ROBERT. [_Brooding._] Pitied me, because I am no longer... an ideal lover. Like my roses. Common, old. RICHARD. Like all men you have a foolish wandering heart. ROBERT. [_Slowly._] Well, you spoke at last. You chose the right moment. RICHARD. [_Leans forward._] Robert, not like this. For us two, no. Years, a whole life, of friendship. Think a moment. Since childhood, boyhood... No, no. Not in such a way—like thieves—at night. [_Glancing about him._] And in such a place. No, Robert, that is not for people like us. ROBERT. What a lesson! Richard, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to me that you have spoken—that the danger is passed. Yes, yes. [_Somewhat diffidently._] Because... there was some danger for you, too, if you think. Was there not? RICHARD. What danger? ROBERT. [_In the same tone._] I don’t know. I mean if you had not spoken. If you had watched and waited on until... RICHARD. Until? ROBERT. [_Bravely._] Until I had come to like her more and more (because I can assure you it is only a lightheaded idea of mine), to like her deeply, to love her. Would you have spoken to me then as you have just now? [_Richard is silent. Robert goes on more boldly._] It would have been different, would it not? For then it might have been too late while it is not too late now. What could I have said then? I could have said only: You are my friend, my dear good friend. I am very sorry but I love her. [_With a sudden fervent gesture._] I love her and I will take her from you, however I can, because I love her. [_They look at each other for some moments in silence._] RICHARD. [_Calmly._] That is the language I have heard often and never believed in. Do you mean by stealth or by violence? Steal you could not in my house because the doors were open; nor take by violence if there were no resistance. ROBERT. You forget that the kingdom of heaven suffers violence: and the kingdom of heaven is like a woman. RICHARD. [_Smiling._] Go on. ROBERT. [_Diffidently, but bravely._] Do you think you have rights over her—over her heart? RICHARD. None. ROBERT. For what you have done for her? So much! You claim nothing? RICHARD. Nothing. ROBERT. [_After a pause strikes his forehead with his hand._] What am I saying? Or what am I thinking? I wish you would upbraid me, curse me, hate me as I deserve. You love this woman. I remember all you told me long ago. She is yours, your work. [_Suddenly._] And that is why I, too, was drawn to her. You are so strong that you attract me even through her. RICHARD. I am weak. ROBERT. [_With enthusiasm._] You, Richard! You are the incarnation of strength. RICHARD. [_Holds out his hands._] Feel those hands. ROBERT. [_Taking his hands._] Yes. Mine are stronger. But I meant strength of another kind. RICHARD. [_Gloomily._] I think you would try to take her by violence. [_He withdraws his hands slowly._]