The people! They have nothing to say.
LISA. So it was the approval of the great that you wanted. Then
stand there and be ashamed! You did not even believe in the cause
for which you stood.
PEHR. Frankly, I think it a matter of slight consequence whether
one walks upon smooth or rough stones.
LISA. When one walks in calfskin boots--yes; but not when one goes
barefooted!
PEHR. Moreover, the community isn't worth a straw; the whole thing
is only a sham! _The common good, the common good_--one never talks
of anything else. What, then, is the common good? It strikes me as
being an agreement between a few private individuals.
LISA. It should be everyone's good, but it isn't. Make it so, and
it will be so.
PEHR. I want to--oh, I want to do it, but I haven't the power!
LISA. Then get it, Pehr, and let's see if I have made a mistake.
PEHR. [Breaks irons and comes down stage.] You shall see, Lisa,
that I will do something big when I have the power.
LISA. Why something big? Something good would be better.
PEHR. But you must always be by my side, Lisa. What was it that the
bird in the wood sang?
LISA. That I will tell you next time.
PEHR. No, now!
LISA. He said: "I love you!"
PEHR. Won't you love me, Lisa?
LISA. Yes, when you love me.
PEHR. But I do!
LISA. No, you do not; so far you love only yourself. Out again,
Pehr, and learn something! There are not many wishes left to you;
the greatest but most dangerous one is ahead of you--Power! That is
the highest thing a frail mortal can attain.
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