from whose mouth proceeds a scroll on which is written:  “There sits he whom God has marked.  Abel was a man, and Cain was only his brother; but this was a child, and he that slew her was her father.  For Cain, there is still a hope of salvation, but for the old murderer of his child, none—­none—­none!” Oh!  Some comfort!  Some comfort!  Only a shadow of comfort!  For this I would give my salvation, if I had any hope of salvation.  I will ask God whether there is any comfort for me!

[He takes the Bible and reads, at first trembling in every limb, with panting breath.]

“And he that killeth any—­”

PASTOR.

No further, Ulrich.  Let me show you words of life, words of humanity:  “‘As I live,’ saith the Lord God, ’I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.’”

FORESTER (who keeps a firm hold of the Bible, and breaks away from the
PASTOR, almost simultaneously).

Leave me alone, you inhuman creatures, with your humanity!

[He continues reading.  With every word his manner becomes more calm and certain, the sound of his voice stronger.]

“And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.”

[Lays down the Bible.]

STEIN.

Does he find solace in these words?

PASTOR.

Let him have such comfort as consoles him.

FORESTER (takes up the Bible again; his manner assumes an expression of joyousness).

That is certainty, that is promise, that convinces me—­no But and no If. 
“And he that killeth a man shall surely be put to death.”  That means: 
Then it is expiated, then it is wiped out, and he is pure once more.

[Puts on his hat and buttons his coat.]

I am going before the magistrate.

[About to go.]

STEIN.

And you think they are going to put you to death?

[FORESTER stops and turns around.]

PASTOR.

People more guilty than you have been pardoned.

FORESTER.

Pardoned to be imprisoned—­hey?  Like Leutner?  He—­Indeed, they don’t judge right in those courts, not as it is written here.  I know very well—­but—­never mind!—­All right!—­

[Takes his gun.]

STEIN.

What do you intend to do?

FORESTER.

Nothing, I must take along the rifle with which the deed was done.  O, they are particular about that!  Farewell, Andrew, William.  Take good care of your mother.

[Shakes hands with everybody.]

Stein, Pastor, Robert, Sophy—­she has fainted.  God will soon let her come after me.  Bury my child.  Have the bells ring; lay her bridal wreath upon her coffin.  O, I am an old woman!  When we meet again I shall be a murderer no longer.

[Makes with his hand a sign of farewell.]