But at thy word—my Ethais! my love!

(furiously) Nay, but I’ll hold thee back! I have the strength

Of fifty women! See, thou canst not go! (with passionate triumph.)

Nay, but I’ll wrest thy love away from thee,

And fetter it in bondage to my heart.

I will be one with thee; I’ll cling to thee,

And thou shalt take me to that world of thine.

Eth. Take thee to earth? I love the earth too well

To curse it with another termagant.

We have enough of them! Release me, fool!