John.
I should be sorry to think that life was nothing but a preparation for death. To my mind death is very unimportant. I think a man does best to put it out of his thoughts. He should live as though life were endless. Life is the thing that matters.
Sylvia.
Doesn’t that suggest a very base materialism?
John.
No, because you can’t make the most of life unless you’re willing to risk it, and it’s the risk that makes the difference. It’s the most precious thing a man has, but it’s valueless unless he’s prepared to stake it.
Sylvia.
What do you think it can be worth while to risk life for?
John.
Almost anything. Honour or love. A song, a thought. [After a moment’s reflection, with a smile.] A five-barred gate.