you want to resemble the common people that drink and play cards?
Oh, don't, I beg you! You always say that people do not create
anything, but only destroy what heaven has given them. Why, oh,
why, do you destroy yourself? Oh, don't, I implore you not to! I
entreat you!

ASTROFF. [Gives her his hand] I won't drink any more.

SONIA. Promise me.

ASTROFF. I give you my word of honour.

SONIA. [Squeezing his hand] Thank you.

ASTROFF. I have done with it. You see, I am perfectly sober
again, and so I shall stay till the end of my life. [He looks his
watch] But, as I was saying, life holds nothing for me; my race
is run. I am old, I am tired, I am trivial; my sensibilities are
dead. I could never attach myself to any one again. I love no
one, and never shall! Beauty alone has the power to touch me
still. I am deeply moved by it. Helena could turn my head in a
day if she wanted to, but that is not love, that is not
affection--

[He shudders and covers his face with his hands.]

SONIA. What is it?

ASTROFF. Nothing. During Lent one of my patients died under
chloroform.