Gran. Horrible!
Flink. Why? (Holds out the two pistols to him. The door to the left is opened softly. ANNA looks in, sees what is going on, and rushes with a pitiful attempt at a scream to GRAN, putting her arms round him protectingly, and caressing him with every sign of the utmost terror.)
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.