RITA. But if Eyolf had never been born? What then?

ALLMERS. [Evasively.] Oh, that would be another matter. Then I
should have only you to care for.

RITA. [Softly, her voice quivering.] Then I wish he had never been
born.

ALLMERS. [Flashing out.] Rita! You don't know what you are saying!

RITA. [Trembling with emotion.] It was in pain unspeakable that I
brought him into the world. But I bore it all with joy and rapture
for your sake.

ALLMERS. [Warmly.] Oh yes, I know, I know.

RITA. [With decision.] But there it must end. I will live my life--
together with you--wholly with you. I cannot go on being only
Eyolf's mother--only his mother and nothing more. I will not, I
tell you! I cannot! I will be all in all to you! To you, Alfred!

ALLMERS. But that is just what you are, Rita. Through our child--

RITA. Oh--vapid, nauseous phrases--nothing else! No, Alfred, I am
not to be put off like that. I was fitted to become the child's
mother, but not to be a mother to him. You must take me as I am,
Alfred.

ALLMERS. And yet you used to be so fond of Eyolf.