John Gabriel Borkman - novelonlinefull.com
You’re read light novel John Gabriel Borkman Part 19 online at NovelOnlineFull.com. Please use the follow button to get notification about the latest chapter next time when you visit NovelOnlineFull.com. Use F11 button to read novel in full-screen(PC only). Drop by anytime you want to read free – fast – latest novel. It’s great if you could leave a comment, share your opinion about the new chapters, new novel with others on the internet. We’ll do our best to bring you the finest, latest novel everyday. Enjoy
[Boiling inwardly.] Oh, you can't do that.
BORKMAN.
I can when once I come into power again.
FOLDAL.
That won't be for many a day.
BORKMAN.
[Vehemently.] Perhaps you think that day will never come?
Answer me!
FOLDAL.
I don't know what to answer.
BORKMAN.
[Rising, cold and dignified, and waving his hand towards the door.] Then I no longer have any use for you.
FOLDAL.
[Starting up.] No use----!
BORKMAN.
Since you do not believe that the tide will turn for me----
FOLDAL.
How can I believe in the teeth of all reason? You would have to be legally rehabilitated----
BORKMAN.
Go on! go on!
FOLDAL.
It's true I never pa.s.sed my examination; but I have read enough law to know that----
BORKMAN.
[Quickly.] It is impossible, you mean?
FOLDAL.
There is no precedent for such a thing.
BORKMAN.
Exceptional men are above precedents.
FOLDAL.
The law knows nothing of such distinctions.
BORKMAN.
[Harshly and decisively.] You are no poet, Vilhelm.
FOLDAL.
[Unconsciously folding his hands.] Do you say that in sober earnest?
BORKMAN.
[Dismissing the subject, without answering.] We are only wasting each other's time. You had better not come here again.
FOLDAL.
Then you really want me to leave you?
BORKMAN.
[Without looking at him.] I have no longer any use for you.
FOLDAL.
[Softly, taking his portfolio.] No, no, no; I daresay not.
BORKMAN.
Here you have been lying to me all the time.
FOLDAL.
[Shaking his head.] Never lying, John Gabriel.
BORKMAN.
Have you not sat here feeding me with hope, and trust, and confidence--that was all a lie?
FOLDAL.
It wasn't a lie so long as you believed in my vocation. So long as you believed in me, I believed in you.
BORKMAN.
Then we have been all the time deceiving each other. And perhaps deceiving ourselves--both of us.
FOLDAL.
But isn't that just the essence of friendship, John Gabriel?
BORKMAN.
[Smiling bitterly.] Yes, you are right there. Friendship means--deception. I have learnt that once before.
FOLDAL.
[Looking at him.] I have no poetic vocation! And you could actually say it to me so bluntly.
BORKMAN.
[In a gentler tone.] Well, you know, I don't pretend to know much about these matters.
FOLDAL.
Perhaps you know more than you think.
BORKMAN.
I?
FOLDAL.
[Softly.] Yes, you. For I myself have had my doubts, now and then, I may tell you. The horrible doubt that I may have bungled my life for the sake of a delusion.
BORKMAN.
