Page:Thea von Harbou Metropolis eng 1927.pdf/137

 METROPOLIS forgotten that lovers are sacred. Even if they are mistaken, Joh, their mistake itself is sacred. Even if they are fool~. Joh, their folly itseU is sacred. For where lovers are, there IS Cod's garden, and no one has the right to drive them out. Not even God. Only their own sin." "J must have my son back," said Joh Fredersen. "] had hoped you would help me, and you would certainly have been the gentlest means I could have chosen. But you will not, and now I must seek another means..• :' "Freder is ill, you say...." "He will get well again,, , ," "So you will continue in your way?" "Yes." "I believe, Joh, that Hel would weep were she to hear you'" "Perhaps, But Hel is dead," 'Well, come here to me. Johl I will give you a word to take with you on your way. which you cannot forget. It is easy to retain." Joh Fredersen hesitated. Then he walked up to his mother. She laid her hand on the bible which lay before her, Joh Fredersen read: . . . Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap. ... Joh Fredersen turned around. He walked through the' room. His mother's eyes followed him. As he turned toward her, suddenly, violently, with a violent word on his lips he found the gaze of her eyes set upon him. They could hide themselves no longer, and neither did they wish to-such an almighty love-such an almighty love, in their tear-washed depths that Joh Fredersen believed him,elf to see his mother to-day for the first time. They looked at each other for a long time in silence. Then the man stepped up to his mother. ' "I am going, now, mother," he said, "and I don't believe I shall ever come to you again... :' She did not answer. It seemed as though he wanted to stretch out his hand to her. but. half-way he let it drop again,

142