You cannot hang the whole issue and meaning of your life upon so slight a thread.
Michaelis.
The whole issue and meaning of the world hang on threads as slight. If this one is slight. To the mother it is not slight, nor to the God who put into her eyes, as she looked at me, all the doubt and question of the suffering earth.
Rhoda.
You must remember that it is only a little child. Its mind is not open. You cannot influence it—can you?
Michaelis.
Once that little life in my hand would have been as clay in the hands of the potter. If I cannot help now, it is because my ministry has been taken from me and given to another, who will be strong where I am weak, and faithful where I am unfaithful.
Another song rises outside, distant.
Rhoda.
Comes closer to him.