Page:The Makropoulos Secret (1925).pdf/144

THE MAKROPOULOS SECRET ''is to sit alone at the left. While they are doing this, Hauk-Sendorf stands aloof and Emilia goes to her dressing table and, picking up a bottle and glass, takes a long drink. The court is by this time arranged and they all turn towards Emilia'']

Take it away.

[Holding Vitek off]

No, or I won't speak. [She pours out another glass] This is only for courage. [She drinks]

The court will sit. [''All take their places except Emilia, who stands in a defiant attitude by her dressing table. Kolonaty, pointing to her chair, speaks sharply''] Your place is there. Sit down. [Emilia drops into the chair] Gregor, I appoint you public prosecutor. Recite the accusation.

[Rising]

The accused, Emilia Marty, a singer. She is accused before God and us of fraud and falsification of papers for her own selfish purposes. And furthermore and in addition, she has transgressed against all trust and decency—against life itself! That does not belong to human judgment. She will have to answer for that in a higher court. [He sits down]