"--"No,
+it's the cavalry!"--"The cavalry are coming!"--"Clear the square!"
+A shot is heard, followed by a scream; the people take to their
+heels as another trumpet-call is heard. Curtain.)
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+(SCENE.--A room in the BARONESS' house. The BARONESS is sitting
+reading. A MAID enters and brings her a card.)
+
+Baroness (looking at the card). The Minister of the Interior!--
+Show him in! (GRAN comes in.) I am glad to see you back, your
+Excellency!--You have found him, then?
+
+Gran. Yes, we have discovered him.
+
+Baroness. And spoken to him?
+
+Gran. Yes.
+
+Baroness. May I send for his daughter?
+
+Gran. For heaven's sake
+
+Baroness. What is the matter?
+
+Gran. He is a dying man.
+
+Baroness. What!
+
+Gran. The King desires me to tell you that he has ordered a special
+train to be ready at 10 o'clock, so that as soon as the court is
+over she can go to her father. The King will accompany her.
+
+Baroness. That is kind of him!
+
+Gran. Then you will get ready everything that she needs for a
+night's journey?
+
+Baroness. Yes.
+
+Gran. And without her being aware of it? The King does not wish her
+to know anything of her father's condition till after the court.
+
+Baroness. The court is to be held, then?
+
+Gran. The court is to be held. After it is over, His Majesty will
+tell her the news himself.
+
+Baroness. I am thankful for that.--But what did Professor Ernst
+say? Why has he not answered his daughter's letter? Why has he
+hidden from her? Is he really irreconcilable?
+
+Gran. Irreconcilable? He hates her!
+
+Baroness. Good heavens!
+
+Gran. And not only her, but every one that has made common cause
+with the King--every one!
+
+Baroness. I suppose it was to be expected.--But won't you sit down?
+
+Gran (bows, but remains standing). I had a talk with his doctor
+before I saw him. He had some hesitation about letting me in. It
+was a fortnight since his patient had been able to move. But when I
+told him my errand, and that I had come from the King, he let me
+see him.
+
+Baroness. How did he look? He was a fine man once.
+
+Gran. He was sitting in a big chair, a mere paralysed wreck of a
+man. But when he saw me and realised who I was--and probably, too,
+what my errand was--he found the strength not only to move, but to
+seize both his crutches and raise himself on them! I shall never
+forget his gaunt ashen-grey face, the feverish gleam in his sunken
+eyes, his unkempt hair and beard--
+
+Baroness. He must have looked terrible!
+
+Gran. He was like a creature from beyond the grave--with an
+eternity of hatred in his eyes!
+
+Baroness. Oh, my God!
+
+Gran. When at last I could find my voice, I gave him his daughter's
+greeting, and asked if she might come and see him. A dark look came
+into his eyes, and his face flushed for a moment, as he gasped out:
+"May she be--." He could not finish the sentence. His crutches
+slipped from his grasp and he fell down, blood pouring from his
+mouth. The doctor rushed to him; and for a long time we thought he
+was dead.
+
+Baroness. But he came round?
+
+Gran. I waited an hour or two before I started back. Then the
+doctor told me that he had recovered consciousness, but that the
+end could certainly not be far off--perhaps not twenty-four hours.
+
+Baroness. It must have been a shock to you.
+
+Gran. It was.
+
+Baroness. But what did he mean by: "May she be--"
+
+Gran. That is what I have been wondering.
+
+Baroness. He cannot do her any harm, can he?
+
+Grad. He may give her the same reception that he gave me; if she
+goes.
+
+Baroness, Even if the King is with her?
+
+Gran. All the more then!
+
+Baroness. Oh, that would be horrible! But it won't prevent her
+going.
+
+Gran. Let us hope so!
+
+Baroness. I am certain of it! She has extraordinary strength of
+character--just like her father's.
+
+Gran. Yes, that is the one thing I rely on.
+
+Baroness. What do you mean? Your words sound so despondent!
+
+Gran. I mean what is perfectly true--that everything will depend
+upon her strength of character.
+
+Baroness. What about the King, then?
+
+Gran. I could say a great deal on that topic, Baroness; but (bows)
+you must excuse me--I haven't time now.
+
+Baroness. How are the elections going?
+
+Gran. They are going well--if nothing happens now?
+
+Baroness. What could happen?
+
+Gran. The situation is very strained; one must expect anything.
+
+Baroness. Are you anxious, your Excellency?
+
+Gran. I must beg leave to retire now. (A MAID comes in.)
+
+Maid (to GRAN). The Inspector of Police, who came with your
+Excellency, wishes to know if he may speak to your Excellency.
+
+Gran. I will come at once. (To the BARONESS.) There is rioting
+going on in the town, not far from here--in front of the club.
+
+Baroness (in alarm). What?--Isn't the King coming along that way?
+
+Gran. Don't be afraid! We have taken our precautions--Good-bye!
+(Goes out.)
+
+Baroness. --He has quite alarmed me--everything seems to come at
+the same time! She has had a suspicion that there was something
+amiss with her father; I have noticed that, but she hasn't wanted
+to speak about it. (CLARA comes in, dressed for the court.) Ah,
+there you are, my dear! Quite ready?
+
+Clara. Quite.
+
+Baroness (looking at her). Well, I daresay there have been royal
+brides more elaborately dressed, but I am sure there has never
+been one more charming. (Kisses her.)
+
+Clara. I think I hear a carriage?
+
+Baroness. I expect it is the King!
+
+Clara. I am afraid it is too early yet--but all the same I hope it
+is he!
+
+Baroness. Do you feel afraid?
+
+Clara. No, no--it is not that at all; it is something--something
+that you don't--a kind of feeling as if--as if some one were
+haunting me; and I know who it is. I only feel secure when the King
+is with me. I hope it may be he coming. (Goes to the window.)
+
+(The MAID comes in.)
+
+Maid. A lady wishes to speak to you, Miss Ernst--
+
+Baroness. A lady?
+
+Clara. Didn't she give her name?
+
+Maid. She is veiled--and very handsomely dressed.
+
+Clara (with decision). No! I can see no one.
+
+Baroness. No one that we do not know. (To the MAID.) You ought
+to know that.
+
+Maid (hesitatingly). But I think it is--. (The door opens and the
+PRINCESS comes in.)
+
+Baroness. What does this mean? Clara! leave us, my dear.
+
+Princess (drawing aside her veil). Do you know me?
+
+Clara and Baroness. The Princess!
+
+Princess. Are you Clara Ernst?
+
+Clara. Yes.
+
+Princess (haughtily, to the BARONESS). Leave us alone! (The
+BARONESS goes out.) Before going to the palace I wanted to come
+here--even at the risk of meeting the King.
+
+Clara. He has not come yet. (A long pause.)
+
+Princess. Have you thought well over what you are going to do?
+
+Clara. I think so.
+
+Princess. I don't think you have. Have you read what the papers say
+about it--every one of them--to-day?
+
+Clara. No. The King has advised me not to.
+
+Princess. But the letters that have been sent to you? I know
+letters have been written to you.
+
+Clara. The King has advised me not to read them either. He takes
+all the letters.
+
+Princess. Do you know that they are rioting in the streets close to
+here?
+
+Clara (in alarm). No!
+
+Princess. You will be received with hisses, hooting--perhaps with
+stone throwing. You didn't expect anything like that, did you?
+
+Clara. No.
+
+Princess. What shall you do?
+
+Clara (after a moment, quietly). I shall go with the King.
+
+Princess. A nice road you are dragging him along, truly! And I
+assure you that the farther you go along it, the worse it will
+become. You cannot possibly have prepared yourself for all that you
+will have to go through.
+
+Clara. I think I have.
+
+Princess (in surprise). What do you mean? How?
+
+Clara (bending her head). I have prayed to God.
+
+Princess. Pshaw! I mean that you cannot have considered the misery
+into which you are dragging the King--and the disgrace and trouble
+you are bringing upon all his people. (CLARA is silent.) You are
+young still; your heart cannot be altogether hardened yet, whatever
+your past may have been.
+
+Clara (proudly). I have no reason to be ashamed of my past.
+
+Princess. Indeed? What sort of a past has it been, then?
+
+Clara. One full of suffering, princess--and of work. (A pause.)
+
+Princess. Do you know what the King's past has been?
+
+Clara (drooping her head). Ah, yes.
+
+Princess. Yours will be tarred with the same brush--no matter what
+it really has been.
