Pakh. Confidence? In what? [A pause] You cannot heal me?
Satni. I cannot.
Pakh. All your knowledge, then, is but knowledge of how to destroy—My son!—I pray you—my blood goes out with my life—I do not want to die! I pray you—give me your hand. I seem to be sinking into night—hold me back—you will not let me die—your father! I am your father. I gave you life—hold me back—all grows dim around me—But at least do something—speak—say the incantations—[He raises himself] No! No! I refuse to die! I am not old. [Strongly] I will not! I will not! Do not let go my hand! I would live, live—All my life, I have worked, I have sorrowed, I have suffered—Satni—will you let me go before I share the peace and happiness you promised—
Satni. Oh! My father!
Pakh. You weep—I am lost, then—Yes—I have seen it in your eyes. And the silence deepens around me. To die—to die—[A long pause] And after? [Pause] And so this is a poor man's life! Work from childhood, blows. Then work, always, without profit. Only for bread. And still work. For others. Not one pleasure. We die. And 'tis finished! You came back to teach me that—Work—blows—misery—the end. [A silence] What did you come here to do? Is that your work? [Strongly] Satni, Satni! Give me back my faith! I want it! Ah! Why were you born a destroyer? Is that your truth? You are evil—you were able to prove that all was false. Prove to me now that you lied! I demand it! Give me back my faith, give me back the simple mind that will comfort me.
Satni. Do not despair—
Pakh. I despair because the happy fields do not exist—
Satni. Yes, father, yes, they exist—
Pakh. You lied, then!
Satni. I lied.