MERCHANT (with the utmost self-control). How much I could have wished that thou hadst learned To know me otherwise, but now there is No time for that. Thy father, if 'tis this which so constrains thee, Thy father owes me nothing now, indeed Within some days agreements have been made Between us twain, from which some little profit And so, I hope, a much belated gleam Of joyousness may come. [She has crept closer to him on her knees, listening.] So then thou mightest-- Thou mayst, I mean to say, if it was this That lamed thee most, if in this--_alien_ dwelling Again thou feel the will to live, which thou Hadst lost, if, as from heavy sleep aroused, Yet not awake, thou feel it is this portal That leads thee out to pulsing, waking life-- Then in the name of God and of the stars I give thee leave to go where'er thou wilt. SOBEIDE (still on her knees). What? MERCHANT. I do no more regard thee as my wife Than any other maid who, for protection From tempest or from robbers by the wayside, Had entered for a space into my house, And I renounce herewith my claim upon thee, Just as I have no valid right to any, Whom such a chance might cast beneath my roof. SOBEIDE. What sayest thou? MERCHANT. I say that thou art free To pass out through this door, and where thou wilt. Free as the wind, the butterfly, the water. SOBEIDE (half standing). To go? MERCHANT. To go. SOBEIDE. Where'er I will? MERCHANT. Where 'er Thou wilt, and at what time thou wilt. SOBEIDE (still half dazed, now at the door). Now? Here? MERCHANT. Or now, or later. Here, or otherwhere. SOBEIDE (doubtfully). But to my parents only? MERCHANT (in a more decided tone). Where thou wilt. SOBEIDE (laughing and Weeping at once). This dost thou then? O never in a dream I ventured such a thought, in maddest dreams I ne'er had crept to thee upon my knees [She falls on her knees before him.] With this request, lest I should see thy laughter Upon such madness ... yet thou doest it, Thou doest it! O thou! Thou good, good man! [He raises her gently, she stands bewildered.] MERCHANT (turns away). When wilt thou go?