+
+Clara. I know that. He has told me so.
+
+Princess. Really!--After all, is it a sacrifice you are making for
+his sake? Do you love the King?
+
+Clara (faintly). Yes.
+
+Princess. Then listen to me. If you loved the King, you would have
+made a _real_ sacrifice for him. We are women, you and I; we can
+understand these things without many words. But such a sacrifice
+does not consist in consenting to be his queen.
+
+Clara. It is not I that wished it.
+
+Princess. You have allowed yourself to be persuaded?--Well, you are
+either deceiving yourself, my girl, or you are deceiving him.
+Perhaps you began with the one and are ending with the other.
+Anyway, it is time you had your eyes opened as to which of you it
+is that is making the sacrifice. Do you not know that, on your
+account, he is already the target for general contempt? (CLARA
+bursts into tears.) If that makes you repent, show it--show it by
+your deeds!
+
+Clara. I repent of nothing.
+
+Princess (in astonishment). What state of mind are you in, then?
+
+Clara. I have suffered terribly. But I pray God for strength to
+bear it.
+
+Princess. Don't talk nonsense! The whole thing is a horrible
+confusion of ideas--half remorse and half cant--the one so mixed up
+with the other in your mind that you cannot disentangle them. But,
+believe me, others feel very sure that sacred things and--and what
+I won't call bluntly by its name, go very ill together! So don't
+waste those airs on me; they only irritate me!
+
+Clara. Princess, don't be cruel to me. I _am_ suffering, all the
+same.
+
+Princess. Why on earth do you want to go any farther with the
+affair? If you aren't clear about it, take advice! Your father is
+opposed to it, isn't he?
+
+Clara. Yes. (Throws herself into a chair.)
+
+Princess. He has hidden himself away from you. You don't know where
+he is, or how he is--though you know he is crippled and ill. And,
+meanwhile, here you are in full dress, with a rose in your hair,
+waiting to set out to a court at the palace! Are you willing to
+pass through contemptuous rioting crowds, and over your sick
+father's body, to become queen? What callous levity! What a
+presumptuous mixture of what you think is love, duty, sacrifice,
+trial--with an unscrupulous ambition--! The King? Are you depending
+on him? He is a poet. He loves anything unusual or sensational.
+Resistance stimulates him; and that is what drives him into
+believing that his love will be unending. When you have been
+married a week, it will be all over. If he had not met with
+resistance, it would have been all over before this. I know the
+King better than you; for I know his faithlessness. It is like his
+love--unending! It hurts you to hear that, does it? Well, it hurts
+one's eyes to look at the sun. But I can tell you about these
+things. The only reason I had for coming was to tell you what I
+know. And now that I have seen you, I can tell you that I know one
+thing more--and I will tell you what it is. If you actually allow
+the King, with his ardent temperament, to stray into a path which
+will lead to the ruin of his career, your action will, in the
+fullness of time, recoil so appallingly upon your own head that it
+will kill you. I know you are one of those that faithlessness,
+remorse and contempt _would_ kill.--Don't look so beseechingly at
+me; I cannot retract a word of what I have said. But I can tell you
+now what I had decided upon before I came. _I_ will look after your
+future. I am not rich; but, as sure as I stand here before you, you
+shall live free from care--you shall have everything that you need--
+for the rest of your life. I want no thanks! I do it for the sake
+of the King, and for the sake of the country to which I belong.
+It is my duty. Only get up now and come with me to my carriage.
+(Offers CLARA her hand.)
+
+Clara. If it were as easy as that, I should have done it long, long
+ago.
+
+Princess (turns away. Then comes back). Get up. (Pulls her on to
+her feet.) Do you love the King?
+
+Clara. Do I love him? I am a motherless child, and have lived alone
+with a father who has been constantly persecuted on account of his
+principles; I shared his ideals from a very early age, and I have
+never abandoned them since. Then one day I was given the chance of
+making these ideals real. "What _I_ long to do, _you_ shall
+accomplish!" he said. There is something great about that,
+Princess--something all-powerful--a call from God Himself. Of that
+I am certain.
+
+Princess. It is merely a rhapsody of the King's--nothing else!
+
+Clara. Then I will make it real and live it! I have given my whole
+soul to it, and have strengthened his to the same end. It has been
+my ideal all my life.
+
+Princess. And you believe that it will last?
+
+Clara. Yes.
+
+Princess. Then let me beg you to believe this, too--it will last
+until he has attained his end.
+
+Clara. If you mean our marriage, let me tell you that _that_ is not
+our end.
+
+Princess (in surprise). What is, then?
+
+Clara. Our end is to accomplish something together. That task shall
+be consecrated and ennobled by our love. Yes, you may look at me!
+Those were his own words.
+
+Princess. That answer!--That thought!--But what certainty have you?
+
+Clara. Of what?
+
+Princess. That you did not put the thought into his mind?--and that
+the fire in his soul may not flicker out?
+
+Clara. If I needed any assurance, I should find it in the fact that
+he changed his whole life for my sake; he waited for me for more
+than a year. Has he ever done that for any one before? I am sure
+he has never needed to! (The PRINCESS winces.) It is those who have
+seduced that "ardent" temperament of his--you called it that
+yourself--that are to blame, and not I, Princess! (A pause.) I
+checked him to the best of my power when he came to me as he was
+wont to go to others. (A pause.) Indeed it is no sacrifice to
+become his wife. When one loves, there is no question of sacrifice.
+But the position in which I now stand exposes me to more suspicion
+than the humblest of his subjects, to more scorn than if I were his
+mistress. Think how you have spoken to me to-day yourself,
+Princess! (A pause.) It is no sacrifice to endure such things for
+the man one loves. It was not I that used the word "sacrifice,"
+either; and as for the sacrifice you implied that I ought to have
+made, I don't wish to understand what you meant by that, even
+though I am a woman as well as you! But if you knew, Princess, how
+hard a fight I have been through before I found the strength to
+cast in my lot with his, against my father's wish and against you
+all--you would not have spoken to me about making a sacrifice. At
+all events you would not have spoken to me as you have done to-day;
+because you are not cruel, and I know that at bottom you mean me
+well. (A longer pause.)
+
+Princess. This is more serious than I knew.--Poor child, your
+disappointment will be all the more serious.
+
+Clara. Not with him!
+
+Princess (half to herself). Is it possible he can be so changed?
+Was that what was needed to secure a hold on him--? (To CLARA.)
+Is he coming here to fetch you?
+
+Clara. Yes.
+
+Princess. What does he want to hold this court for? What is the
+good of throwing down this challenge to all the dignitaries of his
+kingdom?--especially if, after all, he means to live the life of an
+ordinary citizen?
+
+Clara. He wished it.
+
+Princess. An exciting episode in his rhapsody! Why did you not
+dissuade him?
+
+Clara. Because I agree with him.
+
+Princess. Perhaps you don't fully realise what it means?--what
+humiliation the King will have to undergo?
+
+Clara. I only know that it seems to me that these things should
+be done openly, and that he has plenty of courage.
+
+Princess. That is mere bravado. Are you going in that dress?--to
+court in that dress? (CLARA is silent.) I say it is mere bravado.
+
+Clara. I have no better dress.
+
+Princess. What do you mean? Surely the King can--? Are you jesting?
+
+Clara (shyly). I do not allow the King to give me anything; not
+until--.
+
+Princess. Doesn't he pay your expenses here, then? (Looks round the
+room.)
+
+Clara. No.
+
+Princess. It is the Baroness?
+
+Clara. She and I. We are both poor.
+
+Princess. Ah, yes--she has lost her post now, hasn't she?
+
+Clara. On my account--yes. And you, Princess, who have known her--
+for she was once your governess--can you really suppose that she
+would have been faithful to me if she did not trust me and feel
+that this was right? You treated her so contemptuously when you
+came in.
+
+Princess. I seem to have broken in upon the most incomprehensible
+romance!--Then you love the King? (CLARA nods her head.) He knows
+how to love, and make a woman happy! He is a dazzling creature!--We
+shall see now whether you are to suffer for all the hearts he has
+broken. You are not the first woman he has loved.
+
+Clara. Princess!
+
+Princess. Yes, let that sink into your mind! Your happiness is
+embroidered with tears!
+
+Clara. It is cruel of you to reproach me with it.
+
+Princess. Forgive me! I really did not mean that.--But there is
+still time to put on a more suitable dress. If you dare accept no
+gifts from the King--you might from some one else? A King's bride
+is a King's bride after all, you know!
