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.]
Robert
[Rapidly.] Those are moments of sheer madness when we feel an intense passion for a woman. We see nothing. We think of nothing. Only to possess her. Call it brutal, bestial, what you will.
Richard
[A little timidly.] I am afraid that that longing to possess a woman is not love.
Robert
[Impatiently.] No man ever yet lived on this earth who did not long to possess—I mean to possess in the flesh—the woman whom he loves. It is nature's law.
