[He takes the Bible and reads, at first trembling in every limb, with panting breath.]

"And he that killeth any—"

PASTOR.

No further, Ulrich. Let me show you words of life, words of humanity: "'As I live,' saith the Lord God, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.'"

FORESTER (who keeps a firm hold of the Bible, and breaks away from the
PASTOR, almost simultaneously).

Leave me alone, you inhuman creatures, with your humanity!

[He continues reading. With every word his manner becomes more calm and certain, the sound of his voice stronger.]

"And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death."

[Lays down the Bible.]

STEIN.