Higher powers demand that such and such shall take place; they
choose the instruments where they will and none may give up the
commission, even if it means going under. My friend was not that
sort, and therefore, therefore--Hush! I hear footsteps--It is he!
No, I would not meet him yet; I must collect my thoughts. If I
conceal myself here--in the confessional--[Steps in.]
[Enter Pehr.]
PEHR. [Drops down on a prayer stool, left.] She flees from me, as I
flee from my bad thoughts! Alone, forsaken--what more is there for
me in life? Naught have I learned of life save its nothingness, and
no wishes are left to me but evil ones. My soul would be like an
empty shell were it not filled with her! My life--Ah, what has it
been? [Pall pounds on floor.] What was that?--Ghosts in the
sunshine? That would be a funny sight! [Broom raps on floor.]
Again! 'Tis said that one can see ghosts in broad daylight, if one
peeps through a door-crack, it is even maintained that one can see
oneself. _Oneself_--! If one could really do that, how easy it
would be to evade one's worst faults! I'll try it. [Opens door left
and places himself behind it.]
[Pehr's shadow steps up into the pulpit, drinks from the goblet,
and turns hour-glass. Pehr stands at door with back to spectators.]
SHADOW. My beloved hearers! [Pall, Broom, Bartholomew and Laurence
stir.] My beloved hearers and you, Pehr, who stand behind the door,
my sermon will not be long since the hour is already late and it is
especially to this so-called _Lucky Pehr_ that I would address a
few remarks.
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