Ellida. Dear, you understand me so little! I care nothing for such formalities. Such outer things matter nothing, I think. What I want is that we should, of our own free will, release each other.
Wangel (bitterly, nods slowly). To cry off the bargain again--yes.
Ellida (quickly). Exactly. To cry off the bargain.
Wangel. And then, Ellida? Afterwards? Have you reflected what life would be to both of us? What life would be to both you and me?
Ellida. No matter. Things must turn out afterwards as they may.
What I beg and implore of you, Wangel, is the most important.
Only set me free! Give me back my complete freedom!
Wangel. Ellida, it is a fearful thing you ask of me. At least give me time to collect myself before I come to a decision. Let us talk it over more carefully. And you yourself--take time to consider what you are doing.
Ellida. But we have no time to lose with such matters. I must have my freedom again today.
Wangel. Why today?
Ellida. Because he is coming tonight.
Wangel (starts). Coming! He! What has this stranger to do with it?
Ellida. I want to face him in perfect freedom.
Wangel. And what--what else do you intend to do?
Ellida. I will not hide behind the fact that I am the wife of another man; nor make the excuse that I have no choice, for then it would be no decision.
Wangel, You speak of a choice. Choice, Ellida! A choice in such a matter!
Ellida. Yes, I must be free to choose--to choose for either side.
I must be able to let him go away--alone, or to go with him.
Wangel. Do you know what you are saying? Go with him--give your whole life into his hands!
Ellida. Didn't I give my life into your hands, and without any ado?
Wangel. Maybe. But he! He! an absolute stranger! A man of whom you know so little!
Ellida. Ah! but after all I knew you even less; and yet I went with you.
Wangel. Then you knew to some extent what life lay before you.
But now? Think! What do you know? You know absolutely nothing.
Not even who or what he is.
Ellida (looking in front of her). That is true; but that is the terror.
Wangel. Yes, indeed, it is terrible!
Ellida. That is why I feel I must plunge into it.
Wangel (looking at her). Because it seems terrible?
Ellida. Yes; because of that.
Wangel (coming closer). Listen, Ellida. What do you really mean by terrible?
Ellida (reflectively). The terrible is that which repels and attracts.
Wangel. Attracts, you say?
Ellida. Attracts most of all, I think.
Wangel (slowly). You are one with the sea.
Ellida. That, too, is a terror.
Wangel. And that terror is in you. You both repel and attract.
Ellida. Do you think so, Wangel?
Wangel. After all, I have never really known you--never really.
Now I am beginning to understand.
Ellida. And that is why you must set me free! Free me from every bond to you--and yours. I am not what you took me for. Now you see it yourself. Now we can part as friends--and freely.
Wangel (sadly). Perhaps it would be better for us both if we parted--And yet, I cannot! You are the terror to me, Ellida; the attraction is what is strongest in you.
Ellida. Do you say that?
Wangel. Let us try and live through this day wisely--in perfect quiet of mind. I dare not set you free, and release you today. Ihave no right to. No right for your own sake, Ellida. I exercise my right and my duty to protect you.
