My eyes are
opened and I know what's good and what's evil, as I've never known
before. And now I see how evil you are, and why I am to be called
Eve. She was a mother and brought sin into the world: it was
another mother who brought expiation. The curse of mankind was
called down on us by the first, a blessing by the second. In me you
shall not destroy my whole sex. Perhaps I have a different mission
in your life. We shall see!
STRANGER. So you've eaten of the tree of knowledge? Farewell.
LADY. You're going away?
STRANGER. I can't stay here.
LADY. Don't go.
STRANGER. I must. I must clear up everything. I'll take leave of
the old people now. Then I'll come back. I shan't be long. (Exit.)
LADY (remains motionless, then goes to the door and looks out. She
sinks to her knees). No! He won't come back!
Curtain.
SCENE IX
CONVENT
[The refectory of an ancient convent, resembling a simple
whitewashed Romanesque church. There are damp patches on the walls,
looking like strange figures. A long table with bowls; at the end a
desk for the Lector. At the back a door leading to the chapel.
There are lighted candles on the tables. On the wall, left, a
painting representing the Archangel Michael killing the Fiend.]
[The STRANGER is sitting left, at a refectory table, dressed in the
white clothing of a patient, with a bowl before him. At the table,
right, are sitting: the brown-clad mourners of Scene I. The BEGGAR.
A woman in mourning with two children.
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