(Starting.) No, no!... Not now!...
The Burgomaster
He is more to be pitied than either of us two. He is bearing the chief burden of this dreadful ordeal; and I doubt if, in his place, I should have the strength to bear that burden. We must have pity. You will learn, slowly, to love him once more as you have loved him until this day.... Besides, you will probably soon become a mother. The child that is to be born must not become the last and most sorrowful victim of this tragedy. I know that, at first, life will be very sad for you and very difficult. Wait patiently. Listen humbly to what it says. Life is always right. It is full of indulgence and good-will and very soon forgets what should be forgotten. (The clock strikes seven.) Seven o’clock. I hear some one knocking at the door. My time is up. They have come to fetch us, Otto. Let us embrace each other for the last time, Isabelle. Come to my arms, Floris. You’re a man now. I entrust your sister to you. We have been very fond of one another.... Come, Otto, we must not keep them waiting. (He turns to the door.)
Isabelle
(Clinging to his clothes.) No, no!... Not yet!... I can’t bear it!... I want to go with you!...
The Burgomaster
(Releasing himself.) Not a word!... Not a cry!... I could not endure more than I am doing.... Floris, look to your sister.
(He pushes Isabelle away and goes out with Otto, locking the door behind him. A pause. Isabelle falls to the floor, where she lies half-supported by Floris and sobbing.)
Floris
(Caressing her.) Don’t cry, dearest. We shall be revenged, we shall be revenged!... We shall be revenged!