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a dark thought in you; it's shining through your eyes; god will retract it at the right moment. (The two of them go further back. Hvastja leaves.)

Jerman. Now, Lojzka, hand me your palm, hand me both of them.

Lojzka. I am in no hurry to voice a good bye . . . I do not want to be alone, I am fearful in the dark.

Jerman. Lock yourself into a room . . . Think of me at the evening prayer; our thoughts will meet half-way.

Lojzka. I believe souls can talk and thoughts can hail. Last night, a little before midnight, I heard you whisper.

Jerman. Your soul then thought of going for a walk.

Lojzka. And returned to sleep.

Jerman. It was the time when I sat down to write you a lengthy and bitter farewell. As soon as I greeted you, my heart was struck by ease and glad. This is how I was healed by the clean thought of you . . .

Lojzka. You called for me out of shame; though when you meet me, your thoughts hide. You seal your grief like golden riches . . . Unlock it for the loyal eyes!

Jerman. It is long gone . . . I barely know it. As though I was freed of a stone . . . I do not feel that weight anymore. I was young some time ago; it feels like a millennia ago now. I once had a mother; I had friends; I even had a lady. Some time ago, the road to life stood wide open

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