I know you will hold out loyally and would look death in the face as fearlessly as your sister did in Haarlem; but I, I cannot endure the thought of seeing you fall into the hands of our butchers.

Fear for you, terrible fear, will destroy my vigorous strength in the decisive hours, so the words must be uttered--" Maria had hitherto listened to her husband quietly; she knew what he desired.

Now she advanced nearer and interrupted him by exclaiming firmly, nay imperiously: "No more, no more, do you hear! I will not endure another word!" "Maria!" "Silence it is my turn now.

To escape fear, you will thrust your wife from the house; fear, you say, would undermine your strength.

But will longing strengthen it?
If you love me, it will not fail to come--" "If I love you, Maria!" "Well, well! But you have forgotten to consider how I shall feel in exile, if I also love you.