Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/224



[Softly, shaking his head.] I cannot make her out.

[Begins to seal a letter, but throws it down half-closed; walks up and down awhile, and then says vehemently:] Were I a coward I had never done it—never to all eternity! Were I a coward, I had shrieked to myself: Refrain, while there is yet a shred of hope for the saving of thy soul!

He is laughing down at me as though he were alive! Pah!

Wherefore did you laugh? Was it because I did evil to your son? But the other,—is not he your son too? And he is  as well; mark that!

So wild as they are to-night, I have never seen them yet. Their eyes follow me wherever I may go. [Stamps on the floor.] I will not have it! I will have peace in my house! [Begins to turn all the pictures to the wall.] Ay, if it were the Holy Virgin herselfThinkest thou  is the time? Why didst thou never hear my prayers, my burning prayers, that I might have my child again? Why? Be