MARY MAGDALENE, VERUS
VERUS
I was not prepared for the joy of seeing you again, of your own consent, after your cruel words. They deprived me even of the hope that is sometimes left to those whom one would drive to despair....
MARY MAGDALENE
I was stupid and foolish; but reason has returned; and I now know that the best love is not worth a tear....
VERUS
Inasmuch as it is hardly the best, nor even a good love, as soon as it causes tears to be shed....
MARY MAGDALENE
There is no more best or worst love for me. Until lately, I lived among falsehoods by which others profited; for the past six months, I have lived among truths by which I myself profit.
VERUS
What do you mean?...
MARY MAGDALENE
That I sell myself more skilfully and dearer than before.
VERUS
Magdalene!... You slander yourself!...
MARY MAGDALENE
You would see, if your desire prompted you to try your fortune, that, on the contrary, I rate myself very highly.
VERUS
You will always rate yourself less highly than I do. You will not succeed in degrading yourself in my eyes; and I see in what you say no more than the just rebellion of a deeply wounded soul struggling against pain....
MARY MAGDALENE
You are wrong: it is not a soul struggling, but one that is finding itself.
VERUS
I do not believe a word of it. However, I would rather spite or hatred gave you to me than lose you for the noblest of reasons; and, as it is a question only of rating you very highly, know, Magdalene, that from this moment you are mine....
MARY MAGDALENE
May be.... But here is our host returning. We have nothing more to say to each other, for the moment....
(ENTER, ON THE LEFT, SILANUS, APPIUS AND CŒLIUS.)