Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/197

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  • holm view of life—now. What I have sinned—it

is fit that I should expiate.

Rosmer.

[Looks at her fixedly.] Is that your point of view?

Rebecca.

Yes.

Rosmer.

[With resolution.] Well then, I stand firm in our emancipated view of life, Rebecca. There is no judge over us; and therefore we must do justice upon ourselves.

Rebecca.

[Misunderstanding him.] Yes, that is true—that too. My going away will save what is best in you.

Rosmer.

Oh, there is nothing left to save in me.

Rebecca.

Yes, there is. But I—after to-day, I should only be a sea-troll dragging down the ship that is to carry you forward. I must go overboard. Why should I remain here in the world, trailing after me my own crippled life? Why brood and brood over the happiness that my past has forfeited for ever? I must give up the game, Rosmer.

Rosmer.

If you go—I go with you.

Rebecca.

[Smiles almost imperceptibly, looks at him, and says more softly.] Yes, come with me—and see——