Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/127

 ROSMER.

That is not exactly what I meant. The thing that first brought us together, and that unites us so closely—our common faith in a pure comradeship between man and woman

Rebecca.

Yes, yes—what of that?

Rosmer.

I mean, that such a relation—as this of ours—does it not presuppose a quiet, happy, peaceful life?

Rebecca.

What then?

Rosmer.

But the life I must now look forward too is one of struggle and unrest and strong agitations. For I will live my life, Rebecca! I will not be crushed to earth by horrible possibilities. I will not have my course of life forced upon me, either by the living or by—any one else.

Rebecca.

No, no—do not! Be an absolutely free man, Rosmer!

Rosmer.

But can you not guess what is in my mind? Do you not know? Don't you see how I can best shake off all gnawing memories—all the unhappy past?

Rebecca.

How?

Rosmer.

By opposing to it a new, a living reality.