[_He takes the Bible and reads, at first trembling in every limb, with panting breath_.] "And he that killeth any--" PASTOR. No further, Ulrich. Let me show you words of life, words of humanity: "'As I live,' saith the Lord God, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.'" FORESTER (_who keeps a firm hold of the Bible, and breaks away from the_ PASTOR, _almost simultaneously_). Leave me alone, you inhuman creatures, with your humanity! [_He continues reading. With every word his manner becomes more calm and certain, the sound of his voice stronger_.] "And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death." [_Lays down the Bible_.] STEIN. Does he find solace in these words? PASTOR. Let him have such comfort as consoles him. FORESTER (_takes up the Bible again; his manner assumes an expression of joyousness_). That is certainty, that is promise, that convinces me--no But and no If. "And he that killeth a man shall surely be put to death." That means: Then it is expiated, then it is wiped out, and he is pure once more. [_Puts on his hat and buttons his coat_.] I am going before the magistrate. [_About to go_.] STEIN. And you think they are going to put you to death? [FORESTER _stops and turns around_.] PASTOR. People more guilty than you have been pardoned. FORESTER. Pardoned to be imprisoned--hey? Like Leutner? He--Indeed, they don't judge right in those courts, not as it is written here. I know very well--but--never mind!--All right!-- [_Takes his gun_.] STEIN. What do you intend to do? FORESTER. Nothing, I must take along the rifle with which the deed was done. O, they are particular about that! Farewell, Andrew, William. Take good care of your mother. [_Shakes hands with everybody_.] Stein, Pastor, Robert, Sophy--she has fainted. God will soon let her come after me. Bury my child. Have the bells ring; lay her bridal wreath upon her coffin. O, I am an old woman! When we meet again I shall be a murderer no longer. [_Makes with his hand a sign of farewell_.] STEIN. You want-- FORESTER (_turns around at the door_). My sight--and then--[_Points upward to heaven_.]--to meet my child. [_Exit. Short pause, during which the others look after him with surprise and emotion_.] STEIN (_seized with a sudden apprehension_). If the other barrel is still loaded--quick--after him-- [_Outside the door a shot is heard_.] Too late! I suspected it! ANDREW, WILLIAM (_rushing out_). Father! ROBERT (_in the open door, rooted to the spot through horror and pain at what he sees_). He has his right! STEIN (_also at the door_). A second time his own judge! PASTOR (_stepping to the others_). May God do unto him according to his faith. [_Exeunt_.] FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 7: Translation of the King James version.] BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH (1856) By OTTO LUDWIG TRANSLATED AND CONDENSED BY MURIEL ALMON