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THE MAKROPOULOS SECRET

Why did you come here—for the Makropoulos secret? Why do you want to live longer?

[Quietly, almost in a whisper]

Because I am afraid to die.

So even an immortal isn’t spared that?

No.

[A pause]

We have been too severe with you.

No, you were right. It is horrible to be so old. Do you know, children are afraid of me? Kristina, you loathe me, don’t you?

No! I am very sorry for you.

Sorry? You don’t even envy me? [''A pause. She shudders and takes the folded paper from her bosom''] Here it is written, “Ego, Hieronymus Makropoulos, iatros Kaisoros Rudolfo—” And further on, word for word, what to do. [She stands up] Take it, Berti, I don’t want it any more.