Adolf. No, I wasn’t, but the situation might have been been saved, now it’s too late. Murderer!
Gustav. We’ve wasted a little time. Now we’ll do some sowing in the ashes.
Adolf. I hate you! I curse you!
Gustav. A healthy symptom. You’ve still got some strength, and now I’ll screw up your machinery again. I say. [He goes behind- the square table on the left and comes in front of the sofa.] Will you listen to me and obey me?
Adolf. Do what you will with me, I’ll obey.
Gustav. Look at me.
Adolf.[Looks him in the face.] And now you look at me again with that other expression in those eyes of yours, which draws me to you irresistibly.
Gustav. Now listen to me.
Adolf. Yes, but speak of yourself. Don’t speak any more of me: it’s as though I were wounded, every movement hurts me.
Gustav. Oh, no, there isn’t much to say about me, don’t you know. I’m a private tutor in dead languages and a widower, that’s all. [He goes in front of the table.] Hold my hand. [ADOLF does so.]