ROBERT (beside himself).
Not a word? A hundred words, a thousand words; as many as I have breath to utter. I will speak; until I have relieved myself of this load on my heart, I will speak! You may forbid your Möller, your blacksmiths to speak, not me! Show your impatience as much as you want, remain or go—speak I will. Once for all you shall know that I will no longer stand being treated like a boy, that I will be free, that I can stand on my own feet, that you shall be obliged to respect me, that I will be neither your toy nor any man's!
STEIN.
Do you threaten me with the old song? I know it by heart. You are still here? I thought you had gone. Oh, indeed! You mean to speak, do you? Speak, do what you wish. I shall not prevent you.
ROBERT (calmly, with the accent of determination).
And if you wished to prevent me, it were too late. I insist upon my right, even if it should cost my own or another's life. But I hold you and the forester responsible.
STEIN (who is beginning to repent his anger).
Boy—
ROBERT.
Farewell—perhaps forever! [Rushes out.]