happened as it happened! Now I think like this: What comes is best;
since you couldn't be great, you may as well be something else;
there is so much to choose from--One may of course be useful, and
at worst one can content oneself with being good, and when one has
not been given two legs to stand on, one must be happy anyhow and
hop on one. [Broom goes bumping along and finally leans against
altar.]

PEHR. [Walks rapidly over to holy-water fount, by confessional,
takes holy-water sprinkler and sprinkles out into the church.]
Away, spectres and evil spirits! [As he lays back sprinkler a noise
is heard from the confessional.] Someone is there! Reverend Father,
hear me and accept the sighs of a broken heart!

LISA. [In assumed voice--from confessional.] Speak, my son.

PEHR. How shall I leave my dreams?

LISA. Oh, you have dreamed enough and you are no longer young.
Think of your missteps--have you not made such?

PEHR. Yes, I have pursued fortune and have sacrificed conscience
and honor in order to win fame and power. Now I cannot bear
misfortune, and hate myself!

LISA. Then you have ceased to love yourself above all else?

PEHR. Yes.--I would free myself from _self_--if I could.

LISA. Then, Pehr, you can also love another.