Borkman.
I will work out my own redemption, that is what I will do. I will begin at the bottom again. It is only through his present and his future that a man can atone for his past. Through work, indefatigable work, for all that, in my youth, seemed to give life its meaning—and that now seems a thousand times greater than it did then. Erhart, will you join with me and help me in this new life?
Mrs. Borkman.
[Raising her hand warningly.] Do not do it, Erhart!
Ella Rentheim.
[Warmly.] Yes, yes, do it! Oh, help him, Erhart!
Mrs. Borkman.
And you advise him to do that? You, the lonely, dying woman.
Ella Rentheim.
I don't care about myself.
Mrs. Borkman.
No, so long as it is not I that take him from you.
Ella Rentheim.
Precisely so, Gunhild.
Borkman.
Will you, Erhart?
