The STRANGER is sitting on a chair right and is trying to read a
book. A hat and a brown cloak with a cape and hood hang nearby, and
on the floor there is a small travelling bag. The Sisters of Mercy
are singing a psalm. The others join in from time to time, but not
the STRANGER.]
SISTERS. Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae;
Vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve.
Ad to clamamus, exules filii Evae;
Ad to suspiramus gementes et flentes
In hac lacrymarum valle.
(The STRANGER rises and goes to the MOTHER.)
MOTHER. Stay where you are! A human being's coming into the world;
another's dying. It's all the same to you.
STRANGER. I'm not so sure! If I want to go in, I'm not allowed to.
And when I don't want to, you wish it. I'd like to now.
MOTHER. She doesn't want to see you. Besides, presence here's no
longer needed. The child matters most now.
STRANGER. For you, yes; but I'm still of most importance to myself.
MOTHER. The doctor's forbidden anyone to go in, whoever they may
be, because she's in danger.
STRANGER. What doctor?
MOTHER. So your thoughts are there again!
STRANGER. Yes. And it's you who led them! An hour ago you gave me
to understand that the child couldn't be mine. With that you
branded your daughter a whore; but that means nothing to you, if
you can only strike me to the heart! You are almost the most
contemptible creature I know!
MOTHER (to the SISTERS). Sisters! Pray for this unhappy man.
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