122 LITERATURE AND DRAMA 



also, that you had caused the pain, which is not true ; why 

 should I wish to give pain ? 



Filo. Your wounds are skin-deep, or you would not stand 

 there smiling. 



Gris. I think if I were a martyr, I could be quiet. 



Filo. If you were a martyr ! You are a martyr. 



Gris. I cannot think so. I have suffered ; but not more 

 than many women, and my joys have been great. 



Filo. You speak as if past joy were a possession. Dante 

 says there is no greater grief than past happiness remembered 

 when we are in misery. 



Gris. The saying does not please me. When a gift perishes, 

 our gratitude should not end. 



Filo. Ah ! you are one of those who would thank God for 

 daily bread, and never curse Him when He lets you starve. 



Gris. I am. 



Filo. Then you are a fool. 



Gris. I cannot judge God, and to me His yoke is easy ; for 

 I rejoice in His law. 



Filo. I hate the law by which I suffer, and I defy the maker 

 of such laws if there be any maker. 



Gris. Your defiance will not change His laws. 



Filo. Now you laugh at me. 



Gris. God forbid ! for, as I think, you are in deadly pain. 



Filo. I am, I am : be you fiend or fool, you speak the truth 

 in that. Oh, pardon me ! I am not wicked, but the pain 

 makes me mad. Men here say that you are good, and I half 

 think you are ; but I almost forget the meaning of the word. 



Gris. Poor child ! poor child ! 



Filo. You would really help me ? 



Gris. Indeed I would. 



Filo. Oh, you are a woman ! I have seen no woman for 

 many days. Men's eyes are horrible ; they look at me as if I 

 were a beast which they could buy and kill for food. Your 

 eyes are different (looks away). What am I saying ? You 

 will spurn me ? 



Chris. My child ! 



Filo. Now, you pity me. I will not be pitied. You have 

 cast a spell upon me. I was strong before you came. Men 



