The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries - novelonlinefull.com
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PASTOR.
No further, Ulrich. Let me show you words of life, words of humanity: "'As I live,' saith the Lord G.o.d, '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 a.s.sumes 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 b.u.t.tons 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. G.o.d 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_.]
STEIN.
You want--
FORESTER (_turns around at the door_).
My sight--and then--[_Points upward to heaven_.]--to meet my child.
[_Exit. Short pause, during which the others look after him with surprise and emotion_.]
STEIN (_seized with a sudden apprehension_).
If the other barrel is still loaded--quick--after him--
[_Outside the door a shot is heard_.]
Too late! I suspected it!
ANDREW, WILLIAM (_rushing out_).
Father!
ROBERT (_in the open door, rooted to the spot through horror and pain at what he sees_).
He has his right!
STEIN (_also at the door_).
A second time his own judge!
PASTOR (_stepping to the others_).
May G.o.d do unto him according to his faith.
[_Exeunt_.]
