_The_ JUDGE _and the_ PASTOR _enter in conversation
and remain in the foreground_.
JUDGE. Thus I recognize the utter hopelessness of seeking
justice or discovering truth. And it seems to me as if the laws
were a couple of centuries behind our ideas of right. Did I not
have to punish Alexandersson, who was innocent, and exonerate
the girl, who was guilty of theft? And as for this separation
suit, I know nothing at all about it at this minute, and I
cannot take upon my conscience to render a decision.
PASTOR. But a decision has to be rendered.
JUDGE. Not by me! I shall give up my place and choose another
profession.
PASTOR. Why, such a scandal would only bring you notoriety and
close every career to you. Keep on judging a few years, and you
will come to think it quite easy to crush human fates like egg
shells. And for that matter, if you want to stand clear of this
case, let yourself be outvoted by the jury. Then they must take
the responsibility on themselves.
JUDGE. That is a way--and I suspect that they will be
practically at one against me, for I have formed an opinion in
this matter, which, however, is wholly intuitive and, therefore,
not to be trusted--I thank you for your advice.
SHERIFF. [_Who has been talking with_ Alexandersson, _steps up
to the_ JUDGE] In my capacity of public prosecutor, I have to
report the farmer Alexandersson as a witness against Baroness
Sprengel.
JUDGE. In relation to the adultery charge?
SHERIFF. Yes.
JUDGE. [_To the_ PASTOR] Here is a new clue that may lead to a
solution.
PASTOR. Oh, there are lots of clues, if you can only get hold of
them.
JUDGE. But nevertheless it is horrible to see two persons who
have loved trying to ruin each other. It is like being in a
slaughter-house!
PASTOR. Well, that is love, Judge!
JUDGE. What then is hatred?
PASTOR. It is the lining of the coat.
[_The_ JUDGE _goes over and speaks to the_ Jurors.
BARONESS. [_Comes forward to the_ PASTOR] Help us, Pastor! Help
us!
PASTOR. I cannot, and as a clergyman, I must not. And
furthermore, did I not warn you not to play with such serious
matters? You thought it so simple to part! Well, part then! The
law will not prevent you, so don't put the blame on it.