HAGEN. Estelle! Listen to me! You do not know what my life has been! But I can say this for myself... I have sought the best that I know. I have sought Reality. [A pause.] I seek your love! I seek those things which you have, and which I have not. [Fiercely.] Do you think that I have not felt the difference?
EST. [In a startled whisper.] No!
HAGEN. That which you have, and which I have not, has become all the world to me! I love you... I cannot live without you. I will follow you wherever you command. Only teach me how to win your love.
EST. I cannot make terms with you. I will not hear of love from you while you have force in your hands.
HAGEN. I will leave your home. I will set you free. I will humble myself before you. What else can I do?
EST. You can lay down your power.
HAGEN. Estelle! Those are mere words.
EST. No!
HAGEN. Who is to take up the power? Shall I hand it back to those who had it before? Are Plimpton and Rutherford better fitted to wield it than I?
EST. [Vehemently.] Give it to the people!