Christine. But if you wanted to?
Olof. Well, there, my dear, you have my weak point. I could never want to do it. Believe me, you are stronger than I, for you have power over your own will, but I have not.
Christine. Do you think I could learn to understand that book of yours?
Olof. I am convinced of it. But you must not.
Christine. Am I still to be kept in ignorance?
Olof. No, no—understand me right! The moment you understood what I understand, you would cease to think of me as—
Christine. A god—
Olof. Let it go at that! But believe me, you would lose what now puts you above me—the power to control your own will—and then you would be less than I, and I could not respect you. Do you see? It stakes us happy to overvalue each other; let us keep that illusion.
Christine. Now I don't understand you at all, but I must trust you, Olof. You are right!
Olof. Please leave me alone, Christine—I beg you!