Yon must not misunderstand me. Always, in happy moments, it has come over me with a sense of intoxication—the consciousness of the fact that it is in our power, in my power, to embrace—you understand?
HELEN
To embrace death, if you desired it?
LOTH
[Quite devoid of sentimentality.] Yes! And the thought of death has nothing horrible in it for me. On the contrary, it seems like the thought of a friend. One calls and knows surely that death will come. And so one can rise above so many, many things—above one's past, above one's future fate … [Looking at HELEN'S hand.] What a lovely hand you have.
[He caresses it.
HELEN
Ah, yes!—so!…
[She nestles anew in his arms.