+
+Clara. He told me I should not need anything more than this.
+
+Princess. Not in his eyes, I dare say. But we women know a little
+better!--If it were only a necklace? Will you accept this one?
+(Begins to unfasten hers.)
+
+Clara. I knew you were kind.--But I daren't.
+
+Princess. Why not?
+
+Clara. Because--because people would think that--. (Bursts into
+tears. A pause.)
+
+Princess. Listen, my child. The whole thing is sheer lunacy; but--
+as it cannot be altered--as soon as the court assembles I shall
+take my place at your side and not leave you till it is all over.
+Tell the King that! Good-bye!
+
+Clara (going towards her). Princess!
+
+Princess (kisses her, and whispers). Haven't you allowed him to
+kiss you, either?
+
+Clara (in a whisper). Yes, I have.
+
+Princess (kissing her once snore). Love him! (The sound of carriage
+wheels is heard. The BARONESS comes in.)
+
+Baroness. I hear the King's carriage.
+
+Princess. I don't wish to meet him. (Stretches out her hand to the
+BARONESS.) Baroness! (Points to the door through which the BARONESS
+has come in.) Can I get out that way?
+
+Baroness. Yes. (She takes the PRINCESS out. A moment later the MAID
+ushers in the KING, who is dressed in plain clothes and wearing no
+decorations.)
+
+The King. Clara!
+
+Clara. My friend! (They embrace.)
+
+The King. What does it mean?
+
+Clara. What?
+
+The King. The Princess' carriage here?
+
+Clara. She told me to greet you. She has just gone, and--
+
+The King. And--?
+
+Clara. She said as soon as the court assembled she would take her
+place beside me and stay there till we left the palace.
+
+The King. Is it possible?
+
+Clara. It is _true_.
+
+The King. You have conquered her! I know she could be conquered--
+she has a heart, as well as a head! It is a good omen!--So she
+offered to do _that_! What will our precious nobility have to say
+to that?
+
+Clara. They are about the streets, aren't they?
+
+The King. Ah, then you know?
+
+Clara. I know, too, that there has been rioting outside the club.
+
+The King. You know that too?--and are not afraid?
+
+Clara. Perhaps I might have been--but there is something else that
+I am more afraid of. (Draws closer to the KING.)
+
+The King. What is that?
+
+Clara. You know. (A pause.)
+
+The King. Have you been uneasy about him to-day too?
+
+Clara. All day--incessantly. Something must have happened.
+
+The King. Well, now I can tell you where he is.
+
+Clara (eagerly). At last! Have you found him?
+
+The King. Gran has been to see him.
+
+Clara. Thank God! Is it far from here?
+
+The King. This evening, immediately after the court, you and I
+will both start for there in a special train. We shall be there
+early to-morrow.
+
+Clara (throwing her arms round his neck). Thanks, thanks! How
+good you are! Thanks! How is he? Is he ill!
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+Clara. I knew it? And implacable?
+
+The King. Yes.
+
+Clara. I feel it! (Nestles closer in his arms.)
+
+The King. Are you afraid?
+
+Clara. Yes!
+
+The King. Dear, when you see him perhaps your fear will go.
+
+Clara. Yes, only let me see him! Whatever he says, let me see him!
+
+The King. Within twelve hours from now you shall! And I shall be
+with you.
+
+Clara. The finest thing about you is your kindness. Oh, I am so
+glad you have come! I could not endure my fears any longer.
+
+The King. There are dissensions going on about you!
+
+Clara. Oh!--(Nestles in his arms again.)
+
+The King. Bear up!--It will soon be over.
+
+Clara. I believe it will. Yes, I know it will.--Let me walk about a
+little! (The KING walks up and down with her.)
+
+The King. And turn our thoughts to something else! Do you know
+where I have come from?
+
+Clara. Where?
+
+The King. From our little house in the park.
+
+Clara. Why, we drove past it yesterday!
+
+The King. You will feel only _one_ person's presence there!
+Wherever you go, you will be surrounded by the thoughts I have had
+of you there. If you look out of the window, or go out on to the
+balcony--on every rock, by each turn of the stream--on the lawns,
+under the trees, among the bushes--everywhere you will find a
+thousand thoughts of you hidden. Breathe the words "my darling
+girl," and they will all come clustering round you!--Let us sit
+down.
+
+Clara. It is all like a fairy tale.
+
+The King. And I am the latest fairy prince! (He sits down and draws
+her on to his knee.) And you are the little maid who comes, led by
+good fairies, to the enchanted castle to wake him. He has been kept
+asleep by wicked spells for many, many years.
+
+Clara. For many, many years!
+
+The King. I am not really _I_, nor you _you_. The monarch was
+bewitched long ago. He was turned into a wild beast who gave reign
+to his passion by night and slept by day. And now the maiden of
+humble degree has become a woman and freed him from the spells.
+
+Clara. Really! Ah, you are so clever at inventing things to cheat
+my fears away from me. And you always succeed. But after all, you
+know, I have no strength and no courage; I am so weak.
+
+The King. You have more strength than I!--more than any one I
+have ever known.
+
+Clara. No, don't say that; but--you may be sure of this!--if I did
+not feel that I had _some_ strength I would never try to throw in
+my lot with yours.
+
+The King. I will explain to you what you are! Some people are
+tremendously more spiritual, more delicately constituted than
+others; and they are a hundred times more sensitive. And they
+fancy that is weakness. But it is just they who draw their strength
+from _deeper_ sources, through a thousand imperceptible channels.
+You will often find them with heads erect and valiant when others
+have gone under; they merely bend before the storm, with supple
+strength, when others break under it. You are like that!
+
+Clara. You are very ingenious when you start explaining me!
+
+The King. Well, listen to this! At the time when I was behaving so
+badly to you, your terror, every time I approached you, was so
+piteous that it was always before my eyes and rang in my ears
+like a cry of agony from a wounded heart. It is true! It filled me
+with terror, too. Do you call that weakness, to feel things so
+intensely that another person is influenced by your feelings
+against his will?
+
+Clara. No.
+
+The King. And then, when I found you again--the way you listened to
+me--
+
+Clara (stopping him with a kiss). Don't let us talk about it now!
+
+The King. What shall we talk about, then? It is a little too early
+to start yet.--Ah, I have it! We will talk about the impression you
+will make this evening when you come forward through the brightly
+lit rooms, radiant against the background of ugly calumny! That was
+prettily put, wasn't it? "Is _that_ she?" they will think. And then
+something will come into their eyes that will cheat them into
+thinking that pearls and gold are strewn over your hair, over your
+dress, over your--
+
+Clara (putting her hand over his mouth). No, no, no! Now I am
+going to tell you a little story!
+
+The King. Tell away!
+
+Clara. When I was a child, I saw a balloon being filled one day,
+and there was a horrible smell from the gas. Afterwards, when I
+saw the gleaming balloon rising in the air, I thought to myself:
+"Ah, that horrid smell was something burning; they had to burn it
+for the balloon to be able to rise." And after that, every time I
+heard anything horrid said about my father, I felt as if something
+was burning inside me, and I thought of the balloon and imagined I
+could smell the smell. And then all at once I imagined I saw it
+rising; the horrid part was burnt, and it was able to mount aloft!
+I assure you that balloon was a good genius to me. And now, years
+afterwards, when I have been a target for calumny myself--and
+you for my sake--I have felt just the same thing. Every word has
+burned; but I have got over it in a moment, and risen high, high
+above it all! I never seem to breathe so pure an atmosphere as a
+little while after something cruel has been said of me.
+
+The King. I shall certainly set to work and abuse you at once, if
+it has such delightful results! I will begin with a selection from
+to-day's papers: "You Aspasia! You Messalina! You Pompadour! You
+Phylloxera, that are eating into our whole moral vine-crop! You
+blue-eyed curse of the country, that are causing panics in the
+money-market, overthrowing ministries, and upsetting all
+calculations in the elections! You mischievous hobgoblin, who are
+pouring gall into the printers' ink and poison into the people's
+coffee, filling all the old ladies' heads with buzzing flies, and
+the King's Majesty with a million lover's follies!" Do you know
+that, besides all the harm you are doing to-day, you are hastening
+a revolution by ten years? You are! And no one can be sure whether
+you haven't been pursuing the same wicked courses for the last
+hundred years or more! All our royal and noble ancestors are
+turning in their graves because of you! And if our deceased queens
+have any noses left--
+
+Clara (interrupting him). The Baroness! (They get up. The BARONESS
+comes in wearing a cloak over her court dress and carrying CLARA'S
+cloak over her arm.)
