And I, who'm damned, have brought a blessing on her! How can I
believe it? I, of all men! (He falls down by the table and weeps in his
hands.)

LADY. He's weeping! Tears, rain from heaven, that can soften rocks, are
falling on his stony heart.... He's weeping!

HOSTESS. He? Who has a heart of gold! Who's been so open handed and so
good to my children!

LADY. You hear what she says!

HOSTESS. There's only one thing about him I don't understand; but I
don't want to say anything unpleasant....

LADY. What is it?

HOSTESS. Only a trifle; and yet...

LADY. Well?

HOSTESS. He didn't like my dogs.

LADY. I can't blame him for not caring for an impure beast. I hate
everything animal, in myself and others. I don't hate animals on that
account, for I hate nothing that's created....

STRANGER. Thank you, Ingeborg!

LADY. You see! I've an eye for your merits, even though you don't
believe it.... Here comes the Confessor.

(The CONFESSOR enters.)

HOSTESS. Then I'll go; for the Confessor has no love for me.

LADY. The Confessor loves all mankind.

CONFESSOR (coming forward and speaking to the LADY). You best of all, my
child; for you're goodness itself. Whether you're beautiful to look at,
I can't see; but I know you must be, because you're good. Yes, you were
the bride of my youth, and my spiritual mate; and you'll always be so,
for you gave me what you were never able to give to others. I've
lived your life in my spirit, suffered your pains, enjoyed your
pleasures--pleasure rather, for you'd no others than what your child
gave you. I alone have seen the beauty of your soul--my friend here has
divined it; that's why he felt attracted to you--but the evil in him
was too strong; you had to draw it out of him into yourself to free
him. Then, being evil, you had to suffer the worst pains of hell for his
sake, to bring atonement. Your work's ended. You can go in peace!

LADY. Where?

CONFESSOR. Up there. Where the sun's always shining.

LADY (rising). Is there a home for me there, too?

CONFESSOR. There's a home for everyone! I'll show you the way. (He goes
with her into the background. The STRANGER makes a movement.) You're
impatient? You mustn't be! (He goes out. The STRANGER remains sitting
alone. The WORSHIPPERS OF VENUS get up, go towards him and form a circle
round him.)

STRANGER. What do you want with me?

WORSHIPPERS. Hail! Father.

STRANGER (much upset). Why call me that?

FIRST VOICE. Because w