Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/193

 Rosmer.

Do you think it would be so strange? After this pitiful, lamentable defeat! I, who was to have borne a great cause on to victory—have I not fled from the battle before it was well begun?

Rebecca.

Take up the fight again, Rosmer! Only try—and you shall see, you will conquer. You will ennoble hundreds—thousands of minds. Only try!

Rosmer.

Oh Rebecca—I, who no longer believe in my own mission!

Rebecca.

But your mission has stood the test already. You have ennobled one human being at least—me you have ennobled for the rest of my days.

Rosmer.

Oh—if I dared believe you.

Rebecca.

[Pressing her hands together.] Oh Rosmer,—do you know of nothing—nothing that could make you believe it?

Rosmer.

[Starts as if in fear.] Don't speak of that! Keep away from that, Rebecca! Not a word more.

Rebecca.

Yes, this is precisely what we must speak about. Do you know of anything that would kill the doubt? For I know of nothing in the world.