+
+Baroness. I must take the liberty of disturbing you. Time is up!
+
+The King. We have been killing it by talking nonsense.
+
+Baroness. And that has put you in a good humour?
+
+The King (taking his hat). In the best of humours! Here, my darling
+(fastens CLARA'S cloak about her shoulders), here is the last
+scandalous bit of concealment for you! When we take it off again,
+you shall stand radiant in the light of your own truth. Come!
+(Gives her his arm, and they go trippingly up to the back of the
+room. Suddenly the phantom of an emaciated figure leaning on
+crutches appears in their path, staring at them. His hair and
+beard are in wild disorder, and blood is pouring from his mouth.
+CLARA gives a terrified scream.)
+
+The King. In Heaven's name, what is it?
+
+Clara. My father!
+
+The King. Where? (To the BARONESS.) Go and see! (The BARONESS
+opens the doors at the back and looks out).
+
+Baroness. I can see no one.
+
+The King. Look down the corridor!
+
+Baroness. No--no one there, either! (CLARA has sunk lifelessly into
+the KING'S arms. After one or two spasmodic twitchings of her
+hands, her arms slip away from him and her head falls back.)
+
+The King. Help, help!
+
+The Baroness (rushing to him with a shriek). Clara!
+
+Curtain.
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+(SCENE.--A room in GRAN's house; the same as in Act I, Scene II.
+GRAN is standing at his desk on the right. FLINK comes in carrying
+a pistol-case, which he puts down upon the table.)
+
+Gran. You?
+
+Flink. As you see. (Walks up and down for a little without
+speaking.)
+
+Gran. I haven't seen you since the day the King was here.
+
+Flink. No.--Have you taken your holidays?
+
+Gran. Yes; but, anyway, I am likely to have perpetual holidays
+now! The elections are going against us.
+
+Flink (walking about). So I hear. The clerical party and the
+reactionaries are winning.
+
+Gran. That would not have been so, but for her unhappy death--.
+(Breaks off, and sighs.)
+
+Flink. A judgment from heaven--that is what the parsons say, and
+the women, and the reactionaries--
+
+Gran. --and the landlords. And they really believe it.
+
+Flink (stopping). Well, don't you believe it?
+
+Gran (after a pause). At all events I interpret it differently from--
+
+Flink. --from the parson? Naturally. But can any one doubt the fact
+that it was the finger of fate?
+
+Gran. Then fate assumed her father's shape?
+
+Flink. Whether her father appeared to her at the moment of his
+death or not (shrugs his shoulders) is a matter in which I am not
+interested. I don't believe in such things. But that she was
+suffering pangs of conscience, I do believe. I believe it may have
+brought painful visions before her eyes.
+
+Gran. I knew her pretty well, and I will answer for it she had no
+guilty conscience. She was approaching her task with enthusiasm.
+Any one that knew her will tell you the same. With her the King was
+first and foremost.
+
+Flink. What did she die of, then? Of enthusiasm?
+
+Gran. Of being overwrought by the force of her emotions. Her task
+was too great for her. The time was not ripe for it. (Sadly.) Our
+experiment was bound to fail.
+
+Flink. You condemn it when you say that!--But with her last breath
+she called out: "My father!" And, just at that moment, he died,
+fifty miles away from her. Either she _saw_ him, or she _imagined_
+she saw him, standing before her. But his bloodstained, maltreated,
+crippled form standing in the way of her criminal advance towards
+the throne--is that not a symbol of maltreated humanity revolting
+against monarchy at the very moment when monarchy wishes to atone!
+Its guilt through thousands of years is too black. Fate is
+inflexible.
+
+Gran. But with what result? Are we rid of monarchy yet?
+
+Flink. We are rid of that treacherous attempt to reconcile it with
+modern conditions. Thank God it emerges, hand in glove with the
+parsons and reactionaries, none the worse for its temporary
+eclipse.
+
+Gran. So everything is all right, I suppose?
+
+Flink. For the moment--yes. But there used to exist here a strong
+republican party, which enjoyed universal respect, and was making
+extraordinary progress. Where is it now?
+
+Gran. I knew that was why you came.
+
+Flink. I have come to call you to account.
+
+Gran. If I had been in your place I would not have acted so,
+towards a defeated and wounded friend.
+
+Flink. The republican party has often been defeated--but never
+despised till now. Who is to blame for that?
+
+Gran. None of us ever think we deserve contempt.
+
+Flink. A traitor always deserves it.
+
+Gran. It is but a step from the present state of things to a
+republic; and we shall have to take that step in the end.
+
+Flink. But at least we can do so without treachery.
+
+Gran. I honestly believe that what we did was right. It may have
+miscarried the first time, and may miscarry a second and a third;
+but it is the only possible solution.
+
+Flink. You pronounced your doom in those words.
+
+Gran (more attentively). What do you mean by that?
+
+Flink. We must make sure that such an attempt will not be made
+again.
+
+Gran. So that is it.--I begin to understand you now.
+
+Flink. The republican party is broken up. For a generation it will
+be annihilated by contempt. But a community without a republican
+party must be one without ideals and without any aspirations
+towards truth in its political life--and in other respects as well!
+That is what you are responsible for.
+
+Gran. You pay me too great a compliment.
+
+Flink. By no means! Your reputation, your personal qualities and
+associations are what have seduced them.
+
+Gran. Listen to me for a moment! You used to overrate me in the
+hopes you had of me. You are overrating me now in your censure. You
+are overrating the effects of our failure--you never seem to be
+able to do anything but overshoot your mark. For that reason you
+are a danger to your friends. You lure them on. When things go well
+you lure them on to excess of activity; when things go ill, you
+turn their despondency into despair. Your inordinate enthusiasm
+obscures your wits. _You_ are not called upon to sit in judgment
+upon any one; because you draw the pure truths that lie hidden in
+your soul into such a frenzied vortex of strife that you lose sight
+of them; and then they have so little of truth left in them that in
+your hands they can be answerable for crimes.
+
+Flink. Oh, spare me your dialectics!--because any skill you have in
+them, _I_ taught you! You cannot excuse your own sins by running
+over the list of mine; that is the only answer I have to make to
+you! I don't stand before you as the embodiment of truth; I am no
+braggart. No; but simply as one who has loved you deeply and now is
+as deeply offended by you, I ask this question of your conscience:
+What have you done with the love we had for one another? Where is
+the sacred cause we both used to uphold? Where is our honour--our
+friends--our future?
+
+Gran. I feel respect for your sorrow. Can you not feel any for
+mine? Or do you suppose that I am not suffering?
+
+Flink. You cannot act as you have done without bringing unhappiness
+upon yourself. But there are others to be considered besides you,
+and we have the right to call you to account. Answer me!
+
+Gran. And is it really you--you, my old friend--that propose to do
+that?
+
+Flink. God knows I would sooner some one else did it! But none can
+do it so fitly as I--because no one else has loved you as I have. I
+expected too much of you, you say? The only thing I wanted of you
+was that you should be faithful! I had so often been disappointed;
+but in you and your quiet strength I thought I had splendid
+security that, as long as you lived, our cause would bear itself
+proudly and confidently. It was your prestige that brought it into
+being; your wealth that supported it. It did not cry aloud for the
+blood of martyrs!--You were the happiness of my life; my soul
+renewed its strength from yours.
+
+Gran. Old friend--!
+
+Flink. I was old, and you were young! Your nature was a harmonious
+whole--it was what I needed to lean upon.
+
+Gran. Flink, my dear old friend--!
+
+Flink. And now, here you stand--a broken man, and our whole cause
+broken with you; all our lives broken--at least mine is--
+
+Gran. Don't say that!
+
+Flink. You have destroyed my faith in mankind--and in myself, for I
+see what a mistake I made; but it will be the last I shall make! I
+took you to my heart of hearts--and now, the only thing I can do is
+to call you to account!
+
+Gran. What do you want me to do? Tell me!
+
+Flink. We must stand face to face--armed! You must die! (A pause.)
+
+Gran (without seeming greatly surprised). Of the two of us, it will
+go hardest with you, old friend.
+
+Flink. You think your aim will be the surer of the two? (Goes
+towards the table.)
