of a moment which will free us both—me as well as you—from the last bonds of what is called morality. My friendship for you has laid bonds on me.
Richard
Light bonds, apparently.
Robert
I acted in the dark, secretly. I will do so no longer. Have you the courage to allow me to act freely?
Richard
A duel—between us?
Robert
[With growing excitement.] A battle of both our souls, different as they are, against all that is false in them and in the world. A battle of your soul against the spectre of fidelity, of mine against the spectre of friendship. All life is a conquest, the victory of human passion over the commandments of cowardice. Will you, Richard? Have you the courage? Even if it shatters to atoms the friendship between us, even if it breaks up for ever the last illusion in your own life? There was an eternity before we were born: another will come after we are dead. The blinding instant of passion alone—passion, free, unashamed, irresistible—that is the only gate by which we can escape from the misery of what slaves call life. Is not this the language of your own youth that I heard so often from you in this very place where we are sitting now? Have you changed?
Richard
[Passes his hand across his brow.] Yes. It is the language of my youth.
