HEFFTERDINGT.
I must own it to you--it is--it is nonsense; but since I have seen you again, a sort of longing has awakened within me to be like you.
MAGDA.
Ha, ha! You, model of men! Like me!
HEFFTERDINGT.
I have had to stifle much in my nature. My peace is the peace of the dead. And as you stood before me yesterday in your freshness, your natural strength, your--your greatness, I said to myself, "That is what you might have been if at the right moment joy had entered into your life."
MAGDA.
[In a whisper.] And one thing more, my friend,-- sin! We must sin if we wish to grow. To become greater than our sins is worth more than all the purity you preach.
HEFFTERDINGT.
[Impressed.] That would be-- [Voices outside.]