Part 36 (1/2)

_Kari (stands silent a long time)._

I have been guilty of many a bad deed, but so far as I know, I have never been cruel. Nor will I be cruel to you. (_Takes off his coat._) Then we shall wait together as you wish. Does that make you feel happier?

_Halla._

I don't know. I can feel neither joy nor grief any longer. I think I would rather be alone.

_Kari._

You don't mean that.

_Halla._

If you think it wiser to go, you must do so.

_Kari._

I thought it would make you glad if I stayed.

_Halla (rising)._

If you had taken me in your arms and told me that you loved me with all my wretchedness and all my homeliness, that would have made me glad; but you did not.

_Kari._

Yet you know it was for your sake I stayed.

_Halla._

Are you so sure of that? Perhaps you were afraid that you might be guilty of a wrong deed. I think you had in mind the Great Judge rather than me.

_Kari._

I have once been judged by men; that is why I so often think of the last judgment.

_Halla._

I will have no talk of conscience between you and me. Be yourself with me, whether you are good or bad. After all, you don't know if the Great Judge looks kindly at what you call good deeds. Look at me! Look at me!

You could not be more cruel to your worst enemy. Why was I given this hunger and not the food to still it? I have never wished to be born.

I would rather be anything else than a human being. I would rather be the sand, whirling aimlessly over yonder waste. If there is a G.o.d, He must be cruel-- but there is no G.o.d.

_Kari._

You are only las.h.i.+ng yourself up. You ought rather to humble yourself and pray G.o.d to help both you and me. Without Him we are but dust and ashes.

_Halla._

I want no mercy any more, but you can go on calling for help.

(_Mockingly._) I am sure He will hear you, if He is not busy breaking up the glaciers or cleaning out the gorge of a volcano to make it belch up more fire.