+
+Gran. I was not thinking of that--but of what your life would be
+afterwards. I know you.
+
+Flink (opening the pistol-case). You need not be anxious! My life
+afterwards will not be a long one. What you have done has robbed me
+of anything to live for in this generation, and I don't aspire to
+live till the next. So it is all over and done with! (Takes up the
+pistols.)
+
+Gran. Do you mean _here_--?
+
+Flink. Why not? We are alone here.
+
+Gran. The King is asleep in the next room. (Points to the door near
+his desk.)
+
+Flink. The King here?
+
+Gran. He came here to-night.
+
+Flink. Well, it will wake him up; he will have to wake up some
+time, any way.
+
+Gran. It would be horrible! No!
+
+Flink. Indeed? It is for his sake you have betrayed me. You did
+that as soon as ever you met him again. He has bewitched you. Let
+him hear and see what he has done! (Holds out the pistols.) Here!
+
+Gran. Wait. What you have just said brings a doubt into my mind. Is
+not revenge, after all, the motive for what you are doing?
+
+Flink. Revenge?
+
+Gran. Yes. Don't misunderstand me; I am not trying to shuffle out
+of it. If I were free to choose, I would choose death rather than
+anything else. The King knows that, too. But I ask because there
+ought to be some serious reason for anything that may happen. I am
+not going to stand up and face a sentiment of revenge that is so
+ill-grounded.
+
+Flink (laying the pistols down). I hate the man who has led you
+astray--that is true. When I was giving you the reasons why I took
+upon myself the task of calling you to account, perhaps I forgot
+that. I hate him. But the instrument that carries out a sentence is
+one thing; the sentence itself is quite another. You arc sentenced
+to death because you have betrayed our cause--and because you say
+that you were right to do so. The world shall learn what that
+costs. It costs a man's life.
+
+Gran. So be it!
+
+Flink. The pistols are loaded. I loaded them myself. I imagine that
+you still have trust in my honour?
+
+Gran (with a smile). Indeed I have.
+
+Flink. One of them has a blank cartridge in it; the other is fully
+loaded. Choose!
+
+Gran. But what do you mean? Suppose I were to--?
+
+Flink. Don't be afraid! Heaven will decide! _You_ will not choose
+the fully loaded one!--We shall stand face to face.
+
+Gran. You are settling everything--the sentence, the challenge, the
+choice of weapons, the regulations for the duel--!
+
+Flink. Are you dissatisfied with that?
+
+Gran. By no means! You are quite welcome! We are to have no
+seconds? So be it. But the place?
+
+Flink. The place? Here!
+
+Gran. Horrible!
+
+Flink. Why? (Holds out the two pistols to him. The door to the left
+is opened softly. ANNA looks in, sees what is going on, and rushes
+with a pitiful attempt at a scream to GRAN, putting her arms round
+him protectingly, and caressing him with every sign of the utmost
+terror.)
+
+Gran (bending down and kissing her). She is right! Why should I die
+for the sake of dull theories, when I can hold life in my arms as I
+do now? A man who is loved has something left, after all. I won't
+die!
+
+Flink. If you were not loved, my friend, you might be allowed to
+live. A cry of sorrow will be heard throughout the land, from the
+King's palace to the meanest hovel, when you have been shot. And
+that is just why I must do it! The louder the cry of sorrow, the
+greater will be the silence afterwards. And in that silence is to
+be found the answer to the question "Why?" The people will not
+allow themselves to be cheated any longer.
+
+Gran. Horrible! I won't do it! (Lifts ANNA in his arms as if she
+were a child.)
+
+Flink (going up to him). It is no mere theory that you are facing.
+Look at me!
+
+Gran. Old friend--_must_ it be?
+
+Flink. It _must_. I have nothing else left to do.
+
+Gran. But not here.
+
+Flink. Since it cannot be here, then come out into the park. (Puts
+the pistols into their case.) You owe me that.
+
+Gran (to ANNA). You must go, my dear!
+
+Flink (putting the pistol-case under his arm). No, let her stay
+here. But you come! (They all three move towards the door. ANNA
+will not let GRAN go, and there is a struggle until he, half
+commanding and half entreating, persuades her to stay behind. The
+two men go out, shutting the door after them. She throws herself
+against the door, but it has been locked on the outside. She sinks
+down to the floor in despair, then gets up, as if struck by a
+sudden idea, rushes into the room on the right, and almost
+immediately re-appears, dragging the KING after her. He is only
+half-dressed and has no shoes on.)
+
+The King. What is it? (A shot is heard.) What is it? (ANNA pulls
+him to the door. He tries to open it, but in vain. She rushes to
+the window, with the KING after her. Meanwhile the door is opened
+from outside, and FALBE comes in, evidently overcome with emotion.)
+What is it, Falbe? (ANNA runs out.)
+
+Falbe. His Excellency the Minister of the Interior--
+
+The King. Well, what of him?
+
+Falbe. --has been assassinated!
+
+The King. The Minister of the Interior?--Gran?
+
+Falbe. Yes.
+
+The King. Gran?--What did you say?
+
+Falbe. He has been assassinated!
+
+The King. Gran? Impossible!--Where? Why? I heard his voice only
+just now, here!
+
+Falbe. That fellow shot him--the grey-haired fellow--the republican
+
+The King. Flink? Yes, I heard his voice here too!
+
+Falbe. It was in the park! I saw it myself!
+
+The King. Saw it yourself? Wretch! (Rushes out.)
+
+Falbe. How could I prevent a madman--? (Follows the KING. The door
+stands open, and through it a man is seen running past, calling
+out: "Where?" Others follow him, and amidst the sound of hurrying.
+feet, cries are heard of "Good God!"--"In the park, did you say?"--
+"A doctor! Fetch a doctor!"--"Who did it?"--"That fellow running
+towards the river!"--"After him! After him!"--"Fetch a barrow from
+the works!"--After a while the KING returns alone, looking
+distracted. He stands motionless and silent for some time.)
+
+The King. What a happy smile there was on his face! Just as she
+smiled!--Yes, it must be happiness! (Hides his face in his hands.)
+And he died for me too! My two only--. (Breaks down.) So that is
+the price they have to pay for loving me!--And at once! At once!--
+Of course! Of course! (The sound of the crowd returning is heard,
+and cries of: "This way!"--"Into the blue room!" Women and children
+come streaming in, all in tears, surrounding ANNA and the men that
+are carrying GRAN'S body, and follow them into the room on the
+left. Cries are heard of: "Why should he die?"--"He was so good!"--
+"What had he done to deserve it!"--"He was the best man in the
+world!")
+
+The King. "He was the best man in the world!" Yes. And he died for
+my sake! That means something good of me!--the best possible! Are
+they two together now, I wonder? Oh, let me have a sign!--or is
+that too much to ask? (The crowd come out again, sobbing and
+weeping, and cries are heard of: "He looks so beautiful and
+peaceful!"--"I can't bring myself to believe it!" When they see the
+KING, they hush their voices, and all go out as quietly as they
+can. When they have gone out, the MAYOR's voice is heard asking:
+"Is he in here?" and an answer: "No, in the blue room, over there."
+Then the GENERAL'S voice: "And the murderer escaped?"--An answer:
+"They are looking for him in the river!"--The GENERAL'S voice: "In
+the river? Did he jump into the river?"--The PRIEST's voice:
+"Shocking!" A few moments later the GENERAL with BANG, the MAYOR,
+and the PRIEST come in from the other room. They stop on seeing the
+KING, who is standing at the desk with his back to them, and
+whisper.)
+
+The General. Isn't that the King?
+
+The Others. The King?
+
+The Mayor. Is the King back? He must have come in the night!
+
+Bang. Let me see!--I know him personally.
+
+The General (holding him back). Of course it is the King.
+
+The Mayor. Really?
+
+Bang. I recognise him by his agitation! It is he.
+
+The General. Hush! Let us go quietly out again! (They begin to move
+off.)
+
+The Mayor. He is grieved. Naturally.
+
+Bang. First of all her death; and then this--!
+
+The Priest. It is the judgment of heaven!
+
+The King (turning round). Who is that? What? (Comes forward.) Who
+said that? (They all stop, take off their hats and bow.) Come back!
+(They come back hastily.) Who said: "It is the judgment of heaven"?
+
+The General. Your Majesty must forgive us--we were just taking a
+little stroll; I am here to spend Christmas with my friend Mr.
