The Road to Damascus by August Strindberg
page 32 of 339 (09%)
page 32 of 339 (09%)
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STRANGER. I think you'll find: Eve 1864. ... No, don't step on it.
LADY. What happens then? STRANGER. A disaster for you ... and for me. LADY. You know that? STRANGER. Yes, and more. That the Christmas rose you're wearing is a mandragora. Its symbolical meaning is malice and calumny; but it was once used in medicine for the healing of madness. Will you give it me? LADY (hesitating). As medicine? STRANGER. Of course. (Pause.) Have you read my books? LADY. You know I have. And that it's you I have to thank for giving me freedom and a belief in human rights and human dignity. STRANGER. Then you haven't read the recent ones? LADY. No. And if they're not like the earlier ones I don't want to. STRANGER. Then promise never to open another book of mine. LADY. Let me think that over. Very well, I promise. STRANGER. Good! But see you keep your promise. Remember what happened to Bluebeard's wife when curiosity tempted her into the |
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