big new picture; but it seemed as if all my faculties had forsaken me, as if all my strengths were paralysed. I couldn't manage to collect my thoughts; my head seemed to swim—everything went round and round. It was a horrible feeling! At last I sent for a doctor—and from him I learned the truth. 

 Mrs. Alving. In what way, do you mean? 

 Oswald. He was one of the best doctors there. He made me describe what I felt, and then he began to ask me a whole heap of questions which seemed to me to have nothing to do with the matter. I couldn't see what he was driving at— 

 Mrs. Alving. Well? 

 Oswald. At last he said: "You have had the canker of disease in you practically from your birth"—the actual word he used was "vermoulu"... 

 Mrs. Alving (anxiously). What did he mean by that? Oswald. I couldn't understand, either—and I asked him for a clearer explanation, And then the old cynic said—(clenching his fist). Oh! 

 Mrs. Alving. What did he say? 

 Oswald. He said: "The sins of the fathers are visited on the children." 

 Mrs. Alving (getting up slowly). The sins of the fathers—! 

 Oswald. I nearly struck him in the face. 

 Mrs. Alving (walking across the room). The sins of the fathers—! 

 Oswald (smiling sadly). Yes, just imagine! Naturally I assured him that what he thought was impossible. But do you think he paid any heed to me? No, he persisted in his opinion; and it was only when I got out your letters and translated to him all the passages that referred to my father— 

 Mrs. Alving. Well, and then? 

 Oswald. Well, then of course he had to admit that he was on the wrong track; and then I learned the truth—the incomprehensible truth! I ought to have had nothing to do with the joyous happy life I had lived with my comrades. It had been too much for my strength. So it was my own fault! 

 Mrs. Alving. No, no, Oswald! Don't believe that— 

 Oswald. There was no other explanation of it possible, he said. That is the most horrible part of it. My whole life incurably ruined—just because of my own imprudence. All that I wanted to do in the world-=not to dare to think of it any more—not to be able to 

 Prev. P 46/70 next