Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/306



Not by my own strength. I cannot think of that. But I have brought up one to help me, who shall live for this alone. His life shall be so pure and high and bright, that your burrowing in the dark shall be as though it had never been!

[Darkly and threateningly.] If it is Erhart you mean, say so at once! [Looking him straight in the eyes.] Yes, it is Erhart; my son; he whom you are ready to renounce in atonement for your own acts. [With a look towards ] In atonement for my blackest sin. [Repelling the idea.] A sin towards a stranger only. Remember the sin towards me! [Looking triumphantly at them both.] But he will not obey you! When I cry out to him in my need, he will come to me! It is with me that he will remain! With me, and never with any one else. [Suddenly listens, and cries.] I hear him! He is here, he is here! Erhart! [ ''hastily tears open the hall door, and enters the room. He is wearing an overcoat and has his hat on.''