+Bang, who has a factory here--a branch of his works--and we
+happened to meet the Mayor and the Priest, and we joined company--
+and were strolling along when we heard a shot. A shot. We did not
+think anything more about it till we came nearer here and saw
+people running, and heard a great outcry and disturbance. Great
+disturbance--yes. We stopped, of course, and came to see what it
+was. Came to see what it was, of course. And they told us that the
+Minister of the Interior--
+
+The King. What is all that to me! (The GENERAL bows.) Who said: "It
+is the judgment of heaven"? (No one speaks.) Come, answer me!
+
+The Mayor. It was the Priest--I fancy.
+
+The King (to the PRIEST). Haven't you the courage to tell me so
+yourself?
+
+The General. Probably our reverend friend is unaccustomed to find
+himself in the presence of royalty.
+
+The Priest. It is the first time that--that I have had the honour
+of speaking to your Majesty--I did not feel self-possessed enough,
+for the moment, to--
+
+The King. But you were self-possessed enough when you said it! What
+did you mean by saying it was "the judgment of heaven"?--I am
+asking you what you meant by it.
+
+The Priest. I really don't quite know--it slipped out--
+
+The King. That is a lie! Some one said: "First of all her death,
+and then this." And you said: "It is the judgment of heaven."
+
+The Mayor. That is quite right, your Majesty.
+
+The King. First of all _her_ death? That meant the death of my
+betrothed, didn't it?
+
+Bang and The Priest. Yes, your Majesty.
+
+The King. "And then _this_" meant my friend--my dear friend! (With
+emotion.) Why did heaven condemn these two to death? (A pause.)
+
+The General. It is most regrettable that we should, quite
+involuntarily, have disturbed your Majesty at a moment when your
+Majesty's feelings are, naturally, so overcome--
+
+The King (interrupting him). I asked you why heaven condemned these
+two to death. (To the VICAR.) You are a clergyman; cudgel your
+brains!
+
+The Priest. Well, your Majesty, I was thinking that--I meant that--
+that heaven had in a miraculous way checked your Majesty--
+
+The General. "Ventured to check" would be more suitable, I think.
+
+The Priest. --from continuing in a course which many people thought
+so unfortunate--I mean, so fatal to the nation, and the church; had
+checked your Majesty--
+
+The General (in an undertone). Ventured to check.
+
+The Priest. --by taking away from your Majesty the two persons
+who--the two persons who--in the first place the one who--
+
+The King. The one who--?
+
+The Priest. Who was--
+
+The King. Who was--? A harlot that wanted to sit on the throne?
+
+The Priest. Those are your Majesty's word, not mine. (Wipes his
+forehead.)
+
+The King. Confess that they express what you meant!
+
+The Priest. I confess that I have heard--that people say--that--
+
+The King. Pray to heaven that for a single day your thoughts may
+be as pure as hers were every day. (Bursts into tears. Then says
+impetuously.) How long have you been a clergyman?
+
+The Priest. Fifteen years, your Majesty.
+
+The King. Then you were already ordained at the time when I was
+leading a dissolute life. Why did you never say anything to me
+then?
+
+The Priest. My most gracious King--
+
+The King. God is the only "most gracious King"! Do not speak
+blasphemy!
+
+The Priest. It was not my duty to--
+
+The General. Our friend is not a court chaplain. He has merely a
+parish in the town here--
+
+The Mayor. And his work lies chiefly among the factory hands.
+
+The King. And so it is not your duty to speak the truth to me--but
+to attack my dear dead friends by prating about heaven's judgment
+and repeating vile lies? Is that your duty?
+
+The Mayor. I only had the honour to know one of the--the deceased.
+Your Majesty honoured him with your friendship; the greatest honour
+a subject can enjoy. I should like to say that one would rarely
+find a nobler heart, a loftier mind, or more modest fidelity, than
+his.
+
+The General. I should like, if I may make so bold, to make use of
+the opportunity chance has afforded me of associating myself with
+my sovereign's sorrow, a sorrow for which his whole people must
+feel the deepest respect, but especially those who, in consequence
+of their high position, are more particularly called upon to be the
+pillars of the monarchy; to use this opportunity, I say--and to do
+so, I know, as the representative of many thousands of your
+Majesty's subjects--to voice the sympathy, the unfeigned grief,
+that will be poured forth at the news of this new loss which has
+wrung your Majesty's heart--a loss which will reawaken consternation
+in the country and make it more than ever necessary to take the
+severest possible measures against a party to which nothing is
+sacred, neither the King's person nor the highest dignities of
+office nor the inviolability of the home--a party whose very
+existence depends on sedition and ought no longer to be tolerated,
+but ought, as the enemy of the throne and of society, to be visited
+with all the terrors of the law, until--
+
+The King. What about compassion, my friend?
+
+The General. Compassion?
+
+The King. Not for the republicans--but for me!
+
+The General. It is just the compassion which the whole nation will
+feel for your Majesty that compels me, in spite of everything, to
+invoke the intervention of justice at this particular crisis!
+Terror--
+
+The King. --must be our weapon?
+
+The General. Yes! Can any one imagine a more priceless proof of the
+care that a people have for their King, than for the gravely
+anxious tones of their voice to be heard, at this solemn moment,
+crying: Down with the enemies of the throne!
+
+The King (turning away). No, _I_ haven't thews and sinews for that
+lie!
+
+The Mayor. I must say I altogether agree with the General. The
+feeling of affection, gratitude, esteem--
+
+The General. --the legacy of devotion that your Majesty's ancestors
+of blessed memory--
+
+The King (to the Priest). You, sir--what does my ancestors being
+"of blessed memory" mean?
+
+The Priest (after a moment's thought). It is a respectful manner of
+alluding to them, your Majesty.
+
+The King. A respectful lie, you mean. (A pause. ANNA comes out of
+the room on the left and throws herself at the KING'S feet,
+embracing his knees in despairing sorrow.) Ah, here comes a breath
+of truth!--And you come to me, my child, because you know that we
+two can mourn together. But I do not weep, as you do; because I
+know that for a long time he had been secretly praying for death.
+He has got his wish now. So you must not weep so bitterly. You must
+wish what he wished, you know. Ah, what grief there is in her eyes!
+(Sobs.)
+
+(The GENERAL signs to the others that they should all withdraw
+quietly, without turning round. They gradually do so; but the KING
+looks up and perceives what they are doing.)
+
+The General. Out of respect for your Majesty's grief, we were going
+to--
+
+The King. Silence! With my hand on the head of this poor creature,
+who used to trust so unassumingly and devotedly to his goodness of
+heart, I wish to say something in memory of my friend. (ANNA clings
+to him, weeping. The others come respectfully nearer, and wait.)
+Gran was the richest man in the country. Why was it that he had no
+fear of the people? Why was it that he believed that its salvation
+lay in the overthrow of the present state of affairs?
+
+Bang. Mr. Gran, with all his great qualities, was a visionary.
+
+The King. He had not inherited all of his vast fortune; he had
+amassed a great part of it himself.
+
+Bang. As a man of business, Mr. Gran was beyond all praise.
+
+The King. And yet a visionary? The two things are absolutely
+contradictory.--You once called me "the padlock on your cash-box."
+
+Bang. I allowed myself, with all respect, to make that jest--which,
+nevertheless, was nothing but the serious truth!
+
+The King. Why did he, who has met his death, consider that the
+security for _his_ cash-box came from those _below_ him, as long as
+he did what was right, and not from those above him? Because he
+understood the times. No question of selfishness stood in the way
+of his doing that.--That is my funeral oration over him!--(To
+ANNA.) Get up, my dear! Did you understand what I was saying? Do
+not weep so! (She clings to him, sobbing.)
+
+The Priest. He was a very great man! When your Majesty speaks so, I
+fully recognise it. But your Majesty may be certain that, though we
+may not have been so fortunate as to see so far ahead and so
+clearly--though our mental horizon may be narrow--we are none the
+less loyal to your Majesty for that, nor less devoted! It is our
+duty as subjects to say so, although your Majesty in your heaviness
+of heart seems to forget it-seems to forget that we, too, look for
+everything from your Majesty's favour, wisdom and justice.
+(Perspires freely.)
