Mother and Son
Moshele (pointing to the portrait)
When was this portrait placed here?
Gitele Then—directly after the week of mourning.
Moshele (looking about)
Everything dominated by his tyranny—everything!
Gitele (putting her arms about him soothingly)
But do not speak such words! Remember he was your father!
Moshele
I cannot think of that. He ruled over me, not like a father, but like a Lord over his slave—over his property. Often have I felt the weight of his cold, heavy hand.
Gitele
Do not speak so, please, please. Believe me, he loved you and…
Moshele
He—loved me! Ha-ha-ha! He cursed me! (He paces agitatedly about the room.)
Gitele
But just remember the circumstances that provoked it. You were considered the wonderfully pious scholar, the sage. You were thought of by the world as God-fearing. He felt certain you would become a renowned rabbi—hoped you would some day fill his place, and then—suddenly—to see—such a thing! Consider his suffering—his fearful disappointment…
27
