ERHART. [Wrung with pain.] Father, I cannot now. It is utterly impossible!
BORKMAN.
What do you want to do then?
ERHART. [With a sudden glow.] I am young! I want to live, for once in a way, as well as other people! I want to live my own life!
ELLA RENTHEIM. You cannot give up two or three little months to brighten the close of a poor waning life?
ERHART.
I cannot, Aunt, however much I may wish to.
ELLA RENTHEIM.
Not for the sake of one who loves you so dearly?
MRS. BORKMAN. [Looking sharply at him.] And your mother has no power over you either, any more?
ERHART. I will always love you, mother; but I cannot go on living for you alone. This is no life for me.
BORKMAN. Then come and join with me, after all! For life, life means work, Erhart. Come, we two will go forth into life and work together!
ERHART. [Passionately.] Yes, but I don't want to work now! For I am young! That's what I never realised before; but now the knowledge is tingling through every vein in my body. I will not work! I will only live, live, live!