BENJAMIN. But you say such funny things, that I must smile. And why should we be weeping always?
ELEONORA. Shall we not weep in the vale of tears?
BENJAMIN. H'm.
ELEONORA. You would rather laugh all the time, and that's why trouble comes your way. But it's when you are serious that I like you best. Remember that. [Pause.]
BENJAMIN. Do you think that we will get out of this trouble, Eleonora?
ELEONORA. Yes, most of it will take care of itself, when Good Friday is over, but not all of it—today the birch rod, tomorrow the Easter eggs—today snow—tomorrow thaw. Today death—tomorrow life—resurrection.
BENJAMIN. How wise you are!
ELEONORA. Even now I can feel that it is clearing outside—and that the snow is melting—I can smell the melting snow. And tomorrow violets will sprout against walls facing south. The clouds are lifting—I feel it—I can breathe easier. Oh, I know so well when the heavens are clear and blue.—Go and pull the shades up, Benjamin. I want God to see us.
[Benjamin rises and obeys. Moonlight streams into the room.]
ELEONORA. The moon is full—Easter moon! But you know it is really the sun shining, although the moon gives us the light—the light!