)
Gran (bending down and kissing her). She is right! Why should I die
for the sake of dull theories, when I can hold life in my arms as I
do now? A man who is loved has something left, after all. I won't
die!
Flink. If you were not loved, my friend, you might be allowed to
live. A cry of sorrow will be heard throughout the land, from the
King's palace to the meanest hovel, when you have been shot. And
that is just why I must do it! The louder the cry of sorrow, the
greater will be the silence afterwards. And in that silence is to
be found the answer to the question "Why?" The people will not
allow themselves to be cheated any longer.
Gran. Horrible! I won't do it! (Lifts ANNA in his arms as if she
were a child.)
Flink (going up to him). It is no mere theory that you are facing.
Look at me!
Gran. Old friend--_must_ it be?
Flink. It _must_. I have nothing else left to do.
Gran. But not here.
Flink. Since it cannot be here, then come out into the park. (Puts
the pistols into their case.) You owe me that.
Gran (to ANNA). You must go, my dear!
Flink (putting the pistol-case under his arm). No, let her stay
here. But you come! (They all three move towards the door. ANNA
will not let GRAN go, and there is a struggle until he, half
commanding and half entreating, persuades her to stay behind.
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