Alas, the greater
part of _my_ harvest must be sought in cities. But I must try to enjoy
this country holiday thoroughly. A man like myself needs a bit of
sunshine and refreshment more than most people.
HELEN
[_Sighing._] More than others ... In what respect?
LOTH
It is because I am in the midst of a hard conflict, the end of which I
will not live to see.
HELEN
But are we not all engaged in such a conflict?
LOTH
No.
HELEN
Surely we are all engaged in some conflict?
LOTH
Naturally, but in one that may end.
HELEN
It _may_. Yon are right. But why cannot the other end--I mean the one in
which you are engaged, Mr. Loth?
LOTH
Your conflict, after all, can only be one for your personal happiness.
And, so far as is humanly speaking possible, the individual can attain
this. My struggle is a struggle for the happiness of all men. The
condition of my happiness would be the happiness of all; nothing could
content me until I saw an end of sickness and poverty, of servitude and
spiritual meanness. I could take my place at the banquet table of life
only as the last of its guests.
HELEN
[_With deep conviction._] Ah, then you are a truly, truly good, man!
LOTH
[_Somewhat embarrassed.
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