INGOLF. Loosen the rope, quick! Ill try to hold on. (Steindor hurries to loosen the rope. While he is doing it, Ingolf struggles to hold fast. Now he is holding his arms high up in the air, rope in hand; now his arms are pulled down. Each time Steindor thinks he is on the verge of giving up, he lets go of the rope, and catches hold of Ingolf.)
STEINDOR. Now it is free! (Supports Ingolf. The rope is once more pulled so violently, that it is drawn through Ingolf's hands right up to the knot. He holds on to the rope beyond the knot as for life, while they are both dragged further forward.)
STEINDOR (frightened). You must let go of the rope. That's all you can do. It is better that she falls alone, than that she drag both of us with her. You must let go. Or I'll let go.
INGOLF (looking directly at him). Let go, then, you coward!
STEINDOR. Why did you want me to untie the rope, if you intend to make her drag you down?
INGOLF (with icy calmness). Have you courage to hold me while I try to get up? (Gets up.)
STEINDOR (still supporting him). She is probably exhausted, now.
INGOLF (starts to pull the rope up. He is bare-headed, his hat is lying on the edge; his hair is wet with perspiration, which trickles down on his face. The very shape of his head seems strangely altered.) Leave me, Steindor, I am through with you.
STEINDOR. I won't stand here idle, and see you dragged into the chasm.
INGOLF. Get out of my sight, do you hear? Or you'll see what's in store for you.