their winding, branching, luring arms to me. I saw them before
my eyes like living shapes, that night when I stood in the
strong-room with the candle in my hand. You begged to be
liberated, and I tried to free you. But my strength failed
me; and the treasure sank back into the deep again. [With
outstretched hands.] But I will whisper it to you here in the
stillness of the night: I love you, as you lie there spellbound
in the deeps and the darkness! I love you, unborn treasures,
yearning for the light! I love you, with all your shining train
of power and glory! I love you, love you, love you!

ELLA RENTHEIM.
[In suppressed but rising agitation.] Yes, your love is still
down there, John. It has always been rooted there. But here, in
the light of day, here there was a living, warm, human heart that
throbbed and glowed for you. And this heart you crushed. Oh worse
than that! Ten times worse! You sold it for--for----

BORKMAN.
[Trembles; a cold shudder seems to go through him.] For the
kingdom--and the power--and the glory--you mean?

ELLA RENTHEIM.
Yes, that is what I mean. I have said it once before to-night:
you have murdered the love-life in the woman who loved you. And
whom you loved in return, so far as you could love any one. [With
uplifted arm.] And therefore I prophesy to you, John Gabriel
Borkman--you will never touch the price you demanded for the
murder. You will never enter in triumph into your cold, dark
kingdom!

BORKMAN.
[Staggers to the bench and seats himself heavily.] I almost
fear your prophecy will come true, Ella.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Going up to him.] You must not fear it, John. That is the
best thing that can happen to you.

BORKMAN.
[With a shriek; clutching at his breast.] Ah----! [Feebly.]
Now it let me go again.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Shaking him.] What was it, John?

BORKMAN.
[Sinking down against the back of the seat.] It was a hand of
ice that clutched at my heart.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
John! Did you feel the ice-hand again!

BORKMAN.
[Murmurs.] No. No ice-hand. It was a metal hand.
[He sinks right down upon the bench.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Tears off her cloak and throws it over him.] Lie still where
you are! I will go and bring help for you.

[She goes a step or two towards the right; then she stops,
returns, and carefully feels his pulse and touches his
face.

ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Softly and firmly.] No.