+
+The King. It is very strange! My dear friend never said anything
+like that to me. (A pause.) He had the most prosperous business in
+the country. When I came to him and asked him to abandon it, he did
+so at once. And in the end he died for me. That is the sort of man
+he was. (To ANNA.) Go in to him, my dear! You are the very picture
+of dumb loyalty. Although I do not deserve to have such as you to
+watch by my side, still, for the sake of him who is dead, I shall
+have you to do so when I too--. (Breaks off.) Yes, yes, go in there
+now! I shall come. Do you understand? I shall come. (ANNA moves
+towards the other room.) There, that's it! (He repeats his words to
+her every time she looks back as she goes.) Yes, directly!--That's
+it!--In a very little while! Go now!
+
+Bang. Excuse me, your Majesty, but it is terribly hot in here, and
+the affection of my heart which troubles me is attacking me
+painfully. Will your Majesty be pleased to allow me to withdraw?
+
+The Mayor. With all respect, I should like to be allowed to make
+the same request. Your Majesty is obviously very much upset, and I
+am sure we are all unwilling that our presence--which, indeed, was
+unintentional and unsought by us--should augment a distress of mind
+which is so natural in one of your Majesty's noble disposition, and
+so inevitable considering the deep sense of gratitude your Majesty
+must feel towards a friend who--
+
+The King (interrupting him). Hush, hush! Let us have a little
+respect for the truth in the presence of the dead! Do not
+misunderstand me--I do not mean to say that any of you would lie
+wilfully; but the atmosphere that surrounds a king is infected.
+And, as regards that--just a word or two. I have only a short time.
+But as a farewell message from me--
+
+The Priest. A farewell message?
+
+The King. --give my greeting to what is called Christianity in this
+country. Greet it from me! I have been thinking a great deal about
+Christian folk lately.
+
+The Priest. I am glad to hear it!
+
+The King. Your tone jars on me! Greet those who call themselves
+Christians--. Oh! come, come--don't crane your necks and bend your
+backs like that, as if the most precious words of wisdom were about
+to drop from my lips! (To himself.) Is it any use my saying
+anything serious to them? (Aloud.) I suppose you are Christians?
+
+The General. Why, of course! Faith is invaluable--
+
+The King. --in preserving discipline? (To the Mayor.) How about
+you?
+
+The Mayor. I was taught by my parents, of blessed memory--
+
+The King. Oh, so they are "of blessed memory" too, are they? Well,
+what did they teach you?
+
+The Mayor. To fear God, honour the King--
+
+The King. --and love the brotherhood! You are a public official,
+Mr. Mayor. That is what a Christian is, nowadays. (To BANG.) And
+you?
+
+Bang. Of late I have been able to go so little to church, because
+of my cough. And in that unwholesome atmosphere--
+
+The King. --you go to sleep. But you are a Christian?
+
+Bang. Undoubtedly!
+
+The King (to the Priest). And you are one, of course?
+
+The Priest. By the grace of God I hope so!
+
+The King (snapping his fingers). Yes, that is the regulation
+formula, my good fellow! You all answer by the card! Very well,
+then--you are a community of Christians; and it is not my fault if
+such a community refuses to take any serious interest in what
+really affects Christianity. Tell it from me that it ought to keep
+an eye on the monarchy.
+
+The Priest. Christianity has nothing to do with such things. It
+concerns only the souls of men!
+
+The King (aside). That voice. (Aloud.) I know--it does not concern
+itself with the air a patient breathes, but only with his lungs!
+Excellent!--All the same, Christianity ought to keep an eye on the
+monarchy. Ought to tear the falsehood away from it! Ought not to go
+in crowds to stare at a coronation in a church, like apes grinning
+at a peacock! I know what I felt at that moment. I had rehearsed it
+all once that morning already--ha, ha! Ask your Christianity if it
+may not be about time for it to interest itself a little in the
+monarchy? It seems to me that it scarcely ought any longer to allow
+monarchy, like a seductive harlot, to keep militarism before the
+people's eyes as an ideal--seeing that that is exactly contrary to
+the teachings of Christianity, or to encourage class divisions,
+luxury, hypocrisy and vanity. Monarchy has become so all-pervading
+a lie that it infects even the most upright of men.
+
+The Mayor. But I don't understand, your Majesty!
+
+The King. Don't you? You are an upright man yourself, Mr. Mayor--a
+most worthy man.
+
+The Mayor. I do not know whether your Majesty is pleased to jest
+again?
+
+The King. In sober earnest, I say you are one of the most upright
+of men.
+
+The Mayor. I cannot tell your Majesty how flattered I am to hear
+your Majesty say so!
+
+The King. Have you any decorations?
+
+The Mayor. Your Majesty's government has not, so far, deigned to
+cast their eyes on me.
+
+The King. That fault will be repaired. Be sure of that!
+
+The General (to the Mayor). To have that from his Majesty's own
+mouth is equivalent to seeing it gazetted. I am fortunate to be
+able to be the first to congratulate you!
+
+Bang. Allow me to congratulate you also!
+
+The Priest. And me too! I have had the honour of working hand in
+hand with you, Mr. Mayor, for many years; I know how well deserved
+such a distinction is.
+
+The Mayor. I feel quite overcome; but I must beg to be allowed to
+lay my thanks at your Majesty's feet. I trust I shall not prove
+unworthy of the distinction. One hesitates to make such
+confessions--but I am a candid man, and I admit that one of the
+chief aims of my ambition has been to be allowed some day to
+participate in--
+
+The King (interrupting him). --in this falsehood. That just points
+my moral. As long as even upright men's thoughts run in that mould,
+Christianity cannot pretend to have any real hold on the nation. As
+for your decoration, you are quite sure to get one from my
+successor.--In a word, Christianity must tackle monarchy! And if it
+cannot tear the falsehood from it without destroying it, then let
+it destroy it!
+
+The General. Your Majesty!
+
+The King (turning to him). The same thing applies to a standing
+army, which is a creation of monarchy's. I do not believe that
+such an institution--with all its temptations to power, all its
+inevitable vices and habits--could be tolerated if Christianity
+were a living thing. Away with it!
+
+The Priest. Really, your Majesty--!
+
+The King (turning to him). The same applies to an established
+church--another of monarchy's creations! If we had in our country a
+Christianity worth the name, that salvation trade would stink in
+men's nostrils. Away with it!
+
+The Mayor (reproachfully). Oh, your Majesty!
+
+The King (turning on him). The same applies to the artificial
+disparity of circumstances that you prate about with tears in
+your eyes! I heard you once. Class distinctions are fostered by
+monarchy.
+
+Bang. But equality is an impossibility!
+
+The King. If _you_ would only make it possible--which it can be
+made--even the socialists would cease to clamour for anything
+else. I tell you this: Christianity has destroyed ideals.
+Christianity lives on dogmas and formulas, instead of on ideals.
+
+The Priest. Its ideals lead us away from earth to heaven--
+
+The King. Not in a balloon, even if it were stuffed full of all the
+pages of the Bible! Christianity's ideals will lead to heaven only
+when they are realised on earth--never before.
+
+The Priest. May I venture to say that Christianity's ideal is a
+pious life.
+
+The King. Yes. But does not Christianity aim at more than that,
+or is it going to be content with making some few believers?
+
+The Priest. It is written: "Few are chosen."
+
+The King. Then it has given up the job in advance?
+
+The Mayor. I think our friend is right, that Christianity has never
+occupied itself with such things as your Majesty demands of it.
+
+The King. But what I mean is, could it not bring itself to do so?
+
+The Priest. If it did, it would lose sight of its _inner_ aim. The
+earliest communities are the model for a Christian people!
+
+The King (turning away from him). Oh, have any model you like, so
+long as it leads to something!
+
+The General. I must say I am astonished at the penetration your
+Majesty slows even into the deepest subjects.
+
+Bang. Yes, I have never heard anything like it! I have not had the
+advantage of a university education, so I don't really understand
+it.
+
+The King. And to think that I imagined that I should find my
+allies, my followers, in Christian people! One is so reluctant to
+give up _all_ hope! I thought that a Christian nation would storm
+the strongholds of lies in our modern, so-called Christian
+communities--storm them, capture them!--and begin with monarchy,
+because that would need most courage, and because its falsehood
+lies deepest and goes farthest. I thought that Christianity would
+one day prove to be the salt of the earth. No, do _not_ greet
+Christianity from me. I have said nothing, and do not mean it. I am
+what men call a betrayed man--betrayed by all the most ideal powers
+of life. There! Now I have done!
+
+The General. But what does your Majesty mean? Betrayed? By whom?
+Who are the traitors? Really--!
+
+The King. Pooh! Think it over!--As a matter of fact I am the only
+one that has been foolish.
+
+Bang. Your Majesty, just now you were so full of vigour--!
+
+The King. Don't let that astonish you, my friend! I am a mixture of
+enthusiasm and world-weariness; the scion of a decrepit race is not
+likely to be any better than that, you know! And as for being a
+reformer--! Ha, ha! Well, I thank you all for having listened to me
+so patiently. Whatever I said had no significance--except perhaps
+that, like the oysters, I had to open my shell before I died.--
+Good-bye!
+
+The General. I really cannot find it in my heart to leave your
+Majesty when your Majesty is in so despondent a humour.
+
+The King. I am afraid you will have to try, my gallant friend!--
+Don't look so dejected, Mr. Mayor!--Suppose some day serious-minded
+men should feel just as humiliated at such falsehoods existing as
+you do now because you have not been allowed to participate in
+them. I might perhaps be able to endure being king then! But as
+things are now, I am not strong enough for the job. I feel as if I
+had been shouldered out of actual life on to this strip of carpet
+that I am standing on! That is what my attempts at reform have
+ended in!
+
+The Mayor. May I be allowed to say that the impression made on my
+mind by the somewhat painful scene we have just gone through is
+that your Majesty is overwrought.
+
+The King. Mad, you mean?
+
+The Mayor. God forbid I should use such a word of my King!
+
+The King. Always punctilious!--Well, judging by the fact that every
+one else considers themselves sane, I must undoubtedly be the mad
+one. It is as simple as a sum in arithmetic.--And, in all
+conscience, isn't it madness, when all is said and done, to take
+such trifles so much to heart?--to bother about a few miserable
+superannuated forms that are not of the slightest importance?--a
+few venerable, harmless prejudices?--a few foolish social customs
+and other trumpery affairs of that sort?
+
+The General. Quite so!
+
+The Mayor. Your Majesty is absolutely right!
+
+Bang. I quite agree!
+
+The Priest. It is exactly what I have been thinking all the time.
+
+The King. And probably we had better add to the list certain
+extravagant ideas--perhaps even certain dangerous ideas, like mine
+about Christianity?
+
+The Priest (hastily and impressively). Your Majesty is mistaken
+on the subject of Christianity.
+
+The Mayor. Christianity is entirely a personal matter, your
+Majesty.
+
+The General. Your Majesty expects too much of it. Now, as a comfort
+for the dying--!
+
+The King. And a powerful instrument of discipline.
+
+The General (smiling). Ah, your Majesty!
+
+Bang (confidentially). Christianity is no longer such a serious
+matter nowadays, except for certain persons--. (Glances at the
+PRIEST.)
+
+The King. All I have to say on the head of such unanimous approval
+is this: that in such a shallow society, where there is no
+particular distinction between lies and truth, because most things
+are mere forms without any deeper meaning--where ideals are
+considered to be extravagant, dangerous things--it is not so _very_
+amusing to be alive.
+
+The General. Oh, your Majesty! Really, you--! Ha, ha, ha!
+
+The King. Don't you agree with me?--Ah, if only one could grapple
+with it!--but we should need to be many to do that, and better
+equipped than I am.
+
+The General. Better equipped than your Majesty? Your Majesty is the
+most gifted man in the whole country!
+
+All. Yes!
+
+The General. Yes--your Majesty must excuse me--I spoke
+involuntarily!
+
+The Mayor. There was a tone running through all your Majesty said
+that seemed to suggest that your Majesty was contemplating--.
+(Breaks off.)
+
+The King. --going away? Yes.
+
+All. Going away?
+
+The General. And abdicating? For heaven's sake, your Majesty--!
+
+Bang. That would mean handing us over to the crown prince--the
+pietist!
+
+The Priest (betraying his pleasure in spite of himself). And his
+mother!
+
+The King. You are pleased at the idea, parson! It will be a sight
+to see her and her son prancing along, with all of you in your best
+clothes following them! Hurrah!
+
+The General. Ha, ha, ha! Ho, ho, ho!
+
+Bang. Ha-ha-ha! (Coughs.) I get such a cough when I laugh.
+
+The King (seriously). I had no intention of provoking laughter in
+the presence of death. I can hear the sounds of mourning through
+the open door.
+
+The Mayor. With all due respect to the church--the vast majority of
+the nation have no desire for things to come to _that_--to the
+accession of a pietist to the throne. If your Majesty threatens to
+abdicate you will have us all at your feet.
+
+The General (with decision). The accession of a new king just now
+would be universally considered a national calamity. I will wager
+my life on that!
+
+Bang. And I too!
+
+The King. My excellent friends--you must take the consequences of
+your actions!
+
+The Mayor (despairingly). But _this_! Who ever imagined such a
+thing?
+
+The General and Bang. No one--no one!
+
+The King. So much the worse. What is it you are asking me to do? To
+stay where I am, so as to keep another man down? Is that work for a
+man? Shame!
+
+The Mayor (in distress). We ask more than that! Your Majesty is
+making a fatal mistake! The whole of your Majesty's dissatisfaction
+springs from the fact that you believe yourself to be deserted by
+your people because the elections are going contrary to what your
+Majesty had hoped. Nothing is further from the truth! The people
+fight shy of revolutionary ideas; but they love their King!
+
+Bang. They love their King!
+
+The King. And that white dove, who came confidently to my hand--she
+had some experience of what their love was!
+
+The Mayor. The King's associates may displease the people; ideas
+may alter; but love for their King endures!
+
+The Others. Endures!
+
+The King. Cease! Cease!
+
+The General (warmly). Your Majesty may command us to do anything
+except refrain from giving utterance to a free people's freely
+offered homage of devotion, loyalty, and love for its royal house!
+
+The Mayor (emotionally). There is no one who would not give his
+life for his King!
+
+Bang, The General, and The Priest. No one!
+
+The General. Try us! (They all press forward.)
+
+The King. Done with you! (Takes a revolver from his pocket.) Since
+yesterday I have carried this little thing in my pocket. (They all
+look alarmed.)
+
+The Priest. Merciful heavens!
+
+The King (holding out the revolver to him). Will you die for me? If
+so, I will continue to be King.
+
+The Priest. I? What does your Majesty mean? It would be a great
+sin!
+
+The King. You love me, I suppose?
+
+All (desperately). Yes, your Majesty!
+
+The King. Those who love, believe. Therefore, believe me when I say
+this: If there is a single one of you who, without thinking twice
+about it, will die for his King now--here--at once--then I shall
+consider that as a command laid upon me to go on living and
+working.
+
+The Mayor (in a terrified whisper). He is insane!
+
+The General (whispers). Yes!
+
+The King. I can hear you!--But I suppose you love your King, even
+if he is insane?
+
+All (in agitated tones). Yes, your Majesty!
+
+The King. Majesty, majesty! There is only One who has any majesty
+about Him--certainly not a madman! But if I have been driven mad by
+the lies that surround me, it would be a holy deed to make me sound
+again. You said you would die for me. Redeem your words! That will
+make me well again!--You, General?
+
+The General. My beloved King, it would be--as our reverend friend
+so aptly put it--a most dreadful sin.
+
+The King. You have let slip a splendid opportunity for showing your
+heroism.--You ought to have seen that I was only putting you to the
+test!--Good-bye! (Goes into the room on the left.)
+
+The General. Absolutely insane!
+
+The Others. Absolutely.
+
+The Mayor. Such great abilities, too! What might not have been made
+of him!
+
+Bang. The pity of it!
+
+The Priest. I got so alarmed.
+
+Bang. So did I! (A loud pistol-shot is heard.)
+
+The Priest. Another shot? (A pitiful woman's cry is heard from the
+other room.)
+
+The Mayor. What on earth was that?
+
+Bang. I daren't think!
+
+The Priest. Nor I! (An old woman rushes out of the room on the
+left, calling out: "Help!--Help!--The King!" and hurries out at the
+back, calling: "The King! Help, help!" The GENERAL and the MAYOR
+rush into the other room. Voices are heard outside asking: "The
+King?--Was it the King?" The confusion and uproar grows. In the
+midst of it ANNA comes stumbling out of the other room, her hands
+stretched out before her, as if she did not know where she was
+going. The noise and confusion grows louder every minute, and
+crowds of people come rushing into the room from outside as the
+Curtain falls.)
+
+
+
+
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